Icon sports writer Cort Reynolds provides previews of Ada's four spring varsity sports: softball, baseball, track and boys' tennis. We start with the softball preview.
By Cort Reynolds
Ada softball squad returns
strong core to go with frosh hurler
A very strong senior class of five returning veteran starters will lead the talented Ada softball team in its quest for a first-ever league championship in 2018.
Just about all the ingredients are in place for the Lady Bulldogs to make a serious run at that elusive Northwest Conference softball title as nine letter winners return - to go along with a talented freshman hurler.
Last year the purple and gold girls started strongly at 8-1, but then stumbled to a 13-11 record and 2-6 mark in the Northwest Conference. They edged Spencerville in the sectionals 7-6 before losing to Parkway in the district semifinals.
In 2016, Ada finished in a tie for second in the NWC behind Crestview, which went on to win the state crown.
"In 2016, we averaged one error a game," noted third-year head coach Troy Erickson. "Last year, we averaged 2.5 errors a game, which negated our 6.5 runs per game average.
"This spring, our defense looks stronger. We can play small ball but have some power too, which we need to supplement our slap-hitters.
"I like our team," he continued. "This is probably the most competition we have had for positions within our program in the six years I have been at Ada as an assistant and head coach.
"We have the most returning experienced talent in the Northwest Conference," said Erickson. "We have four fourth-year letter winners and two or three of the best players in the league at their positions."
Even with all the returning experience, the development of promising freshman pitcher Leona Dalton will be a major key toward determining the Bulldog championship fortunes this spring.
"Dalton will get a lot of time in the pitching circle," said Erickson. "She throws hard, maybe as hard as Teyah Sautter did as a freshman. She is a good hitter with power, too."
If the hard-throwing Dalton can take over as the number one hurler, it will allow all-league senior Maddie Gossard to focus mainly on handling third base, where she excels with the glove and bat.
The slugging Gossard shouldered much of the pitching load last spring after Sautter transferred to Columbus Grove. The first team all-league pick led Ada with six home runs and 37 runs batted in during the 2017 campaign.
Despite not having pitched since junior high, Gossard took the ball and posted a solid 5-6 record last season, eating a lot of innings. She is an excellent fielder at third base with very sure hands and a strong arm.
"She is our top power hitter back," said Erickson. "I might bat her third or fourth after she hit clean-up all last season." Gossard needs protection behind her in the order so teams won't pitch around her.
Athletic senior southpaw Sydney Newland returns to handle the catching duties for a fourth straight season after earning second team all-league honors last spring.
"I expect Syd to hit for more power this season," said Erickson. The southpaw backstop has a picturesque hitting stroke, and has been a doubles machine in the past. She also excels throwing the ball, having picked off 11 runners last year.
Her arm and experience can help shut down an opposition running game, which is key in softball. Newland is expert at throwing behind the runner at third with her lefty delivery. She also moves well behind the plate, another plus.
Her twin, senior southpaw Kaiti Newland, will transition back to center field from the infield this spring, which should strengthen the outfield defense. Last year, she handled third base capably when Gossard pitched, despite being a left-handed thrower.
In addition, Newland will add quality depth to the pitching staff. She racked up an impressive 8-5 record as a hurler last spring.
"She throws with great movement and is a good outfielder," said Erickson of southpaw Newland. Kaiti also is a good hitter with solid doubles power and speed. After making second team all-league in 2016, she earned honorable mention notice last year.
Versatile senior middle infielder Olivia Alexander is back for her second season as the full-time starting shortstop after playing second base primarily as a sophomore.
The heady leadoff girl topped the team in batting average last year. She draws a lot of walks, is a fine slap hitter and is a key table-setter for the offense at the top of the order.
"I think her fielding range has expanded," said Erickson of Alexander. "Liv is a gamer." A quiet leader, she was named second team All-NWC in 2016 and honorable mention in 2017.
Alexander's athleticism and experience, combined with solid hands and throwing arm, make her a dependable anchor in the infield. Possessing good speed, she is also a very good base stealer and bunter. Every ball she hits to the left sid eof the infield is a potential infield hit.
Even though she is primarily a slap hitter, the lefty swinger has the strength to swing away and hit for power.
Senior Teara Coulson will patrol left field primarily. The feisty Coulson has good speed, possesses a very good throwing arm and is a solid slap hitter. Those who underestimate her abilty to throw well from the outfield will be surprised.
