Excelsior Springs’ season opener against Belton came down to taking care of the football. Or in Excelsior Springs’ case, struggles with taking care of the football.
Like many girls in the Excelsior Springs High School volleyball program, Carly Dolt thinks of the program as a family. That family atmosphere is something the senior will miss about the program when this season ends.
Of the changes Excelsior Springs is experiencing this season in varsity football following the graduation of a large of group of players this spring, the biggest might be at quarterback. Coach Mark Faubion has chosen Marquez McCant to succeed Chance Moreland as signal-caller.
Excelsior Springs volleyball coach Kathryn Partridge senses a hunger in her Tigers this season. Fueling that hunger is Excelsior Springs’ finish last season.
Excelsior Springs girls golf teammates Kylee Baldridge and Addi Matthews are locked in a competition, according to coach David Stalder. Stalder sees Baldridge, a senior; and Matthews, a junior, as the two candidates to be the team’s No.
Excelsior Springs will field a varsity softball team that’s young in grade level, but not in experience. Nor will that team be lacking in fight, according to coach Megan Gilbertson.
Excelsior Springs is looking to win another district title this season in varsity girls tennis – and some experienced players might help the Tigers nab another district championship plaque. The Tigers return three players with varsity experience, including firstteam all-district selections Shelby Stodden and Malaya Tedesco, both juniors.
DUSTIN DANNER Sports Reporter Excelsior Springs cross country coach Brian Smarker expects some summertime training to pay off this fall for his Tigers. “Effort goes a long way in this sport, and the offseason work (we put in) will help our runners improve as the season goes forward,” Smarker said.