By Sean Budlong
The Schoolcraft Eagles enjoyed a successful spring sports season throughout the athletic program.
The softball team entered June and district competition with a 26-6 record. The team was led by pitchers Alyssa Proper and Nicole Abel as the Eagles’ opponents averaged less than two runs per game. Lydia Goble, Brooke Crissman, Megan West and Marissa Sootsman – along with Proper and Abel – generated far more than two runs for Schoolcraft. Crissman and Goble each hit double-digit home runs, and played sparkling defense at third base and shortstop. Kennedy Leighton was in the middle of almost a dozen double plays, turned from her second-base position.
The Schoolcraft baseball team was also led by outstanding pitching as it compiled a 22-3 record heading into district tournaments. The only conference loss came in the very first game of the season. Ricky Clark and Blake Bales frustrated opposing hitters as the Eagles won a third consecutive conference title. Schoolcraft’s potent offense often gave the pitchers far more runs than they needed. Cody Tone, Darrin Kehoe, Caleb Anspaugh, Nolan Anspaugh, and Carlos Andino had strong seasons at the plate and on defense.
The Eagles golf team finished the season strong, winning the District Championship. Andrew Julien finished first, Nick Jasiac tied for second, Noah Troyer finished fourth, Blake Bales took fifth, and Ethan Sharp took sixth place. This depth set the team up for a strong showing at Regionals on June 1. After playing in the State Finals last season, the team’s goal is to return to East Lansing.
Arin and Ally Winn were among the leaders for a strong Eagles track team. The girls’ team finished fourth at Regionals. Ally is going on to the state finals in the high jump, Arin will be competing in the 300-meter hurdles, and Wynn Stitt will be throwing the shot put and discus. Matt Ring will compete in his fourth men’s state finals in the mile.
The girls’ soccer team finished its second season with 4-7-1 record. While the season was disappointing on the scoreboard, the team faced unexpected challenges that came from the roster being depleted by injuries. Janis Thiede, Hannah Huysken, Breanna Varker, Samantha Spears, and Chrissy Winkle led a young and inexperienced Eagle team. Winkle and Spears will return next season, and will be joined by a strong group including Stephanie Melendez, Jenna Faulk, Paige Dailey, and Autumn Fitzsimmons.