Storm top Caldwell in defensive battle

MORTONS GAP -- It was ugly, it was wet and it was never clear until the final second ticked off the scoreboard, but first-year head Hopkins County Central coach Zach Hibbs secured both a shutout and a win in his debut.

The Storm scored on the game's opening drive and plenty of exciting plays ensued afterward, but none resulted in another score as Central defeated Caldwell County 6-0 Friday night at Storm Field.

Down six points with three minutes left in the game, Caldwell faced a second-and-8 from the Central 8-yard line. The Tigers backed themselves up on a holding call, then the Storm forced three straight incompletions thanks to Nikee Caldwell and Carlos Donahue to take over on downs with 2:18 to go.

Three consecutive rushes allowed Central to take a knee and close the door on a Storm victory. Freshman Tino Nance broke for an 11-yard rush on the final drive to secure the game.

The second half provided plenty of excitement with several turnovers and seemingly game-changing plays, yet no points.

On the opening possession of the second half, Caldwell advanced all the way to first-and-goal from the 5-yard line, before Rashad Wilkes recovered a fumbled pitch to turn the tide.

The Storm offense gave the ball back after a three-and-out and the Tigers got right back to moving downfield until a torrent of rain brought havoc to the Caldwell offense.

On fourth-and-5 from the Storm 35-yard line, running back Brandon Sigler escaped two tacklers and dove for the first-down marker on the far sideline. As Sigler hit the ground, the skies opened in anger. Caldwell advanced the ball near the redzone and the Tigers committed back-to-back fumbles on third and fourth down. Central tookover on downs at 36-yard line with 1:36 left in the third.

Neither team moved the ball well in the fourth until Caldwell's final drive, which was aided heavily by penalties. Central committed costly penalties on three straight plays as the Tigers moved from its own 23-yard line to the Storm's 21-yard line. The penalties came on a hit to the head, an unsportmanslike conduct, which led to an ejection and then offensive pass interference.

Still, the Central defense stepped up at the most crucial moment and ultimately made three straight stops to hold off the Tigers.

The Storm began the game with the first half's lone scoring drive. Central marched 65 yards on 12 plays in 5:59. The Storm utilized a heavy running attack with eight rushing plays, but sophomore quarterback Lucas Crawley demonstrated his throwing abilities as well.

Diversity proved to be the theme for Central's first offensive possession. Crawley completed passes to four different receivers and three separate backs rushed at least once on the drive.

On second-and-goal from the 8-yard line, Crawley rolled out to pass. Instead, Crawley stepped up, found a seam on the right side of the line and bowled his way into the endzone. Crawley missed the extra point, but the Storm established momentum early with a 6-0 lead.

After that possession, Central's offense failed to replicate the same success later in the half.

Meanwhile, the Storm defense did its job by preventing Caldwell from getting any closer than the Central 31-yard line.

A slew of turnovers marked the second quarter with neither squad capable of making good on its opportunities.

Central defender Carlos Donahue intercepted Tiger quarterback Blake Hodges near midfield with 7:02 to go in the half, but Crawley surrendered a pick five plays later.

Caldwell held the ball for just three plays before Wilkes, a linebacker, forced a fumble, which was picked up by fellow linebacker Nathan Crick. Later in the half, the Tigers lost another fumble on a pitch, which was picked up by Josh Adamson and Tyler Powell.

The Storm entered halftime with a 6-0 advantage.

Central returns to action at 6 p.m. Friday against Crittenden County at Caldwell County.

CC (1-1) 0 0 0 0 - 0

HCC (1-0) 6 0 0 0 - 6

1st quarter

6:01, Lucas Crawley 8-yard touchdown rush, XP failed - Central 6-0

HCC

Passing: Lucas Crawley 10-15, 69 yards, 1 INT

Receiving: Orlando Lovan 3-22 Micah Rorer 3-12 Bryan Mason 1-9 Mason Byers 2-21 Shelby Cummings 1-5

Rushing: Anthony Qualls 6-29 Cummings 10-21 Byers 3-20 Tino Nance 6-35 Crawley 2-5, 1 TD

Interception: Carlos Donahue 1-0

CC

Passing: Blake Hodges 8-21, 143 yards, 1 INT

Receiving: Brandon Sigler 7-89 David Ray Faughn 1-54

Rushing: Sigler 12-41 Blake Hodges 9-22 Tron Gray 4-(-6) Jaquan Glover 3-8

Interception: Bryce Boyd 1-4

Lady Storm get third win

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, August 28, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- Morale is riding high with the Hopkins County Central volleyball program and for good reason.

The Lady Storm (3-3) defeated McLean County (1-8) in two sets 25-20, 25-12 on Thursday evening to tie their 2008-win total just six matches into the year.

"It feels great," senior Kara Willis said. "It's a good accomplishment to have right now starting off the season."

In the first game, Willis' soft touch midway through the set gave Central a 17-11 advantage. The Lady Storm built the lead to as many eight, but McLean rallied to within reach at 21-17 and then 24-20. A Cougar player eventually hit the game-winning point back into the net for a Central victory.

Both squads battled back and forth trading points to being the second game until the Lady Storm manufactured an 11-2 run behind a series of solid serves. Central's streak led the squad to a 19-9 advantage before the team closed out the win.

"We've been working on serves a lot this week," coach Mary Catherine Adamson said. "We struggled on Monday night playing Union (County) with some serves, so we practiced on them this week, and they came out and showed us."

The team finished with 12 aces and 31 "good serves," Adamson said. Dustie Hoffman proved her serving abilities early in the first game when she recorded aces in 3-of-4 consecutive serves.

"It feels pretty good (to get an ace), Hoffman said. "We've been working on (serving) a lot in practice, and we work hard."

Adamson said she's noticed a difference in Hoffman's level of success.

"She's really improved this season with serves," Adamson said. "She stayed extra to help practice on her serves and get them in."

While the squad has improved at technical areas, most team members agree Central's overall success has been established through better communication.

"We've done a lot of stuff together and built friendships and just team work," Willis said. "It's been helping us."

Those relationships translate to better on-court play, Adamson said.

"We've been doing a lot of team-building drills, so they're coming out working as a team more, calling the ball, making good passes, making good serves, just a lot of team building, so they're out there as a team working together," she said.

