Kansas Pregame Spring 2025

GAME OF THROWS: BELOIT THROWING

TRADITION A SOURCE OF COMMUNITY PRIDE

Former Beloit High School track state champion throwers gathered with current Trojan throwers at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in early March to celebrate the tradition of throwing at Beloit High School. Pictured, front row (L-R): Casey Seyfert, Kourtni (Hubert) Hittle, Demetrius Dunigan, Autumn Lorenz, Samantha Thompson, Jayden Mosher, Ally Otte, Jace Jones, Brodie Boudreaux, Van Hollaway, Sydney Johnson. Second row: Isaac Wiles, Cassandra Thompson, Addison Budke, Allison Beisner, Landry Litton, Tatum Seyfert, Griffin Johnson. Third row: Dawn (Gronewoller) Massey, Brooks Jones, Kohler Isbell, Brody Litton, Eli Johnson, Kross Kemmerer, John Lomax, Colin Chandler. Back row: Lance Eck, Tony Thompson, Brennan Walker. (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

John Baetz & Bree Mcreynolds-Baetz, PuBlishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co.

Writer & Editor: Keegan McCullick

Page Design: 314 Design

Advertising Design: Kaleb Becker

Contributing writers: Harold Bechard, Edmund Cronn, Charles Chaney, Mike Courson, Adam Meyer, Brian Thomas

Feature photography: Heather Kindall Photography

Acknowledgments: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the contributors, but a special “Thank You!” goes out to KSHSAA’s Nita Sellens, the school secretaries, athletic directors, coaches, photographers, sports journalists and parents who helped us secure team information and photos. Thank you to the many advertisers –without your support this publication would not be a reality.

Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455

Publication date: Spring Edition, Vol. 7, March 24th, 2025

The 2025 Kansas Pregame Spring Edition cover shoot was photographed at Fort Hays Tech North Central’s campus in Beloit. For more about FHTNC visit www.fhtechnc.edu.

The Beloit throwers feature was photographed at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems. For more about MCHHS visit www.mchks.com.

Find links to digital editions, a list of free Kansas Pregame print distribution locations, and additional coverage of Kansas high school sports at www.kansaspregame.com.

9: Game of Throws: Beloit throwing tradition a source of community pride

15: Axtell Eagles stay on track

17: Directory

by: Alisha Owens taken on iPhone 14 Pro Max

SPRING SUPPORTING CAST

For nearly four decades, John Swanson has been a defining voice in Mitchell County. As the longtime broadcaster for KVSV Radio, Swanson has brought Beloit High School and St. John’s-Tipton athletics to life for listeners across the state, whether it’s football or basketball, the Beloit Relays, state wrestling tournament updates, or more.

“John Swanson is more than just the voice of high school sports in Mitchell County—he’s part of the heartbeat of our community,” McGrath publishing president Scott McGrath said. “Heard from not just the Beloit football fields and gyms, but from communities throughout the state, he has given generations of athletes their moment in the spotlight.”

Swanson joined KVSV in September 1988 and has since become a fixture in the community. Since 1996, he has served as the play-by-play announcer for the Beloit High Trojans, also calling games for the St. John’s-Tipton Blujays from 1996 to 2017. In addition, he has hosted the “Coaches Corner” show, interviewing around a dozen area high school coaches weekly on Saturday mornings during football, basketball, and wrestling seasons.

Swanson has been the voice of the Kansas Eight-Man Football All-Star Games for the past 25 years and has volunteered with the event since its early years. His work has earned him widespread recognition, including multiple Kansas Association of Broadcasters play-by-play awards, with first-place honors in the small-market radio category in 2003, 2013, and 2016. In 2017, the Kansas Basketball Coaches

excellence

covering high school basketball. Four years later, he received the Hod Humiston Award, given to a Kansas sports broadcaster for outstanding contributions to the field, a recognition voted on by his peers.

Beyond sports, Swanson is a key figure in local news, keeping Mitchell County informed through his work at KVSV. He is also active in the Lions Club, where he is well-known for his Harry Caray impression.

As he approaches 37 years with KVSV, Swanson’s dedication to the community remains unwavering. Whether behind the mic or in the community, his impact on Beloit and beyond is undeniable.

“John’s reputation amongst Mitchell County’s local students and coaches comes second to none,” McGrath said. “His dedication to the community and KVSV is greatly appreciated.”

Dan Vitt, St. Paul

Whether behind a microphone, on a tractor, or at a community fundraiser, Dan Vitt has been a driving force in St. Paul for decades.

A full-time farmer and longtime school and community supporter, Vitt has left an indelible mark on St. Paul High School athletics, local youth programs, and charitable efforts. From announcing football and basketball games to spearheading school improvement projects, his commitment to the town goes far beyond the fields he cultivates. Vitt’s involvement in school sports started on the football chain gang before he transitioned to announcing. Now, he provides play-by-play

commentary for both football and basketball games, broadcasting on the radio and over loudspeakers. Working alongside Eddie Lomshek and Keith Smith from KKOW, his familiar voice has become a staple of St. Paul athletics. Beyond the booth, he lends his time to student development, playing a key role in revitalizing the school’s weightlifting program. His daughter, Jenny, became a state champion in the sport and earned a powerlifting scholarship to Friends University in Wichita.

His support extends to agricultural education as well, assisting FFA students in building essential farm equipment like feed bunks, hay rings, trailers, and more. Vitt’s dedication to youth programs also includes the annual Knights of Columbus basketball free throw contest, where he helps organize local and regional events.

Beyond the school, Vitt’s service in the community is equally impactful. A devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, he organizes monthly benefit breakfasts for local families in need, often donating a quarter of beef for auction. He has played a major role in community events such as Mission Days and the Christmas parade and was instrumental in growing the town’s Veterans Day celebration from a modest gathering of 12 veterans to more than 100 attendees annually.

His work on community infrastructure dates back to 1996 when he helped overhaul the local football field, dedicating hundreds of hours of labor and equipment to improve drainage and plant new grass.

Balancing these efforts with a demanding career in farming, Vitt often works 20-hour days. One of his sons now farms alongside him, while his other children have pursued careers ranging from technology in New York City to electrical work, veterinary medicine, and higher education.

“It doesn’t matter what it is going on at church, the community or school, all you gotta do is ask Dan for help,” former St. Paul principal Steve Pope said. “I’m of the belief that when you want something done, you ask a busy man. And that’s Dan, he’s always busy.”

But apparently not ever too busy for his community.

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Association honored Swanson with its Media Award for

in

John Swanson, Beloit

PROUD Hometown

Hometown Proud Student-Athletes, brought to you by Citizens State Bank and Trust Company with locations in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Delphos, Glasco and Minneapolis.

In the classroom, on the baseball field, or in the community, Ellsworth High School senior Gavin Moyer has proven himself a dedicated leader.

A three-year letterman in baseball, Moyer has stepped into a leadership role this season, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. His dedication to the sport has been evident in his work ethic and commitment to improvement.

During his junior season Moyer proved to be a double threat, playing middle infield and posting a .262 average with 11 hits and a .439 on-base percentage. Meanwhile, on the mound he posted 31 strikeouts.

“He is passionate about baseball, and the work he has put in over the years is much appreciated,” Ellsworth head coach Jason McWilliams said. “I (also) never have to worry about his grades in the classroom.”

Moyer, who maintains a 3.76 GPA and consistently earns honor roll recognition, balances his academic and athletic responsibilities while also working at Cashco as a machine operator.

Looking ahead, Moyer plans to attend Kansas State University to pursue a degree in kinesiology.

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Minneapolis senior Mason Smith is a true student-athlete, looked to for leadership in the classroom or the athletic arena.

Academically, Smith has earned high honor roll recognition for seven semesters, is a member of the National Honor Society, and received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence. He placed in math relays and co-founded a youth leadership class, demonstrating his commitment to academic and personal growth.

Smith is equally active in his community, serving as an FCA president and group leader, officiating youth sports, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and mentoring younger students. He has also participated in musicals, plays, show choir, and student council while helping with children’s ministry at his church, among other volunteer roles.

A multi-sport athlete, Smith has participated in football, basketball, track, and powerlifting. He was a football captain for three years, earning all-league and all-state honors as a defensive back. He was also voted his team’s top defensive player and Lion Pride player of the year. He also holds the pole vault school record and is a three-time state qualifier.

“Mason has always, even since freshman year, led by example,” said Minneapolis head track coach Linda Smith. “He does every drill, every rep, and every workout to his fullest. He encourages others to do the same and builds them up so they can be their best as well.”

After graduation, Smith plans to attend Fort Hays State University to study organizational leadership and business, with additional hours in religious studies.

Balancing academics, athletics, and community service, Sylvan-Lucas Unified senior Anna Feldkamp has established herself as a leader in and out of the classroom.

With a perfect 4.0 GPA and an ACT score of 27, Feldkamp has earned honor roll recognition throughout high school and is an active member of the National Honor Society. She also serves as STUCO President.

Beyond academics, Feldkamp is a multisport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She also shines in the arts, participating in band, choir, and theater, where she has earned high ratings at state music competitions and performed in multiple school musicals.

Her dedication extends into the community, where she has played a vital role in numerous volunteer projects, from organizing canned food drives to landscaping school grounds and assisting with county fair events. She also sings monthly at local nursing homes and has led Vacation Bible School at her church.

“Anna is the type of student every teacher and coach hopes for,” said long-time SLUHS coach Linda Haring. “She is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to step up for her teammates and peers.”

Outside of school, Feldkamp gains hands-on experience through work at Crossfire Combat Games and Lone Rock Ranch, where she manages responsibilities ranging from equipment maintenance to agricultural operations.

Felkdkamp is one of a select few Kansans to receive the exclusive Rudd Scholarship and will have a full ride to Fort Hays State where she will major in Industrial Arts education.

Whether on the field, in the classroom, or around her community, Kelli Rodriguez is always willing to put in the work. The Ellsworth junior has built a reputation as a dedicated athlete, student, and mentor, balancing a packed schedule with a quiet determination.

A three-sport athlete, Rodriguez has been a key contributor to the Bearcats’ volleyball, basketball, and softball teams for the past three years. On the softball field, she plays infield and pitches, earning the respect of her coaches and teammates.

Rodriguez’s dedication extends well beyond sports. She excels in the classroom as an honor roll student and serves as vice president of the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter. Her involvement also includes the Environmental Club, the school musical, and her church’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) group. Her passion for giving back is evident in her community work. She works as a lifeguard for the City of Ellsworth, teaches swimming lessons, and helps coach a local fifth-grade softball team.

“Kelli has a great work ethic and a great attitude,” Ellsworth softball coach Ken Cravens said. “She’s a quiet leader, and very supportive of her teammates.”

MASON SMITH Minneapolis

GAVIN MOYER Ellsworth

KELLI RODRIGUEZ

Ellsworth

Submitted

Submitted

ANNA FELDKAMP Sylvan-Lucas

Sarah Heller Photography

New book takes deeper look at baseball in the Sunflower State

Michael Travis’ new book gets to the heart of America’s pastime in the heart of the Sunflower State. Kansas Baseball goes back to the late 1800s and the birth of Walter Johnson and George Sweatt, Humboldt kids who played baseball at the highest level, but in different leagues due to racism. Learn about the sixteen-year-old signed by the Kansas City Athletics, who left the University of Kansas campus to play his first game at Municipal Stadium the next day. Read about pioneers in the game named Joyce, Katie and Alex, determined and talented women who are part of our national pastime. Author Michael Travis shares his love for the game, rounding the bases from its beginnings in Wichita with League 42 to the Major Leagues.

standings after the 5–3 win. Was the impossible just a dream?

Michael’s childhood in Andover, Massachusetts, was loaded with baseball memories, the pomp and circumstance of opening day in the Little League season, the drama linked to a roll of the dice while playing Strat-O-Matic baseball, the daily consumption of the Boston Globe baseball news and the endless summer days of playing wiffle ball with his childhood buddy Charlie.

Meet the Author: Signing Tour

Meet author Michael J. Travis at one of his signing events this spring. Find “Kansas Baseball by Michael Travis” on Facebook for more details.

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These Stories are a Home Run

About Bubba Starling

“College and professional scouts started to hear about this Gardner kid and traveled to watch Bubba dominate games, whether it be with a long home run off his bat, a chase after a long fly ball, a tight spiral touch pass or a sprint around an end to find a hole and run over solo defenders. The kid could run the forty-yard dash in just under 4.4 seconds, had a thirty-four-and-a-half inch vertical jump and could throw a fastball at close to ninety-five miles per hour. He also had the strength to throw a deep ball eighty yards down field to a wide receiver on a slant route.”

Michael J. Travis

About the Author: Michael’s love for baseball began in 1967, during a hot August night at his family’s lakeside cabin. He listened to Ned Martin and Ken Coleman narrate a Red Sox win at Fenway Park. Yaz, third in the league in batting at .321 and second in homers with twenty-eight, nailed Kansas City A’s Mike Hershberger, who tried to score from second on a single. The Sox were just two games behind Chicago in the

Michael’s days playing ball are in the past, but the deep connection to the game is ever-present, whether he is at a ballgame at Eck Stadium or turning pages of Shoeless Joe, a 1982 classic by W.P. Kinsella.

Baseball in Kansas is Michael’s second book to be published. He pursued his love of Kansas craft breweries and their communities and stories in his first book, Celebrating Kansas Breweries: People, Places & Stories, published in 2022.

Buy Michael’s books in bulk online at arcadiapublishing.com or pick up a copy for that special someone at your favorite local bookseller.

followed by Mickey at .365...Bobby Boyd was not only the first Black player signed by the Chicago White Sox but also the first everyday Oriole starter in the twentieth century to deliver a .300 batting average.”

About Bobby Boyd

“The Rope” landed fourth in the batting race, delivering a .318 average for the Orioles. Ted Williams ran away with the batting title, hitting .388,

(Photo: Courtesy Bobby Boyd’s Family

(Photo: Courtesy Kansas City Royals)

Game of Throws: Beloit throwing tradition a source of community pride

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame

Former Beloit track state champion throwers gathered with current state qualifiers and placers at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in early March to celebrate the tradition of throwing at Beloit High School. Pictured, front row (L-R): Brodie Boudreaux, Kourtni (Hubert) Hittle, Samantha Thompson*, Tatum Seyfert, Casey Seyfert, Addison Budke, Cassandra Thompson and Autumn Lorenz. Middle row: Dawn (Gronewoller) Massey, Brooks Jones, Brody Litton, Eli Johnson, Brennan Walker and Colin Chandler. Back row: Lance Eck, Tony Thompson, Van Hollaway and Sydney Johnson. (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

Past, present and, more than likely, future state champions gathered in front of Beloit’s Mitchell County Hospital in early March for a group photo to celebrate one of the more successful high school throwing programs in Kansas.

The state champs on hand encompassed a time frame of more than half-century, from 1969 state javelin champion Van Hollaway to 2024 girls’ shot put winner Tatum Seyfert.

When it comes to throwing, tossing and heaving the discus, javelin and shot put, there are not many programs in Kansas as successful as the orange and black of Beloit High School.

Since 1990, when Dawn Gronewoller won the firstever state throwing gold medal for the Beloit girls, the Trojans have combined to win 110 medals at the state track and field meet in Wichita, with 32 of those medals being of the color of gold. And, since that season, Beloit High has won at least one throwing medal every year. Other than the Covid year, when the state meet wasn’t held, the Trojans haven’t been shut out of a spot on the podium.

Consistency, expectations, tradition and culture have been the key ingredients for Beloit’s success in those field events, according to head coach Ryan Isbell.

“The coaches have always had the passion for the sport and that carries over to the athletes,” said Isbell, who has been the track and field head coach for 18 years at his alma mater. “Everyone is going to get coached. The throwers are the last ones at practice every day working on every aspect of their technique. There’s high expectations for everyone, which means something different to each individual. They are expected to compete against their previous marks, their teammates or other schools. Every success gets celebrated.

Trojan Family Rallies for Stadium Improvements

The heart of Trojan athletics beats in Trojan Stadium, but years of wear and tear have left its facilities in dire need of repair. The track is deteriorating, the press box is outdated, and the restrooms and locker rooms no longer meet the needs of athletes and fans. Despite two school bond campaigns that included funding for these much-needed improvements, voters turned them down both times, leaving the district with no choice but to seek community support through fundraising.

On February 1, the USD 273 Foundation launched the Trojan Stadium Improvement Campaign, and in less than 30 days, the Trojan family responded in an incredible way raising over $700,000. This outpouring of generosity caught the attention of the Harry and Rose Matous Family, who stepped up with an extraordinary matching funds opportunity of up to one million dollars. Alumni, current students, businesses, and individuals have all come together, proving that Trojan pride runs deep and strong.

Now, the push continues to secure the remaining donations needed to meet the full match. The USD 273 Foundation’s website, www.273foundation.org, provides details on various giving opportunities, including naming rights and the Memories from Mill: Paving the Way for Future Trojans fundraiser, which allows supporters to leave their mark by purchasing bricks and blocks. The overwhelming response so far is a testament to the dedication and spirit of the Trojan family one that honors the past while investing in the future of Trojan athletics.

For more information or to contribute, please visit www.273foundation.org

Throwers / continued on page 13

Samantha Thompson and Brody Litton recorded marks which would’ve qualified at other regionals but fell just short

at the loaded Beloit Regional

MCHHS: BY YOUR SIDE FOR EVERY SEASON OF LIFE

Athletics and agriculture share a common bond: they both rely on physical strength and endurance to succeed. Athletes push their physical limits on the field, while farmers endure strenuous tasks that can lead to injuries over time. Whether it’s a sports-related injury, chronic pain from demanding labor, or the need for advanced surgical solutions, having high-quality health care available through every season of life is invaluable.

Despite its size, Beloit, Kan., is home to Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems (MCHHS) which offers a level of care comparable to that found in larger cities. MCHHS provides a comprehensive range of health care services, including a full-service laboratory, occupational and physical therapy, advanced radiology, respiratory therapy, ICU care, and a Level IV Trauma Center. Additionally, the hospital features specialized services such as obstetrics and nursery care, comprehensive surgical services, pain clinic, and geriatric mental health program—ensuring patients receive expert treatment close to home.

Expanding Surgical Excellence with RoboticAssisted Surgery

With two highly skilled surgeons, Dr. Mark Banker and Dr. Danny Owens, MCHHS offers expanded access to surgical care daily, which now includes the Da Vinci Xi

robotic surgical system, making MCHHS one of only three critical access hospitals in Kansas to provide this cutting-edge technology. This system enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This advanced technology allows for:

• Minimally invasive procedures with greater precision

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Patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures typically recover within two to three weeks, compared to four to six weeks for traditional open surgery.

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MCHHS also specializes in pain management services, offering effective treatments for various chronic pain conditions. Procedures include epidural steroid injections, joint injections, and radiofrequency

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“The throwers are a close group. They eat a lot of sunflower seeds, listen to a lot of music, and have a lot of fun. There’s constantly games being played, random things being thrown and medals being won.”

Casey Seyfert, a three-time state champion at Beloit High - two in the shot put and one in the discus (1996-97) - is the throwing coach for the Trojans. He also happens to be the high school principal and current Executive Board president of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

“I think we have been tremendously blessed over the past few years with great kids,” Seyfert said. “Not just great throwers, but great kids in general. They are all friends, they support each other, and they help the younger throwers. It has turned into a selfperpetuating system.

“One of the most important factors in the history of throws in Beloit is coach Pete Caldwell (in the 1980s and ‘90s). He was instrumental in making the throws important in Beloit. He was a great coach and kids loved him.”

Seyfert said the juniors and seniors at Beloit will take junior high kids under their wing and teach them the proper form and techniques of throwing. He said teaching is the ultimate test of, ‘if you know what you’re talking about.’

“Our kids also work incredibly hard - we have open throwing on Sunday and it’s an expectation,” he said. “As a coach, I love to drive by and see kids throwing on their own. Just like shooting a basketball, the more you do it, the better you are going to be at it.”

The Seyfert family has been darn good at it. In addition to his own three state titles, Seyfert’s son, Grady, is a former two-time state champion and daughter, Tatum, a three-time state champ. All three produced a state track and field meet record - Casey in the Class 4A shot put (61-1) in 1997, Grady in the Class 3A shot put (60-7 3/4) in 2023 and Tatum in the Class 3A girls’ shot put (45-11 1/4) just last May.

Grady is currently a member of the University of Kansas football team, while his sister Tatum is a senior at Beloit High and one of the state’s top throwers in the shot put and discus in any class. She ranked No. 1 in all classes last year in the shot put and was fifth overall in the discus at 142 feet, 6 inches.

Tatum, who has signed with Oklahoma State to throw for the Cowgirls next season, is a two-time state champion in the 3A shot put and won a state title in the discus as a sophomore before finishing second last year. She said being part of the group photo

Throwers / continued on page 69

EAGLES STAY ON TRACK, SHOOT FOR 3-PEAT

By Julie Perry, Marysville Advocate

Success is what the boys at Axtell High know, and it will be what the Eagles strive to achieve with one more athletic season to go this spring.

After winning a fourth straight Eight-Man Division II football title and making a third straight appearance in the state basketball tournament - and this time delivering a 1A-DII championship - the Eagles race into track and field season as a favorite to repeat as Class 1A champions for a third straight year.

Nine state placers return from last year’s boys’ team that scored 90 points for the team title. The points were the most scored among any of the track and field teams at the state meet in 2024.

“We have a lot of pieces back from last year,” Axtell coach Jayson Tynon said. “We lost Grady (Buessing) and Sawyer (Deters) to graduation. We will have to pick up points in the high jump and javelin this year to replace them, as well as staying strong in the 800, 1600, 3200 and relays. Higher finishes in the 4x100 and 4x400 will also be key to repeating.”

Buessing was a school-record middle- and longdistance runner, and Deters was a thrower who had a school-record season in the shot put and discus.

The boys take a lot of pride in competing for Axtell and representing their community. It will be the last year of high school sports for seniors Brandon Schmelzle, who will play football at KU; Eli Broxterman, who plans to play football but is undecided about where; and Rilyn Buessing; Gavin Shaughnessy, who hopes to run in college somewhere; and Daltyn Heinen. Juniors back are Landon Schmitz and Lucas Talbot, and sophomores Wyatt Detweiler and Logan Sandmann.

“The name on our chest is one of the reasons we are so good,” Broxterman said. “The community behind us and all the support we have gotten is because of what Axtell has done for us, but it also shows how much work we have put in.”

Schmelzle is one of Axtell’s top point makers. While he will likely drop triple jump from his list of events, he looks forward to defending his gold medal in the long jump and finishing top three in the 100- and 200-meter sprints. He has the school record in the long jump at 22 feet, 10 inches, ran a personal-best and school-record 10.92 seconds in the 100 as a sophomore, and 22.76 last spring in the 200, which is 0.54 off the school record. He will likely run in some relays this year.

He has competed the past two years injured heading into the state meet. As a sophomore, he tweaked his hamstring, and last year he broke his foot.

Schmelzle, an all-state and all-league athlete in everything with numerous sports accolades, said it means everything to him to represent Axtell well. Broxterman, who is Schmelzle’s cousin, is almost as decorated. Extremely athletic, he thrives on hard work and daily challenges in practices. Last spring was the first time he threw the javelin. His best was 156-3. His biggest challenge was learning how to throw it, and he almost qualified for state.

“I have learned more things about throwing it, and I have gotten stronger to help me reach my goal of reaching state in that event,” he said.

He was on the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, along with Rilyn Buessing, Talbot and Schmitz, which finished sixth and third. The 4x100 team ran 44.76, which was 0.08 off the school record. The 4x400 team broke the school record at 3:30.53.

Schmitz, who has state and league honors in football, had a standout sophomore season in the hurdles. He broke the school record in the highs in 14.74 and the 300s in 40.11. He was the state champion in the highs in 14.99 and third in the 300s (40.28). His goals are to improve his personal bests and win the team title.

“I never want to let my team down, so I give it my all every time and do what I do for them,” he said.

He will return in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays

also. Those relays were sixth and third, respectively. Shaughnessy had an all-state cross country season and will be the frontrunner in the middle- and longdistance events for the Eagles now that Grady Buessing is running distance collegiately at Washburn. He was on the championship 4x800 team with Detweiler and Sandmann or Heinen that won in 8:23.43. Shaughnessy was fifth in the 800 (2:03.92 personal best), eighth in the 1600 (4:37.28 personal best) and sixth in the 3200 (10:08.2 personal best).

Sandmann was ninth in the high jump at 6-2. Tynon said he looks for him to improve and to place at state. Setting records is not unfamiliar to Axtell. The Eagles were the first Eight-Man football team to win four straight titles in D-II. Their 52-game winning streak is the longest in Eight-Man state history. Should Axtell win a third straight track and field team title, the Eagles would be the first in 1A team to accomplish the feat. A handful of teams have won back-to-back titles, but none have three straight, according to KSHSAA records, which will likely to fuel this year’s boys team even more.

Julie Perry is the sports reporter and photographer for The

The Axtell boys will shoot for yet another state championship this spring. Pictured, front row (L-R): Lucas Talbot, Landon Schmitz, Rilyn Buessing, Wyatt Detweiler. Back row: Daltyn Heinen, Gavin Shaughnessy, Logan Sandmann, Brandon Schmelzle, Eli Broxterman. (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

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6A BASEBALL

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Blue Valley High School opens the 2025 season with high expectations, led by a talented group of returning seniors aiming to build on last year’s success. Following a 17-11 campaign in 2024 that ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to Olathe South in the regional championship game, head coach Tim Kennedy is optimistic about the team’s potential in his third season at the helm.

“We have more experienced hitters coming back than we have had in a few years, hopefully leading to a quicker start,” Kennedy said. “We have two returning pitchers with numerous younger arms looking to step up and be impact players.”

Senior Grady Westphal returns as the ace of the staff after a dominant junior season that earned him multiple accolades, including Sports in Kansas 6A Pitcher of the Year, EKL Pitcher of the Year, and first team all-state honors. Westphal finished 2024 with a 5-0 record, a 0.76 ERA, and 72 strikeouts over 45.2 innings, holding opponents to a .137 batting average.

With an eye on leading Blue Valley to a 6A titlewhich would be the storied program’s first since 2021, and eighth overall - Westphal has set ambitious personal goals.

“Winning a state championship, pitcher of the year again, and Gatorade Player of the Year,” Westphal said of his goals for the season.

“We have more experienced hitters coming back than we have had in a few years, hopefully leading to a quicker start.”

A four-year varsity starter, Westphal embraces the high expectations placed upon him.

“I have been able to embrace them versus get nervous,” he said.

Westphal may also contribute offensively as a designated hitter according to Kennedy after batting .286 with 14 hits, 9 RBIs, and 12 runs last season.

After graduation Westphal has committed to play baseball at the University of Texas, one of the country’s top Division I baseball programs.

Chris Aiello, a two-way standout at first base and on the mound, will be instrumental in Blue Valley’s offensive and defensive efforts. A first-team All-EKL and honorable mention all-state selection in 2024, Aiello is the team’s top returner in multiple offensive categories, including batting average (.341), hits (28), home runs (3), and runs scored (18). He also added 15 RBIs.

“Chris will be in the middle of the order playing first

base and will be one of our starting pitchers,” Kennedy said. “He was also our starting QB for the last two seasons. Chris will be an instrumental part of our success this year and is a valuable leader in the locker room.”

For Aiello, the upcoming season is about both team success and personal growth.

“My goals for this year are to obviously reach the state championship and take home the first-place hardware with a great group of guys,” Aiello said. “Speaking on a personal basis, I would say I’m striving to be a great teammate day in and day out and get the job done as I am needed.”

Aiello, who earned two-time Eastern Kansas League honorable mention honors as a quarterback - often throwing to Westphal, his top target in the passing game - will continue his athletic career playing football at Southwest Baptist University.

In addition to Westphal and Aiello, Blue Valley returns several key contributors, including senior catcher/first baseman Cam Morris (.253, 19 H, 16 RBI), senior outfielder Patrick Dennis (.226, 12 H, 16 R), junior shortstop Ethan Carswell (.203, 15 H, 19 R), and sophomore outfielder Grant Westphal (.328, 19 H, 17 R). Senior Jack Schwab, a flexible left-handed pitcher who posted a 3.50 ERA in 2024 and is committed to Arkansas, also returns to add depth to the rotation after rehabbing from an offseason injury, though may start the season on the shelf.

Olathe West looks to take the next step

After a dominant 27-2 campaign in 2024, Olathe West baseball enters the 2025 season with unfinished business. A new head coach, a core of returning standouts, and a hunger for postseason redemption fuel the Owls as they look to build on last year’s success.

Under former head coach Austin Fisher, Olathe West dominated the 2024 regular season, claiming the Sunflower League title outright with an 11-1 record. The Owls surged to a program-best 18-0 start before dropping a 3-2 contest to Shawnee Mission South, their only loss of the regular-season. After securing a regional championship and earning the program’s third state tournament berth – in just six seasons of varsity baseball – West’s title run was cut short in a first-round 3-1 defeat to eventual champion and league opponent Olathe South—a team they had beaten by the same score earlier in the season.

With Fisher stepping away from coaching baseball to focus on other career goals, veteran assistant Mike Zegunis steps into the head coaching role for 2025. Zegunis, who spent the last seven seasons as

(L-R): Micah McGavran, Ty Miller, Grady Westphal, Chris Aiello (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

an assistant, inherits a team loaded with talent and experience.

“Returning a lot of players that went 27-2 last season,” Zegunis said. “Very talented group of young men.”

Two senior leaders, catcher Micah McGavran, and pitcher Ty Miller, will anchor the Owls this season. Both have been key contributors over the past two years and will look to guide West back to state.

McGavran, an all-state honorable mention catcher in 2024, has been a staple behind the plate for the Owls. He prides himself on leadership and defense while providing an imposing presence offensively.

“Micah has been a tremendous leader for us on defense and is an imposing figure when batting,” Zegunis said. “He has speed, size, and strength.”

Last season, McGavran posted a .309 batting average and tallied 21 hits, a team high 25 RBIs, four doubles, four triples, and three home runs, and is determined to push his team further this year.

“My personal goals this season are to help my team have another successful season and try to bring home a state championship,” McGavran said.

McGavran has committed to playing at Barton County Community College after graduation.

On the mound, Miller has been a consistent force for the Owls. The senior right-hander aims to maintain an ERA under 1.25 and earn first team all-state honors in 2025. Last season, he was named first team AllSunflower League and second team all-state.

“Ty has been a starting pitcher for the Owls over the last two seasons,” Zegunis said. “He has had a great deal of success for us on the mound.”

Miller, who recorded a 0.83 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and posted a 1-0 record in 42.1 innings pitched in 2024, has his eyes set on a historic season for his squad.

“What competing for Olathe West means to me is being part of the first team to win a state championship and hang the first baseball banner,” Miller said.

After his senior season Miller will continue his baseball career at Pittsburg State University, where he plans to earn a degree in biology.

The Owls return a wealth of talent in addition to McGavran and Miller. Junior first baseman Roy Roseman recorded a team high 32 hits, 31 runs, 25 RBIs, and four home runs with a .386 average. Junior pitcher Max Hamilton posted a 1.52 ERA with a 3-1 record in 50.2 innings pitched with a .400 batting average. Senior outfielder Luke Sahrmann hit .325 at the plate with a team high seven doubles and four triples and senior second baseman Brayden Walker his .303 with 11 RBIs. Senior outfielder and pitcher Treyton DesLauriers posted a 0.93 ERA over 30 innings pitched.

KC Metro schools leading contenders in 6A

By Charles Chaney, Butler County Times-Gazette

After a magical run last season OLATHE SOUTH will look to bottle that magic into a repeat performance in 2025. After entering regional play at 11-13 on the season, Olathe South won their final six games and delivered a state championship. Now, they’ll have to replace six of their bats from last year’s lineup, including six of their top seven hitters. Junior Gage Lee returns after posting a .254 average last year with seven RBIs. He went 2-for-3 in the state title game. Junior Daxton Grissom and sophomore Jamison Rice will move up in the lineup after playing last season. Grissom was second on the team with a .333 average last year with four doubles and 15 RBIs.

Fresh off a state championship appearance BLUE VALLEY WEST has questions at the plate but when it comes to the mound, they should once again be a top contender in the state as they return three of their four top arms from last year’s 24-6 team.

“Our challenge will be replacing eight defensive starters,” head coach Joe Allison said. “We have some great, young talent ready for their shot.”

Christian Ryan (Rockhurst commit), Riley Rigdon (Rockhurst commit) and James Hunt all return and pitched more than a combined 110 innings last year. Ryan went 8-1 on the bump with a 1.46 ERA. The second team all-state pitcher struck out 52 last year. Rigdon went 2-0 with two saves with a 2.41 ERA. Hunt went 4-2 with 26 strikeouts. He had a 1.83 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched.

At the dish, they’ll have to replace Sports in Kansas 6A Player of the Year, Eli Lovich. They’ll also have to replace Samuel Dew, Jaden Rose and Anthony Alvarez, all all-state picks. That starts with Sam Shelton, a senior middle infielder who hit .321 last season with 16 RBIs and stole 15 bases. He is also going to Rockhurst. D2 Missouri Western commit, Peyton Magness should make an instant impact in the outfield.

Coming off a 23-7 season and a third-place finish at the 6A state tournament, LAWRENCE FREE STATE is expecting a big year with a lot of returning experience from last year’s squad.

Head coach Mike Hill enters his 28th season at Free State and thinks there is a chance to be special.

“We have the opportunity to have a very competitive team with many returning starters, pitching depth and solid defense,” he said.

They only lose five seniors from last year’s squad that also played a couple of freshmen. Finn More at third hit .283 last year with eight RBIs. Ryker Mahnke hit .348 last year with two triples and 20 RBIs. Mahnkee was a second team All-Sunflower League pick last year. Cole Wright, who hit .265 with a triple last year, and Ryan Weishaar, who hit .205 with a double and a triple, join Mahnke in the Firebird outfield. Wesley Cupps, .261 average with five doubles, junior Ben Graves, who hit .318 last year will help Moore in the infield.

Two seniors, Blaine Larkin (University of Central Missouri commit), who went 7-1 last year with a 1.90 ERA and 50 strikeouts and Cayman Cook, who went 2-0 with 25 strikeout and a 4.40 ERA will lead the way on the mound. Hill expect three juniors, Zane Shaw, Nathan Young and Graves, to step in and provide a very deep bullpen.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST returns a bunch of players who plan to play collegiately. Even after losing Sunflower League Player of the Year, Anthony Mazza, the Lancers are hoping for a return trip to the 6A state tournament.

“We have seven returning college committed players who are looking to go out in style in their senior year,” head coach Rich Devine said. “These guys should do enough for us to be competitive. However, we will go as far as the players not named take us.”

SEC Vanderbilt commits Nate Schlote (RHP) and infielder Colton Sims will lead the way for the Lancers. Michael Winter is heading to Dartmouth. Carter Rose is heading to JUCO powerhouse Cowley College. Kyler Schuessler is off to Hutch CC and Cole Chinnock is going to Rockhurst. Schlote has dazzeled on the showcase circuit in the offseason with a 96 MPH fastball and is ranked the second best player in the Class of 2025 by Prep Baseball Kansas. Sims is ranked fourth. It might be his first year as the skipper but Mike Zegunis has been an assistant at OLATHE WEST for several seasons. He takes over a program that went 27-2 last year and has a strong senior class that will hopefully lead the Owls back to the state tournament.

“Returning a lot of players that went 27-2 last season,”

Zegunis said. “Very talented group of young men.”

While they lose Cameron Carter, a second team allstate pick, they return so much more for this season. They have junior pitcher, Max Hamilton back. He threw 50 innings, striking out 75 batters and only allowing 11 earned runs. He had a 1.52 ERA and was a first team allstate pick. They also have Roy Roseman back, another junior who hit .386 last season in 99 plate appearances. He hit four home runs and five doubles with 25 RBIs. Another pitcher teams must worry about is senior Ty Miller. The second team all-state selection had an 0.83 ERA, while striking out 39 batters in 42.1 innings. He allowed only five earned runs last year.

All-state honorable mention Micah McGavran returns behind the dish after hitting .309 last season with three home runs and 25 RBIs. Baker commit Brayden Walker hit .303 last year and is back on second base. Central Missouri signee Treyton DesLauriers will command the outfield, while helping on the mound.

TOPEKA HIGH has to replace six starters from last year’s state tournament run but return a lot of depth that saw experience throughout the season. Dominic Delgado returns as the leading hitter from last year with a .492 average. He had 10 doubles and three stolen bases.

Kobe Williams returns as the best pitcher from last year, with 12.1 innings pitched. He went 1-1 and struck out 10 batters.

Last season, WICHITA HEIGHTS went 22-6 and were upset in the first round of the 6A tournament. They must replace Cooper Oakley, Jackson Ellison, Alex Maldanado and Landon Joynt. They do return Brady Boomsma, second team all-state selection and Kasch Oakley, honorable mention all-state as a sophomore. A state appearance and 21 wins is what we saw from MAIZE last season. This season, they return some solid bats but will have to replace their pitching if they want a return trip to Lawrence.

“We return many position players,” longtime head coach Rocky Helm said. “We graduated a big portion of our pitching staff and will need to have new guys step up and grow early in the season to make us a very competitive baseball team this spring.”

All-league pitchers Easton Roth and Cooper Tannahill are done, but Helm will ask senior Luke Ethridge to step up. He had a 2.16 ERA last year. Junior Gavin short appeared in three games last year as well. Sophomore Quincy Koehn appeared in three games and had a 2.10 ERA.

At the plate, Short returns with the best average on the team from last season at .366. The junior had 10 doubles and 21 RBIs, scoring 25 runs and also stole four bases. He’ll be joined by junior Parker Meirowsky. He was second on the squad with a .342 average. He had eight doubles and led the team with 15 stolen bases. Brodie Jarvis hit .319 and catcher Sam Soderstrom hit .243 last season.

GARDEN CITY fell 4-3 to Manhattan in the regional semifinals to finish 7-12 last season. Gone from that squad is second team all-league selection Cade McGraw, but first team all-league selection Culden Plankenhorn was just a sophomore last season and second team selection Ethan Gomez was just a junior.

GARDNER-EDGERTON graduated a handful of guys off a 20-7 squad and will look to some youth to help keep them afloat this season. They return seniors Clayton Anderson (C) and Chase Bojanski (OF). They also have juniors Porter Swaim (OF), Baylor Vesey (2B) and Tucker Thompson (LHR). The graduation of AllSunflower League selections Carson Hilton, Andrew McCarthy and Dylan Butash do leave a trio of notable holes to fill.

After graduating six seniors and three of your top four arms from last season DODGE CITY will be seeing a lot of youth heading into the 2025 season. They’ll be led

by Ty Scheck who hit .301 last season with 14 stolen bases. Sophomore Liam Torres had six doubles last year in limited duty and his classmate, Max Gonzales, hit .250 last year. They’ll look to Jace Gifford to do some heavy lifting on the mound. He had a 3.70 ERA in 17 innings last year.

WICHITA EAST went 7-18 last year and are hoping to build on the foundation they set last year. They had a group of juniors in Kayden Morrison, Korbyn Werrner, Greyson Jowdy and Satchell Hollingsworth, who are helping to build up the program under head coach Ryan Bensch, who is entering his 18th season at Wichita East.

Things are looking up for WICHITA NORTH as they return one of the most experienced teams in years under head coach Randy Griffitts. The Redhawks return seven starters on offense but will have to replace their pitching from a year ago. Senior Alfonso Olivarez hit .417 last year with 21 RBIs and scored 20 runs. He was a second team All-GWAL pick.

Senior Amaris Flores hit .271 with 28 runs scored and drew 22 walks, while stealing 17 bases. GWAL honorable mention Santiago Maldonado will play third. He hit .303 last year with 19 RBIs. Ernesto Mejia will be in the outfield. He hit .274 last year with 17 RBIs.

