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Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Highland pitcher Caden VanderMeyden shrugs off shoulder issues. He's on a mission. ‘I want to make history.'
In Highland's chase for history, senior pitcher Caden VanderMeyden is ready to shoulder the burden. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has managed to mostly move past the discomfort in his throwing shoulder that was especially bothersome earlier this season. He said he also 'tweaked' his left shoulder while batting. But VanderMeyden has remained focused on the Trojans' mission to win their first sectional title since 2000. 'We're just all excited to make history,' he said. 'That 25 years, it's been in my brain. 'I imagine going crazy when we win, jumping on each other. But we have to win the games first before we start thinking about that.' VanderMeyden and the Trojans began the Class 3A East Chicago Central Sectional with a 12-1 victory against West Side in five innings on Wednesday night. The Trinity Christian commit said he 'got a feel for the mound' at Block Stadium with a perfect inning for Highland (15-13), striking out two while throwing just eight pitches, to lower his ERA to 1.33. He has 23 strikeouts in 26 ⅓ innings this season. He plays first base when he's not pitching, and he's batting .178. 'Pitching-wise, I feel good,' VanderMeyden said. 'I have the confidence. Hitting-wise, it's been pretty hard. I still have the confidence, but it hasn't worked out in my favor. But pitching, I want the ball, and I want to make history.' The Trojans advanced to play East Chicago Central (12-13) in the sectional semifinals on Friday. If that game goes according to their plan, they'll play either Bishop Noll or Griffith in the championship game on Monday with a healthier VanderMeyden on the mound. 'A couple of weeks ago, my arm was hurting bad,' he said. 'But I got some rest. I iced it. I got through it. It's gotten better. It's not as bad as it was. I'm ready to go.' Zak Pizer, a 2018 Highland graduate and former assistant who in his second season as coach, is ready for VanderMeyden to take the ball. 'CJ's our most reliable guy,' Pizer said. 'He's the guy that we want on that mound. Hopefully he can get that job done that we haven't seen in 25 years. 'He hasn't had as many innings as we'd like him to have. We were like, 'OK, let's slow it down a little bit.' We wanted to conserve him for sectionals, make sure he was ready for sectionals.' Highland junior catcher Kirk Dapshis appreciates VanderMeyden's efforts. 'CJ, that's my boy right there,' Dapshis said. 'That's my ace. He's the guy. When he's on the mound, we know it's going to be a good day. He's been in the right mindset. He's battled. 'He's had days where his arm might not feel good, but he comes back the next week, and no matter who we're playing, no matter where it is, no matter when it is, he's there and competes. He competes every pitch. That's what matters to us, and that's what matters to him.' VanderMeyden was more of a first baseman earlier in his career. But he was a key member of Highland's staff that was headed by then-senior Kyle Stacy last season, posting a 1.81 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 27 innings. 'We knew he'd be the guy this year when he beat Andrean last year,' Pizer said of VanderMeyden. 'When he beat Andrean, he really kind of said he had something special. 'He has the height for it, he has the build for it, he has the heart for it when he wants it, and he has the stuff for it. When his stuff is on, he can compete with anyone in the state.' VanderMeyden is figuring that out for himself. 'I'm surprised I've been doing this well, actually,' he said. 'Being the ace, I was all scared. Last year going into this year, I was like, 'I'm going to be one of the only guys.' But it's been going well. I've gotten a good feel, and I've improved since last year.' After playing basketball during his sophomore and junior years, VanderMeyden decided to concentrate more on baseball. He also joined the tennis team as a junior, having never competed in the sport before, and played No. 1 doubles last season. 'I didn't play basketball this year, so I got to more baseball workouts this winter,' VanderMeyden said. 'It pays off here in games.' The Trojans hope the ultimate payoff occurs next week. 'We're optimistic,' Pizer said. 'We'd like to think that we're the favorite just because we don't want to say we're going to go in there and lose. 'We're very hungry. We want this bad, and our kids are showing it. They want it. Not like every other year they didn't want it — every year they've wanted it — but this year, you can see it in their eyes. They want to be at that regional and even farther if we can.' VanderMeyden definitely wants it. 'I'm just excited for sectionals,' he said. 'I'm excited to be winning some sectional games. I'm excited to be the favorite to win a sectional championship. 'We've always had Hanover and Andrean and LC (Lake Central) in our sectional, and come sectionals, you're like, 'Oh, crap,' because you have those ranked teams and you have one of the hardest schedules. We're in a good spot.'