"It's definitely built up their confidence a lot. They're really excited about the rest of the season and seeing how many wins we can get."

The Lady Storm will look to eclipse last year's mark when Central plays host to Trigg County at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Storm to open year against Caldwell County

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, August 28, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- As most of the state's high school football teams suited up for Week 1, the Hopkins County Central squad took advantage of a bye and watched Caldwell County open its season.

At 7:30 p.m. today, Central will take on the Tigers at Storm Field and will look to put last week's lessons to task.

First-year head coach Zach Hibbs said he noticed many similarities between the two teams.

"They run basically the same offense we do," Hibbs said. "They look very impressive with it. They're a lot like us in the respect they have several different players they're checking off to. When we were breaking down film, we tried to look at how they distribute the ball and they're pretty even."

During Caldwell's season-opener, the Tigers beat Calloway County 34-7 behind 253 rushing yards.

Junior linebacker Jace Oldham said the Storm defense has done its homework by watching film and pouring over scouting reports.

"They're pretty much a run team more than pass," Oldham said. "I think they have two or three good running backs. We're just going to need to be on top of ourselves.

Fellow linebacker Nathan Crick, a senior, said he's confident in stopping Caldwell's ground attack.

"We're basically a stop-the-run defense, so we'll be well prepared for the run," he said.

Caldwell quarterback Blake Hodges also completed 10-of-16 passes for 108 yards, so the Storm secondary must protect against the air as well.

Central's quarterback, sophomore Lucas Crawley, also attended Caldwell's contest last week and kept his attention on the Tiger defenders.

"What I focused on is watching them blitz and their linebackers, safeties, watching all the defensive positions, so I know where the open holes are going to be when I throw the ball," he said.

The Tigers defense held Calloway to just 60 offensive yards for the game.

Offensively, Hibbs said the team will try to maintain balance between the pass and run.

"We just want to control the tempo of the game, whatever that means," he said. "If that means we're running the ball more, if we seem to be running

that effectively, four yards and a cloud of dust - that's what we'll do. If it means that we have to take a 7-yard pass or a 5-yard pass, we'll take that too."

In the backfield, Central will utilize a slew of ball carriers including Tino Nance, Anthony Qualls, Shelby Cummings and Mason Byers.

Stopping the defense at the line will be pivotal to Central's success, Hibbs said.

"We have to keep them off Luke Crawley, and at the same time any time we decide to run the ball," he said. "I've been telling them since the beginning of conditioning, we need four yards a pop."

No matter the type of attack, tonight's game marks the beginning of a head coaching career for Hibbs and a final season for 15 seniors, and all want the first game to finish with a win.

"We have to start strong right now because it just gets tougher from here on out," Hibbs said.

Lady Maroons suffer 5-3 loss

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

Midway through the second-half, the Madisonville-North Hopkins girls soccer team needed just one goal to knot the contest with Owensboro Catholic at Donley Field on Tuesday night.

The Lady Maroons added another goal, but it came between a flurry of activity courtesy of the Lady Aces offense as Owensboro Catholic eventually prevailed 5-3.

"The second half, they just played with heart and effort and you can't ask for more from the girls," Owensboro Catholic coach Durand Engineer said. "They're figuring out how to play in the system and our defense has picked up tremendously."

Both squads entered halftime tied at 1-1. Aces senior Jessica Ralph broke the tie five minutes into the second half. Then, both offenses remained dormant until Stephanie Dooper scored on a direct kick with 21:10 left in the game to give the visitors a 3-1 lead.

Lady Maroon senior forward Laura Rao brought the North deficit right back to one goal a minute later when she headed the ball to the back of the net.

Owensboro Catholic's Erin Lane pushed the advantage back to two with her own rapid-fire goal with 19:07 left in the second half. The goal appeared to steal any momentum North felt after the score by Rao.

Through their first four games, the Lady Aces amounted just four goals, but found their offensive stride Tuesday.

everal different formations and combinations," Engineer said. "This one, we're starting to figure out who plays well with each other and it's kind of working.

"Jessica Ralph and Erin Lane played fantastic here on the left and in the middle. Maybe, I think we'll stick with that in the future.

Anna McNulty scored with 12:45 to go to finish the scoring for Owensboro Catholic.

North notched the game's final score with four minutes remaining to pull within two on another Rao header.

The Lady Maroons had several chances in the final minutes to give the visitors a thrill, but did not make good on any of their opportunities.

"Defensively, we had too many breakdowns," North coach John Tichenor said. "I'm not really too sure what happened other than (Ralph) was running free. Five goals is entirely too many goals. You're not going to win any matches by giving up five goals."

See Loss/Page B8

In the first half, senior Kaitlyn Elder scored the contest's first point to put Owensboro Catholic ahead just four minutes into action. Elder accepted a long pass from across midfield. She dribbled past one defender, stopped and fired a shot past North keeper Sarah Kelly, who took the brunt of the blast, but the ball trickled past.

Lady Maroon freshman Penny Plumier tied the game at 1-1 nearly 20 minutes later when she rocketed a side kick from the left side to the back of the net.

"We were told in the scouting report that the goal keeper had trouble with high balls and Penny took advantage of it and hit it where it had to be and scored," Tichenor said.

Lady Aces junior Julia Klump left the game in the first half with a sprain ankle, Durand said.

In junior varsity action, North prevailed 2-1. Morgan Duvall and Anna Duff provided single goals for the Lady Maroons. North returns to action 7 p.m. Tuesday to play host to Daviess County. Owensboro Catholic next plays 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Warren Central.

1st half

36:11, Kaitlyn Elder (OC) - OC 1-0

14:50, Penny Plumier, side kick - tied 1-1

2nd half

35:40, Jessica Ralph (OC) - OC 2-1

21:10, Stephanie Dooper, direct kick (OC) - 3-1

20:02, Laura Rao, header (MNH) - OC 3-2

19:07, Erin Lane (OC) - OC 4-2

12:45, Anna McNulty (OC) - OC 5-2

4:00, Rao, header (MNH) - OC 5-3

Central falls to 0-3 in 6-1 loss

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP - Offense eluded the Hopkins County Central boys soccer team through its first two games and the problem persisted in Monday evening's contest with Community Christian Paducah.

The Storm (0-3) ended their two-game scoreless streak, but failed to outscore the opposition in a 6-1 loss to the Warriors (2-0).

