Fall P.C. Wildcat & Ladycat Sports Preview

Young Ladycats Soccer look to build momentum in 2026

By: Stacey Myers

  The 2026 season is underway for the Pendleton County Ladycats soccer team, and despite a difficult opening result, the young squad is eager to turn the page and begin building momentum.

  Pendleton County fell to Harrison County, 7-0 on August 10. While the result wasn't what the Ladycats had hoped for, coaches and players remain confident in the potential of a team that features just 12 players on its varsity roster.

  With a young roster and a strong bond among teammates, the Ladycats are looking to use each game as an opportunity to improve and grow together. Head coach Johnny Trenkamp is excited to see what the group can accomplish as the season progresses.

“We're a young team,” is the underlying theme surrounding the Ladycats this season, but that youth also brings plenty of excitement and opportunity.

  The team will be led in part by three seniors, including goalkeeper Aubrey Record, who is entering her final season with a clear set of goals both individually and for her teammates. As the Ladycats' goalkeeper, Record has set her sights on recording five shutouts during the season. She also wants to become more vocal on the field and provide stronger leadership for the younger players around her.

  For Record, however, leadership extends beyond what happens during a game. She wants her teammates to know that she will always be there for them, both on and off the field. Her biggest goal is to help make the 2026 season a memorable one for every player on the roster.

  The Ladycats return to action Monday, Aug. 17, when they travel to Grant County for a 7:30 p.m. contest. They will then return home Wednesday, Aug. 19, to host Fleming County at 6 p.m

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wildcats Soccer focus on growth during rebuilding season

By: Bridget Browning

  The Pendleton County Wildcat soccer team looks to have a rebuilding year under the leadership of first year head coach Christian Rick. The team graduated seven seniors last season that accounted for 47 of the 65 goals scored.

  The Wildcats will rely heavily this season on the scoring of returning senior midfielders Jayden Frisch, Parker McCandless, and Jaren Ashcraft. Frisch scored 11 goals last season with McCandless and Ashcraft each scoring three apiece. Senior defender Tristan Mitchell and Senior goalkeeper Kaiden Espelage have also proven to be key players on the defensive end of the field. Senior Lincoln Meyer suffered a season delaying injury last year but hopes to rejoin his team in the next few weeks. Meyer will add leadership from the goalkeeper position upon his return.

  To prepare for the season, the Wildcats competed in the Bluegrass State Games in Lexington.  The team lost all three games during the weekend but saw some underclassmen step up and contribute to the scoring.  Freshman Liam Mattill and Easton Browning combined for three of the four goals scored during the games with Parker McCandless also scoring. Coach Rick stated that he knew this was going to be a big transitional year after losing seven starters.  “We knew it would be a lot to rebuild. I saw some good things and some things we need to work on.  Hopefully the younger classmen can step up to the challenge.”

  Pendleton County fell to Holmes 7-3 in the Northern Kentucky Soccerama at Highlands High School on July 29.  Liam Mattill scored two goals and Easton Browning scored one. Jaren Ashcraft and Jayden Frisch also contributed to the offense with assists.  The team then traveled to Scott High School for their season opener on August 15.  The Scott Eagles got an early 6-0 lead before the game was delayed by lightening.  The Wildcats came out with more intensity after the delay holding the Eagles to only one more goal. Easton Browning was able to score his first varsity goal of his career after putting away a shot in the second half ending the game with a score of 7-1.  The JV Wildcats were able to get in the first half of play before their game was also called for lightning tying Scott 2-2 with goals scored by middle schoolers Gregory Spegal and Carter Jones.

  This week, the Wildcats season continues this week as they travel to Owen County on August 18 and Calvary Christian on August 20.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wildcats Golf seeking success under Biddle

By: Sam McClanahan

  The Pendleton County Wildcats golf team enters the 2026 season with a new leader at the helm, as first-year head coach Eric Biddle takes over a program looking to build a strong foundation and continue developing its young golfers.

  Biddle and the Wildcats got an early look at where the team stands during the opening weeks of the season, with a mix of promising performances and areas that still need improvement providing plenty of encouragement for the year ahead.

   One of the team's early strengths has been its play off the tee. The Wildcats have also shown encouraging ability with their approach shots, giving Biddle plenty to work with as the season progresses.

  We're a rebuilding team," Biddle said, emphasizing the importance of developing the fundamentals and gaining valuable match experience.

