Rudyard Bulldogs seniors include (front, from left) William DeYoung, Davin Salo, Brett VanSloten, Eric Miller; (back) Ben Harter, Scott Coffey, Arik Hesselink, and Ben Gable. Rudyard's record-tying season (26-6) came to an end during the Division 4 regional semifinals after the Harbor Light Christian (HLC) Swordsmen handed the Bulldogs a 3-2 heartbreaking decision at Pellston Saturday, June 12.

Rudyard took a 1-0 lead during the top of the first inning after Ryan Hendrickson's RBI single scored Scott Coffey, but in the bottom of the first the Swordsmen tied the game and the score stood until Rudyard took a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth inning.

Eric Miller singled and William DeYoung reached first base on a HLC error. Arik Hesselink’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third before the Swordsmen walked Jared Clark and Brett VanSloten to force in the run and a 2-1 advantage.

Senior Brett VanSloten bats during the districts at Pickford. Rudyard attempted to increase the lead in the top of the seventh, but a suicide squeeze failed to send the game into the bottom of the seventh with the Bulldogs holding on to a one-run lead.

HLC opened the seventh with a home run to tie the score at 2. The Swordsmen loaded the bases and scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

Baseball SAC Team

Senior Scott Coffey was named Straits Area Conference Co-Player of the Year and was among seven Rudyard Bulldogs to earn allleague honors by the coaches Monday, June 7.

Coffey, who shared the award with Ben Tulgestke of Rogers City, hit .506 with 14 doubles, five triples, three home runs, scored 41 runs, 35 RBI's, and notched a .624 on base percentage.

Joining Coffey on the first team were Bulldogs pitcher Arik Hesselink and Eric Miller, outfielder Jared Clark, and infielder Ryan Hendrickson. Designated player Ben Harter and infielder Brett VanSloten received second team honors.

Eight Rudyard Players and

Bulldogs Coach

Receive All-District Honors

Rudyard coach Ron VanSloten was named Division 4 District Coach of the Year and eight Bulldogs received first team honors, announced the Michigan High School Athletic Association Friday, June 11.

Coach VanSloten led Rudyard to record tying 26-6 overall record, while his Bulldogs won the Straits Area Conference and District 4 titles in 2010.

Bulldogs named to the elite squad include pitchers Arik Hesselink, Eric Miller, outfielders Scott Coffey and Jared Clark, catcher Tyler Wilson, infielders Ben Harter, Brett VanSloten, and Ryan Hendrickson. The Pickford Panthers’ McKinley Portice was named to the team as a utility player.