Three Bruins tabbed
for All-CIC honors
Congratulations to Trace Oswalt (Boys' Basketball), Karli Reed (Girls' Basketball) & Isaac Rogers (Wrestling) as they are the newest members to represent BHS on the All CIC Conference Teams.
for All-CIC honors
Congratulations to Trace Oswalt (Boys' Basketball), Karli Reed (Girls' Basketball) & Isaac Rogers (Wrestling) as they are the newest members to represent BHS on the All CIC Conference Teams.
Frankton beats BHS
Frankton took advantage of 8 walks and three errors to gain an 8-3 win over BHS. Evan Van Gordon and Walker Strait each had two hits in the game.
JV falls to Eastbrook, splits with Ole Miss
A pair of 4-run innings lifted Eastbrook past BHS, 9-5. Logan Whitesell and Mitchell Lanning were each 2-for-3 with a run and 1 RBI. Ole Miss took game 1 of the doubleheader, 6-5, with a run in the 7th. Chandler Piercy was 3-for-3 in the game. Game 2 saw Tryse Hendricks strikeout 14 and pitch a complete game in a 6-1 win. Whitesell was 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs.
BHS beats Elwood, Starfire linksters
BHS defeated Elwood, 162-192 with Evan Baughey as the top medalist with a 39 and Aaron Beal and Blake Thiery sharing 2nd with 40s. They also defeated South Adams, 160-174, with Aric Durm taking top honors with a 37.
Bruins 6th in Blackford Invite
The Bruins boys were 6th while top performers were Trace Oswalt 2nd in the high jump and long jump, Kasey Miller 4th in teh pole vault, and Vince Beaujean 7th in the 100 and 200 races.
Frankton took advantage of 8 walks and three errors to gain an 8-3 win over BHS. Evan Van Gordon and Walker Strait each had two hits in the game.
JV falls to Eastbrook, splits with Ole Miss
A pair of 4-run innings lifted Eastbrook past BHS, 9-5. Logan Whitesell and Mitchell Lanning were each 2-for-3 with a run and 1 RBI. Ole Miss took game 1 of the doubleheader, 6-5, with a run in the 7th. Chandler Piercy was 3-for-3 in the game. Game 2 saw Tryse Hendricks strikeout 14 and pitch a complete game in a 6-1 win. Whitesell was 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs.
BHS beats Elwood, Starfire linksters
BHS defeated Elwood, 162-192 with Evan Baughey as the top medalist with a 39 and Aaron Beal and Blake Thiery sharing 2nd with 40s. They also defeated South Adams, 160-174, with Aric Durm taking top honors with a 37.
Bruins 6th in Blackford Invite
The Bruins boys were 6th while top performers were Trace Oswalt 2nd in the high jump and long jump, Kasey Miller 4th in teh pole vault, and Vince Beaujean 7th in the 100 and 200 races.
Visit us on Facebook!
Join in on the fun and stay up to date on all things Bruin!
Join in on the fun and stay up to date on all things Bruin!
Lady Bruins lose Wapahani, 9-2
BHS fell to 10-11 falling to Wapahani, who is coached by BHS grad Jacci Glancy. Krysta Nickols was 2-for-4 with a run, Brittany Cross doubled, and Casey Emerson and Franny Pauley each had 1 RBI.
JV Ladies slip by Wapahani, 11-10
Franny pauley was 3-for-5 with 1 RBI, Katie Kieffer was 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and a triple, and Kirstin Kreischer was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs.
Lady netters
lose 3-2 to Northfield
BHS fell to 4-7 on the year as they lost by 1 point. Sierra Rodgers and Shelby Rhoton both won singles matches during the night.
Girls track team places 5th at Invite
BHS finished 5th at the Blackford Invite as Kirsti Reed was 3rd in the 100 and long jump, Janell Barker was 10th ine 800, Marci Thurman was 8th in the 2-mile, and Ashley Hudson was 12th in the 800.
BHS fell to 10-11 falling to Wapahani, who is coached by BHS grad Jacci Glancy. Krysta Nickols was 2-for-4 with a run, Brittany Cross doubled, and Casey Emerson and Franny Pauley each had 1 RBI.
JV Ladies slip by Wapahani, 11-10
Franny pauley was 3-for-5 with 1 RBI, Katie Kieffer was 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and a triple, and Kirstin Kreischer was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs.
