Fall Sports Preview
      After putting two sports banners up in 2004-2005, Mount Michael students and staff have high expectations for this year’s fall sports. Junior starting quarterback Jake Ridder will be protected by an all senior offensive line. The tennis team loses two seniors from the 2004-2005 season, leaving high hopes for winning the state championship. As for the cross country team, six runners put in over 300 miles during the summer, including 520 miles from junior Nick Michalak.

      This is now the second year of being in Class B for the Knight’s football team, and the expectations are high. “I think it’s a realistic goal that we will make the playoffs this year,” commented coach John Roshone. One of the team’s strong points is its offensive line, which includes Tim Huss, Aaron Anderson, James Clark, Kyle Bradshaw and Cole Bunner. Jake Ridder is taking over the quarterback from 2004-2005 athlete of the year Blake Suing. “I’m really looking forward to a great season,” added junior running back Pat Pick.

      Junior Andrew Dunlay has set lofty goals for the tennis team, “I really think that we have a good shot at winning state this year,” Dunlay commented. Dunlay is playing No.1 singles this year, while senior Sam Weitkemper takes the No. 2 singles spot. “I really think that Sam and I can both win our divisions at state this year,” Dunlay added.

      After not making it to state for the first time in 20 years last year, the Knight’s cross country team has their eyes focused on state. “We have to stay injury free if we want to be successful,” commented junior Nick Hall. Nick Michalak set the standard for summer running by clipping off 520 miles, beating the previous record by 16 miles. The top four finishers from districts last year are returning for the Knights. This includes seniors Tom Murphy, Paul Faryna and Steve Dunning. Sophomore Colten Venteicher also joins this group. “This should be an exciting year with the depth and quality that we have,” said coach Tim Struckman. “They worked hard this summer and have something to prove after the district meet last year.”

      Expectations are high for this year’s fall sports, especially with the leadership present from the senior class. The Knight’s football team competed well in its first year of Class B, and hopes to improve even more with this season. Both the tennis and cross country teams are also looking to improve from last year’s performance at districts and state. Good luck to all the coaches, fans and players! Go Knights! -John Dewald