The C-S varsity softball team is pictured with the Cross River Rivalry trophy after defeating G-A 13-2 May 23.
(Photos by Bruce Rolfe)
Softball coach seeing growth heading
into district tournament
By Bruce Rolfe
Coaches are looking for growth and good patterns entering the district tournament.
Climax-Scotts varsity softball coach Janae Gibson is starting to see a little of both.
The Lady Panthers enjoyed a positive jolt May 23 by defeating Galesburg-Augusta 13-2 in the Cross River Rivalry game at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
The win over G-A left the Lady Panthers with a good feeling and a chance to generate more momentum in the final regular season game May 27 at home against Martin.
The win was C-S’ second straight and pushed the team over the .500 mark at 9-8.
Coaches are looking for growth and good patterns entering the district tournament.
Climax-Scotts varsity softball coach Janae Gibson is starting to see a little of both.
The Lady Panthers enjoyed a positive jolt May 23 by defeating Galesburg-Augusta 13-2 in the Cross River Rivalry game at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
The win over G-A left the Lady Panthers with a good feeling and a chance to generate more momentum in the final regular season game May 27 at home against Martin.
The win was C-S’ second straight and pushed the team over the .500 mark at 9-8.
More importantly, Gibson feels her team continues to show growth along with some consistency on the mound and improved defense.
“Our growth has come in our consistency to play complimentary team defense. Addy Reeves has done a great job of controlling the game play from the mound by throwing strikes and our defense behind her are making plays,” said the Lady Panther coach.
The Lady Panthers, had a little extra motivation last Friday, playing for the Cross River Rivalry trophy, something Gibson admits her team was motivated to win.
C-S has claimed bragging rights the last three years and the Lady Panthers have won the traveling trophy four out of the five years the two rivalries have been playing the Cross River Rivalry game with two games being cancelled because of rain and the other because of covid.
The two schools started the Cross River Rivalry series playing doubleheaders in softball in 2018 and 2019 with the team winning the first game declared winners of the traveling trophy.
“We talked about the significance of the game, the tradition between the two schools being in such close proximity to each other and we are sure to be educated on the river that separates the two school districts. Every time we go out and play we want to give our best, so the team was excited to walk away with the victory and the title of Cross River Rivalry Champs,” said Gibson.
C-S was aggressive at the plate, pounding out 14 hits, as well as the base paths, stealing six bases.
Kendal Reitz came through with four hits and drove in one run to go with a stolen base to lead C-S.
Kyla Etheridge, who had three RBI, contributed three hits. Addi Dzwik, who had one RBI, Holly Talbert, who had a double and two RBI and Lylah Parrish, who drove in one run, each had two hits.
Five different players collected one hit for G-A, including Lilli Thompson, who had a home run.
The Rams fell to 4-18 with the loss.
Addi Reeves had a strong game on the mound, scattering five hits and allowing two earned runs with three walks. She struck out four.
Kaylee Bastian, who suffered the loss, pitched just one-third of an inning before she was removed. She allowed four hits, five earned runs, two walks and struck out one batter.
Lilli Thompson finished, pitching the final four innings, but she allowed 10 hits, six earned runs, three walks and she struck out five Panthers.
Cross River Rivalry Game
Galesburg-Augusta 010 01 - 2- 5-5
Climax-Scotts 610 33 - 13-14-0
C-S hits: Kendal Reitz 4 (1 RBI), Ashlynn Gilbert 1 (1 RBI), Addi Dzwik 2 (1 RBI), Holly Talbert 2 (double, 2 RBI), Kyla Etheridge 3 (3 RBI), Lylah Parrish 2 (1 RBI)
C-S stolen bases: Holly Talbert 2, Addi Dzwik 2, Lylah Parrish 1, Kendal Reitz 1
G-A hits: Emily Coleman 1 (1 RBI), Suzy Nichols 1 (double), Lilli Thompson 1 (home run, 1 RBI), BreAnna Keene 1, Lilli Jones 1
Winning pitcher: Addi Reeves - 5 IP, 5 hits, 2 walks, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
G-A losing pitcher: Kaylee Bastian - 0.1 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs, 5 earned runs, 2 walks, 1 strikeout
Lilli Thompson - 4 IP, 10 hits, 8 runs, 6 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
Cross River Rivalry Softball Scoreboard
2018 C-S 6, G-A 5/C-S 14, G-A 13
2019 G-A 5, C-S 4/G-A 14, C-S 1
2020 Cancelled Covid
2021 Cancelled Rain
2022 Cancelled Rain
2023 C-S 22, G-A 11
2024 C-S 17, G-A 2
2025 C-S 13, G-A 2
Galesburg-Augusta 010 01 - 2- 5-5
Climax-Scotts 610 33 - 13-14-0
C-S hits: Kendal Reitz 4 (1 RBI), Ashlynn Gilbert 1 (1 RBI), Addi Dzwik 2 (1 RBI), Holly Talbert 2 (double, 2 RBI), Kyla Etheridge 3 (3 RBI), Lylah Parrish 2 (1 RBI)
C-S stolen bases: Holly Talbert 2, Addi Dzwik 2, Lylah Parrish 1, Kendal Reitz 1
G-A hits: Emily Coleman 1 (1 RBI), Suzy Nichols 1 (double), Lilli Thompson 1 (home run, 1 RBI), BreAnna Keene 1, Lilli Jones 1
Winning pitcher: Addi Reeves - 5 IP, 5 hits, 2 walks, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts
G-A losing pitcher: Kaylee Bastian - 0.1 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs, 5 earned runs, 2 walks, 1 strikeout
Lilli Thompson - 4 IP, 10 hits, 8 runs, 6 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
Cross River Rivalry Softball Scoreboard
2018 C-S 6, G-A 5/C-S 14, G-A 13
2019 G-A 5, C-S 4/G-A 14, C-S 1
2020 Cancelled Covid
2021 Cancelled Rain
2022 Cancelled Rain
2023 C-S 22, G-A 11
2024 C-S 17, G-A 2
2025 C-S 13, G-A 2
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C-S Varsity Softball
District Tournament At Potterville
5/30 Portland St. Patrick Vs. C-S, 1 p.m.
