Bell City switches the spring sport it offers for girls

Bell City has been crowned state champions in volleyball and basketball over the past two years, but the Cubs have only one district title in baseball to show for its spring sports.

The Cubs' girls will be able to contribute to the state haul in the spring this season, as Bell City will debut its girls track and field squad. Bell City will not field a spring softball team this year.

"With dropping softball we're trying to keep the options open," first-year athletic director Brian Brandtner said. "We've got less sports, so if we take one away, we try to give one back."

The addition of girls track could be the sign of things to come for the Class 1 school. Bell City could bring boys track into the fold in the near future.

"That's probably something that will lead into boys track as well," Brandtner said. "You have to start somewhere. This is a good starting point."

Chaffee drops tennis

Without a coach and with low participation, Chaffee has dropped its fall girls tennis program.

Chaffee won six straight district titles from 1987 to 1992, but the Red Devils, who have fallen on hard times the last few years, have not won a district title since.

Chaffee athletic director Terry Glenzy said the lack of numbers made it hard to sustain the program.

"It is disappointing to the kids," he said. "One of them was a senior. I think all of them except one had played two years."

New coaches in volleyball

Jackson was among four area high schools that changed volleyball coaches over the summer.

Nancy Ellis stepped down as the Indians coach and was replaced by assistant Jackie Haines. Jackson last won a district title in 2002.

Carl Ritter Jr. is back behind the bench, as he will take over at Scott City. Ritter's last coaching job was at Zalma, where he led the Bulldogs to a state title in 1990 and runner-up finishes in 1991 and 1992. The Rams won their district last season but lost in the sectional round.

Oran hired Julie Brandmeyer as its new coach, and Chaffee will be led by recent Chaffee High School graduate Sara Heisserer.

Brinkmeyer signs with Meramec

Notre Dame graduate Jeremy Brinkmeyer recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball career at Meramec Community College.

Brinkmeyer had a breakthrough senior season for the Bulldogs, going 9-0 with a 0.85 ERA in 57 2/3 innings. Brinkmeyer most recently competed for the Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons American Legion team.

Central graduate John Thies pitched at Meramec before transferring to the University of Missouri.

Kline to play at Lindenwood

Kelly graduate Rachel Kline will continue her softball career at Lindenwood College after recently signing with the NAIA school.

Kline was a starting outfielder for Kelly's Class 2 state champion team last spring. During the Hawks' state title run, Kline hit right around .300 and earned second-team all-state honors.

Bartels signs with William Penn

Delta graduate Kevin Bartels has signed with William Penn to play basketball for the NAIA school.

Bartels averaged 18.5 points for the Bobcats last season, as Delta lost to Bell City in the district finals. William Penn is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa.