Copyright M Live Michigan
BAY CITY, MI – A look at the high school sports scene in Bay County for Oct. 27-28, 2025. Bay County coaches are asked to submit results, highlights and comments the night of each event by emailing lthomps2@mlive.com. SWIMMING: CENTRAL GETS BEST OF WESTERN Bay City Central waited 24 years to get its first win over Bay City Western in the 21st century. But now it’s a new age in the rivalry. Central scored a 101-78 victory over its cross-town rival, showing that the girls swimming rivalry is now a back-and-forth battle. When the Wolves defeated Western in 2023, it was their first win in the series since 1999. “This is the best we’ve done in a long time,” Central coach Dave Staudacher said after his team improved to 7-4. “To win one meet a year was a big deal not too long ago. Where we are now is quite a ways from where we started.” With just 12 athletes on the roster, Central is enjoying a rare kind of success this season. Not only have the Wolves defeated their archrival and fared well in dual meets, but they have already hit several state-qualifying standards. “They work hard every day and do the things they’re supposed to do,” Staudacher said. “The new swimmers are coming along and everybody is contributing. That’s what it takes, everybody is a piece of the puzzle.” Central came through against Western, inching away while winning seven events. Lauren Boon, Lauren Bontekoe and Lauren Klawon teamed with Coco Salzar to win the 200 freestyle relay (1:55.52) and teamed with Emily Smith to claim the 200 medley relay (2:06.09). The trio of Laurens also shined in individual events, with Boon winning the 100 breaststroke (1:16.40), Bontekoe claiming the 200 IM (2:44.35) and Klawon taking the 100 freestyle (1:02.91). Salazar was tops in the 50 freestyle (27.36) while Layla Frederick captured top honors in the 100 butterfly (1:13.48). Western was fronted by a dazzling performance from Lizzie Rechsteiner, who won the 200 freestyle (2:05.71) and 500 freestyle (5:39.22) and joined Makayla Peters, Emily Kocks and Autumn Lyons on the winning 400 freestyle relay (4:25.60). Ripley Andrus was tops in diving (237.70) and Lyons won the 100 backstroke (1:16.38) for the Warriors. SWIMMING: GLENN CAPS UNBEATEN YEAR In a word, the dual meet season was perfect for John Glenn. The Bobcats completed an undefeated run through the Independent Swim Conference with a 132-47 victory over neighboring rival Essexville Garber on Senior Night. “The Lady Bobcats were focused and swam with energy from start to finish,” Glenn coach Bob LaRocque said. “It was a great way to honor our seniors tonight. The girls swam well and are ready to make our final prep as we move on to our conference meet next week.” Glenn claimed first place in all but one event, getting wins from seven different sources in individual events. Maddy Anderson was a four-event winner, taking the 100 freestyle (57.68) and 200 freestyle (2:06.13). Payton Schabel (1:17.30) won the 100 backstroke, Stella Busch (2:42.99) took the 200 IM, Elizabeth Bricker (27.37) was tops in the 50 freestyle, Ella Brissette (1:16.24) prevailed in the 100 butterfly and Liv Lieber (6:15.70) was first to the finish in the 500 freestyle. Kate Cataline (210.55) won diving for the Bobcats. Anderson, Lieber, Bricker and Stella Busch took the 200 medley relay (2:08.72) and 200 freestyle relay (1:52.73) while Lieber, Schabel, Drue Busch and Alaynna Cnudde claimed the 400 freestyle relay (4:29.62). Garber’s Lauren Lazarowicz denied Glenn of a clean sweep, taking first place in the 100 breaststroke (1:22.09). The Dukes added a highlight in 100 backstroke, where Gabby Carter took second and Mya Gwizdala third while Iona Cotter diced 3 seconds off her time. VOLLEYBALL: PINCONNING BATTLES ON Pinconning faced a tall task in Carrollton and couldn’t measure up. But the Spartans got a good glimpse of the kind of team they’re striving to be and saw some bright spots in a 25-8, 25-17, 25-12 non-conference loss. Layla Foco delivered 13 assists for Pinconning while Parker Ramsay notched nine digs, Emma McQuarter eight and Kailee Rugenstein seven. Liz VanHorn had a productive day with nine digs and five kills. “It was especially fun to watch Liz Vanhorn at the net,” Pinconning coach Annie Powers said. “She did a great job mixing up her shots, putting the ball away with authority, and showing smart ball placement.”
