Mt. Abram spring sports previews
Boys track
Coach: Andy Theriault
Last season: Did not score
Top returners: David Lowell (Jr., throws)
Key newcomers: Jarrod Blood (Jr., throws), Ben Listowich (Fr.), Nick Carleton (Fr.), Tim Buschman (Fr.)
Outlook: The Roadrunners featured just four athletes last season, but that number doubled this season. The Roadrunners should be strong in the throwing events.
Coach's comment: The boys are just building. Were trying to get younger students interested, but we have a lot of nice throwers.
Girls track
Coach: Andy Theriault
Last season: 9th in MVC, 16th in Class C
Top returners: Emma James (Sr., distance), Maria Parrett (Sr., sprints), Nola Dixon (Jr., distance), Andy Carlton (Sr., distance), Rachel Dennison (Sr., jumps), Loretta Crocket (Jr., throws)
Key newcomers: Lizzie Carlton (Fr.), Ashley Shurtleff (Fr.), Delani Littlefield (Fr.)
Outlook: James, Parrett and Dxon were part of the 4x800 relay team that finished second in Class C and set a school record last spring. James also finished third in the MVC in the 800 and ninth in the 1,600. Dixon finished fifth in the 1,600 and eighth in the 800 at the league meet as well. Parrett should also perform well in the sprints. She finished eighth in the 100.
Coach's comment: We have a strong team coming back. We have good leadership and we have a delicate balance of experience and inexperience, too.
Softball
Coach: Lanie Roy (1st season)
Last season: 9-9, made Western C quarterfinals
Top returners: 3B/P Kenni Norton (Sr.), 2B/OF Rebecca London (Sr.), LF/CF Rachel Fullerton (Sr.), CF Rebecca Fullerton (Sr.), C Emma Twitchell (Jr.), SS Jillian Withee (Jr.), 2B/OF Katie Buschmann (Jr.), SS/2B/RF Kylie Rolbiecki (Jr.), 1B/C Dani Smith (So.), P Molly McCaffery (So.)
Key newcomers: OF Ashley Gordon (Sr.), 1B/OF Colleen Shields (So.)
Outlook: The Roadrunners adavanced to the quarterfinals last season with a freshman pitcher, so McCaffertys added experience makes them a team to watch again. McCafferty has a fine defense behind her, led by Withee and the Fullertons.
Coach's comment: We didnt lose anyone from last year. Im really excited about having an experienced and young team.
Baseball
Coach: Ryan Palmer (3rd season)
Last season: 4-12 in Western C
Top returners: Greg Dexter (Sr., P-SS), Zach Purdy (Sr., 2B), Nate Ladd (Sr., 1B), Dylan Tisor (Jr., C), Mark Wahl (Jr., CF), Aaron McGinness (Jr., P-LF), Josh Smith (Jr., P-RF), Hank Poulin (Jr., 1B), Will London (So., OF)
Key newcomers: Sam Simpson (Sr., OF), Mike Bonney (Sr., UT), Peter Johnson (Sr., OF), Josh Beedy (Fr., P-3B)
Outlook: With a year of experience, Palmer expects his pitching staff to be improved from last season. McGinness is the ace and has improved his velocity. Tisor and Poulin are the heart of the lineup, while Bonney is a candidate to lead off.
Coach's comment: We have so many defensive looks, depending on whos pitching.
Girls tennis
Coach: Monica Hedstrom (1st season)
Last season: 0-12 in Western C
Top returners: Hillary Eustis (Jr.), Amanda Richards (Jr.), Meg Field (Jr.), Bailey Fitz (Jr.), Sam Boyd (Jr.)
Key newcomers: unavailable at press time
Outlook: The Roadrunners have struggled, and Hedstrom is realistic and not shooting for any state titles. She said the dozen or so girls on the team are playing because they want to have fun, and theyll take small steps. Eustis, Richards and Field were the top preseason candidates for the singles positions.
Coach's comment: Were just looking to have fun and get some sun, get some exercise.
Boys tennis
Coach: Jeff Lampron (3rd season)
Last season: 7-6, made Western C quarterfinals
Top returners: Joey Lampron (Jr.), Forrest Collins (Jr.)
Key newcomers: Kevin Steuber (Sr.), Brian Lambert (Jr.), Devin Littlefield (Jr.), Abe Fast (Jr.), Forest Mitchell (So.), Eric Mitchell (So.), Dylan McFarland (Fr.), Robert Rivers (Fr.), Adrian Drumstas (Fr.), Damon Haggan (Fr.)
Outlook: With only two returning players, coach Lampron will rely on Collins and Joey Lampron for leadership. Coach Lampron believes the Roadrunners will still be competitive, and likes how the new players are enjoying the sport.
Coach's comment: Theyre all hard workers. I just want to instill passion in them and keep them interested for the next couple years.
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