Coulson played center field much of 2017 and can play there if needed this spring when Kaiti Newland toes the rubber.
Steady junior Raina England is back to handle the second base position. A solid fielder with good hands and speed, she can also play third base. England is a good bunter.
"Raina has been hitting the ball well in pre-season, and will also play some outfield," Erickson noted.
Returning junior Alexis Ennis brings speed on the bases and in the outfield to the table, as well as solid hitting skills. "Alexis is a slap-hitter and her defense has improved," said Erickson. She is expected to patrol right field mostly after playing left field much of 2017.
Athletic senior Nikki Lehsten came on strong at the end of last season and will fill in at multiple spots as a Swiss Army knife-type player. A good baserunner and solid hitter, she will play first base, right field and also serve as the designated player.
"We have a lot of competition at first base," said Erickson. "Lehsten, freshman Lexi Waugh, and Sidney Gossard are in a good battle there. Sidney has improved."
Sophomore Sidney Gossard played first and some second base last season, and she lends flexibility, depth and defense to the infield.
Senior outfield returnee Madison Preston also possesses hitting power.
"I like our freshmen," Erickson offered.
In addition to Dalton and Waugh, freshman Tori Green will play some at catcher and in the outfield. "She is fast," said the coach. Freshman infielder Aubrey Madison "has good speed" and frosh infielder Brenna George "is very fast."
Sophomore returnees are Elizabeth Durkin (OF) and Melina Temple (OF). Freshman infielder Kiersten Cortez rounds out the deep 18-player roster.
Erickson feels the NWC is very balanced and is one of the best small division softball leagues in the area, if not the state.
"The NWC is one of the best softball leagues in our region; if you do well in the NWC it bodes well for the tournament," said the coach. "We want to get back to the top and are pretty focused on that goal. Being more competitive in the NWC is our number one goal.
"We had a lot of run-rule losses in the league last year," he continued. "I have not let the girls forget that.
"We want to be at the top of the NWC with Grove going into the last game," said Erickson. "I think the league champion could be 7-1."
The conference schedule is challenging, with Ada going on the road to face three of its top competitors for league honors for the second year in a row due to a scheduling quirk. "We have to go to Crestview, Allen East and Grove," Erickson noted. "I think it will come down to the last week of the season."
Bluffton (12-8, 3-5 NWC last year) is always competitive, while defending champion Allen East (17-4, 8-0 NWC) and Crestview (14-12, 5-3 NWC) are perennial contenders. Spencerville (14-10, 5-3 NWC) looks solid, and Paulding (9-12, 3-5 NWC) is underrated.
Grove took second in the league at 7-1 behind AE, and returns senior all-state pitcher/slugger Teyah Sautter, who starred at Ada for two seasons.
Erickson added that former Hardin Northern hurling standout Addy Bame is back as pitching coach and has been "a great addition to the staff." Former Bulldog standout Lindsay (Simmons) Conley also returns to complete the coaching staff.
"I like our hitting, and I like our defense," Erickson summed up. "I am excited about the team and the season."
Ada opens pursuit of that elusive first NWC title at home vs. local rival Bluffton on April 5.
State qualifier Beaschler,
Mullins to lead strong Ada net squad
Led by a returning two-time senior state qualifier and a district qualifier, a dozen players comprise the roster of the talented 2018 Ada boys' tennis team.
With all the returning skill and a talented newcomer, the Bulldog boys' fourth season as a varsity program promises to be their best yet this spring.
The Bulldog netmen posted a solid 8-5 dual record last spring and are poised to improve on that mark this year as 10 experienced players return, including their two top singles players, and a key freshman.
Steady and heady Ada senior Zach Beaschler tops the returnees. He finished second in the 2017 district tournament and advanced to the Div. II state boys tennis tournament for the second straight year last spring.
Beaschler won his first round match at state easily in straight sets 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. He then lost to senior Zack Hanna of Lodi Cloverleaf, the eventual third-place finisher, 6-1, 6-3.
Beaschler ended his 2017 season with a sparkling 20-3 record. Over the last two seasons, he has compiled a combined 39-6 in singles play. In 2016, he won the district title and lost in the round of 16 at state.
"Zach loves tennis and wants to play in college," said head coach Christy Beaschler. "He has gotten stronger and his serve is bigger. He has consistent groundstrokes and is a smart player, especially in terms of ball placement.
