11.20.20

Health dept. puts the skids on fall sports tournaments

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

The MHSAA is still hoping to conclude its fall sports tournaments after a three-week shutdown that was ordered last week by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Safety in an effort to stop the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Michigan. The emergency order could put some local teams in unusual situations in December.

The emergency order to contain the spread of COVID-19 will prohibit high school sports teams from holding games or practices until at least Dec. 9.

“We understand the need for action, and we will explore all options to complete our fall tournaments when restrictions are lifted,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said in a statement. “We will assess everything over the next three weeks relative to fall and winter sports and come up with a plan that keeps us connected to our goal, for months, of having three seasons that are played to their conclusions.”

The news came as a disappointment to athletic directors, including Adam Verseput, South Haven’s AD.

Throughout the fall season many adjustments had to be made in order for students to compete in fall sports, including mandatory use of face masks while competing, and limits on the number of spectators watching the sporting events. Indoor sports, such as volleyball and swimming, were not allowed at first to practice indoors. They had to resort to finding places to practice outdoors.

Verseput, coaches and athletes rolled with the punches, so to speak.

“We had a really excellent fall season,” Verseput said. “I attribute that to our kids and coaches.”

The football team finished second in the BCS Conference and earned one playoff victory against Dowagiac in post-season play. Both the soccer and volleyball teams won district championships, the girls golf team qualified for the state tournament for the first time in school history and senior Ellie Frost qualified for the state finals in swimming for the fourth time in a row. As a freshman she finished second in the Division 3 state tournament in the 50-yard freestyle. As a sophomore she won the state championship in that event. Last year she finished third in the 50-yard freestyle race.

Frost was supposed to compete in this year’s state finals Nov. 21. Although it is uncertain if the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted after Dec. 8, the MHSAA is tentatively planning to hold the swimming state finals on Dec. 23.

“I hope the pause lasts three weeks, we can resume sports and Ellie will get to finish her season,” Verseput said.

PHOTO: South Haven’s Ellie Frost is shown competing in a conference swim meet last year. Earlier this season, Frost, who is a senior, qualified for the fourth year in a row for the Division 3 state finals. However, the finals, scheduled for Nov. 21, are on hold due to heightened measures by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to slow the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. (File photo by Tom Renner)

11.9.20

South Haven netters win Division 3 district title

After wrapping up the regular season with a 15-8-1 record and runner-up honors in the BCS Conference, South Haven’s varsity volleyball team kept up the momentum last week by winning a Division 3 district title and advancing to the regionals.

The Rams defeated Otsego, 3-1, Thursday to win the championship. They now will face Battle Creek Harper Creek, Tuesday, in the regional opener, which will be hosted by Harper Creek.

The Rams started post-season play last Monday, hosting the district opener against Benton Harbor.

South Haven won easily in three straight sets, 25-10, 25-14, 25-11.

They then traveled to Otsego on Wednesday to face Coloma in the semi-final round.

“We got off to a slow start losing set one 25-21,” South Haven Coach Megan Washegesic said. “The Comets were a scrappy team and it took us a bit to find court space to put the ball down.”

And put the ball down the Rams did. They came back to take the next three sets, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 to advance to the championship match, Thursday, against Otsego. Results were not available as of press time, but will be available this week on the Tribune’s website.

In the match against the Comets, Ella O’Sullivan led South Haven’s offense with 13 kills, while Aleena Keh racked up 11.

“Faith Lewis had a great night at the net and tallied 8 kills while Melia Hanny chipped in 4 of her own,” Washegesic said.

The Rams’ defense also did well.

“We had a good defensive night, picking up a lot of tips and being in great position to dig the ball,” Washegesic said.

Setter Jordyn Holland led the team in assists and defense with 42 assists and 23 digs. Keh had 18 digs, Sophia Cochran and Mallory Miller, 14 each, while O’Sullivan had 12 digs.

PHOTO: South Haven's volleyball team is shown after winning a division 3 district title over Otsego this past Thursday.

Rams bow out of district play with loss to Lansing Catholic

South Haven's football season came to and end with a 49-14 loss to Lansing Catholic, Friday, in post season play.

The Rams, who put together their first winning season since 2008, faced Lansing Catholic in round two of Division 5 district play.

South Haven advanced to round two after defeating Dowagiac, Oct. 30 in the district opener.



11.2.20

South Haven puts together first winning season since 2008

Begins post-season play with victory over Dowagiac

South Haven ended its regular season on a winning note by rolling over Hartford, 64-20, to mark the first time since 2008 that a Rams varsity football team was able to put together a winning season. Propelled by their success, the Rams traveled to Dowagiac for a Division 3 district opener and won easily, 34-7. They'll now head to Lansing Catholic, Friday, Nov. 6 in ongoing post-season play.

The victory over the Indians on Oct. 23 improved South Haven’s record to 4-2 going into post-season play where the Rams faced Dowagiac in a district opener, Friday, Oct. 30. Results were not available as of press time.

After the lopsided win over the Indians, South Haven Coach Mark Eddy remarked, “I thought we could win, but the outcome was a bit surprising. We put in a solid week of practice. The kids played very hard and fast from the beginning to the end. We were very proud of their effort. We ran the ball well and played solid defense.”

Eddy also credited the coaching staff at not only the varsity level, but the JV and middle school levels.

“The coaching staff has done a great job this season,” he said. “The JV and middle school teams both went 4-1.”

In the game against Hartford, South Haven racked up 30 points before the Indians could find pay dirt late in the second quarter.

Rams quarterback Kaleb Bodfish started the scoring spree by scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter. A successful conversion by Trevor Winkel put the score at 8-0. South Haven then went on to score three more touchdowns; two by Trent Till and one by Chris Rainey.

After getting on the scoreboard at the end of the first half, the Indians tried to keep their momentum going in the second half. They managed another touchdown early in the third quarter putting the score at 30-14.

But the Rams continued to dominate on offense, racking up five more touchdowns.

Trevor Winkel and Trent Till each scored three touchdowns for the Rams. Both Kaleb Bodfish and Chris Rainey had one TD.

Winkel led South Haven in rushing with 195 yards. He was followed by Till with 167. Bodfish passed for 43 yards in what was primarily a game won on the ground.

On defense, Keyon Thomas led the Rams with 5 tackles. He was followed by Till, Damon Jackson and Xander Willet, who each had four tackles. Till also had 1 quarterback sack.

Friday’s game against Hartford also coincided with the Rams’ homecoming. Due to the pandemic it was a different kind of Homecoming. The crowd, for instance, was limited to two guests per game participant and South Haven High School students.

The Purple Pride Marching Band was finally given the green light through the MHSAA COVID-19 standards to perform at pre-game and halftime while socially distanced. Cheerleaders were also present on the sidelines with face masks on to cheer on the team and the fans.

And yes, a Homecoming king and queen were crowned during halftime ceremonies – Trevor Winkel and Hailey Copeman.

PHOTO: South Haven running back Trevor Winkel (20) fends off a Hartford defender during Friday's homecoming game. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Bangor kickers win first-ever district title

For the first time in school history, Bangor’s varsity boys soccer team won its first district title.

The Vikings did so by defeating cross-town rival Bloomingdale, 2-0 in the Division 4 district final game, Oct. 22.

“We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the soccer team and program throughout the years and most importantly, the players for making this happen,” Vikings Coach Antonio Robles said.

Bangor got on the scoreboard in the first half courtesy of a penalty score by Rolando Muñoz.

“The game was very suspenseful during the first half,” Robles said. “As the minutes went on there was constant pressure from each team with the urge to put another tally on the scoreboard.”

After halftime, the pressure the score continued. A late cross by Jonathan Nieva gave Bangor’s Nolan Crandall the opportunity to score and give Bangor a 2-0 lead, which they kept for the remainder of the game.

Bangor traveled to Portage Central, Tuesday, for a regional semi-final matchup with Marcellus Howardsville Christian, and bowed out 4-0.

Howardsville came into the contest with an 11-2 record, while Bangor’s stood at 8-3-2.

“I am sad to see a great season come to an end,” Robles said. “The boys played a great game, unfortunately luck wasn’t on our side, a few mistakes and various missed shots, gave Marcellus Howardsville the opportunity to pass to the next round of regionals. Even though we did not make it to regional finals, we had some great accomplishments, from having a winning season to winning the first district title in Bangor history.”

Bangor netters win invitational

Finish 8-0 to take home the trophy

BANGOR — Bangor's volleyball team added another trophy to the high school's trophy case after winning their own invitational, Saturday, Oct. 24.

Normally, the tournament the Vikings host each year lasts all day, but due to restrictions to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus, this year's tournament was limited to four teams per Michigan High School Athletic Association rules, Bangor Coach Doug Jones explained.

Teams that participated included Bangor, Bloomingdale, Climax-Scotts and Delton Kellogg.

From the start of the tournament, the Vikings proved they were the team to beat.

“We were undefeated in pool play by taking two sets each from Bloomingdale, Climax-Scotts and Delton Kellogg,” Jones said.

Bangor then completed its 8-0 sweep by defeating Delton-Kellogg, 2-0 in the championship match.

Olivia Kuiper led the Vikings' attack with 30 kills, followed closely by Amara Littlefield's 28 kills. Kuiper also racked up 10 service aces and 26 digs.

On defense, Abby Moench tallied 73 assists and 18 digs, while libero Kaitlyn Kite had 26 digs. Freshman middle blocker Taliyah Modert earned 6 of the team's 11 solo blocks.

“Overall, it was a well-balanced performance in both offense and defense aided by outstanding serving,” Jones said. “Hats off to Olivia, Alyssa, Abby, Siney, Amara, Cloe, Kaitlyn, Lexy, Taliyah and Aaleeya for winning individual medals and a first-place trophy.



Bloomingdale runners win pre-regional meet

Bloomingdale's boys and girls cross-country teams swept the Division 3 pre-regional meet Oct. 24 at Watervliet to qualify for the regional tournament.

Joe Furlan led the Cardinals by crossing the finish line first with a time of 16:58.88, while Aimee Sustaita ran to a first-place finish in the girls race in 20:13.59.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association changed the state tournament format for boys and girls cross cross country this season due to COVID-19 restrictions. The association added a pre-regional meet in order to alleviate the large numbers issue facing region championships.

The regional took place Saturday, Oct. 31 at Portage West Middle School. Results were not available as of press time.

Results from the pre-regional follow:

Team results

Boys: 1. Bloomingdale, 53; 2. Coloma, 55; 3. Bridgman, 70; 4. Watervliet, 84; 5. Hartford, 128; 6. Buchanan, 133; 7. Niles Brandywine, 154

Girls: 1. Bloomingdale, 42; 2. Bridgman, 59; 3. Coloma, 69; 4. Buchanan, 90; 5. Hartford, 111; 6. Watervliet, 141; 7. Bangor, 157

Individual results for Bloomingdale and Bangor:

Boys

Bloomingdale: 1. Joe Furlan, 16:58.88; 5. Jaden Barnes,17:43.55; 8. Joe Stocchiero, 18:07.46; 16. David Garcia, 19:01.18; 23. Trace Wixom, 19:44.59; 29. Tyler Osterman, 20:17.19;

Bangor: 28. Abelardo Munoz, 20:09.83; 34. Daniel Adams, 20:38.82; 35. Jonathan Nieva, 20:50.32; 39. Rolando Munoz, 21:21.34.

Girls

Bloomingdale: 1. Aimee Sustaita, 20:13.59; 2. Kallie Harrison, 20:25.46; 6. Zee Dickerson, 21:30.99; 17. Addison Miller, 22:45.62; 18. Abby Krall, 22:49.78; 21. Olaisa Moss, 23:17.53

Bangor: 9. Noemi Arevalo, 21:37.53; 32. Lilliana Alcauter, 24:24.97; 34. Sandra Barajas, 24:30.37; 42. Emily Hernandez, 26:03.28; 48. Kenzie Parish, 34:20.78

South Haven results

South Haven will send four runners to the Division 2 regional after competing in the pre-regional race, Oct. 23 at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.

Carson Rooker paced the Rams finishing 20^th with a time of 19:02.12. He was followed by Ben Meyer who came in 31^st place with a time of 20:01.98 and Luke Prong who finished 32^nd with a time of 20:05.14. Summer Corke will be representing South Haven girls team at the regional after coming in 12^th place with a time of 22:05.9.

The regional took place Saturday at Otsego. Results were not available as of press time.





10.5.20

SH golfers earn runner-up honors in new league

For only the second time in school history, a South Haven girls golf team has finished runner-up in regular season play.

The Rams wrapped up their inaugural season in the Kalamazoo Valley Association Conference by earning second-place overall in the league and second-place in the league championship tournament which took place last week at Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac.

The Rams will now enter post-season play, hosting the Division 3 regional tournament, Monday, at HawksHead Links.

“The girls finished second in the conference championship with some outstanding individual performances,” South Haven Athletic Director Adam Verseput said.

Junior Sydney Barnes shot an 89, winning the event, while senior Jenna Ridley finished fourth with a 95.

For the season, Sydney Barnes completed league play with the second best overall average in the conference, while Jenna Ridley finished sixth, Abby Bocock ninth, and freshman Hannah Kaczmarek 18th.

South Haven's performance this past fall in the new league came as a pleasant surprise to veteran Coach Barry Shanley.

“When it was announced we would leave the Wolverine Conference and that the BCS Conference didn't yet offer girls golf and that we would join the K.V.A. Conference for girls golf I was worried,” Shanley admitted. “Kalamazoo Hackett Prep, Kalamazoo Christian and Schoolcraft are regularly state finals competitors.  So, to come in second in the conference and second in the conference championship tournament was extremely fulfilling for the program and for each player.

“One other team in South Haven history finished second in the conference we were (Wolverine) in at the time,” Shanley went on to say. “Taking nothing from them at all, it is fair to say, I think, this year's finish was especially awesome because of the difficult challenge we faced with playing in the KVA.”

Shanley gave credit to the volunteer coaches who helped the both the varsity and jayvee teams this season.

“Credit goes to our swing coaches, Steve Tolen and Cindy Hill, a former U.S. Amateur Champion and L.P.G.A. professional, and to our jayvee coach Patricia Fitton, who is doubling her commitment by taking on the daunting task of being tournament manager for the Regional we are hosting Monday,” Shanley said.

Hackett Prep finished first in the conference, followed by South Haven in second; Kalamazoo Christian, third; Schoolcraft, fourth; and Comstock, fifth. Michigan Lutheran and Niles, who had difficulties fielding teams, did not earn conference points.

PHOTO: The South Haven varsity girls golf team is shown at last week's Kalamazoo Valley Association championship tournament. from left are Sydney Barnes, Jenna Ridley, Samantha Bocock, Abby Bocock, Hannah Kaczmarek and Lorraine Young. (Contributed photo)

Rams soccer team off to a good start

After suffering their first loss of the season to powerhouse Unity Christian in a non-conference matchup Sept. 26th, South Haven's varsity soccer team returned to its winning ways this past week with a victory over Buchanan.

The Rams decisively shut out the Bucks, 7-0, to remain undefeated in the BCS conference with a 3-0 record, and an overall record of 8-1.

Xavier Rickett was the first South Haven player in the first half to score a goal at the 20:14 mark on a cross by Talon Piersein, according to Rams Coach Carlos Aguayo.

Eric Gonzalez then kicked in a goal on a corner kick with 16:45 left in the half. Liam Cochran then scored at the 2:56 mark to put the score at 3-1.

The Rams came out strong in the second half with goals by Erick Lopez; Christian Moreno off an assist from Rickett; Brian Calderon, who scored on a header courtesy of an assist from Eric Gonzalez; and Max Campbell, who scored on a header with an assist from Calderon.

South Haven breaks long-time losing streak

Rams defeat Niles 34-20 on the gridiron

It's been a long time coming, but South Haven's varsity football team managed to snap a nearly four-year losing streak by defeating Niles, 34-20, Sept. 25.

“What contributed to the victory was that the kids had a good week of practice. They played hard, fast, and physical,” Rams Coach Mark Eddy said.

South Haven was slow to get on the scoreboard. The Lions kept the Rams scoreless for most of the first half, until Kaleb Bodfish threw a 10-yard pass to Keyon Thomas who scored a touchdown with just 16 seconds left in the second quarter to tie the score at 6-6.

ran the ball into the end-zone on a three-yard run with just 2 minutes left in the second quarter to tie the score at 6-6.

After halftime, South Haven went on a scoring spree with touchdowns from Trent Till, Noah Sholes, Trevor Winkel and Ray Woodall.

Till racked up 112 yards on the ground, Trevor Winkel, 90, and Woodall 39.

On defense Winkel and Travis Jordan each had 8 tackles, while Till had 5.

South Haven runners finish 3rd at jamboree

COMSTOCK — South Haven boys cross-country team finished third in a BCS Conference jamboree this past Tuesday.

Conference leader Berrien Springs won the competition with 21 points, followed by Bridgman with 52; South Haven, 85; Niles Brandywine, 110; Comstock, 124 and Niles, 126.

The Rams' Carson Rooker, a junior this year, finished in the top 10, with a time of 19:20.55 to earn ninth-place. Other results for the Rams boys team follow: Ben Meyer, 17^th, 20:53.95; Luke Prohn, 18^th, 21:08.90; Corbin Morrison, 22^nd, 21:41.58; Chris Rainey, 24^th, 22:13.40.

The South Haven girls did not have enough members to field a team. Individually, Summer Corke led the Rams with a 15th-place finish and time of 24:59.80, while Hannah Devries came in 24^th place with a time of 27:24.15.

9.28.20

South Haven netters looking for their first league victory

Injuries stymied South Haven's volleyball team in its BCS Conference debut against Niles, Sept. 16.

The Rams fell to the Vikings in four sets. They lost the first two, 25-21 and 25-13; rallied to take the third one, 25-21; but lost momentum in the fourth and lost, 25-22.

“We started out quite slow and fell to a 10-point deficit or more in set one,” Rams Coach Megan Washegesic said.

South Haven battled back, however, and only lost by four points.

“In set two we had some injuries occur that took our libero, Sophia Cochran, out of the match, and our setter, Jordyn Holland, out for the rest of set two,” Washegesic said. “We had to adjust our lineup and it was tough to find a rhythm.”

Holland was able to return to the match and it lit a bit of a spark in the team, according to Washegesic, helping lead to the 25-21 victory.

“The last set was a good fight but we just couldn't reach the level we played at in set three,” she said.

Washegesic gave special mention to Mallory Miller, who subbed for Holland in set 2.

“Miller subbed in as setter in set two, and our defensive specialist the rest of the match, and had some great digs to keep us in some really good rallies,” Washegesic said.

Ella O'Sullivan led the Rams with 12 kills and 7 digs. Aleena Keh chipped in with 11 kills while Kadyn Hoty tallied 5 kills and 5 digs. Melia Hanny also notched 4 kills. Holland had 9 assists while Miller had 8.

Before the match, the seven senior players for the Rams were honored as part of Senior Night. Normally, Senior Night comes at the end of the regular season, but Washegesic opted this year to do it at the beginning.

“I decided to do this at our first home match instead of our last because there is still so much uncertainty with the virus and I didn't want the girls to miss out on their time to shine should the season get canceled,” Washegesic explained.

Seniors who were honored follow: Lexie Young, Mallory Miller, Melia Hanny, Alley Woodall, Sophia Cochran, Ella O'Sullivan and Jordyn Holland.

Things didn't get much better for the Rams on Wednesday when they suffered their second conference loss to Niles Brandywine in four sets, 15-25, 25-22, 11-25 and 23-25.

“We have seven players that played varsity last year and worked well together. We’re just having trouble finding our groove and trusting each other on the court,” Washegesic said. “Communicating early and loudly is one of our weaknesses that we’ve been working on in practice. We need to keep working on that component as well as relying on each person to do her job on the court and push through times of adversity.”

Ella O’Sullivan had a double double with 14 kills and 16 digs and also had 2 blocks. Aleena Keh also had a double double with 11 kills and 10 digs. Mallory Miller led the team in digs with 27. Kadyn Hoyt chipped in 14 digs. Jordyn Holland had 28 assists, 14 digs and 3 blocks.

PHOTO: South Haven's Alley Woodall (12) gets ready to drink the ball over the net during the Sept. 16th BCS conference game against Niles. Also shown in the photo is teammate Jordyn Holland (3). (Photo by Tom Renner)

South Haven swimmers open the season against Otsego

South Haven's Ellie Frost swam to first place in both the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard IM races at the team's opening meet, Wednesday, versus Otsego.

Also picking up two first-place finishes for South Haven were the 200-yard medley relay team of Kylie Shelton, Cianna Cox, Alexis Eddy and Ellie Frost; and Eve Wildey in the 500-yard freestyle race.

The meet marked the first one of the season for the Rams, who, like other swim teams across Michigan, had to get the green light from MHSAA to proceed amid COVID-19 restrictions for athletes.

As part of their restrictions to compete, swimmers have to wear face coverings when not swimming. At the start of the meet, the Rams stood at attention, masks on, for the National Anthem.

South Haven's results from the meet follow:

OTSEGO 102

SOUTH HAVEN 76

200-yard medley relay: 1. South Haven (Kylie Shelton, Cianna Cox, Alexis Eddy, Ellie Frost) 2:20.94; 2. South Haven (Tabi Newberry, Kyley Gorham, Sophie Lee, Blanca Gonzalez) 2:28.15

200-yard freestyle: 2. Eve Wildey, SH, 2:27.65; 3. Erin Schneider, SH, 2:39.23; 5. Meah Inthavong, SH, 2:44.70

200 yard IM: 1. Ellie Frost, SH, 2:31.46; 3 Kylie Shelton, SH, 3:01.04; 5. Blanca Gonzalez, SH, 3:04.97

50-yard freestyle: 2. Cianna Cox, SH, 29.75; 4. Alexis Eddy, SH, 32.81; 6. Jillian Carey, SH, 37.86

100-yard butterfly: 3. Kylie Shelton, SH, 1:27.39; 4. Sophie Lee, SH, 1:33.35; 5. Shannon Dopp, SH, 1:39.60

100-yard freestyle: 1. Ellie Frost, SH, 57.63; 5. Grace Lundy, SH, 1:22.58

500-yard freestyle: 1. Eve Wildey, SH, 6:51.41; 5. Meah Inthavong, SH, 7:34.52

200-yard freestyle relay: 2. South Haven (Ellie Frost, Alexis Eddy, Kylie Shelton, Cianna Cox) 1:57.88; 3. South Haven (Erin Schneider, Kyley Gorham, Shannon Dopp, Sophie Lee) 2:13.39

100-yard backstroke: 4. Erin Schneider, SH, 1:28.93

100-yard breaststroke: 2. Kyley Gorham, SH, 1:25.81; 5. Blanca Gonzalez, SH, 1:33.97

400-yard freestyle relay: 2. South Haven (Alexis Eddy, Eve Wildey, Shannon Dopp, Blanca Gonzalez) 5:01.65; 3. South Haven (Sophie Lee, Meah Inthavong, Jillian Carey, Kyley Gorham) 5:02.58

PHOTO: South Haven's Eve Wildey is shown competing in the 500-yard freestyle race at Wednesday's swim meet against Otsego. Wildey won the race with a time of 6:51.41. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Viking kickers suffer first loss of the season

After a great start to the season, Bangor's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season last week.

