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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 30, 2017)
Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, August 30, 2017 A9 WEDNESDAY August 30, 2017 Grant Union claims home tournament title Lady Pros host Culver Bulldogs at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle Grant Union battled up the bracket to victory Saturday at their home invitational vol- leyball tournament. The 2A Lady Prospec- tors beat 3A Burns 2-0 in the championship game with scores of 25-12 and 25-21. Pilot Rock fi nished in third place over Heppner. The championship match was a hard-fought win for Grant Union. The Hilanders stayed ahead early on in the fi nal set, and the teams tied the score a few times. At 20-19, the Pros- The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Grant Union Prospector Kaylee Wright moves the ball over the reach of Burns Hilanders. pectors held the lead for the 25-21 win. “It was a good matchup with quite a few long rallies and strong defensive plays,” said Grant Union head coach Shae Speth. “It was good to be challenged and have to come from behind.” Prospector Reagan Shelley said she was happy with the outcome. “It was good to see all of See TOURNEY, Page A10 The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Prairie City Panther Samantha Workman passes the ball, with her teammates Emily Ennis (foreground), Haley Pfefferkorn and Cassie Hire (23) in the action. Prairie City Panthers return with strong volleyball team Panthers host home invitational at 8 a.m. Saturday 2017 Prairie City Panther volleyball schedule By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle The Prairie City Panthers are ready to take the volleyball season by storm. The team of 19 is led by co-coach- es Lance and Louanne Zweygardt, though Lance has the offi cial “head coach” title. He’s in his fi fth year as head coach, and Louanne has 10 years of coaching experience. Prairie City, in the 1A High Desert League, fi nished in fourth place at the district tournament last year. The top three advance in district competition to the fi rst of two state playoff games before the state championship tourna- ment. With fi ve seniors and other players who’ve had some varsity experience, the team is confi dent about the upcom- ing season. Louanne said senior Brianna Zweygardt is returning as a strong set- ter, and senior Cassie Hire is returning as an excellent blocker. “Middle attack is something we’re looking forward to seeing lots out of her (Hire),” Louanne said. “They all have something to of- fer,” she added. “We are making some adjustments from last year to make a difference in the top end of our play, but it will take some time to develop.” Brianna was recognized as Set- ter of the Year in the league the past two seasons. She also received an All State volleyball honorable mention as a sophomore, and led the team stats in serving, setting, hit/tipping and block- ing. “We have a really good team dy- namic this year,” Brianna said. “We work really well together, and there’s no drama, so it makes the playing en- vironment fun, and I’m very excited for the season.” Hire was named to the All League second team last year. She said her goal this year is to work on her middle hitting skills, and work with the setter, Brianna. “I think we have a strong team this The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Prairie City sophomore Hailee Wall, right, passes the ball to sophomore Aleah Johns in a recent practice. Seniors Cassie Hire Mariah McClung Brianna Zweygardt year,” Hire said. “I think it will be good as we progress more. I’m look- ing forward to playing with my team.” The other three seniors, Mariah McClung, Megan Camarena and Sier- ra Dahlen, also have a good outlook on the season. “We have a lot of positive com- munication,” McClung said. “I think what’s exciting is a lot of the girls are here to learn and are committed.” Camarena said being a senior role model is a big responsibility, and so far, she said, they are doing well. “I’m looking forward to being very Megan Camarena family-like this year,” she said. Dahlen said she’s been impressed at the work ethic of the fi ve freshmen. “It makes us happy as seniors to see that because they are the future leaders,” she said. “Defi nitely, every- one is working really hard this year. I don’t see anyone giving up or not try- ing their best.” Three juniors and six sophomores round out the varsity and junior var- sity teams. See VOLLEYBALL, Page A10 New head coach leads Panther varsity football Panthers host Spray/Mitchell at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle A new head coach is lead- ing the Prairie City Panther football team as they move up the ranks this season, from ju- nior varsity to varsity. Nate Barber, who was as- sistant coach last year, is lead- ing the team of 16 players. He said the athletes on this year’s roster are bringing size and speed they were lacking last year. Barber has 15 years of over- all coaching experience, includ- ing three as a head coach and The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Assistant coach David Packard, left, and head coach Nate Barber instruct the Prairie City Panther team during last Wednesday’s practice. 12 as an assistant. He trained his two now-grown sons in the sport. Recalling his time as a high school football player, Sierra Dahlen Barber said, “My dream was to play at Ricks College.” He grew up in Rexburg, See COACH, Page A10 The Eagle/Angel Carpenter The Prairie City Panthers will host Burns at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, beginning with junior varsity and followed by varsity. In the photo, sophomore Rilee Emmel passes to sophomore Mariah McClung in practice. Aug. 30: JV/V vs. Burns, 4 p.m. Sept. 1: V vs. Spray/ Mitchell, 5 p.m. Sept. 2: Prairie City Tournament, JV/V, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 8: JV/V vs. Pine Eagle, 4 p.m. Sept. 15: V @ Burnt River in Unity. 4 p.m. Sept. 16: V at Interleague Jamboree in North Powder, TBD Sept. 21: JV/V vs. Grant Union, 5 p.m. Sept. 22: JV/V vs. Harper (homecoming), 4 p.m. Sept. 23: V @ Crane Tournament, TBD Sept. 27: JV/V @ Burns, 4 p.m. Sept. 28: JV vs. Long Creek/Ukiah, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29: JV/V @ Hun- tington, 2 p.m. Sept. 30: JV/V @ Monu- ment/Dayville in Monu- ment, 2 p.m. Oct. 6: JV/V vs. Jordan Valley (senior night), 4 p.m. Oct. 12: JV/V @ Grant Union, 5 p.m. Oct. 13: JV/V @ Crane, 2 p.m. Oct. 14: JV/V @ Adrian, 3 p.m. Oct. 21: District tourna- ment in John Day Oct. 25: First round state playoffs Oct. 28: Second round state playoffs Nov. 3-4: State Volleyball Championship Tournament at Ridgeview High School in Redmond Youth compete at fair Rodeo By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle Saturday’s Grant Coun- ty Kids/Junior Rodeo brought out many youth competitors for their own fair rodeo. Fair rodeo board mem- ber Jim Hamsher spear- headed the event with other volunteers, includ- ing Trever Hamsher, Car- ol Waggoner, Bryan Mar- tin and Tanner Way. The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Hamsher said the kids seemed “elated” to com- Kase Schaffeld is successful in breakaway at Saturday’s pete, and the winners Grant County Kids/Junior Rodeo. were happy with their belt Jim Hamsher said he was buckle awards. See rodeo results especially glad to hear pos- “I’d like to thank the and more photos itive comments about the volunteers who helped out on Page A10 event. and those who donated the “It was really nice, and stock,” he said. it makes it all worthwhile Among those donating stock were Monte Legg, Cracken, Abby Winegar, when you get to see the Larry Finley, Trevor Faulk- Brandon Culley, Tyler Wag- smiles on the kids’ faces,” ner, Didgette and Joe Mc- goner and Simmie Waddel. he said.