Lady netters
lose 3-2 to Northfield
BHS fell to 4-7 on the year as they lost by 1 point. Sierra Rodgers and Shelby Rhoton both won singles matches during the night.
Girls track team places 5th at Invite
BHS finished 5th at the Blackford Invite as Kirsti Reed was 3rd in the 100 and long jump, Janell Barker was 10th ine 800, Marci Thurman was 8th in the 2-mile, and Ashley Hudson was 12th in the 800.
Shelby Rhoton, Matt Shoup Voted #1 Top Female, Male Athletes
Athletics teach many lessons to members of Class of 2012
By Chris Landis
Editor’s Note: Blackford High School
coaches nominated student-athletes from the Class of 2012 for this
honor, then voted for the top five males and females. In the next week,
those top five males and females will be recognized
for their achievement. The student-athletes and coaches have been
notified of the top 10, but have not been told of the order they were
voted in.
Counting down the top five female and male athletes has reached its pinnacle as we introduce the top two in the Blackford High School Class of 2012.
Shelby Rhoton and Matt Shoup have been voted as the #1 female and male athletes of this year’s graduating class.
“I was excited when I discovered that I was selected in the top 5 athletes at BHS because I believe it is a great honor. I feel that it means that the coaches respect me and believe that I am a hard-working, positive contributor to the teams. It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that all of my hard work and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed,” Rhoton said of the honor.
Shoup gave his summary of what being selected means to him.
“Undoubtedly character is what coaches are searching for when asked to pick the top five athletes in a class. They are searching for someone who has displayed leadership on and off of the field of competition. Individuals who are not self-seeking, but team-seeking. They are intrinsically motivated to perform to the pinnacle of their ability and seek to instill that same determination within their teammates. Being selected as a top 5 athlete is an honor. It reminds me a lot of receiving my Eagle Scout award. While the award has taken time, effort, and energy, the award itself is not entirely about what the individual has accomplished, but what has become expected of him. The title requests that an individual has displayed and will display the character to influence others in a positive manner and always seek to perform their best,” said Shoup.
Rhoton played soccer and tennis her senior year, and has participated in track and basketball as well. She talked about her passion and some memories she has of her career.
“I have always had a passion for soccer and I was determined to continue playing in high school. After I got over my fear as a freshman, I participated in other sports as well. I believe it is important to be a part of the school and it taught me a lot about responsibility, maturity, and motivation,” Shelby said.
“My best memory is the year that our soccer team won sectionals. I remember when we were up against Marion and many people didn't believe that we could beat them because they were such a talented team. We ended up having extended time and remained tied by the end of that time. We then had a penalty shootout and won. It wasn't even the fact that we won sectionals that year, it was the fact that we were the closest that we have ever been. I have never been so close to a group of girls in my life. We were not just a team, we were a family.
“Growing up I remember playing on a travel basketball team and my uncle was the coach. It was some of the best times of my life playing with my best friends. I also remember playing soccer with the boys when I was younger and I always enjoyed it because it made me believe in myself knowing that I could keep up with them.”
She did look back and said she would have done something different. “If I could have done something differently, I would have participated in clubs and camps to better my skills in sports. I never attended anything beneficial like that to further my abilities in sports and I think that it would have contributed to my success,” Rhoton said.
Michelle Gross, Rhoton’s soccer coach at Blackford, talked about her team captain. “Shelby Rhoton was one of our leading scorers this year.
Shelby has played varsity for me the last four years, was team captain this year, and is a true leader,” Gross said. “Shelby has always put the team’s needs above her own. She has the drive and determination, despite her small size, to go out every day and give one hundred and ten percent. She has been knocked down many times over the last four years and kept right on rolling along never missing a beat. She also helped our team to the first sectional title and has helped the team the last two years get to the championship game. She has a very positive attitude in all she does.”
Tennis coach Brian Smith talked about Blackford’s #1 female athlete.
“Shelby is a great athlete and is in the top ten in her class. She was our number two singles player this spring,” Smith said. “With her coming out for tennis this year, our team became a lot better. She may struggled a little in getting wins consistently, she has helped her teammates. I wish she would have played for four years, but I’m glad she came out this year.
Rhoton thanked those who have impacted her athletic career. “I want to thank Coach Gross for pushing me to do my best on and off the field. She helped better me as an athlete and as a person,” Shelby said.
