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2011 

Spring Sports Preview 

A special supplement to the Gallipolis Daily Tribune

Thursday, March 31, 2011 2011 Gallia County Spring Sports Preview 

417 2nd Ave., Gallipolis 

740-446-1761 • www.myinsplus.com 

• Page 2 

Blue Devils have high expectations for historic 2011 season 

BY BRYAN WALTERS 

BWALTERS@MYDAILYTRIBUNE.COM 

CENTENARY, Ohio — The Gallia 

cademy baseball program has some 

ig shoes to fill with the graduation of 

ix seniors from last year’s 16-8 squad 

hat won the final SEOAL South 

ivision title with a 7-3 league mark. 

But with 11 varsity returnees and 

ine seniors back to lead the Blue 

evils, eighth-year head coach Rich 

orvin (97-76) is not expecting a big 

rop-off in the league standings this 

pring. 

In fact, now that the Southeastern 

hio Athletic League is back to one 

even-school format, he is expecting 

ven more out of this 2011 ball club. 

“We have a veteran club and a lot of 

eniors, so we are aiming for a league 

hampionship and another sectional 

itle. Our main goal is to reach the 20in 

mark,” Corvin said. “We have 

everal underclassmen that will have 

o step it up, but I am expecting big 

hings out of all of them for us to be 

uccessful.” 

Eight of the 11 varsity returnees are 

eniors, including a trio of 2010 All- 

EOAL performers in Tyler Eastman, 

aleb Warnimont and Casey Denbow. 

astman was also an All-SEOAL honree 

in 2009. 

Also returning for the Blue Devils 

re seniors Ben Robinson, Tyler 

evis, Russell Dennison, J.D. Nelson 

nd Ben Saunders, as well as junior 

randon Taylor and sophomores 

ustin Bailey and Jimmy Clagg. 

That kind of collective experience 

hould help the varsity newcomers 

ake a smooth transition, which is 

omething that Corvin is counting on. 

oining the varsity ranks this spring 

re senior Logan Greenlee, juniors 

rew Young and Bryant Bokovitz, 

nd freshman Ty Warnimont. 

Both Warnimonts, Robinson, 

aylor, Greenlee, Nelson, Bokovitz, 

lagg and Saunders will see time in 

he infield, while Davis Denbow, 

astman and Bailey will primarily 

pend the season in the outfield. Both 

oung and Dennison will be used in 

oth the infield and the outfield, pendng 

on needs. 

Saunders and Ty Warnimont will 

Please see Devils, Page 8 

2011 Gallia Academy 

baseball roster 

1 Caleb Warnimont Sr IF-P 

3 Ben Robinson Sr IF 

4 Tyler Davis Sr OF 

5 Casey Denbow Sr OF 

6 Tyler Eastman Sr OF-P 

7 Russell Dennison Sr IF-OF 

8 Justin Bailey So OF-P 

9 Drew Young Jr IF-OF 

10 Brandon Taylor Jr IF-P 

14 Logan Greenlee Sr IF 

17 J.D. Nelson Sr IF 

19 Bryant Bokovitz Jr IF-P 

20 Ty Warnimont Fr IF-C 

22 Jimmy Clagg So IF-P 

25 Ben Saunders Sr IF-C 

Head Coach: 

Rich Corvin (8th season) 

MARCH 

28 vs Eastern 5 p.m. 

29 vs Rock Hill 5 p.m. 

30 vs Warren 5 p.m. 

APRIL 

1 at Logan 5 p.m. 

2 vs River Valley(DH) Noon 

4 vs Marietta 5 p.m. 

6 at Portsmouth 5 p.m. 

8 vs Meigs 5 p.m. 

11 at Chillicothe 5 p.m. 

12 at Rock Hill 5 p.m. 

13 vs Jackson 5 p.m. 

15 vs Logan 5 p.m. 

16 at Alexander (DH) 11 a.m. 

18 at Warren 5 p.m. 

20 at Marietta 5 p.m. 

22 vs Southern 5 p.m. 

23 Farmers Bank Wood Bat 9:30 

25 vs Portsmouth 5 p.m. 

26 at Vinton County 5 p.m. 

27 vs Chillicothe 5 p.m. 

30 at Ross SE/Waverly Noon 

MAY 

2 at Jackson 5 p.m. 

3 at Eastern 5 p.m.


Swing into Spring Training 

Classes Start April 4th 

Gallipolis 

Career College 

www.gallipoliscareercollege.edu 

740-446-4367 

• Page 3 

Experienced Raiders aiming for successful 2011 campaign 



BIDWELL, Ohio — The River 

alley baseball program made some 

ig strides last season after posting a 

econd consecutive 4-20 overall 

ecord as well as a 2-8 mark in Ohio 

alley Conference play. 

With nine letterwinners back to 

uide a roster that goes 16-strong, 

irst-year Raiders coach Josh Eddy is 

ptimistic that the 2011 campaign can 

e another step in the right direction 

or the RVHS baseball program. 

“We have a lot of experienced playrs 

who want to bring respectability to 

his program,” Eddy said. “We want to 

e as consistent as possible in our 

pproach every day, which will allow 

s to build some success — both now 

nd in the long term.” 

Eddy, who will be making his varsiy 

debut as a head coach this spring, 

ill be the fourth different coach to 

uide the Raiders over the last four 

ears. With a constant change of skipers, 

it has been difficult for RVHS to 

ustain a successful program through 

he years. 

But with one of the most experinced 

teams that the Raiders have 

ver fielded, Eddy believes 2011 can 

e something different for the Silver 

nd Black. 

“Our goal is to break the school 

ecord of seven wins and also win at 

east four league games,” Eddy said. 

We expect to get better every game 

nd we want to be competitive every 

ime we step onto the field. We are 

xpecting 100 percent from every one 

n this team, and nothing less.” 

Returning to the program are 

eniors Cody Wimmer, Cody Smith, 

ustin Smith, Tyler Noble, Chris 

oodrich and Jacob Brown, junior 

rey Noble, and sophomores Austin 

avies and Dan Goodrich. Both 

obles and Austin Smith were All- 

VC selections last year. 

The newcomers to the varsity squad 

re seniors Jeremy Sides and Derek 

ilbert, juniors Brandon Smith and 

hase Adkins, sophomore Joe Loyd, 

nd freshmen Nick Jeffers and Trey 

arley. 

