18 - Kokomo School

3
Kat Chatter
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thought for the day
“If you only give 90% in training, then you will
only ever give 90% when it matters.”
Michael Owen
Today’s Athletic Events
SPORT
OPPONENT
LOCATION
No athletic events are scheduled
TIME
THE WILDKAT
The next Kat Chatter will
be on Friday, March 25th.
The Kokomo boys track and field team kicked off the season with the North South Relays
(NSR) qualifier at Indiana Wesleyan University. The more experienced kids did very well, and
the young kids showed some great promise. I am pleased where we are at this point in the
season with a very young team and a very limited amount of practices.
Placing 2nd
Andrecus Eddington
60 Meter Dash, 7.08
Placing 3rd:
4x800 Relay Team of Justin Taflinger, Colten Pearce, Ethan Sharp and Cory Dea, 9:05.52
Distance Medley Relay Team of Dea, Taflinger, Pearce, and Sharp, 11:19.69
Placing 5th:
Rolando Tyler
60 Meter High Hurdles 9.24
4x200 Relay Team of Eddington, Andre’ Nash, Robby Lambert and Aion Jones, 1:39.22
4x400 Relay Team of Eddington, Julian Wallace, Lambert and Jones, 3:52.46
Placing 9th:
Cameron Fitts
Shot Put, 39’0.5”
Placing 12th:
Max McHaney
3200 Meter Run, 11:15.71
Placing 13th:
Gavin Bitner
Shot Put, 38’2.25
Placing 15th:
Wallace
60 Meter High Hurdles, 11.18
Placing 18th:
Jacob Roberts
3200 Meter Run, 11:47.44
Placing 19th:
Nash
60 Meter Hurdles, 7.84
Placing 25th:
Zharquan White
Shot Put, 36’01.0
The Kokomo boys track and field competed in our second North South Relays (NSR) qualifier
at Indiana Wesleyan University. Several kids improved on last week’s performances. In
addition, several first year athletes saw their first competition of the season.
Placing 2nd
Andrecus Eddington
60 Meter Dash, 7.15
Placing 7th:
4x800 Relay Team of Nigel Lenoir, Jacob Roberts, Justin Talflinger and Ethan Sharp, 9:29.15
Distance Medley Relay Team of Max McHaney, Colten Pearce, Cory Dea, and Taflinger,
12:17.95
Placing 11th:
4x400 Relay Team of Pearce, Julian Wallace, Andre’ Nash, and Josep Martinez, 3:57.27
Cameron Fitts
Shot Put, 40’7.25
Placing 16th:
Coy Brandon
3200 Meter Run, 10:59.28
Placing 17th:
Dea
3200 Meter Run, 11:08.39
Placing 18th:
4x200 Relay Team of Aion Jones, Tyler Shelly, Terrence Armstrong, and Santiago Gutierrez,
1:49.05
Placing 21st:
Robby Lambert
60 Meter Dash, 7.60
Placing 26th:
Zharquan White
Shot Put, 36’10.25
Placing 28th:
Wallace
60 Meter High Hurdles, 10.86
Placing 34th:
Nash
60 Meter Dash, 7.79
Placing: 33rd:
McHaney
3200 Meter Run, 11:49.8
SEASON PREVIEW
SOFTBALL
The Kokomo softball team has high expectations coming into the season. We
have 10 varsity letter winners returning from a team that set the school record
with 24 victories last season and won the North Central Conference for the first
time as well as capturing the school’s second sectional championship.
Our returning seniors include all-conference selections Rachel Lawson, Cathy
Skaggs, and Ramsie Hurlock. Rachel will look to handle the bulk of the
pitching duties this season and has committed to Central Baptist College in
Arkansas. Cathy will play shortstop and is a University of Indianapolis recruit.
Ramsie, who had the walkoff hit to win the sectional, also returns and is
competing for a spot at first or third base, and could be our designated player
some.
Kennedy Curl is our last senior. She batted .385 with Logansport last season
and actually had a RBI against us in Logan’s victory last year. She is competing
for a spot at 1B or in the outfield.
The junior class has two-time all-conference selection Paige Ward, who will
look to return to second base, and be our leadoff hitter. Alexis Clark, whose
season last year was shortened by an injury, is looking to take over centerfield
duties. Kaylin Trine is also in the mix, and may split time with the JV.
Our sophomore class has several players who contributed to the varsity as
freshmen. Katelyn Dowden returns behind the plate. Savannah Emmons, Sara
Hughes, and Courtland Cottle all saw significant time as freshmen. They are all
three competing for a spot at first base, outfield, or designated plater. Abby
Higgins is another sophomore that may be called upon and may split time with
the JV as well.
(continued on the next page)
We have some very talented freshmen that have made the varsity.
Taylor Simmons is competing for a spot at third and Ellie Trine for a
spot in the outfield. Lauryn Hicks will be our number two pitcher, and
her future looks bright. Olivia Branch is our final freshman, and she
will probably split time with the JV as well.