The Vikings were defeated by the Hartford Indians, who are No. 1 at this point in the Southwest 10 conference.

But Bangor didn't lose by much — 2-1.

“Even though it wasn't our best performance we still managed to have a close game,” Vikings Coach Antonio Robles said.

Bangor's lone goal came courtesy of Jesus Aguirre with an assist from Jonathan Nieva.

Bangor's record stood at 3-1-2 following the match.



BLOOMINGDALE — Bangor's varsity volleyball team picked up a Southwest 10 victory after defeating cross-town rival, Bloomingdale, 3-1.

Vikings Coach Doug Jones credited the team's serving and passing game as the decisive factor in the conference win, Sept. 17.

“The team's hitting efficiency set a season high of .393, while the Vikings' defense prevented the Cardinals' offense from going on long scoring runs,” Jones remarked.

Bangor's outside hitters Olivia Kuiper and Amara Littlefield hammered in 14 and 13 kills, respectively, while Cloe Hull added 8 kills and Alyssa Birner, 7. Kuiper also scored 7 aces while Lexy Strampel added 5 of her own.

Siney Santiago led the Vikings' defensive effort with 18 digs followed by Littlefield with 12.





8.31.20

Rams' basketball standout to play for Siena Heights

Brenden Williamson, a class of 2020 South Haven High School graduate, is shown signing a letter of commitment to play basketball this year for Siena Heights University's basketball team. A two-time Wolverine All-Conference player, Williamson, a 5-11 point guard, averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game for the past two seasons and helped lead the Rams to back-to-back winning seasons. He plans to major in business management at Siena Heights University.

South Haven golfers start season with 2nd-place finish

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

While the football season has been sidelined until the spring of 2021, golf is in full swing.

South Haven's varsity girls golf team started its league season this past week with a second-place finish in the Kalamazoo Valley Association(KVA) Conference's first jamboree of 2020.

Kalamazoo Hackett Prep won the jamboree with 189 strokes, while the Rams followed with 199. Kalamazoo Christian finished third with 215; Schoolcraft fourth with 238 and Niles fifth with 244. Comstock and Michigan Lutheran didn't finish.

Meg Christian of Hackett medaled with a 44. South Haven had three golfers who finished in the top 10. Sydney Barnes and Jenna Ridley tied for fourth with a 47, while Hannah Kaczmarek tied for ninth with a score of 52. Abby Bocock just missed the top 10 with 53 strokes, settling for 11th place.

Rams Coach Barry Shanley was pleased with the team's performance in the opening jamboree for the KVA.

“I think this South Haven girls golf team definitely has the potential to be the best in school history,” Shanley said. “Our scoring average in all events so far has broken previous records for those events.  We have three returning veterans in seniors Abby Bocock and Jenna Ridley and junior Sydney Barnes. Freshman Hannah Kaczmarek has come in second and third for us already.  We also should have a very good JV team. Competition begins for them very soon.”

This is the first year the Rams golf team will be competing in the KVA. South Haven has switched from the Wolverine Conference to the Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph (BCS) league for the 2020-21 year. However, the BCS conference does not offer girls golf. So the Rams had to join the KVA, according to Shanley.



8.3.20

Bobby Walker basketball tournament still on for this year

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past 42 years South Haven resident Bobby Walker has organized the three-day Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament during the National Blueberry Festival.

This year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, the tourney will go on — but differently — Aug. 6-9 at Elkenburg Park.

“We're following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines,” Walker said. “We'll have hand-washing stations, temperature checks, practice social distancing and people will have to be wearing masks. If anyone in our city or county needs a face mask we will buy one for them.”

There also will be fewer players in the tournament, which in the past has attracted 5-on-5 basketball players from throughout the Midwest.

“I realize everyone wants to play, but everything has been cut in half,” Walker said.

The tournament will begin Thursday with children's activities from 5-8 p.m. at the park.

Friday's events will kick off at 5 p.m. with the Outstanding Leadership Awards presentation. Each year, Walker honors community leaders throughout the South Haven area and Southwest Michigan. This year he plans to put an emphasis on honoring “essential” workers who have worked throughout the pandemic to keep people safe, including hospital workers, nursing home staff, police and fire units.

“We will be honoring all those who make their community a better place to live and work, as well as honor and say thank you to all essential workers,” Walker said.

The honorees follow: Virginia Moceri, Sandra Crocker, Fred Madden, Robin Madden, Bruce Man, Michelle Coffey, David Stickel, Adam Chrisco, Willie Whitfield, Jamie Harden, Teddy Davis, Jonathan Christopher, Tammara Hudson, Julie Quinn, Ida Sledge, Gail Patterson-Gladney, Latoyia Cunningham, Monique Cocoa, Edna Borden, Martin Marty Jackson, Lena Strong, Bronson South Haven and all essential workers, South Haven Nursing & Rehab and all essential workers, Graceway at Countryside and all essential workers, South Haven Police Department, Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police and South Haven Area Emergency Services.

After the awards presentation, thanks to a number of sponsors, the tournament organizers will be giving out 100 boxes of groceries to help families in need.

Friday's activities will also include a basketball game featuring police officers, a basketball camp and a barbecue.

Saturday's events get underway at 9 a.m. with the 5-on-5 basketball competition, BBQ, junior high school basketball games, children's games, a 3-point shoot out and Pastor Joe Wilkins' Beanbag Toss.

The tourney concludes Sunday with the continuation of the 5-on-5 basketball competition at 9 a.m., children's games, volleyball and 3-on-3 basketball games.

Putting together the tournament each year is a labor of love for Walker, who is an administrative assistant in the maintenance department at Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert Township.

He started the tournament in the 1970s with the assistance of his wife, Eunice.

“It means a lot that people continue to come back year after year,” Walker said in an interview for a Palisades newsletter in 2017 when the tournament celebrated its 40^th anniversary. “The support we've gotten from the community and Palisades has been amazing and humbling. Our fellow employees have played a big part in Southwest Michigan with many projects.”

Walker's other volunteer efforts have received attention over the years. In 2017, the City of South Haven presented him with a proclamation honoring him for his efforts to improve the community.

PHOTO: The photo above was taken at a Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament several years ago. File photo by Farah Green

7.28.20

South Haven hires new varsity basketball coach

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When and if the prep basketball season begins later this year, South Haven's varsity boys team will be led by a new coach.

Ryne Hagerty has been hired to lead the Rams. The Wisconsin native who now teaches physical education at the high school and North Shore Elementary School, has taught and coached basketball in Arizona and Wisconsin. He replaces veteran South Haven Coach Larry Ash, who resigned at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 basketball season.

“Coaching basketball allows me to be around the game that I love so much,” Hagerty said. “Basketball has taught me many invaluable life lessons throughout my playing and coaching career and my goal is to help student-athletes reach their potential on and off the court.”

Hagerty started his coaching and teaching career at Buckeye Union School in Buckeye, Ariz., where he taught and coached boys basketball for three years. He then moved on to Youngker High School in Buckeye to become head coach for the girls basketball team for three seasons.

In 2013, he and his wife, Dia, returned to Wisconsin where Hagerty coached for six years at New Berlin Eisenhower in New Berlin, Wis. He spent his first three years coaching boys basketball, and the next three as coach for the girls basketball team. When he wasn't coaching he taught for Milwaukee Public Schools and the School District of New Berlin.

Hagerty graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in 2007 with degrees in physical education and health. He and his wife, Dia, who is also a teacher for South Haven Public Schools, have three children.

4.13.20

Covid-19 deals a blow to weight thrower's season finale

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

Over the past four years, South Haven alumnus Bobbie Goodwin has made a name for herself in the collegiate world of track and field.

The Grand Valley State University student athlete had been looking forward to defending her title as national champion in the weight throw competition at the NCAA Division II indoor championship.

But the coronavirus outbreak dashed her hopes of competing.

“Goodwin had led the weight throw competition all season and had hopes of defending her title before the cancellation of the indoor championships was announced March 12,” said Abby Paragon, athletics communications graduate assistant at Grand Valley.

The event was scheduled to take place Friday, March 13 but due to the outbreak of COVID-19 the event was called off in accordance with the State of Michigan's efforts to curtail the rapidly spreading virus.

News of the NCAA's decision came as a blow to Goodwin.

“I was sitting at the dinner table with my family when I received the phone call,” Goodwin said. “Honestly, I was stunned. It took a little while, almost a half an hour for the news to settle in my mind. I didn't finish eating as I just sat there and processed the thought of what just happened. My teammates, friends and I got together that evening. It was heartbreaking for all of us. We have all worked so hard to prepare for this, and now it wasn’t going to happen.”

Goodwin, however, came to the conclusion that despite the disappointment of not being able to defend he national title, she needs to move forward with her life.

“Once it all settled in my mind, I came to peace with it,” she said. “I have had a great career, a great experience. If this is how it ends, then so be it. I am only one amongst many who have had this news affect their lives. This is affecting so many people in so many ways, some very heartbreaking. We have to stand together and move on.”

Moving on for Goodwin includes graduating this spring from Grand Valley with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and then attending the Police Academy in the months to follow. She hopes to become a local police officer and build a lifelong career doing so.

Goodwin has accomplished a lot for Grand Valley's indoor and outdoor track and field teams, according to Paragon.

She is considered the 9^th best athlete in the women's weight throw in the history of Division II, with a distance of 21.12 meters. This year alone, she earned the title of Midwest Regional Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. She was also chosen Field Athlete of the Yer by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). She earned five GLIAC conference Field Athlete of the Week honors, and was named Field Athlete of the Week twice by U.S. Track and Field coaches association.

All hope is not lost though for the defending national champion. According to Goodwin, the Athletic Board at Grand Valley is considering an extra year of eligibility for the senior class of 2020. This would afford them the opportunity to finish their interrupted season next year.

“I’ve been told the board is considering that action,” Goodwin said. “We will just have to wait and see how it turns out. Either way I will be content with what I have accomplished.”

Goodwin's accomplishments date back to a great career at South Haven High School. She still holds the high school's discus throwing record and was also a standout player for the varsity girls basketball team.

“Bobbie Goodwin was an all-around good kid,” South Haven Athletic Director Adam Verseput said. “She was a good student and a good athlete. We follow her career closely and every time I post her most recent accomplishments on the website, I get a great deal of feedback and many hits on the articles.”

Goodwin attributes her success in part to the support she received from her family, especially her older brother Caleb, her many coaches over the years and her teammates and friends.

“I can't give credit to any one person in my life that has helped me along the way,” Goodwin said. “There has been so much support from so many people. My older brother, Caleb has been a big motivator. My parents, my coaches in high school and college, my friends, my teammates. They have all supported me and helped in so many ways. I thank them all.”

3.16.20

South Haven senior grapples his way to an all-state finish

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven senior Jackson Calvert-Beck earned all-state honors from the Michigan High School Athletic Association on March 7, when he placed at the Division 3 state wrestling finals.

Beck, posted a seventh-place finish in the 189-pound weight class to earn a place on the MHSAA all-state team. Only the top eight finishers earn that title.

Beck has been wrestling on the South Haven varsity team since he was freshman, and actually began wrestling when he was just 6 years old.

He qualified for the state tournament last year in the 189 weight class, but fell short of placing in the top eight.

Beck acknowledges his mother, Michelle Beck, and Coach Brad Adamson as his biggest motivators and supporters.

“My mom has been there for me since the very beginning.” Beck said. “She is always there and ready at a moment's notice with whatever I need, whether it's equipment, transportation or even just help with my homework. I can always count on her, and she’s my biggest fan.”

Adamson, who was recently named Coach of the Year by the Wolverine Conference, has also played a major role in the success Beck has enjoyed and earned as a young wrestler.

“Coach Adamson is like a father figure in my life,” Beck explained. “ He coaches and teaches us about wrestling, but he is always teaching us about hard work and determination in life in general.”

Beck plans to go on to college where he hopes to continue his wrestling career.

“I have a few smaller colleges that have been recruiting me, but I haven’t made a decision yet,” he said.

The wrestler will don his cleats this spring and play once again for the Rams varsity baseball team where he has been a member since his freshman year. Beck usually plays outfield and serves on the pitching staff for the Rams.

3.9.20

Rams close out regular season with victory over Plainwell, a loss to Holland

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven Rams boys varsity basketball team boosted its at-home record to 7-1 with a close 46-43 win over Plainwell, Friday, Feb. 28, but then lost a well-fought battle to Holland High School 70-59, for their second only at-home loss on Tuesday, March 3.

South Haven got off to a strong start against the Holland Dutch, going on an 8-0 run early in the first period, but Holland pulled themselves together and knocked down nine three pointers in the remainder of the first half to pull ahead of the Rams for a close 42-39 lead.

The Rams battled hard but fell just one basket short of the Dutch in the third period and Holland cinched the win with an 18-12 fourth period.

The Ram's scoring attack was led by Brenden Williamson with 24 points. He also had two rebounds and two steals. Zander Russell came up with 15 points for the Rams with one rebound and one steal. Anthony White shot six points with one rebound and two steals.

Holland’s offense was led by Anders Rasmussen with a whopping 37 points and six rebounds. The Dutch's Jackson VanGekken contributed 23 points and hauled down eight rebounds.

Rebounds were a key factor in this battle for the Rams as the Dutch were able to dominate at the board for 60 percent of the total rebounds.

It was a come-from-behind at-home win for the Rams against the visiting Plainwell team. The Trojans outscored the Rams 28-22 in the first half. South Haven came back stronger in the third period outscoring the Trojans 8-4 and then held onto the lead with a 16-11 fourth period.

Zander Russell led the Rams with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Brenden Williamson and Anthony White added 10 points each to the South Haven scoring attack. White also dominated at the board with 14 rebounds and four blocks.

The Rams sit at 10-9 overall on the season and 7-6 in the Wolverine Conference and begin post-season play Wednesday when they face the winner of the Coloma-Allegan matchup in the semi-finals. The district contest is being hosted by Holland Christian.

PHOTO: The Rams' Brenden Williams goes up for two points during Tuesday's game against Holland. Williamson scored a total of 10 points in the non-conference matchup. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Rams wrestling coach named Wolverine Conference's Coach of the Year

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven varsity wrestling coach Brad Adamson has brought the wrestling program a long way in a short time.

That accomplishment was recognized this season by Wolverine Conference coaches who selected Adamson as Coach of the Year for 2020.

Traditionally, the award quite often goes to the coach of the conference championship team, according to Adam Verseput, South Haven High School athletic director. However, league wrestling coaches this year started taking notice of the young Rams squad, who finished in third-place finish at the league's championship tournament and went on to earn a Division 3 district title a week later.

“I think this is a real testament to how much the other coaches in our conference recognize all of the hard work Brad has put into this team and his accomplishments,” Verseput said.

South Haven has traditionally had a strong wrestling program, but numbers had begun to decline and the varsity team was struggling to fill its weight class roster. When Adamson took over the helm in 2016 there were just three wrestlers on the team.

Adamson has worked diligently since his appointment as head coach and this year the team filled every weight class and proved to be a group of wrestlers to be reckoned with.

“Brad has been involved in the South Haven wrestling program at all levels since his start.” said Verseput. “ He works with the youth program and the middle school program. This has helped to rebuild the interest of the students at all levels and brought our program back on track.”

A great rapport with the young athletes at every level and a strong work ethic are what Verseput attributes to Adamson’s success.

“Brad is very practical and builds a great relationship with the kids, but he’s no slacker and he encourages the kids to work very hard,” Verseput said

Adamson said he is honored by the award but he will not take all of the credit for the strides the South Haven wrestling program has made over the past four years.

“It boils down to having a great program at all levels,” Adamson said. “Our youth coach Vince Hightower has done a great job with the young kids. He’s built a good relationship with them and has done a good job teaching the fundamentals. And our middle school coach Rueben Zuniga has also worked very hard to keep the kids interested. He has done a great job recruiting kids and this year the middle school team has 30 members.”

Adamson is very optimistic about the future of the team and predicts the program will continue to grow and enjoy success.

“I think this is just the start of it,” Adamson said. “I think the numbers are going to continue to increase and the program will continue to move forward.”

Adamson also credits the team’s rejuvenation and success to the student athletes themselves.

“The credit also has to go to the kids,” he said. “They are the ones who have to put in the hard work and stay motivated to do their best. The kids in the program now and the young ones coming up are hard working and motivated and they are seeing it pay off.”

The mutual respect and good relationship between this coach and his team members is evident in varsity co-captains and conference champs Jackson Calvert-Beck and Todd Winkel, who describe the coach in much the same way as he describes them.

“Coach Adamson pushes us hard and finds ways to motivate us to continue to do the best we can do,” Beck said.

“He shows us that if you really want something you have to work hard,” said Winkel “Nothing is easy.”

Adamson goes above beyond his role as head coach and has proven to his student athletes that he is dedicated to their success on and off the mat.

“Coach is there for us no matter what we need,” Winkel said. “Even if it’s a ride to practice or help with homework. He is always willing to do whatever he can to help us succeed not just at wrestling but at everything else too.”

Beck, a senior at South Haven High School, has been with Adamson since he took over four years ago and was impressed with the coach's dedication at the very beginning.

“When I joined the team as a freshman there were just three of us on the team,” Beck said. “We didn’t really have anyone to practice with and spar with. So the coach would get on the mat with us and practice with us. He did whatever it took to help us learn and get better.”

Adamson is no stranger to the mat. He was a high school wrestler himself during his time at Adrian High School where he graduated from in 2001.

It was just a couple of years later when Adamson found himself back in the world of wrestling, when he was hired as assistant coach to the South Haven varsity team in 2004 under former head coach Tim Simpson. Simpson retired in 2016 and recommended to Verseput that Adamson be the one to take his spot as head coach.

3.2.20

SH's girls bowling team advances to state tourney

Makayla Moore and Andrew Guthrie qualify for the individual state tournament

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Rams varsity bowling teams qualified two individuals for the state tournament and the varsity girls also qualified for the Division 3 team state tournament after a third-place finish at the regional finals held at Battle Creek.

South Haven’s Andrew Guthrie finished at a very impressive third-place finish out of 83 competitors at the regional tournament. He closed out the day with a total of 1,099 points, just behind the first- and second-place finishers Cooper Neyman of Durand and Luke Dalman of Portland with 1,137 and 1,138 points respectively.

The Rams' Cameron Denbow just missed qualifying with a respectable 11th-place tie with Kevin Hur of Grand Rapids South Christian at 1,059 points each. The top ten finishers at the Individual tournament qualified for the state tourney.

The Lady Rams’ Makayla Moore took an impressive ninth-place finish out of 77 competitors to earn a spot at the state tourney. She finished the day with 987 points, behind Kennedy Gill of Hopkins and Morgan Hosbein of Coloma with 1,021 and 1,017 points respectively.

The Lady Rams also had a couple of very close calls for state competitors with Jazzlin Johnson finishing at 11th place with 965 points and Khylee Marr, 13^th, with a score of 951.

The Lady Rams’ team took a third-place finish at the team regional tournament with 3,099 points. Coloma earned the regional title with a score of 3341 followed by Hopkins with a score of 3,166. There were a total of 14 teams at the regional finals with the top three qualifying for state.

The Lady Rams' team is made up of Harlee Burrows, Jazzlin Johnson, Nadia Kimbrough, Khylee Marr and Makayla Moore.

State results: Andrew Guthrie placed 37th with 1,060 points and Makayla Moore, 44th with 969 points. South Haven girls team, 15^th with 2,661 points.

Rams hot at home

They've won 6-7 at-home games so far this season

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven tallied another at-home win, Tuesday, Feb. 25, defeating Fennville, 78-67, in a non conference basketball game.

The Rams seem to excel with the home-court advantage. They won six of seven games at home, so far this season. Tuesday's victory upped their overall record to 9-8 and their Wolverine Conference record to 6-5.

South Haven grabbed the lead early on with a 17-13 first period and 14-11 second period for a slight 31-24 halftime advantage.

The Rams continued the scoring advantage in the third period outshooting the Blackhawks 21-17 before things got a little more competitive in the last quarter.

The Blackhawks' Izayah Strickfaden and Dylan Schut dropped in several three pointers to boost Fennville’s scoring attack, but the Rams answered back with a couple of their own by Brenden Williamson and Damon Jackson. Both teams shot for a total of 26 points each in the final period with the Rams holding on for the win.

Damon Jackson is a recent addition to the Rams' varsity line-up, recently moving up from the JV ranks.

“Jackson has been a great addition to the team,” South Haven Head Coach Larry Ash said. “He is doing very well as a young sophomore on the team.”

Jackson shot for 12 points against the Blackhawks and grabbed five rebounds and two steals.

South Haven's scoring attack was led by Williamson and Anthony White with 21 points each. Williamson came up with six rebounds and three steals. White led at the board with a dozen rebounds and grabbed one steal. Zander Russell came up big as well for the Rams with 19 points and one steal.

The Rams are at home again, Tuesday, to host Holland and celebrate senior night.

PHOTO: South Haven's Xavier Ward (11) and Fennville's Tyler Schut struggle for control of the basketball during Tuesday's non-conference game at South Haven. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Lady Rams win Wolverine Conference tournament and Southern Lake Michigan Bowling league title

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven girls bowling team finished the regular season in style by winning the Wolverine Conference tournament and being crowned champs in the Southern Lake Michigan High School Bowling Conference.

The team's strength this year was evidenced in the number of bowlers named to the Wolverine Conference's all-league teams. Jazzlin Johnson, Makayla Moore and Khylee Marr earned First Team all-conference honors while Harlee Burrows and Nadia Kimbrough made it to the Second Team.

“These girls have done a great job this season,” Coach MaryAnn Richmond said. “They have earned these honors through a lot of hard work and dedication.”

The Lady Rams took first place at the Wolverine Conference Tournament at Three Rivers on February 21, but fell just short of a conference title behind Allegan, who placed first based on a point system. But a day later, the Rams, who lost to Allegan earlier in the season, came back to defeat them twice at the Southern Lake Michigan Conference tournament to give the Lady Rams the SLMC championship title.

“This team has been making a lot of great noise all season,” Richmond said. “The girls have worked really hard and stand a good chance at finishing in the top three at regionals as well.”

The South Haven boys team finished third in the conference and placed two bowlers — Cameron Denbow and Andrew Guthrie — on the all-conference second team.

“The boys have a young team this season, and still they have made a lot of great noise as well,” Richmond said. “We are expecting great things from them in the near future.”

The South Haven bowling program is relatively young as far as high school sports are considered. The program first began in the 2006-07 school year and has posted a pretty stellar history in its growing years.

“We have a pretty good record for earning all-conference honors through the years,” Richmond said. “But this is the first time we have earned a conference championship since 2011.”

