Basic HTML Version
STATE CHAMPIONS
The Mighty Pen 7
Baseball
Coming off of a state
championship season
in 2011, the senior-
dominated Stallions
entered the 2012 season
as the favorite in Division
II. Compiling a 28-6
record, and winning a
second straight state
championship, (which has been done only 8 times in state
history), the team was arguably the best team in the state,
earning its place as the winningest baseball team in the
history of the school–and one of the most successful the
school has ever seen. “This was really an unbelievable group
of kids to work with,” said Coach Tom Neubert, “their drive
and determination to win games was second to none.”
This drive to win became very evident in the championship
game against Wapakoneta. After scoring a run in the first
inning on a bases-loaded walk to Derek Traini, and 2 in the
4th on an infield single by catcher Jack Miller and a throwing
error, the Stallions somehow managed to leave 10 runners on
base during the game, failing to score in the 6th after loading
the bases with only 1 out. But the tourney experience gained
in the previous season paid off for the Stallions, who were
able to rely on each other to get the job done in the clutch.
Starting pitcher T.J. Alas, who compiled
an unbelievable 21-0 record during
his career, didn’t allow a hit until the
4th inning, striking out 5 batters and
walking 3. After giving up a walk and
hitting a batter with 2 outs in the 6th,
Neubert brought in semifinal winner
Nick Eltzroth, who was able to get the
final out of the 6th and retire the side
in the final inning, with 2 strikeouts
and a groundout to short.
Several of the Stallions earned honors
for their excellent performance in the
2012 season: T.J Alas and Zak DeCamp received 1st Team
All State honors, with catcher Jack Miller (who played in over
100 career varsity games) earning a 1st Team All District
award. Derek Traini and Nick Elztroth also received All District
Honorable Mentions. When asked what made this year so
memorable, Coach Neubert turned back to talk of the team:
“Two seasons ago there was no pressure to win the state title,
but this season was a completely different situation. . . these
guys went out to prove that last year was no fluke, and they
did just that.” “These guys,” said Neubert, “are just winners.”
Winter/Spring Sports Wrap Up
Wrestling
The Wrestling team compiled a 4-3
Dual match record over the 2011-
12 season, qualifying 2 wrestlers to
District competition. Senior Jason Allen,
wrestling at 160 lbs., compiled an overall
record of 39-8 while placing 5th at the
District match. Junior Ian Ferguson,
in the 182 lb. class, placed 6th at the
Districts, compiling a record of 33-11
for the season. Before sustaining an
injury, senior Joey Lyberger put together
a solid 16-6 record and RJ Martin placed
1st in the CCL tournament, finishing the
season with a winning record of 19-13.
Gymnastics
The 2011-12 team was led by seniors
Laura Hay, who was sidelined last year
with a major injury, and Katie Vance, who
finished the season winning the District
championship and placing 9th at the state
meet in the Floor competition. After being
injured early in the season, juniors Paige
Portale and Kate Miltko were also big
contributors for the Lady Stallions, with
Miltko making the All District team and
just missing qualification for states. The
girls won the District championship in a
very competitive league, and hope to build
upon a talented pool of underclassmen for
next season.
Spring Sports
Girls Track
The Lady Stallions had an excellent
season, finishing the season with an
overall record of 93-26. Two school records
were set by the 4X100 and 4X200 relay
teams, and sprinter Ashli Pope qualified for
Regional competion in the 100 and 200
meter events. Senior Sophia Nnadi also
qualified for the Regional meet, competing
in the shot and discus. Sophia finished
the season by placing 7th overall in the
shot put at the girls Division I State Meet,
earning All-Ohio Honors.
Softball
The varsity girls, under coach Julie Barber,
finished yet another great season, with an
overall record of 22-8. The senior-laden
Lady Stallions won their 3rd consecutive
league championship, and even more
impressively, their 3rd consecutive
District title. Senior Bryn Allen earned 1st
Team All District and All State honors.
Classmate Sarah Flint, also a 1st team
all District selection, was named All State
honorable mention. 2012 graduates
Cassidy Jenkins and Deonna Jones also
received District honors while fellow
senior Kelsey Albanese was a first team
all league selection.
Continued on Page 8