Wimmer, Farley, Adkins, Smith, 

Please see Raiders, Page 8 

2011 River Valley 


1 Cody Wimmer Sr IF-P 

3 Trey Farley Fr IF-C 

5 Joe Loyd So OF-P 

7 Trey Noble Jr C-IF 

8 Derek Gilbert Sr OF 

9 Chase Adkins Jr IF-OF 

11 Tyler Noble Sr OF-P 

12 Dan Goodrich So OF-P 

13 Brandon Smith Jr P-IF 

15 Jacob Brown Sr IF-P 

22 Austin Davies So OF-P 

23 Chris Goodrich Sr OF-P 

25 Jeremy Sides Sr IF 

29 Cody Smith Sr IF-C 

34 Austin Smith Sr IF-P 

00 Nick Jeffers Fr IF-OF 

Head coach: 

Josh Eddy (1st season) 

March 

31 at Point Pleasant 5 p.m. 

April 

2 at Gallia Academy (DH) Noon 

4 at South Point 5 p.m. 


8 vs Chesapeake 5 p.m. 

9 at Oak Hill (DH) Noon 

11 vs Coal Grove 5 p.m. 



15 vs Ironton St. Joe 5 p.m. 

16 vs Trimble (DH) Noon 

20 vs South Point 5 p.m. 

21 vs Point Pleasant 5 p.m. 

22 vs Fairland 5 p.m. 

25 at Chesapeake 5 p.m. 


27 at Coal Grove 5 p.m. 


30 at Miller (DH) Noon 

May 

2 at Ironton St. Joe 5 p.m. 

4 at Southern 5 p.m. 

5 at Meigs 5 p.m. 

6 at Fairland 5 p.m.


• Page 4 

Rebels begin first season of TVC Hocking competition 

BY SARAH HAWLEY 

SHAWLEY@MYDAILYTRIBUNE.COM 

MERCERVILLE, Ohio — With 

nly one starter returning from a year 

go, the South Gallia baseball team 

ill begin TVC Hocking play with 

ractically a whole new team. 

The Rebels have just one senior — 

esse Faulkner — on the 2011 roster 

fter having eight seniors in 2010. 

he eight departing senior-starters 

ere Grant Simpson, Heath White, 

randon Harrison, Bryce Clary, Jeff 

lyburn, Greg Burgess, A.J. 

cDaniel and Chris Fooce. 

Junior pitcher Cory Haner is the 

one returning starter from last season 

nd a 2010 all-district honoree. Also 

eturning for the Rebels are juniors 

ndy Welch and David Michael – 

oth two year team members. 

As for the host of newcomers on the 

GHS roster, head coach Mark Haner 

2nd season) is looking for big things 

rom Ethan Spurlock and Seth Jarrell 

ho can fill some gaps for the Rebels. 

Danny and Dalton Matney round out 

he upperclassmen for the Rebels, 

hile Alex Stapleton, Brandon 

ampbell and Zach Lewis are sophoores 

team members. Freshman 

eam members are Spurlock, Jarrell, 

yler Massie, Gus Slone and Casin 

oush. 

The pitching staff will be comprised 

f Haner, Danny Matney, Dalton 

atney and Spurlock, with Welch and 

ampbell seeing time behind the 

late. 

Coach Haner’s main goal for the 

eam is to “grow as a team and to be 

isciplined.” 

“We will be young, but I expect 

ome good things and we will contine 

to get better throughout the year,” 

aner added. 

The team will play in the TVC 

ocking Division for the first time 

his season. League opponents 

nclude Southern, Trimble, Miller, 

ederal Hocking, Waterford, Eastern, 

ahama and Belpre. Eastern is the 

wo-time defending league champion, 

hile Wahama and Belpre are also 

ewcomers to the Hocking Division. 

South Gallia will also face noneague 

opponents Hannan, Whiteoak 

nd Sciotoville East in the 2011 seaon. 

2011 South Gallia 


Jesse Faulkner Sr. OF 

Cory Haner Jr. P-SS 

Danny Matney Jr. P-CF 

Dalton Matney Jr. P-LF 

Andy Welch Jr. C 

David Michael Jr. 2B 

Alex Stapleton So. OF-2B 

Brandon Campbell So. OF-C 

Zach Lewis So. OF 

Ethan Spurlock Fr. P-SS 

Seth Jarrell Fr. 3B 

Tyler Massie Fr. OF 

Gus Slone Fr. 1B 

Casin Roush Fr. OF 

Head Coach: 

Mark Haner (2nd season) 

March 

31 vs Belpe 5 p.m. 

April 

1 at Waterford 5 p.m. 

2 at Sciotoville East (DH) Noon 

4 at Whiteoak 5 p.m. 

5 vs Symmes Valley 5 p.m. 

6 at Trimble 5 p.m. 

7 at Hannan 5:30 

8 vs Federal Hocking 5 p.m. 

11 vs Wahama 5 p.m. 

12 vs Symmes Valley 5 p.m. 

13 at Miller 5 p.m. 


18 at Belpre 5 p.m. 

19 vs Waterford 5 p.m. 



26 vs Sciotoville East 5 p.m. 

27 at Federal Hocking 5 p.m. 

28 vs Hannan 5 p.m. 

29 vs Trimble 5 p.m. 

May 

2 at Wahama 5 p.m. 

3 vs Miller 5 p.m. 

5 at Southern 5 p.m.


• Page 5 

GAHS softball aiming for another successful season in 2011 



CENTENARY, Ohio — They say 

he third time is the charm. 

The Gallia Academy softball proram 

is hoping to find some truth to 

hat statement in the upcoming 2011 

eason. 

The Blue Angels — the two-time 

efending Southeastern Ohio Athletic 

eague champions — have 11 letterinners 

returning from a squad that 

inished 20-8 overall while winning 

he program’s first-ever district chamionship 

in softball last spring. 

GAHS has big shoes to fill with the 

raduations of Amy Noe and Alli 

aunders, but seventh-year Angels 

oach Jim Niday (96-52 overall) feels 

onfident that this year’s team can be 

ust as solid as the previous two camaigns. 

That is, as long as they are willing 

o work for it. 

