The Salina Journal from Salina, Kansas • Page 26

C8 SUNDAY, DEECEMBER 12, 2004 Volleyball SAUNA JOURNAL 2004 ALL-AREA VOLLEYBALL BECHARD SHANNON BECHARD SACRED HEART What was the highlight of 70ur high school volleyball career? The highlight of my high school career was winning the 2A state bharhpionship. It was a goal of purs the whole season to make it to Hays and we put a lot of bffort Into the the season to friake It a reality. Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? Dani Wittman, she was a hard worker during practice and was a great leader off and on the court. My brothers were also two people that I looked up to while ihey were in high school. Both were very good athletes, and I Wanted to enjoy the same success they had.

The one person who really got me motivated at a young age was Jake Moore, the head coach at Pius high school (Lincoln, Neb.) during KO summer camps. Is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? I'm very proud of my academic success in school. I'm also very proud and grateful to have a family that supports and helps you follow your goals. vyhat are your future plans for volleyball and schooling? I yvill be a senior at Sacred Heart jiext year and my plans are to play volleyball in college. Do you have any specific hobbies you enjoy? Other than playing volleyball, basketball and 1 also like to read and spend time with my friends.

Sacred Heart coach Rose Wittman on Shannon: "Shannon's turning point in the season was when she added a jump serve and more importantly to our team when she dedicated herself to become a better passer. The addition of these two skills made her a more rounded volleyball player." DANIBEDORE GOODLAND What was the highlight of BEDORE your high school volleyball career? The highlight of my career is winning state last year. Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? My role model is my brother Jordan because he has shown me that if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. Is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? I am proud of being on the honor roll. What are your future plans for volleyball and schooling? My future plans are to finish high school and get a volleyball scholarship to the school of my choice.

Do you have any specific hobbies you enjoy? My hobbies are sports, hanging out with friends and family and listening to music. Goodland coach Jerry McKee on Dani: "Dani has a very good head for the game and is always working to improve her volleyball skills. Her playing experience and level of play places her ahead of most high school players. She has played with, and against, some of the best players in the nation. She trains with her club the Colorado Juniors out of Colorado Springs during the off-season.

This requires her to travel twice a week to practice. This experience has introduced her to some top flight player and many college coaches are aware of her abilities." MARLIES GIPSON MCPHERSON What was the highlight of your high school volleyball career? Playing with my teammates and becoming closer. Making three trips to state and getting the school AU-AREA SECOND TEAM Player, School Height Year Position Afiel Dunker, Atwood 5-11 Sr. Hitter Mallory Gawith, Minneapolis 5-10 Sr. Hitter Aridrea Horney, Brewster 5-8 Sr.

Hitter Lissa Mazanec, Colby 5-10 Fr. Hitter Chantay Seim, SE-Saline 5-5 Sr. Hitter Salena Slinker, Pike Valley 5-11 Sr. Hitter HONORABLE MENTION Dana Champlin, Concordia; JuliAnne Chisholm, Hillsboro; Chelsea Cox, Norton; Kayla Darnall, Southern Cloud; Courtney Diedel, Trego; Tessa Earley, Salina Central; Crystal Follis, Hoxie; Amy Foster, Hill City; Chandra Francis, Sacred Heart; Toni Fuller, Smith Center; Lindsay Gallion, Hillcrest-North Central; Angela Garman, Jewell-White Rock; Ashley Gasper, Tipton; Lishe Isom, Smith Center; Lydia Kannopp, Oberlin; Maggie Keeler, Phillipsburg; Jessica Kuhn, Victoria; Shayla Larson, Belleville; Ashley Llenberger, Jewell-White Rock; Kylie McCuilick, Minneapolis; Bailea Phalen, Quivira Heights; Dani Pratt, Hoxie; Courtney Riedel, Trego; Stacy Rachow, Phillipsburg; Caitlin Smith, Ellsworth; Crysta Stensaas, Pike Valley; Kayla Stout, McPherson; Ashley Sweat, McPherson; Bonnie Windle, Lucas-Luray; Audrea Wisbey, Southern Cloud GIPSON record for most wins (39) and best winning percentage (93 percent). I was named the most inspirational player for my teammates and also the MHS MVP for 2004.

Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? Kendra Wecker. (She's a) hard worker and quite the overall athlete. Is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? Academics. (I'm) a Presidential Scholar, in the top 10 percent of my class and am on the honor roll. What are your future plans for volleyball and schooling? Playing basketball at K-State and becoming a teacher.

Do you have any specific hobbies you enjoy? Hanging out with friends, watching movies and listening to music. McPherson coach Cheryl Malm on Marlies: "Nothing Marlies does surprises me. She has the physical ability to intimidate her opponents and the drive that will not allow her to fail. Marlies was good from the first match (of the season) to the last match. She is the best athlete I've ever coached." JACIE HOYT HOXIE What was the highlight of your high school volleyball career? The highlight of my year was making it to the state volleyball tournament.

Even though things didn't go HOYT as the team wanted, it was a huge accomplishment because nobody really expected us to be there due to the fact that we lost a lot of players last year, and we didn't have any height." Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? My mom. She's the most motivated, hard-working person I've ever met. Without her amazing example she has set for me I wouldn't be where I am today is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? I work very hard in school and maintain a 3.7 G.P.A. I've also been on the honor roll all through high school. What are your future plans ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS ARK VALLEY-CHISHOLIVI TRAIL (D1) Gipson, McPherson; Kayla Stout, McPherson; Ashley Sweat, McPherson; Nicole Vogt, Maize; Jessica Coleman, Salina South; Tessa Earley, Salina Central; Megan Jacobs, Derby, SECOND TEAM Lindsay Oliver, McPherson; Lauren Russell, McPherson; Melissa Watson, McPherson; Lindsay Stuart, Maize; Kelly Larson, Maize; Lauren Divine, Hutchinson; Abby Giersch, Salina South; Stacy Puvogel, Salina South.

HONORABLE MENTION Andrea Gordon, Maize; Audrey Schellenberg, Maize; Amy Hoppock, Salina South; Jenny Baxa, Salina Central; Kylie Naccarato, Hutchinson; Kara Foster, Derby MVP Marlies Gipson, McPherson; Kayla Stout, McPherson; Nicole Vogt, Maize. OF THE YEAR Cheryl Malm, McPherson. CHEYENNE Lindsey Graham, Northern Valley; Kristin Hardy, Nothern Valley; Ashley Kraft, Western Matteson, Eastern Heights; Lanee 'Webb, Logan; Jill Weeks, Western Plains. SECOND TEAM Amy Flax, Western Plains; Baifey Paico; Nicole Haskett, Eastern Heights; Jenny Noel, Logan; Vanessa Van Diest, Logan; JoAnn Yoxall, Kensington. HONORABLE METNION Claire Cole, Kensington; Kelli Cole, Northern Valley; Baylee -Lehmann, Kensington; Alison Mishler, Western Plains; Melissa Nonamaker, Kensington.

EISENHOWER TEAM Kilynn Kasten, White City; Kara 'Gruber, Hope; Whitney Boeh, While City; Amber White City; Fallon Goracke, Hope; Jackie Klenda, Centre; Jennifer Krause, Hope; Brainne Stahlecker, Centre; Ashley Worrell, White City; Dana Aumick, Bennington. HONORABLE MENTION Liz Wolf, Hope; Tara Solomon; Teri Miller, White City; Cortni Hope; Jill Fenske, Centre; Kate Ireton, Bennington. HEART OF AIWERICA FIRST TEAM Amanda Archer, Remington; Morgan Foss, Hutch Trinity; Ami Froese, Trinity; Kylee McGill, Little River; Julie Phillips, Sedgwick; Mallory Santee, Inman; Apryl Schniucker, Little River; Kristen Schrag, Moundridge; Haley Schrag, Moundridge; Renee Swisher, Inman; BethanyThiesen, Moundridge. SECONDTEAM Clark, Remington; Mary Duarte, Hutch Trinity; Emilie Gill, Canton-Galva; Sedgwick; Kory Hiebert, Goessel; Dana Loganbill, Moundridge; Whitney O'Neill, Little River; Jviarci Rains, Little River; Jennifer Regier, Remington; Dani Russell, Hutch Trinity; Amanda Sfucky, Moundridge; Kterlna Walters, Ell-Saline. HONORABLE MENTION Kali Alstrom, Peabody; Allison Banman, Goessel; Kate Davison, Sedgwick; All Plett, inman; Kayla Schrag, Berean Academy; Brooke Wedel, Moundridge.