PHOTO: South Haven's girls varsity bowling team is shown above after winning the Wolverine Conference tournament and runner-up honors, overall, in the league. From left are Coach MaryAnn Richmond, Harlee Burrows, Jazzlin Johnson, Nadia Kimbrough, Makayla Moore and Khylee Marr.

South Haven girls snap 10-game losing streak

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's lady Rams posted their first win in quite a while Tuesday, when they traveled to Fennville to defeat the Lady Blackhawks 46-35 in a non-conference varsity basketball match-up.

The victory broke a month-long, 10-game losing streak for the Rams who have struggled with injuries and illness this season, according to Head Coach Joe Holland.

“We were able to start turning things around tuesday night,” Holland said. “We came to play.”

South Haven got off to a good start posting a 5-0 lead in the first minute of action and continued the up-beat tempo to end the first quarter with a 10-4 advantage.

“We used good ball movement through the first quarter, using up clock time and getting good looks at the basket,” Holland said.

The Blackhawks turned up their tempo in the second quarter however, motivated and led by senior Coryne Howard who was not only playing to win her final home game of her high school career but also gunning for the last three points she needed to break the Fennville High School girls all-time scoring record. Howard accomplished that goal early in the second period, according to Holland, but the Lady Rams had no plans to back down and stayed on top of the action for a 18-15 halftime lead.

“We knew we had a great player in Howard and I was aware of the record and how close she was, but we came to play our game and win,” Holland said. “I’m not a big fan of putting all of our eggs in one basket to stop one player. I have confidence in the girls we put on the floor and their ability. Our girls know if someone is struggling then it's the next girl up.”

The Lady Blackhawks managed to outscore the Lady Rams by just one point in the third period for a 12-11 advantage but the Rams hung on to a two-point lead going to the final stanza ahead, 29-27.

“I was also really happy with how well we moved the ball to get them out of position to get some easy baskets, “ Holland said. “ I think the girls are starting to see that being patient with the offense sometimes opens huge holes in the defense and anytime we get touched by our post players it only makes things easier.”

The Lady Rams took back control of the game in a big way in the final eight minutes outscoring the host team 17-8 to clinch the win in convincing fashion.

“I was really happy with how we closed the game out. I was also really proud of some of our younger players,” Holland said. “Alexis Eddy and Dayzha Crowley played a huge part in boxing girls out, rebounding and getting some big put backs in the paint. The last two weeks we have been in a good position to get wins, but weren't able to finish. Tuesday we did that. This will be big going into our crossover game and into Districts. Ending the regular season with wins is always a good thing going into the post-season.”

The Lady Rams begin district competition Wednesday, March 4 at Coloma High School.





2.24.20

Three South Haven wrestlers advance to Division 3 state tournament

CONSTANTINE — Three South Haven wrestlers will be making a trip to the Division 3 state tournament, after qualifying to do so, this past Saturday, at the regional competition.

Ray Woodall earned runner-up honors in the championship round's 130-pound weight class, while Jackson Calvert placed third in the 189 weight class, and Trevor Winkel, fourth, at 152 in the consolation round.

This year marks the second year in a row that the trio of Ram wrestlers has earned a trip to the state tournament. This year's event is scheduled March 6-7 at Ford Field in Detroit.

Results for the South Haven consolation and championship matches follow:

130 — Austin Fietz, Dundee, t.f. Ray Woodall, South Haven, 22-7

152 — Trenton Wortham, Hillsdale, d. Trevor Winkel, South Haven, 8-6

189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, d. Don Smith, Watervliet, 7-1

PHOTO: South Haven's Jackson Calvert is shown wrestling in a match earlier this season. Calvert placed third in the 189 weight class at the regional tournament, Saturday, to advance to the state level. (File photo by Tom Renner)

One point difference brings Rams' wrestling season to an end

Dowagiac wins 34-33 in regional semi-final round

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's wrestling team has had a great run this season, making it all the way to Wednesday's Division 3 regional tournament, but powerhouse Dowagiac stonewalled the Rams by one point, ending their team season.

The Chieftains squeaked by the Rams 35-34 in the regional semi-final round and then went on to beat Constantine 38-33 in the finals to be crowned regional champ for the third year in a row.

“We knew this was going to be a tight dual, especially with a few of our starters out of the lineup,” South Haven Coach Brad Adamson said. “Our team wrestled very tough and we had some great performances from our younger guys that were thrown into the lineup at the last minute.”

This isn't the first time the Rams have squared off with Dowagiac. The two teams competed against each other in Wolverine Conference action earlier this season with the Chieftains winning by a mere two points.

Despite Wednesday's loss at the regional competition, Adamson is pleased with his young team's progress over the past several years, especially this year.

“We are looking forward to the future as a team, with such a young group, getting a taste of the post-season tournament and seeing how close we were to making it to the team state tournament has left them hungry for a run next year.” Adamson said.

South Haven made it to the regional tournament after winning a district title, Feb 12, over Coloma. The Rams then sent six wrestlers to the individual regional tournament this past Saturday after they qualified to do so at the district tourney, Feb. 15.

Ray Woodall was crowned district champ in the 130 weight division. Crowned district champ were Ray Woodall (130); Ronaldo Vergara (103), Trevor Winkel (152) and Trevor Winkel (152) placed second; while Nathan Palmer (140) and Preston Calvert (285) came in fourth.

DOWAGIAC 35, SOUTH HAVEN 34

145 – Deny White (D) p. Jeremy Rowland 0:29; 152 – Trent Pickett (SH) d. Braqsten Whitaker 10-6; 160 – Trevor Winkel (SH) p. Dylan Anderson 2:21; 171 – Lamberto Paredes (D) d. Travis Jordan 7-1; 189 – Jackson Calvert (SH) d. Chris Schultz 8-4; 215 – Nick Schultz (D) p. Tyler Osteen 1:09; 285 – Wyatt Bailey (D) m.d. Preston Calvert 17-7 103 – Jordan Simpson (D) p. Ronaldo Vergara 4:48; 112 – Corbin Fitch (SH) m.d. Jorge Gamino-Rivero 18-8; 119 – Dustin Sirk (D) p. Ethan Emerson 5:34; 125 – Tyler Huston (D) m.d. Karlie Woodall 11-3; 130 – Ray Woodall (SH) p. Adrian Lee 4:50; 135 – Trent Till (SH) by forfeit; 140 – Nathan Palmer (SH) by forfeit.

PHOTO: South Haven's Travis Jordan (purple and white uniform) is shown competing against Coloma's Aaron Pounders in the 160 weight division in the district tournament finals Feb. 12. Jordan won the match by major decision. During the regional match, this past Wednesday, Jordan stepped up to the 171 weight class and was defeated 7-1 by Lamberto Paredes of Dowagiac. (Photo by Tom Renner)

South Haven bowlers defeat Allegan

South Haven's girls bowling team avenged an earlier loss this season to Allegan by defeating the Tigers, Feb. 8, by the overall score of 19-11.

Ironically it marked the same outcome of the two team's Jan. 29 match, when Allegan won 19-11.

During the league match on Feb. 8, the Rams narrowly lost the two-game regular series to the Tigers, 1,458-1,445, but rallied to win both baker games, 162-158, 155-121.

Jazzlin Johnson led South Haven in the regular matches with a 344 series (181, 163). MaKayla Moore followed closely behind with a 339 (168, 171); and Nadia Kimbrough with 289 (146, 143).

While the Lady Rams competed against Allegan on Feb.8, the boys easily won over Gobles, which is new to the high school bowling circuit this year, 30-0.

The Rams dominated the regular two-game series 1,539-1,165 and glided through the baker games, 135-124, 135-69.

Four of South Haven's bowlers scored in the triple digits in the regular matches, led by Garrett Heath's 355 (164-191), Cam Denbow's 307 (148, 159), Andrew Guthrie's 305 (158, 147) and Konnor Brugh's 301 (145, 156). Nic Sheppard narrowly missed the 300 mark. He bowled a 280 (125, 155) series.

Coloma’s first-quarter 3-pointers key to victory over South Haven

By BEN SANDERS

HP Sports Editor

COLOMA — Coloma had a great offensive first quarter in Tuesday’s 49-43 boys basketball victory over South Haven, making 5 of 6 3-pointers to go ahead 18-6.

The Comets went cold after that, but the early lead and some solid defense were enough to carry them to the victory. “It’s been like that all season,” Coloma coach Curtis McFall said. “We’ll have a 20-point quarter and then we’ll have a single-digit quarter. We’re just trying to balance it out, trying to get consistent scoring. I think we had good looks at it, we just didn’t knock them down.”

Drew Goodline led Coloma (97) with 23 points and five assists. Michael Dancer had a solid allaround game with nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“Just consistency with those guys,” McFall said. “That’s one thing we’re preaching with Drew is just consistency every night, just keeping his foot on the pedal trying to be the best player he can be. Mike, we kind of need him to be our rebounder. We need him on the glass, we need him active.”

South Haven (7-8) scored the game’s first four points, but Coloma scored the next 15, including eight straight by Goodline. He hit two 3s in the quarter, and Dancer, Stacey Branscumb and Isaiah Reinhardt each made one.

“They’re a good shooting team,” South Haven coach Larry Ash said. “If you let your guy beat you in the middle and we have to go help, they know enough to kick it back out to get a wide-open 3. Letting them have a set shot, you might as well forget it. That’s like a layup to some of them.”

Coloma took three charges in the second quarter and built its lead to 26-12 at the break. The Comets led by as many as 18 in the third.

South Haven rallied in the fourth, as Zander Russell scored nine of his team-high 13 points in the quarter. Brenden Williamson scored the Rams’ final eight, but the final margin of six was as close as they got.

“The score is really deceiving,” Ash said. “They came out ready to play. We weren’t ready to play. You can’t wait until the last three or four minutes of the game to try to turn it up. That’s never going to work against a good team, and they’re a pretty good team.”

Anthony White had a game-high 14 rebounds for South Haven.

COLOMA 49, SOUTH HAVEN 43

SOUTH HAVEN (43)

Brenden Williamson 3 0-0 8, Xavier Ward 1 4-4 6, Anthony White 2 1-4 5, Kayden Hamdani 2 0-0 4, Zander Russell 4 4-6 13, Damon Jackson 1 2-3 4, Damarion Elliott 1 0-1 3. Totals: 14 11-18 43.

COLOMA (49)

Jake Ickes 2 1-2 7, Drew Goodline 8 4-7 23, Michael Dancer 4 0-1 9, Shawn Dryer 1 0-0 2, Isaiah Reinhardt 1 0-1 3, Stacey Branscumb 1 0-0 3, Brenden Jacobs 1 0-0 2. Totals: 18 5-11 49. S. Haven 6 6 12 19 — 43 Coloma 18 8 13 10 — 49 3-point goals – South Haven 4 (Williamson 2, Elliott, Russell), Coloma 8 (Goodline 3, Ickes 2, Dancer, Reinhardt, Branscumb). Total fouls – South Haven 16, Coloma 15. Fouled out – none. Technical foul – Reinhardt (C). Rebounds – South Haven 37 (White 14), Coloma 24 (Dancer 9). Assists – Goodline (C) 5. Records – Coloma 9-7, South Haven 7-8.

Dorow heads to Adrian to play volleyball

South Haven High School senior Mallory Dorow has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Adrian College in the fall.

During her senior year with the Rams, Dorow, who served as team captain and was a middle hitter, played a total of 90 sets and racked up 66 aces, 17 solo blocks, 37 block assists and 184 kills on offense. “Mallory was a quiet team leader,” Rams volleyball coach Megan Washegesic said. “She was not the most vocal on the court, but she could fire the team up with a kill or a block and when she got excited, so did the team. The other players also looked up to her because of her years of experience on varsity and how she could help them better understand the game.”



Shown sitting from left are Brandi Dietz (who coached Dorow her first two years on the varsity team), Dorow and Washegesic. Standing from left are Mallory's mom, Jennifer Dorow, her brother Ryan Dorow, a graduate of Adrian who now plays professional baseball for the Texas Rangers' Double A league team, Frisco RoughRiders, and her dad, Jon Dorow. (Contributed photo)







2.17.20

Ram grapplers crowned district champs

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven Rams varsity wrestling team continued their strive for excellence this past Wednesday, Feb. 12 as they grappled their way to a Division 3 district team championship.

The Rams hosted the event defeating both Watervliet 42-24 and then Coloma 52-28 in the finals to earn the District’s top honors.

It marked the first time since 2015 South Haven has captured the district honor, and the first time for Brad Adamson, who took over the struggling Rams wrestling squad four years ago.

“I took over in 2016 and we only had three kids that year,” Adamson said. Since then, the wrestling program has grown significantly with all weight classes being filled.

“I have been extremely happy with the way the team is peaking at the end of the season,” Adamson said. “Our team performance at district was great. They have been wrestling really well as a team all season and really feed off each other’s energy.”

It was a packed house at the Rams gymnasium that evening as four teams including Fennville, Coloma and Watervliet battled for the title. South Haven fans were in top form cheering their team on every step of the way.

The Rams now advance to the team regional competition, where they will face off with local rival Dowagiac on Feb. 19. Location and time is yet to be announced.

“We are looking forward to our rematch with Dowagiac at the regionals,” said Adamson.

PHOTO: South Haven's Jaydon Hollis takes down his Watervliet opponents in the 145-pound weight class at Wednesday's district tournament. He ended up winning by a 17-6 decision. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Championship

SOUTH HAVEN 52, COLOMA 28

103 – Ronaldo Vergara (SH) p. Delray Williams 3:16; 112 – Caleb Ishmael (C) by forfeit; 119 – Logan Fergeson m.d. Ethan Emerson 10-1; 125 – Karlie Woodall (SH) p. Mason Current 3:43; 130 – Ray Woodall p. Blaine Sutherland 1:22; 135 – Trent Till (SH) by forfeit; 140 – Nathan Palmer (SH) p. Braiden Goldner 1:20; 145 – Ian Ishmael (C) p. Jaden Hollis 2:16; 152 – Trevor Winkel (SH) p. Alec DeLaTorre 3:08; 160 – Travis Jordan (SH) m.d. Aaron Pounders 14-3; 171 – Xander Willet (SH) by forfeit; 189 – Jackson Calvert (SH) p. Jackson Hodges 1:41; 215 – Travis Borr (C) p. Tyler Osteen 1:10; 285 – Cole Alsup (C) p. Preston Calvert 3:12.

Semifinal

SOUTH HAVEN 42, WATERVLIET 24

103 – Ronaldo Vergara (SH) by forfeit; 112 – Trevor Pelton (W) p. Trevor Price 1:27; 119 – Jimmy Kolosowsky (W) d. Corbin Fitch 8-4; 125 – Dominick Morrison d. Karlie Woodall 5-0; 130 – Ray Woodall (SH) p. Nathan Isbrecht 5:22; 135 – Alex Isbrecht (W) d. Trent Till 7-6; 140 – Jeremy Rowland (SH) t.f. Evan Orlando 15-0; 145 – Jaden Hollis (SH) m.d. Javier Gutierrez 17-6; 152 – Trent Pickett (SH) d. Korben Camp 7-5; 160 – Trevor Winkel (SH) p. Isaac Barton 0:28; 171; Isaiah Yazel (W) d. Travis Jordan 7-2; 189 – Don Smith (W) p. Xander Willet 3:03; 215 – Jackson Calvert (SH) p. Parker Lanning 2:48; 285 – Preston Calvert (SH) p. Parker Lanning.

Semifinal

COLOMA 58, FENNVILLE 12

Second-half scoring spurt lifts South Haven to victory

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven got a much-needed Wolverine Conference win, Tuesday, when they rolled over Vicksburg in the second half for a final score of 67-49.

The basketball game started off with both teams pretty evenly matched for a close 32-28 South Haven lead at the end of the first half.

However the Rams came out strong in the third period with an 18-2 run, fueled by several steals and abundant rebounding, that gave them a comfortable 50-30 lead with 1:44 still left in the third period.

The Rams kept up the tempo throughout the rest of the game for the 67-49 victory.

The Rams are on the road this week, traveling to Coloma on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and then to Allegan on Friday, Feb. 21.

The Rams will return to their home court Tuesday, Feb. 25 when they host Fennville.

South Haven bowlers defeat Allegan, Gobles

South Haven's girls bowling team avenged an earlier loss this season to Allegan by defeating the Tigers, Feb. 8, by the overall score of 19-11.

Ironically it marked the same outcome of the two team's Jan. 29 match, when Allegan won 19-11.

During the league match on Feb. 8, the Rams narrowly lost the two-game regular series to the Tigers, 1,458-1,445, but rallied to win both baker games, 162-158, 155-121.

Jazzlin Johnson led South Haven in the regular matches with a 344 series (181, 163). MaKayla Moore followed closely behind with a 339 (168, 171); and Nadia Kimbrough with 289 (146, 143).

While the Lady Rams competed against Allegan on Feb.8, the boys easily won over Gobles, which is new to the high school bowling circuit this year, 30-0.

The Rams dominated the regular two-game series 1,539-1,165 and glided through the baker games, 135-124, 135-69.

Four of South Haven's bowlers scored in the triple digits in the regular matches, led by Garrett Heath's 355 (164-191), Cam Denbow's 307 (148, 159), Andrew Guthrie's 305 (158, 147) and Konnor Brugh's 301 (145, 156). Nic Sheppard narrowly missed the 300 mark. He bowled a 280 (125, 155) series.





Two Rams wrestlers named league champs

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

Two South Haven wrestlers were named league champions in their weight divisions at the Wolverine Conference championship.

Trevor Winkel (152) and Jackson Beck-Calvert (189) took home first-place medals.

“These boys did a great job and they both defeated the returning champions from last year,” South Haven Wrestling Coach Brad Adamson said.

Three other South Haven wrestlers placed in the championship and consolation rounds, as well. Jaden Hollis, 145, finished third, while Ray Woodall, 130, and Nathan Palmer, 140, picked up fourth-place finishes.

“This is a continuation of an excellent season. The whole team has worked very hard all season and it has paid off,” Adamson said

Adamson himself was not left out of the accolades. He was chosen Wolverine Conference Wrestling Coach of the Year for his efforts to rebuild the Rams' wrestling team to a leading contender in the league. In 2016, when Adamson took the helm, he only had three wrestlers to work with. Now the team has wrestlers in every weight class and has won several tournaments earlier this season.

“This award is chosen by the conference coaches and is very well deserved,” said South Haven High School Athletic Director Adam Verseput.



2.10.20

SH wrestler joins growing ranks of female grapplers

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven High School junior Karlie Mercado-Woodall has bravely chosen to take the path less traveled by stepping out of the box and onto the mat to become the only female member of the boys varsity wrestling team.

Karlie joined the team as a freshman three years ago and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. As a freshman she wrestled in the 119-pound weight class. This year she fills the 125-pound slot.

“Karlie has a great work ethic and a wrestling skill set that shows in her matches.” South Haven varsity wrestling Coach Brad Adamson said. ”She has frustrated many guys this season.”

Karlie’s wrestling career began when she was in fifth grade, Inspired by both her younger brother Ray Woodall, who is also on the varsity wrestling team and her father Chris Woodall, an assistant wrestling coach for the Rams.

Ray Woodall began wrestling when he was just four years old and Karlie played the role of his sparring partner for several years as she helped her dad and he practice.

I was always Ray's 'dummy' when he and my dad practiced,” Karlie explained. “I had fun doing it and one day my dad asked if I wanted to try wrestling and so I did. I have loved it ever since.”

Karlie hasn’t looked back since and has proven that with the right mindset a person can break through barriers and accomplish whatever they put their mind to.

Actually, Karlie has placed herself in the ranks of an ever-growing trend in the United States. Girls wrestling has slowly but surely begun to explode around the nation and is on the way to becoming a regular high school sport in the years to come.

In 1990 there were just 112 girls participating in high school wrestling in the United States. In 2017 there were 14,587. Many colleges around the nation have added girls wrestling to their athletic program.

“Girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the country,” Adamson said.

While Karlie is not the first girl ever to join the South Haven wrestling team, she is certainly showing how the trend is producing stronger and stronger female athletes.

“South Haven has had a few girls come through the program, but none of them have had the potential and success that Karlie brings,” Adamson said.

Karlie’s wrestling career hasn’t been all smooth sailing though. She suffered a shoulder injury late in her freshman season and that carried into her sophomore year. Karlie fought through the pain early in her sophomore season. She competed in one tournament and managed to win the match, but the injury continued to plague her and she had to sit out most of the 2018-19 season. Karlie still attended every practice and every match, however, and remained a supportive part of the team.

This year she's ready to pick up where she left off.

“She has come back this year after rehabbing her injury; in the best shape she’s ever been in.” Adamsom said.

As of mid-January, Karlie had a 10-14 record. She credits Adamson and her team for her success.

“Coach Brad is great at pushing us to work hard and not give up.” Karlie said. “And my team is great. We all help to motivate each other and keep each other focused.”

Karlie is not the only girl in South Haven to break the mold though. Two other girls have joined the ranks and joined the junior varsity wrestling team. Senior Ameerah Burton joined the team for the first time this season and freshman Makha Wozniak is also on the JV team.

“It’s great to see these girls on the team.” Karlie said. “We all work together and support one another.”

This growing trend of girl wrestlers has caught the attention of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Last year the MHSAa held its first ever girls wrestling state finals. The event took place at Adrian College. Only 100 participants were expected, but the MHSAA was pleasantly surprised to see 167 show up.

“Frankly we didn’t know what to expect,” said Adrian College Women’s Wrestling Coach Cliff Cushard in an article published by the Adrian Daily Telegram in February 2019. “So to me this was a great success.”

The MHSAA plans to hold the event again this year and Karlie plans to attend.

“Because of my injury I couldn’t go to it last year, but I am definitely going this year.” she said.

Karlie stands poised for a great future in wrestling and beyond as she embraces the challenges before her and finds the strength to take them head on.

“The biggest thing I will take away from wrestling is the memories. The blood, sweat and tears,” she said.. “I know that if I can accomplish this I can do anything.”

Injuries continue to plague Lady Rams

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven girls varsity basketball team’s younger and less-experienced players are showing their stuff as they take to the court to fill vacancies left by several injured starters.

The Lady Rams suffered another loss last Tuesday, falling 50-23 to the visiting West Michigan Homeschool team, but the young players are impressing their coach.

“I’m really proud of a couple of girls that have been trying to step up,” Rams Coach Joe Holland said.

The Lady Rams have three starters out right now due to injuries. Two of those injured players are major scoring powers for the team. Their absence has left the other major scoring power, senior point guard Jordyn Holland a prime target for the other teams.

“Two of our injured players were the leaders in rebounds and accounted for 50 percent of our scoring,” Holland said.”Now, a lot of the teams are double-teaming Jordyn.”

South Haven’s younger players are doing their best to fill the void and offering their coach a glimpse at a brighter future.

“With Jordyn being double teamed, Jina Patel has really stepped up with bringing the ball up the court for us,” Holland said.

Junior guard Blanca Gonzales and freshman Center Dayzha Crowley have stepped up to the challenge as well.

