Cougar Classic Basketball Tournament

The Cougar Classic is here.  On Friday and Saturday CCS will host Salem Christian School, Christian School of York, and Berks Christian in the 18th annual tip-off tournament.  The schedule for the weekend is.

Friday, Dec. 4, 2015

4:00  Berks Christian vs. Christian School of York (Girls)
5:30  Berks Christian vs. Christian School of York  (Boys)
7:00  Salem Christian vs. Conestoga Christian (Girls)
8:30  Salem Christian vs. Conestoga Christian (Boys)

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015

10:00 AM  Girls Consolation
11:30 AM  Boys Consolation
1:00 PM  Girls Championship
2:30 PM  Boys Championship

Tournament Time

The end of a sports season can bring mixed emotions.  Sometimes there is relief that the season is finally complete, other times a sense of accomplishment that a team has achieved their goals for the season, and times when the excitement to see what comes next continues to tug following the season.
On Friday, the middle school soccer and volleyball teams will conclude their fall season as they play in the Cougar Invitational Tournament.  Both teams will play at 4:00 PM; with a win they will play at 7:15 or with a loss they will play in the consolation game at 6:15.  There is no cost for admission and boosters will again be selling concessions.  Make your way to CCS and cheer the teams on to victory.

If you have not seen the high school volleyball team in action, it's time.  The Cougars are ranked 3rd in both the CCAC and District 3.  On Tuesday, October 27, the girls will be playing crosstown rival High Point at HP beginning at 6:00pm for the third time this season.  In the first two meetings, CCS lost extremely close matches 2-3.  Break out that Cougar gear and show up ready to cheer the girls on to a second consecutive championship appearance.  With a win on Tuesday, the girls will play at Lancaster Mennonite on Friday, October 30, for the CCAC Championship.

Save the dates for November 3, 5, and 7; they are the dates for PIAA District 3 volleyball championships.  Each round is win and move on, lose and the season is over.  Location and time have yet to be determined.  A championship banner would complement the new gym floor.

LET'S GO COUGARS!!!

Basketball Information

Basketball season is almost here.  To prepare for the season athletes that plan to play basketball need to have their sports fee of $85.00 paid prior to the first practice; for middle school that is Nov. 9 and high school it is Nov. 16.  Each athlete needs to have a sports physical dated more recent than June 1, 2015.  High school athletes that have participated in a fall sport need to have the PIAA recertification (section 8) form completed prior to the first practice.

The practice and game schedule is now posted on the athletic web page for the season.  This is not set in stone so please check occasionally for changes.  This winter, CCS is planning to have varsity girls, middle school girls, varsity boys, JV boys, middle school boys A, and middle school boys B.  Try-outs and evaluations will be held by each team during their first two scheduled practices.  Note that the middle school boys B team is open for 5th grade boys to tryout.

Cougar Fall Sports Teams in the Hunt for CCAC Titles

The Cougars are nearing the midpoint in the fall sports season; high school teams are looking to make CCAC play-offs, while the middle school teams are hoping to win CCAC East division titles.  Your help is needed to cheer on the CCS teams to victory.  To say thanks for the support, all fans wearing Cougar gear will be admitted free to the soccer games on Friday, October 9, vs. Dayspring.  The middle school boys game begins at 5:30 and the varsity boys game at 7:00.  Do not forget that while you are at the game, the Conestoga Athletic Booster Club has fresh-cut fries and offers various specials at each home game.  Cougar fans can also catch the JV and varsity volleyball teams in action on October 19.  The JV game begins at 4:00 pm and will be followed by the varsity team.  All fans wearing the Cougar Volleyball T-shirts sold by the volleyball team this fall will be admitted free that evening.  This will also be senior night for the volleyball team.

Cougars for a Cure 2015

The fourth annual Cougars for a Cure soccer game between Conestoga Christian and Lancaster Country Day will take place on Wednesday, October 14, at CCS.  The event will kick off at 4:00 pm with a middle school boys game which will be followed by the varsity boys at 5:30.  Teams will gather and eat a light meal following the game.  Money raised at this year's event will benefit One Run Together, a local organization that helps cancer patients and their families.  This organization also has ties to CCS and the soccer team as the varsity assistant coach, Cory Murphy, is a son of the founder and CEO, Vern Murphy.  There are many ways you can help.  First, admission will be charged for both games and will go directly to One Run Together.  Second, there will be a donation container at the concession stand or you can donate at the gates.  Lastly, T-shirts are being sold for $10 with all proceeds going to One Run Together.  To prevent waste or unsold T-shirts, please pre-order your shirt by noon on Tuesday, September 29.  The shirts will be ready for pick up on Tuesday, October 13.  This year's shirt will be black with a hot pink design.

