Madison Winn passes another runner. (Submitted photos)

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Hilander cross country runners traveled to Coos Bay to compete in the Prefontaine  Run.

They ran in the high school 5,000-meter race, and on the boys side, Victor Kegley finished in 18:27, placing 30th out of 151 runners. Zan Rickman placed 85th in a time of 21:05.

For the girls, Madison Winn placed ninth, running the course in a time of 21:27. Hannah Moore set a personal record (PR) with a time of 26:06 and placed 53rd. There were 101 runners in the girls race.

On Friday, Sept. 23, the Hilanders competed in the Far East Salem Invitational in Redmond.

“It was unusually hot for the race at Sam Johnson park,” Burns coach Erron Mertz noted. Bend, Redmond and Condon/Wheeler also attended the meet.

Zan Rickman (center) runs with a small pack.

For the boys, Kegley took 11th in a time of 19:55 and Rickman was 29th with a time of 22:27. There were 63 total runners in the race.

On the girls side, Winn placed eighth in 22:51. Moore ran the course in a time of 26:14, only eight seconds off her PR from the Prefontaine, and placed 22nd. There were 63 runners in this race as well.

“Just seeing how strong each of these athletes finish their race is a testament to how hard they are working,” Mertz said. “Running 3.1 miles is tiring enough, but to have the power to step it up at the end takes great effort. I am proud of them and look forward to the remainder of the season.”

The Crane defense gets ready for the snap by Harper-Huntington. (Photo by DEBBIE RANEY)

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

It was Crane’s defense that dictated the outcome of the Mustangs’ league-opening game on Sept. 16; and using the opportunities opened up by the defense, the offense scored eight times for a 56-0 Crane victory.

With three sacks, seven tackles for loss, a pass interception and three fumble recoveries, the Mustangs held the Harper-Huntington (HH) team to less than 100 offensive yards in the game. HH’s first possession ended in a Riley Joyce tackle behind the line of scrimmage, giving Crane great field position on their own 31.

In spite of 25 yards worth of penalties, the Mustangs took their first possession into the end zone on a Cole Maupin run to the right. The first quarter ended with Crane having just six points on the board.

The offense picked up the pace during the second quarter, and the Mustangs scored four touchdowns with three conversions in the period.

The first touchdown came after Maupin, Greg Thompson and Levi Miller had made big yardage gains, and Crane was on the two-yard line. Quarterback Ryan Opie followed Quinton Nyman straight through HH’s defense, scoring at 10:57 in the quarter.

After two Cash Casey sacks on HH’s quarterback,  Joyce recovered a fumble for the Mustangs with only 16 yards to go to the end zone. Opie and Maupin ran an option to the right, Opie pitched 11 yards in, and Maupin scored again with nearly nine minutes on the clock. With a successful two-point conversion, Crane had a 20-0 lead.

After going three and out, thanks to a Thompson sack and two stops for loss, HH attempted to fake a punt. Thomas O’Toole came up to make the stop before HH got the first down, and the Mustangs took over on HH’s 45-yard line.

On Crane’s fourth snap, Miller came across the flat, left to right, 10 yards deep. Opie fired the ball, Miller pulled in the pass, and ran untouched into the end zone.

Wilson Witzel took the hand off for the conversion, and the Mustangs were  up 28-0, with 4:18 left in the first half. And, they would score once more before halftime.

Donald McDermond and Joyce pushed HH backward on the ensuing possession, forcing another punt. Downfield on the kick, Opie got under the ball at the 30-yard line and found a lane to run 70 yards in for another score. Thompson added another two-point conversion, and the Mustangs went to the locker room at the half ahead, 36-0.

Crane had the ball to open the third quarter, with freshman Travis Landon taking the snap. Using Thompson and Maupin on the ground and Miller in the air, the Mustangs moved the line of scrimmage to the five-yard line. Seven plays and four first downs later, Thompson went the last five yards for another Crane touchdown. Maupin sprinted in the conversion for a 44-0 score, with 7:05 on the clock.

The Mustangs’ defense kept HH stagnate during the remainder of the third quarter with a Landon interception and a Tanner Titus forced fumble and recovery.

At the nine-minute mark of the fourth, Crane began a drive on their own 20. Landon handed the ball to Witzel, who found a hole that Tim Thomas opened up on the left side. Witzel went the 80 yards, and the Mustangs were up 50-0. The clock went to running time.

HH had only two snaps on their next possession. A fumble, recovered by Crane’s Nick Witzel, set the Mustangs up for their final score of the day, beginning on HH’s 34.

The Mustangs moved the ball to the 12 on Jeff Davies, Joyce, Witzel and Landon carries. On the sixth play, Landon found Corbin Hammond open on the right side, and Hammond scored the Mustangs’ final six points.

The game ended with an Austin Roath and Michael Casey sack.