“Blanca has been doing a really good job with making good decisions and not turning the ball over and getting more aggressive,” Holland and. “And Dayzha has really stepped up with her post play and getting rebounds. This has built her confidence and allowed her to get a lot of second-chance baskets.”

Crowley led the Rams in scoring with seven points and grabbed a respectable 11 rebounds Tuesday against the Hornets. Gonzales added six points, two steals and two assists.

The Rams have struggled off on and on this season at the line and that hasn’t improved.

“I was disappointed with how badly we shot free throws. You cannot stay in the game when you shoot just 37 percent,” Holland said.

As the regular season winds down, Holland is looking for these young players to continue to step up and keep the team moving in a positive direction.

“Once we get healthy it’s going to be key for those girls to continue playing the way they are for us to get some wins going into the postseason,” Holland said.

The Lady Rams are back in action Tuesday, Feb. 11 when they travel to Vicksburg. They have a few days of downtime after that and return to their home court Wednesday, Feb. 19 to host Coloma.



Paw Paw knocks South Haven bowlers out of 2nd place

South Haven's bowling teams traveled to Rainbow Lanes this past Monday hoping to clinch a second-place finish in the Wolverine conference, but came home disappointed from the contest between two of the league's toughest competitors.

The Redskins ended up defeating both of the Rams teams, who were forced to drop to third place in the league.

“They played us tough. We were really close,” South Haven boys coach Barry Skuza said. “In the first regular match, the boys lost by just four pins. Four pins.”

The boys and girls contests came down to the baker games. “The boys tied the first game, which is very unusual,” Skuza said, “but then they lost the second one and the match.”

In the girls competition, the Rams went into the baker games after winning the two regular matches, but then lost both baker games to give Paw Paw the overall victory.

Boys results

Three Redskin bowlers racked up more than 200 points to win the first regular match 886-882, but the Rams came back to win the second one, 1,797-1,744, to lead by the slim overall margin of 10.5-9.5 going into the baker games. That's where the tide changed. The two teams tied the first game 151-all. But Paw Paw took the second one 196-178 to win the contest with the final score of 17.5-12.5.

Andrew Guthrie led the Rams in the two-game series rolling a 202 and 200. He was followed by Cameron Denbow (206, 158), Konnor Brugh (181, 177), Nic Sheppard (128, 221) and Garrett Heath (165, 159).

Girls results

The South Haven girls had a much similar experience on the lanes as the boys team did. The Lady Rams dropped the first regular match 775-757, but came back to win the second one 836-757 to take an overall 11-9 lead. But they ended up losing both baker games to give Paw Paw the win with the final score of 19-11.

Makayla Moore racked up a 393 two-game series (193, 200). She was followed by Jazzlin Johnson's 329 (157, 172); Nadia Kimbrough's 311 (159, 152) and Harlee Burrows' 301 (113, 188).

Conference standings:

Girls: 1. Allegan, 2. Paw Paw, 3. South Haven, 4. Plainwell, 5. Otsego, 6. Three Rivers, 7. Sturgis, 8. Vicksburg

Boys: 1. Paw Paw, 2. Three Rivers, 3. South Haven, 4. Allegan, 5. Sturgis, 6. Vicksburg, 7. Plainwell, 8. Otsego.

South Haven wrestlers host district tourney

With the regular season under their belts, South Haven's wrestling team will now turn its attention to post-season competition by hosting the Division 3 team district tournament, Wednesday.

The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. with the Rams squaring off with Watervliet in the opening round and Coloma competing against Fennville in the other round. The winners of those two matches will then proceed to the championship matchthat same evening.

South Haven comes into the tournament with a good chance of winning it. The Rams defeated both the Panthers and the Blackhawks earlier this season.

“We beat Fennville the first week of our season 60-15. We also beat Watervliet earlier this year, 54-21. Coloma has beaten Fennville, but they lost to Watervliet,” said South Haven wrestling coach Brad Adamson. “Not to underestimate anyone, but we should walk through the district. If things work the way I think they will, we would then face Dowagiac in the first round of team regionals, and have a chance to avenge that 33-31 loss.”

The Rams ended the regular season with a 6-3 record and a third-place finish in the dual portion of the Wolverine Conference. Edwardsburg finished first with a perfect 9-0 record, while Dowagiac came in second at 7-2.

In Division 4 wrestling district action, Bangor will be headed to Decatur on Wednesday to compete against the host team. The winner will then advance to the championship round to face the winner of the Lawrence-Hartford match

Meanwhile Bloomingdale will play host to the District 208 tournament and will compete against Delton Kellogg on Wednesday with the winner squaring off with the winner of the Martin-Gobles match in the finals.

2.4.20

Rams struggle against Plainwell, Allegan

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Lady Rams posted a few more points on the board in their second match-up against Plainwell this season, but ended up losing to the Trojans once again 54-31 in a Wolverine Conference Varsity Girls Basketball game last Tuesday.

Despite having several starting players on the bench with injuries the Rams improved on their first game against Plainwell back in December when they lost to the Trojans 52-17.

The Rams, having to start a few of the less-experienced players on their already young team, started slow falling behind quickly and ending the first half with a 33-11 deficit.

The second half proved a little stronger for the South Haven team as they were able to keep up with the Trojans and match them in points with each team averaging right around 20 points in the final two periods of the game.

Plainwell leads the Wolverine Conference right now with an impressive 8-1 record and a 8-3 record, overall. The Rams fall to 2-7 in the conference and 2-10 overall.

In earlier conference play, South Haven suffered a loss to Allegan, 56-26, on Jan. 24.

PHOTO: South Haven's Taylor Williams (left) maneuvers her way around  Allegan's Hollee Curtis during a Wolverine matchup, Jan. 24.

SH bowlers second in the league

South Haven's girls bowling team suffered its first loss of the season, Wednesday, to Allegan, 19-11. Previously sitting atop the Wolverine Conference standings, the Lady Rams are now runner-up to the Tigers.

Meanwhile, the Rams boys team improved its standings in the league with a hard-fought victory over the Tigers. Like the Lady Rams, the South Haven boys team is now in second place in the conference behind Paw Paw, who the Rams will compete against Monday in Paw Paw.

Girls results

The Rams lost the regular two-game series 1,409-1,332. They won the first baker game 148-110, but narrowly lost the second 163-161. Khylee Marr led the regular two-game series with a 293 (135, 158); and was followed by Jazzlin Johnson's 288 (131, 157); Nadia Kimbrough's 260 (145, 115) and Makaya Moore's 258 (146, 112).

Boys results

Allegan came on strong against South Haven in the opening match of the two-game regular series, but the Rams held on to win the contest by the overall score of 17.5-12.5

The Tigers dominated the first regular match by more than 250 pins, winning 1,047-797. South Haven regrouped in the second match, winning 836,783, but it was the Tigers who ended up on top at the end of the regular matches, 1,830-1,633.

The Rams' overall victory came during the baker games. They won both by scores of 166-160 and 171-147.

Garrett Heath led South Haven with a 365 series (148, 217); followed by Konnor Brough, 354 (177, 177); Andrew Guthrie, 326 (174, 152); and Cameron Denbow, 314 (164, 150).



Hall of Fame kudos comes Shanley's way

Rams golf coach honored by Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

No doubt about it. Barry Shanley loves golf.

When he's not coaching South Haven's varsity girls team in the fall, he heads to the east side of Van Buren County in the spring to mentor Lawton's boys' squad. During winter he takes his teams indoor to brush up on their swing and in the summer oversees the Lakeshore Junior Golf Association Tour.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association plans to induct Shanley into its 2020 Hall of Fame.

Shanley and three others will be named to the Hall of Fame Sunday, Feb. 23 at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton.

“It's difficult to describe,” Shanley said when asked his reaction to the honor. “It’s like the culmination of a lot of love for golf. And for a lot of players over the years.”

Shanley has coached high school golfers in Southwest Michigan for more than three decades.

He first began in Lawton in 1996. “We started the golf program at the request of my oldest son, who was a junior, and his best friend, who was a sophomore,” Shanley recalled. “We started with 7 players. The second season we had 17 and by the third season we had 43.”

Shanley spent 13 years coaching Lawton's team, but halfway through simultaneously began coaching the girls team at Kalamazoo Hackett during the fall. Shanley helped lead the Irish to four trips to the state finals. He then came to South Haven in 2011 to coach the girls in the fall, but two years ago resumed instructing the Lawton boys' team during the spring, while also organizing the summer junior golf tour that attracts high school golfers from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.

“He's done a lot over the years,” said Nancy Johnson, a member of the Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association.

Shanley does indeed put a lot of work into his coaching, but for him it's a labor of love.”

“Whether the players are girls or boys, I first love spreading the game, making it fun, getting kids to participate and offering them way more opportunities than just about anywhere in Southwest Michigan. For instance, at both Lawton and South Haven, where I currently coach, we have Saturday swing improvement sessions basically all winter, from January through April; South Haven in the morning at Lincoln's gym with mats and rubber golf balls, and in Lawton in the afternoon. Half hour sessions with 4 players at a time for a few hours in each town. Then my players can play in the summer tour, and everywhere I coach we also have a junior varsity and Southwest Michigan’s only middle school golf teams.  I coach all those teams at the same time.”

Shanley, who is now 74, was first introduced to the game of golf at a young age.

“My dad took me out to South Haven Country Club when I was 8 years old…but to pull his golf cart up and down those steep hills,” Shanley recalled. “This was before golf carts were prevalent.”

When Shanley began sixth grade, the country club's golf pro decided to hire him part-time.

“I want to thank the legendary, mystical pro at South Haven C..C, Lorin Shook, who hired me...and taught me the golf swing and much, much more.”

Shanley, who would go on to earn a bachelor's degree in communications and then spend much of his broadcasting career at Channel 3 in Kalamazoo and Channel 13 in Grand Rapids, came from a golfing family.

“My father was a charter member of South Haven Country Club and my mom played a great deal also.  They were both First Flight champions. I have them to thank for introducing me to golf...The game is a combination of art and science, of circles and planes, of ups and downs, played in a gentlemanly or lady-like way.  It is the greatest of all sports. And, as I am helping prove, it is a game for life.”

College league names SH alum Athlete of the Week

South Haven alum Bobbie Goodwin is on her way to having another great indoor track season at Grand Valley State University.

Last week, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference named her Field Athlete of the Week, while the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association chose her as National Athlete of the Week.

The conference Athlete of the Week kudos marks the third time this season that Goodwin has received the award.

Her national and league awards came following the Gladstein Invitational, Jan. 24, when she collected a second-place throw with a launch of 20.69 meters – the longest throw of the week in all of Division II.

Now a senior at GVSU, Goodwin is the reigning Division II National Champion in the weight throw.

While at South Haven, she was state runner-up in the discus in 2015 and a state qualifier for the shot put competition. As a sophomore and junior she was a state qualifier for both shot put and discus.



1.28.20

Tigers overpower South Haven in non-league tilt

Lady Rams come up short in their contest

By BEN SANDERS
HP Sports Editor

BENTON HARBOR — Benton Harbor cruised to a 95-44 victory over South Haven in Tuesday’s boys basketball game, scoring the first 22 points of the contest.
“We’ve been coming out sloppy against South Haven the last few years,” Benton Harbor coach Corey Sterling said. “We really wanted to set the tone and not be sloppy tonight.”
Benton Harbor won the girls game of the doubleheader 31-27. In the boys game, South Haven (4-5) turned the ball over on four of its first five possessions, all leading to baskets for Benton Harbor (9-1). It continued to get worse for the Rams until they finally got on the board with 3:16 left in the first quarter on a three-point play Anthony White.
“One of our goals was not to lose the game on the press,” South Haven coach Larry Ash said. “The first four or five minutes, that was over with.
“They’re a great team. They played pressure defense all over the floor, and we want to dribble. You can only take one or two dribbles and you’ve got to pick it up before you get there and make sure you get it to somebody. We weren’t doing that.”
Benton Harbor led 30-9 after one quarter and 5324 at halftime. Much of the second half was played with a running clock.
The Tigers got scoring from a variety of sources. Carlos Johnson led Benton Harbor with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Quindarius Davis scored 13 of his 19 points in the first quarter, and Kentrell Pullian added 16.
Greg Cooper got the start for the Tigers and was a force on defense, chasing down South Haven players and blocking shots when they broke the Benton Harbor press.
“He’s been averaging four blocks a game for us, he had five blocks tonight,” Sterling said. “He could’ve had a lot more, he altered a lot of shots. He allowed us to gamble a little bit more because we’ve got an anchor like Cooper.”
Sophomores Trucel Singleton and Delricco Gillespie also made an impression, scoring nine and six points respectively.
“Singleton has been playing better and better,” Sterling said. “He’s our floor general for our second unit. Gillespie, a guy we brought up from JV, he’s a 6-7 sophomore, he’s our future, too. Games like this when everybody’s playing, it’s a win-win.”
Zander Russell led South Haven with 15 points.
“I like playing Benton Harbor,” Ash said. “You know when you come in here you better play. If you don’t, this is what’s going to happen to you.
“If you set goals to go somewhere or win the district, you’ve got to go through stuff like this.”
The girls game was more competitive. A pair of free throws by Jordyn Holland with 3:27 left put South Haven (2-8) up 24-23, its first lead since 1-0.
Benton Harbor (3-8) quickly got the lead back on a basket by Desrae Kyles. It was her only field goal of the game.
“We had some big putbacks down the stretch,” Benton Harbor coach Kenny Jackson said. “I didn’t think we did a good enough job getting the ball to the bigs. I really wanted to get the ball to (Kyles). She’s 6-foot-3, and she has a sweet touch around the basket. So we’ve got to do a better job of getting her the ball.”
Two free throws by Jmya Jordan put the Tigers ahead for good at 27-25. Jordan scored a game-high 11 points.
Holland led South Haven with nine points. She was 5-for-8 from the free-throw line, but the Rams struggled as a team, going just 8-for-23 on foul shots.
“Other girls, when they get those opportunities, they’ve got to step up and we’ve just got to make them,” South Haven coach Joey Holland said. “If we go 50 percent, we pretty much will win the game.”
Benton Harbor defeated South Haven last season in a district semifinal by a very similar score, 33-29.
“I only have three returners from last year, so those girls I know wanted this game pretty bad,” coach Holland said. “After last year’s districts, that kind of stung a little bit. Tonight kind of stings too, but we’re a young team. We’re still going in the right direction. If we can fix some things by the end of the year, hopefully in districts we can have a different outcome.”
“It was super close last year,” Jackson said. “But it’s always good to come out on top.”

PHOTO: South Haven's Xavier Ward passes while under pressure from Benton Harbor's William Suggs during the first half of Tuesday night's game at Benton Harbor High School. (Photo by Don Campbell)

Depth gives Sturgis the edge over South Haven swimmers

By LISA DeANGELIS
For the Tribune

South Haven boys varsity swim team traveled to Sturgis this past Tuesday, Jan. 21 for a Wolverine conference dual meet, where they swam for many time drops and several personal records, but a much larger Sturgis team ended up with the 117-63 win.
“The boys did a great job, we saw a lot of time drops,” South Haven Coach Thomas Capps said. “'Sturgis’ numbers have exploded and their coach has done a wonderful job with the program. South Haven fought hard.”
The Rams came on strong with a 2-3-4, finish in the 200 individual medley. Ben Meyer went neck and neck with Charles Frost of Sturgis, being “touched” by just .01 of a second. South Haven’s Jacob Florey took third in that race, just one second behind the leaders, and teammate Brandon Jonatzke finished in fourth for the Rams.
“All three of the 200 IM swimmers dropped their time in that race,” Capps said .”They gave it their all.”
Three first-year swimmers for the South Haven Rams rose to the occasion and dropped their times for point-earning finishes in the 50-yard freestyle. Freshman Jacob Meyer took second in that event with a time of 25.65.
“As a freshman, Jacob is working wonders in the pool,” Capps said. ”I am excited to see him taper down.”
Lars Larsen joined the Rams' swim team for the first time this year as a junior. He swam for a fourth place in the 50 freestyle with a time of 26.62.
“Lars has progressed so quickly,” Capps said. “He dropped close to a second off his time in this event. He is doing great.”
Another freshman swimmer for the Rams, Eduardo Solis, beat his personal record in the  event with a time of 29.89 and a sixth-place finish.
South Haven’s Vance Locker took a first-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle at 2:05.55 while Jacob Meyer finished fourth.
Locker also posted a second-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly at a time of 1:00.56, just .01 of a second behind Sturgis’ Rylee Cain.
Jacob Florey earned a second-place finish for the Rams in the 100-yard freestyle at 59.07 just a second behind the leader from Sturgis, Cash Schwermer, at 58.06. Larsen posted a strong third place for the Rams in that event as well, with a time of 1:02.11. "Florey did a great job and stayed in the 'minute and under club' as I call it,” Capps said. “And Lars did a great job too. He dropped four seconds off his time in that event. ”
Jonatzke dropped his time as well in the 500-yard freestyle for a strong third-place finish at a time of 6;51.36.
South Haven’s 200-yard freestyle relay A team earned first place with a time of 1:43.69, a solid five seconds ahead of Sturgis.

Rams grapplers tie for 2nd in league

South Haven wrestlers upped their Wolverine Conference record to 6-2 last week and are now in a three-way tie for second place in the league, along with Paw Paw and Dowagiac.
The Rams took on Vicksburg and Plainwell Wednesday and eked out a 39-33 win over the Trojans and a decisive 72-9 victory over the Bulldogs.
The Rams' improved their overall record to 13-2 and will now face Paw Paw Wednesday in the final league dual meet of the season.

South Haven 39
Plainwell 33
119 — Trammel Robinson, P, p. Corbin Fitch, SH, 1:15; 125 — Caleb Williams, P, p. Karlie Woodall, 4:46; 130 — Ray Woodall, SH, p. Drake Blackmun, 3:38; 135 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, d. Tyler Preuss, 6-4; 140 — Jaden Hollis, SH, d. Matthew Beck, SV-1, 5-3; 145 — Nathan Palmer, SH, p. Mason Wassink, 51 seconds; 152 — Owen McDaniel, P, d. Trevor Winkel, 15-13; 160 — Parker Burnett, P, p. Travis Jordan, 4:59; 171 — Luke Lyons, P, p. Xander Willet, 13 seconds; 189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Dalton Shannon, 1:14; 215 — Tyler Osteen, SH, won by forfeit; 285 — Preston Calvert, SH, won by forfeit; 103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, d. Steele Madison, 7-5; 112 — Brendan Smith, P, p. Trevor Price, 3:31

South Haven 72
Vicksburg 9
125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, won by forfeit; 130 — Ray Woodall, SH, won by forfeit; 135 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, won by forfeit; 140 — Jaden Hollis, SH, won by forfeit; 145 — Nathan Palmer, SH, p. Ty Barnes, 1:45; 152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Griffin Day, 1:08; 160 — Travis Jordan, SH, p. Tyler Buddemeier, 3:56; 171 — Carter Mann, V, d. Xander Willet, 6-5; 189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Kenneth Stermer, 1:09; 215 — Tyler Osteen, SH, won by forfeit; 285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Jakub Searls, 1:58; 103 — John Culver, V, p. Ronaldo Vergara, 40 seconds; 112 — Trevor Price, SH, p. Daxton Rugg, 35 seconds; 119 — Ethan Emerson, SH, won by forfeit




1.20.20

Plainwell overpowers Rams swim team

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven swimmers earned several top finishes, Tuesday, but it just wasn't enough to overpower a much larger Plainwell team. The Trojans ended up winning, 121-59.

The Rams' Vance Locker led South Haven in points earned with a pair of first-place finishes in both the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly.

Jacob Florey added nine points for the Rams with a first-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle and a third-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle.

Maddox Uckele contributed eight points to the Rams' effort with first-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle and a fourth-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle.

South Haven’s Jacob Meyer posted a second place in the 500-yard freestyle and a fifth place finish in the 200-individual medley. Ram teammate Lars Larsen swam for a third-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle and a fifth-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle.

Other point earners for the Rams included Kayden Breen with a fifth place in the 200-yard freestyle and a fifth place in the 100-yard backstroke, Ben Meyer with a third place finish in the 200-yard individual medley, Edward Solis with a sixth place in the 50-yard freestyle, Brandon Jonaatzke with a sixth-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly, Luke Prong, fourth in the 100-yard backstroke, and ysmil Garcia and Ashton Fields took fourth and fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

The South Haven Relay teams took two second-place finishes in the 200-yard medley and the 200-yard freestyle. The 200 medley team consisted of Ben Meyer, Jacob Meyer, Locker and Uckele. The 200 freestyle team included Uckele, Locker, Florey and Jacob Meyer.

The Rams will be traveling for the next three meets but will return home on Jan. 28 to Host Harper Creek.

PHOTO: South Haven’s Kayden Breen swims to a fifth-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke during Tuesday's meet against Plainwell. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

South Haven bowlers undefeated in conference

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven Rams varsity bowling teams remained undefeated in the Wolverine Conference last week after defeating Otsego on Tuesday.

Both teams won by the identical overall score of 23-7.

South Haven's Nic Sheppard, a sophomore, bowled his first 200 game and posted a 180.5 average in the two-game series. Konnor Brough bowled a 191 and 199 to average 195 on the night, while Cameron Denbow averaged 177.5 against the Bulldogs.

“The boys are finding their groove and smashing pins,” South Haven Coach MaryAnn Richmond said.

Lady Ram Makaykla Moore shot a 208 to help South Haven and finished the evening with a 188.5 average.

“Makayla had several good games,” Richmond said. “She lost her point but kept up with her opponent to keep the pressure on her.”

Harlee Burrows added to the Lady Ram victory with a 168 average for the match.

The Rams travel to Joey Armadillos in Niles Saturday, Jan. 18 to take Niles Brandywine. The return home on Thursday, Jan. 23 to host Three rivers in further Wolverine Conference action.

SH Rams hang tough against Otsego, Allegan

South Haven grapplers improved their standing last week in the Wolverine Conference with victories over Otsego and Allegan.

The Rams defeated the Bulldogs 57-21 and Allegan 49-28.

South Haven's overall record is now 11-2 overall and 4-2 in the conference. Their only losses so far this season have been to conference leader Edwardsburg and Dowagiac.

“I’m extremely happy with the amount of support the team shows for each other,” South Haven Coach Brad Adamson said. “Two of our team captains, Trevor Winkel and Jackson Calvert, have done a great job leading the team and setting the tone for our matches. They are tremendous leaders both on and off the mat.”