Dominion Post
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Trinity Christian bows out of state softball tournament with pair of defeats on Wednesday
SOUTH CHARLESTON – The Trinity Christian softball team saw its historic season come to an end on Wednesday at Little Creek Park in South Charleston after two defeats on Day 1 of the WVSSAC Class A state softball tournament. The Warriors fell 12-0 to top-ranked Pendleton County Wednesday morning before a defeat to Greenbrier West 8-3 in an elimination game that evening. Trinity Christian sees its campaign come to a close, having qualified for the first state tournament appearance in program history as champions of Region I. In the opening game of the day, Pendleton County flexed its muscles with an all-around victory over TCS. The Warriors only tallied three hits and committed five errors in the contest. Pendleton lead off batter Avery Townsend went 3 for 3 with two doubles, four RBI, and four runs scored. Pitcher Baylee Beachler homered in the first inning to give Pendleton an early 2-0 lead. She also added four RBI for her team in the game. Peyton Moore, Jocelyn Phillips, and Arlie Humphries were the Warriors to earn hits. Despite the decisive loss in Game 1, TCS returned for Game 2 against Greenbrier West with confidence and took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning in the game. However, the Cavaliers managed to score two in the bottom half of the same inning and didn't surrender the lead from that point, eventually defeating TCS 8-3. Phillips and Moore each totaled three hits in the elimination game, with Phillips accounting for three RBI and two doubles. The Cavaliers managed 15 hits against TCS to score their eight runs and advance to Day 2. The Warriors' season comes to an end at 13-12, winners of five of their final seven games, including five in a row in postseason play to make the state tournament. BOX SCORE (GAME ONE) Pendleton County 12, Trinity Christian 0 TCS 000 00X X – 0 3 5 PCHS 233 4XX X – 12 8 1 Trinity Christian (13-12) – Moore 3010 Hopkins 2000 Phillips 2010 Flecker 2000 Titus 2000 Citerone 1000 Timeprio 2000 Kelley 2000 Humphries 2010 Pendleton County (30-2) – Townsend 3434 Bechler 3224 Smith 4011 Alt 2000 Parker 3010 Vincell 1000 Colaw 2200 Mongold 2211 Rowe 2100 2B: Townsend (3) HR: Beachler BOX SCORE (GAME 2) Greenbrier West 8, Trinity Christian 3 TCS 002 000 1 – 3 8 1 GWHS 102 203 X – 8 15 1 Trinity Christian (13-12) – Moore 4230 Hopkins 3100 Phillips 3033 Flecker 4000 Titus 3010 Kelley 2000 Jenkins 3000 Conn 3010 Humphries 3000 2B: Phillips (2) Greenbrier West (20-9) – Redden 4320 Patterson 3221 Fields 4133 Treadway 3121 Adkins 4011 Taylor 4021 Porter 3010 Fields 4021 Price 3000 2B: Taylor, Fields 3B: Fields
Chicago Tribune
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Sensing the moment, hungry Hunter Vedder turns on the power as Lincoln-Way West tops Lockport. ‘Get back to work.'
For Lincoln-Way West senior outside hitter Hunter Vedder, it's time to get serious. The Warriors were state quarterfinalists and won 32 matches last season. They have high hopes but have been underperforming this spring. And Vedder, the team captain, has seen enough. 'I have to make sure everyone is on their best behavior,' said Vedder, a Trinity Christian recruit. 'There is no time for messing around. We all have to stay focused and get back to work. 'It has to be serious from now on, especially in practice.' Vedder and sophomore outside hitter Colin Baikie produced some serious swings Thursday night, each coming up with 14 kills in leading host Lincoln-Way West to a 25-19, 24-26, 25-17 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lockport in New Lenox. King recruit Colin Dargan tallied six kills for the Warriors (17-14, 2-2), while Jack Jurka added five and David Neylon had four, including three in the third game. Ryne Ferree contributed 32 assists. Lockport (13-16, 1-4) was led by nine kills by Hunter Fash. Ryan Dziadkowiec recorded 15 assists, while Adam Gieser chipped in with eight digs and Austin Williams had three blocks. Last year, both teams tied for first in conference with 7-1 records. But the Porters, who entered the season with scant varsity experience, have gone 6-7 in three-game matches to fall below .500. 'We have so many sets where we play clean, but we haven't had a clean match,' Lockport coach Nick Mraz said. 'We make too many mistakes. But I told them if they put together an entire match, they are going to be a tough out.' The Illinois High School Association's postseason seedings came out Thursday. Lincoln-Way West is seeded seventh in the Hinsdale South Sectional, followed by Lockport at 12th. With injuries to senior libero Andrew Flores and 6-foot-9 senior middle Drew Kregul, who is committed to Northern Kentucky, the Warriors have been shifting their lineup around. Vedder, however, feels the Warriors will be a tough team if they are healthy for the playoffs. 'Oh, no, it's not too late,' Vedder said of turning things around. 'We had some days where we were slacking off, and we need to get back into business and get to work in practice. 