"He has had a good winter of practice and never went two days without playing," she added. "Every player at state is good, but we hope to get back there and go even further than before."
The coach noted that Beaschler is likely to attend DePauw, Wittenberg, Ohio Northern or Ohio Wesleyan next fall.
Several other skilled players return to the fold, led by speedy junior Cade Mullins.
Mullins finished third in the singles sectionals last year and made it to districts, where he lost in the round of 16.
"Cade has good speed and is a good athlete who hates to lose," said Beaschler. "Cade is very quick, has a big forehand and is a good competitor. He just has to stay consistent. There aren't many in the area who can beat him at second singles.
"We hope to get Cade back to district or even farther this spring," she added.
A promising freshman female will vie with three returning lettermen for the third singles spot, as well as the first doubles tandem positions.
Sophomore Isaac Spar, Nathan Hurtig and Acel Gamble will compete with incoming frosh Miranda Wills for playing time in the regular lineup.
"Nothing is set in stone as far as third singles and first doubles," said Beaschler. "Miranda is scrappy and can hit with the best of them. She is steady, keeps the ball in play and has a lot of grit. She is also coachable."
Miranda's older sister Mackenzie Wills was a three-year standout for Ada, and now plays for her father/coach on the Ohio Northern University women's team.
Returning letterman Spar is very athletic while sophomore Hurtig and senior Gamble also possess much experience and skill.
"Isaac got stronger in this past swim season and is a super athlete who moves well," Beaschler noted.
Whichever player is in the third singles spot, the two others will likely team up at first doubles for that match. The depth and competition should make the Bulldog team formidable this spring.
Second doubles team pairings will come from among junior Jake Colwell, senior southpaw Adam Bailey and junior Rob Allison. All three are returning lettermen.
Junior returnee Gabe Hassan, sophomore returnee Theo Hadley and freshman Sully Hassan round out the roster and could push for playing time at doubles.
Ada has 10 home matches slated for the park courts on its 18-match schedule, plus the Clyde Invitational April 21 and the league meet.
Beaschler (first singles) and Mullins (second singles) will be back to defend their respective individual conference titles at the Northern Buckeye Tennis League event in the second week of May.
Ada finished in a four-way tie for the NBTL crown last year, but was crowned champion via tiebreaker. With their returning talent, the Bulldogs will be one of the favorites to repeat in the six-team loop. Bryan, Wauseon and Napoleon should also contend.
Sectionals will be held May 10-12, with Beaschler primed to reclaim his 2016 district crown at BGSU May 18-19.
The state meet will again be held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio May 25-26. Beaschler looks to become the first three-time state qualifier in boys program history.
Ada baseball squad
expects improvement
The Ada varsity baseball team looks to be much improved with the return of 12 lettermen and numerous starters on its 21-player roster.
The Bulldogs finished 3-20 overall and 0-8 in Northwest Conference play in 2017, but showed improvement, even if the record did not indicate it.
Intense Ada head coach Jason Campbell enters his sixth year at the helm of the Bulldog program (24-110 overall, 5-43 NWC) with cautious optimism. Kent Everhart joins Campbell's staff as a first-year assistant coach.
"This is the most athletic team I have had here," said Campbell. "We are top-heavy with upperclassmen. The players are working hard and we have higher expectations. Our hitting and speed are immensely improved."
The deep roster boasts two seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and six freshmen.
Talented senior Aaron Everhart is a no-nonsense competitor who has made honorable mention All-NWC the last two years. The speedy line-drive hitter will play shortstop primarily and pitch. He can also play the outfield if needed.
"Aaron is our top returning hitter," Campbell noted. "He is poised to break program career records in base hits, stolen bases and total bases with another good year."
Experienced senior Colten Shaffer, a solid hitter, returns to utilize his speed in the outfield and may see some action at catcher as well. He is a three-year letterman.
Junior Jaylin Burkhart is another letterman back, and he is expected to man the first base position primarily. Classmate Kolten Spangler also returns to the fold.
Strong junior third baseman Austin Amburgey was the Bulldog rookie of the year in 2016 and will also serve as a designated hitter, as well as a backup catcher.
"Austin is one of the better hitters we have back," said Campbell.
Versatile sophomore Phillip Coulson is back and will play key roles at second base, shortstop and on the mound. The fiery Coulson will be one of the team's starting hurlers and a top reliever.
"Phil is a consistent strike-thrower," said Campbell, who pitched at Capital University.