Community Christian forward Christian Biggers provided the majority of the game's offense with three goals and one assist.

Central senior goal keeper Josh Riley made several fine saves in the first 40 minutes, but Community Christian still managed three first-half goals to take an early commanding lead.

Junior forward Tristen Youngblood utilized his speed for three separate breakaway opportunities in the first-half's final 20 minutes, but his shot sailed wide once and was saved twice.

"We're still trying to find our pure scorer," co-coach David Starks said. "Tristen is our man. He has to learn. If we can get him the ball more often, with his speed, I think he can use that to his ability. I think we're going to be alright."

Meanwhile, Biggers accounted for Community Christian's first two goals. Andrew Cude provided the assist on Biggers' second goal as Cude crossed the ball from the right side. Biggers accepted the pass and headed it home for a goal.

Shawn Jones gave the Warriors their third goal of the half and Central trailed 3-0 as the teams entered halftime.

Jared Bridges scored just minutes into the second half to increase the Community Christian advantage to 4-0. The Storm held the visitors off the scoreboard for the next 10 minutes, then surrendered two quick scores.

Biggers notched his third goal with 28:28 remaining in the game, but shared the offensive load on the game's next score. On a corner kick, Biggers delivered a pass inside to Marcus Rommelman, who scored on a header.

Youngblood ended the Central shutout with just under 15 minutes left in the game when he finally connected on another opportunity.

Neither team scored in the final 15 minutes. Starks said he liked his team's second-half effort.

"The last half of that game, we saw a lot of positives," he said. "We got a lot more shots on goal and we can only build off that."

Although Riley allowed six goals on the evening, Warriors coach Loren Biggers gave the keeper credit for stopping several other well-placed shots.

"The coach just over there told him he's probably the best keeper he's seen all year," Starks said. "He does great. He comes off the line, he plays hard. He's starting to communicating well and if we keep that corps together back there...I think they're starting to come together.

Central next plays 7 p.m. Thursday at Ft. Campbell.

1st half

28:29, Christian Biggers (CC) - CC 1-0

25:55, Biggers from Andrew Cude (CC) - CC 2-0

20:02, Shawn Jones (CC) - CC 3-0

2nd half

37:08, Jared Bridges (CC) - CC 4-0

28:28, Biggers (CC) - CC 5-0

25:12, Marcus Rommelman from Biggers (CC) - CC 6-0

14:45, Tristen Youngblood (HCC) - CC 6-1

Weaver: Maroons must protect football

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, August 23, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

Playing on the road to begin the football season presents no easy task, but for Madisonville-North Hopkins committing five turnovers made it impossible.

The Maroons (0-1) took to the road Friday night at Murray (1-0) and struggled to take care of the ball in a 21-6 loss.

"We didn't handle the football very well at all (Friday) night," coach Will Weaver said. "We ended up having five turnovers. You're not going to win any game when you have five turnovers."

North lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions on the evening. The Tigers turned two first-quarter turnovers into at 14-0 advantage.

"We had two critical mistakes to give up those 14 points," Weaver said. "The first one was when we threw the interception for the touchdown. The second mistake we made, (Murray) had fourth-and-5 and they actually called us for encroachment, which gave them a first down, and they ended up going down and scoring.

"You take away those two major mistakes and we're definitely in the ballgame."

Quarterback Tray Carr made his first start as the offensive play-caller. A fumbled exchange on North's first drive gave Murray the ball near midfield. On third-and-2 from the North 25-yard line, Maroon Travin Hardy tackled running back Brandon Wicks for a 3-yard loss.

Murray lined up to go for it, but automatically received the first down on an encroachment penalty by the Maroons. Four plays later, Wicks dashed through the left side of the line for the contest's first points on a 6-yard touchdown rush.

The Tigers scored again when Carr's intended pass for receiver Isiah White was tipped and intercepted by Murray's Christian Duncan, who returned the ball 40 yards for a touchdown.

Weaver said there were many factors that led to North's missed exchanges, including starting sophomores at center and quarterback.

Carr completed just 12-of-27 passes, but ran for 91 yards on 17 carries.

"Tray did OK, he did alright," Weaver said. "We just have to protect the football a little bit better. We've got to give him a little bit more time to throw. They were blitzing off the weakside (Friday) night quite a bit and we just couldn't make our fan calls and implement Tray as much as we needed to."

Carr shined on North's lone scoring drive of the game, which happened in the second quarter. Carr accounted for 38 yards on three carries, including a 14-yard touchdown rush on third-and-goal.

Then, the Maroon defense, which allowed less than 150 yards all night kept Murray to a three-and-out.

"Our defense definitely played hard," Weaver said. "They probably outweighed us double in most positions. They had 280, 290-pound kids and they just ran the football right at us, but defensively I was pretty happy with our effort. We played well enough to win the football game, we just turned the football over."

The Maroons moved to Murray's 15-yard line on the ensuing possession. With a shaky kicking game, North opted to go for it on fourth-and-11 with back-up quarterback Jawan Combs after Carr left following an injury on third down. Combs lobbed a pass to the endzone, but it was picked.

North's offense did not breach Murray territory again until the fourth quarter. After a sack, the Maroons faced fourth-and-7 from the Tiger 43-yard line. Carr, who also works as punter, took the snap, dropped back and tossed for J.C. Wade, but the pass sailed too long resulting in a turnover on downs.

Six plays later, Murray punched in for another score and a 21-6 lead.

Weaver said the fake-punt play was designed to be a run. He said he knew it was a risk, but felt it was necessary as the game winded to an end.

"My thought process was we weren't down just a score, we were down eight points, and the way Murray had been milking the clock if we punted it and they got it back, they were just going to try and hold onto the football the entire time," he said.

"We just took a gamble and I was trying to give us a shot in the arm. If it worked out, you never know how it would have went."

Weaver said the team expects to be at full health for Friday's 7:30 p.m. home contest against Webster County. Ryan Morris and Chris White are also expected to return to action after missing the Murray game.

Mustangs capture team title

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, August 23, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

During Saturday's Hopkins County Invitational at Madisonville Golf and Country Club, 17 boys golf teams assembled for what many expected to be a preview of the 2nd Region Tournament.

After all the score cards were tallied, Muhlenberg County claimed the team championship as well as individual medalist honors.

