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The Christian Academy Middle School Varsity Baseball Centurions rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Johnson Traditional Middle School, 3-2, to win the Greater Louisville Middle School Varsity baseball
championship!!

The game was played this past Saturday, May 19, at the University of Louisville’s Jim Patterson Stadium.
With the Centurions trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, Paul Haupt led off with a single to left. Clay Davis was hit by a pitch and after Johnson replaced pitchers, Scott Wright singled to center to load the bases with no one out. CAL tied the game at 2-2 when David Parks hit into a force play at second base, scoring Haupt from third. Parks stole second, but Evan Wilson grounded into a fielder’s choice when the shortstop threw home to retire Grant Harmon (running for catcher Davis) at the plate for the second out of the inning. Parks advanced to third on the play.

Wilson stole second and Derek Holland walked to load the bases with two outs. Luke Price then grounded a single into centerfield on an 0-2 pitch to give the Centurions the 3-2 lead in what proved to be the final margin.

Centurions hurler Dylan Sexton pitched a terrific game, going the distance, scattering seven hits over seven innings, walking only one batter (an intentional walk) and striking out five. He retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced in the game. The game ended with Haupt making a spectacular catch on a short fly into left field, catching the ball with outstretched arms and on the run with his back to homeplate.

Johnson scored first in the game, plating two runs in the top of the second inning and holding that 2-0 lead through the middle of the fourth. CAL got on the board in their half of the fourth inning when Wright led off with a single to center and Parks sacrificed him to second base. Ben Viola drew a walk and Holland reached base when Johnson’s pitcher threw errantly to first base after fielding his bunt, loading the bases with one out. Garrett McIntire flied to left field before Blake Carlisle singled to center to score Wright with the Centurions’ first run.

The Centurions had qualified for the championship game by defeating Conway Middle School, 10-1, in the semifinals on Monday evening in a game played at Christian Academy. CAL never trailed in the game, scoring in every inning except the fifth and sealing the game with a big five-run sixth. Pitchers Scott Wright and Dylan Sexton combined on a no-hitter, striking out ten, as they kept the opposing team in check with Conway scoring their only run in the sixth inning after falling behind, 5-0.

CAL scored their 10 runs on only five hits, taking advantage of seven Conway walks and three hit batsman while converting five sacrifices in the game. The Centurions’ five-run sixth inning came without the advantage of a single CAL hit. Parks had two hits in the game for CAL with Carlisle, Wright, and Holland also collecting singles. Carlisle and Davis each had two runs batted in.

The CAL Middle School Varsity team finished the season 14-1, winning their final 13 consecutive games. Coach Steve Viola’s squad outscored their opponents, 106-38, over the course of the season. The two championship finalists made an inspiring statement at game’s end, meeting at the pitcher’s mound for a postgame prayer before the championship trophies were distributed.

Kristen Shaffer Signs with University of Louisville

Senior, Kristen Shaffer, signed a letter of intent on Tuesday, May 16th to cheer at the University of Louisville. Shaffer has cheered since 6th grade at CAL and has received the All-American Award her senior year, as well as the All-Star Award for four years. Two hundred and fifty people tried out for this year’s UL cheerleading team. Kristen was chosen as one of 24 women along with 24 men to complete the coed squad.

“I have wanted to cheer for UL since I was a little girl. Everyone in my family is a big UL fan and this is all I have ever wanted,” said Shaffer.

Shaffer’s first cheerleading coach, Sally Parks, said, “I have so much I could say about Kristen. For such a tiny person, she has one of the biggest hearts. I’ve watched the kind of person she is in front of people and when no one is watching. Kristen brings her light wherever she goes and I am so excited for all the paths God is sending her on.”

The National Cheerleading Association (NCA) came to watch Kristen perform at a CAL practice and asked her to become an NCA director. Schaffer filled out all the paperwork but was unable to participate due to her age.

“I know that this is a dream come true for Kristen. It has been an honor to coach her. I’ve only been able to coach her for one year, but what an amazing year it has been,” said head CAL cheerleading coach, Marletta Firman. Coach Firman also cheered for UL in 1995.

Kristen’s parents, Phil and Donna Shaffer, were overwhelmed and thankful for the amount of support given to Kristen. Mrs. Shaffer presented Kristen with a Varsity Letter from her great aunt from her time spent cheering at UL in 1958. “This has been a long time coming. God has a plan for Krissy and we hope she will embrace it and have fun with it,” said Mr. Shaffer.

