Q&A with coaches Bob Pethke, Paul Halverson
By Erik Buchinger
Number of years coaching the team: Pethke – 18th, Halverson – fifth.
Returning varsity athletes: Miranda Sanofsky (12), Emily Cliver (11), Emily Nelson (11), Caitlin Niemann (10).
Athletes to watch: Every player on this team will be fun to watch. With some many new players on this year’s varsity roster, there will be a lot of new players taking on big roles.
Team goals/expectations: To compete in a very talented and competitive FVA conference and make a deep run in the WIAA postseason tournament. This team expects to play hard every time we step on the field, push a limitless potential and function as a team, not as a bunch of individuals.
Team’s strengths: This group has already shown themselves to be extremely hard working, have a strong team unity and also possess a genuine drive to help each other towards a common goal. Add to that great team culture and their focus on improvement, and it’s a very enjoyable team to be associated with.
Team’s weaknesses: There is not a ton of varsity experience returning, but every player is motivated and really coachable. With the amount of playing time, they all will get the varsity experience quickly.
Team(s) to beat in conference: Whoever is next on the schedule for us on any given week. The FVA is consistently one of the best, if not the best conference in the state, with two teams qualifying for last year’s WIAA state tourney, including defending champ Kaukauna. Our team has to be ready to play our best softball each and every game day because all of the teams in this conference will be tough.
Biggest games on the schedule: Whatever is next on the schedule. We have to believe the importance of each game and practice day as they come and make sure we’re respecting the game to get the best results we can.
What you want your athletes to get out of this season: To be able to look back and say they gave everything they could to the game while they enjoyed every second, to develop and strengthen friendships that will last for years and to take life lessons they’ll remember long after they’ve left being a student-athlete at Hortonville High School. If they can do those things, the success in the victories column will take care of itself.
Why fans should be excited for this year’s team: This team is a fun and energetic group to be around, have a lot of talent and it’s obvious how much they love playing the game of softball.