Cougar tennis team drops season opener

VW independent sports

The Cougars opened their season at home and picked up wins at first and third singles, but fell to Archbold 3-2 on Friday.

Lauren Gearhart cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Baegan Gerken at first singles, while Allie Spieles enjoyed a similar win at third singles, 6-1, 6-1 over Claire Bailey.

At second singles, Archbold’s Willa Ruffer defeated Madilyan Thompson 6-2, 6-1. The first doubles team of Autumn Nafzinger and Logan Ruffer topped Van Wert’s Ella Kimmel and Bristol Wollet 6-4, 6-1, while the Archbold second doubles team of Bella Miller and Courtney Stuckey defeated Annabelle Miller and Eli Miller 6-0, 6-1.

Van Wert (0-1) will host Lehman Catholic at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

VW independent prep golf roundup

VW independent sports

Boys golf

Cougars compete in Lucas County

OREGON — Van Wert made the trip to Maumee Bay Golf Course in Oregon to compete in the 14-team Tom Pickerel Invitational on Thursday, and the Cougars finished sixth with a score of 348.

Van Wert senior Zach Stoller had the third best score overall with a 77 and all of the Cougars made big improvements from Wednesday’s tournament. Senior Noah Krites carded an 87, and in his first appearance junior Beau Bear shot a 98. Van Wright came in with a 99 and Zander Bear finished with a 103.

“I was very pleased with the improvements we saw on the course today,” Van Wert head coach Kim Doidge said. “Everyone had goals that they were working to obtain, and we did a nice job achieving these goals. Our goal is to get better each time we complete and we did this today.”

Perrysburg won the event with a 310, followed by Eastwood carding a 329 and Oregon Clay rounding out the top three with a 330. The match medalist was Van Buren’s Jake Schroeder with a 3-under par 69. The runner-up Medalist went to Eastwood’s Easton Speck with a 74.

The Cougars will return to action Friday at Celina Lynx Golf Course for an 18- hole invitational.

Lancers set new record

BRYAN — Lincolnview shot a school record score and finished second on a tiebreaker at the Edgerton Invitational at Suburban Golf Course on Thursday.

The Lancers shot a 318, which bested the previous record of 320 set back in 1998. Bosten Bailey tied for medalist honors with a 75, and was followed by Jacob Geier (78), Seth Brant (79), and Aiden Milligan (86).

Pettisville’s JV team also shot a 318 and won the 12-team invitational on the tiebreaker.

Knights compete in NWC tri-match

BLUFFTON – At the Bluffton Golf Club on Thursday, Columbus Grove topped Bluffton and Crestview 156-176-206.

The Knights were led by Chase Feasby, who shot a 46. He was followed by Kash Lichtensteiger (50), Maverik Hammons (54), and Drayden Hoffman and Zaine Cereghin (56 each).

Girls golf

Lincolnview 196 Wapakoneta 233

Grace Custer carded a 46 to earn match medalist honors and to lead Lincolnview to a 196-233 dual match victory over Wapakoneta at Willow Bend Country Club on Thursday.

Bellamy Miller was two strokes behind at 48, and Eme Renner shot a 49. Avery Zielke finished with a score of 53. Wapakoneta was led by Hannah Lee, who shot a 51.

WBL predictions: a new champ in 2026?

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

Wapakoneta has won at least a share of the WBL championship every year since 2018. That doesn’t count the 2020 season, when no league champion was crowned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the stretch, the Redskins are 59-4 in league play. That makes them the favorites again in 2026, right? Yes and no.

Wapakoneta (11-1 in 2025) suffered staggering losses to graduation, including first team All-Ohio quarterback Caleb Moyer, who is now at Bowling Green. The Redskins also lost top notch talent up front on both sides of the ball. Despite that, Wapak returns 18 letterwinners and the team isn’t giving up the crown without a fight. In fact, one can easily argue that the Redskins are league champs until someone knocks them off. But with the season fast approaching, the VW independent believes a rival team that’s about 20 minutes away from Wapakoneta will dethrone the defending champions this fall.

Here are this year’s preseason predictions. Admittedly, after the first three spots, things get murky pretty quickly. The middle spots could be interchangeable.

1 – St. Marys Memorial: It’s no secret that the Roughriders (7-3, 7-2 in 2025) love to run the football out of their old school Wing-T offense. Last year’s squad led all WBL teams with 293 yards per game on the ground and similar results are expected this year. It’s a nightmare for opposing coaches because few teams still run that style of offense, making it extremely difficult to prepare for. Last year, Caleb Schmidt was the WBL’s second leading rusher (255-1661, 26 touchdowns regular season), but he’s been lost to graduation. For a team like St. Marys Memorial, that’s not necessarily a problem. Coach Bo Frye’s system is a plug and play system and the next man up is Dyllan Fink, who rushed for 682 yards and a pair of scores last year. Hunter Codiron, Tre Moore and others will see time in the backfield as well. Quarterback Aiden Meinerding, who ran the offense well but seldom had to pass, was lost to graduation. Logan Payton is the frontrunner to step into that spot. The majority of the offensive line is back, which is a tremendous help and it’s a big part of why the Roughriders are the preseason pick to win the league title. Along with the offense, there’s significant returning experience on defense, including last year’s WBL leading tackler, Taylor Compton, along with several two and three year letterwinners. The Roughriders will host defending WBL champion Wapakoneta on September 18.