BLUE VALLEY is fresh off a 17-win season. Entering the third year under head coach Tim Kennedy, the Tigers are hoping to build this into a state tournament year.

“We have more experienced hitters coming back than we have in a few years, hopefully leading to a quicker start,” Kennedy said. “We have two returning pitchers with numerous younger arms looking to step up and be impact players.”

The Tigers return Sports in Kansas 6A Pitcher of the Year, Grady Westphal. He was lights out last season. The University of Texas signee had a 0.76 ERA with a 5-0 record. He was pretty good at the plate, too, hitting .286 with nine RBIs. They return honorable mention all-state selection Chris Aiello at first base. He hit .341 last year with 15 RBIs and 18 runs scored. He’s going to play football at Southwest Baptist, a Division II school in Missouri. Senior Jack Schwab will be helpful on the mound with Westphal. He had a 3.40 ERA last year with a save. Grant Westphal, a sophomore, hit .328 last year with nine RBIs. Cam Morris will catch and hit .253 last year.

Last year, the Raiders went 11-13, and this year, SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH is expecting to be young but was able to get some experience.

They’ll have to replace Liam Roche, an honorable mention all-state player last year. Using Max McKenna, 1.7 ERA and going 3-2 in decisions, will help. Jackson Barker carried a 3.65 ERA as a freshman. Connor McCool, another player who saw time as a freshman, went 1-2 in games with a 3.00 ERA. Juniors Mac Solis, who hit .275 with six doubles and

12 RBIs, should help at the plate. Otto Knust, another junior, will do a little of everything for the Raiders. He can hit and pitch.

After missing the state tournament for the first time since 2014, DERBY is looking for a little redemption. The Panthers went 12-16 last year, a rare losing record. They were young and they’re excited about what they have in store this season.

“We have two big arms that will give us a chance each time they take the mound,” head coach Todd Olmstead said.

“Another strength of the team will be overall team speed. To reach our goals, we will need to execute offensively.”

Those arms he is talking about are juniors Hunter Halstead and Rowan Foster. Halstead had 56 strikeouts last year with a 4.26 ERA. Foster (Univ. of St. Thomas commit) had a 2.10 ERA with nine strikeouts. Foster also hit .329, while Halstead hit .351. They’ll both be everyday players, giving Derby a chance on both sides of the plate. Calvin Pryor, a senior this year, hit .246 last year and was an AVCTL-I honorable mention selection. Jace Hambleton, also honorable mention, hit .192 at the plate but had a 2.10 ERA on the bump for the Panthers.

Coach Colton Flax returns a good chunk of starters from last year’s 11-15 squad and hopes CAMPUS can get back to the promise land.

“We will also look to rely on our group of seniors that have been multiple year starters at Campus that have earned all-league honors,” Flax said. “Our team returns a good portion of starters from the 2024 season with some young talent looking to step up as well.”

Junior Hagen Warkins had a stellar sophomore year on the bump, going 7-1 in decisions and had a 1.75 ERA. He was a second team all-league pick last year. His catcher, Grady Clements, also a second team pick, is back. He hit .250 at the plate. There are three other seniors you should watch out for with the Colts.

Camden Schroeder, a second basemen, who hit .267 last year with 13 stolen bases; Lukas White, an outfielder who stole nine bases and hit .271 last year; and Camden Stateler, who stole 10 bases and had a 3.78 ERA.

Blake Sebastian highlights a BLUE VALLEY NORTH team who is hoping to turn their senior leadership into more success this season. Sebastian threw 39 innings last year in nine games. He struck out 51 batters with a 3.41 ERA and a 3-3 record. Preston Graverson had a 3.14 ERA with 34 strikeouts this last year. He went 2-2 with a save. Holden Groebl is heading to Cowley after hitting .354 last year with 11 doubles and 20 RBIs. Dylan Sarna, a Pitt State commit, hit .297 last year with 11 stolen bases. Preston True threw 33 innings for the Mustangs last year with a 5-1 record, a 2.10 ERA, and 19 K’s.

KC-WYANDOTTE is going to be young coming off a 6-19 season last

year. Jamarion Madlock is a senior who will lead the Bulldogs this season under second year head coach Bryan Neslon. Madlock pitches and does anything and everything for Wyandotte. He hit .275 last year with a home run, 23 runs scored and 21 stolen bases.

LIBERAL fell 3-0 to Derby in the regional semifinals to finish 13-11 on the year. Now they face the 2025 season without graduated first team All-Western Athletic Conference selections J. Brooks Kappelmann and Zayden Martinez. Kappelmann, the two-time WAC Player of the Year, is now pitching for the hometown Seward County Saints where he was chosen the NJCAA DI Player of the Week in early March. Martinez, who like Kappelmann was a football standout for Liberal, is now playing college football at K-State. Marco Alonso was the lone non-senior All-WAC selection for LHS last season. He earned second team honors as a junior.

After a 2-1 loss to Haysville in the regional semifinals WASHBURN RURAL ended the season at 13-10. Now the Junior Blues have a bit of a rebuild project after graduating All-Centennial League selections Braden Hauschel, Colin Redeker, Kyle Walker, Connor Wells, and Braden Ailslieger, along with honorable mentions Branton DeWeese, Kaedon Fenton, and Kyler VanDonge. Then sophomore Isaac Ansley was the only non-senior to earn postseason recognition for WaRural last season with

a spot on the honorable mention list. Perennial power MANHATTAN finished 17-7 after a regional championship loss to Maize, but will look to make a return trip to the state tournament this season after placing three non-seniors on the All-Centennial League team last spring. Current seniors Carter Aslin and Sam Spiegel were first team selections and current junior Jackson Goos was a second team selection. The Tribe will have to fill holes left by graduated all-league selection Jake Wolcott and honorable mentions Owen Goode and Landon Ott. Goos was the league’s Newcomer of the Year.

OLATHE EAST pushed the Shawnee Mission East Lancers in a 5-3 regional championship loss to finish the season 18-9. Gone from that team is second team All-Sunflower League pitcher Cameron Hughes, but first team designated hitter Ethan Hampton was just a junior last season.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST finished 11-16 after their regional loss to Olathe West and SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH knocked off Blue Valley North in the regional semifinals before losing to West in the final 4-0 to finish 12-11. MILL VALLEY upended LAWRENCE in the regional semifinals before losing to BV West leaving MV at 15-12 on the season and Lawrence at 13-14. OLATHE NORTH finished 11-16 after a regional semifinal loss to Blue Valley West.

5A BASEBALL

Pick a sport and Shawnee Heights senior Deacon Pomeroy probably excels at it. He’s led the Thunderbirds to back-to-back state basketball berths. An Oklahoma State-commit on the diamond, Pomeroy helped the Thunderbird baseball team to a state berth last year on his way to being named Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches Class 5A Player of the Year. Back for a final season, Pomeroy is ready to repeat history and more.

“I want to win the POY award for our conference this year, along with 5A Player of the Year,” he said. “From a team standpoint, I want to make it to state and push for a state title.”

A four-year starter at Heights, Pomeroy has been a constant in the baseball program. But many changes are coming in Topeka this spring. Ryan Schmidt led the T-Birds to four state titles and two runner-up finishes in his 25 years with the program. First-year coach Jason Brown knows he has a special player as he takes over the team.

“Throughout the last three seasons, Deacon has been a mainstay in the lineup,” Brown said. “He has been a consistent player for us both on the offensive and defensive side. Deacon has been an integral part of our team’s success throughout his career here at Shawnee Heights. He will be very important to our success this year. Deacon will be a senior leader this year and his leadership will help build our program and our culture, which will define us as a winning program.”

“Both of my brothers played at Shawnee Heights, so growing up I always wanted to follow their footsteps and be just like them when I got older,” he said. “It means a lot, whether it’s baseball or basketball, to be able to play for the school I’ve grown up always being around.”

Last spring was an up-and-down one for the Thunderbirds, who advanced to state as the No. 9 regional seed with a 3-0 win over top-seeded De Soto. Pomeroy allowed three runs in four-plus innings against Spring Hill at the state tournament but the Broncos defeated Heights 5-2 on their way to a 5A runner-up finish. Heights ended its season at 13-12.

Pomeroy has done a little of everything on the diamond. A member of the Kansas City Royals scout team, Pomeroy spent time at catcher, third base and shortstop last season. On the mound, he entered the state tournament with a 6-0 record and 1.53 ERA with 62 strikeouts, including 11 punchouts in a regional semifinal win against Leavenworth. At the plate, Pomeroy was an on-base machine with a .381 average and 27 walks. He hit three home runs and drove in 14. He takes a certain pride in wearing the T-Bird uniform.

“Both of my brothers played at Shawnee Heights, so growing up I always wanted to follow their footsteps and be just like them when I got older,” he said. “It means a lot, whether it’s baseball or basketball, to be able to play for the school I’ve grown up always being around.”

Pomeroy’s 2024 campaign was hardly unique. He enters his final season as a threetime United Kansas Conference all-league selection and the reigning UKC Player of the Year. The 6-4, 220 pounder’s physical abilities are apparent but he gives credit to things lesser seen.

“The mental side of baseball is the toughest part,” he said. “Whenever you’re going through a rough patch, trying to be as positive as possible and finding other ways to help your team, it’s mentally tough to do.”

Brown called Heights a relatively young team for 2025, but the T-Birds do return some senior leadership via Carson Garner at first base and on the mound and Braeden Johnston at third base and on the mound. Dolton Wyatt, Hunter McGrann, and Cooper Wohler all have pitching experience, as do juniors Caden Lindsey, Cambren Floberg, and Brody Cooper. Lindsey and Floberg also have varsity experience in the outfield and infield, respectively.

Heights made a first-round exit at the Class 5A State Basketball Championships last March. This year, the Thunderbirds entered the state tournament as the No. 4 seed with a 19-3 record. Pomeroy has averaged nearly 13 points and seven rebounds a game in his senior season. He plans to earn a business degree while playing baseball at Oklahoma State.

Umphres returns for Great Bend after earning pair of all-state honors

Winning an all-state honor is a tremendous accomplishment for any prep baseball player in the state of Kansas. Great Bend senior Carson Umphres earned two last year. But it was still not enough. The Panthers advanced to state in 2023 to end a four-year drought. Despite having most of the roster back in 2024, Great Bend came up short of a state bid. Umphres does not want to feel that again.

“The biggest challenge I have faced in baseball is being able to accept seasonending losses,” he said. “I haven’t been a part of a sport where a loss can end your season until high school. Losing in the postseason these last two years have been games I will remember for the rest of my life, and the only way to move on from those is to work even harder for the next season, but it’s hard knowing at some point there isn’t going to be another high school season.”

In that 2023 season, Great Bend got a walk-off win over Andover to advance to the state tournament. Umphres provided a crucial home run in the sixth inning to set up the come-from-behind win. He also doubled in the game. The relatively young Panther squad fell 6-0 to the eventual champions from Bishop Carroll in round one of the state tournament.

The 2024 season was one of high expectations. Umphres batted .415 with a .543 OBP. He finished his junior campaign with 34 hits, including 13 doubles, two home runs, 11 walks, and 19 RBIs. That was enough to earn him first-team all-state honors as an outfielder.

Umphres was nearly as impressive on the mound. He finished with a 6-2 record and 1.69 ERA, striking out 68 batters with 21 walks. He earned second-team allstate honors as a pitcher. He’s doing it all with players he grew up with.

“Representing my school and competing for the Panthers means the world to me,” he said. “Especially here in Great Bend, being a part of a sports team is more than just for the high school, it’s also for the younger kids in youth sports who come and watch every game.”

Last summer, Umphres played alongside NCAA, Div. I athletes on the Great

(L-R): Carson Umphres, Deacon Pomeroy (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

By Mike Courson, For Kansas Pregame

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 24

Bend Bat Cats summer team. He has also played for the Colorado Rockies scout team, and in November, he competed in the World Power Showcase Home Run Derby and All-American/World Classic at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. He hit three home runs over 400 feet, including a 470-footer over the foul pole and into the upper deck.

“A personal goal I have set for the season is to have one last, great season with my teammates I have grown up with, and that doesn’t come without putting in work,” he said.

Building relationships with the Bat Cats helped Umphres land a spot with the Northeast Texas Community College baseball team in Mt. Pleasant, Texas next year. He plans to study engineering and plans to play at a four-year school after Northeast.

But first there is the 2025 prep season and the Panthers remain loaded from that 2023 roster. Great Bend finished at 18-9 last year and returns other all-staters in Ian Premer at first base and Trenton Kern as designated hitter. Premer hit .476 with seven triples, two homers, 30 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Kern batted .369 with a pair of homers and 23 RBIs.

Umphres is joined on the bump by the likes of junior Daxton Minton, who went 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 23.2 innings of work. Senior Hunter Herrman was 5-3 with a 4.01 ERA in 45 innings of work, and senior Owen Kaiser threw 24 innings with 31 strikeouts and a 3-2 record with a 4.31 ERA.

Aquinas, Spring Hill aim to keep northeast Kansas a baseball powerhouse

Class 5A has seen a mix of state champions on the baseball diamond in recent years. Last year, it was ST. THOMAS AQUINAS’ turn.

The Saints won a pair of close games at state last year, including a 6-4 win over Spring Hill in the season finale. Coach Rick Sabath remains optimistic heading into his second season with the school.

“This team gained experience from the season last year with the state championship,” he said. “Many players have committed to great universities and are excited for another season.”

The Saints lose a first-team all-stater – and former Kansas Pregame coverboy – in senior outfielder Blake O’Brien, but do return senior DH Cru Huenfeld (6 HR, 32 RBI, 12 SB). Four more Saints batted over .300, including senior shortstop Westin Boyle (.389, 9 XBH, 26 RBIs, 15 SB), junior utility man Brady Stewart (.333, 7 XBH, 23 RBIs, 20 SB), junior pitcher and catcher James Forgy (.349, 10 RBIs), and junior pitcher and outfielder Will Ray (.307, 7 RBIs). Junior Henry Goodwin (.287, 7 XBH, 17 R) and senior Ernie Lopez (.241, 1 HR, 12 RBIs, 6 SB) both return to the infield. Junior Lincoln Boyle returns to the mound after striking out 31 last season with a 1.34 ERA. Junior Nic Sabers carried a 3.45 ERA with 25 Ks, and Ray struck out 24 with a 2.96 ERA. Forgy rounds out a talented rotation with 20 Ks and a 2.72 ERA last spring.

SPRING HILL finished last year at 19-9 but that included a run to the state championship

game. Third-year coach Morgan Abel (32-15) has a solid core of returners to work with.

“After finishing as runners-up at state, our team is excited and focusing on the upcoming 2025 season,” he said. “With great varsity experience both on the mount and at the plate, the boys are hungry to try and make another run this year.”

The Broncos lose first-team all-stater Holden Lough at first base but return first-team junior 2024 Sports in Kansas 5A Player of the Year Keaton Neal at shortstop

Kansas Baseball - Author Talk and Signing at Red Fern Booksellers

Michael J. Travis in conversation with Guy Gross Wednesday April 3, 2025 @ 6pm

Guy Gross

Michael J. Travis

and pitcher. All he did last season was hit .422 with five home runs, 35 RBIs, 34 runs, and an .819 slugging percentage. On the mound, he struck out 42 in just 25 innings of work. Also back is junior second baseman Benny Ragan (.234, 16 RBIs, .402 OBP, 5 SB), senior C/1P/P Ramey Krokstrom (.352, 20 RBIs, .521 OBP, 168 innings caught), senior pitcher Ryan Jackson (27.0 IP, 21 K, 2.59 ERA, 1.70 WHIP), and junior P/IF Jordan Miller (.288, 9 RBIs, 28.2 IP, 24 K).

Further south, ANDOVER is coming off an 18-8 season. Fourth-year coach James Hilts (31-37) wants to continue the turnaround in 2025.

“We are excited about the direction our program is headed as we approach the 2025 season,” he said. “We return 12 players who saw playing time on varsity last year.”

The Trojans lose a pair of all-staters in pitcher Joaquin Banuelos and third baseman Peyton White. Back is senior first baseman Kale Brodhagen (.294, 1 HR, 9 2B, 19 RBIs), senior INF/P Maverick Hunt (3-0, 1.66 ERA, 2 SV, .182 batting average), senior C Luke Osburn (1.000 FPCT, 3 CS), senior OF/P Tanner Woolston (1-4, 2.39 ERA), junior UTL/P Shal Ruud (.273, 6 RBIs, 1-0, 1.17 ERA), junior OF/P Gatlin Tilson (.196, 9 RBIs, 5 SB), and junior IF/P Barrett Hill (.179, 10 SB, 4 RBIs)

Across town, ANDOVER CENTRAL just missed a trip to state with a 20-6 record. Grant Bacon, back for a 24th season (363-153), returns a talented roster and wants each player to step up.

“We have many returning players with varsity experience,” he said. “We need to have a lineup that one through nine puts pressure on our opponents.”

The Jaguars are loaded with All-AVCTL-II talent, including Jace Jefferson, a first-team pitcher and secondteam shortstop (5-1, 1.56 ERA, 40.1 IP, .369 avg, .443 OBP, 13 RBIs), senior Maddox Archibald, a first-team outfielder (.338, .463 OBP, 13 SBs, 13 RBIs), and senior Landon Preston, a first-team catcher (.358, .450 OBP, 24 RBIs). Second-team selections include senior Brody DeGarmo at second base (.333, .506 OBP, 16 RBIs) and senior Andrew Bolen at DH (.296, .446 OBP, 14 RBIs). Senior Jace Adler returns to the mound (4-1, 24.1 IP, 20 K, 2.30 ERA), and senior Colton Smith will also pitch after missing last year with an injury. Other returners include: senior Jackson Underwood (P/INF), junior Jonny George (LHP/1B), senior Jade Guerrero (3B/C), senior Cale Frey (P/OF), junior Eli Keiter (P), junior Killian Kelly (P), and junior Jack Ralson (P).

Another long-time coach returns at ARKANSAS CITY as Aaron Bucher (26 years, 262-261) looks to build off last year’s 8-19 mark with five position players and three pitchers with at least two years of varsity experience. Junior lefty Jordey Pierce struck out 43 in 42 innings of work last year with a 1-3 record and 4.50 ERA. Senior Taylor Andrews (RHP/SS) threw 27 innings last year for a 2-3 record. Senior Brody Conklin threw 24 innings and also plays in the outfield. Senior Jake Abrams returns as a utility man.

Similarly, Zach Livingston returns for a fourth season (34-36) at BASEHOR-LINWOOD to build off of last year’s 12-15 record.

“It’s another season of high expectations for this group,” he said. “We are returning a lot of varsity experience to compete for a conference title. We believe that if we can do that, we are in a good place to make a run in postseason play.”

Senior Will Howard filled his stat sheet as catcher last year (.427, .527 OBP, 2 HR, 18 RBIs, 8 R). Junior Nate Martin (P/OF) was a second-team All-UKC pick in the outfield (.329, .422 OBP, 9 RBIs, 22 R). Other returners include senior MIF/P/OF Trey West (.290 avg, .405 OBP), senior IF/P Garrett Pierce (.218, .340 OBP, 9 RBIs, 11 R, 1.50 ERA, 2 SV), senior P Corbin Sprague (3-2, 47 K, 4.35 ERA), senior P Kaleb Lingenfelser (32 IP), senior P/OF Nick Hotujac (3.50 ERA), junior IF/C

Caden Puderbaugh (.291, .426 OBP, 8 RBIs, 13 R), junior IF/P Steven Zimbelman (.234, .400 OBP, 2 HR, 14 RBIs, 23 R), and sophomore If/C/OF Colin Zimbelman (.220, .328 OBP).

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST was able to ride first-team all-state pitchers Anson Siebert and Sterling Widman to a 16-9 record last year. Both have graduated to leave a sizeable gap in the Timberwolf rotation. Southwest also graduated reliever Alex Smith and shortstop Mason Pangborn, both first-team All-EKL picks.Senior Ryan Specht, a second-team all-league selection, returns behind the dish.

BONNER SPRINGS will look to improve upon last year’s few wins. Senior Eden Myers was a second-team All-Frontier League selection in the infield, and senior Xavier Raygoza was an honorable mention on the mound.

Strong pitching helped DE SOTO to a 21-7 record last year. Joel Thaemert, back for an 18th season (264-123) loses one all-league hurler but expects big things from his group again this year.

“We again return a solid nucleus from last season, both on the mound and in the lineup,” he said. “Run prevention should be a key again for us with the hope that we can manufacture some more runs in close games.”

Senior Noah Thompson was a second-team all-state pick on the mound after going 4-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 31 innings of work. He allowed just four earned runs. Thompson also roams the outfield and excels at the plate (.322, .411 OBP, 5 2B, 16 RBIs). He is joined by senior 2B/SS Cade Martinez (.360, .448 OBP, 5 2B, 10 SB), senior UTL Blake Englehart (.319, .373 OBP, 5 RBIs), senior 3B Max Johnson (.354, .398 OBP, 16 RBIs, 6 SB), senior OF/P Phoenix Thompson (.412, .485 OPB, 9 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 29 RBIs, 2.33 ERA, 7 K, 9 IP), senior P Brad Janes (2.05 ERA, 17 K, 13 IP), and senior P Evan Fleet (3.68 ERA, 17 K 13 IP).

EMPORIA won just nine games last year but 10thyear coach Anthony Markowitz returns the most experienced team in five years with nine letterwinners back. Top returners include senior IF/P Owen Ruge (.388, 2 2B, 1.54 ERA, 49 K), senior IF/P Andrew Ruxton (.333, 13 RBIs, 36.2 IP, 2.48 ERA), sophomore UTL/P Micah Gray (.328, 3.41 ERA), senior IF/P Madden Seidl (.279, 23 IP, 3.90 ERA, 20 K), OF/P Chase Harrington (.271, 5 2B, 1 HR), Ox Shivley (.242, 10 RBIs), and OF Luke Pitman (.255).

GODDARD will see as many changes as any teams in 5A this year with Brian Means taking over the team after assisting for five years. The Lions finished at 14-11 last year but graduated 10 seniors.

“Speed will be our biggest asset this year, and we will lean heavily on our upper-classmen with experience to guide the younger kids,” said Means.

Class 5A Pitcher of the Year Coltin Watkins is perhaps the most notable absence. All-AVCTL-II first-teamers Gage Bowker (UTL) and Mason Healy (OF) have also graduated. Junior 1B/OF Briar Rojas brings some pop to the offense (.318, 1 HR, 21 RBIs), as does senior SS/P Eastyn Vieyra (.254). Senior UTL/P batted .254 and picked up seven saves with a 4.60 ERA last year. Senior

outfielder Jayden Barrett is also back. Across town, GODDARD-EISENHOWER finished just below .500. The Tigers return senior Jared Cobb, a first-team all-league shortstop, and seniors Carter Pabst (OF) and Cole Adams (UTL), both first-team all-league picks.

After advancing to state in 2023, GREAT BEND had high expectations before an upset loss last year ended another chance at state. The Panthers still finished at 18-9 and return many players from the 2023 state team.

“We are very excited about the talent and experience we will be returning this spring,” said Randy Beck, now in his 15th season as head coach. “We are hoping to build on last year’s very good 18-win season.”

Senior Carson Umphres earned all-state honors on the mound and in the outfield (.415, 13 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBIs, 31 R, 11 SB, 6-2, 68K, 1.69 ERA). He is joined by allstate first baseman and multi-sport standout in junior Ian Premer (.476, 3 2B, 7 3B, 2 HR, 30 RBIs, 30 R, 8 SB). Junior Trenton Kern was a second-team all-state pick at DH (.369, 2 2B, 2 HR, 23 RBIs). The Panthers remain loaded with arms, including junior Daxton Minton (3-0, 23.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, 18 K), senior Owen Kaiser (3-2, 24.1 IP, 31 K, 4.31 ERA), and senior Hunter Herrman (5-3, 45 IP, 4.01 ERA). Herrman (.304), Kaiser (.275, .441 OBP, 18 RBIs), and Minton (.333, 15R, 11 SB) also provide energy for the offense. Senior Slade Mohr (.296) and senior Peyden Oelger also return.

Great Bend’s Western Athletic Conference rival HAYS is also coming off a winning season at 16-10 as Dustin Dreher enters his fifth season leading the program (59-33).

“We will return a solid nucleus of starters from last year along with numerous players who got significant varsity innings on the mound last year,” he said.

Senior INF/P Johnny Cano has had a busy senior season on the gridiron and hardwood and returns after batting .286 with three doubles and 14 stolen bases last spring. On the mound, he picked up three saves and carried a 6.00 ERA in 11.2 innings. Carter Graham, another INF/P, could be the ace on the mound (4-2, 32.1 IP, 1.73 ERA, 1.77 BAA).

HUTCHINSON finished last year at 18-10 and missed the state bracket by one win. Mace Krol’s senior-heavy roster includes Carter Morgan, Caiden Beavers, Jack Davis, Cole Bleything, Jack Yoder, and Landon Parks. Juniors include Julian Lyons, Gabe Valadez, and Merrick Giles. Morgan was a first-team All-AVCTL-I selection behind the plate, and Bleything earned first-team honors at second base.

LANSING turned in a solid season in the UKC but graduates a top pitcher in first-team all-league pick Tonio Mendez, who also earned second-team all-state honors. The Lions do get back junior Bryce Fullen, a second-team pick in the infield. LEAVENWORTH finished just above .500 in the same league. Pioneer junior Noah Davis was an all-state honorable mention at third base last year as a sophomore. Leavenworth also gets back All-UKC pitcher senior Henry Rambo.

In Lenexa, ST. JAMES ACADEMY looks to build off of last year’s 5-19 record. Mike Consiglio is back for a second season with a more experienced squad.

“Our team graduated three seniors last spring, which allowed so many of our current seniors to get a lot of varsity experience,” he said. “Our team will have so much more depth this season and we are excited to get this season rolling.”

Senior OF/1B returns as one of the top producers at the plate (.317, .431 OBP, 19H). Junior Andy Devers (31.2 IP, 3.31 ERA, 31 K) and senior Jack Larsen (35.1 IP, 3.96 ERA, 17 K) bring experience to the mound. The senior-heavy roster also features P/OF Jude Wunder, Lucas Boschert (INF), Noah Shields (SS), Miles Hignite(C), Garrett Colgan (1B), and Brogan Jaworski (UTL). John Hornback, a sophomore, returns at second.

Jordey Pierce, Junior, Arkansas City (Photo: Larry R. Schwartz Photography)

are Lifts families

Many changes are underway at MAIZE SOUTH. Former assistant Andy Preston takes over as head coach but must replace nine seniors from last year’s team that finished at 19-5 and won the AVCTL-I title. Seven returners are back, including fouryear player Tate McNew (P/3B .316, .917 OPS, 19 RBIs, 23 R, 2.70 ERA, 11 K). McNew has signed to play football and baseball next year at Butler Community College. Junior Brody Epke (P/OF) had his season cut short last year due to injury but returns after batting .293 and maintaining a 1.16 ERA and 0.70 WHIP on the mound. Junior P/ OF Kanyon Akers is also back (.333, .506 OBP, 14 RBIs, 14 R, 1.62 ERA, 15 K) and sophomore P Logan Rogers (23.1 IP, 3.90 ERA, 14 K) also return. Preston also expects junior MIF Tanner Herrington and senior IF/P Kallen Scott and Tyler Polzin to make an impact alongside junior 1B Cy Stucky.

NEWTON finished last season just below the .500 mark. The Railers still landed several players on the All-AVCTL I list despite playing against the likes of both state-bound Salina teams. Outfielder Justin Zerger has graduated by first-team DH Brayden Fox, just a sophomore, returns. The Railers also return talent on the mound via senior Tyler Frantz, an all-league honorable mention last season.

In the southeast corner of the state, Eric Miller’s PITTSBURG squad continues to excel. Miller has posted a 35-13 record at the school in his first two seasons, including a 19-7 mark last year.

“We lost quite a few good seniors off of last year’s team,” he said, “but we have another big and talented group of seniors again this year who have been waiting two years for their turn to play. It’s their time and they, along with some talent juniors and sophomores, will look to help us reload and not rebuild.”

ERA), senior MIF Jack Gordon (.256, 5 2B, 13 R, 1-1, 3.50 ERA), junior OF Keaton Smith (.250, 13 RBIs, 5 2B, 1 HR, 21 R, 4 SB), junior MIF Chance Hogan (.274, 10 R, 2-1, 4.37 ERA), junior C/OF/P Oscar Perez (.267, 2 2B), senior 3B/IF Max Maes (.200, .353 OBP, 3 2B), junior 3B/1B Parker Graves (.215, .329 OBP, 2 2B, 6 R), and senior C/1B Ty Young (.200, 12 RBIs, 9 R).

South finished with the better record at 16-14, but the Cougars lose some key pieces, including first-team all-state first baseman Brady Howard, who was also a first-team all-league pitcher, and first-team all-state third baseman Kaden Budke. Cougar junior Kolten Herbet returns as one of the top second basemen in the AVCTL-I.

The three big returners all have experience on the mound, including seniors Carsen Nickelson (.364, 27 R, 19 RBIs, 4-0, 1.02 ERA, 28 K) and Jett Burgess (2-0, 0.62 ERA, 16 K), who also double as middle infielders. Junior P/C/1B Beck Fern also returns (2-0, 3.64 ERA, 23 K).

Last spring was a banner season for both SALINA CENTRAL and SALINA SOUTH as the cross-town rivals played for the third-place state trophy. Central won 2-0 to finish the year at 11-19. Mark Vaughn takes over a talented roster in 2025.

“We are very excited for this season,” he said. “We return a lot of experience from a team that took third at the state tournament. We are ready to go to work.”

Some returners include junior P/OF Grayton Gross (.287, .414 OBP, 4 2B, 5 SB, 1-1, 2.30 ERA), junior P/OF Bodie Rodriguez (.266, 5 2B, 13 RBIs, 14 R, 5 SB, 4-3, 4.47

Records were all over the place at last year’s 5A state tournament. SHAWNEE HEIGHTS finished the year at 13-12 after a round-one loss to eventual runner-up Spring Hill. First-year coach Jason Brown returns one of the biggest weapons in the classification in reigning KABC 5A POY Deacon Pomeroy, who can pitch and catch and is committed to play baseball at Oklahoma State.

“Collectively, we are a very young team,” Brown said. “However, our senior class returns three starters and three pitchers who will have an impact on our team’s success this year. We also have a very talented and strong junior class that returns two guys who have started since their freshman years.”

Along with Pomeroy, returners include senior Carson Garner (1B/P), senior Braeden Johnston (3B/P), senior Dolton Wyatt (P), senior Hunter McGrann (P), senior Cooper Wohler (P), junior Caden Lindsey (CF/P), junior Cambren Floberg (SS/P), and junior Brody Cooper (P).

TOPEKA SEAMAN was yet another school from the northeast to experience success last season with an 18-7 record. Fifth-year coach Trent Olivia has led the Vikings to a 75-19 record in his first four seasons with the program and continue the tradition of excellence established by Hall of Fame coach Steve Bushnell.

“We will be built around our pitching depth and defense,” he said of the 2025 squad. “We will have three pitchers returning who threw many innings for us last year, and we believe we will have other pitchers add to our varsity depth.”

Senior P/SS Bryer Finley was a force all over the field (.424, 3 2B, 10 R, 4-0 record, 1.55 ERA), and senior C David Dobbs was a big producer on offense (.400, 10 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 20 RBIs, 10 R). Axton Brewer, an infielder and pitcher, was also dominant (.328, 3 2B, 1 3B, 15 RBIs, 12 R, 4-2 record, 0.88 ERA).

Wichita’s BISHOP CARROLL was a state contender but lost in round one of the state tournament to finish at 22-6. The Golden Eagles lost first-team all-state pitcher Shane Holman (53.1 IP, 0.79 ERA, 68 K). Seniors Braxton Martin and Hayes Allen combined for nearly 60 more innings. Martin struck out 42 and Allen punched out 23 batters. Carroll also loses some offensive firepower but returns plenty. Martin batted .380 with 11 RBIs, and senior Isaac Lager hit .333 with six doubles, two triples, two homers, 22 RBIs, and 29 runs. Senior Carter Clupny batted .333 with 21 RBIs. Perennial-power KAPAUN turned in 14 wins last season. The Crusaders return firstteam All-GWAL pitcher Charlie Bainter for his senior season, as well as second-team pitcher Peyton Gorsch, another senior. Senior Noah Schreck, another second-team selection, returns behind the dish. Bishop Carroll transfer Cal Purvis should also bolster the lineup after earning Sports in Kansas all-state honors as a sophomore.

Grayton Gross, Junior, Salina Central (Photo: Submitted)

by: Amy Doris taken on Samsung A53

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Fresh off a dominant 28-1 season and a Class 4A state championship, Rock Creek baseball enters the 2025 campaign with one directive: defending its title. Led by veteran head coach Shane Sieben, the Mustangs return an experienced lineup and three of their top four pitchers, making them a formidable contender once again.

Sieben, now in his 10th season at the helm, boasts a 185-29 record and has guided Rock Creek baseball to all three of its state titles (2015, 2021, 2024). Last year, the Mustangs powered through the Class 4A bracket, securing wins over Tonganoxie (5-3), Paola (105), and Pratt (7-3) in the championship game at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina.

Among the returning standouts is Cowley County Community College signee Drew Becker, who will be working his way back from an ACL injury suffered during football season with hopes of returning toward the end of the year. The senior catcher was instrumental in Rock Creek’s title run, leading the team with a .405 batting average (30-for-74) and 32 RBIs. He also set a school record by sticking in the box to get hit by 20 pitches and he posted a .573 on-base percentage. His leadership behind the plate was crucial for a Mustangs pitching staff that posted a 1.45 team ERA.

“I tore my ACL during football and so I’m still recovering and trying to get ready for the season. It’s been really challenging mentally and physically,” Becker said. “Whether my role is being one of the top players on the team or being a leader, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”

Becker’s focus remains on the day-today leading to the ultimate prize.

“I don’t have any personal goal this season other than going back-to-back with my teammates,” Becker said. “We show up everyday ready to work and create a competitive atmosphere in

4A BASEBALL

practice.”

And from his coach, praise couldn’t be higher.

“Drew is not only a phenomenal player but an even better teammate and leader,” coach Sieben said. “He is the youngest of three boys that have all played baseball and earned all-state honors for us here at Rock Creek, so he’s learned from two great players. Drew was a major factor in our 2024 state championship at the plate, in the dugout, and handling the best pitching staff we have had here at Rock Creek.”

year, as well as making sure the whole team knows our end goal, which is to win state and keep up this program’s reputation,” Sieben said.

While the toil necessary to improve on a historic individual season punctuated with a team state title is a lot, Sieben’s love of America’s pastime makes the workload far more manageable.

“To play and compete for a program like Rock Creek is amazing. Representing such an amazing school definitely helps all of us come together.”

Senior pitcher Cooper Sieben, coach Sieben’s son, and a Hutchinson Community College commit, will anchor the rotation after a record-setting 2024 season. Sieben finished 9-0 with a 1.67 ERA, 51 strikeouts in 46 innings, and a pair of critical wins in the state tournament, including the championship game.

“Some personal goals I have set for myself are to be better than last

“One of the biggest challenges in baseball is the constant work that must be put in,” Sieben said. “But to overcome it is easy if you really love the sport and want to get better.”

Rock Creek also returns senior pitcher/outfielder Ryker Zoeller, a threetime All-League selection who posted a .323 batting average and a stellar 0.87 ERA in 40 innings of work last season, driving in 17 RBIs and recording 42 Ks. Sophomore pitcher and first baseman Brock Lubbers, coming off a historic freshman campaign in which he tied a state record with a 0.00 ERA over 36 innings, will also be a key contributor. Lubbers went 5-0 with seven saves

(school record) and struck out 45 batters while also batting .300 with 12 hits and 14 RBIs. Additional firepower will come from senior third baseman Donavan Debita (.329., 26 hits, 30 runs) and junior shortstop Peter Martinie (.215., 7 RBIs, 12 runs).

Rock Creek enters the 2025 season with championship expectations knowing they will receive each opponent’s best shot, but their culture of excellence remains strong.

“To play and compete for a program like Rock Creek is amazing,” Cooper Sieben said. “Representing such an amazing school definitely helps all of us come together.”

Hayden takes championship pedigree to Class 4A

After winning a Class 3A state championship last spring, Hayden baseball enters 2025 looking to repeat last season’s success, but this year they’ll step back up to 4A. Led by all-state seniors Cooper Grace and Brady Heinen, the Wildcats, who finished 18-12 last year under veteran head coach Bill Arnold, captured the 3A state title with a 5-3 victory over Wichita-Trinity. With a strong core of returning starters, Hayden is poised to make noise in a new classification this spring.

Grace, a senior third baseman and right-handed pitcher, was a key contributor to last season’s title run. He batted .426 with a .483 on-base percentage and 1.146 OPS while driving in runs and providing leadership on and off the field.

Recognized as the Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year and Centennial League Player of the Year, he also earned all-state and TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honors.

“Cooper Grace is a bulldog on the mound with an extremely high baseball IQ,” Arnold said. “His leadership has grown through the years here at Hayden, and we expect big things out

(L-R): Drew Becker, Cooper Sieben, Cooper Grace, Brady Heinen

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

Cole Pladson, Clay Center, Senior

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

of him this year.”

Heinen, Hayden’s center fielder, brings athleticism and experience to the Wildcats’ lineup. He hit .296 with a .395 on-base percentage last season, helping drive the Wildcats’ offensive success. A first-team all-state selection and All-Shawnee County honoree, Heinen was also named to the Topeka Capital-Journal All-Area team.

“Brady Heinen is an intense baseball player that has a huge motor and an energy that is contagious,” Arnold said. “He can cover a lot of ground in the outfield and is a natural leader on the field.”

Heinen has set personal goals of improving his stats and helping Hayden claim another Centennial League title while pursuing back-toback state championships.

“I will work to improve my stats from last year and aim for all-state honors,” Heinen said. “I am putting in the work in the weight room and cages constantly to achieve these goals.”

Grace shares that mindset, focusing on team success as he looks to lead the Wildcats to another deep postseason run.

“My personal goal for this season is to win state again,” he said. “I think as a team we have the ability to go back and win, and my goal is to do anything possible in order to get there.”

Alongside Grace and Heinen, Hayden returns several key contributors from last year’s championship squad, including junior pitcher Aiden Roberts (.319, .415 OBP, 29 R, 13 RBI, 3 2B), sophomore first baseman Mason Becker (.342, .514 OBP, 27 R, 13 RBI, 1 HR, 8 2B), senior third baseman Liam Annand (.259, .407 OBP, 22 R, 11 RBI, 5 2B), junior right fielder Kade Mitchell (.315, .382 OBP, 28 R, 21 RBI, 2 2B), and junior catcher Brady Deutsch

(.214, .279 OBP, 12 R, 11 RBI, 1 2B).

Arnold, now in his 14th season at Hayden with a 173-105 record, has guided the Wildcats to three state titles as head coach (2013, 2015, 2024) and one as an assistant (2009). With a talented roster and experienced leadership, Hayden enters 2025 with championship aspirations once again.

Rock Creek, Hayden among 4A’s leading contenders

By Charles Chaney, Butler Co. Times-Gazette

The Class 4A defending state champions ROCK CREEK return five starters and three of their top four arms from last year’s 28-1 squad. The Mustangs are poised for a repeat. They’re return Ryker Zoeller, who went 5-0 with three saves and 48 strikeouts and only had an 0.88 ERA last year. Cooper Sieben, another senior who was lights out on the mound. His 1.67 ERA and 51 strikeouts compliment his school best 9-0 record. He was second team allstate last season. Sophomore Brock Lubbers returns as well. He had an 0.00 ERA and seven saves (school record last year) and 45 strikeouts. He did not allow a single run, earned or unearned, in 45 innings.

Zoeller hit .323 at the plate with 17 RBIs and 15 runs. He is a three-time all-league selection for the Mustangs.