The Mustangs edged Madisonville-North Hopkins 304-311 and Muhlenberg junior Kraig Farley beat teammate Jantzen Latham by one stroke for medalist with a 71. Hopkins County Central senior Heath Williams placed third individually with a 73 on his home course.

"I played about as good as I could," Farley said. "It was nice. My driving, I think I only missed one fairway. My chipping and putting kept me in it."

Muhlenberg coach Eddie Wilcox said it was a team effort that led the Mustangs to victory.

"I have to give it to the guys," he said. "It's nice to be on top, but you have to work even harder to stay on top because everyone wants to beat you now. That's what I've been trying to get through and they seem to be taking it to heart.

"We just have to keep working hard because there's a lot of season left and Madisonville-North Hopkins is an awful good team, so I expect a dog fight in the regional tournament."

The Maroons were led by senior Patrick Hibbs' 77. BJ Sissom and David Rose followed at 77 and 78, respectively.

North coach Dan Herrmann said it's going to take consistency from the entire squad to overcome the Mustangs.

"We had three good scores today and we had two more that weren't really what we needed, so it's just going to take getting that fourth score to round it out," he said. "We've played second to them three times now. It's kind of like kissing a sister."

Christian County placed third at 324 while Daviess County and Union County tied for fourth place with 329. Hayden Price and Travis Fulkerson led Daviess as each shot a round of 80. Daviess No. 1 Taylor Richard withdrew on the front nine.

Although Central did not fair well as a team, Williams defended his home turf strongly.

Playing with the top golfers from North and Muhlenberg, Williams said he finished well, but still knew he didn't have the score to take medalist.

"Well, no I played with a guy that shot 72, so I knew it wasn't going to be good enough to win," Williams said. "I had a bad front nine, shot 38, and came back and shot 35, had three birdies on the back.

"I'll take 73. I could have shot better. I missed a couple easy putts, but overall I played good."

North, 2nd (311) -- Patrick Hibbs 76, BJ Sissom 77, David Rose 78, Daniel Stewart 80, Ben Gatlin 82.

Central, 10th (358) -- Heath Williams 73, Andrew Schniepp 93, Landon Griffith 95, KO Taylor 97, Joey Watkins 114

Central cruises to team title

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, August 23, 2009 10:34 AM CDT

Family bonds can break easily under competition. Eighteen holes wasn't enough to separate two sisters during the Hopkins County Central Lady Storm Invitational at Madisonville Golf and Country Club on Saturday evening.

Central won the team title by nearly 30 strokes, but Lady Storm sisters Ashleigh and Taylor Howerton played an additional two holes to determine who would take second place overall. Ashleigh, a senior, and Taylor, an eighth-grader, both shot rounds of 88 through 18 holes, but Taylor triumphed in the playoff.

Franklin-Simpson senior Sabrina Ferreri claimed medalist honors at 76.

The main show took place between the Howerton duo, though, with approximately a dozen carts following the sisters as they battled against each other and the setting sun.

"I'm happy for Taylor shooting an 88 to tie her sister," Central coach Mike Zimmer said. "Ashleigh should have shot better though and it should have never been that way. I'm proud of them for the playoff. I think they did a good job and it was fun for the team to watch them play together."

As the pair approached the first playoff hole, Taylor said, "I'll let you have honors."

"Why? You're younger," Ashleigh replied.

"Have to respect your elders," Taylor said.

After that comment, Ashleigh returned, "Oh, boy."

Both sisters ultimately parred the hole and turned to the course's 18th hole to determine the winner. Taylor had the upper hand when the sisters reached the green and could have won with a two-putt. Taylor missed her second putt, opening the door for Ashleigh to tie. Unfortunately, Ashleigh missed her close putt as well and younger sister Taylor took the family title.

"I let her have her glory," Ashleigh said with a half-smile.

In addition to the Howertons, the Lady Storm boasted two other golfers with scores under 100, the only team to do so. Lauren Lacy finished at 91 and Kendall Bryant followed with a 97.

Henderson County's "A" squad placed second at 391 and Butler County took third with 395.

Individually, Ferreri, who played the course for her first time, struggled on the front nine with a 41, but settled down on the back with 35.

"I didn't have my shots going the way I wanted to go, but when I got to the back, I started hitting it better and making a few more putts than the front," she said. "I was hitting a lot more greens today and making a lot more putts, a lot more short putts that I missed in the past."

Last season, the Lady Storm won the 2nd Region Tournament. With Taylor's improved play as well as other team members, Zimmer said he's noticed a considerable difference in his squad's scores.

"This is probably 30 strokes better than we shot last year at our invitational," he said. "Four players under 100, so I'm proud it was a team effort."

For Madisonville

Zimmer also said he's thankful for the aid provided by both parents and businesses to conduct this year's tournament.

Madisonville-North Hopkins placed fourth as a team. Co-captain Rose Ripa led the Lady Maroons with a 95. Sophomore Tori Eddings nearly broke the century mark at 102.

Central, 1st 364

Taylor Howerton 88

Ashleigh Howerton 88

Lauren Lacy 91

Kendall Bryant 97

Kaitlin Moore 106

Hannah Tow 113

Rebecca Spraggs 122

Kathryn Cartwright 129

North, 4th 416

Rose Ripa 95

Tori Eddings 102

Miranda Robinson 107

Olivia Senter 112

Sydni Fazenbaker 127

For Owensboro

Apollo placed sixth as a team at 419. Lindsey Shepardson paced the squad with a round of 101. Ohio County shot 513 led by Cate Brown's 116.

Williams has come a long way in short time

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

Almost a month into the high school golf season, many golfers have begun to pick up their respective games and understand some of the sport's nuances; perhaps none more than Hopkins County Central's Heath Williams.

Williams, a senior who has golfed just three years, and the Storm squad placed third during a tri-match at Madisonville Golf and Country Club on Thursday evening.

Muhlenberg County captured first place with a team score of 162. Owensboro Catholic placed second at 179 and Central finished with 185.

Williams fired a 41 on Madisonville's back nine to lead Central. It wasn't among the best scores Williams has posted this season, but he said he's come a long way from last year.

"I've learned a lot about how I play," he said. "I've learned once you hit a bad shot, you have to forget it. You have to think you're going to make every putt you step foot over. I've learned more mentally than anything else."