“I want to thank the CAL athletic department and their support of the cheerleading program. It has offered Kristen the opportunity to excel at her sport. I am grateful to all of her coaches for helping to mold her spiritually and athletically,” said Mrs. Shaffer.

Kristen concluded the ceremony by thanking all her coaches who have pushed and encouraged her. Shaffer plans to major in Exercise Science at UL next fall.

Mitchell Moehle Signs to Play Football at Hanover College

Mitchell Moehle, signed a letter of intent on Thursday, May 18th to play football at Hanover College. Moehle has played football for the Centurions since the 5th grade. “I have enjoyed watching Mitchell play. It’s been fun to see how he’s grown as a player,” said CAL Director of Athletics, Darin Long.

“Mitchell always shows the motivation and desire to succeed and it is contagious. I’m glad I got to coach him even if only for one year. The way he’s battled through things is a testament of his will. Hanover is blessed to have him. Mitchell made us a better team and me personally a better person,” said Stefan Lefors, CAL’s head football coach.

Mitchell’s parents, Donna and Mary Ann, spoke about Mitchell’s physical struggles and his determination to push through. “I never thought he would get this far with all of his medical conditions. I can’t wait to see how he will blossom,” said Mr. Moehle.

“Mitchell has been so blessed. No matter what has happened, despite his injuries, he always looked forward to football. We have loved every minute of it,” said Mrs. Moehle.

When asked why he chose Hanover College Mitchell said, “It felt really comfortable meeting with the team and immediately I felt like I belonged.” Teammate, Sean Walker closed the ceremony in prayer after Mitchell thanked everyone for their support. Moehle looks forward to attending Hanover and playing for the Panthers next fall where he plans to be a pre-med major.

Jacqueline Anderson was named “Miss Lacrosse”on Thursday night. She was voted top player by the DI coaches among 8 other players that were nominated.

Jacqueline and Olivia Pierce were also named 1st team KY All State performers for 2012.  It was a great night for these 2 CAL lacrosse players.

Congratulations to the Centurion 7/8th grade baseball team!  The Centurions will be playing for the Greater Louisville Middle School Varsity Championship to be played at University of Louisville, Patterson Stadium this Saturday, May 19th!  Game time is 11:30am.  Come out and see some great baseball as the team hits for the championship!

Congratulations to these CAL athletes who all signed letters of intent at the following schools last week:

Jacqueline Anderson – Centre College (Lacrosse)

Trevor Black – Thomas More College (Football)

Jonathan Finch – Lindsey Wilson College (Basketball)

Joe Snyder – Bryan College (Baseball)

Tyler Stocking – Asbury University (Basketball)

JACQUELINE ANDERSON SIGNS WITH CENTRE COLLEGE

Senior, Jacqueline Anderson, signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Centre College on Thursday, May 10th. Anderson is the first CAL girls’ lacrosse player to sign at the college level. Anderson is one of the original team members that started a girls’ lacrosse team at CAL five years ago. She has been a 3-time All- State player as well as a 2-time starter for the Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament Team.

“It has been a true pleasure to coach Jacqueline. She’s a player who at the end of practice stays longer to practice more. She is one of the best and most complete lacrosse players I’ve ever coached. Jacqueline is well thought of in the lacrosse community and has truly led our team all year,” said CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, Stu Bailey.

John and Kim Anderson, Jacqueline’s parents, knew nothing about lacrosse when she approached them about playing in the 8th grade. “We are so thankful for the friends that she has made through lacrosse and the wonderful experience we have had here at CAL. We greatly appreciate Coach Bailey for the positive force he has been. Jacqueline has a Godly influence on others. As long as she keeps God in the forefront, she’ll do just fine. We are so proud of her,” said Mr. Anderson.

Jacqueline tearfully thanked her parents, her teammates, Coach Bailey, and especially her mom for being her biggest fan.

Anderson also made an official visit to Presbyterian College in South Carolina but chose Centre because of its outstanding academics, location, size, and lacrosse team.

Centre College women’s lacrosse coach, Julie Beer, also attended the signing ceremony.

TREVOR BLACK SIGNS WITH THOMAS MORE COLLEGE

First year CAL football player Trevor Black, signed a letter of intent to play football at Thomas More College on Wednesday, May 9th.

Black is an All-State soccer player and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in soccer. It was a half-time Chick-fil-A field goal kick that changed gears for Black. That 50 yard kick jump started Trevor to play football his senior year, his first and only on the CAL football team. After years dedicated to another sport, Trevor said he chose football as his college athletic career because it offers a whole new experience. “I tried football and fell in love with it,” said Black.

