Fall sports teams preparing, ready to take off as school nears

Press Sports Editor
sports@presspublications.com

Sometimes in a coach’s second season with a team is when things start to click for the players.
Sam Cotterman, the second-year Eastwood football coach, talked about the increased workload his team was given this summer after getting its feet wet last year.
It wasn’t easy last year, switching from the Wing-T of the Rutherfords to the spread offense.
The Eagles went 9-3 in 2013 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
“We’re so far ahead of where we were a year ago (on offense). We expanded our playbook, put in some more motions, and we’re really excited to see it put in play,” said Cotterman, an Elmwood alum. “We did a lot more 7-on-7s this summer. We only did one last year. We were happy with the results.”
Cotterman said he’s please with how the two-a-days, which started on Aug. 1, are going.
“I think they’re going really well. We had a great first couple days,” he said. “We’re eager to see how we perform at practice and then see how we do against Clyde (in the scrimmage).”
Some golf teams have already begun play, and other teams are getting ready to start play in the fall sports season.
The new Oak Harbor volleyball coach, Kaytlynn Sandwisch, is eager to see her team get started when it hosts rival Port Clinton on Aug. 17.
She will be coaching the likes of Tatum Baumgartner, Allie Giezie, and her sister, Myley.
“Practicing is definitely important to our development as a program and as a team. Right now is when we can figure out all the weaknesses and where we struggle in specific rotations,” said Sandwisch. “Our teams have lots of potential to be great this season, but they have to want it. We spend each practice with a purpose and goal in mind to get better.
“It’s very exciting knowing our potential. Being a new coach is definitely hard, but the girls make it easier when they work hard,” Sandwisch said.
The coach of Northwood boys and girls cross country teams is Gina Warnke. She talked about the importance of getting in shape and putting in the miles during the early parts of the summer.
“If one has big goals in cross country, the base miles really need to start in June and continue to August. The summer mileage gets you into shape and prepared for the season and also helps prevent injuries,” she said. “If you are wanting to make podiums at league or advance to regionals or state, those base miles are a prerequisite.
“Cross country (season) is my favorite time of year, and I have a true love for the sport and running. I hope my passion for running is contagious for the program. It is very satisfying to see each runner develop in the program. Our first meet will be a tri-meet with North Baltimore and McComb. Our first invitational will be the Tiffin Carnival,” Warnke said.
The programs are small, and Warnke hopes she can help them grow and progress.
“The goal for the program is to see growth and progress individually and as a team, have a good mindset and use the tools (workouts) provided so as a runner, one can enjoy some personal best along the way,” she said. “With goals, work needs to happen. Rest and recovery with nutrition are vital, too.”