Under the Lights

One of my highlights each fall is having all of the teams playing at home on the same evening.  While this only happens a few times each fall, there is an extra buzz in the air as parents and players gather and cheer for teams they may not watch on a regular basis.  If you are new to CCS or have not taken the time to come out to a night like this, give it a try. The Conestoga Athletic Booster club will be selling fresh-cut fries, burgers, and many other goodies.  

On Saturday night each of the CCS fall teams will be playing at home; you can get the complete schedule HERE.

Volleyball:  If you haven't seen the volleyball teams play, make it happen this weekend.  Middle school plays at 4:00 pm followed by JV and Varsity at 5 and 6.  All three of the CCS teams are off to a quick start. The varsity girls team has started strong this year, winning four of their first five games and going 3-0 in the CCAC.  The Cougars are looking to pick up a win against New Covenant (Saturday 6 pm, Home) this week. Come out and support!

CCS Athletics Off to a Strong Start

The official start to the fall 2015 sports season was on Friday, September 4.  The varsity girls volleyball team opened up with a five set nail-biter vs. Dayspring Christian.  The Cougars came out on top of the 3-2 decision and started their season with a win over a CCAC opponent.  For additional information please go to the Volleyball team page.

Varsity soccer started the season with an overnight trip to western PA which included two games. On Friday, September 4, the Cougars opened up with a 2-1 win vs. Hershey Christian.  The following day the boys won a 5-0 game vs. Johnstown Christian.  To see more details about the opening two games for varsity boys soccer, go to the Soccer team page.

The middle school volleyball and soccer teams began CCAC play with away games at Hinkletown Mennonite on Tuesday, September 8.  The girls won in three sets while the boys held Hinkletown scoreless and had a pair of goals scored by J.D. Hahn.  Both MS soccer and volleyball will be in action at CCS later this week.  Check the schedule here.

Don't forget to get your season pass by joining the Conestoga Athletic Booster Club.  The cost is $100 and includes a season pass for immediate family members to all CCS home games (excluding play-offs).  Please see Jack Greenly or Phil Yoder for more information.

New Beginnings

In less than a week each of the Conestoga fall athletic teams will have played their first game of the 2015-16 season. While there is great anticipation for coaches, players, and spectators going into a new season every year, the volleyball teams have been waiting patiently to practice and play on the newly finished gym floor.  CCS students and athletes will finally be able to step foot on the floor for the first time on September 1.  The first game action will be a high school volleyball scrimmage vs. Oley Valley at 6 pm September 1 as well.  The varsity girls look to follow up a strong season last year where they lost in the CCAC championship with another strong team.  

Varsity boys soccer kicks off the fall with their annual trip to Shoups' lodge and Johnstown on Friday, September 4.  After losing some of the seniors from last year's team, the boys have been working to add in a number of freshman and newcomers.  

The middle school teams will start their league seasons on Tuesday, Sept. 8 vs. Hinkletown Mennonite.  The MS volleyball team and MS soccer team were CCAC East division champions last fall and look to repeat with this year's teams.

CCS Athletics 2015-16 Information

The 2015-16 school year is fast approaching; please make sure your athlete has all of the necessary forms completed and to Mr. Yoder by August 10, 2015.  Below you will find a list of things needed to make sure you and your athlete are prepared.

1.  Have a current  PIAA physical  dated no earlier than June 1, 2015.

2. Watch the Cougar Athletics video, available July 20.

3.  Pay sports fee of $85.00, no later than August 21, 2015.  Please make check payable to CCS.

4. Go to the Athletics schedule and sign up for notifications.

Practices begin on August 17 for high school soccer and volleyball.  Middle school soccer and volleyball practices begin on August 18.  Coaches may use the first 3-5 practices for try-outs.  If there will be try-outs, players that have signed up will be notified via email prior to the first day.  Coaches will also announce it at the first practice.

If you have questions, please watch the video prior to contacting the school or Mr. Yoder.  If you have questions following the video, email Mr. Yoder at phil.yoder@conestogachristian.net.

