Pre-invitational press release

3/14/08

Gail Mowry, Wendy's Spring Classic media director

Home phone: 419-994-3969 Cell phone: 419-651-5350

Work phone: 419-490-2105 24/7 Fax: 419-490-2116

E-mail: midwestsoftball@skyrunner1.net

Ashland, Ohio's beautiful Brookside Park will host the fifteenth annual Wendy's Spring Classic April 17-19, 2008. Twenty-four outstanding high

school programs representing eight states will vie for "bragging rights" and exposure to national rankings. "Student Sports" continues to acknowledge

the Wendy's Spring Classic as one of the nation's premier in-season events and closely follows the Wendy's performance of teams aspiring for mention

in their National Fab Fifty listing (sssoftball.rivals.com).

This event is hosted by the Ashland Umpire's Association as a fundraiser which allows them to provide post-secondary tuition assistance to qualified

Ashland-area senior softball student/athletes. To date profits from the Wendy's Spring Classic and its sister tourney, the East of Chicago Ohio Invitational,

have resulted in net scholarship awards of $48,020.00 shared by 75 young ladies.

A biographical sketch of each of the 2008 invitees follows (a coach's record listed is for current school only.)

AKRON (OH) ARCHBISHOP HOBAN

Nickname: Knights Female enrollment: 303 Conference: North Coast League 2007 record: 21-3

Head Coach: Mitch Wagner (95-25) All-time Wendy's record: 11-10

State Tourney history: 8 appearances, 6 titles (1983, '84, '86, '87, '91 & '92)

Coach Wagner welcomes back 10 roster players from last year's state semi-finalist, including one of Ohio's outstanding young hurlers, SO RHP Lauren

McNeil. This is Archbishop Hoban's ninth Wendy's invitation.

Key players: SR Megan Allen, 1B/3B (has signed with Ohio University), SR Monica Rizzo 2B/OF, JR Franki Gironda OF, JR Katie Gross SS, JR Taylor

Rice C and SO Lauren McNeil P (2007 Div II 2nd Team all-Ohio).

ASHLAND (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Arrows Female enrollment: 423 Conference: Ohio Cardinal 2007 record: 17-7

Head Coach: Kimberley Bracken (79-41) All-time Wendy's record: 13-19

State Tourney history: 1997 Division I state runners-up

2008 will be the fifth consecutive year that the Arrows have served as the host team for the Wendy's Spring Classic under the guidance of Coach

Bracken. Ashland looks to contend with Clear Fork and Lexington for the Ohio Cardinal Conference title.

Key players: SR Jorai Gangi P/3B, JR Amber Chapman 1B, JR Ronda Dreibelbis IF, JR Cally McGee OF, JR Tiffany Pryor SS and JR Taylor Rogers OF.

AVON (IN) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Orioles Female enrollment: 800 Conference: Hoosier Crossroads 2007 record: 27-4

Head Coach: Jenny Shayotovich (143-70) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: Never advanced to the Final Four

The Orioles are likely to be the pre-season choice as Indiana's top ranked Class 4A squad. After a narrow Regional loss to eventual 2007 state champ,

Hamilton Southeastern, Coach Shayotovich returns eight starters and one of the state's dominant hurlers in Jenny Esparza. 2007 team B.A. was .343.

Key players: SR Lizzee Campbell OF (has committed to Marian College), SR Mallory Pera OF, JR Nikki Burris 3B, JR Jenny Esparza P (2007 Class 4A 1st

Team all-Indiana) and JR Helen Rogers C (2007 Class 4A 3rd Team all-Indiana).

BARTLETT (IL) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Hawks Female enrollment: 1213 Conference: Upstate Eight 2007 record: 30-8

Head Coach: James Wolfsmith (98-42) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 2007 Class 2A quarter-finalist.

The Hawks impressed the Wendy's selection committee at last year's Illinois State Championships in East Peoria and are certainly deserving of their first

Wendy's invitation. Coach Wolfsmith returns six starters including all-state pitcher Lauren Wydra. Bartlett was voted the pre-season #1 team in Class 4A by

the Illinois State Coaches Association.

Key players: SR Concetta Lampugnano CF, SR Lauren Wydra P (2007 Class AA all-Illinois), JR Elizabeth Kay C (2007 all-Chicago Metro Area), SO Callie

Dennison IF/P and SO Megan Morales 3B/P.

***DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Illinois softball in 2008 is changing from two classes (A & AA) to four divisions (1A thru 4A)***

CARROLL (OH) BLOOM-CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Bulldogs Female enrollment: 190 Conference: Mid-State League 2007 record: 23-8

Head Coach: Bruce Leary (176-47) All-time Wendy's record: 1-3

State Tourney history: 2 appearances, 2 titles (2006 & '07)

Ohio's Division III "bullseye" is painted on this 2008 Bulldog team as they attempt to defend back-to-back state titles. One key to Bloom-Carroll's success

is their strength of schedule. Last year's team tied the state record previously held by Loudonville as having the most losses (8) by a state champion.

Key players: SR Heather Armstrong 2B, SR Erin Peirano 1B, SR Ally Smith C (has signed with Shawnee State) and JR Gabby Gillilan P (2007 Div III 1st

Team all-Ohio, has verbally committed to Cleveland State).

BOLIVAR (NY) BOLIVAR-RICHBURG HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Wolverines Female enrollment: 109 Conference: Allegany Co-Expressway 2007 record : 23-2

Head Coach: Stan Harris (411-128) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 2 appearances, 1 title (2006), 1 runner-up (2004)

The Wolverines have strung together an incredible three-year record of 79-3 including an undefeated (31-0) state title in 2006. Disappointment in 2007 was

the sudden conclusion to a 51 game winning streak and falling short of the NYS Final Four. Coach Harris was the New York "Coach of the Year" in 2006.

Key players: SR Carissa Carlson RF, SR Angela Emery 3B, SR Jordan Ingalls P (2007 Class C 1st Team all-New York, has signed with Youngstown State),

SR Amanda McDonald SS, SR Aimee Sisson C (2007 Class C 1st Team all-New York) and SR Courtney Wight IF/P (2007 Class C 3rd Team all-New York).

LOUISVILLE (KY) BUTLER TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Buttes Female enrollment: 760 Conference: Independent 2007 record : 37-7

Head Coach: Brittany Campbell (37-7) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 12 appearances, no titles, 1 runnerup (2002)

Coach Campbell enjoyed a successful first season guiding the Lady Buttes to a fifth place finish in Kentucky's Open Class double-elimination tournament.

Butler will again rely on one of the Blugrass State's outstanding young pitchers, April Wright.

Key players: JR Megan Sutherland 3B, JR April Wright P (2007 Open Class all-Kentucky) and SO Wendy Vincent SS.

CANFIELD (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Fighting Cardinals Female enrollment: 379 Conference: Metro Athletic 2007 record: 24-2

Head Coach: Ronie Haurin (51-6) All-time Wendy's record: 1-1

State Tourney history: Never advanced to the Final Four.

Close as close can get! Canfield lost to Hoover, 1-0, in the 2006 Division I Regional and Hoover won State. The Fighting Cardinals dropped a heartbreaker

to Hudson, 4-2, in the 2007 Regional and Hudson went on to win State. Now Coach Haurin comes "armed" with a Senior-laden group determined to get past

that Regional hurdle. Second consecutive Wendy's invitation.

Key players: SR Tricia Bettura P (has committed to Shepherd Univ), SR Brittany Danilov SS, SR Bryanne Halfhill 1B, SR Rachel Melewski OF/2B,

SR LaurenSulick P and SR Melissa West 3B (2007 Div I 2nd Team all-Ohio, has signed with Bowling Green).

CEDAR GROVE (NJ) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Panthers Female enrollment: 150 Conference: Colonial Hills 2007 record: 23-7

Head Coach: Rob Stern (365-119) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 11 appearances, 4 titles (1998, 2000, '04 & '06), 4 runners-up (1997, '99, 2003 & '05)

Cedar Grove's recent success and program strength have earned the Lady Panthers this first Wendy's nod. Coach Stern begins his 18th year in high

school coaching, but has also groomed a great number of future college stars as head coach of the 18U NJ Pride Gold ASA summer travel team.

Key players: SR Racquel Maffetone P (2007 Group 1 1st Team all-New Jersey), SR Jen Powers C (2007 Group 1 3rd Team all-New Jersey) and JR Sara

Lipman 2B.

CICERO (NY) CICERO-NORTH SYRACUSE HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Northstars Female enrollment: 1194 Conference: Central New York Courtier 2007 record: 21-6

Head Coach: Kerry Bennett (512-122) All-time Wendy's record: 8-4

State Tourney history: 8 appearances, 4 titles (1989, '99, 2004 & '06), 1 runnerup (1996)

The Northstars make their 5th trip to Ashland with one of their strongest teams. Coach Bennett passed the coveted 500 career win milestone in 2007 and

will pile up many more in 2008 with this squad, led by eight Seniors.