Results from Wednesday's tri-match follow:

South Haven 57

Otsego 21

152 — Trent Pickett, SH, won by forfeit

160 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Ben Bickell

171 — Travis Jordan, SH, p. Richard Longstreet

189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Jaden Mack-Breece, 54 seconds

215 — Brad Austin, O, p. Tyler Osteen, 1:30

285 — Jakob Slater, O, d. Preston Calvert, 6-1

103 — Dayman Sutherland, O, p. Ronaldo Vergara, 5:59

112 — Aden Campbell, O, p. Corbin Fitch, SH, 2:53

119 — Trevor Price, SH, won by forfeit

125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, won by forfeit

130 — Ray Woodall, SH, won by forfeit

135 — Trent Till, SH, won by forfeit

140 — Nathan Palmer, SH, won by forfeit

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, d. Connor Plotts, 11-4

South Haven 49

Allegan 28

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Tyson Mead, 4:37

160 — Tristan Mohrland, A, p. Travis Jordan, 2:18

171 — Xander Willet, SH, p. Brent Sherwood, 3:18

189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, d. Benjamin Powers, 8-6

215 — Zakary Foster, A, won by forfeit

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Aiden Glatz, 49 seconds

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Mason Wooster, 33 seconds

112 — Trevor Price, SH, m.d. Dom Adams, 13-5

119 — Corbin Fitch, SH, won by forfeit

125 — Austin Fulmer, A, m.d. Karlie Woodall, 19-8

130 — Johnathan Sebesta, A, p. Trent Till, 5:06

135 — Tyson Emmons, A, p. Ray Woodall, 3:12

140 — Jaden Hollis, SH, p. Skyler Szczepanski, 1:35

145 — Nathan Palmer, SH, p. Josh Bruin



Missed free throws prove costly for Rams

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven varsity hoopsters played a solid game against Dowagiac, Tuesday, leading the entire game, but then the Rams faltered in the final two minutes, narrowly losing 49-43.

“Dowagiac is a good team, they put pressure on you the whole game and full court,” Rams Coach Larry Ash said. “I was really proud of how we handled the pressure.”

Ash said the game was lost at the free throw line in the last two minutes of the Wolverine Conference matchup.

“The game is won at the free throw line and we shot bad again,” Ash said. “We hit just one of four in the last minute.”

Overall, the Rams only managed only four of 10 at the charity stripe.

Anthony White led the Rams on offense and defense followed very closely by Brenden Williamson. White earned 10 points, grabbed nine rebounds and two steals and helped with two assists. Williamson shot for nine points, grabbed eight rebounds and one steal and aided with four assists.

It was actually a pretty solid team effort for the Rams as Zander Russell added nine points, two rebounds and two steals. Xavier Ward had seven points, five rebounds, two steals and two assists. Bo Larkin came up with six points and four rebounds, while Jackson Williams contributed with two points and three rebounds.

Ash said even though the Rams gave up 15 turnovers, they played solidly against the Chieftains for the entire game. “Every time they would get within one point we would score again.” he said.

It was the final two minutes and missed free throws that took the win from the Rams.

“Dowagiac made the right plays in crunch time and we didn’t,” Ash said.”You have to focus and take your time when you have the advantage. We just didn’t do that.”

The Rams travel to Benton Harbor on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and then are back home on Friday to host Allegan.

Lady Rams win easily over Dowagiac Chieftains

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's Lady Rams made short work of the Dowagiac Chieftains, Tuesday, to earn a 49-15 Wolverine Conference victory.

It was all South Haven from the onset of the game and it was turnovers that kept the Chieftains on the run. Four turnovers forced by the Rams in the first few minutes of the game gave them an early 4-0 lead.

South Haven faltered for just a moment or two in the final minutes of the first period. They bobbled the ball and gave up a steal and then caught a couple fouls giving the Chieftains a chance to get as close as they ever would. The game was tied at 6-6 going into the second period, but the Rams regained their composure to forge ahead 15-8 at the halftime buzzer.

The Lady Rams kept up the pressure in the second half with a host of steals that lead to a 30-11 lead at the end of the third period.

Dowagiac struggled with fouls the entire game but it got much worse in the final period when they were called on a dozen fouls in the the last eight minutes of the game.

The scorebooks stop counting at 10 fouls but the Chieftains actually totaled 16 fouls in the second half alone.

The Lady Rams were led on offense by Yazmine Hall and Bernadette Brown, who each scored 10 points.

The Lady Rams travel to Benton Harbor on Tuesday Jan. 21 and then return to take on Allegan, Friday.





1.17.19

Rams middle school boys swim team defeats Kalamazoo

South Haven Middle School swimmers swam well at a meet earlier this month at Loy Norrix.

The Rams' boys team defeated Kalamazoo Middle School's team, while the girls came in second.

Some of the highlights of the meet included personal best achievements by several swimmers as well as two additional state-qualifying events. 

The boys 200-yard medley relay team, which included Nick McMillan, Isaac Chalupa, Sam McMillan and Carson Dissette, swam their best time, while Isaac Chalupa, Marissa Uckele, Maddie Sedlak and Claire Newberry all achieved career bests in the 100-yard individual medley. 

In the freestyle events, personal bests were achieved by Gianna Bell and Lauryn Daugherty in the 200-yard individual event.  Carson Dissette, Cooper Olney and Sam Rose had a career night in the 50-yard freestyle, and Grace Lundy had a personal best swim in the 100-yard freestyle, with an enormous 11 second drop off of her time. 

In butterfly, Kayla Kral swam her best time in the 50-yard event. 

Elena Cavadas accomplished a personal goal by qualifying individually for the MISCA State Invitational in both the 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard butterfly events. 

"From the coaches' perspective, it is such a thrill to watch these athletes compete at this level,” said Coach Maryanne Ruby. “Some of these races are so closely contested that it can truly bring everyone to their feet, holding their breath until the final results post on the scoreboard.  This was another great night for South Haven Middle School swimming.  Congratulations to everyone on the team.”

Ram grapplers put to the test

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

After grappling their way to two third-place finishes during holiday invitationals, South Haven returned home, Wednesday, to face its two toughest Wolverine Conference teams – Dowagiac and Edwardsburg – in a tri-match.

The Rams lost to both teams, but not by large margins. The Chieftains just edged South Haven, 33-31, while the Eddies won 50-27.

“These are the two toughest teams in the conference,” South Haven Head Coach Brad Adamson said. ”Edwardsburg is the returning conference champions and Dowagiac is ranked eighth in the state in Division 3.”

South Haven grapplers are looking for another chance to defeat the two league powerhouses.

“We should see them again if we make it through to team regionals,” Adamson said. “And we will have to beat them to make it to state. We are already looking forward to the rematch.”

The Rams are on the road for the remainder of the month of January. They will not be back at home until Feb. 12 when they host the team district tournament.

Results from Wednesday's tri-match follow:

Dowagiac 33

South Haven 31

145: Jaden Hollis, SH, p. John Hassle, 1:33

152: Trevor Winkel, SH d. Deny White, 7-3

160: Lamberto Paredes, D, p. Travis Jordan, 5:09

171: Dylan Anderson, D, d. Xander Willet, 6-5

189: Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Luke Staten, 3:15

215: Mike Schlup, D, p. Tyler Osteen, 1:02

285: Wyatt Bailey, D, d. Preston Calvert, 10-8

103: Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Jorge Gamino-Rivero, 4:52

112: Jordan Simpson, D, p. Trevor Price, 29 seconds

119: Tyler Huston, D, p. Corbin Fitch, 3:24

125: Karlie Woodall, SH, d. Dustin Sirk, 10-3

130: Ray Woodall, SH, d. Alex McIntosh, 5-4

135: Trent Till, SH, MD, Adrian Lee, 9-0

140: Seth Ward, D, d. Nathan Palmer, 5-4

Edwardsburg 50

South Haven 27

152: Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Jeremy Walker, 58 seconds

160: Nathan Andrina, E, p. Travis Jordan, 2:34

171: Tabor Lock, E, d. Xander Willet, 5-2

189: Dillon Hursh, E, p. Tyler Osteen, 35 seconds

215: Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Andrew Harris, 34 seconds

285: Preston Calvert, SH, p. Carter Pethick, 3:00

103: Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Caleb Fielder, 2:48

112: Andrew Castelucci, E, p. Trevor Price, 1:55

119: Nick Eaton, E, p. Ethan Amerson, 1:49

125: Kaden Parsons, E, p. Karlie Woodall, 3:47

130: Noah Tinkham, E, TF, Trent Till, 16-1 6:00

135: Ray Woodall, SH, d. Austin Peacock, 5-0

140: Jackson Hoover, E, p. Jeremy Rowland, 32 seconds

145: Jacob Reece, E, p. Jaden Hollis, 2:14

South Haven gets back on track

Rams hand Tigers their first loss of the season

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven rejuvenated its home-court dominance, Tuesday, with a solid 71-53 non-conference victory over Gobles, giving the Tigers their first loss of the season.

The Rams scored early and often in the first quarter, surprising Gobles, who had a slight height advantage. By the end of the stanza, South Haven led 26-8.

“We’ve been working on our press and that bothered them,” Rams Coach Larry Ash said. “we got some steals off of it.”

The Rams kept their scoring drive going in the second quarter, and closed the half well ahead of the Tigers for a 42-25 score at the buzzer.

Despite the lead, the Tigers remained competitive throughout the contest.

“Yes, Gobles is a pretty good team and they shoot the ball really well,’ Ash said. “Their big guy got into foul trouble and that helped us some. He was really controlling the middle before that.”

South Haven continued to dominate the second half of the game, posting a healthy 58-37 lead going into the final stanza.

The Tigers tried to rally for a comeback in the final period outscoring the Rams by just a little, 16-13, but it was too late and the Rams held on for the 71-53 win.

“We shot the ball pretty good and played team ball, I was proud of the way we shared the ball.” Ash said.

South Haven’s Zander Russell lead the scoring onslaught for the Rams with 25 points including 2-of-4 at the line. He also contributed four rebounds. Teammate Brenden Williamson was also a lead scorer with 23 points,including 6 of 10 free throws. He also helped out with four assists.

Anthony White posted 14 points for the Rams and hauled down five rebounds. Xavier Ward led at the board with seven rebounds. He also added seven assists and three steals.

South Haven's record improves to 3-2.

The Rams are away for the next couple of weeks but will return home Jan. 24 to host Allegan.

2nd quarter scoring surge propels Indians past Bangor

y MAXWELL HARDEN

HP Sports Writer

HARTFORD – After a sluggish start to the game, the Hartford boys basketball team used a 19-0 run in the second quarter to capture a 70-52 Southwest 10 Conference win over Bangor on Wednesday.

“We started slow in the first quarter,” Hartford coach John Johnson said. “We talked about their press and talked about playing the game at our pace. Once we got our pace going, everything fell into place for us.” The Vikings used a 7-0 run in the second quarter to trim the Indians’ lead to 20-17 before Hartford’s Aaron Sinclair took the game over. The junior scored 12 of his game-high 25 points in the second quarter as the Indians outscored the Vikings 27-12 in the period to put the game away.

“His shot wasn’t falling early and we talked about taking the ball to the basket,” Johnson said. “Generally, he’s going to be the best athlete on the floor most nights. When the ship isn’t sailing well, it’s nice to have somebody like that.”

The Indians led by as many as 26 in the fourth quarter. Elijah Ledesma and Tanner Kinchen scored 12 points apiece for Hartford.

“I was happy with our pace tonight,” Johnson said. “Our defense is really good, we just need to rebound better offensively. We’re a great defensive team but if we don’t take care of the boards we’ll be in trouble.

“Overall, I was happy with our performance coming out of break.”

Omar Jeffries led Bangor with 11 points.

The conference win keeps Hartford on pace with the top teams in the Southwest 10, while Bangor is still looking for its first win of the season.

The Vikings hit the road on Thursday to play Decatur at 7:30 p.m. and Hartford will travel to Mendon Friday for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

“We’ve been ahead in the fourth quarter every game this season,” Johnson said. “We’ve let a few of those get away from us. Hopefully tonight, with the pace we played at, the kids will start doing more of the things we need to do to be successful.”







1.3.19

SH wrestlers earn third place at Mike Adamson invitational

IONIA — The competition became tougher for South Haven's wrestling team when they traveled to Ionia for the 22^nd annual Mike Adamson Invitational during Christmas break, but despite competing against veterans wrestling squads, the Rams came home with a third-place finish.

Five South Haven varsity wrestlers earned runner-up honors in their weight divisions in the round-robin tournament, one placed third while three came in fourth. The tournament also included JV matches where South Haven's Roderic Yelding won the 140-pound weight class, while Corbin Fitch finished in third in the 119 division.

Team results follow: 1. Portland, 288; 2. Livonia Stevenson, 261.5; 3. South Haven, 254; 4. Forest Hills Eastern, 247-5; 5. Zeeland East, 206.5; 6. Lansing Eastern, 173; 7. Delton-Kellogg, 168; 8. Ovid-Elsie, 163; 9. Ionia, 148; 10. Onaway, 65.

Individual results for South Haven:

103 - Ronaldo Vergara, 2nd place

112 - Trevor Price, 6th place

119 - Ethan Emmerson, 7th place

125 - Karlie Woodall, 6th place

130 - Trent Till, 2nd place

135 - Ray Woodall, 4th place

140 - Nate Palmer, 4th place

140 - Jeremy Rowland, 7th place

145 - Jaden Hollis, 2nd place

145 - Dryden Stainbrook, 4th place

152 - Trevor Winkel, 3rd place

160 - Travis Jordan, 7th place

171 - Xander Willet, 8th place

215 - Jackson Calvert, 2nd place

Hwt - Preston Calvert, 2nd place

The day after the Mike Adamson invitational, South Haven's varsity and JV wrestlers returned to the mat at home to volunteer as table workers at the South Haven MYWAY youth tournament.

The young Rams did well at the tournament. Results follow for South Haven:

40 - Luis Zarco-Zuniga, 2nd place

40 - Maverick Faulkner, 3rd place

43 - Noah Saucedo, 3rd place

46 - Alonzo King, 2nd place

61 - Logan Pressley, 2nd place

64 - Mathias Fricke, 3rd place

69 - Victor Hovorka, Jr 4th place

72 - Gabriel Saucedo, 4th place

75 - Alex Bristol, 3rd place

75 - Carter Adamson, 4th place

90 - Michael Fricke, 3rd place

133 - Zacorious Tanner, 2nd place

12.30.19

South Haven grapplers improve to 9-0 team record

The motto, “there's no I in team” appears to be the mantra for South Haven's wrestling team. Teamwork paid off for the Rams, Dec. 21 who upped their record to a perfect 9-0 after winning their own invitational by defeating Bloomingdale, Ravenna, Reed City, Unity Christian and Watervliet.

“Once again this group has proven that their hard work and dedication will pay off. It's a tight nit family in the wrestling room and the amount of support they have for each other gets displayed in moments like these,” said South Haven Coach Brad Adamson. “While we have had great leadership and performances from our upperclassmen,  I'm extremely proud of our underclassmen that have stepped into the varsity line up without skipping a beat.”

Nine Rams wrestlers won all of their matches at the invite — Ronaldo Vergera (103), Trent Till (130), Ray Woodall (135), Jeremy Worland (140), Jaden Hollis (145), Dryden Stainbrook (152), Trevor Winkel (171), Jackson Calvert (189) and Preston Calvert (285).

Adamson lauded the team's performance, overall, but pointed out the athleticism of two underclassmen, as well.

“Freshman, Ronaldo Vergera and Jeremy Rowland stand out to me. Jeremy really dug deep on Saturday to avenge his only loss of the season when he won against Watervliet and Ronaldo remains undefeated on the season,” Adamson said.

South Haven 64

Bloomingdale 17

171 — Devin Gibson, BD, p. Travis Jordan, 2:48

189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, won by forfeit

215 — Garrett Grover, BD, p. Tyler Osteen, 1:24

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Stephos Georgiou, 1:32

103 — Ronaldo Vergera, SH, won by forfeit

112 — Trevor Price, SH, won by forfeit

119 — Ethan Emerson, SH, won by forfeit

125 — Julian Reyes, BD, TF, Karlie Woodall

130 — Ray Woodall, SH, MD Carlos Garcia, 10-2

135 — Trent Till, SH, p. Chris Streeter, 1:20

140 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, p. James Dickerson 15 seconds

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, won by forfeit

152 — Dryden Stainbrook, SH, won by forfeit

160 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Alex Sustaita, 1:30

South Haven 60

Ravenna 23

160 — Travis Jordan, SH, won by forfeit

171 — Zeke Thompson, R, p. Xander Willet, 3:57

189 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Brenden Forsythe, 23 seconds

215 — Juan Castyllo, R, p. Tyler Osteen, 3:34

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Andrew Essex, 26 seconds

103 — Ronaldo Vergera, SH, p. Christian Dohm, 53 seconds

112 — Nicholas Scofield, R, TF Trevor Price

119 — Kevin Spoelman, R, p. Ethan Emerson, 31 seconds

125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, p. Ben Areepongsa, 1:04

130 — Trent Till, SH, won by forfeit

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, p. Joshua Kooiman, 1:55

140 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, won by forfeit

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, p. Travis Getz, 59 seconds

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Damien Stafford, 1:24

South Haven 63

Reed City 9

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, d. Austin Fowler, 4-2

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, d. Ryan Neal, 11-4

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Andrew Clemetshaw, 1:24

112 — Trevor Price, SH, won by forfeit

119 — Anakin Andrus, RC, won by forfeit

125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, p. Mason Johnson, 1:40

130 — Ray Woodall, SH, won by forfeit

135 — Trent Till, SH, d. Alex Andrus, 8-4

140 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, p. Aaron Boucher, 2:19

145 — Dryden Stainbrook, SH, p. Bryson Hughes, 1:34

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Chad Landis, 48 seconds

160 — Kellen Haney, RC, d. Travis Jordan, 7-5

171 — Xander Willet, SH, p. Jonathan Fuentes, 2:46

189 — Tyler Osteen, SH, p. Noah Morgan, 37 seconds

South Haven 61

Unity Christian 18

189 — Johnny Bosma, UC, p. Tyler Osten, 1:17

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Kolby Headley, 30 seconds

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, won by forfeit

103 — Ronaldo Vergera, SH p. Todd Leatherman, 4:22

112 — Trevor Price, SH, won by forfeit

119 — Jacob DeJong, UC, p. Corbin Fitch, 2:26

125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, p. Nate Beute, 3:15

130 — Ray Woodall, SH, won by forfeit

135 — Trent Till, SH, p. Caleb Gaffner, 2:49

140 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, d. Kaden Dykstra, 7-2

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, won by forfeit

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Colin Glashower, 2:32

160 — Travis Jordan, SH, MD, Josh Heyboer, 11-0

171 — Joey Vredevoogd, UC, p. Xander Willet, 2:58

South Haven 54

Watervliet 21

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Thomas Morgan, 38 seconds

103 — Ronaldo Vergera, SH, p. Jimmy Kolowosky, 3:16

112 — Trever Pelton, W, p. Trevor Price, 1:28

119 — Corbin Fitch, SH, won by forfeit

125 — Dominick Morrison, W, d. Karlie Woodall, 9-2

130 — Trent Till, SH, won by forfeit

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, d. Alex Isbrecht, 6-2

140 — Jeremy Rowland, SH, d. Nathan Isbrecht, 10-7

145 — Dryden Stainbrook, SH, p. Javier Gutierrez, 23 seconds

152 — Jaden Hollis, SH, p. Isaac Barton, 1:03

160 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Korben Camp, 56 seconds

171 — Isaiah Yazel, W, p. Xander Willet, 47 seconds

189 — Santi Wilkinson, W, p. Tyler Osteen, 1:13

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, won by forfeit

PHOTO: Jackson Calvert of South Haven is shown competing against a Bangor wrestler earlier this season. Calvert racked up a perfect 5-0 record at the South Haven Invitational. (File photo by Tom Renner)

South Haven bowlers on a roll

The Lady Rams bowling team rolled to another victory, Dec. 21, defeating Niles 23-7.

South Haven won the two regular matches 1,593-1,501, and split the baker games, 153-166, 141-110.

Nadia Kimbrough led the Rams with a 348 series (151, 197). She was followed close behind by Makayla Moore who rolled a 343 (171, 171); Khylee Marr, 305 (144, 161); and Teagan Burson, 289 (165, 124).

South Haven's boys team didn't fare quite as well. They lost to Allegan, 17.5-12.5. The Tigers won the regular matches, 1,692-1,632, while the Rams won the first baker game, 173-161, but lost the second, 226-180.

Garrett Heath led South Haven's scoring with a 361 series (159, 202). He was followed by Andrew Guthrie, 341 (175-166); Cameron Denbow, 338 (178, 160); and Nic Sheppard, 316 ( 123, 193).



12.27.19

Otsego squelches South Haven's third-quarter comeback

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven boys varsity basketball team suffered its first at-home loss of the season Dec. 20, falling 69-53 to Otsego.

Both teams came into the game with a 3-1 record. The Bulldogs' only loss this season came at the hands of another very tough team, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the week prior.

South Haven started the night matching the Bulldogs point for point through the first period trailing by just 16-14 at the end of the first period.

The first five minutes of the second period went much the same, until the Bulldogs managed a steal and then a foul to pull ahead 25-20 at three minutes on the clock. South Haven head Coach Larry Ash called a time out shortly after that. The final three minutes of the first half were fast paced as the Rams returned from that timeout to knock in a pair of three pointers and a couple more points at the line for a 37-28 deficit at the halftime break.

South Haven opened the second half with another three point shot to pull within just two baskets of the Bulldogs at 37-33 early in the third period.

But, Otsego answered with a couple of steals and pulled two fouls to go ahead once again 51-35, and continued on that pattern for a 55-40 Bulldog lead at the end of the third period.

The Rams started the final period with a couple of fastbreaks that paid off and a few points at the line to inch a little closer again for a 59-48 score with four minutes left in the game. But, that was as close as South Haven would get in the final moments of the game.

PHOTO: South Haven’s Bo Larkin returns downcourt on a fastbreak with no defenders on his heels. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

12.23.19

Lady Rams get their first win of the season

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's young girls basketball team won its first game of the season in a big way, Friday, by spoiling Otsego's perfect record.

The Rams won by the Wolverine Conference tilt, 37-29.

Earlier in the week, the Lady Rams faced Three Rivers and lost, 47-20.

The Rams posted a strong fourth period against the Wildcats, going on an 11-6 run, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome the huge deficit they found themselves in after a very disorganized and slow first half.

South Haven's offense just didn't seem to be present in the first half of the game, falling to a huge 27-3 shortfall in the first period alone. The second period was a little better but still a very one-sided game as the Wildcats took advantage of nearly 20 South Haven turnovers to push the ever-growing lead to 37-5 to close the first half. Things looked bleak for the Lady Rams.

“We played timid,” South Haven Coach Joe Holland said. “We weren’t playing defense and when we broke their press we weren’t looking to score. Our offense was just totally stagnant and no one seemed to want to step up and take charge. We simply told the girls at half time that we had to stop watching the game and start getting into it by rebounding, boxing out and looking to get to the basket. We were able to get Three Rivers in foul trouble early but at no time did we take advantage of it.”

The half-time talk seemed to bring the Lady Rams around a bit. They were able to slow the Wildcats offense somewhat, matching the other team’s scoring with a 4-4 third period.

“I was a lot happier with how we came out in the second half.,” Holland said. “The girls started playing better defense, we started looking to attack the basket, and we did a really good job on the boards and boxing out.”

South Haven really came on strong in the fourth period when junior point guard Jordyn Holland grabbed a couple of steals and made good on them, scoring 10 of her 13 game points.

