Category Sports Zone

■ SPRINGFIELD: The Millers return seven golfers from last year when they placed fourth in the Midwestern League. Seniors Joshua Toensing and Weston Hosford lead the way along with junior Jackson Rich. ■ CRESWELL: The Bulldogs return three boys from a sixth-place finish at districts…

■ THURSTON: Peyton Reed finished second in the league in doubles and fifth at state last year before moving to No. 1 singles this year. Mason Spain, a four-year varsity player, and junior Tyler Jagles take over at No. 1 doubles for the Colts, who…

THURSTON – Grady Saunders has been playing above his age level since middle school, so Dennis Minium knew he didn’t have an average freshman arriving on the diamond in 2023. “Oh yeah, I had high expectations for him after watching him play at the Babe…

PLEASANT HILL – Pleasant Hill will show off a new field as it looks to make the state softball playoffs. The Billies’ booster club raised funds to provide a new turf facility for the softball team while looking to do the same for the baseball…

SPRINGFIELD – The 5th annual Harvey Lewellen Throws Invitational took place on Saturday, March 21. Springfield, Thurston, Cottage Grove and Creswell were among the schools represented at the meet. Lewellen is a former Thurston track coach who has set a number of world and American…

THURSTON ■ Coach: Jeff Litle■ Last year: 23-6, 15-3 in Midwestern League, second place. Defeated West Albany 15-13 in the first round of playoffs and defeated Wilsonville, 12-2, in second round of playoffs. Defeated Crater 18-15 in state semifinals before losing 9-0 to Ridgeview in…

CRESWELL – With a few returnees – including a state champion – and a talented transfer, Creswell will take a shot at defending its Class 3A girls track and field championship. The Bulldogs bring back three scorers from last year’s group that totaled 56 points…

THURSTON ■ Coach: Dennis Minium■ Last year: 26-4 overall, 18-0 to win Midwestern League title. Lost to Canby, 2-0, in the state semifinals.■ Outlook: The Colts have won seven straight league titles dating to 2018 and are favored to add to that list. The Colts…

THURSTON ■ Coach: K.C. Gillespie■ Outlook: The Colts placed sixth at state last year in the girls competition led by Brooklyn Anderson, who won the state title in the 100 hurdles in 14.93 seconds. She already topped that time as a senior by running 14.44…