In addition to the mental aspect, Williams said he has picked up on subtle areas like the contours and slopes of greens. None of his golf knowledge came easily though, he said.

"I worked for it," Williams said. "Every day I was out here, I usually played 27 holes and hit balls, putted, chipped. I've been plugging away at it, practicing as hard as I can."

On Thursday, fellow senior Andrew Schniepp finished the evening with a 49. Junior Joey Watkins placed second on the team with a 45. Sophomore Landon Griffith shot an even 50 and sixth-grader Jericho Smith carded a 58.

As a first-year coach, Mark Rutledge said he relies on his golfers' personal knowledge of the game and simply helps them stay on track mentally.

"They know how to play, they have played long enough that they know what they're doing," Rutledge said. "It's just reminding them about course management, where they need to put the ball and how."

Rutledge, a casual golfer, said he understands the game and made sure to inform his team how the course would play after Tuesday's heavy rains.

"You remind them the greens are going to be slower," he said. "They're going to hold the shot more. You're going to have to hit the ball closer to the pin."

The little pieces of advice help keep the team focused.

One member who brings plenty of drive and focus is Williams.

"I've never been where I am," Williams said. "This is really the first year I've been able to compete in every tournament I play in and every match I play in. I know every time I go out there, I have a chance to win if I play good."

Williams will have an opportunity to defend his home course at approximately 1 p.m. Saturday when the Storm host the Hopkins County Central Invitational.

Hood gains footing as new Wildcat

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

As Jon Hood stepped off Don Parson Court at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, University of Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari entered Maroon Gym during the program's latest camp tour stop on Monday.

NCAA guidelines limit Hood, a 2009 North grad and Wildcat freshman, and Calipari's interaction until he begins class as a full-time student. In the mean time, Hood has been doing his best to adjust to the collegiate level and Calipari's system.

"(Coach Calipari's) been around, but hasn't been able to teach us with all the rules, so we're still in the dark," Hood said speaking for the other UK freshman players. "I've watched tapes on Memphis.

"I've talked to some of the graduate assistants, some of the managers even that were with him at Memphis to know where to spot up, to know when to shoot, stuff like that. It's going to be fun. It's going to be exciting. That's one thing I can promise you. It's going to be exciting."

Calipari is none too happy that he can't work with Hood and his other highly touted freshman.

"That is one of the rules that needs to be changed," Calipari said. "The freshman should be able to work our camps. You'll notice Jon had to leave. Well, why? Because he's a freshman, so he couldn't work our camp. That's ridiculous.

"The second part of it is he's there all summer and I can't even walk in a gym and look at him shooting. I can't walk in a weight room and see him lift a weight. My windows overlook the practice facility, but if he were down there, I couldn't peek out the window. Those are rules we have to change, so when they come with us in the summer, even if it's two hours a week, to give him 'Here's what you work on,' then he goes and works on it."

Hood made an appearance before the camp officially began Monday evening. While at North, Hood fielded questions, signed autographs and talked with a few children and parents.

Hood has been home since completing two summer school classes, which finished July 31. Since then, he said he has been enjoying his time home, but continues to work hard.

"I've been at the lake and here (at North) working out, weightlifting, shooting twice a day, lifting twice a day, running," he said.

Hood's skinny frame has been one area he has been focusing on since he officially committed to UK and he said he's seeing progress.

"Right now, they've put some weight on me," Hood said. "I'm close to where I'm supposed to be. I'm not quite there yet."

Beneath it all, Calipari said he sees great potential in Hood.

"Jon Hood is a major college player, there's no question," Calipari said. "I've watched him. He physically has to catch up to some of these guys and that's not - it's a maturation process, but he's got the skill and he's got the athleticism, he's got the length. I really feel he'll be an integral part of this program. No question about it in my mind."

Despite never playing a single minute at college, freshmen like Hood will get an equal opportunity to play if they can prove their worth, Calipari said.

"When that balls goes up, the guys that deserve to be playing will be playing," he said. "If they're all returning players, that's who they are. If they're all new players, that's who they are. (I've) always coached that way."

Davis having busy offseason

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Thursday, August 13, 2009 8:38 AM CDT

Good news has been easy to come by this offseason for Madisonville-North Hopkins' Martinez Davis.

During the past two weeks, Davis, a senior cornerback, has been selected to play in the 2010 Offense-Defense All-America Bowl and received his first collegiate scholarship offer.

Davis was one of 11 players selected from a series of offense-defense elite camps to compete in the All-America Bowl at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Jan. 2. Wednesday morning, Davis received an offer to attend Army, the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

"After the whole recruiting process with them, it really opened my eyes and showed me Army is the place to be," Davis said. "Just the whole football program and commitment -- the duty, honor and respect-type rules they have, the brotherly bond their football team assured. Overall, it just really attracts me."

Although Davis said he feels a strong connection to Army, more offers are expected as the high-school season begins and the All-America Bowl could be a showcase to other interested schools.

Davis earned his bid to the bowl game after displaying his skills at a select camp. After the select camp, Davis advanced to the elite camp with 96 others and eventually received an invite to the bowl.

"It was the top athletes in the nation," Davis said of the elite camp. "It was a great experience for me competing with people at that high level. To be selected for the All-American Bowl is just a great feeling."

At the camp, Davis not only worked alongside some of the country's best prep talent, but was directed by former college and NFL coaches as well as former NFL players.

"The main thing at that camp, they taught me how to compete," Davis said. "If you get beat once, you have to come back with some fire. You can't let that happen again."

David said he also learned other corner techniques like breaking on the ball and man coverage. Davis said he thinks it was his one-on-one technique and work during drills that allowed him to stand out and be selected.

For Davis' hard work, the program awarded him an all-expenses paid trip to Myrtle Beach for the bowl game.

"That blew me out of my seat when I received that call," James Davis, Martinez's father said. "They said the only thing he needs is souvenir money. I said, 'We'll he'll be there if he has to walk.' I'm real excited about it.

Martinez Davis will report to practice for the bowl game on Dec. 27, and the game will be broadcast Jan. 2 on Fox Sports Net.

In the mean time, Davis has plenty to be excited about with the Maroons.

"I feel like now that the season is right around the corner everything has to be stepped up to the maximum and it's just time to play ball, compete," he said.