“Defensively Dayzha Crowley, Yazmine Hall and Alley Woodall were huge for us in the paint,” Holland said. “Freshman center Dayzha Crowley really helped and fought tough, boxing out and grabbing rebounds. Offensively, Jordyn got into a groove knocking down two big three-pointers and making two more baskets from the field.”

Holland finished the night with 13 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Bernadette Brown and Yazmine Hall led the defense with five rebounds each. Brown also contributed with four blocks and four points. Hall added three points, and 2 blocks.

The Rams seem to struggle this season with a slow start in each game, according to Holland.

“It’s frustrating because I know we’re not where we want to be, however we as coaches understand that we are very young and an inexperienced team at the varsity level,” Holland said. “With only three returners from last season playing we have a lot of girls that are having to learn a lot and take on a lot of responsibilities at the varsity level and in our tough conference. But there’s definitely a lot of hope and we saw a lot of good things in the second half that we’re looking forward to building on to take us through the end of the season. We will get there, the girls know that the goal is just to get better each day.”

Rams squeeze by Three Rivers

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's boys basketball team posted their second victory in a row, Tuesday, by defeating host Three Rivers in a hard-fought, very close battle, 58-57.

The Rams' first win of the season came Friday, Dec. 12 with a 63-51 victory over Sturgis.

South Haven traveled to Three Rivers as a skeleton team with only six players and the other half out sick.

“This was a hard fought game,” Rams Head Coach Larry Ash said. “We had only six players, we have 11 on the team. Everyone was sick.”

All six of the Rams’ players posted a strong effort to gain the edge and pull off an away-victory for the first time this season, pushing their overall record to 2-2.

“I am very proud of these guys. They played with a lot of heart. This was a team effort and a big win,” Ash said.

Leading the offense for the Rams Tuesday night was senior guard Brendan Williamson with an impressive 26 points. Williamson hit six of 10 free throws and added one assist to the offensive effort. On the defensive side Williamson came up with two rebounds and two steals.

Senior Ram Xander Russell had a great night as well, dropping in 17 points including four of six free throws. Russell added to the defensive effort with four rebounds and a steal.

Anthony White and Xavier Ward played a huge role in keeping the Wildcats at bay for the Rams. White finished the night with nine rebounds and six points and Ward finished with eight rebounds and six points.

“We are small and we have to fight hard on the part of the game that we Rams call the 'dirty work,' and that rebounding, defense, taking charge and making your teammates better,” Ash said. “Anthony White and Xavier Ward really step up on the rebounding. Anthony is a hard worker. Every game their center is bigger than him, so he has to outwork their big man. Tonight we had Xavier Ward stepped up on the rebounding. That really made a big impact for us, because we like to run the fast break.”

The Rams played their home opener, Dec. 12, earning their first victory of the season over Sturgis, 63-51.

South Haven dominated the home court pushing off to an 8-3 start before Sturgis fought back to trail by one point, 11-10, at the end of the first period. South Haven took charge again in the second period with several three-point shots to go 25-17 midway through the period and finished the first half with a 32-25 lead.

The Rams stretched their lead to nine points in the third period with solid outside shooting and timely fouls. They kept their lead going into the final stanza to pull off the win.

Leading the scoring for the Rams was Zander Russell with 16 points, Bo Larkin with 15 points and Anthony White with 14 points. The Rams shot 71 percent at the line.



South Haven wrestlers off to a good start

Rams win invitational, defeat 2 conference teams

It's early in the wrestling season, but South Haven's grapplers are proving they are a team to contend with. The Rams earned first place at the Galesburg-Augusta Invitational, Dec. 14 and then went on to win both of their opening Wolverine Conference matches against Three Rivers and Sturgis on Wednesday.

“The wrestlers made it a goal this season to put a lot of points up, for the team's sake, and that is exactly what they are doing,” South Haven Coach Brad Adamson said. “They are dominating the mat on a regular basis and having a ton of fun in the process.

The Rams certainly dominated the mat against Sturgis and Three Rivers. South Haven finished the evening with a 64-16 win over the Wildcats and a 51-21 victory over the Trojans.

At the invitational on Dec. 14 the Rams again dominated their opponents by placing all 11 entries into the championship and consolation matches.

South Haven's first-place finish was led by four individual champions — Ronaldo Vergera, Ray Woodall, Trevor Winkel and Preston Calvert. Two other Rams wrestlers placed second – Trevor Price and Jeremy Rowland, while four came in third – Trent Till, Jaden Hollis, Travis Jordan and Jackson Calvert. Dryden Stainbrook also placed for South Haven by finishing fourth in his weight class.

Results from the championship and consolation rounds follows:

Championship

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Alaric Freehling, River Valley, 27 seconds

112 — Trever Pelton, Watervliet, p. Trevor Price, SH, 31 seconds

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, d. Alex Isbrecht, Watervliet, 4-1

140 — Nathan Isbrecht, Watervliet, p. Jeremy Rowland, SH, 2:56

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Darian Davis, Eau Claire, 1:35

Hwt. — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Trevor Wilson, Marcellus, 5:39

Consolation

130 — Trent Till, SH, p. Lukas Brooks, Centreville, 3:23

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, major decision, Dryden Stainbrook, SH, 17-7

160 — Travis Jordan, SH, d. Braylen Wyckoff, Centreville

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Cooper DeLeo, Centreville, 1:48

South Haven 64

Three Rivers 16

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Ashton Coon, 2:15

112 — Trevor Price, SH, p. Gage Davis, 1:54

119 — Ethan Emerson, SH, won by forfeit

125 — Brandt Lafferty, TR, major decision, Karlie Woodall, 10-1

130 — Trent Till, SH, MD, Adam Saddler, 14-2

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, p. Jason Smith, 3:06

140 — Nathan Palmer, SH, p. Javier Kelley, 2:16

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, won by forfeit

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, p. Carter Bugajski, 1:05

160 — Travis Jordan, SH, p. Charles Allen IV, 3:10

171 — Jason Pollard, TR, p. Xander Willet, 5:38

189 — Lloyd Ruesink, TR p. Tyler Osteen, 31 seconds

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Alex Bryant, 47 seconds

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Jacob Ballard, 1:44

South Haven 51

Sturgis 21

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, p. Oscar Balvan, 1:06

112 — Trevor Price, SH, p. Esteban Venegas, 43 seconds

119 — Justin Burghduff, S, p. Ethan Emerson, 1:22

125 — Karlie Woodall, SH, p. Lasen Preciado-Newman, 5:01

130 — Kenny Barrera-Garcia, S, d. Trent Till, 3-2

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, won by forfeit

140 — Nathan Palmer, SH, p. Owen Brewer, 5:47

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, p. Kenny Munoz, 4:03

152 — Dryden Stainbrook, SH, won by forfeit

160 — Jeremy Munoz, S, d. Trevor Winkel, 13-7

171 — Travis Jordan, SH, d. David Harker, 4-3

189 — Gage Bail, S, p. Tyler Osteen, 1:08

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Alexis Nievez, 1:58

285 — Isaac Willard, S, d. Preston Calvert, 5-1



12.16.19

South Haven grapplers pick up 2 victories

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Rams opened the season in a powerful way as they completely dominated the mats and grappled their way to a double win wednesday Dec. 11 at home, defeating both Bangor and Fennville in a tri-match varsity wrestling event.

The Rams soundly defeated both teams with a final score of South Haven 63 - Bangor 6 and South Haven 60 - Fennville 15.

“I’m really proud of how the team wrestled tonight,” South Haven head coach Brad Adamson said. “They have been working very hard in the preseason and we are extremely excited to kick things off with such a bang.”

The Rams are back on their home mat Saturday, Dec. 21, when they host their annual wrestling tournament.

The following South Haven wrestlers won both their matches: Ronald Vergara, Trevor Price, Ethan Emerson, Trent Till, Jaden Hollis, Trevor Winkel, Jackson Calvert, Preston Calvert, Ray Woodall and Logan Till.

South Haven 60

Fennville 15

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, won by forfeit

112 — Double forfeit

119 — Mario Fernandez, F, p. Trevor Price, 1:02

125 — Ethan Emerson, SH, won by forfeit

130 — Trent Till, SH, p. Fred Arriola, 1:44

135 — Ray Woodall, SH, p. Alex Marquez, 2:56

140 — Roderic Yelding, SH, won by forfeit

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, p. Tyger Rastall, 3:18

152 — Dryden Stainbrook SH, p. Jaguar Rastall, 3:56

160 — Trevor Winkel, SH, won by forfeit

171 — Logan Till, F, p. Travis Jordan, 5:59

189 — Uzi Delgado, F, d. Tyler Osteen, 7-4

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, won by forfeit

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, won by forfeit

South Haven 63

Bangor 6

103 — Ronaldo Vergara, SH, p. Aurelio Mejandro

112 — Double forfeit

119 — Trevor Price, SH, d. Adon Calvillo, 12-10

125 — Ethan Emerson, SH, p. Brisa Sanchez

130 — Trent Till, SH, p. Daniel Adams

135 — Double forfeit

140 — Daniel Butz, B, p. Roderic Yelding

145 — Jaden Hollis, SH, won by forfeit

152 — Trevor Winkel, SH, d. Cam Ulam by injury default

160 — Travis Jordan, SH, p. John Martinez-Garcia

171 — Double forfeit

189 — Tyler Osteen, SH, p. Abner Mendoza

215 — Jackson Calvert, SH, p. Christian Alcarez

285 — Preston Calvert, SH, p. Ke'arius Jennings

PHOTO: South Haven's Trevor Price (119) competes against Bangor's Adon Calvillo, Wednesday, during a tri-match hosted by the Rams. Price ended up decisioning Calvillo, 12-10. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Rams' scoring surge falls short

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Lady Rams utilized an 8-0 run, a steal and a free throw to come back from a 10-point deficit to tie Lakeshore, 22-22, late in the third period of Tuesday's home opener, but the Lancers came back in the last quarter to win the non-league contest, 39-31.

The Rams got off to a slow start as they were plagued by fouls in the first half and went back to the locker room trailing by 10 points 11-21 at the end of the second period.

The Lady rams came back on the court at the start of the third period as a whole new team, going on an 8-0 run aided by a couple of steals by junior guard Jordyn Holland. Holland skillfully stole the ball from a Lady Lancer, brought it back down court, handed it off to Dyazha Crowley who dropped in a jump shot from the inside to tie the game at 22 with just two minutes left in the third period.

The teams matched each other shot for shot throughout the remainder of the third and into the first half of the fourth period for a 30-30 tie at five minutes left in the game. Lakeshore managed two unanswered shots to pull ahead 34-30 and that’s when South Haven began to struggle. Those pesky fouls came back to haunt them again as the Rams struggled to regain control of the ball. The fouls gave the Lancers several points and the edge they needed to pull off the 39-31 win over the host team.

Leading the South Haven's scoring attack was Yazmine Hall with eight points followed by Taylor Williams with six. Holland aided the defense with four steals on the night.



Lady Rams bowl their way to victories over Berrien teams

South Haven's varsity girls bowling team got off to a good start to the season this month by picking up two victories over Niles and Brandywine, while the boys team settled for a split.

The lady Rams started the match, Dec. 7, defeating Niles by the overall score of 20-10 and then edged Niles, 17-13.

The Rams won both the two-game series, 1,504-1,345 and split the baker games, 130-102, 117-166.

Khylee Marr led South Haven with a 369 two-game series (215, 154). She was followed by Harlee Burrows, 294 (163,131) and Jessica Heath, 279 (133, 146).

The match against Niles wasn't quite so easy. The Rams led the two regular matches 1,662-1,397, but ended up losing both baker games, 173-156, 174-124.

Makayla Moore paced the Rams in the two-game series, by racking up 384 points (174, 210). Khylee Marr also went over the 300 mark, bowling a 331 two-game series (164, 167). She was followed by Nadia Kimbrough, 274, (154, 120).

Boys results

South Haven started out the day on a good note, defeating Brandywine, 24-6. The Rams won the two-game series, 1,548-1,240 and split the baker games, 168-119, 116-149.

Senior Garrett Heath led South Haven in scoring with a 355 two-game series (202, 153). Andrew Guthrie followed with 325 (184, 141) and Cam Denbow, 316 (179, 137).

The tables were turned on the Rams in their match with Niles. The Vikings ended up winning with the overall score of 24-6.

Niles won the regular matches 1,778-1,513 and split the the baker games 150-133, 138-169.

Heath once again led South Haven in scoring with a 360 two-game series. Guthrie followed with 327 (179, 148).

Bangor hopes to rebound from loss

A first-quarter scoring slump and early-game fouls proved costly to Bangor girls basketball team in its season opener to Marcellus.

The Wildcats won the Southwest 10 conference game, Monday, 44-26.

“The season didn't quite start off like we had hoped,” Vikings Coach Chris Fenner said. “The ladies got off to a rough start, falling behind by 11 in the first quarter.” Then the fouls started.

“We tried to pull the game back in the second quarter but mixed some poor passing choices with some foul trouble and that sealed the first-half fate.”

The second half proved somewhat better for the Vikings.

“The Vikes' started to make a run once they got a little more comfortable within the offense and the game, but ultimately gave away the ball too many times and weren't able to capitalize on missed opportunities,” Fenner said.

Sophomore Alyssa Birner led Bangor with 6 points, 7 steals, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Junior Amara Littlefield contributed to the scoring with 6 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Lexy Strampel chipped in with 7 points.







11.25.19

Bangor joins Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League in 2020

By MAXWELL HARDEN

HP Sports Writer

The Southwest Michigan Eight-Man Football League will expand from seven schools to 10, beginning with the 2020 season.

Bangor, Eau Claire, and Marcellus have accepted invitations to join the league, which was formed in 2019. Martin, Bridgman, Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, Lawrence, Lake Michigan Catholic, New Buffalo, and Michigan Lutheran were founding members.

Eau Claire, Bangor and Marcellus are all currently members of the Southwest 10 Conference. Eau Claire will join the Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph Conference next season.

“We looked at enrollment as the big factor,” Lawrence athletic director and league representative Aaron Amthor said. “Which schools in the area matched our enrollments and which schools made sense in terms of travel? Bangor had a larger enrollment, but (athletic director Jens Mortensen) and I have been talking about this scenario for two years. Eau Claire and Marcellus matched enrollment for us. They were a perfect fit.”

River Valley was also offered an invitation, but chose to decline, according to Amthor.

Bangor began the transition to eight-man this season by playing a schedule comprised of five 11-man games and three 8-man games. The Vikings ended the season with a combined record of 1-7.

Marcellus finished the 2019 season with a 3-6 record. Eau Claire ended the season with an 0-9 record, its third winless season in five years. The Beavers were outscored 457-26.

“(The move) happened fairly quickly,” Eau Claire coach Craig Fisher said. “It was the perfect storm. We looked at our numbers and how our seasons have been going recently. Our enrollment has been low. To be in a position to have viable junior varsity and varsity programs is great.”

Fisher hopes the transition to eight-man will encourage players to remain in the football program.

“Our program has found itself in a cycle where our freshmen and sophomores are going up against juniors and seniors and aren’t seeing success,” “By the time they’re juniors and seniors, they’re out of the program. Our goal is to retain those freshmen and sophomores for four years. That way we’re able to compete at a better level and build our program.”

With Bangor, Eau Claire, and Marcellus in the fold, the league will play a closed schedule next season, a scenario Amthor is glad to be in.

“It makes things so much easier as far as travel is concerned,” he said. “When (Lawrence) started playing eight-man in 2013, we were one of only two eight-man teams in Southwest Michigan. It is really nice having these teams together, now.”

PHOTO: Bangor's Cam Ulam finds running room thanks to a block from teammate Chris Walker in a game earlier this fall against Eau Claire. Both teams will join the Southwest Michigan 8-man league in 2020. (File photo by John Madill)

11.12.19

Rams settle for runner-up honors in District volleyball championship match

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's volleyball team settled for runner-up honors, Nov. 7, at the Division 2 championship match after losing to Paw Paw, 3-1.

“The district finals outcome was not what we had hoped it would be,” Rams volleyball coach Megan Washegesic said. “Out of the three previous times we faced Paw Paw, we won two matches and split the third. I feel we went in over confident because of that.”

Both teams fought hard, turning in great volleys and great saves, but they also made many mistakes. The Rams were feeling the pressure of the vhampionship game as they recorded several service errors, missed blocks and missed returns that they would normally not have let happen. But the Lady Redskins did the same, just not as many.

“We had to play a tough game against Allegan the night before and I think fatigue could have played a factor,” Washegesic said. “Paw Paw played Benton Harbor in the other semi-final and had the opportunity to play many of their players that don't get to see as much court time. So their starters were more rested and ready to play.”

The championship match, however, was very close, with Paw Paw winning the first two sets by only a minimum of three points. Things appeared brighter in set three as the Rams fought back from a five-point deficit and won 25-20.

“My girls kept working and talking about what they needed to do to take care of the ballon our side,” Washegesic said.

The final set was almost unbearable for those hoping to see the Rams win the title. Paw Paw took the early lead 15-10, but the Lady Rams battled hard and bounced back to a 19-16 lead. The teams volleyed back and forth and South Haven was on top 21-19 in the final moments of set four. However, Paw Paw restored their advantage and took the win 25-22.

“The execution wasn’t always there,” Washegesic said. “We ended up on the losing end.”

Leading the way for the South Haven attack was Ella O’Sullivan with 13 kills and Mallory Dorow with 11. Jordyn Holland led the set up for the Rams with 33 assists. MaShayla White led the defense for the Lady Rams with 16 digs followed closely by Holland with 14. O’Sullivan added 12, Aleena Keh and Haley Hutto helped out with eight each.

Rams defeat Allegan to advance to finals

Facing Allegan three times this season turned out to be the charm South Haven needed to advance to the Division 2 district finals.

The Rams, who hosted the tournament, defeated the Tigers in four sets in the semi-final round, Wednesday, and faced Paw Paw on Thursday in the finals. (Results will be posted online).

“We knew Allegan was coming into this match with an axe to grind,” said South Haven Coach Megan Washegesic. “We had beaten them twice this season and both were good close matches. It is difficult to beat a team three times in one season, so we had our work cut out for us.”

South Haven started off on the losing end of the stick in the first set, dropping it 25-22.

“We definitely started off a little slow and hesitant which seems to be our MO this year,” Washegesic said. “In a timeout we talked about the need to play more freely, not so scared, and taking care of the ball on our side.”

South Haven found its stride in the second set, edging Allegan 29-27, and then continued to win the third and final sets by identical scores of 25-20.

“We talked a lot a practice about taking care of the little things, like holding our platform on passing, beating the ball to the spot, big hands on the block, that will lead to bigger results,” Washegesic said. “Our focus was not letting balls hit the floor and going all out...The girls worked on that and we came out on the winning end.”

Ella O'Sullivan led in attacks with 14 kills while Aleena Keh and Mallory Dorow each tallied 9. Melia Hanny added 5. Setting the attacks was Jordyn Holland with 32 assists.

Defensively, libero MaShayla White had 19 digs, followed closely by Holland with 18, O'Sullivan with 17, Keh with 14 and Haley Hutto with 11.

PHOTO: South Haven libero MaShayla White dives for the ball during last Thursday's district championship game against Paw Paw. (Photo by Tom Renner)

11.1.19

St. Paul netters finish season with unblemished 11-0 record

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

St. Paul Lutheran School's girls volleyball team made school history this past week when it defeated Grace Lutheran to finish the season with a perfect 11-0 undefeated record.

St. Paul’s third- through sixth-grade team kept the fans on edge Wednesday night as they won the first set pretty handily 25-18, but then lost a very close second set 25-22.

“I was nervous the whole night as we hoped for that final win win and the perfect season,” said St. Paul Coach Mandi Ehrenberg. “But, yeah, the tension increased when we lost that second set to some very silly mistakes. But we just reminded the girls to stay focused and play their kind of volleyball and they did.”

The Stallions went on to win the final set to post to keep their perfect record intact.

Eherenberg has been the coach at St. Paul since 2010 and said to her knowledge this would be a first for the school Volleyball team to have perfect season.

The Stallions nearly accomplished the feat last season when they went undefeated through the first nine games of 2018, but lost the final game at home.

“We have had a few good seasons over the years like last year when we went 9-1 and previous years where we have been close to that, but this is definitely a great accomplishment for the girls this season,” Coach Mary Harris said.

The Lady Stallions will have five sixth-grade team members age out of the program this year but for the first time in a long time, those girls may have the chance to continue on the court again next year. St. Paul enrollment has increased and there were enough seventh- through eighth-grade girls this season to form a middle school team. However because of the late realization of this fact the coaches and Athletic Director Steve White had little luck finding teams to play and building a full schedule for the 6th-8th grade team for the 2019 season.

St. Paul was able to schedule one game for the middle school girls when South Haven’s Baseline Middle School welcomed the Stallions to their court for the first game of the season early in September. The Lady Stallions may have taken the Lady Rams by surprise as they showed up ready to play and won the game in two sets.

“We weren’t sure what to expect from that game,” Ehrenberg said. “We had a crazy practice the day before and I was a little unsure. But the girls stepped up to the challenge and played really great volleyball.”

The St. Paul staff plans to work hard this year and over the summer to build a schedule for the middle school team for the 2020 season.

“It would be great for these girls to be able to continue the sport they enjoy so much and to keep learning and improving,” Erhenberg said.

PHOTO: St. Paul Lutheran School's volleyball team is shown. Back row from left: Coach Mandi Ehrenberg, London Tucker, Noelia Rodriguez, Emily Thomas, Katie Daley, Jesse Tratham, Lola Vandermarkt, Laurelei Harris and Coach Mary Harris. Front row from left: Lariah Copi, Addison Gumpert, Emalynn Harris, Ireland Tucker, Piper Pugh and Katie Thomas.

Bloomingdale cross team, individual runners from SH area qualify for state finals

Bloomingdale boys cross-country team and seven individual runners from the South Haven area will be heading to the MHSAA state finals this weekend after qualifying to do so at the regional level.

The Cardinals, who won the Southwest 10 conference in October, ran to a second-place finish at the Division 3 regionals, Oct. 26, to earn a trip to the state tournament.

Saugatuck, who was favored to win the regional, did so with 36 points. Bloomingdale followed with 62, and Parchment, third, with 76.

Joe Furlan led Bloomingdale with a third-place finish, while Tyler Starbuck also finished in the top 15, allowing both to compete individually at the state level, as well.

Bangor's Alvaro Martinez and Zach Trainor also earned a trip to the Division 3 state finals. Martinez finished fifth with a time of 17:23.49, while Trainor came in 14^th with a time of 18:01.82.

In the girls races, Bloomingdale just missed the opportunity to compete as a team after coming in fourth place behind winner Galesburg-Augusta, second-place Saugatuck and third-place Coloma.

Kallie Harrison paced the Cardinals with a fourth-place finish (20:49.86) to compete individually at the state level. Teammate Aimee Sustaita also qualified for the state tournament with a 12^th place finish (21:30.93).

At the Division 2 regional, South Haven's Summer Corke's 14^th place finish (20:52.92) qualified her for the state finals.