5/30 Bellevue Vs. Maple Valley, 3 p.m.
5/30 District championship game, 5 p.m. Winner to Maple Valley Regional vs. Bridgman District champion June 7 at noon.
________________________
Seven first place finishes for boys
championships, girls capture
5 first place finishes at SCC
Seven first place finishes and four runner up finishes helped the Climax-Scotts boys track team to a second place finish at the SCAA Championships hosted by Hillsdale Academy May 20, while five first place finishes for the Lady Panthers helped the girls to a third place finish.
Maximus Wurtzel led the way for the boys, winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.73, the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.32 and he helped two relay teams to a first place finish.
Wurtzel joined Jordan Grove, Chase VanMiddlesworth, and Luke Lawrence with a first place effort in the 4x100-meter relay (47.59). The C-S freshman joined Lawrence, Elijah Bowron and VanMiddlesworth for a first place finish in the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:37.60.
The 4x400-meter relay team, composed of Alexander Wurtzel, Johann Albarran, Jose Espino and Grove placed first with a time of 4:05.13.
Other first place finishes for C-S came from Gabe Walliczeck in the discus (140’8”), and Rosendo Garcia in the high jump (6’0”).
Annabelle Edwards, Paige Amos and Sophie Braithwaite each won one event and helped two relay teams to a first place finish to lead the Lady Panthers.
Braithwaite won the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.80. She joined Amos, Edwards and Holly Talbert in a first place effort in the 4x100-meter relay (55.89) and the same quartet teamed up to win the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:57.92.
Edwards won the high jump with a leap of 4’8” and Amos won the 200-meter dash with a time of 28.09.
Hillsdale Academy won both the boys and girls events, with the boys totaling 205.5 points, 70.5 points ahead of C-S. The Hillsdale Academy girls finished with 206.5 points, 83.5 points ahead of second place finishing Pittsford.
SCAA Championships Hosted by Hillsdale Academy
Men’s Varsity
1. Hillsdale Academy, 205.5, 2. Climax-Scotts, 135, 3. Mendon 85, 4. Camden-Frontier, 50.5, 5. Colon, 44, 6. Athens, 42, 7. St Philip Catholic Central, 35, 8. Bellevue, 13, 9. Litchfield, 11, 10. Waldron, 6, 11. Tekonsha, 4
C-S Results
100 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Maximus Wurtzel, 11.73a, 2. Chase VanMiddlesworth, 12.05a, 4. Elijah Bowron, 12.27aPR; 200 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Maximus Wurtzel, 24.32a, Elijah Bowron, DNS, Chase VanMiddlesworth, DNS; 400 Meters Varsity - Finals: 4. Easton Vanmiddlesworth, 57.45aPR, Ethan Seage, DNS; 800 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 11. Alexander Wurtzel, 2:26.28a, 12. Maddox Wyman, 2:28.89a, 17. Dean Parks, 2:52.41a; 1600 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 16. Dean Parks, 6:02.64a, 19. Zach Roebuck, 7:07.41aSR, Ethan Seage, DNS; 3200 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 12. Nate Arnett, 12:28.76a, 15. Arturo Espino, 16:36.82aPR; 110m Hurdles - 39” Varsity - Finals: 2. Luke Lawrence, 15.91a, 4. Blake Buddemeier, 19.55aPR, 5. Eli DeWaal, 19.82a, 8. Blake Wechsler, 20.12aPR; 300m Hurdles - 36” Varsity - Finals: Luke Lawrence, DNS, Eli DeWaal, 4x100 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Jordan Grove, Chase VanMiddlesworth, Luke Lawrence, Maximus Wurtzel), 47.59a; 4x200 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Luke Lawrence, Elijah Bowron, Chase VanMiddlesworth, Maximus Wurtzel), 1:37.60a; 4x400 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 1. Climax-Scotts (Alexander Wurtzel, Johaan Albarran, Jose Espino, Jordan Grove), 4:05.13a; 4x800 