'Of course, with the injuries, it's hard because everything is changing. We haven't had a consistent lineup. But we'll work hard and I think we will go pretty far.' The 6-3 Vedder has been a strong force in all phases of the game for the Warriors. 'Hunter is true senior leader,' Lincoln-Way West coach Jodi Frigo said. 'With his position as a captain this year, he brings that leadership in and he makes sure his team is following suit. 'He is versatile and can play anywhere on the court. He plays hard every point and every play.' Baikie, who had nine digs Thursday but has moved from the back row to the front due to the injuries, is gaining valuable hitting experience on the varsity. He appreciates Vedder as well. 'I feel like he's our hype man,' Baikie said. 'He brings everyone together, and I feel like he plays with a lot of energy. He always tries his hardest.' When selecting a college, staying close to home was important to Vedder, who knew players from Trinity's program. Chris and Conner Dargan, Colin's brothers, both played for the Trolls. 'I saw them play there and I wanted to stay close to home,' Vedder said of the Dargan brothers. 'I think I'm going to fit in well there. It's like a tight-knit family. 'Everyone is so friendly there, especially when I went to the open gyms. Everyone greeted me and picked me up and wanted me to play with them.'
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Tennessee quarterback target selected by Browns, Jimmy Haslam in 2025 NFL draft
Former Tennessee quarterback target selected by Browns, Jimmy Haslam in 2025 NFL draft The final day of the 2025 NFL draft is taking place Saturday with rounds 4-7 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round by Cleveland (No. 144 overall). Jimmy Haslam and Dee Haslam are owners of the Browns and are from Knoxville. Sanders was selected in the 2025 NFL draft after a collegiate career at Colorado and Jackson State. Sanders was a 2021 four-star prospect in 247Sports' Composite rankings from Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas. He was recruited by the Vols under then-Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt. Sanders attended a Tennessee football camp on June 22, 2019 and the Vols offered him a scholarship one day later on June 23, 2019. He is the son of Pro and College Football Hall-of-Fame inductee Deion Sanders, Colorado's head coach. Deion Sanders also coached his son at Jackson State and Trinity Christian. Deion Sanders, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian in 2020. Trinity Christian defeated Catholic High School, 49-14, in Knoxville on Aug. 29, 2020. PHOTOS: Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders play in Knoxville Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Harry Green Athlete of the Week: Jovanni Minnocci
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — The Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball team earned a walk-off win against Trinity Christian this past weekend with center fielder Jovanni Minnocci playing a huge role, and for that, he's this week's Harry Green Athlete of the Week. When Minnocci is playing center field, you might see a dazzling play like the ones he made on Saturday. Plays like that have become routine for the Notre Dame sophomore. 'You know, just pick everyone up, even your other outfielders, and just track the ball, don't let anything by you, and just keep everyone hyped up,' Minnocci said. One way to get your teammates hyped up is by hitting a home run. But in the case of the kid they call JoJo, he doesn't need to clear the fence to make that happen. Minnocci hit an inside-the-park home run against Trinity Christian on Saturday and really got a chance to showcase his wheels. NFL to use camera technology to measure first downs next season, approves more rule changes 'I haven't really been hitting the ball good this season, but you know, I just went out there and had to be patient, wait for my pitch to come. Just try to put the ball in play, make good contact. Doesn't matter where it goes, just put it in play,' Minnocci said. After hitting .391 his freshman season, Minnocci got off to a bit of a slow start to begin his sophomore campaign. But keeping a good attitude is helping him avoid a sophomore slump. 'You know, just keep your head up. Everyone gets in a slump. You just gotta dig your way out of it. Keep on picking everyone up,' Minnocci said. After hitting the walk-off base hit for the Irish on Saturday, Minocci's teammate, and Bethany College commit Dominick Bombardiere, said 'keep doubting us, c'mon,' after his late game heroics. As you can guess, Notre Dame wants their respect, and Minnocci agrees with that as well. 'Feel like everyone's sleeping on us, especially because we're a catholic school. But if we go out there and show them how we play baseball, that'll change their mind,' he said. Minnocci and the Irish are back in action this Saturday, when they travel to Cameron for a doubleheader with the dragons. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
