The Press-Dispatch
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D-8 Fall Sports Preview Wednesday, August 19, 2015 The Press-Dispatch GIRLS' GOLF Future looking bright for Lady Charger golf program The Pike Central High School girls' golf team began its season on Wednesday, Aug. 5, against Washington. The members of the team are, front row (l to r): Grace Smith, Natalie Bohnert, Courtney Frederick, Natalie Burkhart and Taylor Evans. Second row: Morgan Deweese, Maddie Kroeger, Mackinzie DeWeese, Abby Hess and Madi Query. Third row: Kallie Davis, Sydney Dane, Shelby Waltz and Bailee Sutt. Not pictured: Hailey Marchino. Ed Cahill photo In any sport, Four Star Fabricators encourages all Pike Central athletes to work hard, play tough and win in life. Four Star Fabricators P.O. Box 67, Petersburg, IN 47567 Serving the Aluminum, Coal and Power Industries with Quality Steel Fabrication Phone: 812-354-9995 Fax: 812-354-3809 www.fourstarfab.com Good Luck This season! Wm. Keith Hill (812) 789-6367 or (812) 354-2419 Jason Keeker (812) 582-0738 Let Our Experience Work for You! Specializing in Real Estate, Farm Equipment, Antiques and Personal Property at Your Place or Ours. NO BUYER PREMIUM 45 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Hill's Auction Center • Otwell, IN (Hwy 257) HEAD FOR THE HILL'S for all your auction needs! LICENSED IN INDIANA, KENTUCKY AND ILLINOIS Hill's Auction is rooting on the hometown team! Go Chargers! By Andy Heuring Editor, Press-Dispatch editor@pressdispatch.net Pike Central's girls' golf team had improved great- ly in the last two years, but are making their big- gest strides this year even though they are still young and don't have a senior on the squad. Their team score in the first meet of the year was - - strokes bet- ter than their best score last year. "We had a good year last year and I have every- one back," said Pike Cen- tral coach Jarrod Gideon. This is the second season in a row the Chargers don't have a senior on the squad. Two years ago, Gideon had a team of girls who were picking up golf clubs for the first time. They im- proved enough last year to place second in the confer- ence. Their improvement just continues as their scores go lower and lower. Natalie Burkhart, a sophomore is an example of the improvement. She was the Chargers best play- er last year and continues to be this year. Her best score last year was 45, this year she has already shot 44 on two occasions and a career best 42. "She has been disappointed with those scores," said Gide- on. He likes her competi- tive fire. She has shot in the 30s in the practice and will in matches this year. "She will be one of the best golf- ers in the area," said Gide- on. Madi Query is only a ju- nior, but on this team she is a senior statesman on the team. She has played since she was a freshman, now she can play with most of the girls in the area," said Gideon. He thinks scores in the low 40s are in her near future. "She is her own worst critic. I like that competitive fire." She proved him right against North and South Knox last week, shooting a 42. Mackinzie DeWeese is another returning start- er from last year. "She hits the ball a mile," said Gide- on. "Her biggest problem is her short game. If she ev- er puts it together, she will be really good." She already is showing signs her game is coming together. Last year, her first varsity score was 64. She trimmed that by 10 shots in nine holes to a sea- son best 54. This year, the first time out, she shot 50. Another junior, Taylor Evans, is also shooting some good scores in the 40s. "She has been taking a few lessons and it has helped her game," said Gideon. "Courtney Frederick is a sophomore and played re- ally well for us." Two freshmen Nata- lie Bohnert and Maddie Kroeger are expected to help. "Natalie is a good ath- lete and very coordinated. She could really be good, she just needs experience." She shot a 51 last week. "Kroeger is playing well and could be fighting for a spot for the sectional," said Gideon. "I have 15 girls and not a single senior," said Gideon. So far this season, the girls have continued to shoot better each match. They started with a 195, then shot 193, and last week shot 189. "A lot of these girls' fathers and parents play and they have been playing with them. Last year, when the season ended, a lot of them contin- ued to play and played this summer. It has made a dif- ference for them. "In the PAC, Gibson Southern is very good. They have been the team to beat," said Gideon. He added, "I don't know if we can beat them, but I think we can close the gap on them." He said the main goal for this year's team is "just to play competitive golf this year. It is a good section and we have a chance to ad- vance as a team this year. Natalie just missed getting out of the sectional by one stroke last year." As young as the team is this year, the sky is the lim- it for them in the future. PCHS VARSITY CHEERLEADERS Pictured above are the Pike Central High School varsity cheerleaders. Members are, front row (l to r): Ivy Sullivan and Erica Gaines. Second row: Rebekah Hopf, Abigail Sutt, Hallee Stephens and Brooklyn Aldridge. Third row: Assistant Coach Jennifer Ficklin, Cassidy Brothers, Sylvia Henson, Bri- anna Schaller, Grace Nelson, Kayla Sanders and Head Coach Jamie McKin- ney. Ed Cahill photo PCHS JV CHEERLEADERS Pictured are the Pike Central High School junior varsity cheerleaders. Members are, front row (l to r): Miki Feldpausch, Faith Edwards and Emi- ly Brasher. Second row: Assistant Coach Jennifer Ficklin, Alexis Huff, Mack- enzee Key, Brittany Young and Head Coach Jamie McKinney. Ed Cahill photo