MID-CONTINENT FIRST TEAM Chelsea Cox, Norton; Toni Fuller, Smith Center; Courtney Riedel, Trego; Maggie Keeler, Phillipsburg; Jessica Kuhn, Victoria; Stacy Rachow, Phillipsburg. SECOND TEAM Amy Foster, Hill City; Vanessa Bellman, Ellis; Chelsey Dreiling, Victoria; Amber Fose, Trego; Jannica Schultze, Osborne; Lishe Isom, Smith Center HONORABLE MENTION Tiffani Long, Hill City; Jessica Patee, Osborne; Brooke Newcomer, Trego; Kelcee Meitler, Plainville; Allison Baughman, Stockton; Brittany Trexler, Hill City NORTH CENTRAL ACTIVITIES FIRST TEAM Shannon Bechard, Sacred Heart; Chandra Francis, Sacred Heart; Mallory Gawith, Minneapolis; Shelly Hillyard, Southeast of Saline; Anne Kelly, Sacred Heart; Rebecca Manes, Ellsworth; Kody Martin, Ellsworth; Kylie McCuilick, Minneapolis; April Ptacek, Southeast of Saline; Chantay Seim, Southeast of Saline; Caitlin Smith, Ellsworth; Steph Wittman, Sacred Heart. HONORABLE MENTION Ashley Abel, Beloit; Audra Atwell, Minneapolis; Adrion Reed, Belleville; Erica Stein, Southeast of Saline; Jessica Swanson, Southeast of Saline; Chelsea Williams, Ellsworth. NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS FIRST TEAM McKenzie Strunk, Abilene; Katie Conwell, Wamego; Laura Ten Eyck, Wamego; Megan Koster, Clay Center; Brandi Crimmins, Clay Center; Haley Carpenter, Clay Center; Jocelyn Forshee, Concordia; Dana Champlin, Concordia; Kate Kover, Marysville; Tana Charbonneau, Clay Center; Danielle Istas, Concordia. HONORABLE MENTION Alicia Facklam, Abilene; Gina Hullet, Abilene; Dani Cdmmins, Clay Center; Shannon Voet, Marysville; Tracy Stohs, Marysville; Whitney Irvine, Chapman; Casie Eichman, Wamego.

NORTHWEST KANSAS PIRSTTEAM Jacie Hoyt, Hoxie; Dani Bedore, Goodland; Ariel Dunker, Atwood; Lissa Mazanec, Colby; Lydia Karnopp, Oberlin; Veronica Kuhlman, Oakley; Crystal Follis, Hoxie; Shantel Leltner, Atwood; Dani Pratt, Hoxie; Kaitlyn Stapp, Oberlin; Amber Havel, St. Francis; Melissa Swager, Goodland. HONORABLE MENTION Rishonna Martin, Colby; Jordan Frazier, Goodland; Allison Mense, Hoxie; Jessica Brenner, Oakley; Christa Hardy, Oberlin; Bridgit Gourley, Quinter; Chelsie Kramer, Atwood; Megan Rice, St. Francis. KOSTER for volleyball and schooling? I don't have any future plans in volleyball, but I'll be attending Oklahoma State next year on a basketball scholarship.

Do you have any specific hobbles you enjoy? Playing volleyball, basketball, running track and spending time with friends and family. Hoxie coach Shelly Hoyt on Jacie: "A lot of people notice that Jacie is a great hitter, but fail to see what a great setter she is. Jacie knows how to work hard and expects a lot of herself. She doesn't care who gets the credit as long as her team wins." MEGAN KOSTER CLAY CENTER What was the highlight of your high school volleyball career? My highlight was winning the NCKL league undefeated. We haven't done that while Coach (Kristin) Wright has been head coach.

It was a great accomplishment for our team. Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? My family are my role models. They have been with me through everything. Even my brothers, who are out of college, came to my games. I love having them there as much as they love watching.