We expect to win this season. The beginning of our schedule is very
difficult as we face three Division 1 pitchers in our first five games.
We will also have a weekend tilt against Harrison, DeKalb, and Leo.
Leo is the defending state runner-up in Class 3A after winning state
championship the year before. We also play Western, Logansport, and
Noblesville in the same week, which will be a difficult task and should
help us prepare for the NCC tournament.
Our expectations are high, and we are playing a difficult schedule to
prepare us to try to win back-to-back NCC and sectional titles. We’d
love to have some great crowds. If you haven’t been out to watch
these girls play, you are missing something.
Coach Susong
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
11
12
13/26
18
21
25
27
28
30
Rachel Lawson
Sara Hughes
Paige Ward
Kennedy Curl
Alexis Clark
Kaitlyn Dowden
Courtland Cottle
Ramsie Hurlock
Savannah Emmons
Olivia Branch
Lauryn Hicks
Ellie Trine
Kaylin Trine
Cathy Skaggs
Taylor Simmons
Abby Higgins
SR
SO
JR
SR
JR
SO
SO
SR
SO
FR
FR
FR
JR
SR
FR
SO
Head Coach
Mike Susong
Varsity Assistants
Jeff Skaggs, Marcus Ward, Ken Parry
JV Head coach
Greg Johnson
JV Assistant
Ken Mulkey
Student Managers
Tabby Groover
Romelia Gonzales
2016 KHS
SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
DAY
Sat
DATE
3/19/16
TEAM
Scrimmage – Eastern
PLACE
H
TIME
1:00
Mon
3/21/16
Fishers
H
6:00
Thur
3/24/16
Eastern
H
5:00
Mon
3/28/16
Lebanon
H
5:30
Tue
Tues
Thu
Fri
Sat
Mon
Tue
Wed
Mon
Wed
Thu
Sat
Mon
Wed
Thu
Sat
Mon
Tue
Sat
Mon
Tues
Sat
3/29/16
4/12/16
4/14/16
4/15/16
4/16/16
4/18/16
4/19/16
4/20/16
4/25/16
4/27/16
4/28/16
4/30/16
5/02/16
5/04/16
5/05/16
5/07/16
5/09/16
5/10/16
5/14/16
5/16/16
5/17/16
5/21/16
Peru
Taylor
Tipton
Harrison
Dekalb/Leo
Cass
Eastbrook
McCutcheon
Northwestern
Carroll (Flora)
Lafayette Jeff.
Muncie Central (DH)
Western
Logansport
Noblesville
NCC Tournament
Tri-Central
Marion
NCC Tournament
Clinton Central
Huntington North
Maconaquah (DH)
H
T
H
T
T
H
T
H
T
H
T
T
T
H
T
N
H
T
N
T
H
H
5:00
5:00
5:00
5:30
12:00/4
5:00
5:00
5:30
5:00
5:00
6:00
11:00a
4:30
5:00
5:00
11:00a
5:00
5:30
10:00a
5:00
5:30
11:00a
The Wildkat wrestlers had a successful season in 2015-2016. The guys continued to improve
and grind until the end.
This year’s squad had two valuable seniors - T.T. Allen (138) and Szhantrayle Roberson
(145).
T.T. was a four-year varsity letter winner and the 18th Wildkat wrestler in history to cap his
100th victory in a career. He ended his season at the semi-state in a heart-breaking ticket
round match.
Szhantrayle was also a four year-varsity letter earner and was the 19th Wildkat wrestler in
history to cap his 100th career win. (T.T. and Szhantrayle both got their 100th win at the
sectional this year about 15 minutes apart from each other). This stud had an awesome senior
year as he made a run to the state finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was an awesome way
to end his impressive career in a Kokomo singlet.
T.T. and Szhantrayle have both already sworn into the United States Army and will be leaving
together this summer for boot camp. We could not be more proud of them as we know they
will represent our program and school proudly wherever they go.
As a team the Kats ended with a 24-14 regular season record, placing 4th in the NCC tourney,
2nd at the sectional, and 2nd at the regional. We sent nine wrestlers to the regional - Nigel
Lenoir (106), Jabin Wright (113), Austin Johnson (132), Allen (138), Roberson (145),
DaShaun Barbary (170), Gavin Herrera (195), Nick Fox (220) and Quamielle Belt (285).
We had an outstanding day at the regional coming up just short of the team championship and
sending seven guys to the semi state - Lenoir, Wright, Allen, Roberson, Barbary, Herrera, and
Fox. We then qualified Wright and Roberson for the state finals in Indianapolis.
As the season comes to an end, we are already looking forward to another successful season
next year. Only losing two seniors, we will be getting many of our quality wrestlers back
again. We will continue to work hard, and earn our success on the mat. There are no short
cuts taken with these Kats.
Until then….We will see you on the mat!
Coach Wells
The Kokomo boys swim team had a successful season with many wins and much improvement
from individuals.
