Pioneers Forge Into Spring Sports Season

spring sports teams are gearing up for play as the weather warms and practices shift from tryouts to game preparation. Take a look at what's ahead for the Pioneers involved in spring competition:

Baseball

Rain kept the Kirkwood team off the practice field until last week, and the Pioneers will jump into action this week with a trip to Florida to play squads from around the country.

Coach Ken Shaw says the team is no longer on the "young" side, and with seven returning starters, he hopes to improve dramatically on the 8-16 record from 2010.

Three players are in the mix for the top starting pitcher position. Junior Ryan Bearden, who won five games last season, will be joined by juniors Connor Jacobs and Griffin Goodrich in vying for the top pitching spot.

"We're all about teamwork this season; it's selfless versus selfish," Shaw said. "The team needs to play together, but I think we can be successful."

Track & Field

This year coach Roberta McWoods takes over the boys track team, in addition to her role as head of the girls squad. She's excited about the Kirkwood program, and has high expectations for 2011.

On the boys side, senior Quincy Sharp is the top sprinter, and will lead the 400-meter relay team, as well as compete in the 100 and 200 dashes. Junior Mike McHugh will compete in the long jump, and participate in relays.

The girls team looks to coach McWoods' daughter, Bria, for leadership as the number one sprinter. The junior will also try her hand at the 100 hurdles this season. Junior Amber Soloman is the top long jumper for the Pioneers and returns to compete in the 300 hurdles, where she booked the top time in the St. Louis area last season.

"We have a really strong team coming back this season, and though I don't want to make any big predictions, I see us at a high top-10 squad in the state," McWoods said.

April 30 will see the Kirkwood track teams host the annual Dale Collier Invitational, which will draw 15 boys and girls teams each for this midseason meet.

Girls Soccer

Coming off a 14-8 record, the girls soccer team is young. The departure of 12 seniors following the last-minute, district final 1-0 loss to Ursuline, will make for a challenging season for the Pioneers.

Coach Phil Cotta says the team has a good nucleus, and will look for leadership from senior captain Jenny Pierce, who will head up the midfield for the Pioneers.

Additionally, Cotta will rely on juniors Rachel Kibby and Tara Bruns to shore up Kirkwood's play in 2011.

Boys Volleyball

Coach Keith Touzinsky begins his second year at the helm of the boys volleyball team. After underachieving a bit last season, the Pioneers hope to add some structure, and focus on the fundamentals in order to improve in 2011.

Senior Tony Fonseca is a key player for the squad, as is senior Justin Hilton, and second-year setter Erich Isringhaus.

"We hope to get out of districts, and get a chance to reach the final four this season," said Touzinsky.

The team opens the season March 28 at Northwest. 

Kirkwood will also field teams in boys golf, where junior Ben Crancer returns as an all-state competitor, girls lacrosse, where new head coach Whitney Ladwig takes over the team, boys tennis, and boys water polo.

"This is our largest season, the spring, we expect to put up some very strong teams this season," said Assistant Athletic Director Brad Sutterer.