Athletes at Alma High School were proud of plenty during the 2014-2015 school year. Starting in the fall and continuing through spring, Panther fans had much about which to cheer.
In the fall, the boys’ soccer team turned in one of its finest seasons in school history, finishing with an 18-4-1 record. The Panthers went 8-0 in conference play and won their second-ever conference championship. Alma reached the district finals, where it fell in overtime. Brendan Bender led the way, as he set new school records with 30 goals and 43 points for the season. Alma also featured a solid defense, led by goalkeeper Corbin Kovac, who registered 13 shutouts.
In the pool, the girls’ swim team turned in a solid season. Alma capped the campaign by placing 24th overall at the Division 3 state swim finals. Sophomore Evelyn Vandemark led the way at the state meet, as she placed sixth in the 500 freestyle and 10th in the 100 butterfly.
The football team overcame a slow start to finish the season strong. Alma won four of its final five games to finish with a 4-5 record. Junior quarterback Justin Doyle earned honorable mention all-state honors, and his play last year gives Alma football fans plenty to look forward to for this year. Running back Boyd Hubbard and receivers Konner Vedrode and Damian Castillo also had strong seasons for an Alma offense that averaged 27 points per game.
The boys’ basketball team took center stage during the winter season. Alma turned in an 18-5 overall record and won a district title. The season came to an end against the eventual state champion, Godwin Heights, in the regional semifinal. Junior center Dylan Carl earned all-state and all-conference honors, as he averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, four blocked shots, and four assists per game. Konner Vedrode earned second team all-conference honors.
The girls’ basketball team also turned in a winning record. Sophomore guard Mackenzie Seeley led the way for the Panthers and earned second team all-conference honors.
On the wrestling mat, Alma capped its season by winning a team district championship. The Panthers also had a pair of wrestlers medal at the individual state meet. Boyd Hubbard finished third at 171 pounds and wrapped up the season with a 53-5 record. Fellow senior Damian Castillo placed seventh at 130 pounds and finished with a 49-10 record.
During the spring, the girls’ soccer team earned academic all-state honors for the third straight season. Panther soccer players Maggie Bever, Sydney Manson, and Tia Everdeen were named first team all conference.
The boys’ golf team placed third in the conference and advanced to the regional tournament. Cody Yates earned first team all conference, while Chance Allen and Brock Martin were second team all conference, and Logan Pierce was honorable mention.
The softball team turned in a winning season and was awarded the Team Sportsmanship Award by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. Justina Moreno earned first team all-conference, all-district, and all-regional honors. Taylor Kinnunen was second team all conference and all district. Kendall Vedrode was second team all conference, while Olivia Apple, Amanda Efaw, Emmy VanBlaricum, and Kemmie Shunk were honorable mention.
The Alma baseball team also produced a winning season. Zach Hanson was the team MVP and earned first team all-conference honors, as did Antonio Rozales. Konner Vedrode was named second team all conference, while Tristan Villalobos was honorable mention.