“We are very happy with the kids we 

ave returning, as they give us a great 

eal of experience, leadership and 

epth,” Niday said. “Our goal this 

ear, outside of having fun, is a simle 

motto. Stay and play in the Day.” 

Of the 18 players on the 2011 

AHS varsity roster, 13 have started 

t least one game at the varsity level. 

nd with 10 seniors to help with the 

ransition of five varsity newcomers, 

he Blue Angels will be in a position 

o have one of its deepest teams ever. 

The depth factor will also be tested 

arly on, as Gallia Academy will be 

ithout a pair of key contributors — 

enior Courtney Shriver and junior 

attie Lanham — due to injuries and 

llness for the start of the season. 

“We will miss Courtney and Mattie 

lot until they get back, but the other 

irls know that they need to elevate 

heir games,” Niday said. “I believe 

hese girls will rise to the occasion, 

ecause we will hit and play good 

efense and be aggressive running the 

ases. They know what is expected of 

hem.” 

Returning from last year’s squad are 

eniors Shriver, Kari Campbell, 

annah Cunningham, Claudia Farney, 

ayla Harrison, Katie Dunlap, 

manda McGhee, Morgan Leslie and 

Please see Angels, Page 8 

2011 Gallia Academy 

softball roster 

Kari Campbell Sr 2B 

Hannah Cunningham Sr OF 

Courtney Shriver Sr SS 

Claudia Farney Sr 3B 

Kayla Harrison Sr OF 

Katie Dunlap Sr 2B 

Amanda McGhee Sr OF-C 

Morgan Leslie Sr 1B 

Sarah Eberhard Sr 3B 

Vanessa Henson Sr 1B-3B 

Heather Ward Jr P-IF 

Mattie Lanham Jr C 

Rachel Morris Jr C-IF 

Kanessa Snyder Jr OF 

Brittany Lloyd Jr OF-C 

Meghan Thacker So P-SS 

Kacie Grate So P-OF 

Violet Pelphrey Fr P-SS 

Head coach: 

Jim Niday (7th season) 

March 



30 vs Warren 5 p.m. 

April 

1 at Logan 5 p.m. 

2 vs River Valley (DH) Noon 

4 vs Marietta 5 p.m. 

6 at Portsmouth 5 p.m. 



12 at Athens 5 p.m. 

13 vs Jackson 5 p.m. 

15 vs Logan 5 p.m. 

16 vs Fairland (DH) 11 a.m. 

18 at Warren 5 p.m. 

19 at Chesapeake 5:30 

20 at Marietta 5 p.m. 


25 vs Portsmouth 5 p.m. 

26 vs Athens 5 p.m. 

27 vs Chillicothe 5 p.m. 

30 at Ross SE/Waverly Noon 

May 

2 at Jackson 5 p.m. 

3 at Eastern 5 p.m. 

“Good Luck to all 

Spring Sports teams” 

308 2nd Ave. Gallipolis 

740-441-9371


• Page 6 

Veteran Lady Raiders looking for improvements in 2011 



CHESHIRE, Ohio — With only one 

eparture from last season’s team, the 

iver Valley softball team will have an 

xperienced group to begin the 2011 

eason. 

Returning letter winners from last seaon’s 

4-19 team include seniors Allison 

orter, Kelcie Carter, Chynna Mershon 

nd Katelyn Birchfield, junior Mary 

augh and sophomores Noel Mershon 

nd Emily VanSickle. Porter was last 

eason’s offensive award winner, while 

irchfield is a two-time all-league selecion 

and a two-time defensive award 

inner. 

The lone departure from last season 

as Stacy Swint. 

For seniors — Birchfield, Carter, 

hynna Mershon and Porter — will be 

ooked to as the leaders of the 2011 Lady 

aiders. Birchfield will serve as pitchr, 

Carter will play first base, and Porter 

ill see time at second and third base, 

hile Mershon will play shortstop. 

Several newcomers will also make an 

mpact on the Lady Raiders this season. 

ophomore Lenae Pence will be a backp 

pitcher, and see time at second and 

hird base. Hannah Overstreet will play 

hird base; Ashley Cheesebrew will play 

ight and left field and serve as the backp 

at first base. Libby Leach will play 

eft field and second base, Morgan 

ooldridge will play shortstop and be a 

ase runner, and Randi Wray will play 

econd base, right field and be a base 

unner. 

With several seniors on this year’s 

eam, the experience gained by the newomers 

this season will help in the comng 

seasons. 

The Lady Raiders goal is to win a 

eague title. Head coach David 

ershon is also looking for his team to 

o well in the postseason. 

“To continue building a cohesive team 

hat will earn the conference title as well 

s advancing in district and state tournaents,” 

is the main goal stated by Coach 

ershon. 

Mershon will be assisted by Vicky 

ershon who will work with the catchrs 

and pitchers. Dena Warren will be 

aking over the JV program for the 

pcoming season. Terry Porter and 

rent Cheesebrew will also be assisting 

ershon. 

The Lady Raiders will open the season 

n March 31 and will play a double 

eader at Gallia Academy on April 2. 

2011 River Valley 

softball roster 

2 Morgan Wooldridge 

4 Noel Mershon 

5 Mary Waugh 

6 Hannah Overstreet 

7 Katelyn Birchfield 

9 Kelcie Carter 

10 Ashley Cheesebrew 

13 Allison Porter 

15 Lenae Pence 

16 Chynna Mershon 

17 Randi Wray 

18 Libby Leach 

21 Emily VanSickle 

Head Coach: 

David Mershon (3rd season) 

April 

2 at Gallia Academy (DH) Noon 

4 at South Point 5 p.m. 



9 at Trimble Tournament Noon 

vs Nelsonville-York 

vs Tree of Life Christian 

11 vs Coal Grove 5 p.m. 




16 vs Trimble (DH) Noon 

20 vs South Point 5 p.m. 


25 at Chesapeake 5 p.m. 


27 at Coal Grove 5 p.m. 


30 at Miller (DH) 5 p.m. 

May 

4 at Southern 5 p.m. 


6 at Fairland 5 p.m.


• Page 7 

Lady Rebels looking for big things on softball diamond 



MERCERVILLE, Ohio — The 

outh Gallia girls’ programs have had 

pair of solid showings in their first 

olleyball and basketball seasons as 

embers of the Tri-Valley Conference 

ocking Division, as both squads 

ave posted winning records in league 

lay. 