They are my support I can always coijnt on. I couldn't have done any of this without them. Is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? I am proud of recovering from knee surgery and being able to to play volleyball again. Volleyball was my inspiration to work hard at rehabilitation. What are your future plans for volleyball and schooling? I plan to go to college and play volleyball, but at this time I'm uncertain where.

Do you have any specific hobbies you enjoy? 1 enjoy hanging out with my friends as much as I can. I also like playing COACH OF THE YEAR S. WITTMAN other Clay Center coach Kristin Wright on Megan: "I was proud of Megan's great leadership this season. She leads by example. In practice and in games Megan is a tough competitor, and the rest of the team fed off that this year.

Megan worked hard over the summer on her jump serve, and it proved to be very effective and intimidating this year." STEPH WITTMAN SACRED HEART What was the highlight of your high school volleyball career? The highlight was winning the 2A state championship and breaking the record of most wins in a season at Sacred Heart with a record of 37-1. Is there an athlete or non- athlete you use as a role model? I see my parents as role models because they have given me my athletic ability and my passion for sports. Sports plays a big. part in my life, and so do my parents. Is there an accomplishment, other than athletics, you are especially proud of? I currently have a 3.75 G.P.A., and 1 am.

a member at large for our Student Council. What are your future plans for volleyball and schooling? I plan on attending Washburn and playing basketball. Do you have any specific hobbies you enjoy? I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and playing other sports. Sacred Heart coach Rose Wittman on Steph: "I will always be amazed at how good of a volleyball player Steph was. She focused very little on volleyball in the off-season, attending only one camp and playing club only one year.

She took full advantage of her ability to read the court and has always had the 'never give up, never give in' attitude." Compiled by SEAN PURCELL Salina Journal PIKE TRAIL FIRST TEAM Lindsay Gallion, Hillcrest-North Central; Chantel Frager, Hillcrest-North Central; Angela Garman, Jewell-White Rock; Ashley Llenberger, Jewell-White Rock; Lisa Schwerman, Jewell-White Rock; Tracy Everhart, Mankato; Brandi Jensen, Mankato; Salena Slinker, Pike Valley; Kayla Bergstrom, Pike Valley; Brooke Larson, Pike Valley; Kayla Darnall, Southern Cloud; Andrea Wisbey, Southern Cloud. HONORABLE MENTION Mandi Vaiek, Hillcrest-North Central; Ashley Wagnor, Lakeside; Crysta Stensaas, Pike Valley; Kim Ludwig, St. John's- Beloit. TWIN LAKES FIRST TEAM Amanda Boor, Sylvan; Anna 4lad, Sylvan; Leslie Graves, Tescott; Ashley Gasper, Tipton; Olivia Doyle, Tipton; Bonnie Windle, Lucas- Luray; Jamie Gillespie, Chase; Camille Wagoner, Adrielle Harvey, Lincoln; Christie Corpstein, Tipton; Lea Nondorf, Wilson; Dayna Crawford, Natoma. HONORABLE MENTION Janna Soresen, Sylvan; Mary Seehafer, Sylvan; Danee Payne, Lincoln; Carly Deckert, Tescott; Erin Grief, Tipton; Victoria Hollerich, Tipton; Tacy Powers, Wilson; Monica Walker, Lucas-Luray; Lacey Pool, Lucas- Luray; Sarah Hachmeister, Natoma; Kady Smith, Natoma.

Wittman guides Knights to title Sacred Heart head coach's first season a memorable one By SEAN PURCELL Salina lournul The usual cheerfulness of Sacred Heart volleyball coach Rose Wittman LOCAL NEWS R.WITTMAN WESTERN KANSAS LIBERTY FIRST TEAM Brandi Bertrand, Sharon Springs; Andrea Horney, Brewster; Brandi Lundgren, Wheatland; Jessica Rehmer, Grinnell; Caitlan Rush, Brewster; Katelyn Spresser, Golden Plains. SECOND TEAM Valerie Broeckelman, Golden Plains; Shannon Haug, Healy; Jalyn Reld, Brewster; Susanna Smith, Triplains; Nikki Welsh, Sharon Springs; Jodi Zimmerman, Wheatland. THIRD TEAM Natalie Elder, Sharon Springs; Courtney Schoendaler, Grinnell; Amy Schultz, Brewster; Mona Shafer, Tribune; Darcle Spresser, Golden Plains; Meagan Weaver, Wheatland. HONORABLE MENTION Beth Blaesi, Weskan; Audrey Hoyt, Brewster; Tabltha Lanning, Healy; Andrea Schneider, Tribune. Others MID-CENTRAL FIRST TEAM JuliAnne Chisholm, Hillsboro; BrittaTjaden, Smoky Valley; Leann Thomas, Marlon.

