Filling the Lanes: Ste. Genevieve Track Battles Depth in Postseason Push

written by Gabe Dimercurio

edited by Joshua Banks

As the Ste. Genevieve track and field season rounds the final turn and heads into the home stretch, the Dragons find themselves in a classic battle of quality versus quantity.

I recently caught up with Coach Samples to discuss the team's trajectory as they move past the mid-season mark. While the atmosphere around the track is positive, the season has been defined by a lean roster that requires every athlete to punch above their weight class.

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The "Numbers Game" Challenge

For Coach Samples, the biggest hurdle hasn't been a lack of talent, but rather a lack of depth. In a sport where every event counts toward a team score, empty lanes are the enemy.

"I feel pretty good about our team," Samples noted. "But a major con is that we just don't have enough athletes to fill the spots we really need. One of our biggest challenges is the roster size; I’d like to have a spot for every event so everyone can do their part."

Looking ahead, the coach is already eyeing the future, hoping to see a surge of interest from younger athletes next season to help bridge those gaps.

Standout Performers

Despite the thin ranks, several athletes have emerged as consistent point-scorers and leaders on the field and track. According to Coach Samples, these are the competitors to watch as the postseason approaches:

Girls Standouts	Boys Standouts
Abbi M.	Paul T.
Ashlyn W.	Talon P.
Jayden M.	Max C.
Cecilia M.	Kaden M.
Laurie P.	Gavin G.

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Chasing Plaques and PRs

The goal for the remainder of the season is two-fold: individual growth and team hardware. Samples is pushing his athletes to hunt for Personal Records (PRs), but the ultimate prize remains the meet plaque—awarded only to the top two finishing teams.

Currently, the Boys' team is leading the trophy race with two plaques already in the cabinet. The Girls' team is still searching for their first top-two finish of the year, though the focus remains on steady improvement.

"My goals are to watch our team hit those PRs and hopefully bring home more plaques," Samples said.

As the Dragons prepare for their final meets, the mission is clear: make every entry count, finish strong, and set the foundation for a bigger, deeper squad next spring.

Ste. Genevieve Softball Off to a Strong Start

written by Broden Kreitler
edited by Joshua Banks  

  The Ste. Genevieve softball team is off to an impressive start this season, holding a solid 8-4 record midway through their schedule. The Lady Dragons are 5-1 in conference, only behind Central who is 6-0. In an earlier contest Ste. Genevieve lost 15-14 in a barn burner to the Lady Rebels. The young team has shown strong potential, highlighted by dominant wins over Kingston (23-0), Arcadia Valley (26-1), and Potosi (19-9). Their ability to consistently put runs on the board has been a key factor in their early success.

    Leading the way in the circle are two standout pitchers. Bryna Wolk has been exceptional on the mound with a perfect 5-0 record and an ERA of 3.379, providing consistency and control for the team. Mckenzie Greer has also contributed valuable innings, holding a 2-4 record with a 5.5 ERA, helping keep the team competitive throughout the season. The team's seniors helping along the way consist of Alysa Beckerman, Briana Pfaff, and Linely Wehner. 

    As the season continues, the Dragons have several important matchups ahead. They are set to take on West County on Monday, April 13, followed by a tournament in Chester on April 18. The team will then compete in the MAAA Conference Tournament from April 20–23, where they will look to build on their strong start.

    With a young roster and growing confidence, the future looks bright for Ste. Genevieve softball as they continue to develop and compete.

Ste. Genevieve Dragons Baseball, Early Season Battle-Tested

written by Alex Basler
edited by Joshua Banks

 

 

    The Ste. Genevieve Dragons baseball team may sit at a 2-5 record to start the season, but their story is far more competitive than the numbers suggest. Facing a tough early schedule, the Dragons have already been tested against some strong programs, giving them valuable experience that could shape the rest of their season.   

    Ste. Genevieve picked up two solid wins against St. Vincent and Arcadia Valley, showing flashes of the team’s potential. In both games, the Dragons demonstrated their ability to execute offensively and come through in key moments. Those wins serve as a reminder that this team has the talent to compete when everything clicks.

    On the other side of the record, the Dragons’ five losses have come against quality opponents: Hillsboro, Orchard Farm, Duchesne, Red Bud, and the St. Louis Patriots. These matchups have challenged the team in all aspects of the game—pitching depth, defensive consistency, and timely hitting. While losses are never easy, competing against this level of competition early in the season could pay off as the Dragons continue to develop.

    A major strength of this year’s team lies in its senior leadership. With five seniors—Sawyer Bauman, Eli Bennet, Jeremiah Bird, Ethan Ottens, and Cole Brace—the Dragons have a core group that plays a significant role both on and off the field. Their experience and leadership are crucial in keeping the team focused and motivated through a challenging start. As the season progresses, their ability to lead by example will be key in turning close games into wins.

    Looking ahead, the Dragons have a busy stretch of games that could define their momentum moving forward. They travel to Perryville on April 7, return home to face Jefferson Festus on April 8, and then hit the road again to take on Sikeston on April 10. This upcoming slate provides a strong opportunity for Ste. Genevieve to build confidence and improve their record.

    While the Dragons’ start may not reflect their full potential, the foundation is there. With experienced leadership, lessons learned from tough opponents, and a chance to rebound in upcoming games, Ste. Genevieve is a team to watch as the season continues. If they can build on their early experiences, don’t be surprised to see the Dragons catch fire as the year goes on.