“I knew Trevor was an all-star goalie and was excited when he decided to give football a try. I appreciate all he did for us in such a short amount of time. Trevor has just scratched the surface of his talent. I’m really excited for him,” said head CAL football coach, Stefan Lefors.

CAL Assistant Coaches, Ken Kortas and Tracy Trenaman echoed Lefors’ praise of Black. “I wish we could have had Trevor longer. He is a thunder-leg kicker and has the strength, desire, and fundamentals to be a pro kicker,” said Coach Kortas.

“I’ve known Trevor since he was in the 3rd grade. He has a great attitude and has no fear. Trevor meant a great deal to us on the football team. I wish him the best of luck,” said Trenaman.

Karen & William Black, Trevor’s parents, thanked Trevor’s coaches for all they had done to support Trevor. “CAL has been a family to us and Thomas More feels like family too. After 14 years of soccer and 6 weeks of football, Trevor is signing for football. Everything happens for a reason,” said Mr. Black.

Trevor closed the ceremony by thanking Coach Lefors and Coach Trenaman for giving him this opportunity. “I’m excited for the privilege to kick for the Saints,” said Black.

Black also made official visits to Hanover College and Wittenburg University. Trevor is eager to begin this next chapter at Thomas More where he intends to major in Physical Therapy.

Click below to view Trevor’s story as featured on WDRB.http://www.wdrb.com/story/18248322/trevor-black-turns-halftime-kick-into-scholarship

http://www.wdrb.com/story/18248322/trevor-black-turns-halftime-kick-into-scholarship

JONATHAN FINCH SIGNS WITH LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE

Senior Jonathan Finch, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, May 11th. Finch had scheduled visits to Pikeville College and Spalding University, but after visiting Lindsey Wilson he felt like it was home. Jonathan’s mother, Lisa Finch, has family in Columbia, Kentucky.

“I am so excited that Jonathan has found a place he can call home for the next four years. He is a man of Christ, a leader, and will stand up for what is right. He will be an example-setter and I think Lindsey Wilson will be a great opportunity for him to grow in his faith,” said CAL head basketball coach, Casey Smallwood.

“I want to thank Coach Smallwood for persistently working with college coaches to get me where I needed to be,” said Finch.

Jonathan has also worked in CAL’s athletic office as an intern this year. “It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan. He is a good one to have around. He is a hard worker and is willing to do whatever we ask of him no matter how menial it may be. He has a great spirit about it. I can’t wait to follow his basketball career,” said Assistant Athletic Director, Kevin Bowers.

“We are seeing the accomplishment of a goal that Jonathan set from an early age. Jonathan has had a ball in his hands since he was little. This hasn’t been an easy journey for him though. He was cut from the basketball team his 7th & 8th grade years but tried out for the freshman team anyway. He made the team and was 15th out of 15 on the bench. He’s been knocked down but never gave up on his goal. We are so proud of him,” said Jonathan’s father, Don Finch.

Finch has played basketball for CAL for four years and is eager to begin this next chapter of his life playing for the Blue Raiders and majoring in Sports Administration.

JOE SNYDER SIGNS TO PLAY BASEBALL AT BYRAN COLLEGE

Senior, Joe Snyder, signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Bryan College on Monday, May 7th. Snyder felt like God was leading him to Bryan College. “Coach Hasty is a Godly man and I know he will push me to grow as a player and as a man,” said Joe.

“Joe has the Lord in his life. You can tell that by the way he carries himself. He works extremely hard and is always positive. He keeps the team loose and laughing and is a great teammate. Joe will do well at Bryan College,” said head CAL Baseball Coach, Tim Brown.

Phenom Baseball coach, Mike Clark said, “Joe is the type of player who will come out and compete. He wants the ball.”

Ken & Sally Snyder, Joe’s parents thanked his teachers, teammates, and coaches for their support. “God blessed Joe with an arm for baseball but most importantly God has blessed him with a heart for Him. I know he is my son, but I’ve never known anyone like him. He is my hero,” said Mr. Snyder.

Mrs. Snyder read scripture from Philippians verses 3:13-14. “Joe has taught us more than we have taught him. He is God’s man and we are most proud of that,” said Mrs. Snyder.

Joe has played baseball since the age of 10 and for six years at CAL. He is excited about attending Bryan College next fall where he is planning to major in Business Management & Economics.

TYLER STOCKING SIGNS TO PLAY BASKETBALL AT ASBURY UNIVERSITY

CAL basketball senior, Tyler Stocking, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Asbury University. The signing ceremony was opened in prayer by Director of Athletics, Darin Long. Stocking has played basketball for CAL since 3rd grade and was named All Tournament Region & District Team his senior year.