These facts may add a little presure, 

but the Lady Rebels softball proram 

is looking forward to the chalenge 

of keeping a good thing going 

his spring. 

And with 12 letterwinners returning 

o a varsity roster that went 8-14 last 

ear, third-year SGHS coach Matt 

andles is optimistic that 2011 will be 

memorable one. 

“Our expectations are very high this 

eason. I know the girls are excited 

bout opening league play, and I know 

he girls will play to their potential 

nd fight to the end,” Randles said. 

Our varsity players our pretty estabished, 

but we have a few newcomers 

hat will make a difference for us. 

verall though, our numbers will 

llow us to have our first-ever JV 

eam ... which should help us now and 

n future years.” 

The Lady Rebels will have 24 playrs 

in the program, half of which will 

ave experience at the varsity level. 

GHS also lost only one player — 

our-year starter Samantha Hammond 

to graduation from a year ago. 

Back from a year ago are seniors 

ayler Duncan, Morgan Gilliland and 

arilyn Turner, juniors Courtney 

lackburn, Chandra Canaday, Tiffany 

elaney, Tori Duncan, Christina 

owell, Maigen Rainey and Lauren 

aunders, and sophomores Ellie 

ostic and Meghan Caldwell. 

The newcomers to the varsity roster 

re sophomores Cheyanna Bowers, 

iranda Hammond, Josie Harrison, 

asmyne Johnson and Rebecca Rutt, 

s well as freshmen Destiney Baker, 

ailie Corbin, Tabitha Estep, Alicia 

ornsby, Rachel Johnson, Lesley 

mall and Lexi Williamson. 

Gilliland, Canaday, Howell, Rainey, 

aunders, Harrison, Corbin, Small, 

illiamson, Tayler Duncan and 

Please see Rebels, Page 8 

South Gallia softball 

1 Lesley Small Fr SS 

2 Morgan Gilliland Sr 1B-P 

3 Destiney Baker Fr RF 

4 Tayler Duncan Sr SS 

5 Ellie Bostic So LF 

6 Jasmyne Johnson So P-2B 

7 Miranda Hammond So LF 

8 Rachel Johnson Fr P-CF 

9 Cheyanna Bowers So LF 

10 Marilyn Turner Sr C 

11 Tiffany Delaney Jr RF 

12 Meghan Caldwell So P-RF 

13 Chandra Canaday Jr P-1B 

14 Tori Duncan Jr C 

15 Courtney Blackburn Jr CF 

16 Josie Harrison So 3B 

17 Lexi Williamson Fr 2B 

18 Tabitha Estep Fr RF 

19 Bailie Corbin Fr 1B 

20 Christina Howell Jr 2B 

21 Lauren Saunders Jr 2B-SS 

22 Maigen Rainey Jr 3B 

23 Alicia Hornsby Fr P-C 

24 Rebecca Rutt So CF 

Head coach: 

Matt Randles (3rd season) 

March 

31 vs Belpre 5 p.m. 

April 

1 at Waterford 5 p.m. 

2 at Sciotoville East (DH) Noon 

5 vs Oak Hill 5 p.m. 

6 at Trimble 5 p.m. 

7 at Hannan 5 p.m. 

8 vs Federal Hocking 5 p.m. 

11 vs Wahama 5 p.m. 

12 at Oak Hill 5 p.m. 

13 at Miller 5 p.m. 


18 at Belpre 5 p.m. 

19 vs Waterford 5 p.m. 



26 vs Hannan 5 p.m. 

27 at Federal Hocking 5 p.m. 

29 vs Trimble 5 p.m. 

May 

2 at Wahama 5 p.m. 

3 vs Miller 5 p.m. 

5 at Southern 5 p.m.


Rebels 

from Page 7 

Jasmyne Johnson give the Lady 

Rebels options in the infield, while 

Blackburn, Delaney, Bostic, Bowers, 

Angels 

from Page 5 

arah Eberhard, as well as juniors 

anham and Heather Ward. 

The varsity newcomers are senior 

anessa Henson, juniors Rachel 

orris, Kanessa Snyder and Brittany 

loyd, sophomores Meghan Thacker 

nd Kacie Grate, and freshman Violet 

elphrey. 

Campbell, Shriver, Farney, Dunlap, 

eslie, Eberhard, Henson, Ward, 

orris, Thacker and Pelphrey give 

he Angels plenty of options in the 

nfield, while the outfield will consist 

f Cunningham, Harrison, McGhee, 

Raiders 

from Page 3 

rown, Sides, Smith, Smith, Jeffers 

nd Trey Noble all bring depth to the 

nfield, while Loyd, Gilbert, Adkins, 

oodrich, Davies, Goodrich, Jeffers 

Devils 

from Page 2 

oth handle the catching duties, while 

astman, Bailey, Taylor, Clagg, 

okovitz and Caleb Warnimont are 

oing to be this season’s hurlers on 

he mound. 

Gallia Academy lost Kyle Dingess 

Caldwell, Hammond, Rutt, Baker, 

Estep and Rachel Johnson do the 

same for the outfield spots. 

Gilliland, Canaday, Caldwell, 

Hornsby, Jasmyne Johnson and 

Rachel Johnson will handle the pitching 

duties, while Turner, Hornsby and 

Tori Duncan will complete the battery 

at the catcher positions. 

Snyder, Lloyd and Grate. 

Ward — who worked several 

innings last year in the circle — will 

be replacing Noe as the No. 1 pitcher, 

but finding a second starter will 

also be a priority this spring. The 

trio of Thacker, Grate and Pelphrey 

will be vying for that No. 2 spot. 

With Lanham out early on, the 

Angels will also be looking to 

McGhee and Morris to handle the 

catching duties. 

Niday — for the seventh straight 

year — will be assisted by coaches 

Gary Lane and Jerry Frazier. Gallia 

Academy will also be opening its 

inaugural season at the Eastman 

Athletic Complex on the GAHS 

campus. 

and Tyler Noble will do the same for 

the outfield positions. 

