Loaded with lettermen, Van Wert eyes improvement

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Tim Hoverman

The senior quarterback will attempt to get the Van Wert offense going this season. Hoverman started seven games last year and threw for 681 yards.

By MARK ALTSTAETTER

sports@limanews.com
419-993-2085

VAN WERT - The Van Wert Cougars are looking for improvement in 2008.

After a 3-7 overall record in 2007 - 3-6 in the Western Buckeye League - second-year coach Bob Priest is hoping to see the fruits of his hard work begin to pay off.

Lost to graduation from last year is defensive back Steve Sealscott, a first team All-WBL selection in 2007, who will play at Bluffton University this fall.

Along with Sealscott, Thaison Leaser and Todd Krugh also graduated. Both Leaser and Krugh were honorable mention All-WBL selections for the Cougars last year.

However, with a handful of experienced players returning this fall, Priest feels his team should be competitive this season.

"We return 19 lettermen, and I've been really pleased with our commitment in the off-season," Priest said. "Our strength will remain with our defense and we look to be improved offensively."

Priest will employ a West Coast-style offense. On the defensive side of the football the Cougars will give opponents either a 4-3 or 4-4 look.

On offense, senior Tim Hoverman (5-10, 165) will return at quarterback. Last season, Hoverman completed 48 of 90 pass attempts for 681 yards and five touchdowns in the seven games he started. He also rushed for 190 yards and had two TDs.

Joining Hoverman in the backfield is sophomore fullback Donny Sites (5-10, 180). Juniors Sam Tindall (5-10, 150) and Kirtis Calvelage (5-9, 150) will also figure into the offensive scheme as either running backs or receivers.

Another key returning starter on offense is senior guard Adam Custer (6-0, 215). On defense, Custer will line up at defensive end.

One of the concerns for Priest, however, is the loss of two key players to injuries. Lost for the season because of a shoulder injury is junior tight end Evan Hammond (6-1, 180). Hammond was the leading receiving tight end last year in the WBL.

Along with Hammond, junior defensive tackle T.J. Leaser (5-10, 200) will more than likely miss the season because of preseason back surgery.

Priest said losing Hammond and Leaser presents a huge challenge for the rest of the team.

"Evan was the leading receiver (tight end) in the WBL last year," Priest said. "So, it's going to be tough to replace him. And with Leaser out for maybe the entire season ... that makes it tough. We're not only young, but we're inexperienced. And with these two starters out ... it doesn't make it any easier."

"Realistically, our goal is to have a winning season this year. I really think we can do it. I like the attitude. I think we've been working hard this summer.

"Last year's 3-7 (record) won't cut it."

Another possible key factor for Van Wert this season is depth.

"One good thing is that we are almost all two-platoon," Priest said. "We only have two guys that play both ways."

VAN WERT

Coach: Bob Priest

Years, record at school: Second year, 3-7

Returning letterwinners: 20

Returning starters: 13

Promising newcomers: Donny Sites, Sam Tindall, Kirtis Calvelage, Tony Black, Gyer Blackmore, Treg Fortman, Clint Mathews and Jason Osenbaugh

Outlook: The Cougars look to improve on last year's 3-7 mark. With a couple key losses due to injury, Van Wert's returners need to step up their play this fall.

Aug. 22          BRYAN

Aug. 29          ELIDA

Sept. 5           at Bath

Sept. 12         at Celina

Sept. 19         DEFIANCE

Sept. 26         at Wapakoneta

Oct. 3             ST. MARYS

Oct. 10           at Ottawa-Glandorf

Oct. 17           SHAWNEE

Oct. 24           at Kenton