Nick Blackmer named Athletic Director at Hartford High School
The school year may have ended for Hartford High School, but Nick Blackmer has his nose to the grindstone after being named the Hartford High School Athletic Director, replacing Dan Kyle. Blackmer is the varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer coach, and this marks his first A.D. job. He is the high school science teacher and has held that position since 2004. Blackmer brings extensive coaching experience with him to the A.D. position. He had coached varsity baseball and women’s soccer for five years and men’s soccer for six. “I am looking forward to building on our current athletic programs while working with the great coaching staff we have. There are some things that may stay the same, but there will also be a lot of new changes that will help to improve the great athletic programs we have,” Blackmer commented. Students, athletes, and fellow teachers agree that Blacker is a highly disciplined and communicative coach. Those traits will carry over into his new duties and help ensure a seamless transition into his new position.
Coloma clipped by Calvin Christian in Softball Regional Championship Game
The Coloma Varsity Softball Team hit the field energized, pumped up, and ready to play ball on Saturday, June 11 despite the 90 degree temperatures and infinite sun. Moods certainly improved after the squad secured a 3-1 win over Schoolcraft in the regionals semi-final game at host Bridgman. The game started off a bit rocky for the Lady Comets. Skylar Crisenbery, on the mound for Coloma, was tapped for a triple by Calvin’s leadoff hitter on the second pitch of the game. The next Schoolcraft batter smacked a ball straight at Coloma short stop Nicolle Larson who fired home for the out. The crowd of Comet fans collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Larson would collect the second out of the first inning on a popup before a single put runners on first and second bases. The third out was quickly dispatched after hitting the ball to second baseman Mya Potter. Morgan Wagner led off the Comets’ half of the first inning with a solid shot to second base, but the line drive was caught. Crisenbery and Alyssa Dillenbeck followed with outs of their own to end the inning with a score of 0-0. Crisenbery struck out the first two batters she faced in the second inning. After hitting the next batter, Crisenbery struck out the following batter to end the inning. Kayla Yore stroked Coloma’s first hit of the game in the bottom of the second inning. The ball sailed just past second base for a single. She was left stranded, and at the end of two innings the score remained 0-0. Crisenbery opened up the third inning by hitting another Schoolcraft batter. With one runner aboard the bags, Coloma went to work. Jenna Walter snagged a bunt and threw the runner out at first. Dillenbeck recorded the next two outs of the inning by catching two pop ups. Wagner came up big for Coloma in the third inning. Her double to left field put her in scoring position with Crisenbery at the plate. Crisenbery belted a single that scored Wagner, and Coloma took a 1-0 lead. The fourth inning was anything but easy for Coloma. The inning started out well with a pop up caught by Potter for the first out. The next batter hit a shot back to Crisenbery on the mound that tipped off her glove; Potter had to scramble to get to the ball and her throw to Dillenbeck at first was low. From the stands, the runner looked to be out but was called safe. The third Schoolcraft batter hit a shot to Walter at third. Walter double clutched the throw and the runner was safe. With runners on first and second with one out, another shot went to the left side of the diamond, and all three bags were full. Crisenbery got a timely strikeout, but the bases remained full with two outs. Schoolcraft’s next batter hit a pop up to center that was caught by Yore, and the side was retired without scoring a run. Larson stepped up to the plate for Coloma in the bottom of the fourth inning and launched a double that traveled all the way to the left field fence. Potter dropped a sacrifice bunt to move Larson to third. With no outs, Yore settled in at the plate and proceeded to blast a triple that scooted out to the right field fence, scoring Larson. A gusty squeeze play with only one out was called by Coach Wendy Goodline with runners on first and third. The play didn’t work, and Coloma had two outs. A strikeout ended the inning, but the Comets were on top 2-0 at the end of four innings. Crisenbery struck another two runners out in the fifth inning, but it wasn’t enough to keep Schoolcraft from scoring one run. The run came off two singles and a wild throw to third base by Coloma.
COLOMA GETS WIN OVER SCHOOLCRAFT… Coloma faced Schoolcraft during the noon game of regional action at Bridgman on Saturday. Mya Potter leads off from third base with Samantha Stewart at the plate during sixth inning action. Coloma sank Schoolcraft 3-1 but lost in the regional cham-pionship game to Grandville Calvin Christian 2-1. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)
Coloma had a quick fifth inning, as batters struck out and popped up twice. As the fifth inning was recorded into the scorebook, Coloma held onto a 2-1 lead.