Brendan Scripsick, Buhler, Senior

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

Thomas Keener, Abilene, Senior (Photo: Brad Anderson)

Junior Peter Martinie is looking to improve on his .214 average last year but he did score 12 runs. Lubbers also hit .300 and had four doubles. Donovan Debita will be looked upon as a senior leader after hitting 3.29 last year with eight doubles and 13 RBIs.

Rock Creek is hoping to have senior Drew Becker back by the end of the season. The senior catcher was a second team all-state selection after hitting .405 last season with 32 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

PRATT returns a good chunk of their team who went to the 4A state championship last season. The Greenbacks finished with a 26-5 record and made their first ever state appearance. Their upset of secondseeded Abilene put them into the finals against top-seeded Rock Creek. This season, coach Ron Hill returns six key players from last year’s run. That starts with sophomore Caleb Strong who hit .432 as a freshman with 23 RBIs and struck out 19 batters in 16 innings of work. Junior Owen Schmidt returns and should be one of the leading pitchers this season after throwing 35 innings last year. Kyler Craft, a senior, should be the second guy on the bump, throwing 33 innings last year. Josiah Schmidt hit .337 and Chaz Teafatiller hit .330 as a junior. Creston Pore stepped in as a sophomore and hit .395 in 31 games.

Three consecutive state tournament appearances have ABILENE looking for more this season. Coach Travis Bartley returns five of the nine starters that have been a part of this run.

“We bring back a talented group of returners, will see some new faces at the bottom of our lineup, but should be a pretty good lineup overall and still one of the best infields in the area,” Bartley said.

Abilene has to replace all-state pitcher Stocton Timbrook, and veteran classmates Kyson Becker, Drew Hansen, and Zach Miller.

Junior Heath Hoekman, an honorable mention all-state selection last season, returns after he hit .429 with three home runs, seven doubles and had 33 RBIs. He also stole 16 bases. Thomas Keener hit .317 last season and went 5-1 on the bump with a 4.86 ERA. Tyler Holloway, another senior, will see time behind the plate and on the mound. He hit .352 with 16 RBIs. Lane Hoekman, a utility player who does anything that’s asked, hit .315 last year as a sophomore and stole 12 bases. Levi Evans hit .288 and had 13 RBIs. As a freshman last year, Jake Bartley hit .403 and had 27 RBIs. He also had a 5.02 ERA and a 2-1 record on the mound.

They’re ready for a state title run in PAOLA. The Panthers return almost everyone from last year’s fourth place team and they’re looking to take it to the next stage this season.

“This season should be a fun one if we can keep everyone healthy,” head coach Tony Brummer said. “The men are excited to get to work and see what they can do this season.”

Last year, Paola won 17 games and didn’t allow a run in the postseason until the semifinals against Rock Creek, spanning 21 consecutive scoreless innings. Senior Hunter Loethen was a big reason why. He and Jasper Logan were able to wheel and deal for the Panthers sand should provide a heavy 1-2 punch this season. Loethen was an honorable mention 4A all-state player last year. He had a 2.19 ERA and a 5-1 record. He also hit .337 at the plate with two home runs and 27 RBIs. Logan went 5-4 and had a 4.14 ERA. He also hit .321 at the plate with 21 RBIs. JD Troutman returns as well. The shortstop was an honorable mention all-state pick with a .325 average and 14 stolen bases. Blake Costlow was one of three freshmen chosen on the all-state team honorable mention last year. He hit .329 with 12 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Three other seniors you should keep an eye on include Xander Mienig (.261, 24H, 10 RBI 28R, 19 SB), Jace Kerley (.259,

Yogi Purdy, Atchison, Junior

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

Kris Harding II, Chanute, Junior

(Photo: Terry Shockley)

22H, 15 RBI, 29R, 12 SB, BA, 5.10 ERA, 2-2, 2 SV) and Roman Barnes (.260, 19H, 22 RBI, 5R, 2 SB).

ROSE HILL has to replace eight seniors after making it to 4A state last year but they will have some solid pitching to help the young bats get acclimated.

“We are excited for the upcoming season and the challenges that lay ahead,” coach Scott Carr said. They return all-state pitcher Colton Roberts. The Cowley commit should be one of the top pitchers in the state once again. He had a 2.47 ERA last season with 72 strikeouts. The Rockets are looking at Zach Fair and senior Pierce Khele to step in and pick up leadership roles this season.

Landon Haines is gone but CIRCLE-TOWANDA should have plenty of experience back this season. The Thunderbirds reached the state tournament last season but were eliminated by Pratt in the quarterfinals. This year, they’re hoping to reach the semifinals with the experience they return, especially in the infield.

Cash Killian leads an infield that has been playing since they were freshman. Last year, he hit .333 at the plate with four doubles. Shortstop Easton Smith hit .276 with four doubles as well and 11 RBIs. Danick Bleich hit .271 and Paxton Hall hit .241 at the plate. The infield should be secure with Bleich in the outfield and Hall behind the plate. Ben McAdoo had 10 RBIs last year for the Thunderbirds. Will Wolf threw 34.2 innings for Circle last year and returns to the mound. He struck out 33 batters with a 4.24 ERA. Killian saw action in 6.2 innings, striking out six with a 4.2 ERA.

The T-birds had a surprise coaching change just prior to the season as Braden Kirkpatrick took over the program from 10th year head coach Matt Jordan. Defending 3A state champion, TOPEKA HAYDEN, will try and win their eighth state championship up a class this season. The Wildcats rolled to the 3A title by beating Osage City, 10-7, in the regional title game. Then, at state they were able to beat Hesston, Hoisington and Wichita Trinity on their way to a state title.

“We have a lot of experience back from last year’s team which should provide us with some good leadership,” head coach Bill Arnold said.

The Wildcats are coming off a 18-12 season and return all-state pitcher, Cooper Grace. Grace pitched 64.2 innings and went 8-2 with 124 K’s and a 1.95 ERA. Liam Annand was dominate as well. 35.1 innings pitched with a 1.98 ERA and 37 K’s. Aiden Roberts in only 17.1 innings pitched 4.08 ERA and 11 K’s. Grace was also exceptional at the plate, hitting a team best .426 with 13 doubles and three homers. Mason Becker hit .342 with 13 RBIs and Brady Heinein, a senior, hit .296 with four doubles.

LOUISBURG is hoping a return to state is in the cards. They’ll have to replace two first team all-staters but there is a foundation for success.

“Excited to see new leaders step up,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “Have some holes to fill in our lineup

from graduation, but we bring back a great core.”

Luke Schultz is returning first team all-state pick. He hit .381 last year with two doubles, three triples, five homers and 26 RBIs. He will have catcher Danny Napier, a sophomore honorable mention all-state pick, with him. Napier hit .367 last year with 12 doubles and 26 RBIs. Alex Saad returns on the bump after striking out 45 batters in 43.1 innings. He carried a 4.20 ERA. Senior Meade Rutherford struck out 26 batters in 31 innings and had a 4.52 ERA. Senior Bristol Barbour hit .386 last season with four doubles and walked 17 times.

After missing the state tournament for the first time since 2019, CLAY CENTER is hoping for a return trip to Salina and 4A state. They’ll be led by Oklahoma State signee, Cole Pladson. Coming off a 21-5 record, Clay Center should be one of the top teams in 4A once again.

“We have a strong senior group coming back,” Clay

Center coach Andy Bent said. “Pitching and defense will be there for us, we are going to need some new guys to step up and hit the ball for us to be successful.”

Pladson hit .534 as a junior all-state first team pick. He had eight homers, 45 RBIs and walked 42 times. He also had a 1.33 ERA with 67 Ks in 47.1 innings and was recognized as the Sports in Kansas POY for all classes. He’ll be right next to senior Colton Tadtman, who hit .432 and had 24 walks last season. Isaac Berggren also was a stellar pitcher for the Tigers as he held a 1.10 ERA in 19 innings to complement his .426 average. Owen Craig returns on the bump, too. He threw 35 innings, striking out 31 batters with his 3.40 ERA.

McPHERSON has a bad taste in their mouth after they were knocked out by Rose Hill in the 4A regional final last year and finished 20-8. Under head coach Heath Gerstner, the Bullpups continue as one of the best programs in Kansas.

“We return our entire pitching staff and will rely heavily on them to keep us in games and hope to find some timely situational hitting,” Gerstner said. That offense starts with Brody Seidl in the outfield. He was a first team all-state pick last year by the coaches. He

hit .378 with 17 stolen bases and nine RBIs. Ian Razak was a second team all-state pick for the Bullpups last year. He hit .324 at the plate with 11 RBIs. He also went 7-3 at the plate with a 2.64 ERA. Logan Beede, Carter Bengston and Brock Richardson were all honorable mention all-state selections last season. Beede had a 7-0 record with a 1.42 ERA and will play at Neosho Community College after high school. Richardson hit .337 at the plate with 28 RBIs and five homers and will play Butler Community College. Bengston, just a sophomore, hit .385 with 22 RBIs and stole eight bases. Carter Allen will catch and throw relief. He hit .307 and carried a 4.00 ERA with a save and a 2-2 record.

After increasing their wins from eight to 16, MULVANE took 4A by storm until they were met with Abilene in the regional final. Many feel the Wildcats will be the top of the class win the AVCTL-III this season. It helps they return all their pitching.

“We are lucky to have quite a few returning starters to our lineup and our top four pitchers from last year,” head coach Steve Nelson said. “We have high expectations for this group but also know we play an extremely tough schedule.”

The Wildcats return all-state pitcher Parker Clubb. The Louisville commit was lights out on the mound, going 44 1/3 innings and striking out 66 batters. He carried a 1.26 ERA and posted a 6-2 record. He was also one of the best hitters for Mulvane batting .405 with 29 RBIs, six doubles and six triples. Junior Reed Hackleman hit .448 last year with 10 doubles. While Clubb was the ace on the mound, the rest of the Wildcats weren’t far behind. Grey Sanders was electric as well, striking out 60 batters in 39 innings with a 3.33 ERA. Manny Myers had a 1.64 ERA and struck out 27 batters in 21 1/3 innings. Nolan Fevurly threw 44 innings with a 2.55 ERA.

ATCHISON will have to replace standouts Boston Bruce and Jeter Purdy but the Phoenix are hoping for another successful year.

“Our expectations never change, we expect to compete every night and do it the right way,” head coach Casey Purdy said. “It may look different on the mound and behind the plate but this group has a lot of experience and that will have to carry them.”

Deacon Stout was hot towards the end of the season last year and will be counted on to continue riding the wave into this season. He’s been starting for Atchison since his freshman year and this year will be a leader for them. He hit .280 last year. Landon Bell, .345 average, and Lance Norris, who hit .356 will be counted on this year. Bell, like Stout, has been in and out of the varsity lineup since he was a freshman. There will be a host of juniors to get things going as well. Kolten Bonnel, who hit .377 last season, will handle more pitching duties this season. He had only a 0.81 ERA and 38 K’s last year. With Yogi Purdy only batting due to Tommy John surgery, Bonnel will be looked upon as the ace on the mound. Brody Barnes and Leighton Boldridge will each

Carson Shaver, Larned, Senior (Photo: Janet Fleske Photography)

have big responsibilities pushed upon them this year. Boldrige got hurt early in the season and will be excited to play. Barnes will be one of the main arms for Atchison. Purdy was an all-state selection on the mound as a freshman and looks to play a key role for his dad’s squad in other areas this season.

It was a rare losing season last year for BUHLER which finished 13-14 after a regional semifinal loss to Clay Center, but they’re looking forward to getting the program back on track.

“I’m looking forward to this upcoming season as we will be leaning heavy on our seniors as leaders of our program,” head coach John Neill said. “Our league is going to be one of the best in 4A this year, so we are going to have to play at our best all season long.”

Neill welcomes back all-state second team pick Cash Carson in the outfield. He hit .350 with four doubles and 12 RBIs. Senior Brayden Henry will pitch and catch for the Crusaders. He was their leading pitcher last season, going 34.1 innings with a 3-1 record. He struck out 33 batters with a 3.67 ERA. Logan Snyder struck out 22 batters with a 5.37 ERA. Brendan Scripsick returns after hitting .288 last season and is also one of the Crusaders’ top arms. He’s a decorated senior who also led the Buhler football team from his QB spot. Jacob Miller and Jaren MIller will be two key juniors for the Crusaders.

After going 15-9 last season, WAMEGO is ready to take that next step and get to the state tournament. They were one of the best teams for most of the season but fell to a tough Louisburg squad in the regional final.

“ I am very optimistic about our team and what they are capable of,” head coach Weston Moody said. “Our guys have worked extremely hard in the off season.”

Senior pitcher Cody Mayer returns after a successful season of a 3.15 ERA and 43 K’s. Kasen Hall and Brody Oviatt are going to be two seniors who will lead the Red Raiders this season. Hall hit .315 last season and Oviatt hit .278 with five doubles. Kaden Kearn hit .283 as a junior with four doubles and three triples. Isaac Braun struck out 24 last

year with a 3.34 ERA and went 2-0. Macoy Moody went 2.37 ERA with 20 K’s and two saves a freshman. Senior Conner Blume hit .358 last year with 12 doubles and 21 RBIs.

CONCORDIA finished 7-14 after an opening regional loss to Pratt. Gone from that team are All-NCKL outfielder Payton Breese and honorable mention pitcher Braeden Primeaux, but honorable mention infielder Chane Parker was just a sophomore a a season ago. Parker led the team with a .345 average, 20 hits, 11 runs, and 14 RBIs. Parker added 17.2 innings on the bumb where he finished the year 1-1.

CHAPMAN is back after a 12-win campaign last season. They’ll have a big senior group this season with Cooper Lewis, Cade Hanney, and Jed Moody leading the charge. Lewis hit .354, Hanney .288 and Moody went 4-4 on the mound with a 5.88 ERA. Junior Aven Woods is a player to watch this season after he hit six homers with a .492 average and 29 RBIs last season.

Adam Krol takes over an ANDALE/ GARDEN PLAIN program that went just 4-21 last season.

“We are going to focus on the fundamentals and try to get better everyday,” head coach Krol said. “We are looking to create a competitive team that will play with some toughness and grit.”

Austin Baalman hit .366 last season with five runs and six RBIs. Caden Fowler hit .275 with 22 hits and 17 runs and seven stolen bases. Junior Easton Linnens hit .250 lat year with 10 stolen bases. Patrick Keehn will lead the way on the mound with 29 strikeouts.

LARNED/La CROSSE is coming off a 17-8 year and according to coach Chad Erway they’ll have some youth and inexperience to deal with this spring.

Carson Shaver and Deacon Martin will be the senior leaders on the team.

Juniors Mason Miller and Tristan Regan return to the outfield. Shaver will be expected to carry a heavy load in his fourth year as a starter after earning postseason honors as both a pitcher and catcher last season. He hit nearly .400 and was one of the top base stealers in Kansas and went 6-2 on the mound

with 40 K’s in 43 innings.

EUDORA returns six seniors and will look to improve upon their nine-win season last year.

After going 14-9 last year, LYONS/ STERLING is expected to be young this year but coach Clint Bieberle calls his team a scrappy bunch. They’ll be led by Ethan Luck, a senior who hit .328 last year with one homer and 18 RBIs. Logan Isaac hit .297 last year with 14 RBIs and scored 12 runs. Deacon Showalter hit .326 with 14 hits as a junior.

The AUGUSTA Orioles will look to turn the tide after an 11-13 season last year. They’ll have a big junior class and a few seniors that will help.

“I’m excited to see this group take the next step for our program,” coach JD Hand said. “There are some talented players here, and I’m hopeful they will come together for a successful season.”

The Orioles will be led by second team all-state pick Brody Haskell, who is a do-it-all player in any sport for Augusta. On the baseball field is where he excels the most. He hit .405 last year with 12 RBIs and stole 12 bases. Another junior to watch for is Braxton Chandler, who hit .277 with eight RBIs and eight runs scored. Cade Camac will be back. He came on big last season, hitting .333 and scored 15 runs and 12 steals. On the bump, Gavin Bohon went 24 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 14 K’s. Sophomore Jett Santoya hit .321 last year.

OTTAWA returns a bunch of experience from last year’s 13-win squad and are aiming for the state tournament.

“We have a lot of returning experience in the field and will play good defense,” head coach Shawn Herrmann said. “We lost two top pitchers last year and are looking for some new guys to step up.”

Carter Hepner, a Pitt State commit, will be a leader for the Cyclones. Boston Bloomer will try to step in with Hepner and replace the starting pitching from a year ago. Cole McGrath and Hayden Hull, key to football success, will try to replicate their success on the diamond.

season and provides the Tigers a key building block, as does honorable mention all-state selection Lennox Vann, a KCK Community College baseball commit. Seniors Colton Rogers (catcher), Cal Cosens (shortstop), and Chayden Clayton (third base) all earned Southeast Kansas League recognition last year as juniors. Clayton was especially impactful at the plate hitting .378 with a .510 OBP and 1.064 OPS. He drove in 24 runs, stole 16 bases and tallied nine extra-base hits to go along with 19 singles.

COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY will have a group of seniors in Haydn Main and Damaris Smith that will help the Golden Tornado overcome last year’s 3-16 record. Smith hit .241 last year. Sam Stukesbary is a utility player who can do it all. They’ll look to find some starting pitching to build consistency this season.

After going 4-13 last year, HOLTON, is hoping to surprise some teams this season. They have a large incoming freshman class that will compete for varsity playing time in the new Big East League. They’ll see Kyler Jackson in outfield with Cael Frazier and Remington Bliss. Noah Bartel, Caleb McCrory, Cade Coleberg and Bodie Dillon will command the infield. A big roster of players will fill the pitching rotation.

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CHANUTE fell 1-0 to Tonganoxie in the regional semifinals to finish 17-10 last season. Coach Ryan Ortiz lost a pair of all-state infielders, Lars Koester and Rhett Smith, to graduation. Honorable mention all-state selection Kris Harding II returns for his junior season after going 6-0 on the mound with 57 Ks and just 11 walks with a 1.70 ERA. When not pitching Harding plays shortstop and is an asset at the plate where he batted .337 and posted a .470 OBP with 25 hits and 14 RBIs.

The FORT SCOTT Tigers lost their regional semifinal matchup with Bishop Miege 3-1 in eight innings last season and bid farewell to Sports in Kansas All-State selections Rocco Lofreddo and Spencer Goldston. Southeast Kansas League Pitcher of the Year Dub Chipman returns for his senior

After a seven-game losing streak in early April, things looked bac for HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS, but the Cardinals turned things around in a big way to finish the season fourth in 3A. They jump up to 4A this season. Eric Steiner returns for his sixth year as head coach (47-45) and has high hopes the squad could make another run after back-to-back trips to the state tournament. The Cardinals are coming off a 16-12 campaign that included their seventh state tournament appearance all-time. Eight starters return from last year’s squad, led by seniors Preston Roat (P/IF), Lane French (P/OF), Rhen Galla (IF) and Adien Hekele (P/IF). Roat had a 5-3 record and one save on the mound with a 2.60 ERA. French hit .375 last season. Other returners are juniors Marcus Ingram (C/IF), Mason Martin (P/IF) and Carson Mason (OF/P/C), along with sophomore Brodie Crites (OF/IF).

“We want to be competitive in each game and be playing our best baseball in May,” Steiner said.

HUGOTON would like to build on a young team and make some noise in the postseason. The Eagles return CJ Beard (Sr., OF/P), Corbin Nix (Sr., 2B, P), Hunter Burrows (Jr., UTIL./C), Tobias Grubbs (Sr., OF) that will help build a foundation going forward. They’ll have two returning all-league players but WINFIELD should be one of the younger teams in the AVCTL-III this season. Drew Stanton hit .288 last year with six RBIs and on the mound

he struck out 41. Quaid Gilliland came through as a freshman with a .268 average and two home runs. Junior Barrett McPherson returns after limited time and three RBIs.

EL DORADO may have lost some senior arms but they have players waiting in the wings. After an 8-17 season, the Wildcats are primed for a bounce back season. Senior Hunter Hamm, who hit .290 and had a 5.56 ERA is ready to step into a leadership role. Easton Perkins, who has been playing since his freshman season, should be the ace on the mound, but also hit .328 with three triples and 15 runs. Sam Green will pitch, as he picked up two saves last year. Zac Jacobs, who hit .250 and 12 RBIs will find himself in the lineup every night. Junior Grady Scanlon is ready for a breakout season after hitting .300 with 10 RBIs. After a winning season last year, INDEPENDENCE,

is looking for more. Jimmy Bunyard and Kamen Sprague will be two arms to rely on. Brock Sanders, Spencer Crain, Kellen Lanning, Logan Sprague and Brady Palmer will try and be key contributors as well. ULYSSES and WELLINGTON faced off in the semifinals of the Pratt Regional and the Crusaders blasted the Tigers 14-1.

After serving for five seasons, Ulysses coach Steve Ysac will hand the reins to JT Mecillas. A native of Brighton, Colorado, and a former Bethany College baseball player, Mecillas is an elementary school physical education teacher at Sullivan Elementary School in Ulysses.

Gone with Ysac are his son, Armani, a graduated 2024 first team All-Great West Activities Conference pitcher who recorded an 18 strikeout no-hitter in an April win over Lakin last season. Also gone to graduation is

second team all-league selection Alex Navarrete. Wellington’s season ended in the regional final with an 11-3 loss to Pratt. The Crusaders finished the year 18-10 but could be headed for an ever better finish this spring thanks to a loaded haul of AVCTL-IV all-league selections with none of them in last year’s senior class. Pitcher and outfielder Sky Branam, shortstop Dusty Bannister, and outfielder Tristan Tencleve all earned first team recognition last year as juniors, and second team selections Nick Giefer (second base) and Emerson Brownless (utility) were both non-seniors last year as well. Honorable mentions Milo Elder (pitcher), and Hank Shinliver (catcher) were just sophomores a season ago and james Redford (first base) was just a junior. After incredible football and basketball success the last couple of seasons the Crusaders are looking to carry that momentum into the baseball season.

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Following a 19-9 campaign that ended with a third-place finish at the Class 3A state tournament, the Frontenac Raiders baseball team enters the 2025 season with both challenges and opportunities. With multiple all-state bats and much of last season’s pitching staff to reload, head coach Kaleb Terlip knows his team will have to adjust quickly to a new lineup.

“We need to replace six position player starters as well as the majority of our pitching innings from last year,” said Terlip, entering his third season with a 38-13 record. “Early season, we will adjust with new starters and a tough schedule, but look for us to really improve as the year progresses.”

One constant for Frontenac is the return of senior outfielder and pitcher Korbin Niegsch, a three-time All-CNC selection who has been a key piece of the Raiders’ success since his freshman year. Despite battling a knee injury last season that limited him to designated hitter duties, Niegsch still delivered at the plate, hitting .441 with a .521 on-base percentage and a .729 slugging percentage. He was particularly clutch in the postseason, hitting .529 during the regional and state tournaments to help Frontenac claim a regional title and a third-place finish at state.

Now back to full health this spring, Niegsch is ready to contribute in every aspect of the game.

“Korbin has been an exceptional player for us the past three seasons, and with him being back 100% healthy, we are expecting big things from him as a senior,” Terlip said. “Last year, with his knee injury and his ability to battle through it as a DH, he was invaluable to the team. We are excited to have him back playing defense and pitching this year.”

For Niegsch, the journey back has been about more than physical recovery, it’s also been about leadership.

“We have a young team this year, so my goal is to lead them the best way possible,” Niegsch said. “During our team workouts this winter, I focused on good attitudes and high energy. I’ve also been pushing competition between teammates in the weight room, as we will need ‘grit’ to be successful this year.”

3A BASEBALL

pivotal roles in last season’s success.

Wiemers, a 2024 Sports in Kansas All-State selection, was an impact player as a freshman, batting .359 with a .410 on-base percentage while driving in 23 runs. He showed his ability to make consistent contact, tallying 33 hits, including five doubles. His steady presence in the infield and ability to deliver in key situations— hitting .372 with runners in scoring position—made him a reliable option for the Raiders.

Capehart, another All-CNC honoree, was a force at the plate, hitting .348 with a .433 on-base percentage and a .449 slugging percentage. He collected 31 hits, including five doubles and two triples, while scoring 21 runs and stealing 14 bases at an 82.35% success rate. His versatility as both an outfielder and pitcher will be crucial for Frontenac’s retooled roster.

One key loss for the Raiders is senior Wyatt Frazier, who was expected to be a returning starter but will miss the season due to surgery from a football injury. Frazier played a valuable role last year, recording 12 hits, including six doubles, while driving in eight runs and scoring 16 times.

Frontenac’s 2024 season ended just short of the state title game, as the Raiders fell to Wichita-Trinity in the semifinals before bouncing back to defeat Hoisington/ Central Plains 5-4 in the third-place game. With a strong baseball tradition and a supportive hometown behind them, the Raiders are ready to reload and make

another run in 2025.

“We have amazing community support,” Niegsch said. “They create a fun environment to play in, and being able to play for a program that means this much to them is amazing. I wear my Frontenac uniform with lots of pride.”

Russell ready to Rohr

The Russell/Victoria Broncos enter this spring coming off an 8-13 campaign in head coach Jon Ross’s first season. With all returning starters back and the addition of junior Pierce Schoenberger from Hays High at second base, the Broncos look poised to take a significant step forward.

Senior Mason Rohr, one of the top catchers in Class 3A, headlines the roster. A force behind the plate, Rohr has developed a reputation as being nearly impossible to run on, combining strong defensive skills with leadership qualities that elevate his teammates. He batted .580 in 2024, collecting 29 hits, six doubles, one triple, and 12 RBIs while stealing 17 bases and scoring 23 runs. On the mound, he posted a 4.69 ERA with 27 strikeouts.

“Mason is the kind of player we all wish we could have for years to come,” Ross said. “He comes to practice every day ready to work hard and get better. He not only strives to get better himself, but also makes his teammates better. He’s willing to play wherever he is needed, but for the majority of the time he’s behind the plate. He knows the game very well, and with him out there, it’s like having another coach on the field. This year he has taken on the vocal leadership role, and the kids respect him and listen when he talks.”

Rohr has set personal goals of growing as a leader and motivating his teammates, and has tapped into the minds of some all-time baseball greats, including a University of Texas coaching legend.

“I want my last year at Russell High School to be one that I can look at and be proud of what I left behind in my teammates and program,” he said. “I’ve been putting in the work that has gotten me to where I am today, but I’ve also been trying to pick up more knowledge from great coaches and leaders like Augie Garrido.”

Self-confidence has been Rohr’s biggest challenge in baseball, something he has worked on throughout his career, and based on his play has overcome.

“In years past I have struggled with the mental aspect in the great game of baseball,“ Rohr said. “Lack of confidence was commonplace. The fear of failure

(L-R): Korbin Niegsch, Mason Rohr

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

would take over, and I felt that I would never have success. The worst part was that there is no specific workout that can help fix this issue, but just pure drive and learning. I am blessed to have many of the leaders that I do, and the connections they have allowed me to make steps in building confidence.”

Beyond baseball, Rohr is a multisport athlete. He was a two-year varsity starter in basketball, earning two all-tournament team honors. In football, he was a three-year varsity starter, earning second team all-league honors at quarterback and honorable mention at defensive back as a senior. He was named Sports in Kansas AllState Honorable Mention for his junior and senior years of football as well and was an academic all-league selection as a senior. Rohr plans to continue his baseball career at Washburn University. Alongside Rohr, several key returners bolster the Broncos’ lineup. Senior Wyatt Griffin (.127, 7 H, 9 RBI, 4 SB), who transitions from second base to first base, also contributed on the mound, finishing with a 4.98 ERA and 25 strikeouts. Senior Cale Braun (.239, 16 H, 5 RBI, 8 SB) provides versatility at third base and on the mound, while junior Max Evans (.492, 29 H, 22 RBI, 1 HR, 13 SB) was a key offensive weapon in 2024 and will again be a primary contributor.

Other key players include juniors Jared Ford (.182, 2 H, 4 RBI), Kyle Huser (.255, 13 H, 9 RBI), Sam Thielen (.318, 21 H, 10 RBI, 16 SB), and Jaxon Ross, who is expected to take on a bigger role in the outfield. The Broncos also gain further talent with the transfer of Schoenberger since last spring.

“With all of the returning starters from last year and the addition of Pierce Schoenberger from Hays to step in at second base, the expectations are high for the upcoming season,” Ross said.

Hayden’s departure clears way for new 3A champion

By

For the seventh time in program history, Topeka-Hayden captured a state championship in baseball. A

year ago, the Wildcats earned their first title in nine seasons with a 5-3 victory over Wichita-Trinity Academy in the final of the Class 3A State Tournament in Manhattan.

That title added to ones claimed by Hayden in 1996, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2013 and 2015. Head coach Bill Arnold directed the squad to an 18-12 record, which included earlier state tournament wins over Hesston (2-0) in the quarterfinals and Hoisington/Central Plains (12-5) in the semifinals.

The Wildcats will make the return to 4A this season, paving the way for a new 3A champion this spring.

WICHITA-TRINITY experienced the heartache of losing in last year’s 3A championship game and finished as the runner-up to Hayden.

Under the leadership of head coach Josh Robertson, the Knights had their best showing at a state tournament since finishing as runner-up in 2007. Trinity advanced to state for the 10th time in program history and first since 2019 after shutting out all three of its opponents — Fredonia (16-0), Douglass (8-0) and Wichita Collegiate (10-0) to to claim the Douglass Regional title. Prior to the loss to Hayden, the Knights beat Marysville in the opening round of state and Frontenac in the semifinals.

Finishing 22-5 overall, the threetime defending Central Plains League champion will be relying on some senior leadership, including Josiah Sems at pitcher/shortstop, Matt Bolt at pitcher/ left field and Braden Roberts in center field. Sems and Roberts were first team all-league last year.

After claiming third place in 3A a year ago, CNC League co-champion FRONTENAC will be looking for a return trip to state this season.

The Raiders went 19-9 last season, earning their first state appearance since 2021 and seventh in program history.

BHS closed out the season with a 5-4 victory over Hoisington/Central Plains to claim third place in 3A. Kaleb Terlib returns for his third year as head coach, posting a 38-13 record to date. He has four players back in the lineup this season, including Korbin Niegsch at pitcher/outfield, Jack Capehart at pitcher/ outfield, Brock Wiemers at shortstop and Wyatt Frazier in the outfield, though Frazier suffered a football injury that’s likely to see him miss the season.

“We need to replace six position player starters as well as the majority of our pitching innings from last year,” Terlip said. “Early season will be an adjustment with new starters and a tough schedule but look for us to really improve as the year progresses.”

After a .500 season a year ago, ANDERSON COUNTY is ready to take the next step towards a winning season. Yet, the Bulldogs will rely on several new players to the varsity level.

ACHS is coming off a 12-12 campaign a year ago. Travis Persinger begins his eighth year as head coach. He welcomes

back three starters in senior Jack Dykes (first base/pitcher), and juniors Zach Schaffer (middle infield) and Brayden Wheat (center field/pitcher). Schaffer is the top returning hitter with a .364 batting average, 13 RBI and 23 runs scored. On the mound, Wheat was 2-1 last season with a save, posting a 2.78 ERA and 38 strikeouts. He also batted .350 at the plate.

“We will have a lot of new faces in the varsity lineup, but the guys stepping in have put in the work,” Persinger said. “They have played a lot of baseball and are ready to show what they can do.”

BELOIT entered the regional tournament at 12-8 as the three seed and suffered a quarterfinal loss to Marysville 18-11. The Trojans graduated a trio of players that earned some level of AllNorth Central Activities Association recognition in Noah Gerstner, Lance Lundine and Brodie Schroeder but returning first team selections Ashton Bletscher and Joel Rexroat, who both have experience in the infield and on the mound, provide a pair of key building blocks.

It was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise promising season for BISHOP WARD, which had its perfect season end with a loss to Sabetha in the final of the Jeff West Regional.

Now after going 21-1 and finishing one win shy of a trip to state, the Cyclones will be looking towards new leadership this season under the direction of first-year head coach Jason Daugherty. In 21 years as a high school coach as Springfield Catholic and Park Hill, Daugherty has compiled an overall record of 371-134. He joins a program that has captured 13 state championships all-time and is the three-time defending league champion. In his first season, Daugherty will have some experience back in the lineup with seven players returning. Six of those come from the senior class, including Manny Dunn (infield/pitcher), Keylan Overton (outfield), Rolando Calderon (catcher), Jayden Hendricks (infield/pitcher), JJ Hughes (infield/pitcher) and Edward Freeman (outfield/pitcher). Five of those players hit over .400 at the plate last season. Dunn had a 1.07 ERA with 42

strikeouts on the mound, while Freeman recorded a 2.71 ERA. Also returning will be sophomore David Hernandez (infield/ pitcher) and his 2.52 ERA.

“I am still learning my team, so it is difficult to assess a lot of things,” Daugherty said. “I know we lost some very talented players, but I also feel that we have some talent coming back. There are several seniors returning, and there are some newcomers who are poised to be heavily involved in our success.”

Charlie Whitwork chalked up his 350th career win last year at BURLINGTON, which advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 2019.

The Wildcats captured the Garnett Regional Tournament championship with a victory over top-seeded Humboldt in the final. Seeking their first-ever state tournament win in their sixth trip, they finished the season 19-7 following a first-round loss to Frontenac. Burlington should have another solid run with some key players back this season such as seniors Landen Ernst (pitcher/designated hitter), Cole Carlson (outfield), Chance Hegg (outfield) and Eli Ervin (outfield), as well as juniors Maddux Cheever (outfield/pitcher), Kolten Robinson (second base/pitcher), Hunter Cole (catcher), Brody Garland (first base/ pitcher) and Alex Mautz (pitcher/utility).

Eight starters return to the lineup for CHAPARRAL from a 9-10 season.

The Roadrunners, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Tyler Clubine (21-56) will be led by senior pitcher/ shortstop Conner Hostetler, who had a 4-2 record on the mound with a 1.70 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 49 1/3 innings of work. He also batted .453 at the plate. Another key on the mound will be sophomore Carter Hostetler, who was 3-1 with two saves while posting a 3.13 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings. Joining them in the starting lineup will be juniors Ty Hadsall in center field and Daxton Hostetler at pitcher/first base. Hadsall hit .431 at the plate with one home run and 15 runs scored. Daxton Hostetler was 1-1 on the mound with a 3.82 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 22 innings.

“We bring back eight starters and get some solid looking freshmen to complement them,” Clubine said. “We are

Trace Kopper, Cimarron, Senior (Photo: Submitted)

Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle

looking to keep growing and

Coming off a 12-9 season a year ago, CHENEY looks for experience to pay off this season with the return of eight players to the lineup.

Mike Quick begins his eighth year as head coach, compiling a 53-66 overall record during that span. He will have an experience group of Cardinals that includes seniors Cameron Eastman (infield/pitcher), Josh Burdick (catcher/ pitcher), Grady Kuehn (outfield/pitcher) and Garren Campbell (first base), along with juniors Reece Tolar (infield/ pitcher), Kaden Ludwig (outfield/ pitcher) and Coby Robinson (outfield/ pitcher), and sophomore Kaden Eck (infield/pitcher). Eastman leads the way with a 7-1 record and 1.37 ERA on the mound in 40 innings. He also batted .381 at the plate with three triples. Burdick went 3-2 pitching with three saves, posting a 2.08 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 37 innings.

“I’m excited for the upcoming season,” Quick said. “We have a core group of seniors who will lead our young group. We will need our freshmen and sophomores to step in and contribute on offense. Then, if we can pitch it and catch it, we will win some games.”

After posting a five-win improvement a year ago, CHERRYVALE is ready to take another big step this season. The Chargers are coming off an 8-13 campaign.

Scott John returns for his eighth year in the program, compiling an overall record of 53-66 during that stretch. He will have plenty of experience on this year’s squad, led by All-Tri-Valley League selection Peyton Modich at pitcher/first base. The senior had a 1.12 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings pitched last season. Also back is allleague honorable mention Carsen Ellis, a senior who will be in the infield. Ellis was a .259 hitter a year ago.

“I’m excited to see what this team does,” John said. “We return a lot of experience and have some very promising freshmen.”

Making a late surge at the end of last season, CIMARRON/INGALLS will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2025 season.

The Bluejays finished 14-9 a year ago under head coach Chris Chilton, who enters his second season with the program. The team has six starters back this season, including seniors Brek Averhoff (pitcher/first base), Trace Kopper (pitcher/center field) and Adonis Batman (first base/third base); along

with juniors Colby Wilson (second base/ pitcher) and Alex Schlesener (outfield); and sophomore Coulter Dohrmann (pitcher/catcher/third base). Kopper is the top returning player, going 4-0 on the mound with a 3.25 ERA, while also hitting .393 at the plate with six doubles, one triple, 13 RBI and 31 runs scored.

“I’m extremely excited for the start of this season,” Chilton said. “We had a great run at the end of last year. We are looking to build on the success we generated from last year.”

There will be plenty of experience back this season for second-year head coach Taylor Spear and his COLUMBUS squad this season. The Titans were 12-11 a year ago.

Columbus returns all of its starters from a year ago, which includes four seniors: Jack Vilela at pitcher/third base (.516, 23 RBI, 4-3, 2.69 ERA), Jace Midgett at catcher (.443, 14 RBI, 24 R), Rece Ponce at first base (.255) and Syler Schuberger at shortstop/pitcher (3-2, 1.73 ERA). Junior Jayden Rodriguez returns in the outfield and on the mound after posting a 2-1 record with a 1.06 ERA. Other returning players include junior Jett Tanner in the outfield (.304), sophomore Ben Major at pitcher/ utility (3-3, 3.00 ERA, .295, 19 R) and sophomore Carter Woodcock at second.

“We have the ability to be a very good team this year,” Spear said. “Returning all of our starters from last year, we had numerous athletes working hard in the offseason and putting in work to make it a great season. It will be tough as the CNC league always is, but we look forward to a great season.”

COLBY opened the Russell Regional with a 7-3 win over Southwestern Heights before suffering a 4-3 loss in the semifinals to Cimarron/Ingalls to finish the year 13-9. The Eagles will look to senior Max Kersenbrock to lead the way this season after the Colby Community College baseball signee batted .417 with 35 hits, 26 RBIs, and 32 runs scored last year. He knocked 11 doubles, four triples, two homers and nabbed 11 bases. Senior Brayden Foss is another key player for the Eagles after he earned second team All-GWAC honors last year. Left handed pitcher Kellen Burvee is another key senior for the Eagles. He has signed to play collegiately at Central Christian in McPherson.

Three All-Flint Hills League performers return to the starting lineup for COUNCIL GROVE this season. The Braves finished with a 10-9 record a year ago. Matt Wilkens begins his eight year as head coach of the Braves. He returns some key players to the lineup,

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 38 led by senior pitcher/outfielder Hayden Buttrey. An All-FHL outfielder, Buttrey had a .415 batting average last season. Earning second team all-league was Maxton Villalobos. The junior pitcher/infielder had a .348 batting average while posting a 1.8 ERA and 14 strikeouts on the mound. AJ Peterson was an honorable mention all-league catcher last season, finishing with a .320 batting average. Also returning to the lineup is senior pitcher/infielder Braun Frye, who had a 3.10 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched.

“We return nine of our top 10 hitters as well as all but one pitcher,” Wilkens said. “We are senior heavy with a lot of in-game experience. This team had a successful football season and is currently in a solid basketball season, so I’m hoping the confidence carries over to baseball season.”

Following a 16-5 season, ELLSWORTH will be relying on a couple of seniors to lead the way this year after suffering an upset loss to 8-12 Marysville in the Concordia Regional final.The Bearcats are once again led by head coach Jason McWilliams, who begins his seventh year in charge of the program. McWilliams welcomes back a pair of seniors to the lineup in outfielder Dax Leiker and infielder/pitcher Gavin Moyer.

“We return two seniors that played critical roles in our success last year,” McWilliams said. “I look for big things from both of them this year. We have some junior upperclassmen that are returning that we will need to play a lot of innings. We will have a talented group of freshmen coming in I believe. Some of those guys could potentially play many innings for us also.”

