Ken Cohen | Democrat Matthew Donnelly reacts to sinking a long putt during the OCIAA tournament at Grossinger’s in May. Donnelly, joined Ed Herling and OCIAA champion David Powers in qualifying for the Section IX tournament.

Spring sports recap: Eldred

Story by Ken Cohen
SULLIVAN COUNTY — July 12, 2013 —

BASEBALL
Not provided.

BOYS’ GOLF
Coach: Bob Bliefernich
Record: 10-3 overall, 10-2 (second best league record ever.) We were one win from the league championship, but that honor went to Sullivan West who gave us our only two league losses.”
Season Highlights: Qualified three players for the OCIAA championship tournament: David Powers, Matthew Donnelly, and Edward Herling. Powers, a freshman, won the tournament and Donnelly joined him in advancing to the Section 9 tournament at Casperkill. Powers moved on to the second round of the tournament with high hopes of making the State Tournament for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, the field was strong and he failed to make it.
Coaches Comments: “I had the most incredible seven boys to coach that you could ask for. In addition to David (freshman), Matt (sophomore), and Ed (junior), returning next year we have Jacob McKean (8th grade), Tyler Smith (10th grade), Cameron Conklin (9th grade), and Emerson Heasman (10th grade). We do not have any seniors graduating this year and will only lose Ed after next season; we have the entire team returning. I believe next season, Eldred’s golf team will be a major factor in our league; we could qualify four of our starters to the OCIAA tournament.”
Looking Ahead: “The future of our program looks very strong. We will have to work hard to continue to improve the skills of the boys so they can compete at an even higher level next year. I am certain that the rest of the league is not going to sit back and rest on their past success. It should be another great season. Also, I know David will be highly motivated to make it back to States next season.”

BOYS’/GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD
Coach: Frank Schorling
Record: 4-3 overall, 3-0 division
Season Highlights: “It was the girls’ ninth division championship in a row and the boys ninth in the last 10 years, fifth in a row. Both teams won the Section 9 Class “D” Championships. It was the girls sixth sectional championship in a row and the boys fifth in a row. There were four seniors on the team: Selena Hudak (OCCC); Erika Poston (will be running for SCCC); Doug Leek (will be running for SCCC); and Alex Campanella (who is on an athletic scholarship to run for DePaul Univ).”
Coach’s Comments: “Both boys’ and girls’ had great years again this spring.”

SOFTBALL
Coach: Teresa Colvin
Record: 5-9
Season Highlights: “The girls showed significant improvement in both hitting and fielding this year and played in some pretty close games.”
Coach’s Comments: “Top players lost to graduation; Abbie Ellert, second base, Mikaela Balsano, catcher, and Emily Bisland, 3rd base.”
Looking Ahead: Next year's top returners: senior Samantha Banghart (first base), great bat; senior Becca Morgan who will control the outfield next year; freshman Jordan Lepes will continue pitching for the team. Freshman Lynzee Kelty will return at shortstop and continue to be a force in the line-up.”