  That experience will be particularly important for a program adjusting to a new coaching staff and continuing to develop its golfers. Rather than focusing solely on early-season scores, Biddle is using each competition as an opportunity for his players to learn how to manage tournament situations and improve from one round to the next.

  For Biddle, the goal is to establish consistent improvement throughout the season.

The Wildcats already know what they do well. Now, the challenge is turning those strengths into complete rounds by eliminating mistakes around the greens.

If the team's work on chipping, pitching and putting begins to pay dividends, the Wildcats have an opportunity to make significant strides as the season progresses.

  With a first-year coach, a developing roster and plenty of room for growth, 2026 represents the beginning of a new chapter for Pendleton County golf. And for Biddle and the Wildcats, the focus is simple: improve, compete and build a program that gets better with every round.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladycats Golf aims to reach full potential

By: Sam McClanahan

  The Pendleton County Ladycats golf team enters the 2026 season with a blend of returning experience, promising young talent and newcomers eager to make their mark, as second-year head coach Adam Bruener looks to guide the program to another step forward.

“Considering that we have four players returning with at least one year of competitive golf under their belt, I look for this team to build off their experience and compete at a higher level than last season,” Bruener said.

  Senior Taylor Bruener leads the returning group and enters her final season with high expectations. The veteran has put together several strong rounds during the offseason and has continued to make adjustments to her game heading into tournament play.

She's joined by Kinly Cooper, Anna Pugh, Lilly Jones, Kylie Dunn, Lydia McNay and Elizabeth Terhar, all who Bruener belives can make a big impact this season.   The 2026 Ladycats feature a roster that stretches from seventh grade through senior year, giving Bruener a combination of veteran leadership and young players with considerable room to grow. With Taylor Bruener and Dunn providing senior leadership, Cooper and the other returning players bringing valuable competitive experience, and a trio of newcomers adding depth and potential, Pendleton County enters the season believing it can take another step forward.

  For Bruener, the goal is clear: take the lessons learned last season, continue developing each player and give the Ladycats an opportunity to compete at an increasingly higher level throughout the 2026 campaign.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladycats Volleyball ready for a new beginning

By: Kayley Bruener

  The Pendleton County Ladycats volleyball team enters the 2026 season with plenty of reasons for excitement. With returning experience, new talent and an offseason focused on building chemistry, the Ladycats are ready to see their hard work translate to the court.

  New head coach Megan Rigney said the team has made communication and trust a major priority throughout the offseason.

  “We have the talent, but more importantly, these girls genuinely seem to have the same drive for success,” Rigney said. “They are working together as a team, and as a coach, I couldn’t ask for more.”

  The Ladycats return a talented group led by freshman captain Hadley Spaulding, who led the team in assists last season and will take on an expanded role as both a setter and outside hitter. Senior co-captain Kylie Dunn brings experience and a strong presence at the net, where she has consistently ranked among Kentucky's leaders in blocks.

  Sophomore outside hitter Alayna Gosney returns with plenty of athletic ability and potential, while senior opposite Madison “Maddy” Gosney brings an aggressive and fearless mentality despite standing just 5-foot-1. Sophomore middle Kenzi Mastin has also made tremendous strides since beginning volleyball with no previous experience as an eighth grader.

  The Ladycats will also lean on the versatility of senior Elizabeth Ammerman, who has experience at nearly every position, and senior libero Allie Miller, who has embraced her role on defense and brings plenty of competitiveness and intensity to the court.

  While individual talent will be important, Rigney believes the team's chemistry could be what makes the biggest difference this season. The Ladycats have spent the offseason building relationships, learning to communicate and developing trust in one another.

  For Rigney, the season is also especially meaningful because of the senior class. She has coached three of the four seniors since her first season as the freshman coach.

  “To have them as seniors during my first year as head coach hits a little different,” Rigney said. “I am so proud of them.”

  Now, the Ladycats are ready to put their preparation to the test.

  Pendleton County will kick off the season at home on Tuesday, August 18, against St. Patrick. The freshman match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by JV at 6:30 p.m. and varsity at 7:30 p.m.

  After months of preparation, the Ladycats are ready to step onto their home court, compete together and begin what they hope will be a memorable season.