GOODLAND went just 3-14 last year, but battled in their regional quarterfinal matchup with Holcomb before falling 1-0. Gone from that squad is Kansas Pregame coverboy Cole Linton, but second team AllGWAC selection Kacen Sederstrom was just a junior last season. The senior is a right handed pitcher and middle infielder for the Cowboys.

Four starters return to the lineup for third-year head coach Noah Krol and his HAVEN squad. The Wildcats finished 18-10 last year. They will look for another winning season with the return of three seniors to the lineup, including Nash Wray (shortstop), Dalton Bontrager (first base) and Chandler Ingold (utility). Also back in the lineup this season will be sophomore third baseman Brogan Wray.

“We are hoping to win more games than we lose,” Krol said. “We should be above average defensively.”

HESSTON closed out a 20-5 season a year ago under head coach Aaron Johnson. The Swathers captured the championship of the Halstead Regional with a 10-0 victory over Cheney in the final. Their season came to a close at state with a 2-0 setback to eventual 3A champion Topeka-Hayden in the opening round. While the Swathers will miss graduated Kansas Pregame coverboy Whit Rhodes, returning all-state outfielder Keagan Shelite provides a strong building block. Shelite, a Cowley Community College commit, was also a second team All-CKL selection on the mound as well as a first team selection in the outfield. Shelite batted .432 last year with 32 hits, 18 RBIs, and 20 runs scored. He used his speed on the base paths to pick up six triples to go along with six doubles. On the mound he was 2-2 on the year with a 1.18 ERA and struck out 60 batters in 29.2 innings of work. He also recorded a save.

Junior Blayne Wilson batted .385 last year as a sophomore for the Swathers with 25 hits and 29 runs scored. He was fifth on the team with five doubles. Senior Brody Curran banged out 21 hits with 13 RBIs and 12 runs scored and batted .284. Sophomore Tanner McAllister recorded 18 strikeouts in 16.2 innings of work during a promising freshman campaign. Senior Jacob Burkholder picked up 11 hits and scored 13 runs.

The HOLCOMB Longhorns entered the Russell Regional as the top seed with a 17-5 record and picked up their 18th win in a 1-0 quarterfinal defeat of Goodland. A surging Hoisington/Central Plains team–that would go on to win the regional title–ended the Longhorns’ season in the semifinals with a lopsided 10-4 contest. Holcomb enters 2025 without Kansas Pregame coverboy Kaden Tichenor–now playing football at Fort Hays–but virtually every other player that contributed significant statistical output is back. Seniors Davin Hernandez, Jaiden Olvedo, Jairdan Shultz, Ethan Zapata and Keegan Johnson were among the team’s statistical leaders last year as juniors with each batting at least .299. Johnson, Shultz and Hernandez scored 26, 24 and 21 runs respectively while Shultz led the team with 28 hits followed by Hernandez with 24. Junior Korbin Johnson was a stat stuffer last year as a sophomore with 23 hits, 12 RBIs and 25 runs scored and a .343 average. Keegan Johnson led the

team with seven doubles, followed by Korbin with five and Shultz with four. Keegan recorded the team’s only triple, while Shultz was one of two players to hit a homer last season. The Johnson led the team on the mound a season post a combined 10-2 record and 86 total strikeouts.

With a solid group of talent coming in the underclassmen, IOLA may be looking to make a push during the 2025 season. A year ago, the Mustangs finished 15-11 overall. Levi Ashmore begins his third season (27-16) as head coach, welcoming back a total of six starters from that group. That includes Tre Wilson, Grady Dougherty, Gavin Jones, Easton Weseloh, Jase Herrmann and Lucas Maier. Wilson is the top returning hitter with a .452 batting average, 38 hits, 14 doubles and two homers a year ago. Dougherty was a .350 hitter with 11 doubles and three homers. Jones made seven appearances on the mound, posting a 3.85 ERA in 16 1/3 innings.

“We are excited about our 2025 group,” Ashmore said. “We’ve lost some really good players these past two years and have some good young players coming up that we are excited for. We’ve got a chance to do some really cool things as we continue to develop young talent, with our biggest class being our sophomores. Overall, we are excited to watch our young, hungry group compete in 2025.”

Dan Hypse begins his 35th year as head coach at JEFFERSON WEST. The longtime coach has amassed a career record of 466-201. That included a 16-7 mark a year ago. The Tigers have five starters back in their lineup this season, led by two-time All-Class 3A pitcher Cooper Watkins, a junior. He will be joined by seniors Drew Bellman at shortstop/pitcher and Tucker Holthaus at outfield/pitcher, as well as junior Brody Thelen at second base/pitcher and sophomore Collin Crowson in the outfield.

“We have some holes to fill but had a strong JV team last year,” Hypse said. “Some underclassmen are going to have to step up and fill the holes. If they do, we

should have a very competitive team.”

Expectations are high for KINGMAN/NORWICH this spring following a 20-6 campaign a year ago. Head coach Toby Munz (176-188) believes his squad has the makeup to challenge in the Central Plains League and possibly make a run at the state tournament.

The Eagles will rely heavily on pitcher Colby Arensdorf, who earned All-CPL honors after going 9-2 with a 1.53 ERA and 70 strikeouts. He is the program’s all-time record holder in career wins. Also on the mound will be Drayton Dennis, who was 4-1 with a 2.96 ERA. Other returning players include Collin Schreiner (outfield), Kade Osborn, Garrett Gattis (infield) and Grayson Smith (infield).

“This year’s team has the opportunity to be the best team Kingman has ever put on the field,” Munz said. “Led by an experienced pitching staff, this team has the capability to compile a bunch of strikeouts and defense that has the ability to put up some zeros. But we will have to hit and buy into a team-first concept. With the returning starters and experience that this team has, this year’s players have the opportunity to earn a Central Plains League title and regional title.”

LAKIN lost their opening regional matchup with Cimarron/Ingalls 8-2 to finish the season 7-12, but the Broncs graduated just one senior starter from that squad and will look to challenge the upper echelon of western Kansas this season. Five players that batted at least .288 over at least 12 games were non-seniors a season ago including top offensive threats Adrik Gomez-Esquibel and Dru Patterson. As juniors last year Gomez-Esquibel and Patterson batted .423 and .362 respectively with 43 combined hits. Gomez-Esquibel drove in 24 runs, knocked eight doubles and legged out two triples to go with 23 runs scored. Patterson scored 30 runs and knocked a pair of two-baggers and led the team with 21 stolen bases. Eli Bemis enjoyed a solid sophomore season a year ago batting .345 with 19 hits, 14 RBIs, and 12 runs scored with three doubles and two triples. Patterson, Bemis and then junior Armando Salcido each pitched at least 21 innings a season ago, but will look to tighten up their stuff after each posted at least a 3.85 ERA last season.

Qualifying for state for the first time in nearly two decades, MARYSVILLE is looking to build off a Cinderella run through the 2024 postseason. As the No. 6 seed in the regional tournament, they knocked off No. 3 seed Beloit, No. 2 Nemaha Central and No. 1 Ellsworth to capture the championship. That moved the team into the state tournament for the first time since 2006. Despite finishing with just a 10-14 record, it has been a steady rise for a Marysville program that won just one game two years prior. Head coach John Haefele (24-57) returns for his fifth year and has plenty of experience back with eight returning starters from last year’s state-qualifying team. Back in the lineup will be seniors Dakota Slupianek (pitcher/infield), Jordan Miller (catcher/pitcher) and Jacob Meyer (first base); juniors Grant Haefele (center field), Alex Scheele (third base), Ty Moser (right field) and Keagan Warders (shortstop); and sophomore Ty Hager (second base). Five of those players earned postseason recognition, including Haefele (All-Class 3A/All-North Central Kansas League), Scheele (Second Team 3A/All-NCKL), Moser (HM 3A/HM NCKL), Warders (HM 3A/HM NCKL) and Slupianek (HM 3A).

“We play in a tough league, and our non-conference schedule doesn’t give us much of a break either,” Haefele said. “Our goal is to peak at the end of the season and use our tough schedule to prepare for the postseason.”

MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY and TROY will play in a co-op this season and bump up to 3A together after the two teams posted losing records separately in 2-1A a season ago. MH-MA went 6-12 on the season

Keagan Shelite, Hesston, Senior (Photo: Pam Weaver)

with an 8-1 loss to Pleasant Ridge in the regional quarterfinals while Troy recorded just one win, losing a regional play-in game to McLouth 11-7.

It was a rocky season for MINNEAPOLIS a year ago, resulting in a 2-19 overall record. Tyler Konrade begins his 16th year with the Lions (117-178) and welcomes back several players that gained valuable varsity experience a year ago. That includes seniors Brayden Gorrell (outfield/pitcher) and Gavin Baringer (infield); juniors Grant Rice (pitcher/catcher/infield), Aiden Anderson (infield/pitcher) and Wyatt Griffin (infield); and sophomores Max Helget (pitcher/infield), Braden Johnson (pitcher/catcher/infield), Josh White (outfield/ pitcher) and Emery Lambdin (infield/pitcher).

“The amount of varsity experience our players acquired last year will hopefully benefit us well this season,” Konrade said. “Overall, we will have a larger roster this season, so we should be able to put players into positions they are more comfortable with.”

Experience will be a key for NEMAHA CENTRAL in 2025 with the return of six players to the starting lineup. Head coach Schuyler Mayberry, now in his third year (39-23), led the Thunder to a 13-9 record last season. They look to increase that win total this season with a solid crew of returning players, led by four seniors — Sam Nordhus (outfield/pitcher), Reese Gerety (designated hitter/utility), Evan Olberding (shortstop) and Derek Wurtz (catcher/utility/pitcher). Nordhus returns to the mound after going 5-2 with a 3.83 ERA last season. Gerety and Olberding were both .329 hitters at the plate, with Gerety smacking three homers. Also back will be juniors Carter Hajek (outfield) and Jack Macke (infield/pitcher). Hajek hit .352 at the plate with 15 RBI. Macke had a 1.27 ERA on the mound with one save.

“This will be the most experienced team I have had since becoming the head coach at Nemaha Central,” Mayberry said. “We will rely on that experience to carry us throughout the spring. Most of our offensive production is back, and we will look to surround our ace, Sam Nordhus, with consistent strike throwers. The expectations are to compete for a Big East championship and play in late May.”

After finishing 21-4 a year ago, OSAGE CITY/ BURLINGAME will need a lot of fresh faces to step up this season if it hopes to enjoy the same kind of success on the field. Mitch Foote, now in his fifth year as head coach (66-22), has four players returning o the lineup — seniors JD Tyson (pitcher/outfield) and Hawk Shopteese (catcher), as well as juniors Kasen Parsons (infield/pitcher) and Sevrin Rumold (first base). Tyson hit .329 at the plate with 13 RBI and 21 runs scored, while also going 1-1 with a 2.71 ERA and 14 strikeouts on the mound. Shopteese was a .352 hitter, while Parsons came in at .346. Parsons also went 2-0 on the mound with a 1.16 ERA and 11 strikeouts.

“I am extremely excited for the upcoming season,” Foote said. “We will look a lot different this year compared to last. We graduated several key players from last year’s team and expect players to step into a significant role. We do return members from the 2024 team, with several new faces joining our team this year as well. There are several things to be excited about, but it will be a different looking roster.”

Led by All-Class 3A selection Eli Dean, PERRYLECOMPTON will be looking to build off its 13-7 campaign a year ago. Dean will be the leader for the Kaws during his senior campaign, playing in the middle infield and at pitcher. He will be joined by fellow seniors Caige Starnes (catcher) and Tristen Gordon (outfield). Head coach Kent Houk, who has over 100 career wins in his 15th year with the program, also has two other players back in the lineup, including junior Garrett Metcaffe (infield) and sophomore Houston Habiger (infield).

“We have a good mix of returning starters and good young talent,” Houk said. “We are looking forward to a good season.”

Despite posting 20 wins last year, RIVERTON came up just short of a state tournament appearance following a loss to Frontenac in the regional final. Longtime coach Danny Weaver surpassed 300 career wins last year and now begins his 26th season in the program (302-228). The Rams are coming off a 20-8 campaign but graduated seven starters from that squad. The two remaining starters in the lineup include seniors Will Mann at pitcher/infield and Marshal Potter at pitcher/first base. Mann hit .329 last season and tossed 42 2/3 innings on the mound with a 2.13 ERA and 54 strikeouts. Potter was a .324 hitter and had limited varsity time on the mound with seven innings pitched, striking out 10.

“We will look to some talented underclassmen to make the transition to varsity competition,” Weaver said. “We feel like we have some good returning leaders to lead our younger guys in the right direction. Our improvement throughout the season will be the key to us having a solid chance come regional play.”

Despite finishing just 8-13 a year ago, RUSSELL/ VICTORIA has higher expectations in 2025 with the return of a solid group of players to the lineup. Jon Ross begins his second year in charge of the Broncos, and experience will be key to the team’s success. The team returns a total of eight starters to the lineup, led by seniors Mason Rohr (catcher/pitcher), Wyatt Griffin (infield/pitcher) and Cale Braun (third base/pitcher). Rohr is the top returning hitter with a .580 batting average, including six doubles and one triple. He is also the top pitcher returning, posting a 1-2 record last season with a 4.69 ERA and 27 strikeouts. Also returning to the lineup are juniors Jared Ford (second base), Max Evans (infield/catcher/pitcher), Kyle Huser

(first base/pitcher), Sam Thielen (outfield/pitcher) and Jaxon Ross (outfield/pitcher). Evans hit .492 at the plate with six doubles, three triple, one home run, 22 RBI and 17 runs scored.

“With all of the returning starters from last year, and the addition of Pierce Schoenberger from Hays to step in at second base, the expectations are high for the upcoming season,” Jon Ross said.

Since the inception of the SABETHA program, it has qualified for state competition five of its seven seasons of existence. That continued last year as the Bluejays advanced to state for a third consecutive season.

Curtis Hamilton, who enters his fourth year with the program (56-27), led the squad to a 19-6 record last season, which included the champonship of the Jefferson West Regional with a win over top-seeded Bishop Ward in the final. At state, the Bluejays lost to Hoisington/Central Plains in the quarterfinal round. Big Seven League champion for a second straight year, Hamilton will rely heavily on Mitchel Kramer this year in the new Big East League. The senior shortstop/ pitcher had a 4-0 record on the mound with two saves while recording a 0.92 ERA. At the plate, he had a .342 batting average with 10 doubles and two homers.

“We have a lot of experience to replace after losing a large group of seniors, but this group brings a competitive spirit,” Hamilton said. “I look forward to seeing how some of these guys compete when given the chance.”

SANTA FE TRAIL will be going through a youth movement this season with several younger players stepping into key roles on the field. Entering his fourth year with the program (55-16), Weston Gloss will try to find the right pieces after the Chargers went 20-5 a year ago. Most of the starters are gone, with only two seniors having any considerable playing time — Jalen Smith (pitcher/first base) and Breylan Gleason. Smith hit .444 last season with 16 hits and 12 RBI.

“We graduated the vast majority of our starters from last year,” Gloss said. “I am excited about the opportunity for many guys to get their first consistent varsity experience. We have good leadership from the few seniors we do have and a promising junior class.”

SCOTT COMMUNITY fell to Circle in the regional quarterfinal 7-4 to finish the season 13-6. The Beavers will need to replace Kansas Pregame coverboy Brady Welker, the GWAC Player of the Year last season, if they intend to post a winning record again this spring.

SILVER LAKE got the unfortunate draw of Topeka Hayden in the regional opener last season and fell 10-1 to the eventual state champions to finish the season 13-7. Coach Tyler Seele (59-24) enters his fifth season leading the Eagles with a group of five returning starters to lean on. Dysen Schooler (P/SS) is the top returner after he hit .492 with 22 hits and 22 RBIs last season. He tallied eight doubles and stole 13 bases and

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 40 went 2-1 in 20.2 innings pitched. Logan Cathcart (P/2B) batted .333 with 19 hits, 15 RBIs, and 10 steals and returns on the mound after going 4-1 with 28 K’s in 34 innings pitched. Cooper Campidilli (C/3B, .385, 22 H, 24 RBIs), Dayne Johnson (2B, .285, 13 H, 15 RBIs, 11R), and Trent Harris (P, 27 IP, 30 K’s, 3.52 ERA) round out the returners.

“We have a strong senior class this year that has been great for our program,” Seele said. “We will rely heavily on them for production while also incorporating some talented juniors and underclassmen into our lineup. This year’s team will be scrappy and compete with good teams.”

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE went 14-10 a season ago following a loss to league rival Ellsworth in the regional semifinal. Gone from that squad is first team All-North Central Activities Association selection Treyton Olson, but a strong core of Grady Gebhardt, Ian Nickelson, and Sam Knopf return after earning some level of allconference recognition for their play last season.

Senior leadership will be a key factor in the success of

SOUTHWESTERN

HEIGHTS. The Mustangs are coming off a 7-13 campaign a year ago. Lane Abert begins his eighth year with the program, compiling a record of 38-84 to date. He welcomes back a total of eight starters to the lineup, includeing five from the senior class. Returning are seniors Julius Trejo (SS/P), Parker Leak (1B/OF/P), Jaime Garcia (3B/2B), Jason Banman (OF/P), and Wyatt Friessen (OF). Trejo should provide some pop to the lineup with a .518 batting average, six doubles, two triples and a home run last season. Leak hit .467 with 18 RBIs, while also tossing 57 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings on the mound. Other returning players include juniors Memo Tellez (OF/1B/P) and Jackson Stanfield (2B/OF/P), as well as sophomore Manny Mendoza (C/OF/P). Tellez was a .400 hitter last season, while Stanfield spent 10 1/3 innings on the mound with seven strikeouts.

“We have a chance to be very competitive this year,” Abert said. “How far we are able to go will come down to our senior leadership and how hard we work every day.”

ST. MARYS went just 3-18 last season but fifth year coach CJ Marple hopes the return of eight players with varsity experience will help the Bears to find more success this season.

“We return eight players that got varsity experience last year, but will only have two seniors on the team,” Marple said. “Our junior class will need to carry us as three of them have started since they were freshman.”

Experienced juniors Tyler Birch (INF/P, .355, 22 H, 14 RBIs, 1-4, 6.70 ERA), Lane Smith (OF/P, .443, 27 H, 16 SB, 18R), and Killian McCann (C/INF) will lead the effort for the Bears, while sophomore Landon Devader (INF/P) returns after hitting .320 with 16 hits and three RBIs. He also went 2-3 on the mound.

SYLVAN-LUCAS/LINCOLN played at the 3A level last year due to the influx of students to Sylvan-Lucas following the Wilson school closure, and the cooperative program will participate in the classification again this year. The Mustangs slipped to 6-12 last year in their second season under head coach Brady Ryan, who will try to lead his team to a bigger number in the win column this season behind the return of a large group of letterwinners. The Mustangs graduated third baseman/pictcher Lane Homewood and outfielder/pitcher Drayse Walter, but four seniors return to lead the way. Levi Bates (IF/OF/P), Connor Charvat (IF/P), Cooper Rathbun (1B), and Deagan Walters (C/IF/P) are a quartet of multi-season starters that will be looked to for leadership. Juniors Tristan Keith (C/IF), Braden Nelson (OF), and Isaac Schultz (IF) are also back with plenty of experience, while sophomores Garret Bohnen (IF), Devon Pasek (P/OF), and Kadin Schneider (OF) got valuable varsity at-bats last season as freshmen.

There may be some growing pains early in the season for WELLSVILLE. Following an 8-17 campaign a year ago, second-year head coach Evan Cleveland will have to develop some younger players as the Eagles seek a winning season in 2025. Wellsville has no seniors back in the lineup and will be led by a pair of juniors in Dylan Strenth (outfield/pitcher) and Caleb Vicek (outfield/pitcher). Vicek was a .356 hitter at the

plate, while also going 2-1 on the mound with a 4.90 ERA. Strenth will also be a valuable player on the mound after recording 33 strikeouts last season.

“We faced a lot of adversity last season and will again this season because we graduated five seniors and only have one returning junior,” Cleveland said. “Yet we do have over 10 freshmen out for this season. We will be young and have a ton of growing and building to do for this program. I have plenty of faith in the incoming group and am excited for the future at Wellsville.”

WICHITA COLLEGIATE had its two-year run as 3A champion come to an end last season but will look to get back to the state tournament with the return of six starters from last year’s squad. In pursuit of a third straight state championship, the Spartans finished 15-6 after losing to eventual 3A runner-up Wichita-Trinity in the finals of the Douglass Regional Tournament. Joe Gehrer begins year 14 in the program, compiling a 147-114 record to date. He will rely on a fairly young squad this season, with only one senior, Carter Drumright at shortstop/pitcher, and one junior, Isaac Vanderburg at pitcher/outfield, back in the lineup. Vanderburg went 2-1 with one save and a 3.30 ERA on the mound. Four sophomores also return in Jacob Stehley (first base/pitcher), Mason Bond (infield/pitcher), Maddox Drumright (catcher/pitcher) and Carson Malaise (utility). Stehley was 3-0 on the mound with a 4.20 ERA, while batting .390.

“The upcoming season promises excitement as a young, talented team prepares to rise to the challenge,” Gehrer said. “With a roster full of underclassmen eager to prove themselves, the team’s success will hinge on their ability to quickly adapt to the pace and pressure of varsity competition. Despite their youth, this group showcases raw talent, athleticism and a strong work ethic, which could make them a formidable force as the season progresses.”

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

After a strong inaugural season as a program in 2024, Frankfort returns with high expectations for the 2025 baseball campaign. Led by a strong group of returners, including senior Carter Olson and junior Wes Anderson, the Wildcats look to build upon last year’s 13-6 record and regional runner-up finish.

A dynamic leadoff hitter, Olson was a force at the plate in 2024, batting .519 with a .641 on-base percentage and a 1.456 OPS. He tallied 28 hits, including seven doubles, three triples and one home run, while scoring 40 runs and stealing 26 bases without being caught. His efforts earned him Class 2-1A Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches secondteam all-state honors as an outfielder, along with honorable mention recognition at third base and a first-team All-Twin Valley League selection.

“We learned a lot in our first year as a program. Now, with a season of experience under our belt, we’re looking to do some special things this spring.”

For the Wildcats to thrive in 2025, Olson will need to continue setting the tone offensively.

“Carter will need to be the spark plug of our offense again this year,” head coach Drue Henton said. “He did a great job last year as our leadoff hitter of finding a way on base and then using his speed to cause problems for the defense.”

Olson, who will split time between center field and third base while also serving as one of the team’s top pitchers, has set ambitious goals for his senior season. He aims to raise his batting average to .600 and increase his stolen base total to at least 40.

“I’ve been lifting to get stronger and faster so I can reach that stolen base goal, and for the batting average increase, I will work on hitting into open gaps no matter where they are,” Olson said.

Beyond baseball, Olson has been a standout in multiple sports. He earned all-league and all-state

2-1A BASEBALL

track career at a two-year college, with aspirations of transferring to Kansas State or another DI program to continue in athletics and major in exercise science.

Anderson, the Wildcats’ leader and emotional core, returns after an outstanding sophomore campaign. He led the team with a .538 batting average, collecting 35 hits, including 12 doubles and two home runs, while driving in 29 runs and scoring 30. His efforts earned him Class 2-1A KABC All-State honors as a designated hitter and he was an All-TVL selection.

“Wes will be the leader and heartbeat of our team again in 2025,” Henton said. “His bat behind Carter in the lineup will make the top of our order very tough to deal with for opposing pitchers.”

In addition to his offensive prowess, Anderson will play a key role defensively as a shortstop, catcher and pitcher. Henton noted that improving consistency on the mound will be crucial for Anderson and the team’s overall success.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced in baseball is learning how to fail,” Anderson said. “Ever since I was little, my dad has always preached a next-play mentality, and it’s just started to hit home over the past few years. That approach has helped me become a

Seabury in sub-state play where he led Frankfort with 34 points and propelled the Wildcats to the sub-state championship game. He plans to pursue a degree in accounting and is open to continuing his pursuit of athletics at the college level.

With a majority of last year’s roster returning, Frankfort is poised to take another step forward. Key contributors include senior Lane Loiseau (.364, 20 RBIs, 11 SB, 5-2, 3.50 ERA), senior Ty Smith (.321, 19 RBIs, 22R), sophomore Peyton Adams (23 H, 23 RBIs, 21R) and sophomore Henry Ketter (.326, 15 RBIs, 16 BB, 7 SB).

“We learned a lot in our first year,” Henton said. “Now, with a season of experience under our belt, we’re looking to do some special things this spring.”

The Wildcats are also expected to be a factor in the Class 1A state track race. In addition to Olson’s success in sprints, Loiseau, Smith and Anderson are key dualsport performers.

Loiseau finished third in the 200-meter dash last season, clocking 22.97 seconds, and placed fourth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.16 seconds. He also teamed up with Olson to help the Wildcats win the 4x100-meter relay, while Smith placed eighth in the javelin throw.

This group of seniors is one of the most decorated in Frankfort history and looks to cap off the school year with a run at both the Class 2-1A baseball title and the

Front row (L-R): Conner Hoelting, Porter Deters Back row: L.J. Koelzer, Jackson Kolterman, Carter Olson, Wes Anderson

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

Mission Valley is on a mission

Mission Valley enters the 2025 campaign with high expectations and an experienced roster led by standout seniors Porter Deters and Conner Hoelting. Both players have been four-year starters for the Vikings and remain the driving force behind the program’s success.

Deters, a shortstop and pitcher, has been a dominant presence at the plate and on the basepaths throughout his high school career and was Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State and first team All-Flint Hills League last season. The Kansas all-time record holder for career stolen bases (139) and single-season steals (64), Deters boasts a .502 career batting average and a .567 on-base percentage while driving in 99 runs. His discipline in the batter’s box has been exceptional, striking out only 17 times in 285 plate appearances. Defensively, he carries a .924 fielding percentage.

“My personal goals are to help my team the best I can to put us in the best situations possible,” Deters said. “Also, help lead my team back to the state tournament and win a championship.”

Hoelting returns as Mission Valley’s top pitcher, looking to build on a career 15-2 record with 131 strikeouts, 37 walks and a 2.59 ERA over 105 1/3 innings. At the plate, he has compiled a .373 batting average and a .489 on-base percentage with 66 RBIs. A key contributor to the Vikings’ 2022 state championship team and last year’s runner-up finish, Hoelting earned second-team all-state and second-team all-league honors in 2024.

“A goal I set for myself at the start of the season is to go undefeated as a pitcher again this year,” Hoelting said. “Another goal is to increase my velocity and efficiency as a pitcher.”

Hoelting’s journey in baseball has been marked by perseverance. An injury at the end of his 11U season kept him sidelined for two years, challenging his confidence as he worked his way back.

“Overcoming this obstacle had a great deal to do with my coaches—coach Godfrey, coach Laird and coach Duncan—plus my teammates who were there for me and helped push me to my best,” Hoelting said.

Deters and Hoelting have each been instrumental in the success of Mission Valley’s athletic programs beyond baseball. Both were multi-year football standouts, with Deters earning first-team all-state honors on defense in 2023 and 2024, and Hoelting serving as a team captain while playing a key role for the Vikings.

After high school, Hoelting plans to attend a junior college to play baseball or enroll at Kansas State University to pursue a degree in agricultural education while running for state FFA office. Deters also plans to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level.

In addition to Hoelting and Deters, junior Sam Bryan (.500, 49 RBIs) takes over at first base as a two-year starter after serving as the team’s designated hitter last season. Junior Bryce Bunger (.427, 31 SB) returns as a three-year starter in center field. Senior Hunter Tenbrink (.387), a three-year starter behind the plate, will also contribute on the mound. Junior Gunner Trickel, a two-year starter, steps into the No. 2 pitching role while becoming the team’s full-time designated hitter. Sophomore Jake Mills (.318), a second-year starter, will play second base, Catcher and pitcher. Sophomore Peyton Christiansen (.364), also a second-year starter, will hold down third base and serve as the team’s No. 3 pitcher. Junior Ian

Deters (.320, 22 SB), a second-year starter in left field, adds speed and further experience to the lineup.

With the leadership of Deters and Hoelting, Mission Valley is poised for another strong season as it looks to make another deep postseason run in search of a state championship.

Buffs look to stampede

The Onaga Buffaloes enter the 2025 season led by senior standouts Jackson Kolterman and L.J. Koelzer coming off a 15-5 campaign with a regional quarterfinals appearance in 2024. In all the Buffaloes return eight starters from that squad, providing significant continuity from last year’s strong showing.

A four-year starter, Kolterman has been a leader on and off the field since his freshman year. Head coach Adam Kufahl praised his shortstop and ace pitcher for his steady presence and ability to perform under pressure.

“Jackson has been a leader for us for several years, starting from day one as our shortstop and leadoff hitter since the first game of his freshman year,” Kufahl said. “Always giving his best effort, never being rattled, and bouncing back from mistakes have been things he’s done since he stepped on the field and it’s carried over to his teammates.”

Kolterman’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of fantastic. He batted .618 with 34 hits, including eight home runs, and drove in 37 runs. On the mound, he went 7-4 with a 2.45 ERA and 47 strikeouts. His name is etched in the Onaga record books, holding singleseason records for batting average (.618), OPS (1.990), OBP (.699), SLG (1.291), triples (3), home runs (8), runs (43), total bases (69), and extra-base hits (17). He also owns the career home run record (13) and is on pace to set multiple other career marks in his final season.

Kolterman’s heroics have defined his career, most notably his clutch two-run home run in the 2023 regional championship game against Valley Falls that sent Onaga to state. His leadership extends beyond the field, as he organizes workouts and pushes teammates to improve.

“It means a lot to be able to wear the name and colors on my jersey,” Kolterman said. “I take a lot of pride in knowing that I have great teammates, coaches, and members of the community backing and rooting for me when I step on the field.”

His stellar play has earned him numerous accolades, including first-team all-state and all-league honors as a junior. Kolterman will continue his baseball career at Butler Community College after graduation.

Koelzer has been a vital piece of the Buffaloes’ lineup since his sophomore year, known for his versatility and relentless work ethic. He will play multiple roles again in 2025, taking on pitching duties while remaining a key contributor in the field and at the plate.

“L.J. has become one of our clear leaders both on and off the field,” Kufahl said. “His work ethic is one of the major factors in his success, and it’s been an obvious attribute of his since he started his career at Onaga.”

Koelzer hit .323 in 2024 with 21 hits, one home run, and 24 RBIs while stealing 11 bases. He has worked tirelessly in the offseason to improve his arm strength and batting average, dedicating time to driveline training and refining his approach at the plate.

“In baseball, you fail more than you succeed,” Koelzer said. “Just still always learning how to deal with failure and how to overcome those situations.”

A versatile defender, Koelzer can play nearly every position, giving Kufahl flexibility in lineup decisions. He has earned TVL second-team honors at catcher and shortstop and was a second-team all-league football selection as a senior. He plans to pursue a degree in agribusiness while continuing his baseball career at the collegiate level.

Alongside Kolterman and Koelzer, Onaga returns key contributors including sophomore Casen Hutfles (P/C, .292 AVG, 17 RBIs), senior Jacob Ronnebaum (P/1B, 13 RBIs), junior Isaac Wegner (2B), junior Keagan Venneberg (LF, 10 RBIs), senior Dylan Magnett (RF, .260 AVG, 15 RBIs), and sophomore Xavier Berges (DH, .405 AVG, 12 RBIs). While the Buffaloes boast a strong defensive core, Kufahl acknowledges that pitching depth and replacing the bats of two all-state graduates in Rayce Fisher and Hunter Lamond, remain areas of focus.

“If we can find a way to answer those questions, I feel really good about our group,” Kufahl said.

2-1A race features mix of vets, newcomers

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle

With an 8-0 victory over Mission Valley, MEDICINE LODGE captured the Class 2-1A state baseball championship a year ago in Great Bend. It was the second state title in program history after also claiming the crown in 2012. The Indians do have some holes to fill following a 17-5 campaign a year ago. After making a second straight state appearance and seventh overall in program history, head coach Joe Dohrmann — now in his ninth year (110-75) — welcomes back a solid group of players to defend their crown in 2025.

Medicine Lodge has seven players back in the lineup this season, including senior Keveon Ruiz at pitcher/ infielder. Ruiz was a .329 hitter with 23 hits and 16 stolen bases. Also returning are Jack Schreiner (pitcher/ infield), Lane Brenner (outfield/infield), Mavrik Inslee (infield), Zayne Keller (outfield), Cole Fischer (catcher) and Judson Barnard (outfield). Schriener was 2-1 on the mound with a 1.75 ERA, while also hitting .250 at the plate with two home runs and 22 RBI.

“We have a lot spots to fill for the upcoming season with losing a large senior class,” Dohrmann said. “But we have a solid group returning. We will look for those guys to lead the way for the younger guys.”

Two years after claiming the program’s first state championship, MISSION VALLEY was on the verge of another crown in 2024 before coming up short to Medicine Lodge in the final.

The Vikings finished as the 2-1A runner-up, closing the season with a 24-4 overall record. Experience will definitely be on the side of Mission Valley as third-year head coach Darrin Godfrey (35-13) welcomes back seven of the nine starters from last year’s squad.

Returning to the lineup are seniors Porter Deters (shortstop) and Conner Hoelting (third base/pitcher), as well as juniors Bryce Bunger (outfield) and Sam Bryan (infield). Deter had a team-best .614 batting average with 51 hits, one homer, 32 RBI and 64 steals. Hoelting was 7-0 on the mound, posting a 2.41 ERA in 44 innings pitched. He also hit .405 with 32 hits and 28 RBIs.

“We are hoping for another deep run again this season,” Godfrey said.

One of the most dominant baseball programs in Kansas, PITTSBURG-ST. MARY’S COLGAN closed out its 2024 season with a 20-5 record, which included a third-place finish at the Class 2-1A State Tournament.

The Panthers are once again under the direction of legendary Mike Watt, who has a 668-210 overall record as he begins his 40th year as head coach at SMC. Colgan

has 21 state championships in program history, including the title just two years ago. The Panthers previously won seven consecutive titles from 2004-10 and four straight from 2013-16. Last season ended with a 10-0 win over TMP-Marian in the consolation game.

Sharing the CNC League title with 3A state qualifier Frontenac, Colgan looks to have another successful season in 2025 with the return of six starters from last year’s squad. That includes seniors Brady VanBecelaere (pitcher/ outfield) and Noah Duncan (pitcher/ catcher); and juniors Carston Simmons (infield/pitcher), Anthony Schremmer (infield/outfield), Brock Radell (first base/designated hitter) and Brady Badart (infield/pitcher). Simmons was named second team All-CNC.

“The players and coaches are excited and look forward to another competitive CNC and non-league schedule,” Watt said. “Even though overall we will be relatively young, we will have several experienced players returning for the 2025 season. I look for us to be strong defensively and on the mound. Expectations are to be in the hunt for a CNC title and to play deep into the postseason.”

After claiming fourth place in 2-1A, THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN looks to make a return to state in 2025. It was the Monarchs first trip to state at the 2-1A level. Prior to that, they had earned state berths 14 previous times in both 3A and 4A, including their last trip in 2022. TMP knocked off top-ranked Sacred Heart three times during the season, including a 5-4 decision in the regional finals. Thomas More Prep — a two-time state champion in 1974 and 1981 – beat Marion in the quarterfinal round of state before losing to eventual state champion Medicine Lodge in the semifinals.

Coach Aaron Breit’s squad finished 21-11 a year ago and will try to build on that this season with the return of players such as juniors Carson Liles (pitcher/ third base/shortstop) and Ian Nehls (outfield), as well as sophomore Logan Baalman (pitcher/shortstop).

The cooperative team of BUCKLIN/ SOUTH CENTRAL rolled through the

regular season and entered regional play 15-1 last season. They continued the momentum in the first two rounds of regional play with dominate back-toback wins over Satanta/Moscow and Elkhart by the identical 16-1 scores, but in the regional title game the B/SC dream season was upended in a 13-9 upset at the hands of Pratt-Skyline. Heading into 2025 the Bucklin/South Central team faces the challenge of replacing honorable mention all-state selections Andrew Bowman and Izaiah Pearce, but the cupboard is not bare as 13 of 19 players on last year’s roster were nonseniors, including first team all-stater JT Prusa, though coach Kyle Feikert said prior to the season he may miss the year due to an injury suffered during football season. Even so, five of the top nine batters were non-seniors a season ago, including junior Nick Feikert (.511, 20R, 23H, 9 RBI, 5 2B, 2 3B), Prusa (.351, 14R, 13H, 10 RBI, 4 2B, 1 HR), senior Kolson Cook (.342, 16R, 13H, 16 RBI, 4 2B, 4 HR), junior Jack Herd (.293, 13R, 12H, 15 RBI, 1 2B, 1 HR), sophomore Jack Willems (.289, 9R, 13H, 15 RBI, 4 2B, 2 HR) and senior Lucas Kirk (.200, 9R, 8H, 13 RBI, 2 2B, 2 HR). Feikert, Kirk and Prusa were the top three base stealers a season ago with 11, seven, and six respectively. The best news? All five of last season’s pitchers were non-seniors. Senior Leighton Konrade (4-0), Herd (4-0), Willems (2-0), and Kirk (2-0) combined to go 12-0 on the mound last season. Konrade led the rotation with 46 K’s in 35.1 innings pitched, Herd recorded 36 K’s in 22.2 innings, and Kirk fanned 34 batters in 26 innings pitched. Konrade, Herd, and Kirk also posted fantastic ERA numbers at 1.78, 1.85, and 2.42.

Experience will be on the side of CANTON-GALVA/ELYRIA CHRISTIAN this spring as the Eagles return several key players from last year’s 12-9 squad.

Seth Moddelmog begins his fourth year as head coach, compiling a 28-33 record to date. The squad has four seniors back in the lineup, including Andrew Huxman at infield/pitcher, Noah Collins at infield/ pitcher, Gavin Robertson at pitcher/ outfield and Garrett Silsby at pitcher/

outfield. Huxman is the top returning hitter with a .327 batting average that included five doubles, three triples, one home run and 18 RBI.

“This will be the most experienced team we’ve had in a long time,” Moddelmog said. “We’re led by multiple seniors that have seen a lot of baseball. We’re going to rely on them to lead the team and get us through tight situations and hopefully make a push into postseason.”

CEDAR VALE/DEXTER entered regional play 17-1 last season and posted a first round victory over Udall before falling to eventual state champions Medicine Lodge in the regional quarterfinals 3-1 to close out the year at 18-2. While the Spartans bid farewell to all-league infielder Brayden Henderson the return of Sports in Kansas All-State pitcher Jake Voegele and all-conference selections John Hess, Cooper Criss Kyle Honkomp and Cecil Vaden should give a still relatively young team the arms and bats to put another great team on the field this spring.

Brent Monihen returns for his second season as head coach at CHASE COUNTY. The Bulldogs are coming off a 12-4 campaign a year ago.

Monihen returns five players to the starting lineup, including seniors Masen Scott (utility/pitcher) and Clay Dold (outfield/pitcher). Scott was a .357 hitter with 17 RBIs, 21 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. He also had a 1-1 record on the mound with a 1.31 ERA. Dold was a

perfect 3-0 on the mound, while batting .342 with 14 runs scored and 10 RBI. Also back in the lineup for the Bulldogs are junior shortstop/pitcher Wyatt Griffin (.431 BA, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 27 R, 23 SB, 4-1, 1.67 ERA), as well as sophomores Noah Green at first base/pitcher and Clark Miller as pitcher/utility player. Green had a .442 batting average and a 1.909 ERA on the mound, while Miller hit .400.

“We’re excited for the upcoming season with a strong nucleus of five returning players,” Monihen said. “While we’ll miss our graduating seniors, two of whom were four-year starters, and the other two who made major contributions, we have high expectations for both our returning players and incoming freshmen.”

In year three as a program, CONWAY SPRINGS is looking to take a step closer to a winning season.