Wimmer, Loyd, Brown, Davies, 

Tyler Noble, Dan Goodrich, Brandon 

Smith, Chris Goodrich and Austin 

Smith will handle the pitching duties, 

while Farley, Cody Smith and Trey 

Noble will complete the battery as 

catchers. 

(SEOAL South MVP), John Troester, 

Terry Smith, Chuck Calvert, Corey 

Eberhard and David Stout to graduation 

last spring, its final season at 

Memorial Field. 

The Blue Devils will open their 

inaugural season at the Eastman 

Athletic Complex this year. 

Corvin will again be assisted on the 

diamond by coaches Steve Slone (8th 

season) and Corey Luce (7th season), 

as well as JV coach Scott Stanley. 

Visit us on the web at 

www.mydailytribune.com 

• Page 8


www.portraitsunique.com 

• Page 9 

New coach, similar approach for Gallia Academy tennis 



CENTENARY, Ohio — Replacing a 

egend is never easy. Still, first-year 

oach Alex Penrod is looking forward 

o taking over the reins of the Gallia 

cademy tennis program this 2011 

eason. 

Penrod replaces Jim Osborne, who 

massed a 228-184 overall record in 

5 years as head coach at GAHS. He 

lso inherits a program that went 12-4 

ast season, including a 5-1 mark in 

outheastern Ohio Athletic League 

lay. 

But with only five varsity returnees 

n a roster that goes 21 strong, expeience 

will be a treasured commodity 

eaded into the 2011 campaign. And 

ith the loss of four seasoned veterns 

— Mollie Blake, Josh Jackson, 

eke Maher and Jordan Cornwell — 

o graduation, Penrod is looking for 

veryone to contribute to the Blue 

Please see Tennis, Page 13


• Page 10 

Gallia Academy track and field has high hopes in 2011 



CENTENARY, Ohio — The Gallia 

cademy track and field programs 

ad a year to remember in 2010, as 

oth the Blue Devils and Blue Angels 

aptured district championships en 

oute to sending multiple athletes to 

he Division II state meet. 

With 22 varsity letterwinners 

eturning to a collective roster that 

oes 49-strong, the Blue and White 

ave similar goals in mind for the 

011 campaign. And maybe even a litle 

more. 

The Blue Devils will have 15 

eturnees back on their 27-deep roster, 

n attribute that GAHS boys coach 

elieves will pay big dividends this 

pring. That is, as long as the guys are 

illing to work for it. 

“We want to improve on what we 

uilt last year, but we must always 

ook forward. What we did last was 

ast year, so we need to strive for more 

his season,” Close said. “We’ve set 

he bar high this year. Our goals are to 

in league, district and regional titles 

nd send as many people to state as 

ossible.” 

The Blue Devils had five state qualfiers 

last spring, and four of those 

thletes will be back for another shot 

t Columbus. That quartet consists of 

eniors Austin Wilson, Ethan Moore 

nd Joe Jenkins, as well as junior 

yler Campbell. 

Other key contributors returning 

rom last year are seniors Jonathan 

aldwell, Matt Watts, Jared Golden, 

ody Lloyd, David Saunders and 

yler Hannon, juniors Joel Johnston, 

im Warner, Aaron Guisinger and 

aleb Craft, and sophomore Joel 

raft. 

Those 15 letterwinners will be key 

o the transition process for a dozen 

ewcomers that will round out the 

arsity roster. The newcomers are 

enior Zack Northup, juniors Casey 

awrence and Frank Goff, sophoores 

Chris Gordon, Shaylin Logan 

nd Cody Russell, and freshmen Wade 

arrell, Griffin McKinniss, Quenton 

cKinniss, Winston Wade, Ryan 

alley and Logan Allison. 

The Blue Angels, on the other hand, 

Please see GAHS, Page 13


• Page 11 

Big numbers, big expectations for River Valley track 



BIDWELL, Ohio — One veteran 

oach and one rookie coach will lead 

he River Valley track teams for the 

pcoming season. 

The River Valley Lady Raiders 

ill be coached by Jacob Nolan who 

s in his fifth season, while the boys 

eam will be coached by first year 

oach Jacob Attar. 

The Lady Raiders return all but 

ne athlete from last season’s team, 

ith the lone departure Aubrie Rice. 

ice was a league champion who 

ompeted in the 4x100, 4x200, long 

ump and sprints. 

Returning letter winners for the 

ady Raiders are Kelsey Sands, 

aitie Roberts, Rylie Hollingsworth, 

essica Hager and JaiNai Fields. 

ands, Hollingsworth and Fields all 

arned OVC Championships in relay 

vents, while Fields also ran in the 

00 meter. Roberts was a regional 

ualifier in the discus last season. 

ager finished eighth in the 300 

eter hurdles at the state meet last 

GIRLS 

Katie Blodgett Jr. 

Ashten Brooks So. 

Kayla Browning Fr. 

Jessica Burns So. 

Kasey Eblin Fr. 

JaiNai Fields Jr. 

Morgan Greenlee Fr 

Jessica Hager Sr. 

Rylie Hollingsworth So. 

Sheyan McGrath So. 

Beth Misner Jr. 

Lexi Moles So 

Sonja Rankin Jr. 

Kaitie Roberts Sr. 

Kelsey Sands Sr. 

Josie Vanco So. 

Keyana Ward Fr. 

Head Coach: 

Jacob Nolan (5th season) 

BOYS 

Olcay Coskun Sr. 

Brody Lookado Sr. 

Will Smith Sr. 

Jamil Stepney Sr. 

Puri Apipan Jr. 

Travis Potter Jr. 

season, while also qualifying in the 

200 meter dash. 

Leaders for the season will be 

Sands, Fields and Hager. “All three 

of them have done a great job early 

in the season showing the new kids 

the ropes,” said Nolan. “Kelsey 

Sands is practically an assistant 

coach in the way she ensures that the 

underclassmen are doing the right 

thing and the team is heading in the 

right direction. JaiNai is the selfappointed 

‘Spirit of the team,’ she is 

going to be our rock in the future” 

Newcomers who will make and 

impact on the team are Katie 

Blodgett, Keyana Ward and Jessica 

Burns. There are several freshmen 

on the team, as well as athletes who 

are upperclassmen but have not competed 

before. 

“I expect to have a few trophies by 

the end of this year, and I expect that 

I would see some kids running for 

River Valley girls in June,” Nolan 

said of his expectations for the season. 