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 3. Climax-Scotts (Julian Garcia, Maddox Wyman, Nate Arnett, Alexander Wurtzel), 10:07.70a; Shot Put - 12lb Varsity - Finals Field Series: 2. Sam Bleeker, 42’ 11.25”, 9. Ryan Pejakovich, 36’ 10”, 10. Hunter Lasala, 36’ 5.5”, 14. Brayan Simbron, 35’ 0.5”; Discus - 1.6kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Gabe Walliczeck, 140’ 8”, 6. Sam Bleeker, 116’ 10”, 9. Liam Lasala, 106’ 8”, 10. Ryan Pejakovich, 98’ 6”; High Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Rosendo Garcia, 6’ 0”, 5. Johaan Albarran, 5’ 6”; Long Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 2. Julian Garcia, 16’ 8”, 10. Blake Wechsler, 14’ 11”, 11. Kaden Godbee, 14’ 11”
Women’s Varsity
1. Hillsdale Academy, 206.5, 2. Pittsford, 123, 3. Camden-Frontier, 63, 3. Climax-Scotts, 63, 5. Mendon, 48, 6. Athens, 43, 7. Bellevue 38, 8. Colon, 37.5, 9. Tekonsha, 6, 10. Litchfield, 5, 11. Waldron, 2, 12. St. Philip Catholic Central, 1
C-S Results
100 Meters Varsity - Finals:
1. Sophie Braithwaite, 13.80a, 2. Paige Amos, 13.96a, 15. Kyla Ethridge, 15.60aPR; 200 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Paige Amos, 28.09a, 9. Alyssa Morrison, 32.85a, Sophie Braithwaite, DNS; 100m Hurdles - 33” Varsity - Finals: Alexis Brown, DNS; 4x100 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Paige Amos, Sophie Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards, Holly Talbert), 55.89a; 4x200 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Paige Amos, Sophie Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards, Holly Talbert), 1:57.92a ; 4x400 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 4. Climax-Scotts (Kyla Ethridge, Alyssa Morrison, Lylah Parrish, Chloe Czuk), 5:19.74a; Shot Put - 4kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 15. Ashlynn Gilbert, 25’ 3”, 19. Annabelle Saltzman, 23’ 1.75”PR, 20. Grace Liska, 22’ 10.5”PR; Discus - 1kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 9. Ashlynn Gilbert, 69’ 8”, 21. Grace Liska, 58’ 6”, 29. Addisyn Krick, 36’ 5”; High Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Annabelle Edwards, 4’ 8”; Long Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 12. Lylah Parirsh, 11’ 1.5”, Chloe Czuk, ND
Maximus Wurtzel led the way for the boys, winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.73, the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.32 and he helped two relay teams to a first place finish.
Wurtzel joined Jordan Grove, Chase VanMiddlesworth, and Luke Lawrence with a first place effort in the 4x100-meter relay (47.59). The C-S freshman joined Lawrence, Elijah Bowron and VanMiddlesworth for a first place finish in the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:37.60.
The 4x400-meter relay team, composed of Alexander Wurtzel, Johann Albarran, Jose Espino and Grove placed first with a time of 4:05.13.
Other first place finishes for C-S came from Gabe Walliczeck in the discus (140’8”), and Rosendo Garcia in the high jump (6’0”).
Annabelle Edwards, Paige Amos and Sophie Braithwaite each won one event and helped two relay teams to a first place finish to lead the Lady Panthers.
Braithwaite won the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.80. She joined Amos, Edwards and Holly Talbert in a first place effort in the 4x100-meter relay (55.89) and the same quartet teamed up to win the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:57.92.
Edwards won the high jump with a leap of 4’8” and Amos won the 200-meter dash with a time of 28.09.
Hillsdale Academy won both the boys and girls events, with the boys totaling 205.5 points, 70.5 points ahead of C-S. The Hillsdale Academy girls finished with 206.5 points, 83.5 points ahead of second place finishing Pittsford.