Rams host volleyball district tournament

After finishing the conference season on a winning note with a victory over Dowagiac, South Haven's volleyball team will start post-season play next week by hosting the Division 2 district 46 volleyball tournament.

The tourney will begin Monday with Paw Paw and Coloma competing in the opening round with the winner facing Benton Harbor, Wednesday, in the semi-finals. South Haven and Allegan will be competing in the other bracket. Both received byes and will play in the semi-final round on Wednesday.

The Rams won their final conference match of the season, Oct. 24, defeating the Chieftains in three straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14.

“We switched personnel and positioning and it took us the first set to adjust,” Rams Coach Megan Washegesic said. “At one point we were down 20-14. The girls didn't give up and kept making Dowagiac earn every point. Holli Dannenburg served seven points in a row to take the set. It was fun watching the team make the necessary adjustments to keep winning points and eventually take the match.”

In earlier volleyball action, South Haven traveled to Bridgman, Oct. 21, to play against the Bees and the Coloma Comets. The Rams ended up defeating the Comets 25-19, 25-19 and then went on to face Bridgman. The Rams won the first set, 25-19, lost the second, 25-12, and then regrouped to take the third set, 15-9.

“After winning the first set, we came out flat in set two and really couldn’t string much together,” Washegesic said. “Set three was a quick one so we needed to come out strong and take control against a very scrappy Bridgman team. It was tight at first, but Ella O'Sullivan had some tough serves to put us ahead by 5 before Bridgman was able to get the side out. We gave up a point or two but got the ball back. Holli Dannenburg also had some clutch serving to close out the match.”

Mallory Dorow led South Haven's offense with 8 kills. O'Sullivan had 7 and Alley Woodall, 6. Jordyn Holland had 21 assists, MaShayla White, 14 and O'Sullivan, 8.

In the Coloma match, O'Sullivan and Dorow had 6 kills each off of Holland's 15 assists. Libero White led the team with 12 digs, while O'Sullivan had 8.



Bangor, Bloomingdale netters begin district play next week in Watervliet

Bangor and Bloomingdale volleyball teams will be traveling to Watervliet next week to compete in the Division 3 district tournament.

The host team and Bangor will square off in Monday's opening round with the winner competing against Gobles in the semi-final match, Wednesday. Bloomingdale and Hartford, who both received byes, will face off Wednesday during the semi-finals.

The Vikings got ready for post-season competition by hosting their annual Pre-District Quad, Wednesday. Bangor ended up sweeping the round-robin tournament 3-0 by defeating Comstock, Watervliet and Martin in straight sets.

Audrey Hay led all hitters with 28 kills and added 4 aces and 10 digs. Outside hitter Olivia Kuiper had 21 kills and 13 digs. Amara Littlefield contributed 6 kills, 2 aces and 2 blocks. Abby Moench eclipsed the 500 mark with 61 assists, 7 aces and 13 digs while libero Kaitlyn Kite added to her team-leading total with 20 digs.

“The team averaged 12 kills per set and set a solid hitting efficiency rating of .263,” Bangor Coach Doug Jones said.

In earlier volleyball action, the Vikings settled for runner-up honors, Oct. 26, at their volleyball invitational tournament after falling to Delton-Kellogg in the championship match, 2-1.

“The Bangor netters played some of their best volleyball of the season,” Jones said.

The Lady Vikings swept through pool play by defeating Climax-Scotts, Delton-Kellogg, Bloomingdale and Cassopolis to then face Delton in the finals.

“Bangor's loud and enthusiastic fan support contributed to the team's performance throughout the tournament,” Jones remarked.

Hay led Bangor's offense with 39 kills. She posted her second double-double of the season against Delton in the championship match with 10 kills and 10 digs. She also collected 11 aces. Kuiper contributed to the offensive attack with 29 kills and 24 digs during the tournament.

On the defensive side, Moench collected 81 assists, while Kite scooped up 27 digs.

Cardinal runners named league champs

Bloomingdale's cross-country teams have been racking up victories all season, so it didn't come as much of a surprise that they ended up easily winning the Southwest 10 conference championship, recently.

Team results:

Boys: 1. Bloomingdale, 31; Bangor, 87; 3. Cassopolis Ross Beatty, 98; 4. Mendon, 113; 5. Hartford, 126; 6. Centreville, 127; 7. Eau Claire, 144; 8. Marcellus, 154.

Girls: 1. Bloomingdale, 36; 2. Hartford, 63; 3. Centreville, 72; 4. Bangor, 93; 5. Marcellus, 106; 6. Cassopolis Ross Beatty, 129.

Boys results

Bloomingdale's front runner Joe Furlan won the race with a time of 17:11.44, while Bangor's Alvaro Martinez followed closely behind in second with a time of 17:15.98. Also finishing in the top 15 and earning all-conference first team honors were Tyler Starbuck, David Garcia, Trace Wixom, Carlos Garcia and Malachi Cassels, all of Bloomingdale; and Zach Trainor and Aurelio Melgarejo of Bangor.

Girls results

Kallie Harrison and Aimee Sustaita paced Bloomingdale's team, finishing third and fourth respectively. Harrison ran the race in 20:28.89, while Sustaita finished in 20:56.11. Both earned all-conference first team honors, along with Addison Miller, Marta Douglas and Olaisa Moss of Bloomingdale and Brisa Sanchez-Valdez of Bangor.

2 SH runners finish in top 15 at league meet

The South Haven lady Rams’ cross country team posted two top-15 finishers at the Wolverine Conference Meet earlier this month. The Rams finished eighth overall as a team. Otsego ran away with the overall team victory.

A top-15 finish for South Haven’s Summer Corke and Katie Schooley was no small feat as the field of nine conference team consisted of over 60 competitors. Corke took a respectable eighth-place finish coming in at a time of 20:34 and Schooley finished at 12th place in 21:04. Both Corke and Schooley earned all-conference honors.

The Rams boys team finished tenth overall with Otsego winning that side of the event as well.

Top finisher for the South Haven boys was Carson Rooker at 28th place with a time of 18:15.57.

Team scores follow:

Girls: 1. Otsego 37, 2. Plainwell 43, 3. Vicksburg 97, 4. Three Rivers 132, 5. Allegan 143, 6. Sturgis 151, 7. Paw Paw 158, 8. South Haven 172, 9. Edwardsburg 244

Boys: 1. Otsego 40, 2. Allegan 88, 3. Plainwell 109, 4. Sturgis 120, 5. Vicksburg 123, 6. Three Rivers 136, 7. Edwardsburg 195, 8. Dowagiac Union 206, 9. Paw Paw 220, 10. South Haven 242





10.21.19

Bangor, Covert bow out of district semi-finals

Post-season soccer play ended last week for two area soccer teams after they bowed out of district competition.

Both Bangor and Covert competed in the Division 4 district tournament at Hartford, and it looked like they may have faced each other in the finals, but two teams – Southwest 10 powerhouse Hartford and New Buffalo — stood in their way in the semi-final matches.

Bangor started out the district tourney by defeating Bridgman 3-2 in the opener, but Hartford proved to much and blanked the Vikings, 4-0 in the semi-final round.

“The score doesn't reflect the hard work our boys put into this game,” Bangor Coach Antonio Robles said. “It was an exciting match.”

Thirty minutes into the game, Hartford got a break with a shot that deflected off a Bangor defender changing the direction of the ball and past the Vikings' goalie.

Bangor's offense tried to tie the game, but the Indians were able to get another goal.

The Vikings held Hartford at bay until the last 15 minutes of the game.

“We needed to move our team forward but the Indians took advantage of the gaps in the back and ended up scoring two more goals,” Robles said. “The boys played a great game but Hartford was able to win in the end.”

In the other district bracket, Covert went up against Cassopolis in the opener and won 3-1, but they narrowly lost to New Buffalo, 2-1 in the semi-final.

Against Cassopolis, Hector Hernandez scored two goals and had one assist, while Moises Gomez chipped in the other goal.

“Cristian Lara, our keeper, kept our hopes alive as we started poorly,” Bulldogs Coach Branden Holtzman said.

In the match with New Buffalo, Joel Vargas scored Covert's lone goal.

Covert ended its regular season with an 18-5 record. Holtzman, who completed his first year of coaching the Bulldogs, is already looking forward to next season. “I look forward to building on our successes this year, winning the Bloomingdale Invitational for the second consecutive year and most importantly, the relationships I have established with the team,” he said.

PHOTO: Miguel Cardoso of Hartford fires a shot while Bangor's Lep Puga defends during Tuesday's district semi-final soccer game at Hartford High School. (Photo by John Madill)

Tough match

District soccer title eludes the Rams

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Rams soccer team narrowly missed a district title after losing a tough 4-2 battle to Dowagiac, during Wednesday's championship match.

South Haven started off the evening on a high note, bouncing off the momentum of a 2-1 semi-final victory over district host, Coloma, on Monday.

The Rams scored the first goal of the finals game against Dowagiac as Ram freshman Christain Moreno kicked one past the Chieftain goalie for a 1-0 lead two minutes into the first half.

Dowagiac answered quickly with a goal of their own sent in by Christian Williams to make it a 1-1 game going into the halftime break.

South Haven opened the second half by scoring the first goal as well. Ram Luis Mora kicked in the second goal for a 2-1 game early in the second half.

Dowagiac’s Williams answered quickly once again to set the score at a 2-2 tie early in the second half. The Rams kept the Chieftains at bay for quite a while, but Dowagiac scored again with 14 minutes left on the clock to take a 3-2 lead. The winners sealed the victory with a final goal at just 10 seconds left.

“Our boys played well and fought hard the entire game’” described South haven head Coach Carlos Aguayo. “With this being my first year at South Haven it was a year we had to get to know each other.”

The South Haven Rams finished the season with a respectable 11-12-2 record.

“I felt we had a good season,” Aguayo said.

The Rams say farewell to a total of eight seniors this season, but coach Aquayo is very optimistic about the future.

“There is a lot of young talent here and we are hoping to improve in the next couple of years,” he said. ”When I played here we were used to winning districts and going to state, so we want to get that back, but it’s going to take hard work.”

Aguayo played for the Rams Soccer team from 2000-2004 under the direction of head coach Benno Trenkle.



PHOTO: Erick Gonzalez of South Haven slips past Isaiah Reinhardt of Coloma in Monday's district soccer game at McDaniels Field. (Photo by John Madill)

Lady Rams dig pink

South Haven defeats Shamrocks in annual breast cancer awareness fundraising game

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

South Haven's gym bleachers looked like a sea of pink, Monday, for the volleyball team's annual Dig Pink match.

The student body took the afternoon off to attend the 1:15 p.m. fundraiser game against Berrien Springs.

The stands were full of students and staff, most of them dressed in pink to support their team and promotebreast cancer awareness and research.

It was all pink in more ways than one as the Lady Rams came locked and loaded and dominated the court to soundly defeat the visiting Shamrocks in three sets 25-11, 25-15 and 25-11.

“The entire school body was able to attend the game, which makes playing that much more fun in front of a packed house,” South Haven Head Coach Megan Washegesic said. “South Haven came ready to play.”

The Rams’ Jordyn Holland and Mallory Dorow led the offensive attack. Holland earned 20 assists while Dorow slammed nine kills. Aleena Keh added six kills and Ella O’Sullivan finished the day with five kills. Keh also had six aces for the match. It was O’Sullivan leading the defensive stance for the Rams with eight digs, followed by Holland and MaShayla White with five digs each. Keh also added four digs to the winning effort.

The Lady Rams will be on the road the remainder of the regular season, traveling to Bridgman, Monday; Dowagiac, Thursday; and Saugatuck on Halloween.



Allegan edges South Haven swimmers in league meet

South Haven's swim team narrowly lost to Allegan, Tuesday, 97-83 in a conference meet last week, but posted some excellent individual finishes.

The Rams were led by top point earners Elise Postma, Ellie Frost and Sierra Garber.

Frost took a first-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.06 and a first place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.34.

Garber took a first for the Rams in the 100-yard backstroke at 1:12.56 and a third place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 1:03.44. Postma took first place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:15.18 and a second place in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:36.88.

South Haven’s Kyley Gorham added several points to the Ram effort with a second-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke at a time of 1:25.13 and a fourth-place finish in the 200 yard IM at 2:52.27.

Lady Ram Eve Wildey finished strong in the grueling 500-yard freestyle with a second-place finish at 6:39.46. South Haven’s Tabi Newberry took fourth place in that same event with a time of 7:32.94. Wildey also grabbed a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:28.38.

Kaia Hayes posted points for the Rams with a second-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:18.77. Teammate Emily Stinson took fourth in that same event at a time of 1:21.07. Stinson also took a third place for the Lady Rams in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:16.88.

The Lady Rams finished the evening by dominating the final event, the 400-yard freestyle relay. South Haven took both the first- and second-place finishes in that event. The first-place team finishing with a time of 4:46.48 included Wildey, Gorham, Garber and Rebecca Gonzalez. The Rams’ second-place team with a time of 5:56.44 included Newberry, Aurora Hosier, Meah Inthavong, and Kaiden Cole.



PHOTO: South Haven's Aleena Keh serves the ball during Monday's Dig Pink match against Berrien Springs. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

Bloomingdale cross teams win SW10 conference championship

Bloomingdale's cross-country teams have been racking up victories all season, so it didn't come as much of a surprise that they ended up easily winning the Southwest 10 conference championship, Wednesday.

Team results:

Boys: 1. Bloomingdale, 31; Bangor, 87; 3. Cassopolis Ross Beatty, 98; 4. Mendon, 113; 5. Hartford, 126; 6. Centreville, 127; 7. Eau Claire, 144; 8. Marcellus, 154.

Girls: 1. Bloomingdale, 36; 2. Hartford, 63; 3. Centreville, 72; 4. Bangor, 93; 5. Marcellus, 106; 6. Cassopolis Ross Beatty, 129.

Boys results

Bloomingdale's front runner Joe Furlan won the race with a time of 17:11.44, while Bangor's Alvaro Martinez followed closely behind in second with a time of 17:15.98. Also finishing in the top 15 and earning all-conference first team honors were Tyler Starbuck, David Garcia, Trace Wixom, Carlos Garcia and Malachi Cassels, all of Bloomingdale; and Zach Trainor and Aurelio Melgarejo of Bangor.

Girls results

Kallie Harrison and Aimee Sustaita paced Bloomingdale's team, finishing third and fourth respectively. Harrison ran the race in 20:28.89, while Sustaita finished in 20:56.11. Both earned all-conference first team honors, along with Addison Miller, Marta Douglas and Olaisa Moss of Bloomingdale and Brisa Sanchez-Valdez of Bangor.



10.15.19

South Haven's Christian Moreno and Michael DeRosa of Coloma tangle in Monday's semi-final district soccer game at Coloma's McDaniels Field. South Haven went on to defeat the Comets 2-1 to advance to the finals which will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. at McDaniels Field where they will face Dowagiac. (Photo by John Madill)

10.14.19

Under pressure

South Haven goalie Javier Carrasco works hard to keep two Covert players from making a goal during Tuesday's non-league match. Covert went on to win the contest 2-0 to end their regular season with a 16-4-1 record. Covert is coached by South Haven graduate and former Rams soccer player Branden Holtzman. Tuesday was senior night for the Rams. Graduating seniors who were recognized at halftime were Trent Gonzales-French, Luis Mora, Eugoberto Perez, Lorenzo Moreno, Anthony White, Eric Garcia and Carrasco. The Rams finished their regular season last week with an 8-11-2 record and began post-season play Friday by defeating Watervliet in the district opener. The Rams will now face Coloma at 5:30 p.m. today (Monday) at Coloma. Bangor and Covert soccer teams also won their district openers and will proceed to semi-final action Tuesday. Bangor will play Hartford at 5 p.m. at Hartford, while Covert will host New Buffalo at 5 p.m.

South Haven swimmers defeat Alma, fall to Harper Creek

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Rams girls varsity swim team split last week’s action in the pool with a win over Alma, Saturday, Oct. 5 and then a loss to Harper Creek, Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The week was highlighted by Lady Rams’ Elise Postma with a MISCA qualifying win in the 100 breaststroke. Postma took first place in that event with a time of 1:12.65 when the Rams defeated Alma, 118-52.

Postma also scored a second-place finish in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:30.89.

Other highlights from Saturday's win included a first place from Ellie Frost in the 50yard freestyle with a time of 25.22. Frost also took a second place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:47.94.

Sierra Garber added points for the Rams with a second-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:11.24.

Saturday’s event was a tough meet to post a lot of top individual scores because it was actually a quad meet that included South Haven, Plainwell, Otsego, Allegan and Alma. However South Haven scored as a dual meet against Alma only.

It was Ellie Frost again on Tuesday versus Harper Creek with a first-place finish in the 200-yard IM in a time of 2:25.61.She also took first place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 16’48.

South Haven’s lone diver, Aurora Hosier, scored a second place with a 127.90 points. Postma added another second place for South haven in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:13.10. Garber came up with a second-place finish as well in the 100-yard backstroke in a time of 1:11.61.

The final overall team score on Tuesday at Harper Creek was South Haven 69 and Harper Creek 112.

South Haven golfers finish third in league, second in North Division

South Haven golfers wrapped up their regular season with a respectable third-place finish in the Wolverine Conference, overall, and runner-up honors in the league's North Division.

The Rams traveled to Stonehedge North golf course near Richland, Thursday, to compete in the conference championship. Plainwell won the tournament with 381 strokes, followed by Dowagiac. Rams Coach Barry Shanley was pleased with the team's finish.

“Out of 10 teams, South Haven finished third, defeating four-year title holder, and rival Sturgis by one stroke,” he said.

The Rams had 402 strokes, while Sturgis compiled 403. The rest of the results follow: Otsego, fifth, 406; Three Rivers, sixth, 444; Edwardsburg, seventh, 465; Allegan, eighth, 467; Vicksburg, ninth, 497; Paw Paw, tenth, DNF.

In addition to their third-place finish in the conference, South Haven landed several golfers on the all-conference team. Jenna Ridley and Abby Bocock were named to the all-league first team, while Sydney Barnes and Makenzie Marr earned honorable mention honors.several South Haven golfers earned all-conference honors.



South Haven netters easily defeat Coloma

South Haven boys varsity tennis volleyed for a big win over Coloma on Monday, Oct. 7, defeating the visiting Comets 7-1. Coloma's only victory came about because of a default.

Individual results follow:

Singles

No. 1 - Chris Eastman, C. def. Default Default, SH, 2-0, 2-0

No. 2 - Garrett Smith, SH. def. Mark Newton, C, 6-4, 6-0

No. 3 - Tyler Ferrell, SH. def. Brodie Mcquillan,C., 6-0, 6-0

No. 4 - William Hastad, SH. def. Braiden Goldner, C, 6-1, 6-0

Doubles

No. 1 - Cameron Denbow - Lars Larson, SH. def. Tyler Streu - Cole Current, C, 6-1, 6-3

No. 2 - Ethan Cole - Linus Resek, SH def. Molly Mcvay - Eadie Needham, C, 6-2, 6-3

No. 3 - Brenan Diekema - Kalen O'sullivan, SH. def. Charis Lemoine - Isabella Greenman, C, 6-0, 6-0

No. 4 - Alex Patel - Eddie Solis, SH. def. Aaron Wurn - Hannah Guntz, C. 6-1, 6-0

The Rams also competed in the Wolverine Conference tennis tournament last week and finished eighth out of nine teams. Powerhouse Allegan won the league championship for the fifth year in a row.





10.7.19

Rams swim to a convincing win over Sturgis

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

The South Haven Lady Rams varsity swim team posted an impressive 111-74 win Tuesday over Sturgis.

“A conference win is always a plus,” South Haven Coach Amy Crews said. “We had first-place finishes in 10 out of the 12 events. It is always thrilling to watch some great swims to the end with close touch outs. We swam the girls around in different events this meet, taking them out of their comfort zone and they responded well to the challenge.”

The Rams dominated the 200-yard freestyle with a first-place finish from Ellie Frost with a time of 2:04.48 followed by a third-place from teammate Eve Wildey at 2:32.47 and a fourth-place finish by South Haven’s Erin Schneider with a time of 2:35.52.

South Haven also took over the 50-yard freestyle with a 1,2,3 finish from Kaia Hayes, Sophie Lee and Blanca Gonzales in that order. Frost earned another first-place in the 100-yard butterfly and Lee took third in that same event.

The Lady Rams continued their momentum sweeping the next event, the 100-yard freestyle. Taking first for South Haven was Sierra Garber at 1:03.40, second was Kyley Gorham at 1:12.27 and third, Meah Inthavong with a time of 1:12.43.

South Haven’s Emily Stinson swam a 1:17.23 for a first-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke while Schneider added points for the Ram team with a third-place in the same event.

Hayes and Gorham kept the Rams on top with a second- and third-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke.

South Haven's relay teams kicked the night off with an opening first-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay at a time of 2:15.90. The team consisted of Elise Postma, Lee, Stinson and Gonzalez,. Another first place was posted by the 200-yard freestyle relay team of Garber, Postma, Hayes and Frost with a time of 1:52.91 This same group of girls sealed the overall team victory with a first place in the final event of the evening, the 400-yard freestyle relay with a a time of 4:19.13.

The Lady Rams are back at home on Tuesday, Oct. 8 when they host Harper Creek at 6 p.m.

PHOTO: South Haven's Kaia Hayes competes in the 100-yard butterfly during a meet earlier this season against Plainwell. Tuesday, Hayes placed first in the 50-yard freestyle, first as part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team and first as part of the 400-yard freestyle relay team. (Photo by Jeff Wilson)

Ready to pounce

South Haven's Jackson Calvert gets ready to tackle a Three Rivers player during Friday night's matchup between the two Wolverine Conference teams. Three Rivers ended up winning the contest 28-6. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis).

Cardinals cross-country teams continue to dominate SW10 league

Bloomingdale's cross teams ran to another Southwest 10 conference jamboree victory Wednesday in Eau Claire, while Bangor's boys team settled for second.

In the boys race, the Cardinals' Joe Furlan won with a time of 17:08.56, followed by Alvaro Martinez of Bangor, who also ran under 18 minutes with a time of 17:16.33.

Four Cardinals runner finished in the top 10 to give their team a commanding 31-point finish. The Vikings followed with 81. Mendon came in third with 89; Hartford, fourth, with 102; Centreville, fifth, 110; Eau Claire, sixth, 128; and Cassopolis Ross Beatty, seventh, 131.

Top 25 individual results:

Bangor: 2. Alvaro Martinez, 17:16.33; 10. Aurelio Melgarejo, 19:03.25; 15. Zach Trainor, 19:28.87; 25. Daniel Adams, 20:34.79.

Bloomingdale: 1. Joe Furlan, 17:08.56; 3. Tyler Starbuck, 18:00.40; 4. David Garcia, 18:01.19; 8. Carlos Garcia, 18:45.79; 17. Trace Wixom, 19:31.53; 23. Malachi Cassels, 20:22.90; 24. Tyler Osterman, 20:32.90.