Spunky sophomore Landon Blankenship is back after starting much of last season at the all-important catcher position. He is a solid hitter and tough competitor who should do nothing but get better with more experience behidn the plate.
Sophomore Alex Sweigart will be the team's number one starting pitcher. "He has a good fastball and change-up combination," offered Campbell. "He ended last season well."
Junior southpaw Matt Middlebrook is the staff's lone left-handed starting hurler. "Matt has really developed and has a good fastball," said the coach.
Junior newcomer Curtis Geckle is in the mix of a crowded Ada outfield. Speedy freshman Zac Swaney, Shaffer, sophomore letterman Dyan East and juniro slugger Ethan Hall are expected to see most of the action patrolling the outfield for Ada.
"Hall is one of our top returning hitters," said Campbell. Swaney is expected to give the offense a shot in the arm with his speed, hustle and hitting.
Sophomore Tyson Moore also returns as a letterman and will play second base.
Everhart, Blankenship, East, sophomore Bryce Paul (3B too), freshman Tristin Conley and Swaney will provide pitching depth, a necessity with the 30-pitch rule in effect for the second season.
"Our keys to success this season will be throwing strikes and scoring runs," said Campbell. "We want to run more, steal more bases, and play more small ball to manufacture offense. We will hit-and-run and sacrifice more. Those facets can be a major part of our offense."
In the NWC race, Campbell says "there probably won't be much of a shock at the top of the standings. Lincolnview is always strong, Crestview looks good and Spencerville has a lot of players back.
"I think the NWC will be tighter this year. I think Ada finishing in the middle of the pack in the (nine-team) league is a realistic goal," he noted.
Overall, he put some attainable goals on the table for 2018.
"We want to increase our win total, beat the teams we should beat, shock one or two teams and be competitive in every game," he said.
"I am hoping to turn some of our recent close NWC losses into victories," he added.
Campbell noted that the second-year rules on pitch counts will again force the Bulldogs and other teams to have more pitching depth and flexibility, especially with rainouts and schedule vagaries that may force back-to-back contests.
Rounding out the 21-man roster are junior Robert Shaeffer and promising freshmen Devin Cole (1B), utility men Conley and Trent Ennis, Jacob Morgan (2B) and Cody Johnston (OF).
"We have a large group of underclassmen pushing our juniors and seniors, so we have very good competition and depth," said Campbell.
Junior Connor Frazier, a 6-5 right-hander, was projected to be the team's number one pitcher, as well as a part-time first baseman. But he decided at the last minute to focus on playing travel team basketball instead of baseball this spring.
The loss of their expected pitching workhorse is a blow the Bulldogs will have to overcome.
Ada opened its 2018 campaign with a 6-2 win at county foe Hardin Northern March 26. The Bulldog league opener is April 5 at home vs. local rival Bluffton.
Large Ada track team
boasts depth, talent
The deep and promising Ada track and field team features 23 letter winners back on its 48-athlete roster, equally split into 24 girls and 24 boys under young veteran head coach Tyler Craig.
"Our roster numbers are very good and we have depth," said coach Craig. "Forty-eight is the biggest team we have had in a while. Our kids work as hard or harder than any team.
"Both boys and girls teams will be very competitive this year," he predicted. "We have a lot of kids willing to work hard; they want it bad and give good effort."
Led by their returning talent, both squads look to post improved league showings and get more athletes to regionals or beyond in 2018.
The Ada girls took fifth in the nine-team Northwest Conference meet last spring, while the purple and gold boys came in sixth.
Sophomore Abbie James returns as the team's lone returning regional qualifier in the 800 meters. She ran a 2:26 800 last year, the fastest of any girl in the past four seasons at Ada. Hampered by foot injuries, she mised the 2017 league meet.
Experienced senior speedster Anney Archer paces the Lady Bulldog sprint returnees. The three-time letter winner qualified for regionals in the 400 meters as a sophomore and is a versatile, highly-competitive runner.
"Anney is one of our top scorers," said Craig. Archer will contribute strongly in relays, sprints and middle distance.
Solid senior Caityn Stover is back as a hurdler and middle distance runner. Versatile senior Gizem Tanriverdi also returns to run sprints and middle distance, as well as in the pole vault. She took eighth in the 2017 NWC 800 meters finals, and is slated to continue her running career at Ohio Northern.