SCAA Championships Hosted by Hillsdale Academy
Men’s Varsity
1. Hillsdale Academy, 205.5, 2. Climax-Scotts, 135, 3. Mendon 85, 4. Camden-Frontier, 50.5, 5. Colon, 44, 6. Athens, 42, 7. St Philip Catholic Central, 35, 8. Bellevue, 13, 9. Litchfield, 11, 10. Waldron, 6, 11. Tekonsha, 4
C-S Results
100 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Maximus Wurtzel, 11.73a, 2. Chase VanMiddlesworth, 12.05a, 4. Elijah Bowron, 12.27aPR; 200 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Maximus Wurtzel, 24.32a, Elijah Bowron, DNS, Chase VanMiddlesworth, DNS; 400 Meters Varsity - Finals: 4. Easton Vanmiddlesworth, 57.45aPR, Ethan Seage, DNS; 800 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 11. Alexander Wurtzel, 2:26.28a, 12. Maddox Wyman, 2:28.89a, 17. Dean Parks, 2:52.41a; 1600 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 16. Dean Parks, 6:02.64a, 19. Zach Roebuck, 7:07.41aSR, Ethan Seage, DNS; 3200 Meters Varsity - Finals Splits: 12. Nate Arnett, 12:28.76a, 15. Arturo Espino, 16:36.82aPR; 110m Hurdles - 39” Varsity - Finals: 2. Luke Lawrence, 15.91a, 4. Blake Buddemeier, 19.55aPR, 5. Eli DeWaal, 19.82a, 8. Blake Wechsler, 20.12aPR; 300m Hurdles - 36” Varsity - Finals: Luke Lawrence, DNS, Eli DeWaal, 4x100 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Jordan Grove, Chase VanMiddlesworth, Luke Lawrence, Maximus Wurtzel), 47.59a; 4x200 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Luke Lawrence, Elijah Bowron, Chase VanMiddlesworth, Maximus Wurtzel), 1:37.60a; 4x400 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 1. Climax-Scotts (Alexander Wurtzel, Johaan Albarran, Jose Espino, Jordan Grove), 4:05.13a; 4x800 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 3. Climax-Scotts (Julian Garcia, Maddox Wyman, Nate Arnett, Alexander Wurtzel), 10:07.70a; Shot Put - 12lb Varsity - Finals Field Series: 2. Sam Bleeker, 42’ 11.25”, 9. Ryan Pejakovich, 36’ 10”, 10. Hunter Lasala, 36’ 5.5”, 14. Brayan Simbron, 35’ 0.5”; Discus - 1.6kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Gabe Walliczeck, 140’ 8”, 6. Sam Bleeker, 116’ 10”, 9. Liam Lasala, 106’ 8”, 10. Ryan Pejakovich, 98’ 6”; High Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Rosendo Garcia, 6’ 0”, 5. Johaan Albarran, 5’ 6”; Long Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 2. Julian Garcia, 16’ 8”, 10. Blake Wechsler, 14’ 11”, 11. Kaden Godbee, 14’ 11”
Women’s Varsity
1. Hillsdale Academy, 206.5, 2. Pittsford, 123, 3. Camden-Frontier, 63, 3. Climax-Scotts, 63, 5. Mendon, 48, 6. Athens, 43, 7. Bellevue 38, 8. Colon, 37.5, 9. Tekonsha, 6, 10. Litchfield, 5, 11. Waldron, 2, 12. St. Philip Catholic Central, 1
C-S Results
100 Meters Varsity - Finals:
1. Sophie Braithwaite, 13.80a, 2. Paige Amos, 13.96a, 15. Kyla Ethridge, 15.60aPR; 200 Meters Varsity - Finals: 1. Paige Amos, 28.09a, 9. Alyssa Morrison, 32.85a, Sophie Braithwaite, DNS; 100m Hurdles - 33” Varsity - Finals: Alexis Brown, DNS; 4x100 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Paige Amos, Sophie Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards, Holly Talbert), 55.89a; 4x200 Relay Varsity - Finals: 1. Climax-Scotts (Paige Amos, Sophie Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards, Holly Talbert), 1:57.92a ; 4x400 Relay Varsity - Finals Splits: 4. Climax-Scotts (Kyla Ethridge, Alyssa Morrison, Lylah Parrish, Chloe Czuk), 5:19.74a; Shot Put - 4kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 15. Ashlynn Gilbert, 25’ 3”, 19. Annabelle Saltzman, 23’ 1.75”PR, 20. Grace Liska, 22’ 10.5”PR; Discus - 1kg Varsity - Finals Field Series: 9. Ashlynn Gilbert, 69’ 8”, 21. Grace Liska, 58’ 6”, 29. Addisyn Krick, 36’ 5”; High Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 1. Annabelle Edwards, 4’ 8”; Long Jump Varsity - Finals Field Series: 12. Lylah Parirsh, 11’ 1.5”, Chloe Czuk, ND
C-S men’s track team sets school record in
relay event; place 6th at MITCA state finals
The Climax-Scotts mens track team had another impressive effort at the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association (MITCA) Division 4 Team State Finals May 24 at Hillsdale College.
Eight personal records were established and the 4x200-meter relay team set a new school record, helping the Panther boys track team to a sixth place finish.
Currently qualification is awarded to MHSAA Regional Champions and earned by participating in the MITCA Power Rankings; the top 16 Power Ranked teams in Division 1 and the top 16 Power Ranked teams in Divisions 2, 3 & 4 will qualify.
Because the C-S girls track team were not regional champions and was not a top 16 power ranked team in Division 4, they did not participate in the event.
The MITCA Team State Meets in Track & Field are meets that are put on by MITCA in an attempt to have a true Team State Champion in each Division. True team scoring means that each team is allowed 3 entries per individual event and 1 relay team. Depending on the number of teams 1st place in individual events scores the total number of entries allowed, with 2nd place earning 1 less point, all the way down to the final place scoring 1 point. Relays score double of individual event total and decrease by 6.
C-S finished sixth with 892.5 points. Riverview Gabriel Richard were team state champions with 1463.5 points.