The Cardinals went 8-15 a year ago in Class 3A, doubling their win total from their inaugural season of 2023. Chase Bird begins his third season as head coach (12-32), returning eight players to the lineup. Back are seniors Cade Howell (catcher/outfield/pitcher), Eli Howard (shortstop/pitcher) and Grant Fisher (infield), as well as juniors Jase Downey (pitcher/catcher) and Carson Vineyard (center field), and sophomores Carson May (pitcher/outfield), Lucas Pauly (outfield/pitcher) and Maddex Hemberger (infield/pitcher).

“This will be the third season for our program, and we are excited to keep

growing and improving,” Bird said. “We won four games in our inaugural season and doubled that to eight last season. So we are looking to double that again this year.”

It was an up-and-down season for ELKHART a year ago, resulting in a final record of 9-11.

Head coach David Aranda, who begins his 12th year (149-61), is looking for his Wildcats to take strides forward this season with seven players back with experience. Four seniors are back in the lineup, including Calvin Shackelford (catcher/ pitcher/outfield), Nathan Knelsen (pitcher/ outfield), Traetyn Rhodes (pitcher/outfield) and Kaden Perry (first base/pitcher/ outfield). Knelsen had a 3.81 ERA on the mound, going 4-4 with 54 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched. He also had a .315 batting average at the plate with two doubles, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored and eight stolen bases. Rhodes was a .385 hitter, with Shackelford coming in at .375. Also back for Elkhart are junior utility/pitcher Elijah Torres, sophomore DH/third baseman Juan Villa and sophomore pitcher/OF/first baseman Eddie Moreno.

“Last season was filled with growing pains,” Aranda said. “But we started figuring it out as the season went on. I am really excited about our upperclassmen returning, and we have depth with some skilled underclassmen. We are ready for a return to state.”

Year one of FRANKFORT baseball was a success as the Wildcats wrapped up a 13-6 record. Now second-year head coach Drue Henton hopes to build on that with the return of six starters to the lineup. Back in the lineup are seniors Carter Olson (outfield/infield), Lane Loiseau (outfield/pitcher) and Ty Smith (infield/ pitcher); junior Wes Anderson (infield/ catcher/pitcher); and sophomores Peyton Adams (second base/pitcher) and Henry Letter (catcher/infield). Anderson is the top returning hitter from a year ago, posting a .538 batting average with 35 hits, 12 doubles, two home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. Olson hit .519 with 28 hits, seven doubles, three triples, one home run, 19 RBI, 40 runs scored and 26 stolen bases.

“We learned a lot in our first year as a program,” Henton said. “We return a majority of our team from last year and

look to improve on our regional runner-up finish last year.”

Eight players return to the lineup for third-year head coach Jeremy Melvin and his JACKSON HEIGHTS squad. The Cobras are coming off a 5-12 campaign a year ago. They welcome back Drake Mellies, Kade Holliday, Dillion Childs, Cooper Hewitt, Teagen Bowhay, J.W. Moore, Hayden Schultejans and Ian Allen.

“We want to get better each day and compete,” Melvin said.

Senior leadership will key for LEBO/ WAVERLY this season following a 9-12 campaign a year ago.

Jason Konrade begins his seventh year in charge of the Wolfdogs, compiling a 58-39 record to date. Eight players return this season, including seven seniors — Drew Konrade (pitcher/catcher/outfield), Zach Oswald (first base), Eli Hauff (center field), Ashton Lattimer (outfield), Teagan Kelley (outfield), Andy Foltz (outfield) and Eli Ellis. Oswald is the top returning hitter with a .419 batting average, 27 hits, three home runs and 33 RBIs. Kelley returns to the mound after posting a 3.41 ERA. Also returning this season is sophomore Kaden Baldwin (shortstop/pitcher).

“We have a great group of seniors as well as a good group of freshmen coming in,”

Jason Konrade said. “We should have a record number of players on the roster this year, which is very exciting. We are looking to improve our pitching dramatically after struggling on the mound last year.”

Over his long career, Terry Renken has seen plenty of success at LITTLE RIVER, posting a record of 215-133. So coming off a 5-17 campaign a year ago, the Redskins hope to see improvements in 2025.

Renken begins his 16th year in charge and has a total of seven starters returning to the lineup. That includes seniors Logan Renken (pitcher/shortstop) and Spencer Strecker (pitcher/first base); juniors CJ Herzog (outfield), David Crandall (third base) and Kelby Rice (outfield); and sophomores Kelltyn Grasser (second base) and Elijah Stagner (third base).

“We plan on improving from last year,” Renken said. “We were a very young team who learned a lot.”

Scott Perkins begins his first year as coach at LYNDON. The Tigers are coming off a 2-13 season a year ago. Perkins had four players back to provide some experience — Eli Feltner at shortstop, Keifer Haney in the outfield, Aiden Walker at pitcher and infield, and Josh Vignery at catcher.

“We are excited about what this year brings by establishing a new tradition,” Perkins said. “We are planning on being a surprise to the league.”

Following a one-win season a year ago, MARAIS des CYGNES VALLEY will be looking for some valuable experience from that squad to pay off in 2025.

Head coach Jeremy Lingenfelter, now in his fourth year with the program, has seven players back from last year’s 1-19 squad. That includes a pair of seniors in Sam Goddard (left field/pitcher) and Trey DeCavele (right field/pitcher). Also returning are juniors Ty Calderwood

(third base/pitcher) and Jayden McClincic (catcher/pitcher), as well as sophomores Landon Reed (second base/pitcher), Dalton Lingenfelter (shortstop/pitcher) and Landon Traver (center field/catcher).

“We gained good experience last year,” Lingenfelter said. “We competed very well in most games. I would like for us to take that step forward and pick up some more wins this season.”

With just one senior returning to the starting lineup, MARION will be relying on younger players to enjoy success in 2025. The Warriors were 21-5 last season, beating top-seeded Sedgwick to claim the regional championship before falling to TMP-Marian 9-0 in the opening round of state. It was the eighth state tournament appearance in program history. One year earlier, Marion finished as the state runner-up to Colgan. Head coach Roger Schroeder, now in his 15th year (230-68), will rely on four upperclassmen to lead the way this season including senior Lander Smith at first base, outfield and pitcher. Other returning players will be juniors Jameston Looper (outfield/catcher), Kadon Mercer (first base/outfield/pitcher) and Carson Krause (infield/pitcher). Looper is the top returning hitter with a .348 batting average, two doubles, four triples and 28 RBI. Mercer was 2-1 on the mound with a 3.31 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.

“We will be a younger team this season light on varsity experience outside of a handful of players,” Schroeder said. “Depth on the mound will be an issue early in the season as we find out what younger players are capable of.”

Entering his 20th year in charge of NORTHEAST-ARMA, Shane Wade will be looking to a bunch of younger players to build some success this season. The Vikings are coming off a 12-13 campaign a year ago. Their leader this season will be pitcher/ center fielder Spencer Wade, who had a .468 batting average with 31 runs scored, 19 RBI and 16 stolen bases.

“We are going to be young this upcoming season,” Wade said. “These players have played in the past summers but still will be very young at some positions.”

Returning eight starters, head coach Adam Kufahl and his ONAGA squad look to build off last year’s 15-4 season. Kufahl enters his fifth year as head coach, posting a 55-31 record to date. Experience will be on the side of the Buffaloes with eight starters back, led by pitcher/shortstop Jackson Kolterman. The senior was a .618 hitter with eight home runs and 37 RBI, while also going 7-4 on the mound with a 2.45 ERA and 47 strikeouts. Three other seniors are back in pitcher/utility player L.J. Koelzer (.323 BA, 1 HR, 24 RBI,

25 R), pitcher/first baseman Jacob Ronnebaum and right fielder Dylan Magnett. Also returning are juniors Isaac Wegner at second and Keagan Venneberg in left field, as well as sophomores Casen Hutfles at pitcher/ catcher and Xavier Berges at DH (.405 BA, 12 RBIs, 19 R).

“I feel great about our team defensively because of the returners, many who are multi-year starters,” Kufahl said. “The areas of concern are the lack of tested pitchers and filling in the bats of the two seniors we lost who were both all-state players. If we can find a way to answer those questions, I feel really good about our group.”

Jeremy Moss takes over an OSWEGO program that went winless a year ago at 0-20. The Indians have no full-time starters back in the lineup this season.

“We will not go winless or win one or two games as the last few years,” Moss said. “My goal is minimum five to eight wins.”

With all nine starters back in the lineup this season, OXFORD should be a threat near the top of the Walter Johnson/South Central Border League in 2025. The Wildcats, under the direction of 13th-year head coach Kyle Green (133-112), is seeking their first state appearance since 2017 and third under Green — also doing so in 2015. Several key players are back from last year’s 12-11 squad, led by honorable mention All-Class 2-1A and all-league selection Conor Commerford, a senior, at pitcher and in the outfield. Three other seniors are back in the lineup, including All-WJL/ SCBL first base/pitcher Johnny Elliott; honorable mention catcher/pitcher Johnny Schroeder; and outfielder Sam Wheeler. Also returning to the lineup are juniors Tucker Ruyle (third base/pitcher), Pearson Rush (catcher/ outfield), Kellen Green (shortstop/first base) and Gage Lewellen (outfield/ second base), and sophomore Mason Ruyle (DH/infield/pitcher).

“We return pretty much our whole team, which was young last year,” Green said. “We are an experienced group now and return three of our four top arms on the mound.”

Led by All-Class 2-1A selection Austin Green, PLEASANT RIDGE should have the tools to make some noise this season following a 16-6 campaign a year ago. The Rams are under the direction of third-year head coach Justin Green (32-12). He welcomes back six players to the lineup, including seniors Austin Green (first base), Hank Lance (middle infield), Coben Hoppe (outfield) and Jackson Haverkamp (outfield). Austin Green picked up allstate honors after hitting .621 at the plate with 24 runs scored, 31 RBI and seven home runs. Also returning are jurors Reily Gillaspie (middle infield/

Hayden Kearney, Valley Falls, Senior (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 46 catcher) and Brady Mance (pitcher).

“Austin is an all-state returner and will put up big numbers for us this season,” Justin Green said. “We have three returning Northeast Kansas League first team players and one first team Kansas All-State player returning. We are expecting big things out of our underclassmen this year as we lost a lot of talent last season to graduation.”

For the first time in the five-years existence of the program, PRATT-SKYLINE advanced to state a year ago. Head coach Lee Kendall led the Thunderbirds to a 13-11 overall record. After beating Bucklin/South Central to claim the championship of the Elkhart Regional Tournament, they suffered a first-round loss to Mission Valley at 2-1A State. Skyline lost its top three players to graduation, in Brayden Berens, Justus Novotny and Griffin Wallace. Berens capped off his career with 29 school records.

After going 0-20 a year ago, REPUBLIC COUNTY is hoping to take a first step towards a winning program in 2025. Fourth-year head coach Jesse Hodgson (10-47) begins the challenge of establishing a winning attitude in a program that returns six starters from a year ago. Republic County has just one returning senior in right fielder Owen Cole, who was a .257 hitter. Four juniors are back, including pitcher/shortstop Aden Morris (.500 BA), pitcher/shortstop Adam Krohn (.458), first baseman Zach Stenson and left fielder/pitcher/second baseman Conner Sheetz. Also back is sophomore Nick Kendall (.367) at pitcher, center fielder and catcher.

“Last year was full of a lot of challenges with a team that had no seniors and only one junior,” Hodgson said. “As a team that is still pretty young, we are looking for constant improvement week to week. Developing pitchers that can be efficient and go deeper into games will be critical for us this year.”

Kenny Swart begins his second stint as head coach at ROSSVILLE. He previously spent one season with the Bulldawgs back in 2014, posting an 18-4 record. Rossville is coming off a 12-6 campaign a year ago. Swart welcomes back a strong group of experience that includes seniors Brock Bush (first base/pitcher), Seth Catron (middle infield), Logan Kufahl (pitcher/ outfield), and Jared Cunningham (catcher/first base); juniors Canann Mitchell (shortstop/pitcher), Cameron Miller (pitcher/outfield), Conner Bush (pitcher/utility), and Jacob McDonnell (outfield); and sophomore Cael Horgan (pitcher/catcher).

“We return a lot of experience and talent and have a good group of younger players that will be able to learn from the wealth of experience we bring back,” Swart said. “We expect this team to continue to work hard, put in the time, buy in and build off of our experience to have a successful season.”

One win away from a trip to state, SACRED HEART is looking to take that next step this spring.

The Knights closed out last season at 20-3, finishing things off with an 8-4 loss to Thomas More Prep-Marian in the regional final. Dalton Dooley, now in his seventh year (64-38) as head coach, may have the right pieces to take that next step with the return of seven starters. Back to the lineup are seniors Leon Rowe (catcher), Leo Ngiraindong (infield) and Brady Wells (pitcher/ outfield), as well as juniors Cayson Ivey (first base) and Luke Roland (infield), and sophomores Noah Hines (infield) and Graham Armstrong (first base/pitcher). Wells was a perfect 5-0 in 22 1/3 innings pitched with 18 strikeouts and a 3.44 ERA. As a freshman, Armstrong was a .429 hitter at the plate, while also posting a 2-0 record on the mound with a 0.55 ERA and 16 strikeouts. Rowe had a .421 batting average with 24 hits, seven doubles and 35 RBIs.

“We have a good core of returning starters,” Dooley said. “I’m excited to get the season started.”

There’s plenty of uncertainty for SATANTAMOSCOW this season following last year’s 1-17 mark. Head coach Tim Dusin begins his 11th year in the Indians program, posting a 41-115 record to date.

“We are a young group starting fresh this year, and I don’t know what or who will play where,” Dusin said. “We have struggled with pitchers the last couple years. I have a young core of young pitchers, which will help us to be competitive this year.”

SEDGWICK ended another great season with a tough loss to Marion in the regional title game to finish 19-4. Gone from that squad are standouts Sterling Lies, Jeff Nold and Jackson Scarlett but back to continue the tradition of Cardinal baseball are five players that earned some level of Heart of America all-league honors: pitcher Corey Crumrine, third baseman Karson Wall, outfielder Braeden Briggs, utility player Owen Looper, and designated hitter Micah Hanson. Seeing its overall numbers on the roster more than double this season will be SOUTHEAST-CHEROKEE, which looks to build off last year’s 5-12 record. The Lancers are under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Ryan Wydick (51-28). He returns two key players to the lineup this season, including sophomore Tyler Warner (catcher/pitcher/utility) and junior Zayne Gabern (outfield/pitcher). Warner was a .446 hitter with 14 RBI, 18 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Gabern hit .452 with 11 RBI, eight runs scored and seven steals. “Last season, we played with only 10 total, and this year we have 23 signed up,” Wydick said. “There should be a big turnaround. We have some outstanding freshmen who should contribute in big ways on the mound and in the field.”

In his fourth year as head coach, Dalton Laird will be looking to rebuild the SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY program this season. SLC is coming off a 14-4 campaign. Laird has a 63-17 record during his first three years in charge of the program.

“This is the start of a program rebuild,” Laird said. “We have lots of young talent.”

Fourth-year coach Luke Burns has plenty of experience returning for his VALLEY FALLS program following a 19-5 campaign a year ago.

Burns has a 56-16 record during his time in the program. That included last year’s trip to the Class 2-1A State Tournament, which resulted in a 6-5 first-round loss to eventual state champion Medicine Lodge. The Dragons have nine players back with varsity experience, led by senior Hayden Kearney (shortstop/ pitcher/catcher), who was a .548 hitter with 15 doubles and 14 stolen bases. He also had a 2.08 ERA and 5-1 record with one save on the mound. Other returning players include juniors Collin Kearney (outfield/ pitcher/catcher), AJ Reeves (outfield), Carter Pickerell (outfield), Grant Meyer (outfield), Brady Nellis (first base) and Dylan Herring (designated hitter/catcher), along with sophomores Damian Cervantez (second base/outfield) and Brayson Miller (third base/pitcher). Collin Kearney finished with a .494 batting average with 41 RBI, while also posting a 5-1 record and one save on the mound with a 4.03 ERA. Other notable players include senior Trenten VanHoutan, who led 2-1A in strikeouts last year with 105 while playing at Oskaloosa; sophomore Matt Stapp (infield/outfield/pitcher), who previously played at Jefferson West; and senior Myles Reich (outfield/pitcher), who started as a sophomore but did not go out his junior season.

“I am very optimistic with the year ahead of us,” Burns said. “We have been really young the last two years, and I think the growth and maturity started to come out at the end of last season. We had a lone senior last year in Zac Evans. Big shoes to fill, but behind the leadership and experience of our now seniors and juniors, we have expectations to compete with any team we face.”

All-Three Rivers League First Team catcher Kaiden Rutherford returns to lead YATES CENTER/ BUFFALO-ALTOONA-MIDWAY. The Wildcats finished with a 5-16 record a year ago.

Entering his third year as head coach, Jarrod McVey (9-32) welcomes back five starters to the lineup. Rutherford returns as a senior at both catcher and pitcher. He is joined by senior William Stackhouse (second base/outfield); juniors Blake Morrison (third base/pitcher) and Kage Beck (outfield/pitcher); and sophomore Evan McVey (infield/pitcher).

“We return the core of last season team,” McVey said, “with some great experience, several underclassmen coming in that are gonna help and a group of guys that will work hard together and that want to accomplish a goal together to get our program back into competing for league and district titles.”

Brian Thomas is the sports editor for the Montgomery County Chronicle.

6A SOFTBALL

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

After a dominant 21-3 season in 2024 that ended in a regional championship loss to Olathe South, Olathe North’s softball team is set to return to the field with high expectations. Led by a talented senior class, head coach Bree Ederer’s squad looks to build on past success and make a deep postseason run.

“Our senior class is a great group of hard workers that will provide great leadership to the younger players,” said Ederer, who enters her ninth season at the helm with a career record of 141-49.

Olathe North boasts an experienced core of returning starters, including five bats that were over .300 last season. Among them are standout seniors Abbie Walden (SS, .562), Lailah Simmons (C, .419), Sophie Herman (OF, .390), Stella True (1B, .305), and junior Emily Stipsits (OF, .377).

Leading the way for that group is the all-state trio of Walden, Simmons, and Herman.

A dynamic presence at the top of the lineup, Walden led the team with 50 hits last season, setting a school record. She hit .562 with a .579 on-base percentage while driving in 24 runs and scoring 38. Her speed on the bases resulted in 16 stolen bags, and she struck out just once in 24 games.

“Abbie’s speed provides a spark at the top of our lineup,” Ederer said. “Batting from the left side, she has a variety of ways to get on base, putting the ball where the defense isn’t, which makes her a very tough out.”

Defensively, Walden is a rock at shortstop.

“She is the anchor on the infield at shortstop, making difficult plays look routine,” Ederer said. “Her consistency in the infield provides great stability for our team.”

Walden was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Sunflower League in 2024 and participated in the MoKan All-Star Game. She is the Olathe North High School record holder for season hits and was a MoKan Offensive Player of the Year nominee. She will continue her academic and athletic career at Colorado Christian University.

A powerful presence at the plate, Simmons set school records for single-season doubles (20) and career RBIs (92) last season. She batted .419 with a .721 slugging percentage, collecting 36 hits and 41 RBIs while striking out just four times. Behind the plate, Simmons was a

defensive force, allowing only five stolen bases in 148 innings.

“Lailah provides a lot of power at the plate and tends to be a clutch hitter when her team needs her the most,” Ederer said. “ … She has earned the respect of the league with her strong arm and ability to block.”

Simmons was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Sunflower League while earning Olathe North’s MVP honors. She also played in the MoKan All-Star Game and received the Earl Award for Infielder of the Year. She will continue her career at MidAmerica Nazarene University, where she plans to study psychology.

A steady and powerful bat in the lineup, Herman hit .390 with 30 hits, 26 RBIs, and three triples last season. She recorded a .466 on-base percentage and a .597 slugging percentage while scoring 27 runs.

“The culture we have on our team at Olathe North makes it easy to want to represent and be a part of.”

“Sophie provides a consistent and powerful bat,” Ederer said. “She does a great job of hitting the ball where it is pitched and finds a way to get on base. Defensively, she is our leader in the outfield, playing center field, communicating well, and running down balls in the gap.”

Herman’s accolades include Second Team All-State, First Team All-Olathe, and First Team All-Sunflower League in softball. She was also recognized for her achievements in volleyball, earning AVCA Best and Brightest First Team and KVA All-Academic First Team honors. She will continue her softball career at Emporia State University.

But before she officially becomes an ESU Hornet, Herman intends to pay forward the guidance she has received from past teammates.

“My personal goal is to excel as a leader for my team and guide us to an incredible and successful season,” Herman said. “I have had amazing leaders in the past and have looked up to them and I would like to fulfill that role this season.”

And for all three of the senior trio, their last hoorah in

an Eagles jersey this spring means a lot.

“Whether it is just practice, a game, or somewhere off the field, I always want to uphold what it means to be a part of our team,” Simmons said. “It is important to me that I give everything I can to my team both on and off the field. The culture we have on our team at Olathe North makes it easy to want to represent and be a part of.”

Walden echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the pride of representing Olathe North.

“Playing while wearing Olathe North means giving all my effort, supporting my teammates, and never giving up no matter the score,” she said.

Northwest builds elite program

By Charles Chaney, Butler Co. Times-Gazette

The defending Class 6A champion, OLATHE NORTHWEST is riding high heading into the 2025 season. After finishing fourth in 2023, the Ravens came through in 2024 to win their fourth state title in school history. Under head coach Shawn Lopez, ONW has developed into one of the premier programs in Class 6A.

“While our goal remains to defend our title, we acknowledge the challenges ahead,” Lopez said. “Fortunately, we have several key players returning from last year’s championship team, each of whom gained invaluable experience.”

Leading the way is Kennedy Glassford, the Johnson County signee. She hit .371 with six home runs and 32 RBIs a season ago. She also had a 2.10 ERA for the Ravens. Future Emporia State’s Lily Winright will catch. She hit four home runs while batting .333 last season with 27 RBIs. In all, Olathe Northwest has at least four pitchers, Anna Stesia (3.578 ERA with 6-2 record), Hannah Butterbaugh (4.00, 1-0) and Ashtin Winter, who can clean upf or the Ravens in the Circle.

They still have plenty of bats with Piper Greeson, who is heading to Avila, and Avery Laha, who hit .436 last year as a sophomore with 10 RBIs. Greeson hit .353 with 16 RBIs and three home runs.

After a surprising run to the Class 6A state championship game, HAYSVILLE-CAMPUS is back and hoping to win the big game this year. Campus cruised into the state tournament last season as the three-seed in the west. They upset Free State in run-rule fashion in the quarterfinals and beat upstart eighth seed Olathe South in the semifinals to set them up in the finals against eventual champion, Olathe Northwest.

Now, the Colts are back and hoping to find some players to step up and get them back to Wichita State and a run at another title. Head coach Doug Stanley said they’ll be solid on offense and defense. They will have to replace seven seniors, including their top two pitchers from last season. That’ll start with a group of players who gained valuable experience last year as freshmen. Alexi Butler, Emmy Cooper and Lilly Clements all made their impressive last year. Clements was fourth on the team in batting with .421 average, six doubles and 30 RBIs. Cooper hit .383 and Butler hit .346, respectively. Outfielder Ava Strohm, who hit .414 last year with 14 RBIs and 11 steals in 22 games is back. Kamdyn Minnick is back after she hit .397 last year with 21 RBIs. WASHBURN RURAL returns most of their lineup after losing only four seniors from last year’s team. One of those seniors was all-world pitcher, Makayla Ekis. She’s now pitching in college, but the Junior Blues have sophomore Olivia Koch and junior Reagan Chapman to pick up the slack in the circle. In all, they return seven of their 10 starters from the state tournament. That

(L-R): Abbie Walden, Lailah Simmons, Sophie Herman (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

includes two sophomores who saw action all season as freshmen in Koch and Justice McBurney.

Expectations are sky high for OLATHE SOUTH heading into 2025. After starting six freshmen on varsity last year and qualifying for the state tournament, eventually finishing fourth, the Falcons think the sky is the limit this season.

“We are young but we gained a ton of experience last season that will help us meet our goals this year,” coach Katie Burkhardt said. “They know what it takes to play at this level and what they need to do to be competitive.”

The Falcons upset top-seeded Derby in the first round of state, turning the field upside down. They would drop the next two but that’s set the stage for this year.

They’ll have to replace Riley Braden, who pitched the most innings last year -she’s off to Rockhurst - but Annika Whitcomb and Haylie Houfek, who saw limited action last year, were stellar in their appearances.

At the plate, they’re stacked. Gabby Frantz hit .481 as a freshman with three homers and 36 RBIs. She struck out only six times last season. Houfek hit .330 herself with 12 RBIs. Whitcome hit .392 with 10 RBIs and five doubles. Cameran Clutchey hit .327 as a sophomore with eight doubles, two triples and three homers. Liv Larson, a doit-all player, hit .325 with five homers and 30 RBIs.

After making their first state appearance in nine years, BLUE VALLEY WEST has to replace eight seniors from last year’s state qualifying team. Coach Tyler Dickerson returns junior Camryn Carlisle, senior Adlyn Mieras, junior Bella Diggs and sophomore Penelope Johnson for a good foundation after last year’s 22-6 season.

BLUE VALLEY knocked off defending state champion Olathe West in the regional final to punch their ticket to state, highlighting a successful, 17-12 season. The Tigers graduated five seniors from that team. They’ll have to find a replacement for their top two pitchers in Ava Bloyd and Maggie Richardson, who have graduated. They’ll look to Caleigh Richardson, who threw in limited relief last season. Her 4.36 ERA was team best. The Tigers welcome in new head coach Ashley Jenkins. She’ll have the leading hitter from last season returning, Ashley Rindom, who has committed to Benedictine. She hit .465 last year with 15 doubles, three triples and two home runs with 24 RBIs. Juniors Ellie Reinart (.341 BA, 21 RBIs) and Audrey Erickson (.364) return as well. Coach Charley Brown of LAWRENCE FREE STATE has to replace eight of his 10 starters from last season. Sophomore Sarai Preston and senior Delaney Bruhns return for the Firebirds after a 19-7 season ended with an appearance in the 6A state tournament. They run-ruled Dodge City and then beat Manhattan to punch their ticket. Sophomore Mallary Hice could step into the circle. A first round state upset left DERBY with a hunger heading into 2025.

“We are excited about this team’s potential,” head coach Christy Weve said. “We do return a strong core of players. We have many who will be competing for positions throughout the season.” Derby does lose Addyson Canfield to McClennan College, a JUCO powerhouse in Texas. They’ll be looking to Ava Boden, a senior, to be one that steps up and picks up the responsibility. She had a 2.30 ERA with a 5-2 record and a save in the circle last year and batted .339 with 23 runs scored. Sophomore Kelby Clingan saw limited action but the Panthers are excited about her potential after a 2.65 ERA, five saves and a 2-1 record. At the plate, leadoff hitter Karlie Demel is back as a junior. She hit .411 last year with four homers, 25 RBIs and 18 steals. She also scored 44 runs for the Panthers. Loren Sweat will join Demel in the outfield. She hit .397 with 20 runs scored last year. Carsen Carpenter hit .323 last year with 11 doubles, 23 RBIs and 13 steals. Senior second baseman Jersey Ramirez hit .337 with 10 doubles and 26 RBIs last season.

The 2023 state champs, OLATHE WEST returns a lot of experience from last year’s 18-9 squad.

“We will have five seniors this year and will have a lot of experience and leadership returning in addition to some new freshman talent,” coach Cynthia Adams said. That starts in the circle with Brevyn Kellpouris. The senior carried a 2.00 ERA with 15 wins last year. She also hit .520 at the plate with nine homers and 34 RBIs. She’s heading to DI Central Arkansas. Maliyah Warren commands the infield for the Owls as she hit .434 last year with seven home runs and 27 RBIs. She drew 22 walks. Emma Heinemann hit .482 last year, upping her average from .317 the year before. Lindsay Ruder’s speed in the outfield is back. She hit .383 last year with two home runs and 19 RBIs. Kyla Crawford, a senior who will do anything that’s asked plays all over, hitting .308 last year with a homer. A name to watch for is Celise Kellepouris. The sophomore will spend time in the outfield and in relief. She hit .309 last season and was 4-1 in the circle with 3.00 ERA.

OLATHE NORTH was the No. 1 seed in the east playoffs before falling to upstart Olathe South in the regional final. They’re hoping to take a similar 21-3 record this year and turn it into a state tournament appearance. Head coach Bree Ederer says they have a lot of experience back which should help.

“We are returning eight of nine starting positions on the field,” she said. “Our senior class is a great group of hard workers that will provide great leadership.”

Abbie Walden, committed to Colorado Christian next season, returns for the Eagles. Last year, she hit .562 with four doubles a triple and 24 RBIs. She also stole

16 bases. Lailah Simmons hit .419 last year, the second best returning average behind Walden. She’s going to Mid-American Nazarene next year, but first she’ll try to improve her team best 41 RBIs, 20 doubles and two homers. Another senior, Sophie Herman is back in the outfield. The Emporia State commit hit .390 last year with seven doubles and 26 RBIs. Division I Lindenwood commit, Stella True had 18 RBIs and hit .305 last year for the Eagles and will play first. Emily Stipsits is a junior in a sea of seniors. A DI South Dakota commit, she hit .377 last year with 25 RBIs, seven doubles and five homers.

After making the regional final last year, MANHATTAN has to replace Centennial League Player of the Year Reagan Neitzel, now at Johnson County Community College. They do return Kat Ball, who hit .284 last year with three homers and 12 RBIs. Also, Isabelle Peabody had 24 RBIs while batting .345. Gracy Neitzel hit .297 as a freshman last year and was second on the team with six steals.

Fresh off a 19-9 season that ended in the regional final against Washburn Rural, MAIZE returns a bunch of experience, according to coach Jeff Topping.

“We will go as far as our pitching, defense, and timely hitting take us,” he said. “We need to be one cohesive unit all pulling in the same direction.”

Maize has Charlotte Kerbs, an all-star golfer, as well as an efficient hitter. She went .385 at the plate last year with a homer and 21 RBIs. Hadley Topping returns for her senior eyar after hitting .351 with six doubles and 10 RBIs. Danica Miller, another senior, hit .333 last year.

The Eagles also return first team players in Lila Collins, who hit .322 at the plate with seven doubles and three home runs last year, and Joslynn Stiglitz, who has the best returning average at .419. She also led them in the circle, striking out 64 batters in 86 innings and carried a 3.72 ERA. Another junior, Grace Swart, will share the duties as she struck out 50 with a 3.58 ERA in 72 innings.

TOPEKA HIGH has three seniors. Leading the way is All-Centennial player Jo’Mhara Benning. She’s joined by Montgomerie Freel (second team All-Centennial), and Lauren Backman. Junior Taimane Isais was a second team all-league pick. Becca Gately, Campbell Dawson (honorable mention), Eva Joyce and Catie Fulton should make a splash for the Trojans this season as well.

Coach Joanne Calvin enters her 15th season at GARDNER-EDGERTON, with her Blazers coming off a 16-12 season in the always tough Sunflower League.

“We have a small group of leaders in our returning seniors, tons of talent in our junior group, and lots of freshman and sophomores to round out the team.”

Maileigh King returns after hitting .479 last season with 46 hits. She was a first team all-league selection last year. South Dakota State commit Charlee Latteman was honorable mention all-league as a sophomore. She’s back after hitting .425 with five homers and 44 RBIs. Junior Ava Yokley will lead the way in the circle. Her highlight last season was a 1-hit shutout in a 10-0 win.

MILL VALLEY is coming off a 10-16 season and hoping to push above .500 this year. They return Makenna Brown, a sophomore who had a stellar season last year as a freshman. She hit .471 with a home run, 14 RBIs, and was named to the second team all-league.

“Our team is loaded with young talent and experienced upperclassmen,” head coach Jessica DeWild said. “We should see major improvements and hope to finish toward the top of the Sunflower League.”

New head coach Aaron Kealey knows his team will have to build some depth this year, though he’s excited to get started at WICHITA HEIGHTS.

“This year will be a challenge as we lost a couple of key players, but we have some girls that want to step up.”

Jaime Jimenez will share duties in the circle and work the middle infield after hitting .475 last year with two homers. Senior Hayden Wettstein hit .500 for the Falcons last year with five homers and 30 RBIs. They’re excited about sophomore catcher Jada Wilson, who hit .298 last year. Senior Maci Morgan pitched 63 innings last year and should be a nice complement to the circle.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST will have three senior leaders that will set the tone for the Huskies this year.

“We hope to continue to play the game at a competitive level that allows us to improve each and every time we take the field,” head coach Kim White said.

Seniors Sumaya Edwards, Claire Wilkinson, and Gabi McFall all return and were impactful this year and are expected to take a step up. Edwards and Wilkinson were second team EKL picks last year. Edwards hit .295 with eight doubles and walked 16 times with 21 RBIs. Edwards also led the Huskies in the circle, throwing 124 innings. She struck out 71 batters with a 3.33 ERA. Wilkinson hit .286 with a home run and 11 RBIs. McFall had a .264 average with seven doubles and 13 RBIs last year. Ash Titus and Lola Hadley are two heavy club ball players and should be everyday players. Ash Titus will catch after hitting .292 last year with three triples and 14 RBIs. Hadley had eight runs scored and three RBIs last year.

DODGE CITY finished 6-21 after a 12-1 first round regional loss to Free State, but improvement could be on the horizon thanks to the return of All-WAC selections Tatum Steiner and Emma Bell. GARDEN CITY was 9-16 a season ago, but all three All-WAC selections - Piper Harris, Kyleigh Whitehurst, and Yasmin Angeles - were underclassmen. LIBERAL went 6-19 last season with just one All-WAC selection, second team pick Taylor Harding, a junior last season.

Lily Winright, Olathe Northwest, Senior (Photo: ONW Facebook)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Coming off a 26-5 2024 season that ended in a fourth place finish at the 5A state tournament, Maize South is back in 2025 with an elite nucleus. Holding a 40-13 record through his first two seasons, Mavericks’ head coach Cody Stucky is entering his third having already directed one of South’s four state tournament seasons in the program’s 15 season history.

Leading the way is senior pitcher and third baseman Sophie Stockam, a UNLV signee and dominant twoway player. Stockam posted a 15-1-1 record with a 1.80 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 2024 while also batting .389 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs.

Sophie was lights out last year as a junior,” Stucky said. “Not only had incredible success in the circle being almost unhittable throughout the season, but also hit the cover off the ball in the threehole for us. She works really hard at being a great softball player and there’s no question that she’s a D1 talent.”

5A SOFTBALL

Stockam has set high goals for herself and her team this season.

“My two biggest goals for this season are for our team to win state and for me to get Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year,” she said. “I am working towards my goals daily and participating in community activities through National Honor Society.”

Senior catcher Lizzy Lassley is another key returning piece. Lassley, who hit .396 with a .508 on-base percentage last season, scored 37 runs and stole eight bases and has been a steady leader behind the plate.

“Lizzy is not only an outstanding defensive catcher, but she is also a very dynamic leadoff hitter from the left side of the plate which is a bit of a rare combination,” Stucky said. “The past couple of seasons, I would have loved to give her some time in the outfield, but she has been so valuable to us behind the plate that it’s very difficult to pull her from catching. Offensively, she works the count, leads the team in walks and stolen bases and has an extremely high OBP.”

Lassley, who will continue her career at Butler Community College, has been working to improve her hitting since last season, despite her impressive numbers.

“I am getting extra batting practice after every practice,” she said. “... Competing for my team is everything to me. I want my team to have trust in me, and I always do my best to lead my team and have a good attitude.”

Junior shortstop Kiley Thornquist returns after a breakout 2024 season in which she hit .519 with a .568 OBP, 48 RBIs, and 44 runs scored. An all-state shortstop, Thornquist has been a staple in Maize South’s lineup and on defense.

“Kiley is one of the best, most talented players on both sides of the ball that I’ve ever coached,” Stucky said. “She has started every game of her high school career at shortstop and has been dynamic with her glove. Offensively, she is coming off quite possibly the best season of any girl I’ve ever coached in 20 years.”

Thornquist, who plans to play college softball and study biology after she graduates next spring, is

focused on leadership this year.

“I want to be a better leader for my team and lead them to state,” she said. “I am working really hard and staying focused on getting better.”

Joining the returning trio is sophomore Kinslee Cottner, who adds depth in the circle and at third base. Cottner hit .319 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs while going 10-3 with a 2.90 ERA and 71 strikeouts as a freshman last season.

The Mavericks will look to build on last season’s success and take the next step toward a 5A crown.

“Everyone understands that pitching is vital to success on the softball field.”

Spring Hill softball enters the 2025 season with a determined mindset after finishing third in the Class 5A state tournament last year. The Broncos, led by head coach Corey Katzer, posted a 28-3 record in 2024 and are eager to build on that success. Katzer, now in his fifth season at Spring Hill, has compiled an 87-16 record with the program and holds a 251-63 overall career mark.

At the center of the team’s ambitions is senior Jaleigh White, a standout pitcher and outfielder who dominated in all facets of the game last season. White was named the Kansas Class 5A Player of the Year after hitting .533 with 57 hits, 16 doubles, 10 home runs, and 61 RBIs. In the circle, she was just as dominant, posting a 15-2 record with a 0.86 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and only 13 earned runs over 106.1 innings pitched. Her two-way excellence was a driving force behind Spring Hill’s deep postseason run.

“Everyone understands that pitching is vital to success on the softball field,” Katzer said. “When you have one that is as dominant as Jaleigh has been over her two seasons demonstrates that. Both years helping to lead the Broncos to the state tournament and last year finishing with a third place state finish.

As dominant as Jaleigh is in the circle, she is also that dangerous at the plate. She brings power, clutch hitting, and speed.”

White’s impact extends beyond statistics and raw talent, however.

“She is a true leader who builds relationships with everyone who is a part of our program,” Katzer said. “She brings a consistent and positive attitude along with a bulldog mentality to the field everyday and that mentality is what makes her special. She helps to make everyone around her a better ball player. As great a softball player Jaleigh is, she is an even better person constantly going out into the community and volunteering her time to make her community a better place.”

White is committed to continue her softball career at the University of Central Arkansas after graduation, but this spring, has unfinished business to tend to.

“My goals for this season are to beat each record that I set last year and to bring home that first place state trophy,” White said. “We have had it at our fingertips in the past. Now it’s what gives our whole team the motivation to make it our team goal this season.”

Spring Hill brings back a strong core of returning starters alongside White. Seniors Campbell Mermis (RF/DP/C, .319, 14 hits, 8 doubles, 1 home run, 23 RBIs, 23 runs), Nora Burrell (3B/C, .471, 40 hits, 17 doubles, 24 RBIs), Halle McFarland (3B/DP, .391, 27 hits, 25 RBIs), Ellie Ruffin (CF/RF, .391, 25 hits, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 22 RBIs), Emma Reeves (1B, .387, 43 hits, 19 RBIs), and Quinn Thomson (OF, .368, 14 hits, 10 RBIs), along with juniors Olivia Fraley (2B, .396, 38 hits, 6 home runs, 29 RBIs) and Jadyn Kistner (P/OF, 43.1 IP, 5-0 record, 39 strikeouts, 4.20 ERA).

“This program is amazing and the chemistry that our team has is truly something special,” White said. “The credit doesn’t just go to me but to the team that stands in-front and behind me that truly makes me look good. The care and support that our community gives us is so special and we are truly blessed to have that.”

Blue Valley Southwest has a multitude of key players to replace in 2025 after graduating five seniors last May, including two Division I standouts in Bailey Weber (Kansas) and Riley Baber

(L-R): Lizzy Lassley, Jaleigh White, Sophie Stockam, Karte r Skillman, Kiley Thornquist

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 52 (Missouri State). However, two major pieces return from that 2024 squad that finished 15-12 in seniors Karter Skillman and Lily Unruh. The Timberwolves, led by second-year head coach Anne LeVar-Hash, will look to add experience around their core after a 6-3 first-round regional loss to St. James Academy ended their 2024 campaign.

