SEK-Sports.com

Season Outlook-Pleasanton Lady Jays

School, League, Classification:

Pleasanton High, Three Rivers League, 2A

Head Coach and years coaching:

Danny Looney, First Year Coach

Last Season's Record:

0-33

Roster:

#1 Ashley Newill Fr. 5'5"

#2 Carlee Campbell Jr. 5'11"

#3 Rachel Landrum Sr. 5'4"

#4 Melanie Sowards Fr. 5'5"

#7 Megan Lowe So. 5'5"

#8 Chelsea Ogden So. 5'3"

#9 Rachel Richmond Sr. 5'7"

#10 Johnnea Saulsberry So. 5'4"

#11 Brytnee Streeter So. 5'3"

#13 Kim Robinson Jr. 5'6"

#15 Alyson Staton So. 5'1"

#16 Hannah Jackson Sr. 5'5"

#17 Kaylyn Reno Sr. 5'0"

#18 Darla Snyder Sr. 5'6"

How many starters did you lose from last year's squad:

We lost four, including TRL All-League Player Megan Allen.

How has practice been going so far and how excited are you and the girls for the upcoming season?

We only have 14 girls out so that gives us alot of individual time. We have been doing two-a-days all week and the girls are working extremely hard. We are really stressing conditioning and foot speed. The girls are responding very well and are most importantly very coachable.

I think the girls are extremely excited about this season because with a new coach there is new hope. It's no secret in the area that Pleasanton Volleyball has been way down for the past 6-7 years. We are currently on a 47 match losing streak. They are eager to break that streak and you can see it in them that they believe this will be the year they turn it around.

What are the strengths/ weaknesses of the team?

Our strength is at the net. We have some really good athletes up front who can give us some solid net play, especially in the middle. Another area I feel pretty good about is our serving. Our starting rotation is pretty solid from the service line and we have a couple girls who can bring the heat.

Our biggesst weakness is me. Being my fist year coaching volleyball, I am going to make some mistakes along the way. I hope as the season progresses I get more solid from the sideline. Another weakness is the girls just don't know "how to win". The girls don't have that instinct and confidence...,YET. We will also be very young with the possibility of starting two or three sophomores at times. Add that to them having to learn a new system and it may take us a while to put it all together.

Who are some of the players you expect big things out of this season?

Seniors:
Rachel Richmond. Rachel is one of our team captains who gives us solid play from her outside postion. She can play every position on the court and play it well. She will also play an important role in helping the coaches keep the team focused and positive through any rough stretches we may encounter.

Rachel Landrum. In our system Rachel will have the opportunity to put up some big numbers. Rachel will be shouldering alot of responsibility at the setter spot and will have to come through for us to have a successful season. We will be relying heavily on her to keep the offense flowing. I have confidence in her that she will get the job done.

Darla Snyder will be playing the back row. Darla is just now coming back back from a broken foot she suffered in the summer. She has one of the best serves I have seen in the area. Once she gets physically back to 100% , she will play a vital role in our success. We have to have her get us the early momentum from the service line.

Juniors:
Kim Robinson. Kim is a coaches dream. She gives everything she has for the team and that is why she was chosen as our other team captain. She is our best passer from the back row as well as a solid hitter from the front. We our counting on her to make good passes and get our offense rolling while playing the back line.

Carlee Campbell. Carlee and her 5'11" frame will literally be our "Center Piece" from the middle of the court. Carlee is one of those rare athletes that comes along every five years or so. She can jump out of the gym and burn the court with her speed. I look for and expect her to have an All-League type of season.

Sophomores:
Johnnea Saulsberry. Johnnea is our speedster with her quick feet. She plays the back row extremely well and gets to every ball hit her way. She is your typical "complete player" who can do just about anything on the court. She will also see time at the setter spot.

Brytnee Streeter. Brytnee had the best camp performance for us and it is carrying over to practices. She is a fire plug who gives 100%. She is one of our shortest players but has the best vertical of anyone on the team at over 17 inches. Brytnee will surprise alot of people with her net play this season.

Other players I expect to see varsity minutes are seniors, Kaylyn Reno and Hannah Jackson along with sohomore, Megan Lowe.

What goals or expectations do you have for this team?
Our biggest goal is to "prove everyone wrong". The expectations are not very high from people outsided the program. We are going to change that with our play this season. We are on a mission to bring the volleyball program back up at Pleasanton and I fully expect this group of girls to rise up and be the team that starts laying the foundation.

Luck fan meets celebrity

Longtime Sek-Sports fan, Mr. Casey Wolfe of Kansas City, MO got the thrill of a lifetime when he met and got a photo with an SEK-Sports personality.