“Such a small percentage of players get to play at the next level and to play for Coach Shouse at Asbury is a great opportunity. Asbury will allow Tyler to not only grow as a basketball player, but in his faith and as a man as well. I have a great deal of trust and respect for Tyler,” said head CAL Basketball Coach, Casey Smallwood.

Asbury head basketball coach, Will Shouse, said, “I had three people that I trust immensely speak highly of Tyler. He came down to visit and he fell in love with the campus and we fell in love with him. He’s excited about our program and we are excited to have him. We are eager to welcome him to the team.”

Assistant CAL basketball coach, Carlos Mitchell, congratulated Tyler on his hard work and told Coach Shouse what a great player and person he has in Tyler.

Stocking thanked his friends, his parents, Pam and John Stocking, and Coach Shouse for their support and for the opportunity to play at Asbury. The signing ceremony was closed in prayer by teammate, Jonathan Finch. Stocking is undecided on his major.

Three local juniors –Darryl Hicks, Derek WillisandLavonne Holland– are among six core players that have been selected to compete in both Junior All-Star games this summer against the Junior All-Stars from Indiana.

The Junior All-Star teams will be made up of those six core players and six others selected for each scrimmage. The scrimmage against the Kentucky All-Stars senior team will be held June 4 in Lexington and June 6 in Louisville.

The Junior All-Stars will then take 12 of the total 18 players the following week to play the Indiana Junior All-Stars on June 15 at Heritage Christian in Indianapolis and then on June 16 at North Oldham High School. It’s the first year the series has added juniors.

Willis, who is from Bullitt East and has committed to Kentucky, will play in both scrimmages along with Trinity’s Hicks and Ballard’s Holland. The three other core players will be Madison Central’s Dominique Hawkins and Quan Taylorand Montgomery County’s Omar Prewitt.

The girls’ six core players are Marion County’s Makayla Epps and Kyvin Goodin-Rogers -both Louisville commitments – Owensboro Catholic’s Becca Greenwell,Christian Academy’s China Dow, Madison Central’s Larryn Brooks and Ashton Feldhaus.

Here are the complete rosters:

Boys: (Core) -Quan Taylor (Madison Central); Dominique Hawkins (Madison Central); Darryl Hicks (Trinity); Lavonne Holland (Ballard);Omar Prewitt (Montgomery County);Derek Willis (Bullitt East).(Lexington scrimmage) –Ken-Jah Bosley (Madison Central), Kelton Ford (LaRue County); Taylor Gover (Pulaski County); Jordan Majors (Hopkinsville); Mike Smith (Paul Dunbar); Charles Washington (Lafayette).(Louisville scrimmage) -Rusty Troutman (Bullitt East), Trey Rakes (Bullitt East); Stuart Jackson (Central); Brock Kiesler (St. Xavier); Demetrius McReynolds (Butler); Logan O’Bryan (Daviess County).

Girls: (Core) –Larryn Brooks (Madison Central); Ashton Feldhaus (Madison Central); China Dow (Christian Academy); Makayla Epps (Marion County); Kyvin Goodin-Rogers (Marion County);Becca Greenwell (Owensboro Catholic).(Lexington scrimmage) -Kelah Eldridge (Letcher County Central); Jordin Fender (Paul Dunbar); Billie Hearn (Grant County); Cheyenne Madden (Clay County); Leah Schaefer (Highlands); Olivia Voskuhl (Notre Dame).(Louisville scrimmage) -Tearra Banks (Ballard); Emily Fox (Lincoln County); Whitney Hartlage (Mercy); Beth Rates (Hancock County); Chelsey Shumpert (Paducah Tilghman); Aareon Smith (Butler).

Article posted on  http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydemling/2012/05/08/junior-all-star-teams-selected/

University of Kentucky senior Ashleigh Gustafson has been named to the 2012 Southeastern Conference softball community service team it was announced by the league on Monday. The honor is the first for the Louisville, Ky., native.

Gustafson has spent more than 400 hours in the community since her arrival on UK’s campus four years ago. She has worked with organizations such as the Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House and the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.

Furthermore, she has also dedicated her time to local hospitals, horse parks, community schools and churches, softball camps and to the University of Kentucky.

She is a three-time All-SEC Academic team member and twice has won the CATSPY award for community service.

Gustafson was named the 2011-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year at Kentucky and was also inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character at UK which is the highest honor bestowed on Wildcat athletes.

Article Posted on http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/050712aaa.html

Ashleigh is a 2008 CAL graduate.