Skillman was a force at the plate in 2024, posting a .460 batting average with 40 hits, including five home runs, eight doubles, and a triple while driving in 27 runs. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team forward.

“Skillman will return for her senior season and no doubt once again make an impact at the plate,” LeVarHash said. “She has a take-charge, assertive leadership style that could be used to promote future success of the program.”

Unruh also returns as a vital component, bringing a .434 batting average with 36 hits and 16 RBIs. Along with softball, Unruh is a standout on the basketball court, and along with Skillman, helped lead the Timberwolves to a 5A state tournament appearance. LeVar-Hash praised her versatility and impact.

“Unruh doesn’t just make big plays on the basketball court,” LeVar-Hash said. “She’s a multifaceted athlete who uses her speed and agility as a middle infielder to make the big plays. Lily is a threat both on offense and defense. She also is incredible at leading by example every single day.”

For Skillman, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to finish her high school career strong while enjoying the journey with her teammates.

“Some goals I have this season [are] playing to my fullest every game and practice,” Skillman said. “Since it is my last season, I want to have fun and make the best of every moment I get to spend on the field with my teammates.”

Her journey has not come without challenges. Skillman suffered a serious injury in an out-of-season softball tournament in Colorado in June of 2022, breaking her tibia and fibula in a collision at shortstop. After a grueling overnight drive with her mom all the way from Colorado back to Kansas City due to a lack of availability, surgery was performed the next day, requiring the insertion of a metal rod and screws in her shin.

“Coming back from the injury was physically and mentally the biggest challenge I have ever had to face,” Skillman said. “Even though it was hard, I tried to stay positive and stay determined to come back better.”

The road to recovery was grueling, forcing her off her feet for two full weeks. But despite a 12 month recovery prognosis, Skillman was back on the diamond six months later and hasn’t looked back.

Skillman’s high school career has generated numerous accolades to date. A four-year varsity starter, she helped BVSW win the Eastern Kansas League and regional titles as a freshman. She earned EKL second-team honors as a sophomore and was named the Timberwolves’ Offensive Player of the Year as a junior. She also earned first-team all-state honors from KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas in 2024. Beyond softball, Skillman has excelled in basketball and track and field. She holds multiple school records in rebounding, field goal percentage, and charges drawn, as well as track and field marks in discus, javelin, and shot put. She has made two state

appearances in track, securing a podium finish in discus last spring.

After high school, Skillman will continue her softball career at Lindenwood University, where she plans to major in sports marketing and management with a minor in social media marketing.

Carroll, Great Bend return loaded rosters

By Mike Courson, For Kansas Pregame

Wichita-area teams have ruled the softball diamond in recent years with Bishop Carroll winning titles in 2021 and 2024 and Valley Center taking back-to-back crowns in 2022 and 2023. ANDOVER will look to improve upon a 7-18 record from last year. The Trojans return first-team all-league first baseman Ella Friederich for a final season. Senior Brodie Christensen was another first-teamer in the outfield. Senior Allie Conrad returns as an all-league honorable mention at shortstop, and senior McKinley Castleberry was an honorable mention at third base.

ANDOVER CENTRAL finished last season a little better at 16-12. The Jaguars return one of the top second baseman in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail DII in sophomore Tessa Cooper, who earned first-team honors in her first varsity season. Senior Taylin Tabor, an allstater and another first-team pick at shortstop, gives Central one of the top middle infields in Central Kansas. Sophomore Payton Converse returns to the outfield as yet another first-team all-league pick last year. If softball is pitcher-dominated, the Jaguars are also in luck with second-team picks Kaylee Davis and Adleigh Stedman, both seniors, back in 2025.

ARKANSAS CITY just missed a .500 record last spring. Junior Haylea Sampson returns as an AVCTL-II honorable mention at shortstop, but the Bulldogs also lost two honorable mentions to graduation in Paige Smith in the outfield and Madi Jennings at second base.

One of the final eight teams playing last spring was BASEHOR-LINWOOD, which ran into eventual champion Bishop Carroll in round one of the state tournament. Susan Mayberry, back for a 28th season as coach (414-170), led the Bobcats to a 20-6 record and returns plenty of firepower in 2025.

“This season will be another challenge for us,” she said. “We look forward to watching and seeing who will step into leadership roles both vocally and production-wise.”

The Bobcats do lose a pair of first team all-staters in Kaleigh Small and Harley Baker, but do return senior Addie Thorn behind the plate and junior Abby Reilly in the circle to complete an experienced battery. Juniors Ella Loun (2B) and Addison Murphy (1B) also return to the infield, as does sophomore Trinity Deters at third base. Sophomore Kailey Steineger (P) and Aubrey Ziolo (DP) also return with varsity experience.

But Class 5A softball usually runs through BISHOP CARROLL and that will likely be the case again this spring as Steve Harshberger returns for a 12th season

with an overall 226-16 record at the school. Just two players from his state championship team graduated.

“We are looking to pick up where we left off,” Harshberger said. “We lost some big bats last year, but we know that young girls are ready to step up and take on new roles and make an impact.”

Golden Eagle sophomore Keira Stripling emerged as one of the top players in Kansas last year after hitting at a .611 clip with 55 hits, 71 runs, 24 RBIs, 10 doubles, and five triples. She also pitched in 15 games, carrying a 2.34 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 74.2 innings. She helped the Eagles to 11 wins in the circle. Junior Allyson Orth carried another 62 innings in the circle with 63 strikeouts and a 1.58 ERA. Junior Izzy Pfannestiel completes the rotation after striking out 46 in her 27 innings of work last year with a perfect 7-0 record.

Senior catcher Olivia Navarro batted .458 and drove in 31 runs, junior Natalie Thimmesch returns at second base after batting .328, and senior Lilly Martin is back in the outfield after she batted .393 with 36 runs scored and 25 more driven in.

Anne LeVar-Hash returns for a second season at BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST after leading the Timberwolves to a 15-12 record in her first season.

“After losing five senior starters last year, we will be building a new standard for Timberwolf softball,” she said. “I am really excited about this year’s freshman class, as well as the leadership of our seniors.”

LeVar-Hash loses first-team all-stater Bailey Weber in the outfield but does return first-team all-state utility player Karter Skillman. The senior batted .460 last spring with five home runs, eight doubles, and 27 RBIs. Fellow senior Lily Unruh brings back another big bat (.434, 30 1B, 5 2B, 16 RBIs, 14R).

BONNER SPRINGS won six games last year and looks to replace some key talent, including All-Frontier Leaguers Autumn Ashford in the outfield and Laiken Buell in the infield. Senior Emma Lara returns as one of the top catchers in the league.

De SOTO is in a similar position after finishing around .500 last season. All-UKC first-teamer Casey McCollum leaves an outfield spot vacant. Senior Jade Chames brings experience back to the infield as a second-team all-league pick, and junior Zoe Church returns as one of the top utility players in the United Kansas Conference.

Tom McClure battled some inexperience in his first year in EMPORIA. The result was a 6-17 record but a nice group of returners in 2025.

“We have a good young core returning for us this season and have some big expectations,” he said. “We will look to get our defense established early and put ourselves in a good spot for postseason play.”

Junior Alivia Barrett returns to the circle with a high 6.127 ERA but also an impressive 98 strikeouts last season. She also batted .286. Junior Yzabel Ultreras returns to the outfield after batting .354 with 10 RBIs.

Junior Marley Sewell completes a dangerous duo in the grass after batting .347 with nine RBIs. Junior centerfielder Molly Williams returns as one of the top defensive players in the Centennial League. Seniors Bailey Schlesener (.314, nine RBIs) and Ryane Howe (.273, 12 RBIs) return to the infield.

GODDARD and GODDARD-EISENHOWER deal with some key losses from last spring. Natalie Klenda was a first-team All-AVCTL-II pitcher for Goddard, and Karlee Ford was a first-team all-stater for Eisenhower. Grace Hembree was a second-team pick behind the plate for the Lions, and Aubrey Pate was Eisenhower’s ace in the circle. All four have graduated, but Goddard returns junior Sariah Potter, a second-team pick at third base, and junior Addilyn Nelson, one of the league’s best designated players. Sophomore Kylie Hahn returns to Eisenhower’s outfield after a successful freshman campaign where she batted .337 and drive in 15 runs.

Riley Dreher, Hays, Senior (Photo: Submitted)

Senior Karli George hit .341 for the Tigers with 17 RBIs.

GREAT BEND ended a nine-year state drought last spring only to run into eventual third-place finisher Spring Hill in the state tournament opener to finish the year at 22-7. Carrie Minton, back for a 15th season (177-111), returns virtually her entire roster from last year.

“We are extremely excited about the upcoming season,” she said. “We have the majority of our roster returning and they are looking forward to building on the great season they had last year.”

Senior DeShawnna Bryant roamed the outfield and earned first-team all-state honors after hitting .489 with 16 doubles, 38 RBIs, 27 runs, and 12 stolen bases. Sophomore Kya Behr, a second-team allstate pick at second base, returns as one of the state’s top sluggers (.486, 20 2B, 3 HR, 42 RBIs, 40R, 9SB). A still-young squad also includes sophomore Camdyn Post in the outfield (.418, 17 RBI, 34 R, 9 SB) and junior Kamryn Koelsch behind the dish (.412, 18 RBI). Junior outfielder Ava Kaiser reached base at a .653 clip and scored 13 runs, and junior outfielder Katherine Mazouch hit .283 with 11 RBIs and 15 runs. Juniors Alyssa McCauley and Denver Ringo return to the corners after combining for 37 hits and 35 runs. McCauley hit four homers and drove in 19. In the circle, Chayla Prendergast is back after a 10-2 freshman campaign with a 4.20 ERA and 64 strikeouts. Junior Braelyn Turner also returns after striking out 70 with a 3.81 ERA and 7-4 record. Staying in the Western Athletic Conference, HAYS HIGH finished just above .500 at 15-12. Senior Riley Dreher returns as one of the top pitchers and hitters in the league. As a junior she carried a .425 average with 28 hits, three homers, eight triples, nine doubles, 27 runs scored and 33 driven in at the plate and went 7-6 in the circle with a 2.51 ERA. Junior Dani Willeford returns as a second-team All-WAC selection and will help fortify the lineup. The Indians do take a big hit with the graduation of WAC Player of the Year Aubree Thomas. “It will be a year with a lot of new faces taking the field for Hays High,” coach Abby Gillan said.

HUTCHINSON won just a few games last year but does return some promising talent this spring. Junior Kohlbie Craft was a second-team All-AVCTL-I pick at first base, and junior Sadie Marciano was an honorable mention in the outfield.

KANSAS CITY-PIPER was another United Kansas Conference winner with a regional title and first-round state exit to end the season at 20-6. All-stater Sage Grann has taken her talents to Southern Illinois University. KC-TURNER

finished 9-13 and senior Jerzey Hanna returns as a first-team All-UKC pick in the infield. KC-WASHINGTON loses the Meadowlark League Player of the Year in pitcher Arianna Leaper from a team that finished 6-9 a season ago. KC-SUMNER

ACADEMY finished 10-9 a season ago after a 13-1 loss to Lansing in regional

play. The Sabres placed four athletes on the All-Meadowlark team last season with first team selections Ariana George, Aliyah Huges, and Keneth Rodriguez, and second team pick Miah Trowbridge. Back in the UKC, LANSING will look to rebound from last year’s 14-14 season. Junior Gracelyn Collins returns to the circle after earning secondteam all-league honors last spring.

LEAVENWORTH struggled in the win column last year and must replace two of its top players in all-league picks Hailey Garcia in the infield and Jada Eagle as a utility player.

MAIZE SOUTH is another Wichitaarea school that excelled last spring. The Mavs finished the year at 26-5, including a round-one state win over Topeka Seaman. Third-year coach Cody Stucky (40-13) said last year only made this year’s team hungrier.

“We’re excited to get going and should be pretty good this year,” he said. “The girls would like to try and go further than we did last year.”

Stucky gets back a pair of All-AVCTL-I pitchers in sophomore Kinslee Cottner and senior Sophie Stockam, both who double at third base. Cottner struck out 71 with a 10-3 record and 2.90 ERA. At the plate, she batted .319 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. Stockam provided a similar power line with eight homers and 40 RBIs to go with a .389 average. Senior catcher Lizzy Lassley was another first-team pick (.396 BA, .508 OBP, 19 RBIs, 27 R, 8 SB), as was junior shortstop Kiley Thornquist (.519 BA, .568 OBP, 48 RBIs, 44 R, 7 HR).

Also in the AVCTL-I, NEWTON post nine wins in 2024 with their 14th loss of the season in a one-run affair with Great Bend in the regional opener. Senior Chavi Krehbiel is back after earning first-team all-league honors at second base, and junior Kinlee Unruh was a second-team pick in the outfield. The Railers do lose first-teamer Abby Koontz at third base.

In the southeast corner of the state, Chanc Gomez is ready to take over a PITTSBURG team that finished last year at 17-8 and just missed the state tournament after a regional championship loss to Basehor-Linwood by just one run, 2-1.

“We are excited for the upcoming season and a new look to Dragon softball,” he said. “We return three really good starters, and we are also adding four really good players to the team that haven’t been out the previous years.”

Key returners include senior Gabbie White at the hot corners, and classmates Heather Mowdy and Hailey Gray as utility players.

Expectations are high all around Salina.

At SALINA SOUTH, Brea Vidrine, back for a third season (30-20), led the Cougars to a 19-9 mark last year.

“This year will be exciting for our program because we are bringing back seven letterwinners from last year,” she said. “We were able to hit our stride at

the middle of last season where we were able to come back with huge wins and were one run away from returning to the state tournament. This team has one goal in mind and it starts from day one.”

Junior Paityn Fritz (a DI UNLV commit) returns as a first-team AllAVCTL-I utility pick after batting .378 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 16 runs. In the circle, she carried a 2.50 ERA with 106 strikeouts and a 14-4 record. Senior Macy Yost also returns to the circle (1.75 ERA, 5-5, 30 SO), and also carries a big stick at first base (.345, 14 RBIs, 22 R, 2 HR). Other key returners include senior Sadie Xaysongkham in the middle infield (.182, 12 R), senior Hannah Gardner at third (.273, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 19 R), senior Morgan Janousek in the outfield (.329, 25 RBI, 18 R), senior Makenzie Langer in centerfield (.318, 15 RBI, 25 R, 1 HR), and senior Chloe Helsel in the corner outfield spots (.250, 5 RBI).

SALINA CENTRAL finished last year at 10-17 but sixth-year coach Alyssa Waldron also has high expectations for her Mustangs.

“We’re excited for the upcoming season as we’ve retained a strong core of talented players while adding even more promising talent to the roster,” she said. “With experience and depth on our side, we’re looking forward to a competitive and successful season.”

Central has a pair of on-base machines in sophomore infielder Harper Turpin (.447, 8 RBI, 15R), and senior pitcher and

infielder Valerie VanZant (.419, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 13 R). Sophomore Katy Wagner had a successful season in the circle, at short, and at the plate (.316, 6 RBI, 8 R). Other returners include junior utility player Ellie Riekhof (.276, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R), junior catcher Brooke Banninger (.200, 5 RBI), and sophomore outfielders Grace Ostmeyer, Lilly VanZant, and Bailey Bruce. Ostmeyer and VanZant combined for three home runs as freshmen, and Bruce will spend some time in the circle.

Further east down I-70, perennial softball power SHAWNEE HEIGHTS is coming off a 17-8 season under seventhyear coach Tara Griffith.

“While we return a couple of girls who have a lot of varsity experience, we are going to be very young across the board,” Griffith said. “The young girls coming up are extremely hungry to play and are exceptionally hard workers, and we are very excited to see what they can do.”

Senior second baseman Taylor Brees was an easy All-UKC first-team pick after batting .507 with 31 runs scored and 21 RBIs. Senior Gracie Proctor earned her first-team selection in the circle where she posted a 7-2 record with a 2.37 ERA. She also provided a valuable bat with split time at first base (.451, 3 HR, 8 2B, 10 RBI). Senior utility player Dayana Miller (.389, 2 3B, 13 RBI) and senior outfielder Madison Richert (.346, 5 2B, 18 RBI) also return.

SPRING HILL strung together one of the best seasons in the classification

last year, finishing at 28-3 with a 2-1 record at state, including a 3-2 win over Maize South in the consolation game. Corey Katzer, with an 87-16 record at the school and a 251-63 record overall, remains optimistic heading into 2025.

“I am very excited about the upcoming season,” he said. “We have a lot of experience with nine returning starters and both starting pitchers. We have multiple underclassmen who are ready to be key contributors.”

Senior Jaleigh White was a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. She earned first-team all-state honors as a pitcher after posting a 15-2 record with a 0.86 ERA and 121 strikeouts. At the plate, she batted .533 with 10 home runs, 16 doubles, and 61 RBIs. Senior Nora Burrell was a second-team all-state at third base and catcher (.471, 17 2B, 24 RBIs). Senior Campbell Mermis can play virtually anywhere (.319, 23 RBIs), and junior Olivia Fraley provides pop out of second base (.396, 6 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 29 RBI). Halle McFarland and Ellie Ruffin both batted .391 and nearly split 47 RBIs. Emma Reeves, first base, and Quinn Thompson, outfield, batted .387 and .368, respectively. Junior Jadyn Kistner pitched her way to a 5-0 record in 43.1 innings with 39 strikeouts and a 4.20 ERA.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS made it all the way to the 5A championship game before a loss to Bishop Carroll ended its season at 25-5. First-team All-EKL pick Kelsey Schenck is now a DI volleyball player but first-team pitcher Aurora Sweetland returns for her senior season. Sophomore Clara Pinkham had a big freshman season to earn first-team All-EKL honors in the infield.

TOPEKA SEAMAN’s success in other sports carried over into softball last season as the Vikings made a trip to state and nearly toppled Maize South in a 3-2 loss to end the year at 22-7. Daniel Ruda takes over a program still primed for success.

“I am really excited for this season,” he said. “We

return a lot of talented players, including our entire pitching staff. We look to compete for a UKC title and a return trip to the state tournament.”

Senior catcher Raegan McConnell earned secondteam all-state honors after a big year at the plate (.522, 46 H, 35 RBIs). Junior Aubrey Warren at shortstop also contributed to big numbers offensively (.462, 50 H, 32 RBI). Junior Kinsley Smith also excelled at the plate (.441, 30 H, 22 RBIs), and in the outfield where she finished the year with a perfect fielding percentage. In the circle, senior Kaelyn O’Rourke earned second-team all-state honors after striking out 151 batters with a 1.89

Junior Addison Sibley

include senior utility

outfielder Anna McLaughlin

and sophomore pitcher Acey Thompson

Across town, third-year coach Matt Gilbreth is ready to turn the page on a 5-19 season at TOPEKA WEST “We are excited about the amount of talent we have coming back this season,”

he said. “We play in one of the tougher leagues in 5A, but we are working to turn last season’s bumps into positives this season.”

Returning for the Chargers is senior Callie Jones, an All-UKC honorable mention in the circle. Junior Isabelle Kutina was another honorable mention in the utility spot that returns to the infield. Other returners include junior infielder Addaline Hall, junior outfielder Breonnah Keeling, junior pitcher and infielder Christina Briggs, junior pitcher and infielder Ahlexis TenEyck, sophomore utility player Emilee Muse, and sophomore catcher Haylee Jessepe.

After winning the last two 5A titles and posting a 46-4 combined record in the process, VALLEY CENTER was upset by Goddard in the opening round of regional play to fall to 17-8 in 2024. The Hornets do have some key pieces back in 2025 that will serve as building blocks for a potential return trip to state. That begins with junior pitcher Emily Freeby, an All-AVCTL-II first-team selection in the circle, and junior Katie Abasolo, another first-team selection in the outfield. The trend continues with second-team picks in juniors Avery Davison at shortstop and Abreya Perry in the outfield.

Bishop Carroll stole many of the headlines, but Wichita’s other private school in the classification still piled up 16 wins. KAPAUN MT. CARMEL senior Kylie Cartwright returns as a first-team all-league first baseman, and senior Charlie Hoffman returns as one of the best outfielders in the Greater Wichita Athletic League. Senior Lena Ramsey was a second-team pick in the circle, and the Crusaders also get back young talent in second-team picks sophomore Ashtyn Rocha in the middle infield and junior Lucie Glover as a utility player.

Mike Courson is a veteran sportswriter in central Kansas.

Atwood, Beloit, Colby, Ellsworth, Goodland, Hiawatha, Hoisington, Holton, Marysville, Medicine Lodge, Norton, Oakley, Phillipsburg, Plainville, Sabetha, Smith Center, www.pizzahut.com St. Francis, WaKeeney and Wamego!

ERA.

pitched to a 10-1 record with a 2.75 ERA and 20 strikeouts. Other returners

Kayleigh Neill (.307 BA), senior

(.342, 21 RBIs),

(4-1 record).

Keira Stripling, Bishop Carroll, Sophomore (Photo: Submitted)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Fresh off their second straight Class 4A state championship and third since 2021, Wamego softball enters the 2025 season with high expectations. The Raiders, led by head coach Luke Meyer, finished the 2024 season with a 25-4 record, capping it off with a dominant 5-0 win over Andale/Garden Plain in the state title game. Meyer, now in his seventh year at the helm, has built a powerhouse program, holding a 94-26 career record.

“We were a young team in 2024,” Meyer said. “I am looking forward to seeing the growth in this team in 2025. Our girls have high expectations and have worked extremely hard in the offseason.”

Wamego returns several key contributors from last season’s championship squad, including senior pitcher Peyton Hardenburger, senior catcher Kyra Olberding, and senior outfielder Arabell Razzano.

Hardenburger, one of the most decorated players in Kansas high school softball history, was dominant in 2024. She finished with a 15-1 record, a minuscule 0.30 ERA, and 288 strikeouts. Offensively, she hit .459 with 23 RBIs and four home runs. Her career numbers are staggering, boasting a 0.28 ERA, 652 strikeouts, 13 no-hitters, and only one career loss. At the plate, she owns a .462 career batting average with 63 RBIs and six home runs.

“Her accolades and dominance speak for themselves,” Meyer said. “What most people don’t know is she is a great leader. She does not expect anything from her teammates that she does not expect from herself. Her drive and motivation have elevated our program beyond measure.”

Hardenburger, the 2024 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, also earned the 2024 Sports in Kansas All-Classes Player of the Year, 2024 MaxPreps Player of the Year, and first team All-North Central Kansas League pitcher honors, among a long list of accolades. She will continue her career at the University of Tennessee, majoring in broadcast journalism.

“My goals for this season are to obviously help my team take home our third straight state championship,” Hardenburger said. “I never set award-based goals, always progress-based goals to make sure I can get better every single game.”

Behind the plate, Olberding has been a steady force for Wamego. The senior caught every inning of every game last season, finishing with a .311 batting average and 20 RBIs.

“She does not expect anything from her teammates that she does not expect from herself. Her drive and motivation have elevated our program beyond measure.”

“Kyra has been a silent leader for our program,” Meyer said. “She does what is asked of her with zero complaints. She has been Peyton’s catcher since they were freshmen.” Olberding, a 2024 Sports in Kansas second team All-State selection, was also named the NCKL All-League catcher, and the Manhattan Mercury’s Flint Hills All-Area firstteam catcher. After high school, she plans to attend Kansas State University and major in kinesiology.

“My ultimate goal for this season is to continue to contribute my skills and leadership to the team in order to achieve another 4A state title,” Olberding said.

Razzano emerged as a key contributor last season, hitting .316 with 18 RBIs and two home runs while anchoring the Wamego outfield, where she recorded zero errors on 12 attempts in the outfield.

“Arabell is the type of kid that every coach wants leading their program,” Meyer said. “She has played four different positions for our program between JV and varsity. Last season she became the leader of our outfield. She doesn’t say much but she speaks loudly with her attitude and her effort. She has climbed the ranks from being a role player to being a key part of our success.”

A Sports in Kansas second team All-State and NCKL first-team All-League outfielder, Razzano will continue her softball career at Barton Community College while pursuing a degree in nursing.

“Competing for my school and representing my team means everything to me,” Razzano said. “I love being a role model to young kids who look up to my team. Representing such a deserving team with everything we have accomplished is the best honor and feeling.”

4A SOFTBALL

The Raiders also return a strong trio of sophomores, including shortstop Alana McCarthy (.525 BA, 1.605 OPS, 13 HR, 50 RBI, SIK All-State), pitcher/third baseman Landri Adams (.337 BA, 5 HR, 24 RBIs, 2.45 ERA, 132 K’s, SIK All-State second team), and second baseman Tulsa Schultz (.245 BA, 3 HR, 10 RBIs).

The three sophomores, like the senior trio that is currently leading the Raiders, have seen the ramp up of major Wamego softball success, and with that have a special connection with their team and community. Particularly, the youth in the Wamego community who they sign autographs for and frequently interact.

“For the past four years I have never been more than grateful for the team I have had,” Olberding said. “I’m extremely blessed to be a part of a strong program and have the opportunity to continue on building the legacy for future Lady Raiders. It’s special knowing that younger girls look up to us as role models and it gives me the purpose of being the best I can be.”

Can Wamego make it a three-peat?

By Charles Chaney, Butler County Times-Gazette

What do you do when you win back-to-back state championships? You go for a third. For WAMEGO, that’s the goal in 2025 as they return a lot of experience from last year’s championship squad. That includes Tennessee signee, Peyton Hardenburger. Everyone remembers her historic state semifinal game against Clearwater, where she threw 199 pitches in 17 innings and eventually helped the Red Raiders to another title. She was the only starter returning to last year’s title squad. This year, she’ll have plenty of help. Along with her 288 K’s and 0.30 ERA, she’ll have Kyra Olberding catching. The senior batted .311 last season with 20 RBIs. Fellow senior Arabell Razzano returns in the outfield, after she hit .316 with 18 RBIs and two homers.

“We were a young team in 2024,” head coach Luke Meyer said. “I am looking forward to seeing the growth in this team in 2025. Our girls have high expectations and have worked extremely hard in the offseason.”

Hardenburger will have a bunch of sophomores who were instrumental last season as freshmen. Alana McCarthy, Landri Adams and Tulsa Schultz will control the infield. They all hit above .245 last season and combined for 21 home runs. McCarthy hit 13 of those and carried a .525 average, while Adams hit .337 with 24 RBIs. She also tossed 132 K’s to be the ying to Hardenburger’s yang in the circle.

When you make the state championship game in your first season as head coach, expectations can get pretty high, but ANDALE/GARDEN PLAIN skipper Erin Carney - an Andale alum and former Wichita State softball player - isn’t shying away from any expectations. When you’re at Andale/Garden Plain they’re expected.

“We’ve got a great group of returning players, and I’m excited to build on the experience we’ve gained together,” Carney said. “The familiarity and chemistry we’ve developed will be a huge asset as we work toward achieving our goals. I’m confident that with our strong foundation, we’re in for a fantastic season ahead.”

Andale returns both of their pitchers from last season. Junior Elsie Johnson threw 62 innings with a 5-3 record, and sophomore Jayna Lies threw 103 innings last year, going 9-4. They’ll have senior Emery Benson-Hladik behind the plate. she drove in 39 runs and batted .500 and added nine homers. Johnson had 20 RBIs last season as well. Senior Miley McKim hit .385 with 17 RBIs, while junior Bella Cates hit .329. Sophomore Paige Stanhope hit .299 with 26 hits and 19 RBIs last season.

(L-R): Arabell Razzano, Peyton Hardenburger, Kyra Olberding

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 56

HUGOTON/MOSCOW returns a bunch of starters from last year’s 12-win team. They fell in a tough regional matchup vs. Mulvane last year but a handful of seniors are ready to watch the Eagles take the next step. Lexi Hickey (catcher), Janette Gonzalez (3B), and Kenia Gonzalez (2B) should be some of the driving force to their success this season.

“We have the potential to be a solid all-around team,” head coach Stu More said. “ Finding consistency in all phases of the game will be the key.”

Hickey hit .375 last season with 17 RBIs and scored 31 runs. Janette Gonzelez hit .379 with 38 runs scored and walked 22 times. Kenia Gonzales scored 18 runs. Juniors Emily Tinoco and Naftali Tinoco combined for 45 runs and 25 RBIs. Emily will also look to lower her 5.68 ERA in the circle.

ROSE HILL will hope to see a bounce back after last year. Coach Brooke Huemann returns Kadance Heumann, Emma Hastings and Addie Rea, three seniors who have played since they were sophomores.

“We are looking to rebound this season,” coach Heumann said. “We have a great group of seniors that want to leave a mark on the program.”

Kadance hit .394 last season for the Rockets and was nearly perfect in the field. Rea will split time in the outfield and behind the plate. She hit .260 last year. Hastings, another senior, hit .300 last season. They’ll also welcome in Bluestem transfer, Bridget Mohr, to the team. She hit .595 with the Lady Lions and helped them to the 2A state tournament two seasons ago. Her 47 hits and six home runs should be a boost of power at the plate for Rose Hill. She also threw 47 innings, with an 0.89 ERA in the circle.

CIRCLE will be looking to repeat their success as they made their first ever state tournament appearance last year. They’ll have to do it by replacing all-world pitcher, Ellie Randall, who was one of last season’s most intriguing stories by competing in high school sports for the first time after spending her first three years of high school home-schooled. She posted a 12-4 record last season, with 114 strikeouts and a 1.83 ERA. When not pitching she was in the outfield and was also a star at the plate where she hit .482 with 37 RBIs and 44 runs scored.

Now she is now striking out batters at Butler Community College.

“We have one senior with a very strong junior class, along with three sophomores,” head coach Jason Schropp said.

Harlee Fowler will return as the lone senior. She has started and played since her freshman year. She hit .402 last season with 35 hits and eight doubles. She also had 34 RBIs. She can pitch if the Lady T-Birds need. Whitney Wilbur is likely to step into the starter role in the circle after she pitched 55 innings last year, going 9-2 and striking out 52 while carrying a 4.71 ERA. Wilbur was solid at the plate, as well. She hit .352 with two triples and 23 RBIs. Kendyl Acker, the junior, is also a power at the plate, with a .360 average and eight home runs last season. She had 34 RBIs to lead the Lady T-Birds. Logan James, Sava Tunnel and Hayden Fowler are a trio of sophomores who were impactful as freshmen. James was fourth on the team in batting at .392. Lauren Swilley, another sophomore, hit .352 with two home runs and 30 RBIs. Brynn Bowman should see time in the circle and in the outfield.

Despite losing four starters from last year’s 13-win squad, ABILENE is hoping they can make some noise in Class 4A. They do return senior pitcher, Brooklyn Haaga to lead the way as one of three senior leaders.

“We lost four starters last season and I’m excited to see who will step up to fill those roles,” head coach LouAna Taplin said. “We have a lot of returning talent and I can’t wait to start.”

Haaga hit .277 and had 18 hits and 11 RBIs last season. She also had a 3.2 ERA for the Cowgirls. Tailyn Needham hit .333 with 11 RBIs as a junior and Kambree Bryson hit .338 with 16 RBIs to lead the Cowgirls last year. Another senior, Jordan Singler hit .308 with 24 runs scored and will be the big-time catcher this season. Three sophomores who played significant innings last season should see their roles increase in Josie Keener (.195 BA), Hallie Johnson (.250) and Charlie Elliott (.318). Johnson and Elliott will also see time in the circle for Abilene.

There’s a lot of experience returning for AUGUSTA who finished just 7-18 last season but is looking for significant improvement this spring. Led by then-

assistant, and now head coach, Rhett Mallon, the Lady Orioles return a ton of experience from one of the best bats in the AVCTL last season.

“Everyone returns outside of one senior from last year,” Mallon said. “Should be an exciting team to watch. Will be a contender if our young pitching can develop.”

Last year, Augusta scored at least six runs in 15 of their 24 games. They’re hoping the young pitching can come through and push Augusta back above .500. Juniors Regan and Ryler Pfiefer return in the outfield. Becca Skov, Bracyn Landers, Camrea Riley, and Kylee Stueven will control the infield. Landers and Riley were both saw time in the circle last season. Chloe Wignall, a sophomore, should provide some depth for the Lady Orioles as well. Junior Hadley Wells was a key part in the lineup last season.

The CHAPMAN Irish enjoyed a quality season with a win over rival Abilene in the regional quarterfinals before falling by one-run to Scott Community in the regional championship game to finish 14-10. All four all-conference selections were nonseniors last season with then-freshman infielder Jai Rogers and then-junior outfielder Taylor Gustafson earning first team recognition and then-freshman infielder McKenzie Leighty earning honorable mention. But the key to Chapman’s continued success this spring is likely the return of All-North Central Kansas League pitcher Madalynn Harold. As a junior last season, Harold won 11 games and struck out 176 batters. She’s also key at the plate where she batted .361 with three homers and 26 RBIs.

After being upset in the first round of the regional last season, PRATT and head coach Mike Forshee is looking for some redemption heading into the 2025 season. Coming off an 18-win season, the Greenbacks are hoping for their first state appearance since 2021.

“ We have a good nucleus of experience returning, both starters and part time starters,” Forshee said. “We set high goals, expect to be competitive and strive to get better every day.”

The Greenbacks have eight key players back this season, including two seniors,

Renee Hamm and Anastin Teasley, who is also a solid golfer for Pratt. Hamm hit .412 last season at second base, while Teasley hit .343 at third with 23 hits, 19 RBIs and one home run. Mica Stapleton will catch and hit .453 last season with three home runs. Her power at the plate and control behind the plate will be instrumental for Pratt’s success this season. Addison Sowers hit .382 last season with 12 RBIs and Hope Hughes hit .424 with 10 RBIs. They have a handful of sophomores who should be big time contributors. Taylor Creadick hit .545 with 45 hits last season and 22 RBIs. She led the Greenbacks in multiple categories. Dallie Winklepleck carried a 2.20 ERA in the circle, going 10-4 last year. Savannah Copus also pitched, going 7-2 and had a 2.64 ERA. She also hit .344 with four home runs as a freshman.

Jesse Kollmeyer’s MULVANE Wildcats were close to making back-to-back state tournament appearances before Circle stunned them late. This year, the Wildcats are hoping to get over the hill as they bring back a bunch of power from last year’s 18-10 squad.

“We have the next girl up mentality with players ready to step in and fill the gaps that were left from graduating seniors,” Kollmeyer said. “ We bring back a lot of experience from last year’s team.”

They’ll have four big seniors who will be keys to their success. Olivia Ellis hit .308 with 17 RBIs last season. Regan Witt had four home runs, 33 RBIs and hit .277 last year. Makaylen Warner had 16 RBIs, 25 hits and hit .253 at the plate. Reece Lazier hit .347 and had six doubles to lead the Wildctas. Junior Jaryn Baker hit .390 with two home runs and 20 RBIs. Kindley Kendrick had 10 RBIs, while batting .385. Sophomore Sophia Bruce carried a 4.42 ERA and struck out 36 batters in the circle as a freshman. She went 8-5 and in 77 2/3 innings.

EL DORADO returns seven starters from the 11-win squad. That’s the most wins in an El Dorado season dating back to 2002 when they won 10 games. Under head coach Dommi Locke, the Lady Cats have progressively gotten

Bracyn Landers, Augusta, Junior (Photo: Submitted)

Madalynn Harold, Chapman, Senior (Photo: Submitted)

better and are looking for a breakout season.

“This is going to be a hard-working team with seven returning starters from last year who work really well together,” Locke said. “We have a tough schedule from the get-go, but we will be ready for the challenge.”

That’ll start with junior Isla Nesmith. She’ll return in the circle as she pitched 146 innings last year and struck out 90 batters. She also hit .316 last year with 15 RBIs. Sophomore Kam Parker hit .462 to lead El Dorado last year. Quinn Sundgren is back in the outfield as she hit .390 and had five doubles. Senior Kegan Motter hit .366, while junior Jenna Hadley hit .338 last year. Lilly Hamlin was a do-everything for the Lady Cats, hitting .329 with two triples and 11RBIs. Kardyn Nielson had two home runs as a freshman and will play some infield for the Lady Cats.

FORT SCOTT made the state tournament last season after a dominant regional championship victory over El Dorado, but the Tigers fell hard in the state opener against Circle, 7-1, to finish 20-6 on the season. Coach Danny Renfro’s team should be positioned for a return trip to the state tournament this season thanks to the return of five players that earned some level of postseason honors a season ago including Allie Brown, Raylee Cowan, Abbie Gorman, Kyndal Aikin, and Aubrey Yarick. Brown, a Pitt State commit, will lead the way for the Tigers. A three-time all-state selection, Brown batted .500 last year with 36 hits and 30 runs scored. She was an on base machine with a .636 OBP and 30 walks. She also kept the line moving with 15 stolen bases at a 100% clip, and she flashed her power with seven doubles, seven triples, and a homer. Brown is joined by the majority of last year’s varsity contributors, leaving Fort Scott among the top teams in 4A entering the season.

hit .359 last year and had five doubles and 15 RBIs. Juniors Karly Waun and Kylie Habiger both will be big for the Grizzlies this season. Habiger had eight doubles last year, while Waun had 12 RBIs and 18 runs scored.

LARNED/La CROSSE is fresh off a 12-win season and are looking to build some momentum. They do lose their Reinert sisters but Teagan Walker is the best returning player at the plate, hitting .375 last season in 23 games. She had three triples and a home run to go along with 31 RBIs. Sophomore Brooke Simmons hit .295 last year in 18 games and had a double and seven RBIs. Senior Karley Lemuz was second on the team last year with 19 RBIs. She also pitched 31 innings and struck out 39 with a 4.78 ERA. Senior Madison Wood threw 95.2 innings and went 8-8 in the circle. She struck out 60 and had a 3.73 ERA.

In his first year as coach, John McManigal, will see a young team in the field for HOLTON. Last year, Holton went 9-14 and were knocked out of regional playh by Labette County in eight innings. This year, coach McManigal said there might be some growing pains. They only have two seniors and a lot of newcomers, he said. Jacy Cook and Maddy Bontrager return as the lone seniors. They do have three juniors to fill out the upper-class help with Lili Tanking, Kennedy Smith and Bailey Kathrens. Two sophomores in Marley Gilliland and Tinley Wilson, will share pitching duties fort the Wildcats.

After losing a large senior class to graduation, HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS will need to have younger players step into key roles this season as the Cardinals bump up to 4A. After a 20-7 mark last year H/CP lost a total of seven seniors from that group, including six starters. Head coach Tim Boxberger, beginning his fifth year (79-20), must fill those spots while relying on the three remaining full-time starters from a year ago — seniors Ellie Crawford (pitcher/shortstop), Kylie Kempke (third base/center field), and Claire Crutcher (catcher). Crawford was 9-2 in the circle with a 1.04 ERA, striking out 90 batters in 74 innings pitched. She also hit .417 at the plate with 35 hits, seven doubles, two triples, five home runs and 29 RBI. Kempke was also a .394 hitter with 25 RBI. Boxberger does have four other individuals that were parttime starters in seniors Gabby Reif (utility) and Mackenzie Foulger (third base), and sophomores Brynn Carlton (utility) and Marly Brewer (third base/second base).

“We lost a lot of senior starters from last year, so we’re really looking for this year’s seniors to step up and fill some holes in our lineup,” Boxberger said. McPHERSON was seeing state tournament sights before Andale/Garden Plain upset them in the regional final. This year, the Lady Bullpups are bringing back a bunch of talent for another state tournament run. The Lady Bullpups have four seniors that should be impactful for new coach Daryl Hoelting, the highly successful former Salina South, Sacred Heart, and Kansas Weselyan coach. Addison Chapman hit .570 last season for the Bullpups, with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. She also had a 7-3 record in the circle with a 3.65 ERA and 85 strikeouts. Haely Hagemann had a .489 average with nine home runs and 42 RBIs. She also scored 44 runs. Addie Herrera will share time in the circle. She carried a 3.70 ERA last season with 34 strikeouts and a perfect 9-0 record. Cora Pavlovich will see time increase this season. She had a home run and seven RBIs in just 15 games last year. Juniors Ava Romero (.362) and Brooke Doile (0.21ERA) will see more action this season. Carmin Pavlovich, the sophomore pitcher, should continue the dominance she had last season with a 2.10 ERA, while striking out 42 and posting a 6-1 record. Riley Whitfield hit .451 and had 22 RBIs as a freshman last season.

