Ark Valley News - ‘Excited for this season’: spring sports to start

‘Excited for this season’: spring sports to start
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: March 19, 2015

Valley Center High School and Valley Center Middle School spring sports seasons will begin later this month.

The first contest will be March 24, a high school soccer game at Newton.

First-year head coach Steen Danielson said he's ready to get the season underway.

"I'm really excited for this season, because I have a young team," said Danielson, a former assistant. "… They're determined to do well. These girls are going to be really competitive this season."

The soccer team will continue with games at home March 26 and 31.

The Hornet baseball team, led by second-year head coach Nick Barnes, will throw out the first pitch at home March 31 against Derby and Hays.

"We want to be successful from the get-go," Barnes said. "We want to put pressure on teams and find a way to sacrifice runs across and continue to play well defensively."

The Hornets, who were 9-12 last year, will be led by an experienced group of pitchers.

"I'm really ready for the season to get started," said senior infielder Jason Barbour. "I have high hopes for the season."

The softball team, with returning head coach Cory Jones, also will start with home games against Derby and Hays on March 31.

The Hornets are rebuilding their entire infield and most of their outfield with a few key components.

"I'm excited for this season, mainly because we have new pitchers and a whole new infield," said junior Elana Turner, who started in the outfield last season. "We're a whole new team this year. I hope this year we can host regionals and go to state."

The golf team, returning from a Class 5A state appearance, will be led by senior Logan Burks. The Hornets are coached by Mike McCormick.

They kick off the season April 6 at Crestview Country Club.

The tennis team, led by 5A state qualifier senior Ray Strunk, will start the season with a home tournament March 31, featuring teams from Chaparral, Collegiate, Douglass, Wichita South and Wichita Southeast. Veteran coach Dean Schulz returns for his 33rd year at the helm.

Finally, the track squad, coached by Caleb Smith, will start the season April 2 at the Andale Relays.

"Hopefully, we'll have a really good season," said senior state-qualifying distance runner Kayla Barton. "… I want to qualify again and go to state one more time."

The middle school boys' tennis team will start March 30 at Ark City, while the track squad will begin April 7 at Augusta.