Hillsdale Academy were state champions in the girls event, totaling 1671 points.
The 4x200-meter relay team made up of Chase VanMiddlesworth, Luke Lawrence, Maximus Wurtzel and, Elijah Bowron, set a new school record with a time of 1:32.66.
Gabe Walliczeck, with a throw of 142’, 0” in the discus, also placed second.
Luke Lawrence, with a time of 15.59 in the 110-meter hurdles, and Sam Bleeker, with a personal record throw of 45’, 8.75” in the shot put, both placed third.
The Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association (MITCA) is a coaching organization with a membership of approximately twelve hundred Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches
MITCA Division 4 Team State Finals
(At Hillsdale College)
Men
1. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 1463.5, 2. Kalamazoo Hackett, 1278, 3. Hillsdale Academy, 1276.5, 4. Mesick, 1064, 5. Manchester, 961, 6. Climax-Scotts, 892.5, 7. Harbor Beach, 863.5, 8. Petersburg-Summerfield, 857.5, 9. White Cloud, 840.5, 10. Morrice, 700.5, 11. Coleman, 686.5, 12. Gobles, 607.5, 13. Unionville-Sebewaing, 564.5
C-S Results
100 Meters Boys - Finals: 14. Maximus Wurtzel, 11.69a, 16. Elijah Bowron, 11.86aPR, 21. Maddox Wyman, 12.29a; 200 Meters Boys - Finals: 4. Chase VanMiddlesworth, 23.08a, 14. Maximus Wurtzel, 24.43a, 17. Elijah Bowron, 24.52aPR; 400 Meters Boys - Finals: 10. Chase VanMiddlesworth, 55.96aSR, 13. Easton Vanmiddlesworth, 56.91aPR, Jose Espino, DNS; 800 Meters Boys - Finals Splits: 13. Alexander Wurtzel, 2:12.83aPR, 20. Maddox Wyman, 2:29, 36. Zach Roebuck, 2:48.91a; 1600 Meters Boys - Finals Splits: 24. Nate Arnett, 5:21.67aPR, 33. Dean Parks, 5:47.61a, 37. Arturo Espino, 6:40.01aPR; 3200 Meters Boys - Finals Splits: 22. Nate Arnett, 12:11.38a, 28. Dean Parks, 13:34.29a; 110m Hurdles - 39” Boys - Finals: 3. Luke Lawrence, 15.59a, 20. Eli DeWaal, 19.48a, 33. Blake Buddemeier, 23.67a; 300m Hurdles - 36” Boys - Finals: 5. Luke Lawrence, 41.65a, 21. Eli DeWaal, 49.49a, 32. Blake Buddemeier, 52.61a; 4x100 Relay Boys - Finals: 4. Climax-Scotts (Jordan Grove, Chase VanMiddlesworth, Luke Lawrence, Maximus Wurtzel), 45.24a; 4x200 Relay Boys - Finals: 2. Climax-Scotts (Chase VanMiddlesworth, Luke Lawrence, Maximus Wurtzel, Elijah Bowron), 1:32.66a; 4x400 Relay Boys - Finals Splits: 9. Climax-Scotts (Easton Vanmiddlesworth, Jordan Grove, Alexander Wurtzel, Maddox Wyman), 3:58.03a; 4x800 Relay Boys - Finals Splits: 9. Climax-Scotts (Dean Parks, Alexander Wurtzel, Julian Garcia, Johaan Albarran), 9:58.13a; Shot Put - 12lb Boys - Finals Field Series: 3. Sam Bleeker, 45’ 8.75”PR, 9. Hunter Lasala, 39’ 1.5”, 29. Gabe Walliczeck, 32’ 10”; Discus - 1.6kg Boys - Finals Field Series: 2. Gabe Walliczeck, 142’ 0”, 19. Sam Bleeker, 102’ 4”, 21. Liam Lasala, 101’ 11”; High Jump Boys - Finals Field Series: 6. Rosendo Garcia, 5’ 10”, 12. Johaan Albarran, 5’ 0”; Long Jump Boys - Finals Field Series: 16. Julian Garcia, 17’ 5.5”, 21. Blake Wechsler, 17’ 2”PR
Many C-S track state finalists ranked high,
have opportunity to secure medals
By Bruce Rolfe
State Finals qualifiers from both the Climax-Scotts boys and girls track teams will be vying for an all-state medal May 31 at the Division 4 State Finals at Baldwin Middle School hosted by Hudsonville High School.
Eight members of the C-S boys track team qualified for the State Finals in eight events and four Lady Panthers qualified for the State Finals in five events.
The top 8 finishers in each event earn All-State medals.
Based on rankings, previous times, heights and distances, both teams have a strong opportunity to secure all-state medals.
Senior Luke Lawrence will be competing in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and as a member of the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams.
Senior Chase VanMiddlesworth qualified in the 200-meter dash, and as a member of the 4x100 and 4x200-meter relay teams.
The other members of the state finals qualifying 4x100-meter relay team is Jordan Grove and Maximus Wurtzel.