After a 15-win season a year ago, LABETTE COUNTY is riding high heading into 2025. They were a few innings away from a state tournament appearance and are hoping they can ride the momentum from last season into this year. Entering her third season with the Grizzlies, coach Hanna Haraughty is excited for the season.

“We are coming off an incredible season last year,” Haraughty said. “We have our returning defensive players and hitters. However, we graduated two of our starting pitchers. We will be looking to fill the roles of pitchers and catchers and hope that we can use of defense to battle it out and get many wins.”

They return Malaya Broadwell at shortstop. The junior was second on the team in batting average last season with a .440 average. She had seven doubles and a home run to go along with her 15 RBIs. Keelie Good, a junior at third, will return. She

Coming off a 13-win season, BUHLER, is hoping to push their team to the next level.

“I am really excited for this season,” coach Kimberly Cottam said. “We have the majority of our core back. That is really nice to have some consistency and leadership on the field.”

Buhler returns leader Lilly Horne, who will pitch and go where the team needs her. Alexa Adame will share time behind the plate and in the outfield. Sophomores Sydney Quint and Ella Theissen will be back and be helpful.

ROCK CREEK will look to continue the tradition of softball success under veteran coach Jeri Brummett, who picked up her 300th career victory last April in her 25th season coaching. The Mustangs won a regional title last May, but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Eudora, 2-1, in the state tournament opener. Gone from that team are first team Sports in Kansas All-State selections Brooklyn Plummer and Ali Jones, but three returning all-state selections will look to lead Rock Creek to a return to the state tournament this spring. Junior Brynna Zoeller will lead the way in the circle after recording nine wins and 67 K’s a season ago. Outfielder Teagan Zenger will provide senior leadership and a bat after hitting .379. Junior Reese Grady will patrol the infield and also do work at the plate after hitting .410 last year as a sophomore. The senior trio of Mayci Clark (OF), Chloe Purvis (C/UT), and Reagan Thomason provide Brummett significant experience to build another winner around. EUDORA fell to Wamego 2-0 in the state semifinals and edged Circle in the consolation game to take third place at last year’s state tournament. The Cardinals should again be one of the top contenders in 4A thanks to the return of every player who earned some level of postseason recognition a season ago. Sports in Kansas All-State selections Samantha Claire (P, KU signee), Reese Pattison (C, JCCC signee), Jaiden Burris (IF, Iowa Western signee), and Lexi Born (OF, Wisconsin-Superior signee) will lead the way, along with honorable mention Katie Courter (JCCC signee).

CLEARWATER battled Wamego for 17 innings in one of the most memorable games in Kansas softball history before falling 2-1 in the opener of the 4A state tournament to finish the season 20-8. While coach Tyler Hampton bids farewell to graduated standouts Elizabeth Tjaden and Addison Brown the Indians are loaded with experience to try and make a run at the 4A title. Sports in Kansas All-State selections Trista Welty (P), Kaylee Hampton (IF), and Madi Clevenger (OF), second team selection Makena Hampton (IF), and honorable mention picks Kaylynn Konkel and Liv Miller were all non-seniors. If that’s not enough, Clearwater also gets back all-league selections Taylor Nielson (OF) and Camryn Carlson (1B).

CLAY CENTER/WAKEFIELD finished 10-13 after a loss to Clearwater in the regional opener. Honorable mention All-NCKL pick Emma Pfizenmaier graduated, but three other all-league selections were non-seniors. First team infielder Raegann McDonald was a junior last season, while honorable mention outfielder Jaytli Cannizzo and at-large honorable mention Candice Lippe were a sophomore and junior last season respectively.

Charles Chaney is the sports editor for the Butler County Times-Gazette.

Allie Brown, Fort Scott, Senior (Photo: Brian Wade)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Frontenac softball enters the 2025 season with high expectations after securing its fourth Class 3A state championship under longtime head coach Cassie Rhuems. The Raiders capped off their 2024 campaign with a 28-2 record, culminating in a 3-0 victory over Silver Lake in the state final. Rhuems, now in her 18th season at the helm, has compiled a 287-88 career record and has guided Frontenac to state titles in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2024.

This year, the Raiders will lean on a strong core of returning players, led by a senior trio of Avery Johnson, Maddie Call, and Tenley Sullivan. The three have all proven to be as tough as they are talented, playing through injury and adversity while all the while performing at a high level and providing leadership.

Johnson, a dominant force in the circle, was a unanimous first-team All-State and CNC League selection in 2024. She posted a 23-2 record with a .976 ERA, striking out 234 batters over 179.1 innings while holding opponents to a .135 batting average. At the plate, she hit .462 with a .673 slugging percentage, tallying 48 hits, 36 RBIs, and 23 runs scored.

Despite an ACL tear in the offseason, Johnson is determined to finish her senior campaign and has been undergoing physical therapy to increase strength and mobility in her knee.

“One of my personal goals for this season is to complete the season with a torn ACL,” Johnson said. “I have been working to achieve this by going to physical therapy to get stronger. Another one of my goals is to help my team make it back to the state tournament. As a pitcher, I plan on doing my job to the best of my ability to give my team the best chance to succeed.”

Johnson plans to continue her softball career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College after graduation.

Call, the Raiders’ catcher, has battled through multiple injuries, including two labrum tears her sophomore season, to establish herself as one of the state’s top defensive backstops. After missing significant time in the off-season following that 2023 season due to back-to-back surgeries, she was cleared to play just in time for her junior season, working her way back to full health as the season progress, and went on to be a CNC first-team selection and second-team all-state catcher as a junior in 2024.

“Playing for Frontenac isn’t just about winning for myself. It’s about winning for my family. It’s about playing for the people in the stands, in the dugout, and on the field.”

“Looking back, the experience tested me in every way,” Call said. “But it also made me tougher both physically and mentally.”

Call hit .305 with a .366 slugging percentage, 25 hits, 16 RBIs, and 13 runs scored as a junior and is fully energized for her senior campaign.

“Playing for Frontenac isn’t just about winning for myself. It’s about winning for my family. It’s about playing for the people in the stands, in the dugout, and on the field. It’s about representing something bigger than myself and giving everything I have to the team and community that has given me so much.

After graduation Call plans to continue her academic and softball career at MidAmerica Nazarene University, where she plans to major in kinesiology.

Sullivan, a versatile second baseman, provided both offensive and defensive stability in the Raiders’ title run. She hit .411 with a .516 slugging percentage, collecting 39 hits, 30 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. A first-team All-CNC and second-team all-state selection, she played through a torn labrum suffered prior to last season without the necessary time to recover, and therefore decided to delay surgery to help her team claim the championship.

“I needed to have surgery but decided it was more important to play for my team and with my sisters,” Sullivan said. “I knew we had a special team and I did not want to miss out on the season with them. It was difficult to throw towards the end of the season but winning state made it all worth it. I had surgery last summer and am looking forward to another great season.”

As the daughter of former Frontenac baseball coach Bill Sullivan, who won 305

3A SOFTBALL

games in 24 seasons with FHS before stepping down in 2022 to watch his triplet daughters, Ella, Tenley, and Alana, play softball, she has long been immersed in Raider athletics.

“My dad coached baseball for 24 years, winning our only state championship to date in 2012 when I was five years old,” Sullivan said. “Since then, I have attended all four of the state softball tournament championship games that Frontenac softball has won. It was such an inspiration to me to watch the players before me that I wanted to be a state champion like them. Now as I represent Frontenac, I want to continue to make the community proud. I also want to compete and be my best for my teammates who are much more than teammates to me.”

Sullivan plans to attend Pittsburg State University to pursue a degree in the medical field.

The Raiders return several other key contributors from last year’s championship squad, including seniors Ella Sullivan (.247, .288 slugging, 18 hits, 20 runs, 9 RBIs, 8 SB) at first base, Skylar Hutchison (.313, .566 slugging, 26 hits, 27 runs, 20 RBIs, 11 SB) at third, Mady Loguidici (.400, .455 slugging, 44 hits, 40 runs, 7 RBIs, 35 SB) in left field, and Alana Sullivan (.400, .400 slugging, 42 hits, 39 runs, 20 RBIs, 26 SB) in right.

“We have a strong core group returning in our seniors, and they will provide great leadership for our younger kids on our team,” Rhuems said. “Our expectations are very high, and we are ready to get to work and be the best team we can be.”

After capturing another Central Kansas League title last season, Haven approaches 2025 looking to take another step forward. The Wildcats finished 22-3 in 2024, winning their fourth CKL championship in five seasons while advancing to the regional championship game for the ninth time in 10 years. Head coach Darin Ashworth, now in his 17th season, has compiled a 286-75 record and will rely on a deep returning core to guide the program through another competitive season.

Leading the way is junior pitcher Avery Brawner, a two-time second team all-state selection who will handle the bulk of the team’s pitching duties. Brawner owns a career record of 38-5 with 238 strikeouts, allowing two or fewer earned runs in 42 of 48 appearances. Last season, she went 20-3 with a 1.89 ERA, striking out 116 batters over 122 innings while holding opponents to a .172 batting average.

The Wildcats also return several key contributors, including senior catcher Sophie Faidley (.313), a second team All-CKL selection, junior outfielder Mayzie Warden (.439), a first team All-CKL pick, and junior shortstop Morgan O’Neal (.395), who earned honorable mention all-state honors in 2023. Senior second baseman Trista Rogers (.373), junior outfielders Karlee Cooprider (.342) and Sierra Yoder (.367), and junior infielder Miley Burns (.273) add to a veteran lineup. Rogers will provide additional pitching depth after going 2-0 last season with a 1.50 ERA, while Yoder is also expected to see time in the circle.

Despite losing three-time first team all-state standout Sadie Estill, the all-time state leader in runs scored, Haven has the depth and experience to contend again.

Front row (L-R): Tenley Sullivan, Avery Johnson, Maddie Call Back row: Avery Brawner, Olivia Wright

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

However, Ashworth acknowledges that improvement is necessary across the board.

“Our team will need to improve a little bit everywhere if we are to make it back to state for the eighth time in 11 seasons,” Ashworth said. ‘Defensively, we took a step back last season from our record-setting 2023 squad, and will need to tighten things up to support our pitchers.”

Offensively, the Wildcats will need to maximize production throughout the lineup.

“We need to get back to having a plan at the plate and executing it to stack competitive at-bats and keep the line moving,” Ashworth said. “There will be some veterans at the top, but it will be the last few spots in the lineup that determine how good we are offensively – we will likely experience some growing pains with some younger/inexperienced hitters getting their feet on the ground.”

Brawner, who is also a standout in volleyball and basketball, has already built an impressive résumé at Haven. She has earned first team All-CKL honors as a pitcher each of the past two seasons while leading the Wildcats to a third-place finish at state as a freshman.

“The town and school of Haven isn’t just a community, it’s a family,” Brawner said. “Stepping onto the court and field every game reminds me just how blessed I am to be playing these sports with my best friends. The substantial amount of support we have at all of our sporting events is unreal.”

Brawner, who plans to continue her softball career at the collegiate level while studying pre-chiropractic, enters the season uncommitted but focused on making the most of her junior year.

“Our small family of Haven, Kansas, never fails to show up and cheer us on,” Brawner said. “From our student section, to the band, and our fans we have one of the loudest atmospheres in high school events. So competing and representing the great school of Haven is an honor.”

Aseason removed from their second trip to state in program history in 2023, Beloit ended up 17-8 last spring after a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Hoisington/Central Plains in the second round of the regional tournament. Now, with several key returners and a new head coach, the Trojans aim to take another crack at a postseason appearance.

Taking over the program this season is Darby Sweat, who replaces last season’s co-head coaches Shauna Remus and Tyler Odle. Sweat is eager to lead a squad with a strong foundation of experienced players.

“This season I am looking forward to the senior leadership that we have and strong returning talent,” Sweat said.

Leading Beloit once again is senior pitcher and outfielder Olivia Wright, a versatile athlete who has been a key contributor throughout her high school career, playing a pivotal role on Beloit’s 2023 state qualifying squad. Wright posted impressive numbers last season, hitting .558 with 48 hits and nine doubles, while also recording a 3.6 ERA in the circle.

“Olivia is one of the senior leaders on the team,” Sweat said. “She is our starting pitcher, utility player, and essential to our batting lineup.

Because of Wright’s versatility, Sweat is open to moving her around the field and away from her familiar outfield position, something she expects to

have few if any issues doing.

“This year she is stepping up and potentially playing a new position in the field because that is what the team needs,” Sweat said. “That defines Olivia—doing whatever she can for the team. She helps lead the team with her strong work ethic and overall positive attitude. I am excited to have another season with Olivia helping lead this team.”

Wright, who was named first team all-league and earned SIK Honorable Mention All-State honors in both 2023 and 2024, is determined to make her final high school season count.

“My goals for this season are to pitch and hit the best I can,” Wright said, “I want to get strikeouts and mis-hits, to keep batters off the bases. I worked on my pitching and batting form during the offseason, so hopefully that work will carry into this season.

Wright is joined by two other key returners. Junior McKenna Channel (.429, 33 hits, 21 RBIs, 26 runs) is back after earning all-state honorable mention and first-team all-league honors in 2024, along with senior first baseman Ella Manning (.427, 35 hits, 23 RBIs, 24 runs) - another key member of that 2023 squad - who earned all-league honorable mention last season.

For Wright, representing her school and community is a source of pride.

“I love playing for my school and it is truly an honor to put on my uniform and represent my Trojan Family and community,” Wright said. “I work hard yearround in order to play high-level travel softball and to raise the level of play for my school. It is important to me to have a good season this year and demonstrate good leadership, so the generations to come can look up to my teammates and me and continue a strong softball tradition in Beloit.”

Following her senior season, Wright will continue her softball career at Sterling College while pursuing a degree in pre-physical therapy/biology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.

Frontenac looks to hold off contenders

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle

Since Cassie Rhuems has been the head coach at FRONTENAC, the Raiders have become a state power. Over the past decade, they have won four state championships and should once again be the favorite to claim the Class 3A title in 2025.

A year ago, Frontenac made its ninth state tournament appearance in program history and closed out a 28-2 season with the title, beating Silver Lake 3-0 in the final. The Raiders had previously won championships in 2016 (Class 4A-Division II), 2019 (3A) and 2022 (3A). Rhuems has led the team to a 287-88 overall record in her 18-year career, which includes all four of the program’s state titles. Will this year make it five titles for the Raiders?

There’s plenty of reason to believe Frontenac could be back on top this spring. The Raiders return plenty of experience, including seven players back in the starting lineup.

Leading the way for FHS will be senior pitcher Avery Johnson, who posted a 0.98 ERA with 234 strikeouts and a .135 opponent batting average in 179 1/3 innings pitched. At the plate, she was a .462 hitter with 36 RBIs and 23 runs scored. Also back in the lineup are catcher Maddie Call (.305 BA, 13 R, 16 RBI), first baseman Ella Sullivan (.247 BA, 20 R, 9 RBI, 8 SB), second baseman Tenley Sullivan (.411 BA, 30 R, 30 RBI, 15 SB), third baseman Skylar Hutchison (.313 BA, 27 R, 20 RBI, 11

SB), left fielder Mady Loguidici (.400 BA, 40 R, 7 RBI, 35 SB), and right fielder Alana Sullivan (.400 BA, 39 R, 20 RBI, 26 SB).

“We have a strong, core group returning in our seniors,” said Rhuems, whose squad shared the CNC League championship a year ago. “They will provide great leadership for our younger kids on our team. Our expectations are very high. We are ready to get to work and be the best team we can be.”

SILVER LAKE has one of the most dominant programs in the state of Kansas. The Eagles have made 26 state tournament appearances all-time, resulting in 13 state championships. That included a run of seven state titles in a 15-year period from 2004-2018.

After losing to Frontenac in the final, Silver Lake finished as the 3A runner-up a year ago. With the return of six starters to the lineup this season, the Eagles may have the pieces to make a return trip to the title game.

Nick Hamilton begins his sixth year as head coach of the Eagles, compiling an overall record of 102-22 during that span. That includes last year’s 24-3 record with dominant wins over Cheney (10-0) and Holcomb (12-2) in the first two rounds at state.

The Eagles return six starters to the lineup, including four seniors — Kendra Cook (pitcher, Washburn signee), Kira Lowery (third base), Taylor Zordel (shortstop), and Alana Brewster (outfield). Cook posted a 1.24 ERA with 92 strikeouts last season, while also recording a .450 batting average at the plate. Lowrey finished with a .467 average, four home runs and 35 RBIs. Zordel was a .422 hitter with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs. Also back in the lineup are junior outfielder Kailyn Hanni (.518 BA, 21 RBI, 15 SB), one of the top all-around athletes in the state for 2026, and junior catcher Taylor Swygert (.300 BA).

“We have a good group of returners, with several underclassmen that have been working in the offseason to improve,” Hamilton said. “We should have some good competition among ourselves to find the best team to put on the field, and I hope that will translate to success on the field. It has been a blessing to coach such competitive girls. If any of the success that they have had in their other sports translates over to softball, this will be another fun group to watch.”

Making its first state tournament appearance in program history, WICHITA-TRINITY looks to make another run this season following a 22-5 performance that included a third-place finish in 3A.

Steve Cross, the two-time Central Plains League Coach of the Year, started the Knights program in 2020. Although that first year was cancelled due to COVID, Trinity has been on a steady upward climb, resulting in last year’s trip to state. The Knights captured the regional championship with a 7-3 victory over topseeded Leon-Bluestem in the final. They claimed third place in 3A with a 14-3 victory over Holcomb in the consolation game.

Cross begins his sixth year in charge of the program.

The CPL champions return some key pieces from last year’s squad, including four that earned all-league first team honors. Back are senior Ava Lay (utility), as well as juniors Madison Cross (catcher), Dominique Schellenger (pitcher) and Liberty Lewis (pitcher).

HOLCOMB made its second-ever appearance at state last season, resulting in a fourth-place finish in 3A.

The Longhorns entered state with a perfect 25-0 record after beating Cimarron/Ingalls in nine innings to claim the regional championship. After beating Marysville (3-0) in the opening round of state, they saw that unbeaten season end with a 12-2 loss to Silver Lake in the semifinal. They finished the season 26-2 after losing to Wichita Trinity in the consolation final.

Jennifer Barrett begins her 17th year as head coach of Holcomb. She must deal with the loss of some key seniors from that squad due to graduation, including

Korryn Johnson (pitcher), Rian Rodriguez (catcher) and Emma Cornelson (shortstop). Johnson set the state record for career victories with 84 and also career strikeouts with more than 900.

A key player back this season will be sophomore third baseman Morgan Buchholz, who hit right around .500 last season.

Derek Birk takes over as head coach at BURLINGTON. The Wildcats are coming off a 15-7 season a year ago.

Birk has four players back in the lineup this season, including seniors Grace Birk (pitcher), Carlee Cole (catcher), and Hannah Sides (first base), as well as junior Camden Swank (infield/outfield). Grace Birk went 12-5 with three saves in the circle, posting a 0.95 ERA with 243 strikeouts and a .122 opponent batting average. Cole was a .338 hitter with 23 hits, two home runs and 22 RBI. Sides and Swank both recorded .308 batting averages.

“We have a nice core of girls returning that are willing to do what it takes to get better every day,” Derek Birk said. “Our focus will be to take it one day at a time and never give up.”

After returning to state last spring for the first time since winning the 3A title in 2021, CHENEY looks for another solid season in 2025.

The Cardinals, under the direction of head coach Matt Johnson, went 19-3 a year ago, losing to Silver Lake 10-0 in the opening round of the state tournament. It was the sixth state tournament appearance in program history. Cheney lost some key figures from last year’s squad due to graduation in pitcher Peyton McCormick and second baseman Jailyn Adolph. It does welcome back seniors Adelle Fouquet (third base), Chloe Young (catcher) and Macey Batt (center field), as well as sophomore Kendall Walker (left field).

Four starters return for COLUMBUS this season. The Titans finished 24-4 and were the runners-up of the Riverton Regional Tournament, falling to eventual Class 3A champion Frontenac in the final.

Coach Walter Resa begins his second year at Columbus. He will be led by four seniors in the lineup — pitcher Hailey Ediger (1.18 ERA, .393 BA), catcher Tory Wedlock (.468 BA, 32 RBI, 25 R), second baseman Bryliegh Johnson (.439 BA, 27 RBI) and third baseman Katy Mooney (.258 BA).

“This will be a team that has the capability to do big things,” Resa said. “It will to take a full team effort each and every game.”

Following a 20-win season, HALSTEAD is hoping to enjoy some postseason success this year.

The Dragons finished with a 20-4 record, but could not get out of the regionals, losing to Cheney in the semifinal round.

Eileen Vlamis, now in her seventh year as head coach (55-53), is hoping the return of eight players from last year’s squad will provide even more success in 2025. Senior Kaci Young (pitcher/infield) will lead the way after posting a 13-3 record in the circle with 176 strikeouts. She also had a .266 batting average, scoring 31 runs and recording 18 stolen bases. Three other seniors return in Brett Young (catcher/outfield), Sloane Linton (infield) and Cheyenne Thompson (infield). They will be joined by juniors Katharine Engel (utility) and Thea Boese (catcher/utility), as well as sophomores Addison Thompson (pitcher/utility) and Callyn Divine (utility).

CKL continues to be very strong at the top with teams like Haven, Halstead, and Pratt returning key players from impressive 2024 campaigns. If our returners can improve on their 2024 seasons and get key contributions from newcomers, we could battle for the top of the CKL.”

“We look to build on our success from last season,” Vlamis said. “We will be returning the majority of our core and have some younger players that are eager to fill the shoes left by last year’s seniors.”

With the return of eight starters from last. Year’s 15-7 squad, HESSTON hopes to be a contender in the Central Kansas League this season.

Ryan Roth returns for his third season as head coach, leading the Swathers to a 25-18 overall mark in his first two years. Although the team has plenty of experience back, it will still be rather young with only two seniors — Kinsley Hamilton (infield) and Regan Eilert (first base). Leading the way will be junior pitcher/shortstop Elyse Griffin, who had an 11-6 record and 1.85 ERA with 140 strikeouts in the circle. She also batted .500 with 34 hits, 33 runs scored and 31 RBI. Other retiring players include juniors Emma Gudeman (outfield) and Maci Kramer (third base), and sophomores Brenlyn Richmond (pitcher/outfield/first base), Wendy Roth (shortstop/catcher) and Karman Carson (outfield). Richmond was 4-1 as a pitcher with a 3.03 ERA and 23 strikeouts.

“This looks to be another year of continued improvement for Swather Softball,” Roth said. “The

Experience will definitely be key for IOLA this season with the return of all nine starters, including seven seniors. Chris Weide begins year 10 as head coach (75-93) and welcomes back a strong core of players from last year’s 16-12 squad that lost to Leon-Bluestem in the regional semifinal round. Seniors that return this season are Elza Clift at pitcher, Reese Curry at catcher/first base, Harper Desmarteau at shortstop/ catcher, Kyndal Bycroft in left field, Kinsey Schinstock at second base, Kaysin Crusinberg at first base/third base and Alana Mader. Clift had a 1.85 ERA in 75 2/3 innings pitched with 87 strikeouts, while also hitting .365 at the plate with four doubles, four triples, two home runs and 43 runs scored. Curry hit .449 with 35 hits, nine doubles, two triples and one home run. Also back are a pair of sophomores in Zoie Hesse (shortstop) and Brooklyn Holloway (center field). Hesse is the top returning hitter with a .534 batting average, finishing with 19 doubles, two triples and five home runs. She also hurled 72 2/3 innings in the circle, posting a 5.58 ERA with 89 strikeouts.

“We are very excited about the players we have coming back,” Weide said. “All nine starters return with seven of those seniors.”

Taking over the JEFFERSON WEST program will be Maddy Barger after the Tigers posted an 11-13 record a year ago. Barger has plenty of experience back for her first season in charge with 11 total players returning to the varsity squad. That includes seniors Olivia Meyer

Proud supporters of Halstead schools!

Brett & Kaci Young, Halstead, Seniors (Photo: Brian Grimmett)

Kendra Cook, Silver Lake, Senior (Photo: Submitted)

(utility), Addison Garrett (pitcher), Ryleigh Zitek (outfield/designated player) and Katelin Lohmann (pitcher). Garrett tossed 78 innings in the circle resulting in a 3.77 ERA and 94 strikeouts. Other players back will be juniors Joslynn Sutton (utility), Megan Malone (infield), Taryn Taylor (catcher), Addison Schwinn (pitcher/infield) and Ashley Moser (utility), as well as sophomores Harriet Dean (pitcher/infield) and Kayla Dick (utility).

“I am truly thrilled to accept the head coach position at Jeff West and even more thrilled about the team I am doing it with,” Barger said. “Looking at the group of returning and incoming players we have, I expect to be a competitive team this year with room for growth and success in the postseason.”

A new era begins at KINGMAN as Ashley Podschur takes over as head coach. The Eagles are coming off a 14-11 season a year ago. KHS has a veteran squad with the return of eight starters to the lineup. That includes seniors Ryan Schreiner (second base/shortstop), Grace Parsons (first base), Michelle Koehler (catcher/outfield) and Macie Brennan (designated player/second base). Schreiner was a .424 hitter with 15 RBI and 31 runs scored, while Brannan hit .470 with 16 RBI. Also back this season are junior Caylor Helm (pitcher/third base), as well as sophomores Haidyn Hartley (pitcher/third base), Teagan Dick (outfield/catcher) and Lizzie Wallace (outfield). Hartley had a 4-3 record with a 1.71 ERA in the circle, while Helm was 3-3 with a 4.94 ERA.

“I am looking forward to a fresh new look with a team that is full of experience,” Podschur said.

Bert Lord begins his 11th year as head coach at MARYSVILLE. The Bulldogs went 16-12 a year ago. Eight starters will be back in the lineup for Lord this season. Six of those players will come from the senior class — Lindsey Dressman (pitcher/first base), Trinity Hager (pitcher/first base), Grace Turner (second base), Sara Nemec (third base), Paige Siemens (outfield) and Gracyn Ketter (outfield). Dressman leads the way for the Bulldogs as she was 9-5 with a 2.94 ERA in the circle, while also batting .389 at the plate with three home runs and 21 RBI. Hager was the other pitcher last season, going 7-6 with a 4.74 ERA. Providing some power will be Nemec, who had four home runs and h it .371 at the plate with 29 RBI. Two juniors also return to the lineup in Emma Behrens at catcher and Aubrey Dressman at shortstop.

“With eight returning starters, we have the experience and talent to be an above average team,” Lord said. “But we must continue to work hard and improve each and every day to be successful.”

In his second year as head coach, head coach Bryan Weatherman looks to build off a 13-9 record last season at MINNEAPOLIS. The Lions lost a key group of seniors but still have six players back in the lineup with experience, led by pitcher Braedee Weatherman. The senior posted a 13-8 record last season with a 3.06 ERA and 129 strikeouts. She also hit .431 at the plate with seven doubles, two home runs and 19 RBI. Three other seniors return in Sydney Parks at second base, Ashlyn Anderson at third base, and Makayla Doering at catcher. Also back are a pair of sophomores in Sydney Parks at second base and Baylee Randall-Hurt in center field. Randall-Hurt had a .457 batting average with seven doubles, two home runs and 20 RBI.

“Our season will come down to how we fill our outgoing seniors positions,” Bryan Weatherman said.

“We have kids who are capable of stepping in, but they will have to produce.”

Making its first state appearance since 2018, Flint Hills League champion OSAGE CITY looks to build off a 20-win campaign a year ago. Carly Spicer enters her fourth year as head coach of the Indians, compiling a record of 44-21 to date. Last season, Osage City went 20-2, earning its 10th state berth all-time and first league championship since 2019. The Indians are led by junior pitcher Peyton Pitts, who had a 14-1 record in the circle with a 1.29 ERA and 148 strikeouts. At the plate, she had a .309 batting average with seven doubles, two triples and a home run. Also returning to the lineup are senior catcher/first baseman Tayler Ericson (.466 BA, 5 2B, 6 HR, 28 RBI), senior second base/third base Keira Davidson (.250 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 21 RBI), junior catcher/third base Addison Watson (.366 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 11 RBI) and sophomore outfielder Gracie Hokanson (.271 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBI).

“We are hoping to continue the success from last season,” Spicer said. “We have some roles to fill but have a strong returning group of upperclassmen.”

Falling one win shy of a trip to state, PRAIRIE VIEW will be looking to take that next step this season. The Buffalos are coming off a 19-9 campaign that included a loss to Osage City in the final of the Burlington Regional Tournament. Michelle Haupt begins her third year as head coach (22-17). She has a total of seven players back in the lineup, including six seniors — pitcher/ third base Bella Stolle, shortstop Ryan Stainbrook, outfielder Jali Isenhower, outfielder Kadance Shelton, designated player/outfielder Ellie Jarred and pitcher Amy Anderson. Also returning will be junior catcher Adyson Rhynerson.

“We have a big number of starters returning so the talent and experience is there,” Haupt said. “A good group of respected leaders on and off the field will be beneficial for our success.”

Tristan Allen begins his third year as head coach at RIVERSIDE. The Cyclones finished 11-15 last season. Allen has three starters back in the lineup, including Alexis Scott at third base, Mia Jackson at pitcher/ outfield, and Ella Wisler at catcher. Jackson is the top returning hitter from last year, posting a .431 batting average with 31 hits, 24 RBI and 15 runs scored. She also had 87 strikeouts in the circle. Wisler was a .392 hitter with 31 hits, three home runs, 20 RBI and 30 runs scored, while Scott recorded a .365 batting average with 27 hits, one home run, 27 RBI and 18 runs.

“I’m excited to get back on the field this spring with my young team,” Allen said. “We will need the younger

girls to help take care of business this season.” ROYAL VALLEY will be shooting for a winning season this spring with the return of six starters to the lineup. Fifth-year head coach Samantha Swank (36-52) hopes experience will pay off for her Panthers squad following last year’s 11-13 record. Three seniors returns to the lineup in outfielder Samantha Klotz (.423 BA, 3 HR, 20 RBI), catcher Stormy Lake (.333 BA, 24 H, 11 RBI) and outfielder Averie Stithem (13 H, 9 RBI). Also back are juniors Madison Blackwood (pitcher) and Sydney Moss (pitcher), as well as sophomore Dasno Mills (first base). Blackwood had a 4.60 ERA in the circle last season.

“We have several returning players this season, so I am excited to see the girls build on this experience,” Swank said. “The girls had a great season last year, and I am excited to see their drive continue through this season.” Pioneer League champion SANTA FE TRAIL finished 22-5 a year ago but came up just short of a trip to state, losing to Silver Lake in the final of the Topeka-Hayden Regional. Brenda Dahl, now in her 10th year as head coach (114-65) is anticipating another strong season for the Chargers with the return of five starters. Brooke Neidhardt returns for her senior campaign at first base/ catcher, posting school records last season in both home runs (9) and RBIs (52). She also had a .471 batting average and scored 32 runs. Also back are senior Peyton Ganger at catcher/outfield (.414 BA, 36 H, 6 RBI, 33 R, 8 SB); juniors Gretchen Huizenga at pitcher/shortstop/ outfield (.453 BA, 43 H, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 38 R, 6-3, 3.25 ERA, 47 K), and Addalyn Sleichter at third base (.398 BA, 33 H, 30 RBI, 16 R); and sophomore Sydnee Sleichter at outfield/pitcher (.388, 33 H, 16 RBI, 17 R).

“We are excited for 2025 Charger Softball,” Dahl said. “We should be strong once again. We still will have strong pitching and good depth. We also have some pretty experienced freshmen coming in that have the opportunity to help at the varsity level.”

Taking over the SOUTHEAST OF SALINE program in 2025 will be first-year head coach Tyler Smith. He replaces Pesha Ptacek, who was 245-112 during her tenure with the Trojans. SES is coming off a 20-4 campaign that included the 13th state tournament appearance in program history. The Trojans lost in the opening round to eventual 3A champion Frontenac (3-2). Southeast lost several key players from last year’s squad and will rely heavily on a senior group that includes Kimber Ogorzolka (first base), Abby Wyatt (outfield), Addyson Rohr (infield/outfield), Avery Kinekaar (infield/outfield), Sarah Feldman (outfield) and Emma Zurfluh (infield/outfield). Wyatt was a .397 hitter with 23 hits and one home run, while Ogorzolka hit .309 with 21 hits. Both players were named AllNorth Central Activities Association.

“We graduated a decorated senior class that included four all-state players,” Smith said. “However, we have a talented roster of upperclassmen and newcomers that are eager to get everyday reps and hungry to make their own mark in SES Softball.”

SUBLETTE/SATANTA (Haskell Co.) entered regional play at 13-5, but were knocked out by GOODLAND 9-5 in the opener. The Cowgirls (10-14) suffered an eight inning 9-8 loss to CIMARRON/INGALLS in the semis and C/I pushed Holcomb in the regional final, falling to the Longhorns 4-3 in nine innings to finish the year 194. COLBY (13-9) downed LAKIN (11-12) in the other regional quarterfinal 13-2 before falling to Holcomb 8-1.

Brooke Neidhardt, Santa Fe Trail, Senior (Photo: Mike Beckman)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Fresh off its second straight Class 2-1A state title, McLouth enters this spring with a chance to cement a three-year reign of dominance. Under longtime head coach Ballard Patterson, who enters his 17th season with an impressive 354-44 record, the Bulldogs are poised for another championship run behind senior Dani Lee.

Lee has already left an indelible mark on McLouth’s softball program. She played a key role in securing the school’s first-ever state championship as a sophomore and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 28-2 record last season, culminating in a 6-0 victory over Dexter/Cedar Vale in the state final.

“I was honored to win a state championship my sophomore year for the first time in school history,” Lee said. “When we won again last year it just seemed right to go for a three-peat this year. Of course, it’s every athlete’s goal to win state, but for me, it’s not just a championship game. It’s a way to inspire other athletes, who are underdogs, to keep pushing. Because everything you want will always be on the other side of hard.”

Lee’s competitive drive has made her one of the state’s most decorated players. The two-time Class 2A Player of the Year and two-time first-team all-state selection was also named to the Sports in Kansas Top 9 All-Class Team each of the past two seasons. She enters her senior campaign with another goal in mind—breaking the state home run record of 18 that she tied last spring during the postseason.

“It’s been my goal since middle school to break the state career and single season home run records,” Lee said. “When I tied the single-season record last year, it left a little chip on my shoulder. I told myself that I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. Now, I’m working on my craft five nights a week to get the job done. With it being my senior year, I will leave all I got on the field.”

Lee was dominant both in the circle and at the plate last season, compiling a 20-2 record with 257 strikeouts. Offensively, she delivered 49 hits, 16 doubles, four triples, and 52 RBIs on a .653 batting average during the regular season.

2-1A SOFTBALL

Mission Valley season looks to build on a successful 2024 campaign that saw them finish with a 17-6 record, but come up just short of a state tournament appearance. Their season ended in the regional finals with a 3-2 loss to Onaga, but with a strong core of returning players, the Vikings have their sights set on another deep postseason run.

“Dani is certainly one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached,” Patterson said. “But she’s more than that—a great leader and mentor for our younger players.”

The Bulldogs return an experienced core of players alongside Lee, including senior second baseman Leanna Larson (.353 BA, 6 2B, 1 HR, 21 RBIs), senior outfielder Abby Patz (.417 BA, 2 2B, 11 RBIs), junior outfielder Charley Coffin (.410 BA, 2 2B, 19 RBIs), and sophomore first baseman Taylor Edmonds (.450 BA, 2 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBIs).

With back-to-back state titles in hand and a group of experienced returners, McLouth will be the team to beat in Class 2-1A. And for Lee, a Division I Liberty University signee who plans to study sports psychology while continuing her softball career, the chance to deliver one final championship for her hometown is all the motivation she needs.

“Competing for McLouth High School will always be an honor,” she said. “Being able to represent a school’s name across my chest means a lot to me. For me, it’s not just the colors purple and gold, it’s a whole town I get to represent. The town of McLouth is like a great big family, there is tons of support, and our fans are the best. I truly feel honored to be a part of the Bulldog family, and I hope to make them proud.”

The team returns a wealth of experience, including standout senior catcher Kyplee Jacobson, a three-time all-state selection. Jacobson, who hit .439 last season with 36 hits, 26 RBIs, 11 doubles, and two home runs, is a crucial leader for the Vikings both offensively and defensively.

“Kyplee is an important part of our offense, but where she makes the biggest contribution is on defense,” coach Roger Converse said. “She does a good job handling the pitchers and has a great arm, limiting base-stealing opportunities. She’s really put in the time and effort to become a complete player.”

For Jacobson, this season’s primary focus is taking one more step forward in the postseason.

“The past two seasons we have made it down to the championship games of regionals and fell short,” Jacobson said. “I want to play a positive role in this both physically on the field and as a leader being my teammates’ biggest cheerleader.”

The foundation for the success Jacobson hopes to achieve isn’t something built overnight, something she is fully aware of, and has thrived on.

“To prepare to meet and exceed this goal I have worked through the off season with my coaches and also with some of our pitchers,” Jacobson said. “Catching their bullpens in my free time and getting into a rhythm has made me very excited to get this season started.”

Jacobson is an accomplished three-sport athlete and has earned numerous accolades, including first-team all-league and all-state softball honors as a junior,

(L-R): Arabell Razzano, Peyton Hardenburger, Kyra Olberding

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 66 as well as recognition in basketball and track. After graduation, she will continue her softball career at Butler Community College.

Alongside Jacobson, the Vikings return key starters across the lineup. Junior Maddie Kraus is the top returning pitcher after posting an 10-3 record with a 2.01 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 90.1 innings last season. She was also a force at the plate where she hit .373 with 31 hits and 23 RBIs.

Sophomore Kailynn Jacobson (.414, 29 H, 23 RBI, 10 2B, 4 3B, 5 SB), Kyplee’s younger sister, was second on the team in batting average and doubles as a freshman, trailing only her sibling, and led the team in both stolen bases and triples.

Other returning starters include senior Josey Kraus at first base (.200, 10 H, 5 RBI), senior Adaline Bloomfield at second base (.309, 17 H, 13 RBI), sophomore Taylor Brammell at shortstop (.280, 21 H, 16 RBI), junior Kate Coursen at third base (.319, 23 H, 20 RBI), senior outfielders Kendra McCart (.172, 5 H, 6 RBI) and Kendra Platt (.312, 5 H, 2 RBI), as well as senior designated player Natalie Hoffman (.295, 13 H, 13 RBI).

“A lot of talent has represented our school in the jerseys we wear today, and that is something that all of our team can pride ourselves in and strive for,” Jacobson said. “Our softball program has traditionally been one of the best seasons for girls sports at our school and you can definitely sense the itch that many of us have to get back out there as we get closer to that time.”

Republic County softball is back in 2025 returning six starters from last year’s youthful squad that finished 9-16 and gained valuable experience along the way. Head coach Mike Skocny, now in his fifth year at the helm, believes the Buffaloes are set to be more competitive this season.

“We may be a little young overall,” Skocny said. “But they’ve seen growth last year cognitively and fundamentally.”

At the heart of the Buffaloes’ success is senior standout Avery Stindt, a dynamic shortstop and catcher. Stindt posted impressive numbers in 2024, batting .500 with 39 hits, two home runs, 22 RBIs, 35 runs scored, and 40 stolen bases. Over her high school career, she has amassed a .522 batting average with 106 hits, seven home runs, 69 RBIs, 93 runs, and 99 stolen bases.

“Avery is an all-around athlete and succeeds in all she does,” Skocny said. “She is a leader by example. Demonstrates great attitude and behavior and always supports her teammates. When she is playing well, the team plays well.”

