The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Vern Hollister - Correspondent

Predictions for the softball championship ended about as anticipated with Laona/Wabeno and Crandon in one dimension and the rest of the teams in groups below them. The Cardinals, however, after losing at home to the Rebels may have looked forward to a repeat of a year ago when each team won at the other's field. Not this season, as Laona/Wabeno took both games by an identical 6-3 score to clinch an unbeaten Northern Lakes season and leave the Cards with two losses and alone in second.

Form held true for post-season play, also, with a slight variation from a year ago. Both teams were upset in the semi-final round and didn't meet a third time. In 2008, seedings held fast so that the region championship would go to one or the other. It's tough to defeat another good team three times in a season, but the Rebels with an improbable comeback and a 7-6 win did just that. They captured the region crown and carried a 19-0 record into sectionals.

Pressure eased from a season dedicated to co-coach Don Huettl whose life and coaching career ended abruptly following an auto accident early in the season. The Rebels players dedicated each game and the season to him. Their goals were fulfilled, undefeated, a championship in his memory.

"It's hard to put the season into words," Laona/Wabeno co-coach Melissa Peters said. "It was a very successful season, but with the loss of Don Huettl, it was very bittersweet. Having your first loss coming in sectionals is nothing to be ashamed of."

In reality, the greater pressure may have come from the rivalry between Crandon and Laona/Wabeno. Mike Albrecht, father of Rebels third baseman Melanie Albrecht, said he didn't sleep the night before the game against the Cardinals. It wasn't so much that it was a region final, it was because the all-important game was against Crandon. Playing against the Cardinals and the desire to defeat them is what caused the restless night, "and you can quote me on that," he added for emphasis.

According to Laona/Wabeno senior pitcher Kristin Zimmer, the pressure was not as much on them at sectionals. After the region, it was to play their best, to have fun, and to be proud of their accomplishments and one another. If Peters had any pressure, it was in converting from being a first base coach to a third base coach.

"The five seniors," Peters said, "have been the backbone of our team. They're leaders. They led the team the three years I've been here. We're losing players at key positions. That's the hardest part of the season, saying good-bye, especially to this group."

Playing their last games were Zimmer, Cassy Huettl behind the plate, Katie Sharko at shortstop, Albrecht at third, and outfielder Brittany Cleereman.

Few teams in the conference could give the Cardinals or the Rebels stiff competition. Three Lakes and Elcho fell into the next echelon with 9-5 records, and the rest of the teams beat up on one another in a third and lower bracket.

"We played Elcho in a doubleheader on a Saturday," Peters said. "They hit the ball extremely well. We had only five strikeouts. They put the bat on the ball. They had a pretty good pitcher in Shannon Ruhland. I was impressed with her. Three Lakes lost to us early, and Jessica Hibbard didn't pitch."

The difference and the reason for the dominance shown by Crandon and Laona/Wabeno is a summer program. In the senior league, according to Peters, coaches work with Laona and Wabeno and Crandon players. By the time they reach high school, they're versed in fundamentals. They bunt, they play positions, and pitchers develop.

"Laona, Wabeno, and Crandon have established summer programs," Peters said. "I have some great coaches at a younger level. It makes such a difference."

Goodman/Pembine displayed improvement with new head coach Nikki Millan. Five ninth graders started, and without a summer program they had to learn as they played and practiced. Millan said she was not disappointed in their season. Her goal is the future. She is also searching for a pitcher to step in, one who can compete with the Zimmer's and the Andi Wojnowski's who graduated. The Rebels have a pitcher waiting to take over for Zimmer, and the Cardinals have Jacee Anderson waiting in the wings for the Cards. Therein lies one of the differences.

"We've got some good young talent sitting on the bench," Peters said, "and some good ones from both schools coming."

Only Crandon and Laona/Wabeno can say that for now.

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