Nolan also expects to send 

Please see River Valley, Page 14 

Chey Eblin Jr. 

Nathaniel Shuler Jr. 

Jared Hollingsworth Jr. 

Stephen Brown Jr. 

Patrick Williams Jr. 

Adam Clagg Jr. 

Aaron Harrison Jr. 

Chris Carroll Jr. 

Trey Noble Jr. 

Zach Roberts Jr. 

Kyle Brown So. 

Austin Whobrey So. 

Justin Mabe So. 

Jacob Marcum So. 

Austin Davies So. 

John Campbell So. 

Stephen Sprague Fr. 

Blade Eblin Fr. 

Andrew Brown Fr. 

Ben Ball Fr. 

James Jackson Fr. 

Anthony Stewart Fr. 

Austin Bradley Fr. 

Nathan Taylor Fr. 

Austin Hamilton Fr. 

Head Coach: 

Jacob Attar (1st season)


• Page 12 

Small in numbers, South Gallia track looks for success 



MERCERVILLE, Ohio — Small in 

umbers, the South Gallia track team 

s pushing forward with the 2011 seaon. 

The boys and girls team combine to 

ield 10 athletes for the season — 

heir first in the Tri Valley 

onference. 

Jack James and Beth James will 

gain coach the teams. Beth James is 

ntering her sixth season with the 

eam, while Jack James is beginning 

is second. 

The girls team has two seniors, a 

ophomore and a freshman. Senior 

arah Fraley is a four year letter winer, 

while sophomore Paige Sanders is 

lso a returnee from last year. Also on 

he 2011 team are senior Andrea 

homa and freshman Lexie 

illenwater. Gillenwater is a newomer 

who will be a short distance 

unner. 

Two athletes — Jackie Burns and 

avanna Hatfield — graduated from 

ast year’s Lady Raiders team. Both 

urns and Hatfield were four year leter 

winners. 

Beth James’ expectations for the 

eason are to “enjoy and have some 

un.” 

As for the small numbers on the 

irls team, Beth James added “to bad 

e cannot get more girls, but track is 

ork and some people don’t like to 

ork.” 

The boys track team has a total of 

ix athletes for the 2011 season — two 

eniors, two juniors and two sophoores. 

Returning athletes from last season 

re Josh Cooper, Cody Rhodes and 

esse Stewart. Cooper competes in 

he 100 meter, 200 meter and the long 

ump, Rhodes throws shot put and disus, 

and Stewart runs the 110 meter 

nd 300 meter hurdles. 

Both Cooper and Jesse Stewart set 

chool record last season in several 

vents. 

The leaders of the team will be 

ooper, Rhodes and Stewart. 

Two newcomers will have an impact 

n the team for the upcoming season. 

unior Jesse Fisher has a lot of natur- 

Please see SGHS, Page 14


GAHS 

from Page 10 

ave seven returnees — including 

hree state qualifiers — back to lead 

he 22-strong roster in 2011. The 

hree state qualifiers coming back are 

enior Samantha Barnes, junior 

eyton Adkins and sophomore Abby 

iseman. 

Other key contributors returning from 

ast year are senior Haley Angel, juniors 

essica Dotson and Mckenna Warner, 

nd sophomore Breanna West. Those 

even will play will an important role as 

entors this spring, as 15 members of 

he roster will be new to varsity competiion. 

The newcomers to the varsity team are 

eniors Morgan Daniels and Caitlyn 

ngel, juniors Kayla Jackson, Isabel 

unisch, Madison Moritz, Mackenzie 

ewberry and Jessica Northup, and 

reshmen Haleigh Caldwell, Andrea 

delman, Madison Holley, Maddi 

aynard, Taylor Queen, Hannah Watts, 

exis Henry and Elizabeth Holley. 

GAHS girls coach Rick Howell is optiistic 

that the 2011 season will be just as 

uccessful as in years past. 

“This group doesn’t have the overall 

xperience that we have had in the past, 

ut the effort and hard work and dedicaion 

is still very much there. We still have 

igh expectations,” Howell said. “We 

ill still be strong in distance and sprint 

vents, but we will need a little work this 

eason to become a real contender. Our 

oals are simple ... win league and disricts, 

place high at regionals and send as 

any people that we can to state.” 

Gallia Academy will also be having a 

ew home meets this season at the new 

astman Athletic Complex, something 

he Angels and Devils have not done in 

ver two decades. 

GAHS track and field 

Jonathan Caldwell 

Austin Wilson 

Ethan Moore 

Matt Watts 

Jared Golden 

Cody Lloyd 

Joe Jenkins 

David Saunders 

Tyler Hannon 

Zack Northup 

Casey Lawrence 

Tyler Campbell 

Joel Johnston 

Tim Warner 

Aaron Guisinger 

Caleb Craft 

Frank Goff 

Joel Craft 

Chris Gordon 

Shaylin Logan 

Cody Russell 

Wade Jarrell 

Griffin McKinniss 

Quenton McKinniss 

Winston Wade 

Ryan Valley 

Logan Allison 

Samantha Barnes 

Morgan Daniels 

Haley Angel 

Caitlyn Hall 

BOYS 

Seniors 

Juniors 

Sophomores 

Freshmen 

GIRLS 

Seniors 

Juniors 

Peyton Adkins 

Jessica Dotson 

Kayla Jackson 

Isabel Kunisch 

Madison Moritz 

Mackenzie Newberry 

Jessica Northup 

Mckenna Warner 

Sophomores 

Breanna West 

Abby Wiseman 

Freshmen 

Haleigh Caldwell 

Andrea Edelman 

Madison Holley 

Maddi Maynard 

Taylor Queen 

Hannah Watts 

Lexis Henry 

Elizabeth Holley 

Head coaches: Rick Howell and Paul Close 

Tennis 

from Page 9 

Devils’ success this spring. 

“We are replacing four varsity players 

that had multiple accolades of 

success in their career, so the goal for 

2011 is to learn the ins and outs of 

playing and to have fun,” Penrod said. 

“With only one senior on the regular 

varsity lineup, the future is bright. 

The key for us is to gain as much 

experience as possible every time we 

take the court.” 