1    2    3    4   Final
Cra       6  30   8    12    56
HH       0    0    0    0      0

First quarter
Crane — Cole Maupin 3 run (run failed) 3:02
Second quarter
Crane — Ryan Opie 2 run (pass failed) 10:57
Crane — Maupin 16 run (Maupin run) 8:49
Crane — Levi Miller 31 pass from Opie (Wilson Witzel run) 4:18
Crane — Opie 70 punt return (Greg Thompson run) 1:22
Third quarter
Crane — Thompson 5 run (Maupin run) 7:05
Fourth quarter
Crane — Witzel 80 run (run failed) 8:42
Crane — Corbin Hammond 12 pass from Travis Landon (run failed) 2:15
Individual statistics
RUSHING—Thompson 8-40, Maupin 10-79, Opie 6-87, Witzel 4-111, Riley Joyce 2-0, Jeff Davies 1-14.
PASSING—Opie 2-2-0-51, Landon 2-3-0-26.
RECEIVING—Miller 3-65, Hammond 1-12.
FUMBLE RECOVERY—Joyce 1, Tanner Titus 1, Nick Witzel 1.
PASS INTERCEPTION—Landon 1.
TACKLES Solo/Assisted—Cash Casey 1/10, Titus 1/0, Michael Casey 0/5, Joyce 1/15, Thompson 1/8, Maupin 2/4, Opie 2/3, Thomas O’Toole 3/4, Donald McDermond 0/6, Witzel 1/5, Davies 1/0, Blaise Schultz 1/1, Landon 1/3, Roath 0/1.

By Randy Parks

Maggie Thompson blasts the ball past a defender in Burns’ win over Nyssa. (Photo by RANDY PARKS)

Burns Times-Herald

The Hilander volleyball team won all six of their matches on their way to picking up the championship trophy at the Burns Invitational held on Saturday, Sept. 10.

In the final match of the day, Brittainy Houck racked up 12 of the Hilanders’ 21 kills, and Maddye Dinsmore had 19 assists as Burns downed Eastern Oregon League (EOL) rival Vale, 26-24, 25-22.

Houck also had 10 of the team’s 33 digs and Tanzie Bodeen added nine.

Burns opened up the tournament with pool play wins over Nyssa, Columbia Christian and Baker.

The Hilanders downed Nyssa 25-15, 25-17.

Houck had a team-high 10 kills, and Abbey Fenton added another seven. Dinsmore was again the team leader in assists with 21.

In their second match of the day, Burns topped Columbia Christian 25-20, 25-21.

Fenton recorded 18 kills and 12 digs, Dinsmore 24 assists and five digs, Houck four kills and Bodeen six digs.

The Hilanders finished off pool play with a 25-17, 25-16 win over Baker. Fenton had 13 of the team’s 21 kills, Dinsmore notched another 19 assists and Bodeen came up with 13 of the team’s 30 digs.

Burns faced Crane in the first round of bracket play, and came away with a 25-10, 25-11 victory.

The Hilanders recorded 15 kills in the match, led by Houck with seven and Maggie Thompson with four.
Burns’ serving was a definite factor in the match as they hammered 17 aces, led by Fenton with seven and Bodeen with five.

Dinsmore was the team leader with 11 assists.

Burns faced a rematch with Baker in the semi-finals, and came away with a 25-23, 25-9 win.

Houck had 12 of the team’s 22 kills, Dinsmore finished with 15 assists and Shelby Sanders added another five.

Burns came up with 34 digs in the match, led by Fenton with 11, Bodeen eight and Houck seven.

The Hilanders’ frosh/soph team will play at Crane at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Burns JV and varsity teams open up EOL play with a doubleheader on Saturday, Sept. 17. The Hilanders will host Riverside at 1 p.m. and then Umatilla at 5 p.m.

•••
Burns picked up a non-conference win on Tuesday, Sept. 6, as they swept La Pine 25-13, 25-14, 25-8.

Fenton led the Hilanders’ offense, finishing with 13 kills and six aces. Charli Siegner recorded seven kills and three blocks; Houck six kills; Kayla McConnell four kills; Dinsmore 29 assists, five digs and one kill; Steffany Yarbor two kills; Maggie Thompson and Dominique Orr one kill each; and Bodeen six digs.

By Randy Parks

Brennan Bailey looks for room to run. (Photo by RANDY PARKS)

Burns Times-Herald

Nolan Stampke ran for one touchdown and threw for another as the Hilanders opened their season with a 16-12 win over the La Pine Hawks on Friday, Sept. 2.

With only three starters back from last year’s team, Burns’ offense started slow, but the defense was pretty solid for all four quarters, coming up with some big stops at key times.

The first defensive stand came in the first quarter, after the Hawks recovered a fumble at the Hilanders’ 29-yard line. La Pine could only muster two yards on four downs, and Burns took over at their own 27.

On the very next play, Stampke broke free and raced  down the field for a 73-yard score. McKinley Ridenour powered into the end zone for the two-point conversion, and the Hilanders led 8-0 with 2:20 to play in the first quarter.

The Hilanders had a chance to increase their lead early in the second quarter, driving down to the Hawks’ 10 before going out on downs.

After picking up a first down, the Hawks’ Justin Wilson slipped to the outside and scampered down the sideline for a 74-yard touchdown, cutting Burns lead to 8-6. The Hilanders’ Casey Heinz picked off Gareth Dahlgren’s pass on the two-point conversion attempt to hold the lead for Burns.

La Pine had one more scoring opportunity near the end of the first half, as they drove to the Burns 20, but again the Hilanders defense held as time ran out.

To start the second half, the Hilanders booted a little pooch-kick toward the right sideline, where it was recovered by Heinz, giving the Hilanders a first-and-10 at La Pine’s 22.

