Spring is here, and with it come baseball, softball, tennis and track and field for the seven high schools within the Akron Public Schools.
On Wednesday, APS hosted a City Series baseball and softball media day during which coaches and players joined athletic administrators Joe Vassalotti and Ron Linger to talk about the upcoming season on the diamond inside the Akron Education Association.
The consensus in the room was that Ellet is “the hunted” in baseball and softball.
“We have talked to the girls about it,” Ellet softball coach Chuck Shuman said. “They know they are walking around with a target on their back, and they expect it every year. The key is how they handle it. I think they are looking forward to the challenge.”
Shuman brought Alyssa Cook and Jenna Golden to represent his team, which went 18-10 overall and 13-0 in the City Series last year. Coach John Sarver, who guided Ellet to a 17-10, 13-0 record in baseball last year, was joined by Derek Cook and Dustin Franklin at the luncheon.
Among Ellet’s other returnees are Sydney Foster and Alyssa Rafferty in softball and Matt Cody and Steve Cody in baseball.
“Everybody in the City Series follows Chuck Shuman and Ellet,” North softball coach Paul Burnside said. “That is the consummate program.”
Sasianna Meadows, Mary Pat Nicodemus and Kaitlin Booth joined Burnside. Vikings baseball coach Fred Fryberger brought Spencer Pearson and Tommy Stout to the event.
Firestone baseball coach Matt Brooks said he is optimistic his team can “win the City Series and make some noise in the playoffs” with captains Dustin James, Matt Dies, Alex Erisey and Demonte’ Swain leading the way. The Falcons softball team is led by coach Christopher Pashke and players Monique Campbell, Li’Onna Wahid, Madison Ray and Aleisha Fike.
Kenmore softball coach Kevin Cooper commended Kristen Moore and Amber Howell for being “4.0 scholar-athletes,” and also praised Makayla Taylor and Tabby Tharp for their efforts. The Cardinals baseball team was represented by assistant Dave Zganjer and players Dorell Daniels-Vaught and Jordan Nigh. Coach Joe Nauer was unable to attend.
East softball coach Michael Booker also was not in attendance, but assistant Sarah Kramer filled in with players Makira Martin and Courtney Hill. Kramer talked about the squad having the highest grade-point average among teams at the school. The Dragons are looking to have a turn-around season in baseball under coach Chuck Rusinek, who spoke with players Dennis Horinger and Lamontae Shaver at his side.
Garfield softball coach John DiDonato lauded Camryn Woodley and Katera Motley as leaders, and talked about his players carrying on the school’s motto of “Horns up and Ram on” against the competition. Golden Rams baseball coach Rod Reno spoke glowingly about top players Hunter First and Lafayette Martin.
Buchtel’s representatives were softball coach Courtney Stockard and players DaVonna Singfield and Brittany Vazquez, and baseball coach Howard Vaughn Jr. and players Dwight Austin and Jermyn Brock.
Vaughn said he is “dreaming of a Cinderella run” this year in baseball.
State track qualifiers return
The Firestone boys and girls track and field teams open their season Saturday at the Brunswick Elite Meet. Falcons coach Tim Carroll said his team returns three of its seven Division I state qualifiers from last year.
Firestone won the City Series boys and girls team titles last year.
Buchtel, which was second in both genders in the City Series last year, will begin its season on April 2 in the Marilyn West Invitational at Cleveland Collinwood. Griffins coach Orlando Green said his team returns three of its five Division II state qualifiers from last year.
Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.