Cory Smart, Burlingame (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

Starting at the end of the school year, I worked out Monday through Friday, sometimes taking Friday off. I did things like squats, bench press, incline bench, hang clean, leg press and all sorts of exercises with bands.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I play tight-end/receiver on offense and safety on defense. I enjoy offense the most because it gets more recognition by the fans and parents.

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Kenny Clem - guard/linebacker; Miles Cayton - center; Lucas Broxson - center; Chance Droege - lineman

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Doug Bingham - He's our new coach this year, but I can say he is experienced and he's confident in me and my team mates.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Our opening night opponent is the Lebo Wolves.

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

It means absolutely everything to me because we only won 1 game last year. A good start would give the team confidence in themselves.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

I really see the Madison Bulldogs being very good this year. I have seen some huge players that were young last year and were playing JV.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

I would like and am expecting nothing less than winning at least 1/2 of our games this year. We have a new head coach and some promising players to set the bar high for the years to come.

Nathen Yunker, South Haven (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

Our summer pride program started on June 4 and ran through July 4. We worked out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30am-8:00am.The workouts consisted of lifting and speed and quickness training on Monday and Wednesday and on Friday we would do plyometrics and a circuit in the wieghtroom.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I mainly play offense only, unless they need me on defense. I am the starting Quarterback and they don't want me injured so they don't like to play me on defense. If I do play defense I am at Cornerback. I would rather play offense than defense because if you've seen me you can tell that I'm not that big of a guy, and while on offense I get the oppurtunity to score touchdowns, and who doesn't love that right?

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Some of our top returning players are the following:
Seniors: (myself) Nathen Yunker QB/CB
Reese Blaylock TE/S
Jacob Parcher WR/CB
Juniors: Christian Howell FB/MLB
Austin Barlow RB/CB

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Our head coach's name is David Hughes and these are some of his characteristics: Fiery, Caring, Positive, Understanding, Dependable, Fair, Hardworker, Determined, and Consistent.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Our season opener is at Bel Aire against Sunrise Christian Academy.

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

To win our season opener is going to be huge for our team, the last game we have played in together as a team was the State Championship in which we lost 48-0 at halftime. So winning this first game will be a turning point in a mental perspective just knowing that we do have the capabilities to win even with losing the tremendous senior class of last season.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

One of the top teams in our league is probably going to be Argonia. Argonia and us have created quite a rivalry during the last 4 or 5 years so most of the time its always a good game between us.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

A "good season" for South Haven football is making the playoffs. The way I see it, without making the playoffs the season is a failure. Last year we made it to the State Championship game so I know this year we are going to have a big target painted on us and everyone in the league is going to be gunning for us more than ever.

Josh Carson, Osage City (SR)

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I play Wide Receiver and Cornerback. I like defense more because I am more of an aggressive player. I would rather get an interception than a touchdown.

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Jordan Tice will return at Runningback and Returner.
Myself at Receiver, Corner and Returner.
Cody Colstrom is returning on both Offensive and Defensive line.
CJ Marple will return on defense at Linebacker/D-end.

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Mike Ritzel - energized, original.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Lyndon, new in the league, big rivalry.

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

It would mean alot, it would be a huge energy boost and give us something to ride on.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

Northern Heights. They have a really good quarterback and a really good coach.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

A good season would be "one to remember". It's my senior year, I want to have have fun. I want to be successful. everyone likes to win, but I love to compete.

Kyle White, South Haven (JR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

We have a summer conditiong program that runs for a month on monday, wednesday, and friday. Then we have a week long football camp with 2 weeks of conditiong after that.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

Center, off. guard, def. guard, nose guard, def. end, middle linebacker. DEFENSE ALL THE WAY!!!

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Coach Hughes, Good at what he does.
Coach Gressel, Demandin.

Who is your opening night opponent?

South West Christian from Witchita.

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

First game means everything. Kinda sets the pace for the rest of the season.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

If they stay healthy all season, Argonia.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

First in the league and no loses at home.

Dalton Branch, Mission Valley (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

My freshmen year our coach didn't really have a conditioning program but my sophomore year we got a new coach and our conditioning workout turned out to be one of the hardest around. Everyday is a different work-out. Our coach gets the workouts from like the army and navy colleges so they are intense.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I play Quarterback on Offense and Strong/Free Safety on Defense. I like both of them the same. I like to be the leader of the offense at Quarterback but I also love hitting someone in the mouth at Safety because we get some of the best shots to lay someone out on the field.

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Auston Sommers 6'0" 230 lbs-plays tackle, one of the best around.
Aaron Rudeen 6'3" 180 lbs-plays end on both sides of ball.
Kyle Fritz 6'6" 230 lbs-plays guard and end...Very good football player!

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Head coach Lee Webber, makes you work until you can't work any longer.
Asst. Charlie Chesmore, loves to watch you have fun and he'll do whatever he can to make you mad so you have fun.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Wabaunsee Chargers-One of the worst teams in the Mid-East League. They are on a 34 game losing streak and according to their coach he thinks were the team they are going break that against...He doesn't even know whats coming!