Burns was able to get to the Hawks’ 9-yard line, but on third down, Stampke’s pass was tipped and intercepted, halting the drive.

On their next possession, it looked like the Hawks had taken the lead when Deion Mock ripped off an 89-yard run, but it was called back on a personal foul penalty at midfield. La Pine’s drive eventually stalled, and  Burns took over at their own 32.

On first down, Stampke lofted a pass down the sideline for Heinz that he cradled in for a 68-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was scored on a run by Brennan Bailey, and Burns led by 10.

Neither offense could do much until La Pine made things interesting in the final three minutes of the game. With a first down at the 50-yard line, the Hawks went the distance in just three plays, scoring on a 4-yard run by Mock to cut the lead to 16-12. The two-point attempt again failed, and the two teams lined up for the kickoff.

The ensuing onside kick came as no surprise to anyone, but the Hawks were able to recover the ball as it slipped through the Hilanders’ hands at the 45-yard line.

The Burns defense wasn’t through yet, though. On a fourth-and three play, the Hilanders dropped Mock for a 3-yard loss and the Hilanders took over on downs with 1:11 left in the game.

Burns was able then to run out the clock and pick up the season-opening, non-conference victory.

The Hilanders rushed for 232 yards, led by Stampke with 154 yards on 15 carries and Ridenour with 52 yards on 16 attempts.

Stampke completed 4-of-18 passes for 103 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, and Heinz was the leading receiver with two catches for 100 yards, including the 68-yard touchdown.

The Hilanders will host Sisters on Friday, Sept. 9, at Corbett Memorial Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The Outlaws are coming off a 43-6 loss to Central.

1   2   3   4   Final
Burns      8   0   8   0      16
LaPine    0   6   0   6      12

First quarter
Burns — Nolan Stampke 73 run (McKinley Ridenour run) 2:20
Second quarter
La Pine — Justin Wilson 74 run (pass failed) 6:55
Third quarter
Burns — Casey Heinz 68 pass from Stampke (Brennan Bailey run) 5:02

Fourth quarter
La Pine — Deion Mock 4 run (run failed) 2:11
Individual statistics
RUSHING—La Pine, Mock 13-66, Allen 1-5, Bryant 3-(-12), Wilson 9-95, Carriker 3-11, Dahlgren 11-20, Young 1-0, Page 3-4, Carpenter 3-11. Burns, Ridenour 16-52, Stampke 15-154, Bailey 10-30, Gahley 2-(-4).
PASSING—La Pine, Dahlgren 17-32-1 169. Burns, Stampke 4-18-1 103.
RECEIVING—La Pine, Allen 4-51, Penter 5-17, Page 2-10, Patrick 1-(-4), Kimmel 1-10, Young 2-46, Carpenter 2-39. Burns, Bailey 1-4, Garner 1-(-1), Heinz 2-100.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The new school year has arrived and with it, the fall sports season.

The Burns Hilanders have a history of success and the coaches are once again optimistic about this year’s teams.

Volleyball
The Hilanders are no strangers to the state tournament in November, and after a third-place finish last year, head coach Paula Toney has her team’s sights set on a run at the state title once again.

This year’s team is led by six seniors, including Maggie Thompson, Brittainy Houck, Abbey Fenton, Maddye Dinsmore, Tanzie Bodeen and Dominique Orr. Of the six, Fenton, Dinsmore and Thompson are returning starters from last year’s squad.

“The senior leadership is a real strength this year,” Toney said. “They get along well, and the team chemistry is good.”

Toney said the varsity will also include juniors Kayla McConnell and Charli Siegner to start the season. “I’ll carry eight players at first, and we’ll see who eventually fills the full 12 roster spots,” Toney said.

With a total of 24 players out this season, Toney said it’s an ideal situation. “We can run two nets, have six players on each side, and there’s nobody sitting out waiting for their turn to get on the court,” she noted.

To help prepare for the upcoming season, Toney took her team to a tournament in San Jose, Calif. this summer. The tournament featured many of California’s top teams as well as teams from the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Toney explained that a lot of the teams at the event were preparing for the Junior Olympics, so it was good competition for her players. “We played well, competed well with those teams,” she said.

Preparing for the upcoming season, the focus has been on two aspects of the game. “You win championships with serve receives and defense, so that’s what we’ll be concentrating on,” Toney said. “And we expect to compete with the top teams at the state level.”

With just a little more than two weeks practice, Toney has seen a lot of promise from her team. “They came into daily doubles ready to go. The seniors have provided the leadership, and everybody’s stepping up and taking responsibility, even to the point of cleaning up the locker room,” she laughed.

This year’s JV coach is Brittnee LaFollette and other assistant coaches include Ashley Schouviller, Ashley Voges, Karen Dinsmore and Tara Martinak.

The Hilanders’ season begins Friday, Sept. 2, when they compete at the Summit Jamboree in Bend, and then it’s on to the Hermiston Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Football
With only three returning starters, some football coaches might wonder about their chances for the upcoming season. Burns coach Dally Swindlehurst however, likes what he sees from his young team and expects to be in the running for the Eastern Oregon League (EOL) title.

Swindlehurst said he took 21 kids to the Gold Beach football camp this summer, and he liked what he saw. “We were playing against schools that have enrollments of 3,000, and they couldn’t score on us,” he said. “Our defense is going to be solid.”