“I also want to thank Coach Smith for encouraging me to never give up in tennis and allowing us to always have a wonderful time playing. I want to thank my teammates and my family and friends for supporting me in everything that I do. “I have several great memories of BHS and I'm glad I spent the majority of my time participating in sports.”
Rhoton will attend Butler University with her major undecided at this time.
Shoup was actually a three-sport athlete, but he did it in two seasons. Matt played soccer in the fall then swam and wrestled this winter. Shoup is a four year letter winner in swimming and was the captain of the team this year. Prior to this season, he was already a school record holder on the 200 Free Relay team. At sectional this year, Matt missed breaking the 200 Free individual school record by .6 second, while earning a 4th place overall.
“I participated in sports to challenge and condition myself to a higher level. As a Christian I owe my excellence to my Creator. He has given me strength and the dedication to be the best that I could be,” Shoup said.
The senior looked back over his career at the highlights and things that could have been.
“My sophomore year of swimming, Josh Coleman, Austin Ford, Brent Milholland, and I broke the school's 200 Free Relay record. The feeling of swimming the last lap and slamming my hand into the wall, spinning around, and seeing the time display is a moment I will never forget. It took each one of us to achieve our goal,” Matt said.
“In retrospect the only change I would make to my athletic career would be swimming the 200 freestyle instead of the 200 individual medley. I found that I was ultimately a more competitive swimmer in the later event than I had expected.”
Shoup’s coaches had nothing but praise for the young man who set an example to all.
“Matt was regularly the hardest worker in practice. But what really set Matt apart is he made those practicing in the lane with him better by encouraging them, pushing them, and racing them every chance he got. If you really want to do a character study on Matt Shoup, watch how he treats his younger brother, Greg. Greg is a better swimmer because of Matt's constant encouragement. Those two get along great, and that's rare for siblings that close in age,” said BHS swim coach Todd Hill. “ I know I keep saying the same things, but what sets Matt apart as one of the top athletes is how hard he works. You'd see him after some practice sets and his whole body would be purple from oxygen debt, but he's still ready for more. Then to go wrestle after our practice, or vice-versa, and excel at both sports?
“Unfortunately, we do not have CIC for boys swimming yet, only girls right now. His highest place at Sectional was 4th, which doesn't sound as good until you realize that the next stop after sectional is right to the state meet. So a 4th in sectional when the top one or two go to state would be the equivalent of going to regional or semi-state in other sports. He is also a school record holder in the 200 Free Relay.
“The other half of the equation that makes Matt such a role model, in addition to his work in the pool, is his spiritual and moral behavior outside of the pool. This is a young man unashamed of his Christianity. He treats others so well. Another thing about Matt, not reflected in his swimming, is he is involved in just about every club in the school, putting his stamp of hard work, morality and brains on each one of them. He's toward the top of his class in academics, a great multi-sport athlete, involved in his church and most other school clubs, is there anything the guy doesn't do well? There is no debate about BHS being a better place for having Matt Shoup as a student-athlete. And there is no doubt in my mind I am a better person for having the privilege of coaching Matt Shoup.”
First year soccer coach Brooks Holloway also talked about how Matt made those around him better.
“Matt Shoup was always positive and pushed his teammates to be better individuals. That is a trait that is not often found in a young person... the desire to help the people around you be better individuals and to put them first. Matt is definitely a person who everyone can take lessons from on bettering our individual character,” Holloway said.
Wrestling coach Rick Kauffman used a quote to start his thoughts on Matt . . . . "Hard times don't last, Hard people do.”
“Even through injury, pain, and tough times he never lost focus of what is most important in life, and that is his relationship with Jesus Christ. He balanced tough schedules and still remained dedicated to his teams. As a coach, I could not of asked for more than he gave on a daily basis. His dedication to mission accomplishment reflects great credit upon himself, Bruin athletics and to the Blackford School Corporation. If we had more individuals with their character and dedication, our athletic programs would be a force to reckoned with,” Kauffman said.
And just like it was on cue, Matt thanked many people but started with God.
“First I thank God for He deserves all glory honor and praise. My parents for their continual support throughout the four years. I want to thank coaches Todd Hill, MSG Kauffman, Brooks Holloway, and Dan Borgenheimer for the great job they have performed as coaches. Lastly the teammates who I have had the privilege of competing with,” Matt said.
