CRYSTAL FALLS—Forest Park’s volleyball team had it all its own way here Aug. 30 in a 3-0 sweep over Bark River-Harris in a Skyline Conference match.
 The scores tell the story: 25-12, 25-12, 25-11. The Lady Trojans are now 9-3-2 overall, 2-0 in the Skyline.
 “Strong, consistent performance,” reported Coach Kim Bjork. “All the girls played well.

Here he comes again! Austin Snell breaks into the clear for an 11-yard touchdown in the first quarter, one of four TDs he scored to lead the Trojans past Bark River-Harris 46-6.
CRYSTAL FALLS—To those Forest Park fans who were worried about their football team this season, the Trojans made a statement in their season opener Aug. 24.
 First play of the year: Austin Snell took a pitch from QB Jeff Johnson around the right side and dashed down the sideline for a 58-yard TD.

IRON RIVER—West Iron left far too many points on the field in the first half at St. Ignace Aug. 25, and that almost bit them in the end.
 But despite a getting broiled by temperatures in the 90s, WIC’s defense reached deep inside to turn back Pittsford in the final minutes and preserve a 19-16 win in the season opener.
 How hot? “The word from the St. Ignace guys, it was about 95 degrees,” Coach Mike Berutti said. WIC had only practiced as warm as the low 80s, when Pittsford, near the Ohio state line, was in the 90s. “But they were gassed, too.

Forest Park libero Gina Graff moves in to take a shot during the Lady Trojans’ match with Carney-Nadeau Aug. 21. Teammates nearby (from left) are Kendra Campbell, Lexi Gussert, Mindy DeNell, Maria Stankewicz and Abby Sommers.
CRYSTAL FALLS—The home fans saw Forest Park’s volleyball team for the first time Aug. 23 in a 3-0 win over Carney-Nadeau.
 The Lady Trojans seemed sharp in the first set but struggled at times after that. Scores: 25-11, 25-21, 25-11.

Appearances aren’t deceiving—Kylee Erickson, West Iron’s first singles starter, is a dedicated, intense athlete. Here she is during a recent match at Nelson Field.
IRON RIVER—Busy, busy week for West Iron’s girls tennis team. The schedule-maker had them scurrying to three dual matches and a tournament last week.
 And this week: Here comes another one, just like the other one.

With coaches watching closely in back, West Iron blockers open a hole for one of their backs during the scrimmage with Forest Park at Nelson Field Aug. 17.
IRON RIVER—Time will tell, of course, but West Iron’s football team looked ready for the new season during its scrimmage at Nelson Field Aug. 17.
 The Wykons crashed pads with Forest Park and Florence for about two hours. This Saturday, Aug. 25, it’s all for keeps, when the Wykons battle Pittsford at St. Ignace.
 “We had a lot of positives,” Coach Mike Berutti said afterwards. “The best part is going live, getting the intensity up, we find a lot of things we need to work on for next week.

A Trojan back heads upfield after turning the corner on a Wykon defender at last week’s scrimmage. The Trojans host Bark River-Harris at home this Friday, Aug. 24.
CRYSTAL FALLS—Team members were probably disappointed last Monday when Forest Park announced that it wouldn’t—couldn’t—field a JV football squad this year due to lack of young players.
 By Friday’s scrimmage in Iron River, they had put it behind them and were focused on the guys in the blue and green shirts across from them—the West Iron and Florence players.

Forest Park’s returning volleyball letter-winners are (from left) Maria DeMuri, Abby Sommers, Lexi Gussert, Mindy DeNell, Kendra Campbell and Gina Graff.
CRYSTAL FALLS—Each year, Coach Kim Bjork has a tough task in front of her. This fall’s challenge is one of the hardest: How can Forest Park possibly match last year’s volleyball season, let alone top it?
 The Lady Trojans, after all, won their district, won their regional, won in the quarterfinals and went all the way to the state Class D semifinals in Battle Creek.
 Grads gone: Trouble is, four of last year’s starters have graduated: Audrey Sholander, Tanner Bartczak, Ana Cornelia and Kaitlin Shamion. “They were our core,” said their coach.

West Iron first doubles players Mallory Tomasoski (facing camera) and Olivia Han consult with Assistant Coach Joe Serbentas during the Wykons match with Ironwood last week.
IRON RIVER—With three wins in three days, West Iron’s girls tennis team could not have started its season any better.
 The Wykons won 6-2 over Ironwood at home Aug. 15, 5-3 at Menominee on Aug. 16 and 7-1 at Ishpeming Aug. 17.

Assistant Coach Jim Kralovec quickly checks foot positioning as linemen work on their blocking technique during a practice last week.
IRON RIVER—It’s our first Wykon football story of the year, and it’s a time to feel upbeat. The Wykons went 8-1 last season, were unbeaten in the West Pac Conference and reached the district title game. Overall record: 9-2.
 Practice for the 2012 season officially started Aug. 6, and the players put pads on for the first time Aug. 9.