Maroons not happy with strong showing

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter

Published: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:26 AM CDT

nbrockman@the-messenger.com

When a golf coach's players shake their heads and show frustration after shooting one of the team's best nine-hole scores ever, that's evident of a successful and determined group.

That was just the case for Madisonville-North Hopkins boys golf coach Dan Herrmann when the Maroons defeated University Heights Academy 147-194 at Lakeshore Country Club on Tuesday evening.

Following the round, several of the Maroons showed displays of dissatisfaction in their play. Herrmann said it's nice to see because he knows his seasoned players already understand their mistakes.

"You want them to figure out what they did wrong themselves because then they get to a point where they can fix it during the middle of a round, and that's the hard part," he said. "When they get to that point, they're coaching themselves. All I'm trying to do is keep them on an even keel, keep them light-hearted a little bit. That's my goal, to have them think their way around the golf course.

"That's the best nine-hole match score we've ever had. I can't complain about that."

Senior Patrick Hibbs paced the crew with a three-under par 33 to earn medalist honors. Hibbs nailed a 20-foot putt on the ninth hole for birdie to end his day.

"Is that all I get?," Herrmann joked with Hibbs as he left the green.

"I would say it's great coaching, but it's all the hard work he puts in," Herrmann later added.

"When the season starts, Patrick is solid," Herrmann said. "Last week, he had his worst practice round he's ever shot with me since he was an eighth-grader and then he comes back and shoots a 71 (Saturday). He plays a lot. He thinks his way around the golf course, and he just usually does not make a mistake."

Daniel Stewart carded one-under par in the next group. Still, as Stewart walked off the course, he looked unhappy with his result.

"I'll take one under the rest of the year," Herrmann said to Stewart.

Then, Herrmann directed his words to Stewart's mother.

"Danielle, I'm going to thump him on the head," he said with a smile.

"You've got my permission," Danielle Stewart replied.

Behind Stewart, Ben Gatlin fired a 39. David Rose trailed one stroke behind with a 40, and Cliff Carter shot a 44.

Though Herrmann was pleased with his team's scores, he said he understands how the golfers can be upset and where they can shave strokes. When the Maroons play at home, the golfers manage their game differently, he said.

"I think they're comfortable where no matter what they do on a hole, they really aren't in that much trouble," Herrmann said. "I think it hurts their ability to make a shot because when they go to another course, they can't get away from that. They tend to just hit the ball instead of making a shot. That's hard."

North returns to action today when the Maroons visit Henderson County.

HCC looking to its seniors

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP - In addition to sets, bumps and spikes, the Hopkins County Central volleyball team has been establishing communication as a necessary skill to be successful this season.

With the return of three seniors, the Lady Storm are poised to make leadership an asset and bounce back from a rocky 2008 season in which the squad finished 3-24.

"This year, I've really, really enforced communicating so the girls know who has the ball, who's going for it, so we can play the ball, all three and get it over the net," coach Mary Catherine Adamson said.

Seniors Kara Willis, Hannah Farris and Chelsey Cates will lead this year's 10-member varsity squad.

"The three of us are really close, and we work together a lot better than some of them did last year," Willis said. "I think we're going to work together a lot better as a team this year just becaue of the friendship we have."

Farris agreed and said the trio's friendship extends past volleyball.

"We do talk a lot on the phone and on the court," Farris said. "I just feel like communication is bigger and better."

As in any sport, Willis said trust plays a pivotal role on the court.

"You have to know which player is doing what, you have to depend on each other and realize who's going to do what, who's going to be there and who's not," she said.

Behind the senior trio, junior setter Cassandra Haley and sophomores Dustie Hoffman and Allison Larkins will round out the starting rotation. Others on this year's roster include Kaylin Watkins, Chelsey Jarrett, Stephanie McGar and Jessica Bowman.

This year's crew will have to make communication its greatest asset now without the height of Reanna Hart and Lauren Griffith, who both graduated.

Cates said it's a problem she thinks the Lady Storm can overcome, though.

"I'm not very tall, but I can get up there just like anybody else," Cates said. "I think that comes just with practice. Every time you hit, you have to try to jump higher."

Farris said the team has not forgotten to practice the fundamentals as well.

"We've been working on passing a lot because that is one key to getting a good set and a good kill, so we can beat the other teams," she said. "Passing and I think serving are the keys in volleyball that we need to work on."

Central opens its 2009 schedule at 7:30 p.m. today.

Hibbs wins second straight title

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, August 9, 2009 10:45 AM CDT

Last year, Patrick Hibbs captured the Madisonville-North Hopkins Invitational with a 74, but had to play five playoff holes to take sole possession of the honor.

On Saturday afternoon, Hibbs, a Maroon senior, skipped the drama and turned in a 71 to take medalist for the second straight year.

Hibbs shot a 36 on his first nine holes then finished with a 35 to pace a field that boasted 13 teams. Hibbs finished with five birdies.

"I kept it in play, putted pretty decent and hit shots close when I needed to," he said. "Overall, I played pretty good."

Hibbs' coach Dan Herrmann said he was most impressed by his consistency and the way he played down the stretch.

"He's been like that for at least two years and he always finishes strong," Herrmann said. "He was one under (par) in the last five holes and I've never had a player that would finish that way. He always plays good at the end. He stays really focused the whole round."

Unfortunately, the rest of the Maroon squad did not replicate Hibbs' success to win the team title as they did last season. North's "A team" finished second, three strokes behind Muhlenberg County, who shot 313.

"I'm kind of disappointed because we've shot 314 and 316 in two weeks and come in second place twice in two weeks to the same team," Herrmann said. "Both of them we had a chance to win."

Behind Hibbs, Cliff Carter and Daniel Stewart shot 79 and 82 respectively. David Rose (84) and Ben Gatlin (87) also competed for the Maroons' first team.

North's second team was led by BJ Simpson's 80. Dane McCuiston fired an 86. Seth Strader and Ryan Doane each carded a 97 and Justin Baldwin shot 102. As a team, North's "B" golfers finished at 360 in ninth place.

"I gave (the second group) a goal and I won't say what it was, but they accomplished it," Herrmann said. "I had some boys shoot better than I thought and I had a couple that they know they should have shot better, but overall they all played good."