Coloma sat three batters down in a hurry in the sixth inning. Sabrina Ball in right field caught a fly ball, Potter grabbed another pop up, and Larson dug a ball out of the dirt at shortstop and delivered it to a stretching Dillenbeck at first for the third out. Dillenbeck hit a solid single to center to start the sixth inning for the Comets. Larson laid down a perfect bunt right in front of home plate to move Dillenbeck to second on the sacrifice. With one out and a runner on second, Potter stepped up to the plate and hit a single to left field. Coloma scored their final run of the game in the sixth inning to take the game to 3-1 as the teams headed into the seventh inning. Coloma needed just three short outs to leave one runner stranded on second base and to win the semi-final game 3-1.
Crisenbery struck out six batters for the win.
In the championship game, the Lady Comets faced Grandville Calvin Christian. It was a tough battle that wasn’t decided until the seventh inning, but Coloma was defeated 2-1 in a heartbreaker for players and fans alike. Calvin Christian scored their first run of the game in the first inning. Coloma responded in the second inning with one run of their own, a single blasted by Walter over the head of the second baseman that sent Larson across the plate. With the scored tied 1-1 it was pitching duel over the next four innings. It was Calvin Christian in the bottom of the seventh inning who scored the lone run needed to end the game. Coloma had seven hits during the contest. Crisenbery notched eight strikeouts, including five in a row. It was a stellar season by Coloma who will only lose two seniors due to graduation (Gabby Gordon and Sabrina Ball).
Grace Christian falls to Decatur at Regionals
The Grace Christian softball squad suffered a tough 3-1 loss to Decatur on Saturday, June 11 in Centreville. The Lady Patriots took on the Raiders in one of the two semi-final games on tap to determine the regional champion. Surprisingly, the Grace Christian bats which proved nearly unstoppable all season were virtually silent on Saturday. Twelve Lady Patriots struck out during the contest. Grace scored one run in the first inning courtesy of Riley Hess’s RBI single, but was then held scoreless through the subsequent six innings. The team had only three hits and committed three errors. For most of the game, it appeared Grace Christian would head into the championship game as they enjoyed a 1-0 lead. However, Decatur came up big in the sixth inning with three runs. Grace Christian was unable to respond at their top-of-seven at bat and suffered the 3-1 defeat. Jaidyn Hutsell took the mound one last time this year for Grace Christian. She struck out nine batters and allowed three runs on one hit. The squad finished their season 23-7. Decatur would go on to win the regional championship by topping Kalamazoo Christian 5-3. Decatur will face Morenci on Saturday in quarterfinals action.
Watervliet Football program’s trivia night raised $2,500
With questions covering sports, quotes, pop culture, and much more, participants at the Watervliet Football program’s trivia night had their thinking caps on. The second annual trivia night fundraiser was hosted at the Coloma F.O.P. on Friday, June 10. Led by head football coach Jeremy Andrews, the evening was deemed a success. The football program raised $2,500. Start watching Jeopardy now; Andrews confirmed that the trivia contest will make a return appearance next year.
Grace Christian Softball Players earn awards; Coach John Jewell named District Coach of the Year
Accolades continue to pour in for the 2016 Grace Christian softball team. John Jewell, who recently completed his 17th and final year coaching the Lady Patriots, was named District Coach of the Year. Freshman Sydney Gardner, sophomore Emily Essmyer, freshman Jaidyn Hutsell, and freshman Rylie Hess were named to the All-Conference team in the BSC Conference – White Division. All four young ladies were also named to the All-District team. Congratulations to both the players and Coach Jewell.
Hartford Boosters dole out Athletic Awards and Scholarships
The Hartford Athletic Boosters doled out numerous awards to various student athletes during the club’s annual Hartford Senior Athletic Banquet on Thursday, May 26. Lincoln Gendron and Ally Sinclair were honored with the Harold Robinson Award. Sinclair and Joseph Cleary earned the Indian Pride Award. The Green and White Athletic Booster scholarship was bestowed upon Lincoln Gendron and Tyler Gendron. The duo was also awarded the John Scherer Scholarship. Tyler Gendron was also honored with the Mark Olds Memorial Athletic Scholarship.