The three returning starters are all seniors, and they include Nolan Stampke, Austin Piper and Casey Heinz, who missed a portion of last season because of a knee injury.

The Hilanders will again run a wing-T offense, with a few new wrinkles. “We’ve diversified our offense a little this year,” Swindlhurst said. “See if we can’t keep teams from stacking the box.”

Stampke will get the start at quarterback, with Brennan Bailey and McKinley Ridenour at tailback and fullback, respectively.

Other projected starters on offense include Heinz at wide receiver, Jeff Garner at wingback, Dylan Stanwyck at tight end and offensive lineman Tyler Cooper, Piper, Tyler Sims, Sam Pierce and Scott Lovelady.

On the defensive side, projected starters on the line include Stanwyck, Wyatt Duncan, Piper and Ridenour; linebackers Stampke, Beau Blackburn, Cooper and Matson Gahley; and defensive backs Bailey, Heinz and Garner.

“In passing situations, we’ll also probably use Tanner Crafts at defensive back because he covers well, and Alex Theall as a pass rusher. Theall’s fast and can get to the quarterback,” Swindlehurst said.

Swindlehurst added he’s been impressed by how some of the new faces have stepped up their play and are flying around the practice field. “I don’t know that I’d say we’re as good as last year at this point, but we’re getting there,” he said. “With a lot of first-year varsity starters, we’ve had to coach a lot more technique, but the kids are following through.”

Looking at the EOL competition, Swindlehurst knows the team is in for some battles, but he likes his team’s chances. “We’ll compete for the league title,” he smiled.

Assistant coaches this year include Jim Wagner, Newt Skunkcap, Dave Johnson, Wyatt Shelley and Roy Crafts.

The Hilanders open the 2011 season at La Pine Friday, Sept. 2. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Cross country
Despite the lack of a full team this year, coach Erron Mertz is upbeat and optimistic about the runners she has. “They’re doing great so far,” she said.

The boys’ team includes Victor Kegley, Zan Rickman and Kyle Krause, and the girls’ team is made up of Madison Winn and Hannah Moore. Mertz added that she is hopeful more runners will show up once school starts.

Mertz stated that she looks for individual improvement from each runner on both a daily and weekly basis. “I’d like them to get better, stronger and more efficient at running throughout the season,” Mertz said.

Winn qualified for the state meet last year as a freshman, and Mertz expects a return trip this year. “I think she could finish in the top 30 or so this year,” Mertz said.

Because of budget cuts within the school district, the cross country team is fund raisng this year to pay for fuel and motel costs to attend meets. “We’re hoping for community support, and they already support so much,” Mertz said.

The Hilanders’ first meet of the season is the Lakeview Invitational on Sept. 10.

Soccer
With 18 athletes turning out for this year’s soccer team, head coach Jodi McLean likes what she sees so far. “I think some people may have been a little worried because we have more girls than boys on the team, but I can tell you the girls are very aggressive,” McLean said. “They’re not afraid to take on a 200 pound guy on the field.”

McLean said the team has solid senior leadership in TJ Smith and Dan O’Crowley, both seasoned veterans.

Juniors on the team include Dallon Johnson, Ty Higgins, Kallie McLean, Bailey Johnston, Jacob Rothgeb, Keely Root, Anna Reid, Kortney Fritts, Payden Paramore and Jay Cate.

Rounding out the squad are sophomores Kinnon Roy, Jacob Nelson and Ashley Norris, and freshmen Bea Ribeiro, Miranda Carpenter and Paige King.

Manager for the team is Hannah Rowher.

McLean said she already sees a lot of teamwork on the field and accurate kicking skills. “We’re working on passing and trapping right now, but most of the kids have the basic skills down,” she said.

While Riverside and Umatilla are once again the early league favorites, McLean said the team has developed over the past few years to be competitive with Grant Union, Irrigon and Central Christian.

“Last year we had to play several games short-handed,” she noted. “I’m looking forward to this year because even if we’re not the most talented or the fastest team on the field, we’ll have the most heart and be the most aggressive.”

McLean will be assisted this year by Shane Sweet.

The soccer team opens their season at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, when they host Umatilla.

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

You can’t ask for much more when beginning an eight-man football season than to have almost 20 players with extensive varsity game experience, and a total roster of over 30.

Crane Mustang head coach Stub Travis, and his assistants John Opie and Chuck Steeves, are in this position.

Coming off a 2010 season that had the Mustangs competing in the state 1A playoffs, Crane has a lot of experienced personnel returning to the field. The roster begins with nine seniors — Tanner Titus, Wilson Witzel, Kenny Haworth, Ryan Opie, Zach Cody, Greg Thompson, Donald McDermond, Levi Miller and Cole Maupin. All nine of these players have seen action on both sides of the ball, as well as being on the Mustang special teams.

Juniors who are coming back to the field for Crane are Erik Davies, Nic Nyman, Riley Joyce, Thomas O’Toole, Cash Casey, Cody Lamb and Blaise Schulze. All of the juniors saw varsity playing time last season, and fill important roles in the Mustang roster.

