FOOTBALL PREVIEW:
Miami East coach Max Current enters his 24th year as the head football coach for the Vikings and has compiled a career record of 129-109. Current and his team are coming off of a 4-6 overall record a year ago and a 3-4 record in the TRC where 14 seniors were lost to graduation.
However, the Vikings return nine lettermen from a year ago in seniors Brock Ritchea (DB/QB), Dylan Williams (DL/TE/OL), Connor Dalton (LB/RB), Jayden Skeeby (DL/OL) and Layton Burke (LB/TE), juniors Michael Hohenstein (DB/WR) and Kyle Vernon (DL/OL), along with sophomores Aaron Mills (DB/RB) and Luke Bowsher (LB/RB).
Offensively, Dylan Williams, Michael Hohenstein and Brock Ritchea lead the way as the most experienced players at skills positions. All three also are key contributors on defense, along with Connor Dalton and Jayden Skeeby. These five key players accounted for 201 tackles a year ago, which should translate into a solid defense, – a [hase of the game that has been the staple of Miami East football over the years.
With the experience and talent Current has on his roster, he hopes his team can achieve some lofty goals in 2022.
“We look forward to competing for a Three Rivers Conference Title and a Play-Off berth,” stated Current. “We need players to step-up at Offensive Line; Running Back; Tight End; Defensive Line and Defensive Back. We need to find a kicker.”
VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW:
Danielle Batt and Dan Peterson return once again to lead the Miami East volleyball program after a 12-13 overall recored and 12-4 record in the TRC a year ago.
“We expect the 2022 season to be a great one for Miami East volleyball,” commented Batt. “We return a solid group of letter winners along with young players who are looking to make an impact at the varsity level. We had a competitive summer and look to continue that as we head into the 2022 season.”
Key returners for the Lady Vikings include senior outside hitter Meg Gilliland, senior middle hitter Megan McDowell and junior setter Ava Prince.
“The goals never change for our program,” continued Batt. “We want to win the conference (TRC) and make it back to regionals. Those will always be the goals and expectations for this program.”
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW:
Alan Russell has led the Miami East cross country program for 14 years and the success of the program has been impressive over the years. Last season the Vikings finished runner-up in the TRC and return some talented runners in 2022.
The key returners are seniors Josh Amheiser, Clark Bennett and Elijah Willmeth, along with junior Andrew Crane.
“I hope all of our runners continue to put in a good effort and show great improvement throughout the season,” said Russell. “I hope our upperclassmen can display a great work ethic and leadership. We had a strong junior team last year. I hope they are able to adopt to the longer distances in high school racing. I hope that we can be at or near the top of the Three Rivers Conference when it comes time for the championship meet.”
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW:
Alan Russell also leads the girls cross country program and hopes to repeat as the league champions in the TRC.
“I expect the girls to be competitive throughout the season,” Russell said. “I hope we can be able to be at or near the top of the Three Rivers Conference at the championship meet. I hope all of the girls are able to work hard, stay healthy, stay motivated, and show great improvement throughout the year.”
Returning to lead the charge for the Lady Vikings are senior Kendal Staley, junior Maryn Gross and sophomore Rhylee Eichorn.
GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW:
Miami East finished with a 10-4-2 overall record a year ago and tied for second in the TRC standings with a 5-3 record.
The Lady Vikings return ten seniors in 2022 – Lauren Barnes, Rachel Haak, Jesse Lang, Maddy Latimer, Delaney Osborne, Annika Paton, Claire Posey, Sera Rush, Linda Snodgrass and Talia Stace.
Also returning are juniors Logan Phillips, Kenneddee Elifritz, Maria Bowman and Maryn Gross, plus sophomores Brooke Shafer and Katie Paulus. Freshman Mara Fine joins the varsity roster to provide adequate depth.