As a team, our record was 10-1, 1st at the Twin Lakes Relays, 2nd at NCCs, and 4th at sectionals.
Max White set freshman records in the 200 Free (1:48.53) and 100 Fly (54.04). Those records
were previously held by Adam Goff (200 Free) and Tylor Gauger (100 Fly).
When the Katfish won a dual meet it was usually quite lopsided. This allowed us to experiment
with different lineups and find out about each guy’s strengths.
At NCC, the team really came together and nearly won all three relays. We did win both the 200
Free Relay (Jack Stevens, Conner Wood, Jordan Bousum, and Caleb Cook) and 400 Free Relay
(White, Stevens, Wood, and Logan Hawk) which put those guys on the All-NCC Team.
Congratulations! We also had many individual podium finishes including White, Wood, Stevens,
Cook, Rolando Tyler, Max Waltemath, Hawk, Bousum, Drew Davis, and Alex Whiteman. We
have many guys poised to get on that podium next year.
At sectional, the Katfish did exactly as I said and gave it their all in prelims. It paid off with more
Top 8 finishes than in the last six years. Our Medley Relay finished 5th and our 200 and 400 Free
Relay each finished 3rd. We also had seven individual podium finishes. It was a strong finish to
the season.
End of season awards went to Hawk and White for Most Valuable, White for Mental Attitude, and
Most Improved goes to Christian Abney.
Our senior class of Bousum, Davis, Hawk, Damon Huntley, Tyler, and Wood all offered leadership
to the underclassmen and a piece of them will continue on in this pool for years to come. Thank
you for all you put in to this team and for the fine young men you have become. It has been a
pleasure to be your coach.
These seniors and the entire team performance this season make us Very Proud to be KATFISH!
Coaches Glick and Meck
Jeron Gray was
named to the North
All-Star Football
team after his fine
2015 football season.
Kokomo Football
ALL-STARS
Year
1967
1968
1970
1970
1972
1975
1976
1977
1979
1983
1986
1986
1989
Kokomo Player
Willard Rice
William Artis
Bruce Rose *
Fred McGuire
Lloyd Cheek
Ron Oliver
Mike Ligman *
Greg Cole *
Rick Oliver
Phil Schreiber
Tony Hamilton
Rod Beard
Mark Smith
* - athletes at Haworth High School
Year
1993
1994
1995
1997
1998
2001
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2016
Kokomo Player
Benji Prifogle
Trent Sandifur
Bobby Pettigrew
Dondre Johnson
Herman Fowler
Kris Abney
Alston Andrews
Curt Hutchins
Braxton Shelton
Austin Colby
Armon Bridgeforth
Jeron Gray
Photo courtesy of Dean Hockney
Chase Pearce signed his National Letter of Intent to
continue his academic and athletic careers next year at
Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois,
where he will be a member of the Owls baseball
program. Congratulations, Chase.
What future Hall of Famer did the Colts draft in the 20th round in 1954?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Raymond Berry
Tom Matte
Johnny Unitas
Gary Kerkorian
Don Shula
George Taliaferro
Peyton Manning
Steve Emtman
Andrew Luck
Answer appears at the bottom of the page.
Who was the KHS varsity softball coach in the spring of 1998?
Answer will appear in the next Kat Chatter.
Answer to the last Wildkat Trivia
Who was the last KHS player, boys or girls, to take three charges in a single game?
Marcelle Kenner
This Week in Wildkat Country
SPORT
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Saturday, March 19
Softball (Girls V)
Eastern (scrimmage)
KHS
1:00 PM
Monday, March 21
Softball (Girls JV)
Softball (Girls V)
Fishers
Fishers
KHS
KHS
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 22
No athletic events are scheduled
Wednesday, March 23
No athletic events are scheduled
Thursday, March 24
Baseball (Boys V)
Softball (Girls V)
Softball (Girls JV)
Northwestern (scrimmage) Municipal Stadium
Eastern
KHS
Eastern
KHS
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:30 PM
Friday, March 25
No athletic events are scheduled
Saturday, March 26
Track & Field (Girls V)
Track & Field (Boys V)
HSR finals
HSR finals
Purdue University
Purdue University
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
N.C.C. Student-Athlete of the Week
Jordan Matthews
Jordan, a senior, became Kokomo’s 13th member of the prestigious 1000-point club
with his 28-point performance at Fort Wayne Northrop. Matthews scored four his
freshman year, had 107 as a sophomore, added 419 during his junior season, and
currently has 472 points this year.
KHS Web Favorites
KHS Athletics
http://www.kokomoschools.com/domain/410
Kokomo Tribune
http://www.kokomotribune.com/
Sports Journal of Central Indiana
www.indianasportsjournal.com
WIOU – Radio broadcasts
1350amwiou.com
Kokomo Herald Sports
http://theheraldsports.com
Kokomo Perspective – Streaming Video Webcasting
www.kokomoperspective.com
Howard County Sports Hall of Fame
http://www.howardcountysportshof.com