“My time at BHS has always been a tight rope act of balancing the many activities I have been involved with. The experience I have gained through these activities has helped shaped who I am as an individual.”
Matt’s future plans are to enlist in the United States Air Force (USAF) and become a pararescueman in the armed forces.
Athletics teach many lessons to members of Class of 2012
By Chris Landis
Editor’s Note: Blackford High School
coaches nominated student-athletes from the Class of 2012 for this
honor, then voted for the top five males and females. In the next week,
those top five males and females will be recognized
for their achievement. The student-athletes and coaches have been
notified of the top 10, but have not been told of the order they were
voted in.Counting down the top five female and male athletes has reached its pinnacle as we introduce the top two in the Blackford High School Class of 2012.
Shelby Rhoton and Matt Shoup have been voted as the #1 female and male athletes of this year’s graduating class.
“I was excited when I discovered that I was selected in the top 5 athletes at BHS because I believe it is a great honor. I feel that it means that the coaches respect me and believe that I am a hard-working, positive contributor to the teams. It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that all of my hard work and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed,” Rhoton said of the honor.
Shoup gave his summary of what being selected means to him.
“Undoubtedly character is what coaches are searching for when asked to pick the top five athletes in a class. They are searching for someone who has displayed leadership on and off of the field of competition. Individuals who are not self-seeking, but team-seeking. They are intrinsically motivated to perform to the pinnacle of their ability and seek to instill that same determination within their teammates. Being selected as a top 5 athlete is an honor. It reminds me a lot of receiving my Eagle Scout award. While the award has taken time, effort, and energy, the award itself is not entirely about what the individual has accomplished, but what has become expected of him. The title requests that an individual has displayed and will display the character to influence others in a positive manner and always seek to perform their best,” said Shoup.
Rhoton played soccer and tennis her senior year, and has participated in track and basketball as well. She talked about her passion and some memories she has of her career.
“I have always had a passion for soccer and I was determined to continue playing in high school. After I got over my fear as a freshman, I participated in other sports as well. I believe it is important to be a part of the school and it taught me a lot about responsibility, maturity, and motivation,” Shelby said.
“My best memory is the year that our soccer team won sectionals. I remember when we were up against Marion and many people didn't believe that we could beat them because they were such a talented team. We ended up having extended time and remained tied by the end of that time. We then had a penalty shootout and won. It wasn't even the fact that we won sectionals that year, it was the fact that we were the closest that we have ever been. I have never been so close to a group of girls in my life. We were not just a team, we were a family.
“Growing up I remember playing on a travel basketball team and my uncle was the coach. It was some of the best times of my life playing with my best friends. I also remember playing soccer with the boys when I was younger and I always enjoyed it because it made me believe in myself knowing that I could keep up with them.”
She did look back and said she would have done something different. “If I could have done something differently, I would have participated in clubs and camps to better my skills in sports. I never attended anything beneficial like that to further my abilities in sports and I think that it would have contributed to my success,” Rhoton said.
Michelle Gross, Rhoton’s soccer coach at Blackford, talked about her team captain. “Shelby Rhoton was one of our leading scorers this year.
Shelby has played varsity for me the last four years, was team captain this year, and is a true leader,” Gross said. “Shelby has always put the team’s needs above her own. She has the drive and determination, despite her small size, to go out every day and give one hundred and ten percent. She has been knocked down many times over the last four years and kept right on rolling along never missing a beat. She also helped our team to the first sectional title and has helped the team the last two years get to the championship game. She has a very positive attitude in all she does.”
Tennis coach Brian Smith talked about Blackford’s #1 female athlete.
“Shelby is a great athlete and is in the top ten in her class. She was our number two singles player this spring,” Smith said. “With her coming out for tennis this year, our team became a lot better. She may struggled a little in getting wins consistently, she has helped her teammates. I wish she would have played for four years, but I’m glad she came out this year.
Rhoton thanked those who have impacted her athletic career. “I want to thank Coach Gross for pushing me to do my best on and off the field. She helped better me as an athlete and as a person,” Shelby said.
“I also want to thank Coach Smith for encouraging me to never give up in tennis and allowing us to always have a wonderful time playing. I want to thank my teammates and my family and friends for supporting me in everything that I do. “I have several great memories of BHS and I'm glad I spent the majority of my time participating in sports.”