Elijah Bowron will join Lawrence, VanMiddlesworth and Wurtzel on the 4x200-meter relay team that qualified for the state finals.
Junior Gabe Walliczeck will compete in the discus and shot put at the State Finals, senior Sam Bleeker will compete in the shot put and Rosendo Garcia will compete in the high jump.
Annabelle Edwards, Paige Amos and Sophie Braithwaite each qualified for the State Finals in three events and Holly Talbert qualified as a member of two relay teams.
Braithwatie will be competing in the 100-meter dash and as a member of the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams.
Amos will run in the 200-meter dash and join Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards and Holly Talbert as a member of the state finals qualifying 4x200 and 4x100-meter relay teams.
Amos set a new school record at the regionals in the 200-meter dash (26.92).
Besides competing as a member of the 4x100 and 4x200-meter relay teams, Edwards will be competing in the high jump at the state finals.
C-S coach Dave Lodes said qualifying for the state finals in eight events for the boys may be the most ever at C-S, but he was not certain.
In Division 4, Lawrence is ranked fourth with a time of 15.14 and ranked sixth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.23.
In Division 4, VanMiddlesworth is ranked seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time 22.62.
The 4x100-meter relay team is ranked 10th with a time of 45.15 and the 4x200-meter relay team is ranked fifth with a time of 1:33.57.
Walliczeck, who set a school record earlier and then broke his own school record two other times in the discus, is ranked third with a distance of 155’1”.
Bleeker is ranked 12th in the shot put with a distance of 44’1.25”.
Garcia is ranked 12th in the high jump with a height of 6’1”.
Braithwaite ranked 15th in Division 4 in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.95.
Amos is ranked 15th in Division 4 in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.92.
Annabelle Edwards is ranked 11th in the high jump with a height of 5’0”.
The 4x100-meter relay team Amos, Braithwaite, Edwards and Talbert are members of, is ranked 16th with a time of 54.00 and the 4x200-meter relay team the same quartet are members of, is ranked 15th with a time of 1:53.95.
Boys and girls high jump and long jump competition and boys discus competition begins at 10 a.m. Sprint hurdle competition begins at 10:30 a.m.
Boys shot put competition begins approximately one hour after the discus competition is complete.
Running event finals begin at 1 p.m.
State Finals qualifiers from both the Climax-Scotts boys and girls track teams will be vying for an all-state medal May 31 at the Division 4 State Finals at Baldwin Middle School hosted by Hudsonville High School.
Eight members of the C-S boys track team qualified for the State Finals in eight events and four Lady Panthers qualified for the State Finals in five events.
The top 8 finishers in each event earn All-State medals.
Based on rankings, previous times, heights and distances, both teams have a strong opportunity to secure all-state medals.
Senior Luke Lawrence will be competing in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and as a member of the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams.
Senior Chase VanMiddlesworth qualified in the 200-meter dash, and as a member of the 4x100 and 4x200-meter relay teams.
The other members of the state finals qualifying 4x100-meter relay team is Jordan Grove and Maximus Wurtzel.
Elijah Bowron will join Lawrence, VanMiddlesworth and Wurtzel on the 4x200-meter relay team that qualified for the state finals.
Junior Gabe Walliczeck will compete in the discus and shot put at the State Finals, senior Sam Bleeker will compete in the shot put and Rosendo Garcia will compete in the high jump.
Annabelle Edwards, Paige Amos and Sophie Braithwaite each qualified for the State Finals in three events and Holly Talbert qualified as a member of two relay teams.
Braithwatie will be competing in the 100-meter dash and as a member of the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams.
Amos will run in the 200-meter dash and join Braithwaite, Annabelle Edwards and Holly Talbert as a member of the state finals qualifying 4x200 and 4x100-meter relay teams.
Amos set a new school record at the regionals in the 200-meter dash (26.92).
Besides competing as a member of the 4x100 and 4x200-meter relay teams, Edwards will be competing in the high jump at the state finals.
C-S coach Dave Lodes said qualifying for the state finals in eight events for the boys may be the most ever at C-S, but he was not certain.
In Division 4, Lawrence is ranked fourth with a time of 15.14 and ranked sixth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.23.
In Division 4, VanMiddlesworth is ranked seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time 22.62.
The 4x100-meter relay team is ranked 10th with a time of 45.15 and the 4x200-meter relay team is ranked fifth with a time of 1:33.57.
Walliczeck, who set a school record earlier and then broke his own school record two other times in the discus, is ranked third with a distance of 155’1”.
Bleeker is ranked 12th in the shot put with a distance of 44’1.25”.
Garcia is ranked 12th in the high jump with a height of 6’1”.
Braithwaite ranked 15th in Division 4 in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.95.
Amos is ranked 15th in Division 4 in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.92.
Annabelle Edwards is ranked 11th in the high jump with a height of 5’0”.
The 4x100-meter relay team Amos, Braithwaite, Edwards and Talbert are members of, is ranked 16th with a time of 54.00 and the 4x200-meter relay team the same quartet are members of, is ranked 15th with a time of 1:53.95.