SECOND TEAM Emily Ratzlaff, Hillsboro; Amy Duerksen, Hillsboro; Jordan Koch, Smoky Valley; Elizabeth Rawson, Smoky Valley; Amber Richmond, Marion; Megan Hudson, Marion. TWIN VALLEY SECOND TEAM Megan Wilson, Washington. STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS Class 6A AtTopeka 'thircf place St. Thomas Aquinas 25-15, 25-19 Ctiampfonship Washburn Rural -def 'L4Wrence High, r- AtTopeka Tfilftl place Wichita Carroll def. Shawnee Heights, 25-23, 25-23 Championship SM Miege def.

Wichita Kapaun, 29r27, 25-21 Class 4A At Salina Third place Labette County def. Holton, 25-23, 25-20 Championship Andover High def. Wamego, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22 Class 3A At Salina Third place Rossvllle def. Lakin, 25-19, 25-20 Championship Silver Lake def. Conway Springs, Class 2A At Hays Third place Onaga def.

Hutchinson Trinity, 25-15, 28-26 Championship Sacred Heart def. Sublette, 23-25, 25-13, 25-11 Class 1A At Hays Third place Brewster def. Rosalia Flinthills, 25-23, Championship Centralia def. Axtell, 25-20, 25-15 reaches another gear when asked to talk about this season's Class 2A state championship. Wittman has every reason to smile, too.

In her first year with the Knights she led her team to a 37-1 record a school-best for wins in a season. It was the perfect transition for Wittman, who served as an assistant to Mary Pat Weese for three seasons before becoming head coach. "I knew we had the kids to get it done," she said. "Throughout the season, the girls showed teamwork and determination to get the job done." After the Knights posted a 266 mark last season, Wittman knew her team had the potential to make it to state since they returned senior outside hitter Steph Wittman, Rose's daughter, and junior middle blocker Shannon Bechard. But Wittman knew it wasn't going to be easy.

"It does require some luck," she said. "Getting to host sub- state was an advantage for us." Sacred Heart seemed prepared to host a difficult sub- state that included state-ranked Moundridge and Inman after it won a competitive North Central Activities Association league. The Knights' only loss of the season came in conference play a three-game defeat at the hands of Ellsworth. Sacred Heart also had three- game matches with Southeast of Saline, Minneapolis and BeUeviUe, something Wittman believes helped the Knights during their run through the state tournament. "Throughout the season, the girls showed teamwork and determination to get the job done." Rose Wittman Sacred Heart coach following team's 37-1, 2A state championship season "I think that worked to our advantage," she said.

"I put a lot of pressure on our team after that loss. Once we got toward the end of the season I stressed to my team that we couldn't lose again." Sacred Heart encountered several tests during its run at state. Perhaps the toughest was when the Knights faced a must- win match in pool play against Hoxie, a contest that went three games. A loss would have kept Sacred Heart out of the semifinals. "We had some three-game matches along the way and I think that helped us in the match with Hoxie," Wittman said.

"The girls just had the attitude that they wouldn't lose and never got rattled when we got into a three-game match." After the Knights dropped the first game of the championship match against Sublette, they dominated the next two to claim the title. "State was the highlight for sure," Wittman said. "It was just a great group of kids and the parental support was very nice as well. I didn't have any problems." What allowed Wittman to enjoy the title even more was being able to celebrate with her daughter Steph, who led the team with 227 digs and was second with 254 kiUs. Rose's youngest daughter Abby will join the team next year.

"It was great to experience a state championship with Steph because not many coaches get a chance to do that," Wittman said. "It was very special. I am excited for Abby to join us next year. She is a volleyball fanatic and can't wait to play with us.".