Key players: SR Brittney Lindley 3B (2007 Class AA all-New York, has signed with Rutgers), SR Stephanie Mix OF (has committed to the University of

Massachusetts), SR Jessica Phillips C (2007 Class AA all-New York, has signed with Stony Brook), JR Lucia Meola 2B and JR Morgan Nandin SS.

DALTON (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Bulldogs Female enrollment: 116 Conference: Wayne County Athletic League 2007 record : 25-4

Head Coach: Jessica Miller (93-36) All-time Wendy's record: 1-1

State Tourney history: 2 appearances, 2 titles (2006 & 2007)

Dalton ace Jessi Carmichael has matriculated to Kent State, but don't count out the possibility of a three-peat in Bulldog country. Ohio's Division IV will

be very strong again in 2008, but Dalton has veteran players, great coaching and rabid community support.

Key players: SR Andrea Arney P/1B (has signed with Akron University), SR Allie Bednarz CF, SR Katie Graber 2B/P, SR Niki Lecon 3B and SO Shelbi

Carmichael C.

ELYRIA (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Lady Pioneers Female enrollment: 819 Conference: Northeast Ohio 2007 record : 30-4

Head Coach: Ken Fenik (297-56) All-time Wendy's record: 3-5

State Tourney history: 5 appearances, 1 title (2002), 2 runners-up (2006 & 2007)

The Lady Pioneers have agonized long enough over two consecutive losses in the Division I State Championship game. Coach Fenik will have his squad

ready for yet another long tournament run. In their Preseason Fab 50 National Softball Rankings, StudentSportsSoftball.com rates Elyria at #30.

Key players: SR Megan Bashak P/3B (2007 Div I 1st Team all-Ohio, has signed with Cleveland State), SR Jessica Bellottie LF, SR Jen Bower CF (has

committed to Mercyhurst), JR Sarah Bracey RF, JR Tess Sito 3B/P (2007 Div I 1st Team all-Ohio) and SO Ashlee Stolarski SS.

GREENVILLE (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Lady Wave Female enrollment: 422 Conference: Independent 2007 record: 31-4

Head Coach: Jerrod Newland (128-27) All-time Wendy's record: 4-3

State Tourney history: 2007 Division II State Champion

Greenville made their first trip to the Final Four memorable capturing the Div II title. There will be a new Div II champ in 2008, however, since Greenville

was reclassified as Div I by adjusted enrollment. The Lady Wave will be unable to participate on Saturday at the Wendy's due to Prom, but Coach Newland

was very anxious to return to Ashland and will tackle two great opponents in Friday exhibition games. Greenville's combined record in three previous

seasons is 83-12.

Key players: SR Macie Blinn CF (has signed to play basketball at Illinois), SR Krysten Blumenstock C and SR Kyli Gunckel P/OF.

JEROMESVILLE (OH) HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Falcons Female enrollment: 155 Conference: Wayne County Athletic League 2007 record: 26-6

Head Coach: Ray Dickerhoof (196-46) All-time Wendy's record: 15-19

State Tourney history: 12 appearances, 5 titles (1979, 1994, '96, '99 & 2000), 3 runners-up (1978, 1986 & 1992)

The Lady Falcons, Ohio's most successful small-school softball program, return 13 roster players from last year's State semi-finalist. Coach Dickerhoof

begins his 9th year at Hillsdale expecting this squad to contend for another title to add to the Div III crown of his initial season in 2000.

Key players: SR Megan Smith CF, SR Allie Young 1B, JR Erin Ebert P, JR Hannah Fulk SS (2007 Div III 2nd Team all-Ohio), JR Tawna Garver C,

SO Rhannon Eick LF, SO Rashel Louis 3B and SO Carly West RF.

NORTH CANTON (OH) HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Vikings Female enrollment: 633 Conference: Federal League 2007 record: 29-2

Head Coach: Jerry Goodpasture (81-10) All-time Wendy's record: 17-5

State Tourney history: 3 appearances, 3 titles (1998, 1999 & 2006)

StudentSportsSoftball.com recognizes Hoover at #38 in their Preseason National Fab 50. The Vikings have an incredible Senior class led by 2007

Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year, Jessica Simpson. Hoover is believed to be the first Ohio school to have 5 NCAA Div I softball signees in the same year.