2 – Wapakoneta: It’s probably not too wise to pick against the defending champions. Wapakoneta may very well capture at least a share of this year’s title but to do so, they’ll have to break in plenty of new faces. All is not lost, because many of those players saw substantial game action last season. Make no mistake, this is a team that isn’t going to plummet in the standings. The bar has long been set for Travis Moyer’s club. The biggest shoes to fill will be those of first team All-Ohio quarteback Caleb Moyer, All-Ohio lineman Mason Ludwig, and All-Ohio wide receiver Kaleb Page. Leading rusher Jarett Mullen (588 yards, six touchdowns) was also lost to graduation. Like St. Marys Memorial, Wapakoneta’s program is a plug-and-play program, which is a big compliment to both programs and the players.

Heavyweights to battle for NWC crown

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

There’s really no other way to say it – the 2026 NWC title race appears to be a three-team race.

Columbus Grove has won three straight conference titles and four of the last five. The Bulldogs haven’t lost a NWC game since September 16, 2022, a 7-0 loss at Allen East. Conventional wisdom says Columbus Grove should be the favorite to add another title. However, another team is the VW independent’s pick to win this year’s NWC football championship. After the top three teams, there are many questions that need to be answered. It should be a very interesting year in the conference.

Here is the predicted order of finish, along with team capsules.

1 – Lima Central Catholic: The Thunderbirds (10-2 in 2025) have a wealth of returning talent, including do-everything quarterback Brady Parker, who recently committed to play football at the University of Findlay. Last season, Parker passed for over 1,500 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for more than 800 yards and seven more touchdowns. He’ll operate behind an offensive line that has three returning starters and receiver Michael Quatman (41-639, seven touchdowns) is back as well. Carter Lester, who rushed for over 400 yards last year, is back. Defensively, the front seven will be stout and overall, Lima Central Catholic’s athleticism will present problems for all opponents.

2 – Columbus Grove: Freshman Rylan Palte appears poised to replace four-year starter Landon Best at quarterback. He’ll operate behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters, along with running back Brody McCluer, who rushed for over 600 yards and six touchdowns last season. Columbus Grove (10-4) returns seven offensive starters and nine defensive starters. By the way, circle Week No. 4, September 11, on the calendar. It’s the NWC opener and the Bulldogs will host Lima Central Catholic. It could also be the NWC championship game. I should note — the last time I didn’t pick the Bulldogs to win the NWC was 2021. They went 10-0 that season and presented me with a ball signed by the entire team. Who knows, the same thing could happen again.

3 – Bluffton: Bluffton (8-3) should score points left and right again. Last year, the Pirates averaged 42 points per game. Dual-threat quarterback Tayte Giesege is back for his senior season. Last year, he passed for 2,263 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions and ran for 646 and eight more scores, all during the regular season. Giesage is one of 20 returning letterwinners for the Pirates. On defense, Bluffton has an experienced defensive line and in the secondary. Honestly, third seems too low and it’s very possible the Pirates will prove me wrong.

4 – Allen East: New head coach Shane Wireman had success at Waynesfield-Goshen and was able to turn Shawnee around. He’ll try to do the same at his alma mater. With 23 letterwinners, this slot may be too low for the Mustangs (3-7 in 2025). Running back Miles McDorman is back after rushing for 1,020 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while Keagan Jones threw for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. If nothing else, Allen East should be balanced this season. Improvement will be needed on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, the Mustangs gave up 34 points or more in six games.

Cougar golfers face tough competition

VW independent sports/submitted information

OTTAWA — The Cougar Golf Team traveled to the always tough Ken Schnipke  Kalida Invitational at Moose Landing Golf Course in Ottawa on Wednesday. Many of the area’s best teams in Division II and Division III participated.

Division III teams dominated the three of the top four spots as Pettisville held off Ottoville to take the top honors. Host Kalida took home a fourth place finish. The top Division II teams consisted of third place Ottawa-Glandorf, fifth place Napoleon, and sixth place Liberty Benton.

• Pettisville 307
• Ottoville 310
• Ottawa Glandorf 317
• Kalida 324
• Napoleon 330
• Liberty-Benton 332

The next five teams were all very close as Berea-Midpark (342) nipped Delphos St. Johns (343) by a single shot and two shots over Columbus Grove (344). Archbold and Ottawa Hills tied for 10th place at 348.

Van Wert managed a 17th place finish out of 20 teams. Senior Zach Stoller led the way with a 23rd place finish with a score of 82. Fellow senior Noah Krites had a 90, freshman Joey Keysor tallied a 97 and sophomore Van Wright scoring a 107. Junior Zander Coleman rounded out the Cougar scoring with a 109.