Eleven of the Mustangs on Coach Travis’ team are sophomores, and a few saw varsity action last year. Sophomores playing for Crane are Tyler Opie, Quinton Nyman, Brent Pierzina, Clayton Duckworth, Michael Casey, Nick Witzel, Andy Casey, Cody Berrett, Andy Lamborn, Tanner Arnold and Peter Neuschwander.

Filling up the last five slots on the Crane team are five freshmen — Corey Jenkins, Jeff Davies, Tim Thomas, Travis Landon and Austin Roth.

The first game on the 2011 schedule for the Mustangs will be on Sept. 2 at the Dufur 8-Man Classic. Crane will play the Camas Valley Hornets at 7:30 p.m.

The Mustangs will then have a week off before jumping into the High Desert League schedule with a game on Sept. 16 against Harper/Huntington at Crane.

•••
It’s going to be a season of adjustments, at least in the first few weeks, for the Crane Mustang volleyball team.

The adjustments will begin with the coaching staff. Lindsey Robertson, who was the Mustangs head coach in 2009 and 2010, will become the mother of twins this fall. Filling the coaching position for Robertson will be Brad Dunten.

Though this will be Dunten’s first season to coach  volleyball, he comes to the court with extensive experience in coaching and high school sports. He will also have the support of Dusty Oelke and Lindy Steeves, both experienced volleyball players.

With only two senior players on the team — Cassidy Corrigan and Shayla Lundy — the Mustangs are also facing adjustments in personnel and positions. Dunten will be looking to fill six varsity positions — four due to graduation and two due to injury.

There are underclassmen, however, who have varsity playing experience. Juniors Paige Landon, Hannah Steeves and Becca Titus were all active on the 2010 district championship team, as were sophomores Tanya Williams, Morgan Corrigan and Rebekah Clark.

Dunten will also have Jamie Crume, Kathleen Dickenson, Emma Robertson and Katrina Valentine, all who played junior varsity last season, and could have a role on the varsity team this year.

Rounding out the Mustang roster will be five freshmen — Glennie Milburn, Amanda Casey, Maria Thompson, Glory Schulze and Alex Culp.

The Mustang varsity will see their first action on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2-3, at the Grant Union Tournament in John Day. Before the first High Desert League games on Sept. 16, Crane will have the chance to sharpen their skills at the Burns Tournament on Sept. 10, against McDermitt, Nevada, on Sept. 13, and against the Burns frosh/soph team on Sept. 15.

All students who plan to participate in fall sports at Burns High School (BHS) and Hines Middle School  (HMS) will need to have the following forms completed and placed on file in the office of their school:

• Physical Examination Form (a physical is required every two years) — If a student’s physical is current, they will need to complete a medical history form.

• Insurance and Athletic Participation Consent Form — This form is consent for participation, authorization for medical treatment and verification of insurance.

• Student Athlete Drug Testing Consent Form.

• Extra Curricular Participation Policy agreement.

• IMPACT permission form for concussion baseline testing.

Forms may be picked up at the school offices. All forms must be turned in before athletes will be allowed to practice.

The first day of practice for high school athletics will be Monday, Aug. 22.  The following times have been set for Monday’s practices for each sport:

FOOTBALL: Equipment check out — seniors, Monday, Aug. 15, at 4:30 p.m.; juniors, Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 4:30 p.m.; sophomores, Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 4:30 p.m.; freshmen, Thursday, Aug. 18, at 4:30 p.m.
First morning practice will be at 6 a.m. at the high school practice field.  Evening practice will be at at 6 p.m.
Head coach: Dally Swindlehurst

VOLLEYBALL: Morning practice 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Evening practice 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Burns High School gym
Head coach: Paula Toney

CROSS COUNTRY: First practice at 4 p.m. Meet at the BHS baseball field.
Head coach:  Erron Mertz

SOCCER: Morning practice time 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Evening practice 5 p.m. to 7:30  p.m. at Slater School field.
Head coach: Jodi McLean

CHEERLEADING: First practice at 5 p.m. Meet at BHS.
Coach: Julie Burri

These are times for the first Monday practice on Aug. 22. Coaches will inform the athletes of changes in practice times for the remainder of the week, if changes occur.

HMS athletes should be prepared to start practice on the first day of school, which is Monday, Aug. 29.

For more information, call Paula Toney, athletic/activities director at BHS 541-573-2044 ext. 224.

Two Harney County athletes perform well at annual event

By Randy Parks

George Swartzlender of Burns drops Bryce Stutzman for a loss. (Photos by RANDY PARKS)

Burns Times-Herald

Down 6-0 at halftime, the West turned three second- half interceptions into scores and a 20-6 win over the East in the 59th annual Shrine East-West All Star game Saturday, July 30, in Baker City.

The West began to turn the tide when Bryan Sablan of Knappa picked off Baker quarterback Jesse Brown’s pass on the East’s first possession of the second half, and returned it to the 4-yard line.

Bryce Stutzman of Santiam Christian bulled his way into the end zone on the next play to tie the score, and Brock Ingram of Sheridan kicked the extra point to put the West ahead 7-6 with 10:28 left in the third quarter.

After an exchange of punts, the East started their next drive on their own 13. On second-and-nine, Willamina’s Kenna Cumberland picked off a pass from Roger Hults of Illinois Valley and returned it 19 yards for a TD and a 13-6 West lead.