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

Very important. Last year we didn't get that 1st week win and our season wasn't as good as we wanted. That first game means everything to your players and to your team.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

Osage City...Last year they were 1st in our league until we beat them in the last game of the season 22-21. Revenge is a very good factor to help beat someone. We just gotta give them alot of pain and never give up, the same as last year.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

Win league! We have finished 1st or 2nd ever since our league began. This is our league, we have to win it. Then make it to the playoffs by winning districts so we can get that home game. We play Rossville in our districts and they are the team I believe we need to beat to make it. Then--State Champs!

Ty Blanchard, Chanute (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

Our summer workout program started at the beginning of June, We go Monday through thursday starting at 7 a.m. with our stretching and agilities then we lift until around 830. We also went to KU football camp and to Coffeyville on Wednesdays for 7 on 7.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I play runningback and middle linebacker. Its kinda hard to pick between runnin for touchdowns or stickin people lol so i guess i like them both about the same..

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Craig Gilmore-QB
Loren Jones- LB
Matt Bollig-OLB/WR
Daniel Kinkle-LB
Kevin Martin-WR/CB
Garrett Sharp-WR and safety
Christian Cruz- WR/CB
Craig Pervin- O-line/D-line
Conner Mudd- O-line/D-line
Garrett Roecker- O-line/D-line
Damon Hartwig- Fullback
Jeremy Herold- D-line
Justin Henderson-D-line

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Our coach is Don Simmons-Winner, Genious, Persistant, The Best.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Parsons

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

It's very important to get a win week 1 because it brings some confidence to your team and it lets every other team know that were gonna "roll the 6's" and lay some hits haha!

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

Probably Pitt and Ft. Scott, both teams have some athletes and they both have winning traditions..I also look for Indy, Iola, and Coffeyville to be better than they have in the last few years.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

Well, we have a huge group of seniors with a lot of experience. So our first goal is to win the SEK and districts and then go as deep in the playoffs as we can and hopefully all the way to the Championsip.

Daniel Rank, Southeast (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

Our summer weights and conditioning consisted of P90X cardio series and Abs, lifting, and different core/conditioning workouts. We had weights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It began at 6:00 A.M. and ended past 8:00 A.M.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

On offense we run the Wing-T and I play one of the wingbacks. On defense I play cornerback. I enjoy playing both sides of the Football.

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

I believe that everyone who is returning is our top players. We have to have the top lineman, quarterback, wide receivers, linebackers, runningbacks, and defensive backs to be successful.

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Coach Burdette: Fearless,Tactical, Dauntless, Lionhearted, Warrior.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Our teams home opener is against Decauter, Arkansas, September 5th.

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

It is always important to start of a football season with a win. I believe that the first game sort of sets a tone for the rest of the season. So winning our first game would be a definite plus for our team. We worked hard all summer for this game and we our very charged for our first game.

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

St. Mary's Colgan always has a strong team. They have a good coaching staff and athletes. Girard should be a "top dog", they like Colgan have good athletes. Riverton should also be a very balanced team, they have speed and I believe they'll use it to their advantage. Baxter Springs is also a very good team. But right now everyone is 0-0, so I also believe that right now everyone in the C.N.C. could be a "top dog". I respect every team in the C.N.C. and every Friday night is a different ballgame...anything can happen.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

Us Seniors have worked very hard for four years and this is our opportunity for us to go far in the playoffs since we dropped from 4A to 3A. But we are going to take one game at a time and play to our maximum potential. I know every team we will play against is going to be bringing there "A" game and it will not be a easy task.

TJ Davis, Pleasanton (SR)

Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?

We had lifting three times a week and on most weekends we ended up getting together and having some kind of 7 on 7 practice and all.

Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?

I do play both sides of the ball. Offense/RB, Defense/MLB.
I like offense more right now cause I can dish the hits to whoever and whenever. I have to say though that I love defense as well! I love to sack the quarterback!

Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.

Dillon Roberts, Lineman- Aaron Loggins, Lineman-Kolbee McKee, Free Safety- Daniel Barber, Receiver-Logan Casey, Center.

Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.

Coach Brindle, He is motivating, stern, passionate, fundemental, hard working, disciplined, and deserving.

Who is your opening night opponent?

Baxter Springs - Away

How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?

It means everything because it sets the tone for the rest of the season if not the year. Its get you pumped up and ready for practice so you can continue to work hard and win some more!!!

Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?

In our league WE are the top dogs. The toughest non-league opponent I see this year would be Saint Mary's Colgan as usual. I think with hard work and determination we will be capable of beating them this year.

Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?

We, as a team, would like to make it to the play-offs for sure. We feel like we have a team capable of going all the way to the state championship this year!