  “I can’t wait to see them do what they love, Rigney said. "What they have trained and worked so hard for, and absolutely kill their final season."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PCHS Cross Country enters the Hanser era

By: Jennifer Redden

  The PCHS Cross Country team is lacing up for another season. Now leading the program is Jacob Hanser, entering his fourth season as a coach. Hanser takes over for Craig Chaplin who retired after 50 years of coaching.

  Hanser brings both experience and excitement to the team. He ran for eight years as an athlete for Pendleton County, where he qualified for state six times—four for Cross Country and two for track. He ran track for four seasons at Georgetown College. Hanser still runs competitively, racing in everything from 5K’s to ultra marathons. He recently ran a sub 3-hour marathon and placed second in the Backyard Ultra. He is member of the Board of Directors for Ridge Runners Racing in Grant County.

  The athletes on the roster this year include Kieran Brayton, Ben Brossart, McKynlee Deming, Isaac Mardis, Garrett Harrod, and Levi Wolfe. The team will be participating in the Panda Classic on August 22, the Jaguars Classic on August 29, the Run Wild Fall Classic on September 5, the Bourbon County All Comers on September 14, the Williamstown Invitational on September 19, the Bluegrass Invitation on September 26, and the Mason County Invitational on October 3.

  With a good mix of experienced and new athletes, the team is poised for another successful year. “Our hope for this season is to grow our team, inspire other young athletes to join, and to push for faster times than previous seasons,” explained Hanser. “We hope to have fun doing so.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wildcats to emphasize physicality and experience during 2026 Football Season

By: Sam McClanahan

  The Pendleton County Wildcats will enter the 2026 football season with a clear identity in mind.

  Under head coach Jaegger Graham, the Wildcats are looking to build around experience, physicality and an aggressive style on both sides of the football as they continue to develop the program.

  A major source of optimism is the return of four seniors who are expected to play significant roles for Pendleton County. Kegan Barhorst, Colton Morton, Gavin Laney and Peyton Burchfield give the Wildcats a veteran presence that Graham believes can provide leadership throughout the season.

  “It's good news that we have four seniors who will start,” Graham said.

Burchfield is expected to be a key piece along the offensive line. Graham describes the senior as a player who has put in significant work in the weight room and has developed into an imposing presence up front. Austin Smith will provide additional experience at center, while the remainder of the offensive line will feature a mix of younger players who have continued to improve during the offseason.

  “The offensive line should be respectable,” Graham said. “Peyton Burchfield is a big kid who looks like a monster and will be on the field for most of the game. Austin Smith is our center and has experience. The rest are some younger guys who are blocking well.”

  The Wildcats hope that physicality up front will translate into a more balanced and productive offensive attack. Pendleton County wants to rely on its senior leadership while also finding multiple ways to move the football and keep opposing defenses from settling into a rhythm. Sophomore Bryce Dunn will be the starting quarterback and he'll look to lead a balanced offense that will rely on several players to be key contributors as he grows into the role.

  One of the most intriguing areas of the team will be the defensive side of the football.

Although the Wildcats lost several starters from last season, Graham believes the returning players have enough experience to help the defense take another step forward. The goal is to establish a unit that plays fast, aggressive and physically from the opening whistle.

  “Defensively, we lose a couple starters from last year,” Graham said. “We return experience and look to build off of last year's results. The defense will look to be fast and aggressive.”

  Physicality, in particular, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Wildcats' defensive identity.

  “The physicality will be what we lean on,” Graham said. “We want teams believing we're the most physical team they've seen. We want teams to tap out.”

That mentality could become especially important as Pendleton County works through a schedule that includes several opponents who are also rebuilding.

Graham believes the Wildcats have an opportunity to take advantage of those matchups, provided they execute and play to their strengths.

  “We hope to take advantage of some opponents who are going through a rebuilding   year,” Graham said. “We hope to match up well and play our game.”

  Ultimately, the 2026 season will be about continued growth for the Wildcats. With a core of seniors expected to provide leadership, a developing offensive line, returning defensive experience and a commitment to playing physical football, Pendleton County believes it has the foundation necessary to compete.

  The Wildcats aren't looking to reinvent themselves. Instead, Graham wants his team to establish a consistent identity — one built on toughness, aggression, ball control and playing hard from start to finish. The Wildcats kickoff the season on August 21 when they travel to take on Nicholas County. The home opener will be on August 28 when they host Dayton.