Middle School Awards Reception Recap

On Tuesday evening middle school athletes, their parents, and coaches gathered for a reception at CCS.  Prior to light refreshments, coaches were able to give highlights from their season and present some individual awards as well.  Thank you to all CCS athletes and parents for your countless hours given to Cougar Athletics.  Thank you to the fans who come to games and cheer our teams on.  Congratulations to all of the 2014-15 award winners. Below is a list of awards that were presented at the reception

MS Girls Volleyball
Spirit Award - Lea Brenner
Coaches Award - Emily Green
Most Valuable Player - Riley Latshaw
Most Improved Player - Amber King

MS Boys Soccer 
Most Improved Player - Zach Fulton
Most Valuable Player - Christian Colon
Coaches Award - Ben Dayton
Hustle Award - Blake Greenly
Outstanding Athletic Achievement - Jared Jones

MS Girls Basketball
Coaches Award - Elena Azat
Most Improved Player - Emily Karreman
Outstanding Athletic Achievement - Chloe Watkins

MS Boys Basketball
Coaches Award - Blake Greenly
Most Improved - Zach Fulton and Max Ober
Dedication Award - Michael Myers

MS Girls Track and Field
Outstanding Athletic Achievement - Emily Green
Most Improved - Samantha Nace

MS Boys Track and Field
Outstanding Athletic Achievement - Jared Jones
Most Improved - Caleb Stratton

High School Athletic Banquet Recap

On Tuesday evening high school athletes, their parents, and coaches enjoyed a tasty dinner at Shady Maple.  Following the dinner, coaches were able to give highlights from their season and present some individual awards as well.  At the conclusion of the evening, the Conestoga Athletic Booster Club presented each senior with a personalized fleece blanket that includes the athletic logo and the student's name.  I would like to say thank you to all CCS athletes and parents for the countless hours given to Cougar Athletics.  Thank you to the fans who come to games and cheer our teams on.  Congratulations to all of the 2014-15 award winners. Below is a list of awards that were presented at the banquet.

Volleyball
     Most Improved - Sarah Hahn
     Coaches Award - Grace Miller
     All-Around Player - Hannah Thompson
   
Soccer
     Most Improved - Tyler Brenner
     Defensive Player of the Year - Aaron Carter
     Golden Boot - Jeremy Latshaw
     Coaches Award - Jedd Miller

Girls Basketball
     Most Valuable - Hannah Thompson
     Most Improved - Sari Smoker
     Coaches Award - Summer Stoltzfus

Boys Basketball
     Most Improved - Tyler March
     Coaches Award - Tyler Greenly

Track
     Coaches Award - Amy King

 Lacrosse
     Most Improved - Julia Hepler
     Coaches Award - Sarah Williamson
     Athletic Achievement - Hannah Thompson
     Lacrosse Player of the Year - Summer Stoltzus
   
Baseball
     Most Valuable - Tyler Greenly
     Silver Slugger - Jesse Zook
     Mr. Utility - Kevin Gable


District 3 Awards
     Sportsmanship - Hannah Thompson and Tyler Greenly
     Academic - Sarah Hahn, Summer Stoltzfus, and Aaron Carter

Spring Season Wrap up

In just five days, high school athletes and their parents will be enjoying an awards banquet at Shady Maple.  Doors will open at 5:30 pm for appetizers and dinner will be at 6:00 pm.  A big thanks to the Conestoga Athletic Booster Club for covering nearly half of the cost.  If you are not attending and would like to know who received awards at this banquet, check back next week for a complete list.

It is hard to believe that all sports have now completed their seasons.  Baseball finished its season under the lights vs. West-Mont Christian with a 2 - 0 win.  Senior Tyler Greenly pitched a complete game, striking out 11 for the win.  The Cougars finished the season with a 6-9 record.  This record tripled the number of wins they had in their inaugural season last year.

CCS track and field athletes competed at the CCAC league meet on Thursday, May 7.  Together they placed in over 15 events; a detailed list will be posted soon.

The girls lacrosse team finished their season with a 20-10 win at Harrisburg Christian School.  It has been exciting to see the girls lacrosse program grow in skills on the field as well as numbers.  This spring the girls played 4 JV games, winning 3 and losing the fourth by 1 goal.

Did you know that 4 CCS athletes are planning to play a sport at the collegiate level?

Becca Beiler and Hannah Thompson both plan to attend Lancaster Bible College and play volleyball and lacrosse.  Summer Stoltzfus will be attending Eastern University and playing lacrosse, while Tyler Greenly is going to attend Lancaster Bible College and play baseball.

Athletic News for 2015-16

As the spring athletic season is winding down, it is time to start thinking of the fall.  I have posted signups on the bulletin board next to the PE office.  If your son or daughter is interested in playing a fall sport, they should make sure they sign up.  By signing up, the coach will be able to communicate more effectively with both you and your athlete over the summer.

Have you registered for CCS camps or clinics?  It's not too late. See details below.

Lacrosse Clinic click HERE

CCS is offering a full slate of summer camps to prepare your students for next year.  CLICK HERE for the camp brochure; be sure to sign up today.

