Cardinals Return Experience on the Gridiron
It was a bit of a struggle for the Alma Cardinals last year, but all signs point towards an improved squad for the 2022 season. Alma returns six starters on the offensive side of the ball, while seven come back on the defensive side. So as mentioned, this should be a much improved team with good size.
Entering his fifth season as the head coach of the Cardinals, Brendan Johnson likes the core group of players he has coming back this season. "We return a good nucleus and should be very skilled on the offensive side of the ball," said Johnson. He did mention that on the defensive side they will have some spots to fill. "We will have to fill two holes on defense, especially at linebacker we have to replace a four year starter."
Ryan Kermmoade, a 6'0 senior weighing 170 pounds will be a key player for the Cardinals. Johnson views him as a player that can do both out of the backfield, tote the rock and snare passes. On the offensive line, JT Clapp, a 6'4 senior weighing 300 pounds, will be a leader they look to also.
Alma will begin the season on Friday, August 19th at Superior.
Four Starters Return for the Cardinal Volleyball Team
Following an impressive 25-7 season a year ago, which ended in a district final, the Alma Cardinals look like a team that could make some noise once again this year. There will be a lot of familiar faces on the court as four starters return. One thing that will be different though, is who will be pacing the sidelines. Former Cardinal Madalyn Brugh. Brugh mentions the Cardinals return four starters, but also says they lost a good group of seniors, so some spots are open for the taking.
"After losing six seniors, this will provide an opportunity for the incoming and returning players to work together for this upcoming transition of a new head coach."
Some of the returning players that will look to make an impact for Alma are sophomore Miley Whitney who recorded 848 assists last season, and Addison Siebels, a junior who had 250 kills.
Alma will begin the season on Saturday, August 27th with the Axtell Invitational.
Saints Softball Enter Season with Minimal Experience
For the 2022 softball season the Southern Valley-Alma Saints will feature a young team. They have just one senior returning for the team but Head Coach Brad Reaves mentioned that his team should be much improved by the end of the season.
What will help the Saints though, is a pair of hitters that had nice seasons a year ago. Brynn Baily a sophomore, had a .402 average, four home runs, and 30 RBI's. Senior Natasha Hock also was able to hit for average as she totaled a .434.
Southern Valley begins the season on Friday, August 19th at home versus Chadron.
Cardinals Move to Class D in Cross Country for 2022
In 2022, the Alma Cardinal Cross Country team will be moving to Class D. The reason, being they are not co-oped with Southern Valley for the first time in 10 years. Veteran head coach of the Cardinals, Laurie Kermmoade says there is an advantage to this. "This should set us up to be more competitive in the district race," said Kermmoade.
One of the top returners for Alma is junior Griffin Stemper. Stemper was 18th in the class C districts in 2021, nearly making state. Aside from Stemper, Kermmoade gives a quick glance at her 2022 team.
"Our boys team has nine runners and is looking like a strong contender to be in the top 3 teams at Class D districts this year. We have several new freshman and we have everyone back that ran last year. Our girls team has three runners and we are in the process of building up to higher numbers, but they should also be able to be good competition."
Alma will begin the season on Friday, September 2nd at the Cambridge Invite.