Talented sophomore Nora Dellifield is back after setting a school record in the pole vault at 9-2 last spring. She finished fourth in the NWC in the pole vault at 9-0 last year as well. Powerful junior thrower Hailey Callahan also returns, as does speedy junior Olivia Ennis.
Ennis was one of the team's top scorers last year and will excel in relays, the long jump and longer sprints. "She is an extra hard worker with a great attitude," Craig noted. The versatile Ennis took third in the NWC long jump and finished fifth in the league 300 hurdles race last spring.
Junior Morgan Swick will be expected to score a lot of points in the long distance and relay events. Swick finished eighth in the NWC at 3200 meters last spring. Junior Anabel Alexander also returns to add distance and intermediate distance depth, as well as relay skills.
Sophomore Braelynn Dodge is a talented sprinter returnee who also took fifth in the league meet last year in the long jump. Classmate Katie Butterfield sprints well, and is versatile enough to also run middle and long distance events.
Athletic sophomore Kendal Guagenti will contribute heavily in sprints, middle distance and the long jump.
Others expected to contribute are juniors Abby Chamberlain and Kelsi Sarnescky, sophomores Ashleigh Rush, Danielle Waugh, Tabitha Tidd and Courtney "Coco" McLaughlin, as well as freshmen Paige Cole, Kylie Shafer, Brenna Hissong, Barrette Jones and Kesewa Akyeampong.
"The boys team should improve more in the NWC standings," Craig offered. "The boys have better numbers and a more complete team than last year to fill out the events well. We have a lot of new boys.
"The girls should move up from fifth as well. A lot of teams lost a lot of their best athletes in the NWC to graduation," he added.
As far as the conference meet is concerned, Craig feels the Columbus Grove boys and girls teams are the favorites. CG won the girls team title and finished second in the 2017 boys NWC standings.
Craig also tabbed the Spencerville boys, plus defending male team champion Bluffton, as other top teams Ada will have to contend with.
The Bulldog boys look to be much better than last year with 24 males and four key lettermen back on the squad.
Zachary Breidenbach is one of four seniors on the squad. He is expected to score points in the pole vault and high jump events. Last spring, he finished fifth in the NWC high jump competition.
Strong junior thrower twins Nathan and Noah Mattson headline the deep nine-man junior class group in the shot put and discus. Noah took third in the shot at the league meet last spring.
"The Mattson twins should be favorites to be near the top of the NWC in the shot put and discus," Craig offered. "Their hard work is really paying off.
"Noah is the top NWC returning shot putter. He threw 48 feet in practice, and his goal is to break the school record of 52-10 set by Steve Montgomery in 1973."
The discus record of 165-11 may also be within reach for the dynamic duo. "Those two work at it year-round and are great leaders," the coach added. "They are definitely two of the best throwers in the NWC."
"Junior Brad Clum is a real good high jumper and long jumper (with a best leap of 20 feet)," continued coach Craig. Clum took third in the long jump last spring at the league meet.
"Junior Carson Hissong (sprints, relays) is a real hard worker who does it all and never complains," Craig offered.
Quick junior Miguel Jordan ran a personal-best 2:05 800 meters and can also run the 100 meters and two-mile races well. Jordan placed fifth in the NWC meet last spring in the 800.
Sophomore Michael Crouse is one of the top returnees. He can run middle distance and long distance, plus the 4x800 and 4x400 relays. Crouse took eighth in the NWC 800 meters last year.
Sophomore Reece Evans is "a hard worker and pleasure to have on the team," said Craig. A cross country runner, Evans excels in the long distance events.
Sophomore Alex Morgan is expected to score a lot of points this spring, primarily in the pole vault. He finished fourth in that event in the NWC meet as a freshman.
Three senior newcomers are also expected to contribue strongly - middle distance runner Brayan Casiano, sprinter Logan Williams and John Rettig.
"Those three are good athletes," Craig offered.
Rounding out the 24-man roster are juniors Nate Nira-McClure, Brice Ferguson (distance runner back from a foot injury), Sam Hibbard and Bryce Tidd, sophomores Noah Arnett, Austin Tidd, Hunter Wells and Skyler Williams, and freshmen Ian Dellifield, Daniel Mattson and Luke Westover.
"We would like to get several more people to regionals this spring," said Craig of team goals, "and improve in the conference standings."
The Bulldogs again host the annual Ada Invitational Saturday, May 5. The NWC meet is at Spencerville May 10/12.