CCS Fitness Room

Have you had an opportunity to see the updated fitness room at CCS?  If you haven’t, please check it out.  For after-school opportunities to work out, CCS middle and high school athletes need to see Mr. Yoder or Mrs. Turner.  If timing isn’t right to stay at school to workout, you can see Mr. Yoder to receive a program that you can do at home at your convenience.  

Cougar Lacrosse Clinic and Intramural Program

Coach Jill Earnest and the varsity girls lacrosse team will be running a lacrosse clinic and intramural program in May.  This program will be for CCS students in grades 5-11 and will be held after school from 3:00-5:00 on May 20-22 and 26-28. The cost for participation will be $35.  Participants will need to provide their own mouth guard. (It must be colored.)  If participants have their own women's lacrosse stick, they should bring it along with goggles.  CCS will provide a stick and goggles to those who do not have them.  Please complete and return the registration form to the school office by May 8.  Participants will receive a t-shirt and have opportunities to win various prizes.  Click HERE for the registration form.

Spring Highlights

This week I had the opportunity to spend a day with the middle school and high school track teams at Messiah College.  On Tuesday, ten middle school students and on Wednesday, two high school students participated in the MACSA track meet.  This year is a first for many of these students to participate in track, therefore, there was some apprehension at the beginning of each day not knowing exactly what to expect in a large meet like this.  I was truly blessed in many ways throughout both of the days as each athlete stepped up and pushed themselves to the limit, many times setting personal records.  The following athletes place in events:

2nd Place Long Jump - Emily Green

2nd Place 200m Dash - Spencer Colon

3rd Place Long Jump - Jared Jones

3rd Place Shot Put - Emily Green

3rd Place 100m Hurdles - Emily Green

4th Place Discus - Emily Green

The most rewarding part of the two days for me was seeing the athletes cheering on their teammates, encouraging each other, and delighting in one another's accomplishments.

Scores:

Baseball

CCS - 4  vs. Mt. Calvary - 6

CCS - 0  vs. LCCS - 18

JV Lacrosse

CCS - 8   vs. Daniel Boone - 4

CCS - 15  vs.  Dayspring - 6

Varsity Lacrosse

CCS - 14  vs. Daniel Boone - 17

CCS - 7    vs.  Twin Valley - 19

Summer Camp Options at CCS

For many, summer means sleeping in, being lazy, having a lack of routine, and sometimes even being bored.  The athletic department at CCS doesn't want this to happen to you.  This summer CCS is offering a full slate of summer camps for students in grades 3 - 12.  CLICK HERE for the camp brochure; be sure to sign up today.

Close One

The baseball team had 3 games scheduled over the past week, but due to soggy field conditions they were only able to play one.  Friday, April 17, the Cougars played at High Point and lost a close one 3-1.  The Cougars had the bases loaded with one out late in the game but were unable to drive in any runs.  The boys will next be in action on April 24 when they face Mt. Calvary, beginning at 4:00 pm at Home (3910 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook).

The lacrosse team has had a busy week playing 3 games; each was the rematch of an away game they lost earlier in the season.  This time around would be different.  The girls varsity team showed much improvement vs New Oxford on Friday, the JV team closed the evening with a close 3 - 4 lose.  On Monday the girls faced Conrad Weiser and fell behind 0-3 in the first 3 minutes of the game.  However, the outcome would be different as the Cougars would fight back and win the back and forth game by a score of 14-12.  Tuesday, Conestoga again had a Varsity and JV double header at home, this time vs. Daniel Boone.  The varsity girls came out to a slow start allowing Boone to get ahead 5-0.  Once again the Cougars would not quit and fought back to make it close at the half, but the Cougars could not make it all the way back, losing the game 14-17.  However, the JV team's story would be different; the Cougars were able to win 8-4.

Spring Fever

Spring has arrived slowly for the CCS baseball and lacrosse teams this year.  Team members were eager to begin practice in early March, but it wasn't until this past week that they were actually able to take their home field.  Having only practiced in the gym, both teams had two games under their belts prior to practicing outside.

The lacrosse team looks to rebound at home this week after beginning the season 0-4 on the road.  The last time out the Cougars fell two goals short, losing to Daniel Boone HS 10 - 12.  This week has started on a high note with the JV team notching a 12 - 2 home victory over Dayspring Academy.  The Cougars next face Harrisburg Christian under the lights Thursday night at 7 pm and again on Friday vs. New Oxford HS at 4 pm.  If you have not experienced the sport of lacrosse, come out and cheer on the Cougars. Admission will not be charged at these games.