Penrod is very familiar with his 

squad, thanks in large part to coaching 

at GAHS in other sports as an 

assistant. He feels those experiences, 

though different, will make a big difference 

this year. 

“This is my first season as a head 

coach, but being a junior varsity 

coach for five years has helped me get 

to know a lot of these kids,” Penrod 

said. “It is different type of coaching, 

but it is an exciting challenge that I 

am looking forward to. We are all 

excited to get the season started.” 

Returning from a year ago are 

senior Cody Billings, juniors Bryce 

Amos and Kelle Craft, and sophomores 

Jesse Brawley and Riley 

Nibert. Billings is the lone district 

qualifier returning from a season ago. 

The newcomers to the varsity roster 

are seniors Beth Townsend, Andrea 

Withee and Cayla Plese, juniors Alex 

Gaguras, Jared Lester, Alex Lyles, 

Annie Saum, Sarah Sydnor, Kyle 

Taylor and Shayne White, sophomores 

Taylar Dickson, Mackenze 

Erwin, TJaye McCalla and Zach 

Nibert, and freshmen Colby Caldwell 

and Sam Hemphill. 

941 Jackson Pike 

Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 

matt@willisfuneralhome.com 

Makers of P90X INSANITY 

Matt & Letty Willis 

Independent Team Beachbody ® Coach 

• Page 13 

The Blue Devils will be looking, 

early on, to Billings, Amos, Nibert and 

McCalla in doubles play, while Craft, 

Lester and Lyles will handle the singles 

duties. 

GAHS also plans to have several 

people partaking in competition at the 

junior varsity level, which may help 

the program later in the year ... and definitely 

help the program in the future. 

Gallia Academy will be opening four 

new courts at the Eastman Athletic 

Complex this spring after decades of 

play at Memorial Field. 

Gallia Academy tennis 

SENIORS 

Cody Billings 

Beth Townsend 

Andrea Withee 

Cayla Plese 

JUNIORS 

Bryce Amos 

Kelle Craft 

Alex Gaguras 

Jared Lester 

Alex Lyles 

Annie Saum 

Sarah Sydnor 

Kyle Taylor 

Shayne White 

SOPHOMORES 

Jesse Brawley 

Taylar Dickson 

Mackenze Erwin 

TJaye McCalla 

Riley Nibert 

Zach Stewart 

FRESHMEN 

Colby Caldwell 

Sam Hemphill 

Head Coach: 

Alex Penrod (1st season) 

(740) 339-0413 

www.beachbodycoach.com/mrwillis


TRACK AND FIELD 

GALLIA ACADEMY 

March 

26 at Warren 10 a.m. 

April 

2 at Ironton (Boys) 10 a.m. 

at Cabell Midland (Girls) 10 a.m. 


9 vs Gallipolis Rotary Invitational 1 p.m. 

12 vs Gallia County Meet 4 p.m. 

15 at Oak Hill 5 p.m. 

19 vs Gallia Academy Quad 4:30 p.m. 


22 at Chillicothe 4:30 p.m. 

26 at Jackson Meet 5 p.m. 

29 at Logan Mingo Relays 5 p.m. 

May 

6 at Circleville 4:30 p.m. 

14 at SEOAL Meet 11 a.m. 

RIVER VALLEY 

March 

28 at Jackson Invitational 

2011 Track and Tennis Schedules 

2 

April 

at Rocky Brands Invitational (Nelsonville-York) 

8 at Chesapeake Lions Invitational 

12 at Gallia Academy 

16 at Warren Warrior Invitational 

18 at Wheelersburg Invitational 

19 at Wheelersburg Invitational 

21 at Fairland Inviational 

29 at Arthur Lydiard Invitational (South Point) 

May 

3 at Panther Relays (Chesapeake) 

6 at Nelsonville-York Invitational 

13 at OVC Meet (Coal Grove) 

SOUTH GALLIA 

29 

March 

at Nelsonville-York 4:30 p.m. 

April 

5 at Eastern 4:30 p.m. 

12 at Gallia Academy 4 p.m. 

15 at Coal Grove 4:30 p.m. 


26 at Eastern 4:30 p.m. 

May 

3 at Coal Grove 4:30 p.m. 

5 at Buffalo 4 p.m. 

9 at TVC Meet (NYHS) 4:30 p.m. 

11 at TVC Meet (NYHS) 4:30 p.m. 

TENNIS 

GALLIA ACADEMY 

March 

29 vs Athens 4:30 p.m. 

30 vs Chillicothe 4:30 p.m. 

April 

4 vs Marietta 4:30 p.m. 

6 at Jackson 4:30 p.m. 

8 at Ironton 4:30 p.m. 

11 vs Portsmouth 4:30 p.m. 

13 at Logan 4:30 p.m. 


20 at Marietta 4:30 p.m. 

25 vs Jackson 4:30 p.m. 

26 at Athens 4:30 p.m. 

27 at Portsmouth 4:30 p.m. 

29 vs Ironton 4:30 p.m. 

May 

2 vs Logan 4:30 p.m. 

Good Luck To All Gallia County 

Sports Teams in the 2011 Season! 

All your 

Limestone & 

Gravel Needs! 

General Contracting • Dozer • T-Hoe • Trucking • FREE Estimates! 

5885 State Rt. 218, Gallipolis, OH • 740-256-6456 

River Valley 

from Page 11 

some relay teams to the regional meet 

and possible send more qualifiers to 

state. 

Nolan will be assisted by River Valley 

Track and Field alumni Kayla Smith 

and Ashly (Roberts) Dawson. 

The boys team will return seven letter 

winners from last season, with Will 

Smith, Aaron Harrison, Brody Lookado, 

Patrick Williams, Adam Clagg, Jared 

Hollingsworth and Jamil Stepney. 

Harrison set school records in the long 

jump and triple jump last season. 

The Raiders graduated two athletes 

from last season, Parker Hollingsworth 

and John Porter. Hollingsworth was a 

regional qualifier and league champion 

in the 300 meter hurdles and the league 

SGHS 

from Page 12 

al ability, but is just learning to throw 

the shot put and discus. Corey 

Gillenwater — a junior — is participating 

in athletics for the first time in 

high school, and is very intelligent 

and quick. 

The expectations for the team are 

simple — “to set personal record and 

do the best they can.” 

