The seasons have changed and now we are into spring. With that being said, we have numerous spring sports teams underway. Elder has had a very successful season with all sports teams this year and I don’t expect it to change heading into spring athletics.

First up is baseball. Elder lost 10 seniors due to graduation but bring back plenty of talent. Senior captains Keith Orloff, Frankie Hofmeyer, and Justin Ward will look to see the same success as past teams. Along with the captains senior Brandon Vornhagen, Matt Wall, Matt Wellbrock and Alec Ulhorn will look to help lead the Panthers. Juniors Kyle Service and Josh Powell will be key players in the season. The Panthers already boast a 4-1 record on the year. They only have given up on average one run per game. Notable games ahead for the Panthers are at Marge Schott Stadium against LaSalle (April 13^th) and at Great American Ballpark facing McNicholas on April 15^th. Senior Brandon Vornhagen gave some insight on the rest of the year for the Panthers.

“I’m really excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds for us. We have a lot of talent this year and think we can compete for a GCL title if we play the way we know we are capable of,” said Vornhagen.

He told me that he is excited but sad that it is last year playing baseball for Elder.

Elder Lacrosse will look to build off a 7 win season last year. Sitting at 2-1 on the year with wins over LaSalle and Oak Hills they will look to continue on the roll they are on. Senior captain Sam “Samurai” Middendorf has high hopes for the lax team.

“I want to win every single game this year. This year we have a lot of shooters which is going to be a nice help on offense.”

Now, this is how Middendorf put this so bear with me people. “The boy Luke “Nuke” Newell, and Preston Winner can ‘rip some cheddar’”, said MiddendorfHe told me Ross Mullen is a force on the field.

He said that the defense has some big boys.

“Brian Smedley, Corbin Scholtes and myself can lay the wood on defense. Corbin really brings the fun to the defensive side. He is there to lay the lumber but also there to make you smile,” said Middendorf.

Other laxers who will look to help continue to build up the program are Jack Mazza, Sam Telles and goalie Jake Lammers.

All photos are credited to Varsity Views.

Gallery • 11 Photos

Jacob Becker Geiser

Robby Oswald in mid stride before pole vaulting.

Before I get into Elder Tennis, I could not find any photos of the team on EHSports or Varsity Views. I am so sorry. Elder Tennis will look to continue its recent success this spring. Last year the tennis team went 12-5 and returns five players from last year’s varsity. Antonio DiLonardo is one of the seniors on the team who excited to see what the season brings for Elder.

“We have a lot of talented seniors this year in Ryan Bengel, Bryce Wauligman, Joe Meade, Hunter Steimle, and Joe Merkle,” said DiLo.

He told me he likes the team’s chances of competing in the postseason and is looking forward to how the season plays out.

He said he is excited to see Danny Hurley, Elliot Reiring and Brandon Cole grow and get a glimpse as to what the future holds for the Tennis program.

Elder Track and Field is looking to turn some heads this year. Senior sprinters Brandon Meyer and Zach Viox are excited to see what the team has to bring to the track this year.

“I think we aren’t as good as we were last year, but if we train hard enough and run confidently we can be better than people think,” said both Meyer and Viox.

They told me Nick Hall and Mitch Ward can potentially very good point scorers for the Panthers.

“Those two are very promising young talent,” said Meyer.

Senior Robby Oswald will look to continue off last year’s ridiculous year and help gain the Panthers points from field events.

When it comes to the long distance guys, seniors Eric Ostertag and Kyle Kehling will look to lead the Panthers in their respective events. Juniors Ryan and Andrew Schenkal will be key runners to help give the Panthers points this year. Don’t forget about the weight men led by Sam Florian. They will be able to help get the Panthers some solid points as well. With the GCL being wide open this year I expect the Panthers to be competing for the top spot.

Elder Volleyball returns a lot of key players from last year’s team. The Panthers gained a number three preseason state ranking heading into the year. The Panthers are a clear favorite to be a team competing for the state championship this year. After last season’s 21-5 record they will look to get back to the state title game this year. Seniors Jared Malott, Pat O’Conner, and Jake Luebbe will look to propel the Panthers up state. The Panthers are very deep this year and guys like Michael Hilvert and junior Alex Witte will be key hitters for Elder this season. And don’t forget about Matthew Stacklin, Nathan Duke, and Steve Comarata. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Panthers playing in a state championship game this year.

For all spring sports schedules go to EHSports. It will be a very eventful and exciting spring for Panther sports.