Late in the fourth quarter, the East was still in a position to tie or take the lead when they began a drive at their own 5-yard line. Brown tried to go deep to Stayton’s Coby Proctor, but the ball was underthrown and Jordan Reeheer of Crook County came up with the West’s third interception of the game.

On third-and-three, the West put the game away when Ingram found Elkton’s Brent Whipple all alone down the middle for a 35-yard touchdown.

Crane’s Blake Steeves goes airborne for a tackle.

The East’s lone score of the game came on their second possession of the game when Christian Reyes of Rogue River found Proctor open in the back of the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown pass.

The East had a good chance to add to their lead in the second quarter when they drove to the West’s 10, but that drive stalled and a 28-yard field goal attempt by Coquille’s Joe Harris  was wide left.

After the missed field goal, the West’s next drive went nowhere, thanks in great part to three unassisted tackles by Burns’ George Swartzlender.

The West did have one more chance at putting points on the board late in the second quarter, but Jacob Davis of Astoria fumbled the ball away at the 2-yard line, and it bounced out the back of the end zone for a touchback with just one second remaining on the clock.

Along with Swartzlender, Blake Steeves of Crane also represented Harney County in the game, which is the nation’s largest fund raiser for the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

Swartzlender started on both the offensive and defensive lines, while Steeves saw considerable time at wide receiver, cornerback and on special teams.

The West has now won the last two Shrine games, cutting the East’s lead in the series to 29-27-3.

1    2    3   4     Final
West  0   0   13   7     20
East  6   0    0    0       6

First quarter
East – Proctor 22 pass from Reyes (run failed) 5:46
Third quarter
West – Stutzman 4 run (Ingram kick) 10:28
West – Cumberland 19 interception return (kick blocked) 6:44
Fourth quarter
West – Whipple 35 pass from Ingram (Johnson kick) 3:38

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Halle Houck jumps in the pool to begin her race. The Hi-Desert Swim Team held its annual meet July 15-17. (Photo by RANDY PARKS)

The Hi-Desert Swim Team (HDST) racked up 834.5 points to cruise to a first-place finish at the High Desert Invitational held July 15-17.

The Prineville Swim Team placed second with 452.5, followed by Lakeview with 390 and John Day with 270.

Those placing in the top six of their events for the HDST are as follows:

400 meter freestyle
Boys 12 & under: Jake Blackburn, 1st; Zane Bailey, 2nd
Girls 13 & over: Chelsea Siegner, 1st; Abbey Fenton, 2nd
Boys 13 & over: Taylor Klus, 3rd
200 meter freestyle
Boys 10 & under: Zane Bradach, 3rd
Girls 11-12: Madison Hoke, 1st; Taylor Crafts, 3rd; Morgan Cooley, 4th; Carli Feist, 5th; Nicol Gahley, 6th
Boys 11-12: Matthew Riess, 1st; Bryce Goss, 2nd; Gage Cook, 3rd
Girls 13-14: Korrina Cate, 6th
Boys 13-14: Garrett Blackburn, 3rd; James Obradovich, 4th
Girls 15 & over: Charli Siegner, 3rd; Maria Obradovich 4th; Megan Lee, 5th; Bailey Johnston, 6th
Boys 15 & over: Seth Nonnenmacher, 2nd; Thomas Cain, 3rd; Peter Cain, 4th; Beau Blackburn, 5th

100 meter medley relay
Girls 10 & under: Jenna Garner, Alicyn Hoke, Allie Hueckman and and Georgia Johnston, 2nd
Boys 10 & under: Garrett Goss-Bodily, Emmett Klus, Luke Bailey and Dustin Beers, 1st
200 meter medley relay
Girls 9-12: Cooley, Bekka Riess, Crafts and Feist, 1st; Grace Johnston, Emma Winn, M. Hoke, and Allison Sutcliffe, 2nd
Boys 12 & under: Goss, Mitchell McCanna, M. Riess and J. Blackburn, 1st
Girls 11-14: Ellie Riess, Cate, Kaelin Beers and Abby Nonnenmacher, 4th
Girls 18 & under: Che. Siegner, Lee, Fenton and Cha. Siegner, 1st
Boys 13-18: Obradovich, Jackson Thein, T. Klus and G. Blackburn, 2nd

50 meter freestyle
Girls 8 & under: A. Hoke, 1st; Hueckman, 2nd; Josie Bradach, 6th

100 meter freestyle
Boys 9-10: Luke Bailey, 1st; Emmett Klus, 3rd
Girls 11-12: M. Hoke, 1st; Crafts, 2nd; Feist, 4th; Cooley, 6th
Boys 11-12: J. Blackburn, 2nd; M. Riess, 3rd; Z. Bailey, 4th;  Goss, 5th; Cook, 6th
Boys 13-14: G. Blackburn, 3rd; T. Klus, 4th; Obradovich, 6th
Girls 15-18: Che. Siegner, 1st; Fenton, 2nd; Obradovich, 3rd; Cha. Siegner, 5th; Lee, 6th
Boys 15-18: Matson Gahley, 2nd; B. Blackburn, 3rd; Nonnenmacher, 6th

25 meter breaststroke
Girls 8 & under: Hueckman, 1st; A. Hoke, 2nd; G. Johnston, 5th; Bradach, 6th