Central's first team finished in 10th, led by Storm No. 1 golfer Heath Williams' 80. Landon Griffith stepped up from the No. 4 spot and fired an 88. Andrew Schniepp shot a 95. Joey Watkins and Brett Eakins turned in scores of 99 and 118 respectively.

"Landon played well and still he left some shots out on the course," coach Mark Rutledge said. "He played very well. Heath played his normal consistent game and the others were just up and down all over the place.

"They didn't play up to their potential. I expect them to be lower than that. I think they can go lower."

Rutledge said he's still looking for a solid No. 5 golfer to round out his first team.

The second Storm team finished at 451 led by Jericho Smith at 98. KO Taylor trailed closely behind at an even 100. Blake Mitchell shot a 106 and Trevis Bell turned in a 147.

While Central had mixed results, Hibbs enjoyed home-course advantage en route to another medalist honor.

"I still have to continue working on hitting the greens," Hibbs said. "I should hit more than I am. What helped today was that it was my home course and I was very comfortable."

As Hibbs took advantage, Herrmann said playing at home may have hindered the Maroons from claiming the team title.

"I think they put a lot of pressure on themselves when they're playing at home," he said. "There's a lot of pressure. You have more spectators. You have more moms and aunts and uncles and grandparents, and they put more pressure on themselves to win."

Herrmann said he knows how the team will use their practices this week as the squad attempts to get its first team win of the season.

"A lot of them need to address their short games," he said. "I've got a lot of guys hitting the fairways, but not hitting the greens. That's just spending time on the range and we'll spend a lot more time on the range this week."

North's Tedder Oakland City-bound

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Sunday, August 9, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

It's not quite high school basketball season just yet, but it's always recruiting season and Madisonville-North Hopkins hoopster Lyndi Tedder gave a verbal commitment to Oakland City University (Ind.) Thursday afternoon.

Lady Maroons coach John Paul Cummings said he's pleased for all parties involved, especially Tedder, a senior guard.

"We're really excited for Lyndi and Oakland City," Cummings said. "I feel like it's a win-win situation for both. Lyndi has really, really improved. She's a gym rat and you like to see good things happen to good people."

Meanwhile, Tedder said she's happy to get the decision out of the way.

"It's definitely a relief going into my senior year of basketball not having to worry about who's watching me, and it's a big deal to be able to go to a great school like Oakland City, too," she said. "It's D-II. I'm excited to be able to go to the next level and play."

Last season, Tedder ranked second for North in points per game with nearly 15 points each contest. She sank a team-high 44 three-point attempts as well and finished the season at 34 percent behind the arc.

Cummings said he believes Tedder still has room to reach her ultimate potential, though.

"We moved to her to the point this summer and I think that just makes her even more versatile," he said. "She's done an outstanding job of getting the ball to the open person this summer. That just adds a whole other dimension to her game. She did that quite a bit last year and she just continued to get better at that and then you put that with her outside shooting.

"It just makes her that much better and it makes us that much better. Oakland City was looking for a point-combo guard that could shoot and they were just extremely impressed. We feel like her being able to go Division II, we're just excited for her and just glad to be a part of the whole situation."

Though other schools have expressed interest in Tedder, she said all it took was one visit to the Oaks' campus to make up her mind.

"I went up there and something just made me feel at home when I visited Oakland City," she said. "I felt instantly welcomed. I felt like part of the family already because everybody knows everybody. That's not always a bad thing."

While her future collegiate playing plans have crystallized a bit, there's still much to look forward to this season.

"We definitely have some high expectations this year," Tedder said about North. "We want to win districts again this year, and I think this year we're going to break out and we're going to be contenders for regional. I'm looking forward to playing basketball with my team this year. We're going to be really good and I have high expectations."

Eight-team scrimmage set for today

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Saturday, August 8, 2009 9:57 AM CDT

As the high school soccer season draws closer, the girls squads from Hopkins County Central and Madisonville-North Hopkins will get one more opportunity to scrimmage live competition today at the Lady Storm Jamboree.

The official season opens Aug. 17, but eight schools will gather today at Central for one final tune-up and evaluation.

"It's kind of a fun way to put your team against different levels of competition and see how they do against them," Central coach Susan Phelps said.

"It's fun for the kids particularly during this time of the year when you're trying to see how well they do in scrimmage and what types of things you need to address."

Unlike the regular season, each game will be 40 minutes or one-half of a typical contest. Junior varsity teams will play 30 minutes. Using that format allows each team to face off against more opponents. Central will battle Christian County, Lyon County, Todd County Central and Webster County. The Lady Maroons will play Christian and Lyon.

"We're just ready to play another opponent and see what we can learn about ourselves," North coach John Tichenor said.

Tichenor said fitness has been one dimension his crew has worked on throughout the summer.

"We're in much better shape than we were two weeks ago as a team," he said. "We try to get fitter each and every practice as we train."

Competition won't be limited to school against school either, Tichenor said.

"Even though they're competing against other teams, in a lot of respect, they're competing against each other because they're vying for positions," he said of the Lady Maroons.

Phelps said it's still nice to have a somewhat lax atmosphere, which allows the coaches to employ different strategies.

"Although it's competitive, it's still a scrimmage, so we'll be looking to put kids in different positions and see how well they do," she said. "We'll probably use a couple different formations to see how well they play.

"There's lot of things we haven't decided and since it's not a tournament format like the Bluegrass Games, we get to play around a little bit with the players and figure some things out."

Other schools expected to attend include Union County and the Dawson Springs JV team.

Today's first game will start at 8 a.m. and the last scheduled matchup is set for 6 p.m.

Storm fall to Hopkinsville

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 9:58 AM CDT

For the Hopkins County Central boys' golf team, Tuesday's match against Hopkinsville marked the season-opening match at Madisonville Golf and Country Club. As a team, the Storm did not yield the results they had hoped for, but senior Heath Williams made the best of his nine holes.

Williams claimed medalist honors with a score of 36, but as a team Central fell by 11 strokes to Hopkinsville, 163-174. Lady Storm golfer Taylor Howerton bested Hopkinsville's lone girls golfer 44-58.

Central's boys will see plenty of action at the Madisonville golf course as the Storm host this year's 2nd Region tournament.