Where does CCS play their home baseball games?  The answer is 3910 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook.  The Cougars, in only their second year, have begun to make a push for a CCAC playoff spot. CCS has won two of their last three games behind the pitching of freshman pitcher Taylor Martin.  Earlier today, the Cougars faced the Bobcats of West Shore for the second time this season.  The first was a game the Cougars would like to forget, and they played like it.  Jumping ahead 4 - 1 early in the game, the boys allowed the Bobcats to claw their way back and eventually tie the game in the top of the 6th inning.  In the bottom of the 6th, the Cougars loaded the bases with one out; Tyler Greenly connected on a pitch and pulled it to deep left field.  As the left fielder chased it toward the fence, it looked like it could be a grand slam. Just before getting to the fence he made the catch, but there was plenty of room for the runner on third to tag and score.  This run held up as the winning run as the Cougars got a much needed double play in the top of the 7th and then a fly ball out to finish the game.  You can catch the Cougars in action Friday, April 17, at High Point and then again vs. High Point at home on Monday, April 20.

Spring Athlete Information

CCS students that are playing a spring sport, please make sure you have the needed information to the athletic office prior to the first practice.  Athletes will not be allowed to participate until they have a current sports physical, pay the participation fee, and a parent has signed that they have watched the CCS athletic video.

Paperwork needed:

1.       Current Sports Physical  (see attached voucher if needed) - Pages 1 – 6 need completed. http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/Section%20VII%20Forms.%20CIPPE_FORM_SECTIONS_1_2_3_4_5_6_7_8_AND_9_(no_shading)(1).pdf

If you have already had a sports physical this school year you need to complete the Recertification form - page 7 of the link above.

2.       Pay the sports fee:

Lacrosse and Baseball = $85.00 each

Track and Field = $50.00

3.        Athletic Video:  Parents need to watch  once per year.  The link was sent to CCS parents in an email.

4.       Important dates

a.       Baseball / Lacrosse practices start March 2

b.      Track starts on March 30. (Please see track information below)

Track and Field News

The CCS track program is taking on a new look this year.  Athletes that would like to participate in track will meet with the track advisor and discuss what events they would like to participate in.  The advisor will then work with the athlete in developing workouts that the athlete will use to train.  Training will be self-paced and done on an independent basis.  There will be designated days that the Fitness room will be open after school for track members to train.  If you plan on participating in track, the fee must be paid prior to March 9.  If you have questions relating to track, please contact me. 

Middle school basketball teams finish season on a high note

The middle school basketball teams finished their season on high notes. The girls team had as many wins this season as they did the past four combined. They had a final record of seven wins and eight losses. The girls were also third in the CCAC East. The boys team's final record was eleven wins and five losses. One of their season highlights was winning the Conestoga Shootout at the end of the season. When asked how he felt about wrapping up his middle school career, Blake Greenly said, “I’m nervous to play high school basketball yet very excited.”

During the Cougar Shootout tournament, the following athletes from CCS were selected as all-tournament players: Blake Greenly, Jared Jones, and Chloe Watkins. The boys team defeated Linville Hill in order to advance to the championship game. They then proceeded to win the tournament by defeating Hinkletown in the championship game. The girls team opened with a loss to Linville Hill but rebounded to defeat Hershey in their final game of the evening to give them a third place finish in the Shootout.

Not to be outdone, the middle school boys “B” team finished the season winning three of their last four games, giving the team a final record of four wins and four losses.

Mid Season Update for the Conestoga Christian Basketball

HS Girls
At this point in the season, the Lady Cougars stand with a 4 win and 6 loss record. With already having accumulated more wins than their previous season, the Cougars are hungry for more. All of these victories have not come easily. For example, the Cougars went into double overtime with Veritas Academy and were able to come out with a 33-32 victory. The Cougars are still pushing toward their aspiration of making playoffs and have not lost sight of this goal.

-Summer Stoltzfus

HS Boys
The Cougars had a strong showing this last week, picking up two out of the possible three league wins. This display improves their record to 4 and 5 on the season, with a 3 and 3 league record. The latest win came last Thursday against High Point Baptist Academy. It was close throughout the entire game with each team exchanging leads, but in the end, the Cougars were victorious, securing a 3rd place spot in the CCAC east division standings. The Cougars hope to maintain or increase this 3rd place position as they fight for a spot in the CCAC playoffs.

-Tyler Greenly


Help support the fitness room renovation and the basketball teams

Purchase an "I Believe" T-shirt for just $10.00 and get free admission to the basketball games Friday vs. LCCS.  T-shirts will be on sale while supplies last.  See Mr. Yoder for purchase.