Coloma Graduate signs letter of intent… Pictured are Tabitha Terry (mother) Tristin Hicks (graduate Coloma Class of 2016) and Justine Dover LMC Red Hawks Head Soccer Coach signing her letter of intent to play soccer at LMC.
Coloma Soccer Standouts Earn Scholarships;
All-Conference Players Named
Coloma Girls’ Varsity Soccer standouts Paige Derrick and Tristin Hicks have earned scholarships to Lake Michigan College for their playing prowess on the field. Both young ladies will continue their soccer careers with the Red Hawks in 2017. After finishing their season 10-6-1 overall (6-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division), two players were awarded with First Team All-Conference distinction. Tristen Howard and Tristin Hicks took home the First Team awards. Both young ladies recently graduated from CHS. Teammates Paige Derrick, a recent graduate; Alyssa Bahr, a junior; and Hannah Palmer, also a junior; received All-Conference Honorable Mention awards.
HARTFORD’S FOOTBALL COACHES PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON… Hartford’s Varsity Football Team will have a new coaching staff for the up-coming 2016-2017 season. Ben Kain has been named head football coach, while Tyler Mayer was appointed defensive coordinator for the varsity team. Mike Parker will helm the junior varsity team as the head coach and defensive coordinator and Robert Ledesma was named the offensive coordinator. Pictured: Tyler Mayer, Ben Kain, Robert Ledesma, and Mike Parker. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)
Hartford introduces new
head football coach
Hartford will have a new head football coach and new offense for the 2016 football season. Ben Kain, in his first year as varsity head football coach and offensive coordinator has appointed Tyler Mayer as the varsity defensive coordinator to assist him in leading the Indians back to the playoffs. Kain replaces Jason Fiacco, who spent one-year as the Indians coach. Kain brings with him four years of experience as an assistant at Hope College, during which the football team recorded a 22-18 record. Kain has suffered only one losing season as a high school football player and as a coach. During a recent “Meet the Coaches Night” at Hartford High School, Kain shared that he has coached “multiple All-Americans, All-Conference, and team MVPs.” As to the future of the Hartford Indians’ football program, Kain is changing up the direction of play on the field. He is moving the offense to a split back offensive set. He describes the move as “the offense will be the intersection of the veer, triple option, and zone read.” Mayer, who stated he is, “truly excited for the opportunity here,” confirmed that the defense will run “an aggressive 3-5-3” which will lean heavily on the blitz. Mayer stated, “We have a lot of mid-size athletes. This defense is fun, fast. I’m an aggressive play caller. We’re going to be play makers.” Kain isn’t concerned with more athletes hitting the soccer field rather than the football field. In fact, Kain said, “I’m expecting higher numbers [to try out for the team]. I was a very successful recruiter. And, we have transfers coming in.” Kain acknowledges there has been some instability in the football program; he will, after all, be the third coach in three years. Fiacco lasted one year and Hartford High School principal was the successful long-time coach prior to that. Hartford High School Athletic Director Nick Blackmer stated, “Coach Ben Kain has a lot of work in front of him. We will be a young team that will have to learn very quickly. [Kain’s] ambition and dedication to the student athletes is contagious within out school. I am really looking forward to watching the progress of our football program under his direction.” Soon-to-be-sophomore football player Evan Parker, 15, echoed Blackmer’s assessment. “We’re young,” Parker said. Parker has played football for four years. He lined up as running back, tight end, and at quarterback. He likes the QB spot the most and looks forward to the new offense Kain is implementing. “I like the triple option.” Hartford’s junior varsity team will be led by Mike Parker, head coach and defensive coordinator, and Robert Ledesma, offensive coordinator. Mark your calendars: the varsity squad opens their season on Friday, August 26 on the road at Red Arrow Highway rival Watervliet.
Golf results for June 13
Ladies Monday Night Happy Hour Golf League June 13, 2016, weekly winner report: Event winner –Low Gross: Kathy Osborne with 56, Low Net: Kathy Osborne with 38, Low Putts: Mary Beth Kraklau with 18, Pars: Kathy Osborne #11, Cheryl Hutchins #14, Colleen McKeown #14 and #10 and Trina Johnson #15 and #17: Birdies: Mary Beth Kraklau #14: Chip in: Cheryl Hutchins: Most Bogeys –Cheryl Hutchins, Anne Pudell, Colleen McKeown and Kathy Osborne, all with two.