Rhoton will attend Butler University with her major undecided at this time.
Shoup was actually a three-sport athlete, but he did it in two seasons. Matt played soccer in the fall then swam and wrestled this winter. Shoup is a four year letter winner in swimming and was the captain of the team this year. Prior to this season, he was already a school record holder on the 200 Free Relay team. At sectional this year, Matt missed breaking the 200 Free individual school record by .6 second, while earning a 4th place overall.
“I participated in sports to challenge and condition myself to a higher level. As a Christian I owe my excellence to my Creator. He has given me strength and the dedication to be the best that I could be,” Shoup said.
The senior looked back over his career at the highlights and things that could have been.
“My sophomore year of swimming, Josh Coleman, Austin Ford, Brent Milholland, and I broke the school's 200 Free Relay record. The feeling of swimming the last lap and slamming my hand into the wall, spinning around, and seeing the time display is a moment I will never forget. It took each one of us to achieve our goal,” Matt said.
“In retrospect the only change I would make to my athletic career would be swimming the 200 freestyle instead of the 200 individual medley. I found that I was ultimately a more competitive swimmer in the later event than I had expected.”
Shoup’s coaches had nothing but praise for the young man who set an example to all.
“Matt was regularly the hardest worker in practice. But what really set Matt apart is he made those practicing in the lane with him better by encouraging them, pushing them, and racing them every chance he got. If you really want to do a character study on Matt Shoup, watch how he treats his younger brother, Greg. Greg is a better swimmer because of Matt's constant encouragement. Those two get along great, and that's rare for siblings that close in age,” said BHS swim coach Todd Hill. “ I know I keep saying the same things, but what sets Matt apart as one of the top athletes is how hard he works. You'd see him after some practice sets and his whole body would be purple from oxygen debt, but he's still ready for more. Then to go wrestle after our practice, or vice-versa, and excel at both sports?
“Unfortunately, we do not have CIC for boys swimming yet, only girls right now. His highest place at Sectional was 4th, which doesn't sound as good until you realize that the next stop after sectional is right to the state meet. So a 4th in sectional when the top one or two go to state would be the equivalent of going to regional or semi-state in other sports. He is also a school record holder in the 200 Free Relay.
“The other half of the equation that makes Matt such a role model, in addition to his work in the pool, is his spiritual and moral behavior outside of the pool. This is a young man unashamed of his Christianity. He treats others so well. Another thing about Matt, not reflected in his swimming, is he is involved in just about every club in the school, putting his stamp of hard work, morality and brains on each one of them. He's toward the top of his class in academics, a great multi-sport athlete, involved in his church and most other school clubs, is there anything the guy doesn't do well? There is no debate about BHS being a better place for having Matt Shoup as a student-athlete. And there is no doubt in my mind I am a better person for having the privilege of coaching Matt Shoup.”
First year soccer coach Brooks Holloway also talked about how Matt made those around him better.
“Matt Shoup was always positive and pushed his teammates to be better individuals. That is a trait that is not often found in a young person... the desire to help the people around you be better individuals and to put them first. Matt is definitely a person who everyone can take lessons from on bettering our individual character,” Holloway said.
Wrestling coach Rick Kauffman used a quote to start his thoughts on Matt . . . . "Hard times don't last, Hard people do.”
“Even through injury, pain, and tough times he never lost focus of what is most important in life, and that is his relationship with Jesus Christ. He balanced tough schedules and still remained dedicated to his teams. As a coach, I could not of asked for more than he gave on a daily basis. His dedication to mission accomplishment reflects great credit upon himself, Bruin athletics and to the Blackford School Corporation. If we had more individuals with their character and dedication, our athletic programs would be a force to reckoned with,” Kauffman said.
And just like it was on cue, Matt thanked many people but started with God.
“First I thank God for He deserves all glory honor and praise. My parents for their continual support throughout the four years. I want to thank coaches Todd Hill, MSG Kauffman, Brooks Holloway, and Dan Borgenheimer for the great job they have performed as coaches. Lastly the teammates who I have had the privilege of competing with,” Matt said.
“My time at BHS has always been a tight rope act of balancing the many activities I have been involved with. The experience I have gained through these activities has helped shaped who I am as an individual.”
Matt’s future plans are to enlist in the United States Air Force (USAF) and become a pararescueman in the armed forces.