Boys and girls high jump and long jump competition and boys discus competition begins at 10 a.m. Sprint hurdle competition begins at 10:30 a.m.
Boys shot put competition begins approximately one hour after the discus competition is complete.
Running event finals begin at 1 p.m.
Cross river rivalry game features
good competition, friendships
By Bruce Rolfe
A rivalry definitely exists between Climax-Scotts and Galesburg-Augusta, but there are also many friendships.
Which is what makes the Cross River Rivalry game the two schools have been playing since 2018 so special.
Last Friday’s annual Cross River Rivalry game brought a little extra meaning for C-S, especially the seniors.
This year G-A was scheduled to host the game.
Because C-S has had to play all of its “home” games at Bailey Park while Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field was being renovated as part of a bond project, the Panthers faced playing all of their games away from C-S.
However when G-A Athletic Director Mike Woodard learned there was a good possibility C-S’ newly renovated baseball field would be available by May 23, he suggested the Cross River Rivalry game be played at C-S instead of at G-A, allowing the C-S seniors to play their last home game on their new field.
The Rams spoiled the event by coming from behind to post a 4-1 win.
G-A has won four out of the five rivalry games between the two schools, with two games being cancelled because of rain and the other because of covid.
The win sent G-A into a May 27 game against Hackett with a 16-8 record while C-S falls to 14-3.
A former Panther now playing for G-A, played a significant role helping the Rams to the win.
Ashton Matrau, who attended C-S Community Schools for many years and transferred to G-A for his senior year, was very effective on the mound for the win.
Outside of five walks, the G-A senior was spectacular, allowing just a one out single in the fourth inning to Ben Nelson. The former Panther struck out five.
“It was good being back here, especially being able to come here and play on the new field. It was really nice. I miss the boys. It was really cool to go out and go against them. It was good competition,” said Matrau.
His former teammate, C-S senior Gavin Eyre, said he was especially looking forward to facing his former teammate. Matrau enjoyed the upper hand in one on one battles, getting Eyre to ground out three times with the other at bat resulting in his former teammate reaching base on an error.
“It was fun. I wish I could have done a little better against him. He got the better of me, that’s for sure. It was just fun seeing him. Just bringing back the old days,” said Eyre.
C-S took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without a hit.
Lead off hitter Logan Gilbert walked. He advanced to second on an error and stole third base. The C-S senior then scored on another Ram error.
C-S tried to stretch the lead to 2-0 when Gavin Eyre tagged up at third base on a fly ball to right field, but a nice throw by Jaden Fawcett to Wes Hoffman was ahead of Eyre’s slide for the out.
The Rams broke through for two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Alex Krugh had a lead off single. One out later he advanced to third base on Nate Ewert’s single to right field.
Ewart stole second and Krugh scored stealing home on the play.
Fawcett then delivered a double on a line drive to left field, scoring Ewert.
G-A tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the fifth.
Matrau was a catalyst, starting the inning with a double to center field.
Krugh walked and Jonah Ranes was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
Ewert delivered a big single to left field, scoring two runs for a 4-1 lead.
The Panthers put runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth inning but could not score.
A two out walk to Kasey Carman gave C-S some hope in the bottom of the seventh inning. But Fawcett entered the game in relief of Matrau to face Carter Dzwik and he got the St. Phil Tiger playing with C-S through a co-op arrangement on a ground out to secure the win and the Cross River Rivalry traveling trophy for G-A.
“Besides those two innings (fourth and fifth) where we got a little wonky, it was a good baseball game. They’re (G-A) a good team,” said C-S coach Kevin Langs.
C-S seniors Gavin Eyre, Logan Gilbert and Jackson Bagwell were recognized along with their parents before the game.
A rivalry definitely exists between Climax-Scotts and Galesburg-Augusta, but there are also many friendships.
Which is what makes the Cross River Rivalry game the two schools have been playing since 2018 so special.
Last Friday’s annual Cross River Rivalry game brought a little extra meaning for C-S, especially the seniors.
This year G-A was scheduled to host the game.
Because C-S has had to play all of its “home” games at Bailey Park while Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field was being renovated as part of a bond project, the Panthers faced playing all of their games away from C-S.
However when G-A Athletic Director Mike Woodard learned there was a good possibility C-S’ newly renovated baseball field would be available by May 23, he suggested the Cross River Rivalry game be played at C-S instead of at G-A, allowing the C-S seniors to play their last home game on their new field.
The Rams spoiled the event by coming from behind to post a 4-1 win.
G-A has won four out of the five rivalry games between the two schools, with two games being cancelled because of rain and the other because of covid.
The win sent G-A into a May 27 game against Hackett with a 16-8 record while C-S falls to 14-3.
A former Panther now playing for G-A, played a significant role helping the Rams to the win.
Ashton Matrau, who attended C-S Community Schools for many years and transferred to G-A for his senior year, was very effective on the mound for the win.
Outside of five walks, the G-A senior was spectacular, allowing just a one out single in the fourth inning to Ben Nelson. The former Panther struck out five.