Girls results

Bloomingdale's Kallie Harrison medaled with a 20:19.25 finish to pace her team to a 29 point victory in the four-team jamboree. Teammates Aimee Sustaita and Addison Miller also finished in the top 10.

Hartford came in second with 53 points; Centreville, third, with 57; and Bangor, fourth, 74 points.

Top 25 individual results:

Bangor: 13. Brisa Sanchez-Valdez, 23:02.08; 19. Emily Hernandez, 23:53.96; 20. Sandra Barajas, 24:04.82; 23. Lilliana Alcauter, 24:19.46.

Bloomingdale: 1. Kallie Harrison, 20:19.25; 4. Aimee Sustaita, 21:04.15; 9. Addison Miller, 22:02.14; 12. Marta Douglas, 22:58.87; 17. Olaisa Moss, 23:29.39.

Tough week on the tennis courts

South Haven's tennis team had a tough week on the courts last week, dropping two matches to Buchanan and powerhouse Holland Christian.

The Rams, Tuesday, lost to Buchanan, 5-3, in a non-league matchup.

The Rams got wins from Tyler Ferrell at three singles, William Hastad at four singles and Brenan Diekema and Kalen O’Sullivan at three doubles.

Official results follow:

Singles

No. 1 - Hunter Riggins, B, def. Default, SH, 2-0, 2-0

No. 2 - Brighton Lee, B, def. Garrett Smith, SH, 6-7 (7), 6-3, 10-6

No. 3 - Tyler Ferrell, SH,def. Colby Borgman, B, 6-0, 6-1

No. 4 - William Hastad, SH. def. Samuel Poole, B, 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

No. 1 - Thomas Matuszewski - Rylen Baker, BL def. Cameron Denbow - Lars Larson, SH, 6-3, 6-2

No. 2 - Ezekiel Furst - Brennen Weaver, BL def. Ethan Cole - Linus Resek, SH,, 6-2, 7-6 (3)

No. 3 - Brenan Diekema - Kalen O'sullivan, SH, def. Travis Harris - Cj Taylor, B,, 7-5, 6-4

No. 4 - Kadin Mills - John Ankrapp, B, def. Alex Patel - Eddie Solis, SH, 7-6 (4), 6-1

The Rams also suffered a loss to a very tough Holland Christian team, Monday, 6-0.

The Rams will be at home again when they host Coloma on Monday Oct. 7. That will finish off the regular season for the rams tennis team.

PHOTO:

South Haven's No. 4 doubles player Alex Patel gets ready to return a volleyball during Tuesday's match against Buchanan. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

Bangor kickers pick up two more victories

Bangor's soccer team continued to improve its overall record by picking up two victories, but suffered a loss Wednesday, to Bloomingdale, 5-0, in the last game of the regular season.

The Vikings' loss to the Cardinals came after a four-game winning streak.

After a hard-fought first half the Vikings fell behind 2-0.

The second half wasn't much better.

“During the beginning of second half, we had a couple chances of getting on the score board, but we just couldn't find the back of the net,” Bangor Coach Antonio Robles said. “To make matters worse we ended up with 4 key players injured. We decided to keep them out for the rest of the game and not making the injuries worse, with districts a few days away we feel we needed to bite the bullet and take a 5-0 loss.”

On Monday, Sept. 30, the Vikings hosted Eau Claire and ran to a 8-1 Southwest 10 victory over the Beavers. Bangor scored 5 goals in the first half and 3 in the second. Individual statistics weren't available for the match.

Several days earlier on Sept. 26, the Vikings traveled to Watervliet to face the Panthers.

“We started out slow against a fast and aggressive Watervliet,” Robles said. “We were lucky enough to end the first half with a tie of 0-0.”

The Vikings regrouped during halftime.

According to Robles, his team was ready to play the second half but seven minutes into it Watervliet scored a goal.

“It was a back-and-forth game until the 31st minute when Jesus Aragon was able to sneak one past the Panthers' goalie,” Robles said.

Five minutes later, Gael Ramirez scored a header to give the Vikings the 2-1 victory.

Bangor ended its regular season with a 9-4 record and will now head into district play. Their opening game will be at 5 p.m., Wednesday against Bridgman.

Viking netters defeat Hartford, Cassopolis

Senior night on turned into a good evening for Bangor varsity volleyball team. The Vikings hosted Hartford, Tuesday, and won a decisive 3-0 Southwest 10 conference victory.

Outside hitter Audrey Hay led the Vikings' offense with 13 kills, while Olivia Kuiper added 10.

“Our two outside hitters produced 23 of the team's 29 kills,” Bangor Coach Doug Jones said. He also lauded the team's defensive work and serving ability.

“The Bangor netters served up nine aces and played solid team defense throughout the contest. Kuiper and Kaitlyn Kite each had 9 digs.”

Bangor picked up another Southwest 10 win, Sept. 26 against the Cassopolis Rangers.

The matchup marked the third time this season the two teams ended up playing five sets, with the Vikings finally coming out ahead, 3-2.

“The intensity of play from the evenly matched teams was evidenced by the total of 210 points scored in the match as the teams alternated set wins,” Jones said.

Hay led the Vikings' offense with 18 kills and a .333 hitting efficiency rating, while Kuiper landed 13 kills.

Bangor's serving also was on target.

Abby Moench and Kaitlyn Kite pressured the Ranger passers by combining 35 serves without an error,” Jones said.

The Vikings' strong service game was led by Moench with 5 aces, while Kite scooped up 13 digs.

Aside from the impressive individual statistics from the Hartford and Cassopolis games, Bangor's volleyball team has also compiled a team statistic worth noting, according to Jones.

“By the end of the evening (against Hartford), Bangor had chalked up a total of 1,000 points so far this season,” he said.





10.4.19

A battle to the end

South Haven loses hard-fought volleyball match to Three Rivers

South Haven volleyball fans who came out, Thursday, to see the Rams play Three Rivers, were kept on the edge of their seats for what turned out to be a very competitive match.

In the end, the Wildcats pulled out a 3-2 victory, but it wasn't an easy one.

South Haven won the first set, 25-22, lost the second, 25-21, but came back to eke out a hard-fought third set, 27-25.

“The girls played great volleyball,” South Haven Coach Megan Washegesic remarked about the first three sets. “Our service receive was excellent and we were scrappy on defense. Our offense kept Three Rivers on their toes.”

But after the first three sets, South Haven suffered a setback.

“Unfortunately we lost our libero, MaShayla White, after the third set to a concussion,” Washegesic said. “We had to change personnel and figure out how to play in new positions and that slowed us up a bit.”

Three Rivers took advantage of South Haven's change in playing positions and took the final two sets 25-18, 15-7 to win the Wolverine Conference matchup.

Despite the loss, Washegesic complimented her team's efforts.

“They had the determination to keep going,” she said. “We've been working on our mindset and it showed tonight. The girls tried to rally but we came up short.”

Offensively Ella O'Sullivan led the Rams with 15 kills while Mallory Dorow contributed 9 and Aleena Keh had 6. Keh also led in aces with 4. Setter, Jordyn Holland, had 31 assists. Defensively White and Keh had 10 digs each and Haley Hutto chipped in 8.

TOP PHOTO: South Haven's Jordyn Holland (3) sets the ball up for Melia Hanny during Thursday's match against Three Rivers. (Photo by Tom Renner)

ABOVE PHOTO: South Haven libero MaShayla White stretches to keep the ball in action during Thursday's match against Three Rivers. Later in the match, White suffered a concussion and had to leave the game. (Photo by Tom Renner)

9.30.19

South Haven netters take on Paw Paw, Brandywine

South Haven's tennis team netted a 4-4 tie, Tuesday, against Brandywine in a non-conference match.

The winning singles players for the Rams included No. 2 player Garrett Smith with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Brandywine’s Matt Cox and No. 4 singles player William Hastad with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Brandywine’s Ragjit Gorja.

The Rams number three singles player Tyler Farrrell narrowly lost in a very close match versus Brandywine’s John Johnson with a 2-6, 6-1 and 12-10 score.

Winning for the South Haven team in the doubles category was the No. 1 doubles team of Cameron Denbow and Lars Larsen defeating Mica Gamble and Connor Tittle of Brandywine 3-6,7-5,10-7. Also, the Rams' No. 4 team of Alex Patel and Eddie Solis defeated Brandywine’s Matt Veach and Tucker Vaughn, 6-4, 6-0.

The Rams suffered a 6-2 loss to Paw Paw, Monday.

No. 3 singles player Tyler Farrell defeated Michael Hartman of Paw Paw 5-7, 6-2 and 10-4 for the first of two individual victories for the South Haven team.

The second win for the Rams came from No. 4 singles player William Hastad who defeated Paw Paw’s Julian Martinez 6-0, 6-0.

The Rams return home Monday, Sept. 30 to host Holland Christian at 4 p.m. They will also be home again the next afternoon on Tuesday Oct. 1 to take on Buchanan at 4 p.m. They will travel to Three Rivers Saturday, Oct. 5 where they compete in the Wolverine Conference tournament.

PHOTO: South Haven No. 3 singles player Tyler Ferrell slams a return over the net during the Rams tennis match, Tuesday, against Niles-Brandywine. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

Rams' Ellie Frost qualifies for state meet in 100-yard freestyle

By LISA DeANGELIS

For the Tribune

It looks like South Haven swimmer Ellie Frost will be headed once again to the MHSAA state finals after posting a first-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle in a duel meet, last Tuesday, against Plainwell.

Frost finished the race with a time of 55.42, good enough to qualify for the state meet, where last year she was named state champ in the 50-yard freestyle and settled for third in the 100-yard freestyle.

The Rams got off to a good start, Tuesday, with a first-place and third-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay, against Plainwell, but the Trojans ended up prevailing, 122-63.

Despite the loss, the Rams did well in a number of individual events.

The winning 200-yard medley relay team consisted of Sierra Garber, Elise Postma, Ellie Frost and Kaia Hayes, while the third-place team included Emily Stinson, Kyley Gorham, Sophie Lee and Meah Inthavong.

In addition to winning the 100-yard freestyle Tuesday, Frost also posted a first-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.06.

Sierra Garber took a second place for the Rams in the 200 yard IM and Eve Wildey added points for the Rams with a third-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle.

Aurora Hosier dove for a third-place finish in the diving competition with a total score of 124.55

Kaia Hayes scored fourth place in the 100-yard butterfly and Bianca Gonzales added a fifth-place finish for the Rams in the 100-yard freestyle.

It was Eve Wildey and Meah Inthavong again for the South Haven team with a fourth- and fifth-place finish respectively in the 500-yard freestyle.

Sierra Garber and Emily Stinson posted a 2-3 finish for the Rams in the 100-yard backstroke, followed by Elise Postma and Kyley Gorham with a second- and fourth-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke.

South Haven finished the evening off with a second-place finish in the final event - the 400-yard freestyle relay. The Ram team of Eve Wildey, Sophie Lee, Emily Stinson and Sierra Garber swam for a time of 4:3503.

The Lady Rams will be on the road for the next couple of meets as they travel to Sturgis on Oct. 1, and then to Allegan on Oct. 5 for a four-way dual versus Allegan and Alma. They come back home finally on Tuesday Oct. 8 to take on Harper Creek at 6 p.m.

Viking kickers notch two more victories

Bangor's soccer team picked up two Southwest 10 Conference victories last week to up their overall record to 7-3.

Wednesday, the Vikings traveled to Marcellus to take on the Wildcats and won with a convincing 6-1 score.

Bangor got off to a slow start with a goal by Jonathan Nieva that was answered by Marcellus to tie the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

But in the second half, the Vikings offense took over. Gael Ramirez led Bangor with two goals, followed by Nieva with a goal and two assists. Eloy Saucedo, Leo Puga and Adan Carrillo each kicked in a goal, while Lisandro Magana and Saucedo each contributed an assist.

The Vikings started the week on Monday against Cassopolis.

“We had a very rocky start to the game, finding ourselves down 3-0 on the score board when the first half was over,” said Bangor Coach Antonio Robles. As was the case with Marcellus, the Vikings improved in the second half.

“The boys had time to regroup and pick their heads up,” Robles remarked.

With 20 minutes left on the clock in the second half, striker Jonathan Nieva slid the first goal into the back of the net, bringing the score to 3-1. Bangor captain Rolando Munoz then scored his team's second goal off of a free-kick. Bangor's other captain, Eloy Saucedo, scored the third goal to tie the game, and with minutes left on the clock, Rolando Munoz scored off a penalty kick to give Bangor the 4-3 come-from-behind victory.

“The boys did a great job holding off the Rangers the last few minutes of the game,” Robles said.

Plainwell outpaces South Haven runners

South Haven's Carson Rooker and Katie Schooley each posted a third-place finish for South Haven during last Tuesday's cross-country duel meet against Plainwell.

The Trojans ended up prevailing in the Wolverine Conference meet by winning both the boys and girls races, by scores of 43-18 and 45-18, respectively.

Other finishes for South Haven follow: Brian Thompson, sixth place; Osvaldo Ruiz, 11^th and Ben Meyer, 12^th. Hayley Rose, 11^th, Tania Villegas, 12^th.

White Pigeon outlasts Bangor in SW10 volleyball match

It was a long bus ride home for Bangor's volleyball team, Tuesday, after suffering a tough, hard-fought match to White Pigeon.

After five grueling sets, the Chiefs managed to prevail, 3-2 for the Southwest 10 victory.

“The contest was reminiscent of a boxing match with the fighters going the distance,” Vikings coach Doug Jones said. “The event was characterized by long rallies with the ball crossing the net as many as a dozen times on several occasions.”

Bangor took the first set 25-20, but lost the second and third ones, 25-19, 27-25. They then eked out a victory in the fourth set, 26-24 to tie the score 2-2. But the Chiefs weren't giving up, winning the fifth and deciding set, 15-8.

Audrey Hay led the Vikings' offense with 13 kills. Olivia Kuiper added 10 kills. Hay also scooped up 18 digs, followed by Kaitlyn Kite with 16 digs.

Bangor's match against Bloomingdale, Sept. 19, had a much better outcome. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 3-0.

“Once again, Bangor's outstanding serving and passing paved the way to solid offensive performance,” Jones said. “The team's hitting efficiency set a new season high of .351, while a consistent defensive effort provided momentum throughout the match.”

Hay led all Bangor hitters with 12 kills and 7 aces. Kite racked up 13 digs.

Bangor girls cross team wins invite



Bangor's girls cross-country team won their own invitational, Sept. 21, defeating Watervliet, 27-29, while Alvaro Martinez won the boys race.

The Viking girls were led by Brisa Sanchez-Valdez, who placed third. She was followed by Emily Hernandez who ran to a fifth place finish, Lililana Alcauter, 11^th, Hannah Householder, 12^th and Logan Slone, 19^th.

The Vikings boys team did not have enough runners to field a team. They were paced with Martinez's first-place finish of 17:21. Teammate Aurelio Melgarejo followed in 10^th, Zach Trainor, 14^th and Daniel Adams, 28^th.



9.23.19

South Haven Rams quarterback Brenden Williamson sneaks over the scrimmage line as South Haven lineman Xander Willet holds off the Plainwell defense late in the fourth quarter during the Homecoming game at Ratcliffe Field, Friday, Sept. 20. The Rams, who are still looking for their first victory of the season, managed to put 17 points on the scoreboard – the most they've racked up in a game so far this year – but the Trojans ended up winning the contest, 35-17. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)



South Haven golfers eye 2nd-place finish in Wolverine North Division

By Lisa DeAngelis

For the Tribune

South Haven's golf team stroked its way to second place during Monday's Wolverine Conference jamboree at HawksHead Golf Links.

“That puts South Haven in second place for the season so far with one North Division jamboree to go next Thursday at Lake Doster,” said Rams Coach Barry Shanley. “And it virtually guarantees us at least a tie for second for the season.”

Plainwell, which is leading the league, won the jamboree with 182 followed by South Haven with 200 points. Otsego also scored 200 points but settled for third place because South Haven's fifth best score was three shots better than the fifth best score for the Bulldogs. Paw Paw came in fourth with 287.

Individually, Jenna Ridley led South Haven with 43 points and was only one stroke behind medalist Claire Awe of Plainwell, who scored a 42.

“We were a little shaky on our home course, but thanks to a super round by Jenna Ridley we tied Otsego for second place behind Plainwell...but our fifth best score was three shots better than the fifth best score for Otsego...so we got second place points because of that,” Shanley explained.

Other scores for the Rams follow: Sydney Barnes, ninth, 51; Abby Bocock, 12^th, 53; Jina Patel, 12^th, 53; Makenzie Marr, 15^th, 54; Lindsee Ford, 23^rd, 70.

PHOTO: Lindsee Ford of South Haven chips the ball during a Wolverine Conference jamboree, Monday, at HawksHead Golf Links. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

Double trouble

South Haven's David Gonzalez (7) and teammate Eric Gonzalez double-team a Paw Paw player to gain control of the ball during Monday's soccer match. The match ended in a 0-0 tie. The Rams then played Edwardsburg, Wednesday, and lost 2-0. (Photo by Lisa DeAngelis)

Rams struggle at the net against Bulldogs

The South Haven High School Varsity Boys tennis team posted three individual wins Wednesday Sept. 18 at home versus Otsego, but eventually lost with a final team score of 5-3.

The Rams’ No. 1 one singles player, Alex Rummel, earned a victory for South Haven as did No. 4 singles player William Hastad. South Haven’s Brenan Diekema and Kalen O’Sullivan added a win for the Rams at the No. 3 doubles position.

Overall Results were as follows:

South Haven 3

Otsego 5

Singles

1 - Alex Rummel, SH, d. Daelan Burd, 7-6, 6-1

2 - Caleb Korringa, O, d. Garrett Smith, 6-2, 6-2

Luc Mcpherson, O, d. Tyler Ferrell, 6-3, 6-3

4 - William Hastad, SH, d. JJ Kruizenga, 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

1 - Hudson Desmit and Derek Rapa, O, d. Cameron Denbow and Lars Larson, 6-4, 6-1

2 - Mac Kruizinga and Gabe Secord, O, d. Ethan Cole and Linus Resek, 6-1, 6-2

3 - Brenan Diekema and Kalen O'Sullivan, SH, d. Eli Saucedo and Dylan Chandler, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2

4 - Issac Harter and Aiden Hopkins, O, d. Alex Patel and Eddie Solis, 6-2, 6-4

The Rams lost to Allegan earlier in the week at home, 8-0. The Rams have a busy week this week when they host three home matches beginning with Paw Paw on Monday. They then take on Niles Brandywine on Tuesday the 24th and finish out the week, Thursday, against New Buffalo.

Bloomingdale runners set the pace for SW 10

Bloomingdale's cross-country teams swept the Southwest 10 Jamboree, Wednesday, while both of Bangor's teams settled for fourth-place finishes.

The Cardinals' Joe Furlan won the boys race with a time of 17:22.44. Teammate Tyler Starbuck came in fifth with a time of 18:35.77. He was followed by Carlos Garcia, seventh, 18:45.62; David Garcia, 12^th, 19:01.52; and Joe Stocchiero, 25^th, 20:49.75.

The Vikings boys team posted three top 10 finishers for the fourth-place finish out of a field of eight schools. Leading the pack for the Vikings was Alvaro Martinez at second place with a time of 17:36.43, followed by Aurelio Melgarejo in eighth place with a time of 18:52.34 and Zach Trainor in 10th place with a time of 19:00.29.

In the girls race, Bloomingdale's Kallie Harrison won with a time of 20:45.29. She was followed by Aimee Sustaita, fourth, 21:38.88; Addison Miller, seventh, 22:55.09; Marta Douglas, eighth, 23:18.12; Maria Tunzunux, 18^th, 24:44.62; and Olaisa Moss, 20^th, 24:51.39.

The top finisher for the Lady Vikings was Brisa Sanchez-Valdez in 11th place with a time of 23:47.12. She was followed by Emily Hernandez, 16^th, 24:30.75.

Official team scores follow:

Boys

1. Bloomingdale 50, 2. Mendon 77, 3. Cassopolis Ross Beatty 82, 4. Bangor 89, 5. Hartford 129, 6. Eau Claire 141, 7. Marcellus 151, 8.Centreville 156.

Girls

1. Bloomingdale 29, 2. Hartford 52, 3. Centreville 61, 4. Bangor 98, 5. White Pigeon 116

Covert kickers defeat Bangor to win Bloomingdale invite

It took a shoot-out in the finals, but Covert's soccer team won the Bloomingdale Invitational championship, Sept. 14, by defeating Bangor.

The Bulldogs started the day by facing Kalamazoo Home School in the opener. Covert's Jesse Hernandez scored two goals and Moises Gomez added one to give the Bulldogs the 3-0 victory. They then went on to face the host team. Neither was able to score by the end of regulation play, forcing a shootout, which Covert won to advance to the finals. That game, too, ended in a 0-0 tie at the end of the game.

In the shoot-out, the Bulldogs outscored the Vikings 3-1 to win.

Despite settling for second, Bangor Coach Antonio Robles was pleased with his team's performance.

“We did a great job winning our first two games against Buchanan, 6-1, and Michigan Lutheran, 6-5, with a penalty shoot-out,” Robles said. “It was an exciting weekend for our Vikings. We only allowed one goal in three games during regular time.”

In other soccer action last week, Bangor picked up a Southwest 10 conference victory over Bloomingdale, 2-0, but lost to Hartford, 5-3.

“We knew it was going to take an amazing effort to beat the Cardinals,” Robles said. “The boys came out on the field with a different mentality. They wanted to be victorious tonight no matter what it took.”

Both teams were evenly matched from beginning to nearly the end when Bangor scored two goals to win the game.

“It took 60 minutes to break the deadlock,” Robles said. “Sophomore Jonathan Nieva scored the first goal of the night and a few minutes later he was back for more.”

Wednesday, the Vikings faced Hartford, the No. 1 team in the Southwest 10.

“We had a good start with a two-goal lead,” Robles said. “Unfortunately, we could not keep it together throughout the whole game. Gael Ramirez, Jonathan Nieva and Rolando Munoz each scored a goal for Bangor. Nieva also provided an assist.

Bangor volleyball team opens league play with a victory

Bangor's volleyball team opened the Southwest 10 conference season Tuesday with a victory over Marcellus.

“The Vikings applied continuous pressure on the Wildcats' defense throughout the contest and came away with a 3-1 win,” Bangor coach Doug Jones said.

Bangor's offense was led by Olivia Kuiper's 15 kills on 40 attempts.

The team's defensive effort was led by Lexy Strampel's three kill blocks and touch blocks she and her teammates made that slowed the Wildcats' power hitters, according to Jones.

“Bangor's back row players consistently set up their transition offense,” Jones said. The team compiled 83 digs led by Kaitlyn Kite with 21. Kuiper and Audrey Hay each scored digs in double digits.

“Good things happen when teams win the serve-and-pass game, especially when combined with a well-balanced offense and a solid defensive effort,” Jones said.



Coaches and managers, please feel free to send us results of your games and matches to southhaventribune@yahoo.com