The overall individual leaderboard and top 10:

• 73 Grady Short – Archbold (match medalist)
• 74 Gavin Knierim – Pettisville (runner-up medalist)
• 75 Grant Boyers – Pettisville
• 76 Reid Miller – Ottoville
• 76 Parker Langhals – Ottoville
• 76 Evan Altenburger – Ottoville
• 76 Alex Bellman – Ottawa Glandorf
• 77 Chris Rall – Kalida
• 77 Graycen Osterday – Pettisville
• 78 Dalton Hyman – Columbus Grove

The Cougars will be back in action on Thursday as they will travel Maumee Bay Golf Course for the Genoa Invitational.

On the course…

Cougar golfers Noah Krites (above) and Joseph Keysor (below) were in action at the Ken Schnipke Invitational at Moose Landing on Wednesday. Keysor. Krites shot a 90, while Keysor carded a 97 on the day. Photos courtesy of Mike Hernandez

VWHS selling season tickets, punch passes

Submitted information

Van Wert High School is selling season tickets for the upcoming football season, along with adult and student punch passes for most other athletic events.

Football season tickets

Fans can purchase football season tickets at the Van Wert High School athletic director’s office from Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Additionally, those attending the Crestview football scrimmage on Friday, August 14, and not making any changes from the 2025 season can buy tickets at the event from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Season ticket holders for 2026 will retain the same seats. New season ticket purchasers can select their seats when visiting the athletic department office. Tickets are priced at $40 and can be paid by cash or check, made out to Van Wert City Schools. Please note, tickets will not be mailed.

Adult punch passes

Adult punch passes for the 2026-2027 school year will be available at the high school athletic department, middle school office, and elementary office starting Monday, August 10, and will remain available throughout the year. Adult punch passes are valid for all athletic contests during the same period except for varsity football and boys’ basketball games. All tournament games are also excluded from punch passes. An adult 10-punch pass costs $70. All passes are non-refundable. Lost or stolen passes will not be replaced.

Student punch passes

Student punch passes for the 2026-2027 school year will be available at the high school athletic department, middle school office, and elementary office starting Monday, August 10, and will remain available throughout the year. Student punch passes are valid for all athletic contests during the same period, including varsity football and boys’ basketball games. All tournament games are excluded from punch passes. A student 5-punch pass costs $20, and a student 10-punch pass costs $40. All passes are non-refundable. Lost or stolen passes will not be replaced.

Individual game ticket prices 

• Regular season JV/varsity contests: $8 for adults and $5 for students. 
• JV/freshman-only and middle school events: $5 for adults and $3 for students. 
• If freshman, junior varsity, and varsity events are combined, or if middle school and high school events are combined (for example, wrestling matches), ticket prices will be $8 for adults and $5 for students.

Lincolnview offering digital sports passes

Submitted information

The Lincolnview Local Schools athletic department is providing fans the opportunity to purchase a digital adult All Sports Pass. The digital adult all sports pass admits one for all regular season high school soccer, volleyball, girls’ basketball and wrestling contests and for all junior high volleyball, wrestling, and girls’ and boys’ basketball games. The digital adult all sports pass is not good for admission to boys’ varsity basketball games.

Lincolnview has partnered with Hometown Ticketing to provide the digital pass. Digital passes are $65 and can be purchased at https://lincolnview.hometownticketing.com/embed/all. There is a credit card processing fee for the transaction.

Fans who prefer the traditional hard copy adult all sports pass can purchase them in the high school office beginning Wednesday, August 5. Passes are $65.

All Lincolnview students have access to a free digital “All Sports Pass.” The student digital all sports pass admits one to all Lincolnview regular season home events, including varsity boys’ basketball games. Students will use their student ID (lunch PIN) to access the pass. Students are encouraged to keep the digital pass on their phone to scan for admission to athletic events or they can print the pass to scan for admission.

During the first week of school, students will receive guidance from the Athletic Department on downloading their digital pass. Student digital passes can be accessed at https://lincolnview.hometownticketing.com/embed/all. There is not a processing fee for the transaction.

Football practice…

Line technique was part of Tuesday morning’s Van Wert football practice. The Cougars will continue practicing this week and will host a quad scrimmage with Paulding, Lima Central Catholic and defending Division VII state champion St. Henry on Friday. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Lady Lancers host golf invitational

VW independent sports

At Willow Bend Country Club on Tuesday, Delphos St. John’s captured the Lady Lancers Invitational by five strokes. The Blue Jays finished with a 378, while Defiance was the runner-up at 383. Delphos Jefferson finished third (408), followed by host Lincolnview (426), Celina (441), Miller City (451), Bluffton (459) and Wayne Trace (470). Antwerp had two girls compete as individuals.

Defiance’s Ava Hesselschwardt shot a 69 and was the medalist. Megan Kerner of Delphos St. John’s was the runner-up (79). Rounding out the top 10: Anna Lammers (Miller City, 81); Brylee Geary (Delphos Jefferson, 82); Ella Crosby (Wayne Trace, 89); K. Geary (Delphos Jefferson, 90); Faith Cross (Delphos St. John’s, 91); Grace Custer (Lincolnview, 94); Josie Schnipke (Miller City, 95), and Ava Kelley (Celina, 99).