FZN Fall Sports Preview

FZN Fall Sports

Football

Head Coach - Joe Bacon (11th year)

Returning Starters: 4 on Offense, 3 on Defense

Top Returners: Grant Latina (Sr. WR/DB), Izayah Hudnut (Sr. RB/DB), Jaylin Vaughn (Sr. RB/LB), Cairo Payne (Jr. Multiple Offensive Positions/DB), Gavin Stricker (Jr. OL/DL)

Top Newcomers: Tay Higgs (Sr. OL/DL), Shaun Hall (Sr. OL/DL), Joel Hilliard (Sn. QB/LB), Izaiah Hartrup (Jr. RB/DB), Tim Nesslage (Jr. WR/DL)

Team Strengths: A solid work ethic and a determination to continue to living up the high standards set by previous teams. Strong leadership within several classes in the program.

Team Goals: Improve on last season's accomplishments (Class 5 Semi-Finalists). Compete for the GAC Central and District titles. Play great football every week.

First Game: 8/24 vs. Francis Howell - 7:00 pm @ FZN

Quote: "Last season we earned the best record in school history (12 - 1) and captured our 4th consecutive conference and district titles. However, last season is over. This is about a new group of boys with their own goals, their own strengths, and their own season to play out. The guys we're counting on the most in this current group have bought into the off season grind that is a must if you want a chance to be successful againt top tier teams. We will continue to play many quality team, both conference and non-conference, and we will be tested early and often throughout the season. This team is looking forward to the challenge of trying to raise the bar for our program one last notch through their hard work and determination." Joe Bacon

Girls Volleyball

Head Coach: Mark Morrison (3rd year)

Top Returners: Mya Young (Sr. - Middle Hitter), Amanda Eversgerd (Sr. - Outside Hitter), Kaite Grimes (Sr. - Defensive Specialist), Julia Riley (Sr. - Defensive Specialist), Mackenzie Janes (Sr. - Setter)

First Game: 8/27 vs. St. Charles - 5:00 pm @ FZN

Quote: "The FZN girls volleyball team approaches the 2018 season with confidence. We will relay heavily on our five seniors. The team put in a ton of hard work this off-season to correct last season's 10 - 18 record. The team will be led by Mya Young. She is a special player and will be our go-to player. Amanda Eversgerd, Katie Grimes, Julia Riley, and Mackenzie Janes all can be impact players for the Panthers. The 2018 season will be an exciting time for the volleyball program!" Mark Morrison

Cross Country

Head Coach: Josh Janisse (6th year)

Top Returners: Cole Sutton, Seth Gleason, Ryan Pendergast, Jimmy Schaeffer, Sydnie Hobday, Anna Bacon, Kayley Judy, Emily Howell, Emily Piel, Grace Rodgers

Top Newcomers: Belle Hill, Michael Hill, Issac Leon

First Race: 8/25 - FZN Invitational - 9:00 am @ FZN

Quote: "We are going to be a young squad this season. We look to continue to develop our student-athletes and get better over the next few years. This group of student-athletes have proven so far that they are willing to work hard and become the best they can be. Our goal is to compete our best week in and week out to honor the past and claim the future!" Josh Janisse

Girls Tennis

Head Coach: Charles Glotta (11th year)

Top Returners: Marlee Schlicting, Claire Schwalb, Mallory Hamai, Belle Govero, Claire Taylor, Rosie Roberts, Hanna Boyer, Chloe Horsch

Top Newcomers: Anna Meyer, Nicole Aston, Megan Bampton, Sophia Mueller

First Match: 8/24 vs. Fort Zumwalt West - 3:30 pm @ FZN

Quote: "The girls tennis team continues to grow and this year we have 44 team members! The ladies have been working hard and show a lot of potential. The coaching staff is excited about the team this year and are looking for continued improvement throughout the season. Additionally, not only is this a talented and athletic group of ladies on the court they also excel in the classroom!" Charles Glotta

Boys Soccer

Head Coach: Chris Stockmann (12th year)

Top Returners: Thomas DeAvilla, Cole Sutton, Logan Lowry, Noah Mueller, Owen Sears, Grant Rapplean, Chase Brandt

Top Newcomers: Mason Cochran, Davis Herbst

First Game: 8/25 vs. Warrenton - 9:00 am @ FZN

Quote: "We are always striving to compete for a conference and district titles...however we are focusing more on the process and approach to each game. If we can create opportunities we will be successful. The team strengths are their positive attitude and work ethic. The team has the ability to work together and push each other. All but two players (who are new) on the current roster played significant time last year." Chris Stockmann

Girl Golf

Head Coach: Dave Whitley (1st year)

#Coach Whitley has previously served as the head girls golf coach for six seasons.

Top Returners: Kiersten Oderman, Charlie Hoffman, Mya Walls

First Match: 8/27 vs. Liberty - 3:30 pm @ Golf Club of Wentzville

Quote: "Our goal is to have at least two golfers qualify for state. Expectations for each member of the girls golf team to see significant improvement in their scores due to strong use of fundamentals. We are strong in numbers as we currently have 18 ladies on the team!" Dave Whitley

Boys Swimmnig

Head Coach: Jay Young (6th year)

Top Returners: Julian Barker, Caleb Brown, Ben Brown, Grant Burkemper, Brenden Collins, Dax Durnin, Nolan Dyer, Teddy Hickey, Chance Orf, John Palmer, Nathan Swinney, Gus Wischmann

Top Newcomers: Evan Bernosky, Kenny Goeke, Edward Woods

First Meet: 8/28 vs. Pattonville - 3:00 pm @ Pattonville

Quote: "While this year's squad lacks in one or two top individual performers, they are extremely deep across all events. We will look to improve on last season's record and expect to move within the conference standings. We expect to qualify all three relays to state and have a good chance at multiple individual state qualifiers." Jay Young

Softball

Head Coach: Steve Siebert (9th year)

Top Returners: Jula Vedvig (12) (All-Conference 2017), Amanda Schmidt (12), Macie Blevins (12), Courtney Reiter (12), Lauren Jenkins (12), Jesse Thompson (12), Sydney Sonthimer (11) (All-Confernce 2017), Sarah Becker (11), Caiya Bamert (11), Ashley Niemczyk (10), Ally Schupp (10), Kelly Allensworth (10)

Top Newcomers: Jenna Christoff (10), Caroline Emge (9), Emma Woods (9), Victoria Martin (9), Bailey Lumley (12)

First Game: 8/24 vs. Cor-Jesu Academy - 4:00 @ Rockwood Summit Tournament

Quote: "This year we have an All-Disrict and or All-Conference players returning at catcher, and 2 infield spots. We have senior Jesse Tomson, who is currently out with an injury, returning at pitcher/1st base. Sophomore pitchers Ashley Niemczyk, Kelly Allensworth and Ally Schupp all saw time on varsity last season. This year we want to continue to build our young pitching staff and sharpen our focus for all 7 innings. Our goal is to improve both our offense and defense to become a more well-rounded and competitive team." Steve Siebert