We do not have enough members of 

the team to win meets or titles, but the 

young men have the chance to compete,” 

Jack James stated. 

“I would like to see the young men 

have a positive experience and enjoy 

the season,” concluded Jack James. 

• Page 14 

champion in the 110 meter hurdles, 

while Porter was a four year letter winner 

as a distance runner. 

There are 32 members of the boys 

team this year, with four seniors — 

three returning. A total of 25 of the 32 

are new to the program with little to no 

experience in track and field. 

“As the season moves through the 

year, I expect all of them to continue 

their growth, find their place on the 

team, and get on the podium in their 

respective events,” said Attar. 

“This years boys track and field team 

is one of the largest River Valley has 

ever produced, that said we are young, 

very young,” added Attar. “We will be 

learning where our strengths lie as a 

team and where we need to improve. 

We expect to learn and grow stronger as 

a team. There is no meet on the schedule 

that we feel like we cannot contest 

for a win.” 

SGHS Track and Field 

BOYS 

Josh Cooper Sr. 

Cody Rhodes Sr. 

Jesse Fisher Jr. 

Corey Gillenwater Jr. 

Jacob Fields So. 

Jesse Stewart So. 

GIRLS 

Sarah Fraley Sr. 

Andrea Thoma Sr. 

Paige Sanders So. 

Lexie Gillenwater Fr. 

Head Coaches: Jack and Beth James 

Good Luck 

In Your 

Spring Sports Season! 

Central Supply Co. 

17 Court Street Gallipolis 

740-446-2374


Spring 2010 All-SEOAL teams 

BASEBALL 

NORTH DIVISION 

Marty Dunn* Chillicothe 

Nathan Winston# Chillicothe 

Patrick Angle* Logan 

Jacob Glick Logan 

Ben Bricker Marietta 

Cameron Bronski Marietta 

Tim Grosel Marietta 

Zach Heath* Warren 

Landon Kern Warren 

Scott Pettit Warren 

Tripp Giffin Warren 

Tyler Proctor Warren 

Co-players of the Year: Zach Heath and 

Tyler Proctor, Warren 

Coach of the Year: Mark Farr, Warren 

#—accorded special mention by coaches 

or demonstrating extraordinary courage on 

nd off the field 

SOUTH DIVISION 

Casey Denbow Gallia Academy 

Kyle Dingess* Gallia Academy 

Tyler Eastman* Gallia Academy 

Caleb Warnimount Gallia Academy 

Darren Dalton Ironton 

Anthony Harper Ironton 

Josh Pancake* Ironton 

Jonathan Williams Ironton 

Tyler Anders Jackson 

Eric Landrum Jackson 

Kruize Wandling Jackson 

Brennan Howard Portsmouth 

Josh Myers** Portsmouth 

Player of the Year: Kyle Dingess, 

Gallia Academy 

Coach of the Year: Rich Corvin, 


SOFTBALL 

NORTH DIVISION 

Holly Lemay Chillicothe 

Karol Ojeda Chillicothe 

Olivia McBride Logan 

Brooke Simons Logan 

Bailey Topf* Logan 

Chelsea Hutchison** Marietta 

Sarah Stalter Marietta 

Taylor Dolak* Warren 

Staci Lauer Warren 

Ally Spence Warren 

Hannah Zimmerman Warren 

Player of the Year: Taylor Dolak, Warren 

Coach of the Year: Lynn Laing, Warren 

SOUTH DIVISION 

Hannah Cunningham* Gallia Academy 

Morgan Leslie Gallia Academy 

Amy Noe*** Gallia Academy 

Alli Saunders Gallia Academy 

Heather Ward Gallia Academy 

Stephanie Elswick Ironton 

Emily Lilly* Ironton 

Janie Morris** Ironton 

Jessica Apsley Jackson 

Emileigh Cooper* Jackson 

Hannah Foster* Portsmouth 

Player of the Year: Amy Noe, 


Coach of the Year: Jim Niday, 


BOYS TENNIS 

Tyler Allen** Chillicothe 

Justin Ball Chillicothe 

John Lods*** Chillicothe 

Grant Markley Chillicothe 

Gabe Seymour** Chillicothe 

Jordan Cornwell** Gallia Academy 

Josh Jackson Gallia Academy 

Andrew Hicks* Ironton 

Joe Dennis Logan 

Wes Cline* Marietta 

Cody Kriechbaum* Marietta 

Alex Stern** Marietta 

John Khoury* Portsmouth 

Ian Rowland* Portsmouth 

Player of the Year: John Lods, Chillicothe 

Co-Coaches of the Year: Brad Seymour, 

Chillicothe; Jim Osborne, Gallia Academy 

*—denotes repeat member of All-SEOAL 

team 

Teams selected by the SEOAL coaches of 

the respective sports. 

Best Wishes 

for a 

Successful 

Spring Sports 

Season! 

500 Burlington Road, 

Jackson, Ohio 

www.holzerjackson.org 

• Page 15


Show Us Where It Hurts. 

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be 

serious about sports. At Pleasant Valley Hospital, 

we provide therapy to all athletes, including weekend 

warriors. Our therapy professionals take pride in 

putting patients on the road to recovery. 

● Physical Therapy 

● Occupational Therapy 

● Speech Therapy 

● Aquatic Therapy 

● Massage Therapy 

● Accu-Spina Therapy 

● Manual Therapy 

● Orthopedic Care 

● Vestibular Program 

● Work Conditioning 

● Anodyne 

● Post-amputee 

● Neuromuscular Conditions 

● Sensory Integration Therapy 

● Vital Stem Therapy 

● Videofluoroscopy 

● Lymphedema Therapy 

● Low Vision Clinic 

● Autism Awareness & Support 

Four Convenient Locations. 

■ Pleasant Valley 

Outpatient Therapies 

& Wellness Center 

2520 Valley Drive 

Point Pleasant, WV 25550 

304.675.8639 


Middleport 

Therapy Center 

788 North Second Avenue 

Middleport, Ohio 45760 

740.992.6479 


Therapy Center 

628 South Church Street 

Ripley, WV 25271 

304.372.7424 


Rehabilitation 

640 Sand Hill Road 

Point Pleasant, WV 25550 

304.675.5250 

PLEASANT VALLEY HOSPITAL 

• Page 16

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