50 meter breaststroke
Girls 9-10: Garner, 4th
Boys 9-10: E. Klus, 2nd; L. Bailey, 3rd
Girls 11-12: Cooley, 1st; Crafts, 2nd; Feist, 3rd; Gahley, 4th, M. Hoke, 6th
Boys 11-12: Goss, 1st; J. Blackburn, 2nd; McCanna, 4th; M. Riess, 5th

100 meter breaststroke
Boys 13-14: G. Blackburn, 5th; T. Klus, 6th
Girls 15-18: Fenton, 2nd; Lee, 3rd; Che. Siegner, 4th
Boys 15-18: B. Blackburn, 2nd; Nonnenmacher, 4th; Dylan Stanwyck, 5th; Thein, 6th

100 meter IM
Girls 9-10: Garner, 5th
Boys 9-10: Goss-Bodily, 2nd; E. Klus, 4th; L. Bailey, 5th; Bradach, 6th
Girls 11-12: Crafts, 1st; Feist, 3rd; Gahley, 5th; Cooley, 6th
Boys 11-12: Goss, 2nd; J. Blackburn, 3rd; Z. Bailey, 4th; McCanna, 5th
Boys 13-14: T. Klus, 4th
Girls 15-18: Che. Siegner, 1st; Fenton, 3rd; Cha. Siegner, 4th; Lee, 5th; Bailey Johnston, 6th
Boys 15-18: Nonnenmacher, 2nd; Gahley, 3rd; B. Blackburn, 4th; Thein, 6th

100 meter freestyle relay
Girls 8 & under: Halle Houck, Ashlyn Begay, Kaya Dobson and Bradach, 3rd
Girls 10 & under: Garner, A. Hoke, G. Johnston and Hueckman, 2nd
Boys 10 & under: L. Bailey, E. Klus, Beers and Goss-Bodily, 1st; Daniel Riess, Jacob Spence, Tim Riess and Bradach, 4th

200 meter freestyle relay
Girls 12 & under: Feist, Cooley, M. Hoke and Crafts, 1st; B. Riess, Sutcliffe, Cassidy Reid and Gr. Johnston, 2nd
Boys 12 & under: Z. Bailey, M. Riess, Goss and J. Blackburn, 1st
Girls 14 & under: Nonnenmacher, E. Riess, Beers and Cate, 4th
Boys 14 & under: Obradovich, Ty Hueckman, T. Klus and G. Blackburn, 2nd
Girls 18 & under: Fenton, B. Johnston, Cha. Siegner and Che. Siegner, 1st; Lee, Isobel Bradach, Christianna Carpentier and Obradovich, 4th
Boys 18 & under: Nonnenmacher, P. Cain, D, Stanwyck and B. Blackburn, 1st; T. Cain, Justin Cook, Kalib LaChapelle and Thein, 3rd

25 meter backstroke
Girls 6 & under: Houck, 1st
Boys 6 & under: D. Riess, 2nd
Girls 8 & under: A. Hoke, 1st; J. Bradach, 4th; Hueckman, 5th
Boys 8 & under: D. Riess, 5th

50 meter backstroke
Girls 9-10: Garner, 5th; Emma Johnston, 6th
Boys 9-10: L. Bailey, 2nd; Bradach, 3rd
Girls 11-12: Crafts, 1st; M. Hoke, 2nd; Cooley, 4th; Gr. Johnston, 5th
Boys 11-12: Goss, 1st; M. Riess, 2nd; J. Blackburn, 4th; G. Cook, 5th; Z. Bailey, 6th

100 meter backstroke
Girls 13-14: Cate, 6th
Boys 13-14: G. Blackburn, 3rd; Obradovich, 6th
Girls 15-18: Che. Siegner, 1st; Fenton, 3rd; Cha. Siegner, 4th; Obradovich, 5th; B. Johnston, 6th
Boys 15-18: Stanwyck, 1st; B. Blackburn, 2nd; Nonnenmacher, 4th; Thein, 5th; T. Cain, 6th

25 meter butterfly
Girls 8 & under: A. Hoke, 1st; Hueckman, 4th

50 meter butterfly
Girls 9-10: Garner, 6th
Boys 9-10: E. Klus, 3rd; Bradach, 4th
Girls 11-12: M. Hoke, 2nd; Feist, 3rd; Sutcliffe, 4th; I. Bradach, 5th
Boys 11-12: M. Riess, 2nd; Z. Bailey, 3rd; McCanna, 4th

100 meter butterfly
Boys 13-14: T. Klus, 3rd
Girls 15-18: Lee, 3rd
Boys 15-18: P. Cain, 3rd

25 meter freestyle

Girls 8 & under: A. Hoke, 2nd; Hueckman, 4th
Boys 8 & under: T. Riess, 5th

50 meter freestyle
Boys 9-10: L. Bailey, 3rd; Goss-Bodily, 5th; E. Klus, 6th
Girls 11-12: Crafts, 1st; M. Hoke, 2nd; Feist, 3rd; Cooley, 6th
Boys 11-12: J. Blackburn, 1st; Goss, 3rd; M. Riess, 4th; Z. Bailey, 5th; G. Cook, 6th
Boys 13-14: G. Blackburn, 2nd; T. Klus, 3rd
Girls 15-18: Che. Siegner, 1st; Fenton, 3rd; Lee, 4th; Obradovich, 5th; Cha. Siegner, 6th
Boys 15-18: B. Blackburn, 2nd; Stanwyck, 3rd; Nonnenmacher, 4th; P. Cain, 6th

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

Chance Miller held on to win the championship in bronc riding at the Harney County Ranch Rodeo on July 9 at the fairgrounds. (Photo by DEBBIE RANEY)

Twenty-five teams of cowboys and cowgirls spent Saturday, July 9, competing in the Harney County Ranch Rodeo at the Harney County Fairgrounds.