“It was good being back here, especially being able to come here and play on the new field. It was really nice. I miss the boys. It was really cool to go out and go against them. It was good competition,” said Matrau.
His former teammate, C-S senior Gavin Eyre, said he was especially looking forward to facing his former teammate. Matrau enjoyed the upper hand in one on one battles, getting Eyre to ground out three times with the other at bat resulting in his former teammate reaching base on an error.
“It was fun. I wish I could have done a little better against him. He got the better of me, that’s for sure. It was just fun seeing him. Just bringing back the old days,” said Eyre.
C-S took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without a hit.
Lead off hitter Logan Gilbert walked. He advanced to second on an error and stole third base. The C-S senior then scored on another Ram error.
C-S tried to stretch the lead to 2-0 when Gavin Eyre tagged up at third base on a fly ball to right field, but a nice throw by Jaden Fawcett to Wes Hoffman was ahead of Eyre’s slide for the out.
The Rams broke through for two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Alex Krugh had a lead off single. One out later he advanced to third base on Nate Ewert’s single to right field.
Ewart stole second and Krugh scored stealing home on the play.
Fawcett then delivered a double on a line drive to left field, scoring Ewert.
G-A tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the fifth.
Matrau was a catalyst, starting the inning with a double to center field.
Krugh walked and Jonah Ranes was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
Ewert delivered a big single to left field, scoring two runs for a 4-1 lead.
The Panthers put runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth inning but could not score.
A two out walk to Kasey Carman gave C-S some hope in the bottom of the seventh inning. But Fawcett entered the game in relief of Matrau to face Carter Dzwik and he got the St. Phil Tiger playing with C-S through a co-op arrangement on a ground out to secure the win and the Cross River Rivalry traveling trophy for G-A.
“Besides those two innings (fourth and fifth) where we got a little wonky, it was a good baseball game. They’re (G-A) a good team,” said C-S coach Kevin Langs.
C-S seniors Gavin Eyre, Logan Gilbert and Jackson Bagwell were recognized along with their parents before the game.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
Cross River Rivalry Game
Galesburg-Augusta 000 220 0 - 4-5-3
Climax-Scotts 100 000 0 - 1-1-4
C-S hit: Ben Nelson 1
G-A hits: Ashton Matrau 1 (double), Alex Krugh 1, Nate Ewert 2 (2 RBI), Jaden Fawcett 1 (1 RBI)
C-S RBI: Carter Dzwik
C-S stolen bases: Gavin Eyre, Kasey Carman 1, Maxiumus Wurtzel 1, Logan Gilbert 1
G-A stolen bases: Nate Ewert 1, Ethan Gibson 1
C-S Starting pitcher: Carter Dzwik - 3 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kasey Carman - 1 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Lincoln Dzwik - 3 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
G-A starting and winning pitcher: Ashton Matrau - 6.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts
Cross River Rivalry Baseball Scoreboard
2018: G-A 5, C-S 0
2019: G-A 10, C-S 0
2020: Cancelled Covid
2021: Cancelled Rain
2022: Cancelled Rain
2023: G-A 3, C-S 1
2024: C-S 2, G-A 0
2025: G-A 4, C-S 1
Galesburg-Augusta 000 220 0 - 4-5-3
Climax-Scotts 100 000 0 - 1-1-4
C-S hit: Ben Nelson 1
G-A hits: Ashton Matrau 1 (double), Alex Krugh 1, Nate Ewert 2 (2 RBI), Jaden Fawcett 1 (1 RBI)
C-S RBI: Carter Dzwik
C-S stolen bases: Gavin Eyre, Kasey Carman 1, Maxiumus Wurtzel 1, Logan Gilbert 1
G-A stolen bases: Nate Ewert 1, Ethan Gibson 1
C-S Starting pitcher: Carter Dzwik - 3 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Kasey Carman - 1 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Lincoln Dzwik - 3 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
G-A starting and winning pitcher: Ashton Matrau - 6.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts
Cross River Rivalry Baseball Scoreboard
2018: G-A 5, C-S 0
2019: G-A 10, C-S 0
2020: Cancelled Covid
2021: Cancelled Rain
2022: Cancelled Rain
2023: G-A 3, C-S 1
2024: C-S 2, G-A 0
2025: G-A 4, C-S 1
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C-S Varsity Baseball
District Tournament At Olivet
5/31 Comstock Vs. C-S-Olivet winner, 10 a.m.
5/31 Galesburg-Augusta Vs. Delton-Kellogg, 12:30 p.m.
5/31 District championship game, 3 p.m.
Winner to Olivet Regional June 4 vs. Union City District winner, 4 p.m.
District Tournament At Olivet
5/31 Comstock Vs. C-S-Olivet winner, 10 a.m.
5/31 Galesburg-Augusta Vs. Delton-Kellogg, 12:30 p.m.
5/31 District championship game, 3 p.m.
Winner to Olivet Regional June 4 vs. Union City District winner, 4 p.m.
________________________