"It was nice starting off here," Williams said. "We're going to be here pretty much the whole year. I think we have four away matches, maybe three, but other than that we're going to be here. I would say I would probably take 36 every day."

As a new member to the country club, Williams has been taking advantage of his access to the course playing multiple times a day during the summer including Saturday and Sunday's 41st-annual Eli Barron Tournament.

"He's going after it and playing well," coach Mark Rutledge said. "Just coming off the Eli Barron, he's got the course down and playing it constantly. That's the main thing you have to do. His concentration was there as you can see with a 36, that's an excellent score."

Behind Williams, Joey Watkins fired a 44 and Landon Griffith shot 45. Senior Andrew Schniepp carded a 49 while KO Taylor turned in a 52.

Rutledge, a first-year golf coach, said it was pleasing to see his golfers implement lessons from practice.

"They worked on stuff, but you could also see as they were playing, they were checking off in their mind, 'OK, I did well to the green, now I have to work on putting,'" he said.

"Overall, I was thrilled first time out...We'll get better as it goes along and I'll get more comfortable with everything. That's what I'm looking forward to."

Central's boys return to action Saturday at the annual Madisonville-North Hopkins Invitational at Lakeshore Country Club, a course Williams said he's looking forward to playing.

"I think going into Lakeshore will be a good test to see how we are," Williams said. "I think it's a really easy course. It's a lot easier than out here (at Madisonville). If I play like I did out here (Tuesday), I can probably shoot 70, 71. I guess we'll see how it goes."

Storm fall to Hopkinsville

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 9:58 AM CDT

For the Hopkins County Central boys' golf team, Tuesday's match against Hopkinsville marked the season-opening match at Madisonville Golf and Country Club. As a team, the Storm did not yield the results they had hoped for, but senior Heath Williams made the best of his nine holes.

Williams claimed medalist honors with a score of 36, but as a team Central fell by 11 strokes to Hopkinsville, 163-174. Lady Storm golfer Taylor Howerton bested Hopkinsville's lone girls golfer 44-58.

Central's boys will see plenty of action at the Madisonville golf course as the Storm host this year's 2nd Region tournament.

"It was nice starting off here," Williams said. "We're going to be here pretty much the whole year. I think we have four away matches, maybe three, but other than that we're going to be here. I would say I would probably take 36 every day."

As a new member to the country club, Williams has been taking advantage of his access to the course playing multiple times a day during the summer including Saturday and Sunday's 41st-annual Eli Barron Tournament.

"He's going after it and playing well," coach Mark Rutledge said. "Just coming off the Eli Barron, he's got the course down and playing it constantly. That's the main thing you have to do. His concentration was there as you can see with a 36, that's an excellent score."

Behind Williams, Joey Watkins fired a 44 and Landon Griffith shot 45. Senior Andrew Schniepp carded a 49 while KO Taylor turned in a 52.

Rutledge, a first-year golf coach, said it was pleasing to see his golfers implement lessons from practice.

"They worked on stuff, but you could also see as they were playing, they were checking off in their mind, 'OK, I did well to the green, now I have to work on putting,'" he said.

"Overall, I was thrilled first time out...We'll get better as it goes along and I'll get more comfortable with everything. That's what I'm looking forward to."

Central's boys return to action Saturday at the annual Madisonville-North Hopkins Invitational at Lakeshore Country Club, a course Williams said he's looking forward to playing.

"I think going into Lakeshore will be a good test to see how we are," Williams said. "I think it's a really easy course. It's a lot easier than out here (at Madisonville). If I play like I did out here (Tuesday), I can probably shoot 70, 71. I guess we'll see how it goes."

Arndt winding down a busy summer

By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com

Published: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 12:24 AM CDT

MORTONS GAP -- The offseason has not been a time of rest or relaxation for Centre College senior Aaron Arndt, but rather a period of improving and teaching youth.

Arndt, a goalkeeper and former Madisonville-North Hopkins standout, has been playing with the Cincinnati Kings of the Professional Developmental League as well as teaching camps in his spare time this summer.

On Thursday, Arndt spent the afternoon aiding goalies at Hopkins County Central.

One of Arndt's most important teaching principles is maintaining foot control.

"I always harp on footwork and knowing where you are at in the goal," he said. "If you have footwork, you know where you're at in the goal and don't have to make big saves. You can get your feet in front of the ball and you don't have to make any huge, diving saves.

"It's a lot easier on you, so really I just harp on footwork and hard work, too. You have to bring a good attitude every time. You have to train and be ready to get better every time you train."

Maintaining solid foot control did not come easing for Arndt, a 6-5, 220-pound goalie, though.

"That's something I still work on today is foot speed and sprint speed, just my speed overall because getting used to the long frame, you can run long distances pretty well, but short distances, getting the feet moving," he said. "Still to this day, I do footwork drills before practice and after practice."

Arndt's large frame has helped to make him a successful player. During his junior campaign at Centre, Arndt started seven of his 17 games played, recorded six shutouts and made 54 saves.

Arndt said he was not always blessed with a big build, however.

"Middle school I was about normal size, then I think about freshman, sophomore year of high school, that's when I shot up," Arndt said. "I was like 'OK, you're going to be a goalie now. You're primarily a goalie. No more playing midfield or anything like that.'

"It took a little bit of getting used to, getting coordinated. It happens with big kids. I was blessed I guess with a pretty big frame for keeping."

Just as there are differences between the high-school level and college, Arndt said there are adjustments between college and playing with the Kings.

"The speed is a little bit faster, the PDL is a little bit above where I am in college," he said, "which is good because once the game is slowed down when I go back to Centre, it will be easier for me to read the game and see what is going on."

The collegiate play is more competitive though as the team gels and unites for common goals such as defeating rivals and capturing titles, Arndt said.

As his senior season at Centre approaches, Arndt said he feels ready for the responsibility as a veteran leader.

"It's really different because last year was my first year really (playing)," he said. "I started pretty much every game. I only got a few minutes my freshman and sophomore year, but playing with the Kings and playing a full season last year really helped out just being able to step up and take control of games, knowing what I was doing out there on the field in Centre's formation, the way we want to run the field."

Arndt, who is majoring in economics, said he would like to coach in the future and is trying to attain invites to some combines post-graduation, but may also pursue a master's in business administration. Arndt said he plans to conduct a similar camp to Thursday's at Central in the coming weeks at North.