Gymnastics coach Lorie Cook has just been named the 2016-17 Central Sectional Coach of the Year for Gymnastics by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The Central Section includes the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin. “The award recognizes coaches who are leading their sport, shaping their athletes, and contributing in a positive way to their community.” Congratulations to Coach Cook!
The Gymnastics team placed third at the 12 team Concordia Classic Invitational on Saturday. The Vikes started off in 6th place after the first rotation, but came back strong on Vault and Uneven Bars to put themselves into contention. Rachel Moneta led the charge, as co-champ on Vault, second on Beam and All-Around. Lizzy Wilson was co-champ on Uneven Bars, and placed fourth on Vault. Juniors Hannah Falk and Marissa Story, Sophomore Megan Wagenblast, and Freshmen Sabrina Falk, Ella Montgomery, and Hallie Utsler all contributed to the team effort.
The team defeated Lake Central and LaPorte on Tuesday night, raising their record to 4-0. The Vikes 112.1 team score is its best of the season, with Rachel Moneta winning Vault, Floor and All-Around. Whitney McKeon was second All-Around, Vault Uneven Bars, and Floor, Lizzy Wilson won Uneven Bars, and Megan Wagenblast won Beam. The Vikes had PRs on Floor from Hallie Utsler, Marissa Story, Sabrina Falk, Katie Pastoret, and Jade VerSchure.
The Gymnastics team raised its record to 6-0 with victories over Hobart and Lowell last night. The Vikes scored 11.35 to Hobart's 99.05 and Lowell's 93.8. Whitney McKeon won Vault with a PR of 9.65, as well as Uneven Bars, Floor, and All-Around. Rachel Moneta was second on Vault, Floor and All-Around, with Megan Wagenblast second on Beam. Lizzy Wilson (2nd Bars), Ella Montgomery (3rd on Vault), and Marissa Story (tied for second on Floor) contributed to the team effort. Team II went over the 100 mark again, with Katie Pastoret winning Vault, Bars, and Floor; Ella Montgomery winning Beam, and Eden Roberts winning All-Around.
VHS, the defending State Champs, will take on DAC rival Chesterton Tuesday night at home at 6:00 PM in the Fieldhouse. The two teams have posted the highest scores in the State this year, and are both undefeated in dual meets.
The wrestlers hosted Crown Point on January 17th, losing 63-9. Ian Dembowski and Joey McIntyre both won for the Vikings On Saturday the Viking wrestling team finished 4th at the Hobart Invitational. Valpo had three finalist and placed 7 wrestlers overall. Jacob Bond won the 126 pound championship going 3-0 on the day. Jak Krouse (113) and Ian Dembowski (138) both placed second respectively. Joey McIntyre (195) placed third, while Rob Vedo (152), Colin Kwiatkowski (160), and JB Cioe (182) all placed 5th.
The girls’ basketball teams hosted Lake Central this past Friday for the last Duneland Athletic Conference game of the season. The JV lost 45-32. Shannon Catchur led the way with 10 points followed by Annelise Rubin with 8 and Grace Healy with 6. On Tuesday they travelled to Calumet and defeated the Warriors 41-16. Annelise Rubin and Grace Healy led the way with 8 points apiece followed by Hannah Fields chipping in 6. The JV ended their season on Thursday with a hard fought overtime victory over Munster 38-34. Grace Healy led the scoring with 11 points. The JV finished their season 14-6 overall and 4-3 in the DAC.
The Varsity lost to Lake Central 58-49. Ari Gerdt led the way with 19 points followed by Aleah Ferngren with 10. On Tuesday, they defeated Calumet 67-33 for Coach Candy Wilson’s 300th career victory. Congratulations and best of luck on your next milestone! Ari Gerdt led the scoring with 15 and Maddie Molnar chipped in 10. Thursday they hosted Munster to end the regular season. The Vikes won 56-34. Ari Gerdt scored a team high 24 points and Taelynn Oelling added 11. They finished the regular season 13-10 and 3-4 in the DAC. Next up is Chesterton in the first round of the sectional on Wednesday, January 31 at Kankakee Valley High School at 6:00 PM. Let’s beat the Trojans again! Go Vikes!
The freshmen girls defeated Penn 27-22 Saturday. Sydney Vorrier posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. They lost to LaPorte 32-20 on Tuesday night. Ryanne Reese scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds and 2 steals in the loss. The team is now
On Friday, the Valpo girls’ basketball program honored Coach Jeanette Gray as a Valpo Legend. Jeanette graduated from Valpo in 1999 and was a VHS 11-time letter award winner, 3 times All DAC Selection and MVP of the DAC her Junior Year. She went on to play at Valparaiso University and was inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 and the VHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Currently, she is a Math teacher at Lake Central High School and is coaching football, basketball and track.
The IHSAA conducted the draw for the 2018 girls’ basketball tournament this past Sunday. The Vikings will play Chesterton in the first round on Wednesday, January 31 at 6:00 PM at Kankakee Valley High School. Pre sale season tickets will be available in the VHS Athletic Office for $10. Single session tickets will be available at the game for $6 each. Everyone kindergarten age and up must have a ticket. For more information please check out the following website http://www.ihsaa.org/Portals/0/ihsaa/documents/news%20media/2017-18/012118.GBBDraw.pdf