HARTFORD SPEEDWAY… Puhrman Hauling & Excavating UMP Stock Car driver Josh Frye would hustle the rest of the competition to take the win on Friday night, June 10.
(Photo by Tome Willavise)
Frye, Krick, & Hoffman hustle the competition; Stremme, Jenema, and Erickson also victorious
Jack’s Hauling & Excavating UMP Modifieds saw an unusual visitor with former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver David Stremme pulling through the gates in his attempt to conquer the Wicked Half Mile. Stremme would find himself mired mid-pack to start the main event as Jeff Erickson Jr would lead the opening 11 circuits before failing to hold off the Stremme’s hard charging #35. Stremme would go on to win with Brian Ruhlman second, Zeke McKenzie third, Erickson fourth, and Curt Spalding fifth. Puhrman Hauling & Excavating UMP Stock Cars would have a special throw back triple feature event. The special format would allow a first time winner to emerge in the Stock Cars with Jake Hoffman visiting victory lane. Jerrad Krick would take the win in the second feature race over Calvin Peek. Josh Frye would out hustle the rest of the competition for the third and final main event. Curt Spalding would come in second, Jerrad Krick third, Jim Abbott fourth and David Hurst in his first ever visit to the speedway fifth. Federated Auto Parts Cyber Stocks would have trouble starting their main event with several opening lap crashes that would whittle the field down to a handful of cars forcing speedway officials to shorten the event. Nick Jenema from the last starting spot would pick up the win, Chad Freed second, James McDonald third, Riley Goss fourth, and Brooke Derrick fifth. Mini Wedges would make their debut in an exciting fashion as Justin White and Braden Erickson would lean into each other coming down the front stretch while dicing through lap traffic. Erickson would come out victorious over White with a huge ovation from the Hartford Speedway crowd. Next Friday June 17 American Ethanol UMP Late Models will make their return to the wide wide oval. Jacks Hauling & Excavating UMP Modifieds, Puhrman Hauling & Excavating Stock Cars and Federated Auto Parts Cyber Stocks will fill up the card. Spectators are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. More details on the “Halloween Night” spectator special please visit our website at www.HartfordSpeedway.net or check in with us on Facebook. Racing gets under way at 8 p.m. General Admission is $12 with kids 10 & under admitted FREE.
Steady Logano lands his first NASCAR victory of the 2016 Season
Joey Logano didn’t gamble too often throughout Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. His steady hands at the wheel allowed him to drive away with his first victory of the 2016 season. Logano commanded much of the 200-lapevent. He started the race from the pole position and led 138 laps, including the final 46. With this win, the 15th race of the season, Logano earned his 15th career victory. It was just a matter of time for Logano to nab a trophy. He has led laps in seven of the last eight races. Chase Elliott came in second after leading 35 laps. Elliott, who took over the Hendrick Motorsport #24 Chevy from Jeff Gordon who retired at the end of the 2015 season, is inching ever closer to his first NASCAR Sprint Cup series win. Kyle Larson took third and led one lap. Brad Keselowski led 10 laps and crossed the finish line in fourth place. Rounding out the top five was Kevin Harvick. The race at our home state track featured nine caution periods and 14 lead changes. Twenty-eight drivers ended the day on the lead lap. Other drivers taking a turn at the helm of the pack included Ryan Newman finally getting his chance at the head of the line. He led one lap. Jimmie Johnson led four circuits, while Martin Truex Jr. took everyone around 10 times. Paul Menard led one lap. Other notable items during Sunday’s contest included Tony Stewart’s seventh place finish. Since missing eight races at the beginning of the season, Sunday’s finish gives Stewart his second top 10 finish; he took sixth place in the GEICO 500 a few weeks ago. Dale Earnhardt Junior continues to hunt for his first win of the season which thus far has proven to be elusive. Earnhardt Jr. started in the number two spot and finished in second-to-last place due to an accident. The Sprint Cup Series returns on Sunday, June 26 for the Toyota – Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. The drivers will celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday at home, so there is no action at the track. If you are lucky to have your paternal parent around – be it your dad, step-dad, or father figure – be sure to give them a call on Sunday. To my own, Happy Father’s Day, dadums!
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