The four-person teams compiled points in six events throughout the rodeo, with the top five teams earning prizes and money at the end of the day.

The winning team was the Arock Crew — Richard Eiguren, Mike Eiguren, Matt Mori and Tao Mastrejuan — with 396 points. The Arock Crew was awarded full bridles made by Kevin Urbach Saddles.

Second place went to the Kings River Ranch team — Phil Miller, TJ Thompson, Brandon Nuffer and JR Kelly — with 387 points. For their win the Kings River Ranch team won stirrups made by Johnny Miller.

The Pine Room team — Chance Miller, Ed Dunlap, Mick Miller and Hoot Raney — finished in third place with 360 points. The awards for the Pine Room team were reins made by Dan Fowler.

Scoring 313.5 points, the Over & Under team — Gene Northrop, Jessie Northrop, Ross Defenbaugh and Todd Weagant — placed fourth. Chokers made by Kevin Urbach were presented to the Over & Under team.

Fifth place went to the V Dash Cattle Co. team — Garrett Bentz, Ethan Bentz, Jim Joyce and Lee Carlson — with 255 points.

Prizes for individual event-winners were also presented.

Kings River Ranch won ropes donated by Anderson Valley Supply for having the fastest time in the team branding, and scarves and hondos made by Terry Ott for winning the ranch doctoring.

Chance Miller from the Pine Room team won a pair of Boulet boots donated by Paula Otley for winning the saddle bronc riding.

The Over 40 team — Keith Baltzor, Jeremy Clark, Mike Smit and James Norris — won saddle pads for winning the muley roping.

Scrimshaw knives made by Michelle Severe were given to the Arock Crew for winning the horse roping.

The Carson/Rose team — Todd Carson, J.W. Rose, Jake Peasley and Kenny Haigh — won the cow milking. The team was awarded slickers for the win.

The complete list of teams competing and their scores are as follows:

1) Arock Crew — Richard Eiguren, Mike Eiguren, Matt Mori, Tao Mastrejuan — 396.
2) Kings River Ranch — Phil Miller, TJ Thompson, Brandon Nuffer, JR Kelly — 387.
3) Pine Room — Hoot Raney, Mick Miller, Ed Dunlap, Chance Miller — 360.
4) Over & Under — Gene Northrop, Jessie Northrop, Todd Weagant, Ross Defenbaugh — 313.5.
5) V Dash Cattle Co. — Garrett Bentz, Ethan Bentz, Jim Joyce, Lee Carlson — 255.
6) Over 40 — Jeremy Clark, Keith Baltzor, James Norris, Mike Smit — 231.
7) Quarter Circle TI — Rodney Johnson, Bill Peila, Chris Gregg, Cole Estell — 229.5.
Warren Valley — George Shine, Victor Madrigal, Josh Prom, Terry Cahill — 211.5.
9) Desert Creek Ranch — Dennis Wines, JD Bunch, Jason Rosebrook, Craig Neher — 199.5.
10) DeLong Ranches — Jeff Garijo, Will DeLong, George Barton, Jim Filipini — 198.
11/12) ZX Ranch — Chance Peila, Jade Cooper, Cleve Anseth, Frank Domingues — 183.
11/12) Carson/Rose — J.W. Rose, Todd Carson, Kenny Haigh, Jake Peasley — 183.
13) Nevada Boys — Woody Harney, Woody Harney Jr., Malachi McLean, Norbert Gibson — 168.
14) T Lazy S — Justin Jacobs, Jim Jacobs, Justin Nedro, Jack Glascock — 162.
15) Powell Butte Gang — Tyler Moore, Shane Quire, Steve Gillan, Justin Solesbee — 141.
16) Wild Bunch — John Maley, Drew Knowles, Willie Stoddart, Charlie Smit — 133.5.
17) Plush Team — Brandon Fitzgerald, Craig Mills, James Cahill, Hezzie McGarva — 126.
18) Hi Desert Quarter Horses — MT Anderson, Mat Carter, Oliver Dowling, Brad Duckworth — 123.
19) 3 Bar C — Wyatt Clark, Jake Clark, Wit Roath, Tim Thomas — 108.
20) Team Logan — Ben Logan, Ty Law, Jess Childress, Jeremiah Taylor — 106.5.
21) C Bar S Horses — Chase Sherburn, Shawn Bailey, Monte Dunten, Cody Armstrong — 100.5.
22) The Buckaroos — Deven Thompson, Brandon Clark, Skylar Martin, Joe Glascock — 81.
23) Mavericks — Tim Maher, Jose Villagrana, Joe Lane, Casey Shelman — 64.5.
24) New Crew — Willie Fuller, Riley Cleaver, Matt Goodson, Jeff Mundell — 60.
25) Kings River Gals — Jymme Martin, Monel Shelley, Sandy Miller, Cole Green — 24.