Key players: SR Sarah Gerber C (has signed with Eastern Michigan), SR Felicia Houtz OF/P (has signed with Akron), SR Megan Lilley 2B (2007 Div I

Honorable Mention all-Ohio, has signed with Northwestern), SR McKenna Russ OF (has signed with Eastern Michigan), SR Jessica Simpson P (2007 Div I

1st Team all-Ohio, has signed with Miami (OH)) and SO Alex Marcantonio SS.

HUDSON (OH) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Explorers Female enrollment: 619 Conference: Northeast Ohio 2007 record: 28-3

Head Coach: Frank Caraballo (1st year) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 2007 Division I State Champion

The Lady Explorers captured last year's Div I title on their first-ever trip to the Final Four. Amy Densevich coached that team, but she has departed for

a spot on Kent State's staff. Coach Caraballo steps into the envious position of guiding the defending champs, but must contend with a brutal Wendy's

bracket.

Key players: SR Jamie Markwell OF, SR Katey McCandless 1B, SR Erin Monsman OF, SR Hannah Price LF, JR Lindsey Bartos 3B, SO Mindy Meredith P

and SO Elizabeth Stokes C.

HUEYTOWN (AL) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Gophers Female enrollment: 494 Conference: Independent 2007 record: 52-10

Head Coach: Lissa Walker (N/A) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 11 appearances, 2 titles (2005 & 2006 in Class 5A)

At the time of this press release Coach Walker reports the Lady Gophers are off to a 15-1 start in 2008. After back-to-back state titles in Class 5A in 2005

& 2006, Hueytown moved up to Class 6A in 2007 and dropped a tough 3-2 decision to 2007 Wendy's invitee, Sparkman, in the state loser's bracket finals.

Key players: SR Catherine Douglas C, SR Lindsey Dunlap P, SR Joanna Jones 3B, SO Leigh Streetman P and FR Kendal Coker SS.

JOHNSTON CITY (IL) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Lady Indians Female enrollment: 150 Conference: Black Diamond 2007 record: 32-3

Head Coach: Lyndell Zanotti (431-88) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 4 appearances, no titles, 1 runnerup (1998)

The Lady Indians were highly recommended to the Wendy's selection committee because of their outstanding pitching and team defense. The Illinois

coaches apparently agree as Coach Zanotti's team is ranked #4 in the Illinois preseason coaches poll for Class 2A. First Wendy's invitation.

Key players: SR Natalie Grant 1B/P, JR Emily Mouyard C, JR Kelli Szablewski IF, SO Kaley Coonce P (2007 Class 2A all-Illinois) and SO Mikala Martin IF.

***DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Illinois softball in 2008 is changing from two classes (A & AA) to four divisions (1A thru 4A)***

ROSELLE (IL) LAKE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Lancers Female enrollment: 1100 Conference: Upstate Eight 2007 record: 34-5

Head Coach: Cray R. Allen (102-19) All-time Wendy's record: 10-2

State Tourney history: 5 appearances, no titles, 2 runners-up (2001 & 2002)

Coach Allen brings the Lady Lancers to Ashland for the fifth consecutive year and this Chicago-area power has enjoyed great success in the Wendy's

Spring Classic (.833 winning pct.). Lake Park begins the regular season with the #15 state ranking in Class 4A.

Key players: SR Lynsey Ciezki SS (2007 Class AA all-Illinois, has signed with DePaul), SR Clarissa Gieseke 1B, SR Missy Mazur P (2007 Class AA

all-Illinois, has signed with Iowa), JR Alexis Munaco C, JR Vicky Tomaka OF and SO Carly Willert 2B/C.

***DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Illinois softball in 2008 is changing from two classes (A & AA) to four divisions (1A thru 4A)***

CHICAGO (IL) MARIST HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Red Hawks Female enrollment: 700 Conference: East Suburban Catholic 2007 record: 29-8

Head Coach: Denise Fasano (142-45) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: Never advanced to the Elite Eight.

Patience is rewarded! In late August, 2007, Coach Fasano inquired about a Wendy's invite but all contracts had been extended. When Huntington, WV

opted not to attend the Wendy's, Marist became our 12th out-of-state invitee. Marist opens the season ranked #6 by Illinois coaches in Class 4A.

Key players: SR Laura Bombard OF, SR Katie Freeman C, SR Alyssa Thompson P/OF (has committed to Maryville Univ), JR Erin Bradarich OF, JR Jessie

Marinec P/SS (has verbally committed to Valparaiso) and JR Michelle Vucsko P/SS.

***DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Illinois softball in 2008 is changing from two classes (A & AA) to four divisions (1A thru 4A)***

ST. MARYS (OH) MEMORAIL HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Roughriders Female enrollment: 286 Conference: Western Buckeye League 2007 record: 24-2

Head Coach: Sue Grothause (242-152) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: 2 appearances, no titles, 1 runnerup (2007)

We are hoping this first Wendy's invitation will be some consolation to Coach Grothause and the Lady Riders after last year's heartbreaking 1-0 loss to

Greenville in the Division II title game. Stressing fundamentals and a great feeder system have made St. Marys a solid softball community.

Key players: SR Courtney Roby OF, JR Tasha Fowler 2B, JR Megan Schlater LF, JR Bailey Smith SS, JR Kendra Solomon C and JR Kayla Thornsberry P

(2007 Div II 1st Team all-Ohio).

OAK PARK (IL) OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Huskies Female enrollment: 1623 Conference: West Suburban-Silver Div 2007 record: 33-7

Head Coach: Mel Kolbusz (455-105) All-time Wendy's record: 15-5

State Tourney history: 10 appearances, 1 title (2005), 1 runnerup (2004)

Oak Park & River Forest represents one of the most successful programs in the history of Illinois softball. Venerable Coach Kolbusz has guided the

Huskies to six consecutive IHSA Class AA State Tournaments, an all-time record, and nine overall since 1993. The Huskies have surpassed the 30-win

mark every year since 2000. Illinois Class 4A coaches have voted O.P. & R.F. #9 in their preseason poll. Ashland fans will welcome this elite program for

the eighth time.

Key players: SR Kim Grimes OF, SR Sara Hutchinson P, SR Molly Sinnott OF, SR Seana Stillson P (has signed with Loyola of Chicago),

JR Mara Blesoff UT and JR Lauren Gonzalez C.

***DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Illinois softball in 2008 is changing from two classes (A & AA) to four divisions (1A thru 4A)***

POINT PLEASANT (WV) HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Lady Knights Female enrollment: 282 Conference: Cardinal 2007 record: 26-6

Head Coach: Danny Dewhurst (97-22) All-time Wendy's record: 2-1

State Tourney history: 2 appearances, 1 title (1998)

The Lady Knights have accepted a second invitation to the Wendy's Classic despite Saturday being Prom Night in Point Pleasant. Wendy's organizers

have juggled the schedule allowing Coach Dewhurst's team to play two Friday games and a 9:00 am Saturday contest and exit early. Point Pleasant

previously attended the Wendy's Classic in 2006, finishing 2-1.

Key players: SR Alissa Darst C (2007 Class AA Honorable Mention all-West Virginia), JR Anna Sommer SS (2007 Class AA 2nd Team all-West Virginia)

and JR Tessa Wyant P (2007 Class AA 1st Team all-West Virginia).

WORTHINGTON (OH) THOMAS WORTHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Cardinals Female enrollment: 616 Conference: Ohio Capital 2007 record: 24-6

Head Coach: Joe Abraham (83-46) All-time Wendy's record: First appearance

State Tourney history: Never advanced to the Final Four

Thomas Worthington annually faces a grueling schedule in one of Ohio's most competitive leagues, the Ohio Capital Conference. Last year's Regional

run in Division I and recent high state rankings have earned the Cardinals their first Wendy's invitation. Coach Abraham has also distinguished himself

with his dedication to one of Ohio's outstanding summer travel programs, the Buckeye Heat.

Key players: SR Rachel May OF (has signed with Northern Kentucky), SR Alex Reid C, JR Mariam Said 2B and JR Paige Stewart 3B.

NORTH LEWISBURG (OH) TRIAD HIGH SCHOOL

Nickname: Cardinals Female enrollment: 130 Conference: Ohio Heritage 2007 record: 22-8

Head Coach: Shari Dixon (161-62) All-time Wendy's record: 1-1

State Tourney history: 4 appearances, 1 title (1992), 2 runners-up (2006 & 2007)

Will this be the Cardinals' breakthrough year? After consecutive Div IV championship game losses to Dalton, Coach Dixon returns every player from

her 2007 squad which contained no Seniors. Triad competes in one of Ohio's finest small-school leagues, the Ohio Heritage Conference.

Key players: SR Chelsie Brooks C (2007 Div IV 1st Team all-Ohio, has signed with Rio Grande), SR Kristen Cooney CF, SR Erika Graves RF, SR Amber

Herron SS and JR Morgan Ryan P.

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