Rick Sluder
Columbus North won the girls cross-country state championship last fall, and now, it’s coach is reaping the rewards.
Rick Sluder has been named the USA Track and Cross Country Coaches of America Indiana Coach of the Year for girls cross-country.
“To me, it’s just a reflection of how hard the girls work,” Sluder said. “(Assistant) Coach (Leslie) Weaver and I, when the girls do good, it makes us look good. It’s just a reward for how much work and effort the girls put in.”
Sluder has coached the Bull Dog girls cross-country team for four years and is entering his third year as head boys and girls and track coach (the first season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic). He recently completed his term as president of the Indiana Track and Cross Country Coaches Association.
East catcher commits to IUPUC
Alex McComb
Columbus East senior catcher Alex McComb has committed to continue his baseball career for the new IUPUC program.
IUPUC is beginning an athletics program and hopes to field men’s and women’s cross-country teams this fall and baseball and softball teams next spring.
McComb played his freshman year at Columbus North, and his sophomore season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was East’s starting catcher most of last season and had one double and 12 RBIs.
East to host HHC boys swim meet
Columbus East will host the Hoosier Hills Conference boys swimming and diving meet on Saturday. Diving begins at 9 a.m, and swimming will start at 1 p.m.
Olympians coach Doug Trueblood hopes East can challenge Seymour for the runner-up spot behind favorite Floyd Central.
“Floyd is going to be tough; Seymour is going to be tough,” Trueblood said. “We’re definitely in the running to see if we can compete for a couple individual event wins.”
Local seniors named All-District
Four area girls basketball seniors have been selected to this year’s Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association All-District 3 team.
The HBCA is comprised of coaches from four districts in southern Indiana. Columbus East’s Koryn Greiwe and Harley Gant, Columbus North’s Kylah Lawson and Jennings County’s Lily Ernstes are among the 10 players selected from District 3.
Tabeling reaches career milestones
Trinity Lutheran junior Bailey Tabeling reached a trio of basketball milestones Saturday in the Cougars’ 78-41 loss to Jennings County.
Tabeling reached the 1,500-point plateau for her career. She also eclipsed 400 rebounds and 300 assists.
Ted Schultz is sports editor for The Republic. He can be reached at [email protected] or 812-379-5628.