Stindt’s speed and intelligence on the basepaths have proven to be game-changing. Skocny recalled a moment that highlighted her instinct and leadership.

“One game we were down one run with two outs, and Avery was on third base in the bottom of the seventh. I told her to do whatever she can to score. Two pitches later she was stealing home to tie the game. We went on to win the game the next inning.”

For Stindt, leadership and consistency remain a focus in her final season.

“My goals for this season are to increase my stats from the previous years while also sticking with that team-first mindset,” Stindt said. “ … As one of the oldest on the young team, I strive to make this process

a learning experience while also pushing them in order to get our team success.”

Stindt has been a force in multiple sports, earning first team All-North Central Activities Association honors in softball for both her sophomore and junior seasons. She also received all-state recognition as a sophomore and as a junior. In basketball, she was an honorable mention all-league player as a sophomore and a first team all-league and honorable mention allstate selection as a junior.

After graduation, Stindt plans to pursue a major in secondary education with a minor in coaching, though she remains undecided on her college choice.

Among the key returners joining Stindt are senior first baseman Kiersten Ball (.273 BA, 12 H, 6 RBI), senior third baseman Frankie Snapp (.344 BA, 21 H, 10 RBI), sophomore shortstop and pitcher Drew Skocny (.400 BA, 32 H, 28 R, 15 SB), sophomore outfielder and shortstop Grae Siemsen (.261 BA, 12 H, 19 R, 22 SB), and junior outfielder and pitcher Jacqalyn Parde (.355 BA, 27 H, 1 HR, 24 RBI).

A key addition back in the Buffaloes’ lineup is senior Zelma Siemsen, who sat out last spring due to injury. In her sophomore season she posted a .444 average with 20 hits, 14 RBIs, 14 runs scored, and four doubles.

As Stindt approaches her last season on a high school diamond, she does so with an appreciation for her team and town.

“Being able to compete for my school and represent them means a lot to me,” she said. “Throughout our success or losses, the community is always there supporting us at our games, and being able to go out there and play for them is something that keeps me and my teammates motivated.”

Can McLouth three-peat?

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle

Over the course of the 2024 season, McLOUTH proved it was the clear softball favorite in Class 2-1A. And by sweeping all three of its state opponents by a combined score of 32-0, the Bulldogs repeated their state championship in dominant fashion. McLouth took down Cedar Vale/Dexter 6-0 in the final at the Green Sports Complex in Pratt. That came after previous shutouts over Pratt-Skyline (15-0) in the quarterfinal round and Inman (11-0) in the semifinals.

A year after going a perfect 26-0 in 2023, the Bulldogs followed that up by going 28-2 last season — with their only two losses coming in a doubleheader sweep at the hands of defending Class 3A champion Rossville. Throughout the course of the season, McLouth shut out 21 of its 30 opponents, outscoring the opposition 371-29 along the way.

Ballard Patterson returns for his 17th year in charge of the program, posting an impressive 354-44 record to date.

The Bulldogs have some key players back to make another run in 2025, led by All-Class 2-1A Player of the Year Dani Lee. An all-class performer at pitcher, Lee posted a 20-2 record last year, while also smacking 18 home runs at the plate. Other top performers back in the lineup will be Leanna Larson at second base (.398 BA), Abby Patz in the outfield (.650 OBS), Charley Coffin in the outfield (.800 OBS) and Taylor Edmonds at first base (.352 BA).

“We will be a contender again for sure,” said Patterson said, whose squad is riding a 12-game win streak heading into the 2025 season.

A team that gave McLouth a bit trouble in the final and

should once again be in contention is CEDAR VALE/ DEXTER. The Spartans advanced to state for the first time since 2015 and just the second time ever since the two schools combined for a program.

CV/D had an impressive season a year ago, posting a program-best 24-4 record with a 12-0 mark to claim the championship of the Walter Johnson/South Central Border League. In the postseason, the Spartans beat three-time state champion Pittsburg-Colgan (4-2) in the quarterfinals and Onaga (5-4) in the semifinals.

Head coach K.B. Criss, now in his second year, has the right pieces to the puzzle to make another run to the state final in 2025. Cedar Vale/Dexter returns seven starters to the lineup, led by sophomore pitcher/ shortstop Zoe Davidson. A year ago, Davidson went 21-2 in the circle with a 2.05 earned run average and 186 strikeouts in 133 innings pitcher. At the plate, she finished 54-for-90 (.600 BA), with eight doubles, 10 triples and five home runs. She also led the team with 49 runs scored and 38 RBI.

Also returning are three other players that picked up All-WJL/SCBL honors in senior third base/catcher Kylee Bragg, senior center field Edee Boatman and junior pitcher/shortstop Gracie Webb. Others back win the lineup are senior designated hitter Kendall Ghram, junior left field Bailey Hedgecock and sophomore first base Jesyn Vogele.

“We are excited to get to work,” Criss said. “We have a good core returning that have put in good work over the summer and fall to improve themselves. We have a nice core of returning players who gained some valuable experience last year.”

Posting nine more wins from the previous season, ONAGA capped off last season with a 21-5 mark and third-place finish in Class 2-1A. The Buffaloes beat Inman 10-3 in the consolation game.

Onaga qualified for state for the first time in program history. The Buffaloes — champions of the Twin Valley League — advanced to Pratt by beating 2022 state champion Misson Valley 3-2 in the regional final.

Jordan Boswell begins her third year as head coach, posting a 31-15 mark to date. According to Boswell, all the starters will be returning this season for Onaga. That will include key players such as seniors Bridgett Campbell (pitcher/shortstop) and Annie Force (second base); junior Addison DeChant (third base/pitcher); and sophomore Willow Hochstedler (pitcher/shortstop).

“We are very excited to get started and see the team dynamics and regroup after coming off of a winning season,” Boswell said.

It was a breakthrough season for INMAN a year ago as the Teutons captured fourth place at 2-1A State. Returning to the state tournament for the first time since 2010, the Teutons closed things out with an 18-6 overall record.

Bre Ryan, who was a player on Inman’s state runnerup team in 2007, enters her sixth year in charge of the program. After going 12-64 in her first four years, the Teutons turned things around with a young squad. Some key returning players include junior designated player Chesney Black, and sophomores Lyla Levin (pitcher), Taylor Froese (shortstop), Ellie Thimmesch (catcher), Marlee Ballard (second base) and Alexis Noone (pitcher). Levin had an earned run average under 1.00.

Moving back to the 2-1A classification this season is BLUESTEM, which came up just one win shy of a trip to the 3A State Tournament a year ago.

Ashtyn Jurging begins her first year as head coach, taking over a Lions program that went 22-1 a year ago before losing to Wichita-Trinity Academy in the regional championship game. Jurging has six players back in the starting lineup this season, including Pilar Cox, Jewell Carleton, Samantha Winn, Evyn Neal, Dani Orpen and Lillian Husman.

“I am super excited to be returning to Bluestem softball as a coach instead of a player this year,” Jurging said. “We’ve got a strong group of hitters in the lineup, a strong arm on the mound and high expectations that will help lead us to success this season. With us dropping back down into 2-1A, I could see us returning to state this year after just missing it in 3A last year. I have seen these girls raise the bar and continuously break it over the years, I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this season.”

It was definitely a rough season for CENTRALBURDEN a year ago, finishing with a 1-23 record. With the return of three starters, 10th year head coach Bruce Hafenstein is looking for more success this season.

The Lady Raiders’ one win was a forfeit victory in the play-in round of regionals last year, so they are searching for their first actual on-field win in the program since 2023. Hafenstein has an 82-112 record during his coaching career at CHS. Central has three starters back this season in sophomore pitcher Jessilyn Parsons, sophomore shortstop Gracelie Weigle and junior utility player Libby Cannon.

“We have seven incoming freshman who will boost the team,” Hafenstein said. “With Libby, Jess and Gracelie, we are bound to be better.”

After advancing to the state tournament for a third straight year, CENTRAL HEIGHTS should once again be set up for another run in 2025 with the return of eight its nine starters to the lineup.

Head coach Jayme Secrest, now in a second year with the program, led the Vikings to a 17-10 record. CHHS has all but one starter back in the lineup. Some players back in the lineup include senior Melany Chrisjohn at shortstop, junior Aracely Crump at pitcher and junior Lyla Hamblin at catcher.

“We should be strong this year,” Secrest said. Finishing 9-12 in its inaugural season as a program, CENTRALIA is ready to take another step forward in year two this spring.

Head coach Brandon Wehling has four starters back in the lineup this season. The lone senior in that group is outfielder Tatum Kramer (.393 BA, 24 H, 19 R, 11 SB). Also returning are sophomores Tara Gibbs at shortstop (.457 BA, 32 H, 19 RBI, 31 R, 5 HR, 24 SB), Tessa Parthemer at outfield/pitcher (.396 BA, 21 H, 13 R, 12 SB), and Malayna Becker in the outfield (.377 BA, 23 H, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 21 R).

“With our first year under our belts, we are looking forward to learning from our experiences and come in with the mindset every day to improve our fundamentals, play smart softball and compete with intensity every game,” Wehling said. “If we can get better at the plate, stay aggressive on the base paths and play solid defense behind our young pitching, we will be in position at the end of games to win.”

Coming off a 14-6 season, ELL-SALINE looks for another winning season this spring. The Cardinals, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Kris Bell (78-16), entered the postseason a year ago as the top seed in the Sylvan Grove Regional but lost in the semifinals to Bennington. They hope to take a step forward with a possible trip to state in 2025. Five players return to the starting lineup for Ell-Saline, including seniors Taelor Hardesty and Isabelle Porter; junior Callie Bradley; and sophomores Bret Hecker and Emily Porter. Hardesty had 28 RBI last season, while Bradley scored 23 runs and Hecker had 16 stolen bases.

“We are going to be a young team,” Bell said. “We should look good defensively.”

ELLIS has five players back with starting experience this season for head coach Casey McCoy. The Railers went 14-6 last season and can use that experience for even more wins in 2025. Returning to the lineup are seniors Alyssa Rome at pitcher, Brooke Stares in center field and Maleah Vine in left field, as well as junior Kia

Mader and sophomore Jersee Fabrizius. Rome had a 2.00 ERA with 43 strikeouts in the circle, while also posting a .435 batting average at the plate.

“We have two ladies that are multiple year returning starters and three that started most of the games last season,” McCoy said.

All-Tri-Valley League First Team pick Madelyn Miller returns for her junior campaign to lead the way for EUREKA. The Tornadoes, who went 4-15 a year ago, are led by head coach Scott Miller as he begins his 19th year with the program. Madelyn Miller will be the top returning player for EHS. The junior catcher is one of three starters back in the lineup, joining seniors Keira Crisswell (outfield) and Trinity Samuels (shortstop).

“We are hoping to continue to improve as a team and continue to learn the game,” Miller said.

After a 15-win season a year ago, FLINTHILLS may have the pieces to have another successful run in 2025. Head coach Trevor Kemp, beginning his fourth year (37-28) in the program, welcomes back six starters from last year’s squad that went 15-9 overall. The Mustangs will be led by All-Walter Johnson/South Central Border League first team selection Paige Corter. The senior first baseman was a .397 hitter with four home runs, five doubles, 30 RBI and 23 runs scored. Junior shortstop Alex Scribner earned all-league Honorable Mention last season after finishing with a .316 batting average, two home runs, a triple, five doubles, 21 RBI and 36 runs. Other returning players include senior Emily Scribner (center field), as well as juniors Katelyn Corter (second base/outfield), Karynn Gleason (third base) and Joliene Dragoo (outfield/pitcher).

“We return a good amount of starters and contributors from last year, which should help our defense and hitting,” Kemp said. “We are excited to have those returners for the entire year and to see how newcomers can fit into the culture and find their own ways to contribute.”

HILLSBORO will be relying on a group of seniors for improvement this season following a four-win campaign a year ago. The Trojans went 4-18 last season under head coach Alyssa Kroeker, who now begins her fourth year (31-55) in the program. This year’s squad has a balance of experience and youth in its lineup, led by seniors Cassidy Bernhardt (catcher/outfield), Keitra Edwards (catcher/outfield) and Skylar Voran (first base). Bernhardt returns as the top hitter from last year with a .509 batting average. Also back with starting experience are sophomores Cheyenne Plenart (pitcher/infield), Abby Beavers (shortstop) and Khloe Funk (outfield).

“We have most of our team back for this season, so we hope to focus on improvement from last year,” Kroeker said. “We have four experienced seniors that could lead our team into success.”

It’s a work in progress to build a winning program at JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH for head coach Russ Cobb. Entering his third year with the program (11-29), Cobb looks for the Chargers to improve off of last year’s 4-16 record.

Three seniors return to the lineup for JCN this year, including Olivia Domann at pitcher, Kennadi Hernandez at shortstop/catcher and Bowie Weishaar in the outfield. Domann struck out 45 batters from the circle. The top returning hitter will be sophomore Emilee Subelka (first base), who hit .389 with 21 RBI and 11 runs scored. Also returning to the lineup is sophomore catcher Hallie Doll.

“We are still working on building a program,” Cobb said. “This year should see our best offensive and defensive teams so far. We have some freshmen who will push for spots and help us raise our game.”

Toby Baker returns for a second year to lead LYNDON following a 10-9 campaign a year ago. The Tigers return eight players from last year’s lineup, led by sophomore pitchers Morgan Young and Graclin Ramey.

Senior Savannah Davis will be behind the plate, with sophomore Alina Wiley also catching some games. Other returning players include seniors Bella Hobbs (shortstop), Kendall Young (outfield) and Aubrey Richman (outfield), and junior Jensen Sturdy (outfield).

“We will need to develop some younger talent to fill some positions left open due to graduation,” Baker said. “We will rely on two young pitchers to lead the way for us. Our bats and defense should be fairly solid as we return some experience in some key positions.”

Entering his fourth year in charge at MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY, John Bass looks to build off last season’s 8-12 mark. Bass has a 15-40 overall record during his time as Trojans coach. This season, he returns a few starters to the lineup, led by outfielder Akyra Traver. The junior was a .557 hitter last season with four home runs, 30 RBI, 38 runs scored and 61 stolen bases.

“We have a few returning starters,” Bass said. “We have to replace a pitcher, catcher and shortstop. If we can find solid underclassmen to fill these, we should have a successful year.”

Three years after claiming the 2-1A title, MISSION VALLEY would like to be back in contention again this season following a 17-6 record a year ago. Roger Converse enters his 16th year as head coach of the Vikings, who also claimed state championships in 2001 (2-1A) and 2003 (3A). Converse has plenty of experience back for a run this season, led by three-time All-Class 2-1A catcher Kyplee Jacobson. The senior posted a .439 batting average a year ago. Also leading the way will be junior pitcher/outfielder Maddie Kraus, who was 10-3 in the circle with a 2.02 ERA last season.

“We should be competitive,” Converse said. “We return our whole team from last season and have some young players coming up.”

One year after posting a program-best 19 wins, REMINGTON will be back at it again in 2025 looking for even more success on the field. Lyn Lawler (106-74) begins year 10 in charge of the Broncos, who finished 19-3 a year ago. Entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Marion Regional, Remington had its season end one win shy of a state tournament berth with a loss to Inman in the final. RHS definitely has the experience to make that push to state this season with eight players back in the starting lineup. The Broncos have five seniors returning, including Elena Bowling at third base, Jocelyn Weerts at shortstop, Maggie Coats in left field, Laila McCormick at second base and Madi Phipps as utility. Bowling is the top returning hitter from the senior class at .493 with 29 RBI and 32 runs scored. Junior Cambree Lawler posted an 11-2 record as pitcher with four saves, 152 strikeouts and a 2.045 ERA. Sophomore Kynzee Klaassen (center field) had a teambest .535 batting average, while another sophomore Cheyenne Hoch returns in right field.

“We’ve got a great group of returning seniors, many who have started since their freshman year,” Lawler said. “We finished with our best record in school history last year and hope to pick up where we left off.”

Although still young overall, REPUBLIC COUNTY may have the right components to push towards a winning season this spring.

The Buffaloes finished 9-16 a year ago under head coach Mike Skocny, who begins his fifth year with the program (29-58). RCHS returns six players with varsity experience, including seniors Avery Stindt (shortstop/ catcher), Kiersten Ball (first base) and Frankie Snapp (third base). Stindt is a .522 career hitter with seven home runs, 80 RBI and 99 stolen bases. Also back this season for Republic County are junior Jacqalyn Parde (outfield/pitcher), as well as sophomores Drew Skocny (shortstop/pitcher) and Grae Siemsen (outfield/ shortstop).

“I expect an improved and competitive team this season with six returning starters and two to three

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 68 others that had some significant field time last season,” Skocny said. “Also, a returning starter from two seasons ago, Zelma Siemsen, is coming back from injury. We may be a little young overall but they seen growth last year cognitively and fundamentally.”

Despite posting a sub-.500 record, PRATT-SKYLINE earned its first trip to state in just its fifth year as a program. Now following a 10-14 season, the Thunderbirds are hoping to make a return visit to Pratt in 2025. In her seventh year as head coach (29-56), Lori Anschutz has a total of eight starters back in the lineup this season, led by a group of seniors in Kory Anschutz (pitcher/shortstop), Corbin Armstrong (pitcher/first base), Brylie Ackerman (center field), Grace Hoffman (second base/outfield), Gaby Eubank (catcher) and Ashley Spease (outfield/third base). Also returning are juniors Peyton Walker (first base) and Sarah Reyes (third base/pitcher).

“We have a solid group of girls returning with a lot of softball experience,” Lori Anschutz said. “They found a lot of success towards the end of the season last year. We are hoping to continue that momentum into this year.”

Although numbers may be low for SPEARVILLE this season, head coach David Friess hopes his team has enough to push its way to a winning season. Friess enters his ninth year as head coach of the Lady Lancers, posting a 107-44 record to date. They are coming off an 11-13 season a year ago. Six players return with starting experience from a year ago, led by seniors Faith Ackerman (shortstop/pitcher), Ema Karrer (outfield) and Madison McGee (second base/pitcher). McGee was a .354 hitter with 28 hits, 12 RBI, 36 runs scored and one home run. Ackerman returns to the circle after posting a 5-3 record last season. Other returning players include juniors Cheyenne Ackerman (pitcher/outfield), Makiah Kliesen (catcher) and Morghyn Rucker (outfield/third base). Kliesen is the top returning hitter at .402 with 27 RBI and one home run.

“I’m excited to see what the season will bring for us,” Friess said. “We are short

on numbers this year, but if we can stay healthy, we should be very competitive.”

Longtime head coach Linda Haring returns to lead SYLVAN-LUCAS again in 2025. Haring enters her 28th year, posting a 260-275 record to date. The Mustangs finished with a 7-17 mark last season. They return five full-time starters from last year, including senior Anna Feldkamp at catcher; juniors Harlee Nelson at pitcher, Olivia Crawford in the outfield, and Montana Griffiths at third base; as well as sophomore Kenzley Frederking at second base. Nelson was a .386 hitter with 31 runs scored. She also struck out 130 batters while in the circle. Another player that returns despite being injured most of last season will be junior outfielder Josie Svaty.

“The team has a solid pitcher/catcher combination that will provide strong leadership for the team,” Haring said. “Incoming freshmen bring years of club ball experience that will help fill those positions vacated by graduating seniors. The team will be working on improving hitting efficiency this season.”

With the return of all but one of its players from a year ago, THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN has state aspirations heading into the 2025 season. The Monarchs are coming off a 21-9 campaign a year ago. Head coach Melissa Schoepf, now in her 12th year (141-91), has plenty of improvement to make a serious postseason run with 10 players with starting experience. Iowa Western Community College signee Brooke Koenigsman (infield) will lead the way for TMP during her senior season after posting a .640 batting average with 64 hits, five home runs, 64 RBI and 39 runs scored a year ago. Two other upperclassmen that will contribute include senior Teagan Gottschalk at catcher, and juniors Nicole Schumacher as utility and Addison Watson in the outfield. From there, the Monarchs will rely on six sophomores back with experience, including Brynn Rebel (pitcher/infield), Bria Windholz (pitcher/infield), Hannah Rose (infield), Raegan Allen (infield), Molly Heiget (outfield) and Bridget Feldt (infield). Feldt (.418) and Windholz (.402) both

hit over .400 at the plate last season. Windholz is also the top returning pitcher, posting an 11-4 record with a 2.184 ERA. Rebel finished 10-5 in the circle with a 4.042 ERA.

“We return our entire team but lost Halle Dreiling to graduation, who was a four-year starter at second base and huge bat,” Schoepf said. “We are looking to our senior leaders to help the program build off the success of last year. We are returning a large sophomore class and a comparable size with the freshman class.”

Five seniors return to the starting lineup for fifth-year head coach Willie Hathaway and his UNIONTOWN squad this season. The Eagles are coming off a 12-7 campaign a year ago. Hathaway has an experienced crew back for the 2025 season, with 10 players that have varsity experience. That is led by seniors Reese Gorman (shortstop), Mason Powell (third base), Madison Shepard (first base), Macy Schoenberger (second base) and Jozie Stagg (outfield). Other returning players include junior Klara Stock (catcher), as well as sophomores Mercedes Schults (outfield), Kaylynn Hathaway (pitcher), Jordi Wolf (sophomore) and Kali Stagg (outfield). A couple of freshman that should challenge

“We are going to have a great year,” Hathaway said. “We have starters returning at every position and several freshmen competing for spots.” Coming off a 7-14 campaign a year ago, WABAUNSEE will be looking for improvements this season under head coach JoeDee Tarbutton. The Chargers return some key personnel from last year’s squad, including Meredith Denton, Sarah Denton, Izzy Wright, Reese Michaelis, Rylee White, Kendra Conrad, Kennedy Weisshaar and Kyra Smith.

“We look to compete hard this year,” Tarbutton said. “We return some very experienced and talented players and a good group of freshmen that will have high expectations.”

with former state champions was an ‘eye-opening experience.’

“To see all those people there really showed how special alums have been to the Beloit program,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to have my dad work with me and help my progress. There’s been some bumps in the road and rough days along the way, but it’s all been worth it. The hard work pays off.”

Tatum spent the winter working out in the district’s indoor throwing shed. Her goal since entering high school has been to stay above the 40-foot mark in the shot put as often as possible. She’s missed that mark only a couple times. Two personal goals this season are 46 feet in the shot put and the school record of 156-8 in the discus

Tatum follows in the footsteps of her brother Grady, who was unable to make the photo shoot because of spring football practice at KU, a two-time state champion in his own right and a six-time medalist at state.

“He’s the hardest worker I know,” Tatum said. “He did the extra reps, went the extra mile. He set a good example for me; a good role model.”

Casey Seyfert said coaching his son and daughter has been a blessing.

“I have loved every minute of coaching my kids - they have come to track practice with me since they were little,” Casey said. “The throws are something we have always done as a family and I have been blessed to spend so much time with them. Some of my favorite memories are when they were young. I used to take them to practice and the high school kids would hang out with them and I’m certain they picked up some pretty good habits along the way.

“My children had tremendous throwers to look up to when they were young and between driving around on the golf carts and exploring the woods, they would pick up lessons along the way, sometimes about throwing, sometimes about life.”

Casey said Grady and Tatum are totally different throwers and approach the sport differently as well.

“Grady was a grinder and the hardest worker I have ever coached, with many threeand four-hour practices with him,” Casey said. “He would throw until he got the ‘perfect’ throw and then he would have to do it again, and again, and again.

“Tatum is naturally gifted and can pick up technique changes instantly. She learned to spin in one day, and was instantly comfortable with it. She works hard and has a great time doing it.”

During Casey’s high school days in the late ‘90s, the Trojans rotated between a Class 3A and 4A school. It didn’t matter. From 1993 to ‘99, BHS won five gold medals in the javelin, four in the discus and three in the shot put.

The File brothers - Darin and Gary - dominated the javelin, with Darin winning three straight championships in ‘93, ‘94 and ‘95 and Gary in ‘98 and ‘99. Tony Thompson was a three-time champion in the discus - ‘95, ‘96 and ‘98 - and also won a gold medal in the shot put in ‘98. Seyfert was a two-time state champ in ‘97 in the shot put and discus.

Not surprisingly, the Trojans won the Class 4A team title in 1997 and the 3A championship in 1995.

“We got really lucky ... we had some great coaches during that time,” said Thompson, who lives in Beloit and is co-owner of Thompson OK Tire. “Pete Caldwell (coach) was a tremendous influence for us. It’s not often that you’ll have a coach drive Casey and I to Iowa in the middle of the summer for a throwing camp.”

Thompson said his competition with Seyfert made each of them better. During the 1996 and ‘97 seasons, the two combined for four golds, one silver and two bronzes. A year later, Thompson won both the 4A shot and discus as a senior.

“I think Casey and I were lucky to have each other,” said Thompson, who finished with seven throwing medals at state during his prep career. “I’m not sure we’d have been as successful without each other. We went 1-2 just about everywhere we went. It was quite a run during that time for us.”

After high school, Thompson walked-on K-State’s football team, but eventually transferred to Cal State-Bakersfield where he was an NCAA indoor and outdoor NCAA D II champion. He also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2004 and ‘08. He has two daughters at Beloit High - senior Cassandra and sophomore Samanthawho are also throwers, as well as an eighth-grade son, Declan.

When Thompson was a senior winning one gold medal after another, a seventhgrader named Lance Eck was watching closely. Eck said Thompson was his idol growing up, whether on the football field, or in the throwing circle.

“I wanted to be just like him,” said Eck, who lives in Lawrence and works for the city’s waste management department. “I learned so much from both Tony and Casey. I was extremely blessed to have a coach like Pete Caldwell working with me as well.”

Eck attended Beloit High from 2000-03 and is the only Beloit male athlete to win gold medals at the same state meet in all three throwing events. He accomplished that feat as a senior in 2003. He also won state titles in the 3A shot put as a sophomore and junior and was second in both the discus and javelin as a junior. All totaled, he finished with eight throwing medals at the state meet.

After high school, Eck enrolled at Wichita State for track and field before transferring to Butler Community College to play football. He finished his college competition at Eastern Arizona.

“I just liked throwing stuff,” Eck said. “I was very blessed to have good coaches and

also the File brothers to show me how to throw the javelin. And then everyone wanted to be strong like Tony. I mean, he was a guy who could lift the whole weight room.”

When Eck entered his first junior high track season, his father, Doug, told him to pick four events to compete in.

“I think I picked the high jump, 400, shot put and long jump, something like that,” Eck said. “Then I ran against the guy named Jordy Nelson in the 400 and he obliterated me. That was enough for me in the running races.”

Ironically, Eck’s older sister, Lindsay, was one of the greatest small-school track athletes in Kansas history. During her four year’s at St. John’s Catholic in Beloit, she earned 15 individual medals at state, with 12 of them gold. She was a four-time champ in the 100-hurdles and long jump and three-time winner in the 300-hurdles.

“She was just so fast,” Eck said.

Dawn (Gronewoller) Massey earned the first girls’ throwing gold medal for Beloit in 1990 by winning the Class 4A discus as a sophomore. She followed that up with two more state titles in ‘91 and ‘92. As a senior, she won the 4A discus by 16 feet.

Massey is one of four girls from Beloit with multiple state title in throwing events.

Tatum Seyfert and Sydney Johnson (2018 shot put, 2016, 2018 discus) have each won three titles and Kourtni Hubert won back-to-back 3A javelin state titles in 2016 and ‘17. Johnson earned a total of seven medals at state meets between 2015 and ‘18.

“I’m old enough to remember when girls’ athletics were still kind of being put on the back burner,” said Massey, who lives in Lyndon and works as a physical therapist. “But I had very good coaches and mentors to help me pursue my dreams. I was always a very competitive person. I did a lot of figuring it out as well. I read a lot of books.”

Massey remembers winning her first state title on her last throw as a sophomore. She eventually attended Washington State University to play basketball, but transferred to Emporia State and played on some powerhouse teams for the Hornets.

Massey is part of a very athletic family in Lyndon. Her husband, Lanny, played football at Emporia State and daughter Khylee played basketball at Southwest Baptist. Her son Kaedin is a 6-foot-8, 305-pound freshman lineman at K-State.

Last year’s regional meet Beloit hosted was particularly difficult and there were athletes who failed to qualify for the state meet - failing to finish in the top four - that would have qualified in other regionals.

Current senior Eli Johnson won the regional with a shot put mark of 59 feet, 8.5 inches while classmate Brodie Boudreaux was third with a heave of 53-6, but current junior Brody Litton’s regional mark of 52-1 left him in fifth place and out of the state meet with a distance better than the seeding marks of more than half the 3A state shot put field. Similarly, current senior Brooks Jones was fifth in the javelin with a mark of 167-11, which was also better than the seeding marks of more than half the state field.

“It can be frustrating, but it’s the formula that was in place and you just accept it,” head coach Ryan Isbell said. “There’s a lot of compassion and consoling that goes into any fifth-place finisher, and we had seven of those across all events last year.”

There will be a new state-qualifying format in place for regional meets this spring. The old format was to qualify the top four finishers from each event out of the four regional meets. The new format in 2025 qualifies the top three from each of four regionals and then the next best four marks, regardless of the regional.

“So, theoretically, there could be seven qualifiers from the same regional, which would have happened in multiple events last year,” Isbell said.

Casey Seyfert said another rule that almost passed, and hopefully will soon, is the regional qualifying marks.

“I think if you hit a mark to qualify for regionals, then you should get to competeeven if there are four or five on your team that hit the mark,” Seyfert said. “It doesn’t mean they automatically qualify for state, but just have the chance at regionals. It would not impact many (teams) across the state, but it would greatly impact our team this year.”

*For more on Beloit’s state meet results from last year see page 86.

6A TRACK

Manhattan High seniors Hanna Pellant and Harli Omli enter the 2025 track season as two of the most decorated sprinters in Kansas. Both athletes bring state championship experience, school records and leadership to a program that has consistently been among the best in Kansas high school track and field. With a final season ahead, they are poised to continue their dominance and chase new milestones.

Pellant, a four-year team captain, has been a consistent force for Manhattan, culminating in a standout 2024 season where she captured the 6A state title in the 100 meter dash with a state meet record time of 11.59 seconds. She also helped lead the Indians’ 4x100 meter relay team – together with Aylani Barron, Sarah Oberreuter and Omili – to a state title in a time of 47.90. Over her career, Pellant has been a multiple-time state medalist, placing fourth in the 100 meter dash as a sophomore (12.07) and first as a junior (11.59). She also finished fourth in the 200 at last year’s state meet, clocking 25.19.

“Aside from being a fierce competitor, she is an outstanding teammate. She genuinely wants the best for others and is happy for their success.”

“I have many personal goals, as I believe everyone should have,” Pellant said. “For me, these goals include staying injury-free during my senior year of competition, continuing to master my craft in sprinting and jumping, and maintaining my role as a team leader— someone my teammates can rely on.”

Pellant’s leadership and perseverance have been key to Manhattan’s success, including a sixth place team finish at state in 2024. Head coach Kory Cool emphasized the impact she has had on the program, noting her commitment to excellence and team culture.

“Hanna’s proven ability to lead by example has been an integral part of our team’s success—having never lost a league championship and striving for the school’s first state podium in over two decades,” Cool said. “We are excited to see what spring 2025 holds.”

Omli, a multi-time state champion and record holder, is coming off an outstanding junior season where she placed third in the 100 meter dash (11.70), second in the 200 (24.49) and second in the 400 (54.21). Her times in the 100 and 400 meter finals were faster than the previous meet records in the events, while her time of 23.95 in the 200 meter prelims actually established a new state meet record in the event. She was the 400 meter champion as a sophomore and is a two-time state champion in the 4x100 meter relay, winning one title at Eisenhower High School in Goddard her freshman year, before transferring to Manhattan.

“This season, my biggest goal is to chase the state record in the 400 meters,” Omli said. “I also have other goals like improving my PRs in all my events and helping my team break the state record in the 4x100. I’m pushing myself in every workout, focusing on building endurance, perfecting my race strategy, and improving my speed and strength.”

Despite her success, Omli has faced adversity, including recovering from a head injury that she suffered in an auto-accident in late February of 2024 that affected her for much of the season.

“Recovering from a concussion has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced as an athlete,” Omli said. “It required patience, discipline and trust in the recovery process. I’veworked hard to rebuild my strength and endurance while being mindful of what my body can handle.”

Cool praised Omli’s relentless work ethic and positive attitude, calling her a driven athlete who sets high goals and does everything necessary to achieve them.

“Harli is a very driven athlete. She will not set a goal for herself without going all in to achieve it,” Cool said. “Aside from being a fierce competitor, she is an outstanding teammate. She genuinely wants the best for others and is happy for their success.”

Both Pellant and Omli - who also train with Kansas sprinting phenom Aria Pearce and Prairie Fire Speed Academy - will continue their track careers at the DI level, with Pellant set to compete at the University of Mississippi after wrapping up this high school season and Omli heading to Texas Tech. Pellant aims to finish her high school career with a strong performance at the Nike Outdoor Nationals, while Omli looks to cap off her season by chasing state records in her events.

After capturing the Class 6A state title in the high jump last season with a jump of 6-10, Maize senior Alan Hanna enters the 2025 track and field season bent on achieving a measurable goal: consistently clearing 7-0

(L-R): Harli Omli, Alan Hannah, Hanna Pellant (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 72 and defending his championship. As one of the top high jumpers in Kansas, Hanna has steadily improved throughout his high school career and is determined to cap off his final season at the top of the podium once again.

Hanna, a four-year track standout, has dominated the high jump in Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I, winning the league title three consecutive seasons while setting the league record. His personal best of 7-0 ranks among the best in the state, and he is aiming to pass the 7-0 mark in his final high school season.

“This season I would like to consistently jump 7-0 or even 7-1 and win state,” Hanna said. “I have been conditioning and dunking in basketball to help improve my jumping ability.”

Hanna’s journey to becoming one of the nation’s top high jumpers did not come without challenges. He struggled to break the 7-0 barrier last season but remained focused and determined to reach that mark and did finally achieve that goal at the league meet in mid-May.

“In track, my biggest challenge was to get over 6-10. It was a struggle to get 7-0,” Hanna said. “I was able to overcome this challenge by working hard in practice and mainly focusing on high jump. My goal and determination were to get over 7-0.”

His dedication paid off at the 2024 state meet, where he claimed the 6A high jump title after placing second as a sophomore and fifth as a freshman. He also competed in the 300 meter hurdles at state in 2023, finishing seventh. Hanna has been an integral part of Maize’s track and field program, providing crucial points for the team in key meets. Head coach Roger Pierce believes Hanna’s presence will be vital to the Eagles’ success this season.

“He has grown into one of the best high jumpers in the nation,” Pierce said. “He is the three-time AVCTL Division I league champion in the high jump and is going for his fourth this year. He is extremely important to our boys team and with the points he is going to score, we are in the position to have a chance to win meets.”

Beyond the track, Hanna has also excelled in basketball, earning AVCTL-I honorable mention in 2024 and helping the Eagles to a third place finish in the recently completed 2025 Class 6A state tournament. However, his future is set in track and field. After graduation, he will continue competing at Kansas State University while studying kinesiology.

“It’s fun to compete in track,” Hanna said. “It’s nice to have some teammates watching me jump. So, it means a lot to show out for my teammates and Maize High School.”

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by Edmund Cronn.*

OOLATHE WEST’s boys finished with 81 points, to capture the 6A state championship at the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet last May. The relay teams led the way in scoring.

The 4x100 meter relay team of juniors Bryce Austin and Tevyn Gasaway joined seniors Braeden Gillam and Dylan Velasco to win the state championship with a time of 41.94 seconds. The 4x800 meter relay team of juniors Gunnar Hornung and Isaac Shilling teamed with seniors Logan Montgomery and Owen Diediker to win the state championship finishing in 7:54.76. The 4x400 meter relay team captured silver in 3:19.56. Team members were juniors Caden Richardson, Isaac Shilling, Dayton Richardson and senior Owen Diediker.

Richardson won the 400 meter dash in 49.38 while Gasaway finished seventh in the 100 meter dash in 10.77 and sixth in the 200 in 22.37. Hornung placed eighth in the 3200 meter running 9:32.60. Gillam was runner up in the 300 meter IH hurdles running 39.04. Junior Will Spritzer threw 53 feet, 3.25 inches in the shot put to earn third place. Senior Elijh Hakim finished second in the triple jump with a leap of 45 feet, 2.5 inches. Teammate Simba Mundava, a junior, finished fourth with a mark of 44 feet, 10 inches. Hakim also finished sixth in the long jump recording a mark of 21 feet, 2.75 inches.

Sophomores Cade Zimmerman and Mason Barnard finished fifth and sixth in the javelin with throws of 172 feet, 11 inches for Zimmeran and 168 feet, 9 inches for Barnard.

The Olathe West girls scored 68 points to finish hird in 6A.

Seniors Kolby Brown and Kalyn Willingham teamed with juniors Jasmine Stiede and Laynie Clements to finish as state champions in the 4x800 meter relay in 9:28.89 seconds. Senior Bree Newport was the state champion in the 1600 meter run in a time of 5:00.88.

Senior Kate Miller was fourth running 5:08.50. Junior Liz Browning joined her teammates running 5:10.66 for fifth place. The trio also finished second, third, and fourth in the 800 meter run. Miller taking second in 2:17.99, Browing third in 2:18.77 and Newport fourth in 2:19.34.

Stiede joined Miller, Browning, and Newport in the 4x400 meter relay to finish third in 3:58.64.

Senior Addie Cline was state runner-up in the shot put with a throw of 40 feet, 10 inches and third in the discus with mark of 138 feet, 11 inches.

The OLATHE NORTH girls finished as 6A state runner-up with 70 points.

Senior Anjali Hocker Singh placed second in the 1600

meter and 3200 meter runs in times of 5:01.01 and 10:46.74. Senior Shea Johnson finished sixth in the 3200 meter run in 11:19.45.

Sophomore Avani Hocker Singh finished runner-up in the 300 meter intermediate hurdles in 43.96 seconds and seventh in the 100 meter hurdles in 15.86. Sophomore Layla Parker placed sixth in the 100 meter high hurdles clocking 15.64 seconds.

Senior Raegan Foster finished seventh in the 400 meter dash in 57.78 seconds and the 4x400 meter relay team of sophomore Avani Hocker Singh, junior Rhema Stemmons, senior Payton Troup and senior Raegan Foster placed second in 3:56.65.

The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Montgomery Morgan, junior Niah Blachly, senior Shea Johnson and senior Anjali Hocker Singh finished second in 3:56.65. Senior Chloe Nelson cleared 5 feet, 2 inches in the high jump for seventh. Sophomore Elena Ginie finished third in the pole vault with a height of 11 feet. Senior Hannah Jensen placed eighth in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 1.75 inches.

Junior Reese Pope finished fifth in the triple jump at 36 feet, 6 inches, while Nelson was 10th with a jump of 35 feet, 4.5 inches.

Senior Mackenize Batten finished eighth in the shot put with a throw of 37 feet, 2.25 inches. Sophomore Kennedy Tobaben placed third in the javelin with a mark of 131 feet, 10 inches.

The Olathe North boys also finished as state runner-up with 54.5 points.

Senior Elija Madden finished as state champion in both the long and triple jump with leaps of 22 feet, 3 inches and 46 feet, 3.75 inches respectively.

Junior Jaalan Watson, with a leap of 44 feet even, took fifth in the triple jump. Watson also placed 12th in the long jump. Senior Ian Quarles won gold in the pole vault, vaulting 15 feet, 3 inches.

Senior Luke Sorrels threw the javelin 177 feet, 2 inches to place fourth. Junior Cole Smither finished third in the high jump at 6 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Joseph Ouellette took fourth in the 400 meter dash in 49.87 and finished sixth and seventh in the 100 and 200 meter dashes running 10.73 and 22.60 seconds. Watson was 12th in the 100 meter dash prelims.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Logan Walker, Aiden Bruce, MJ Mack and Ouellette placed ninth in the prelims to just miss the finals. Mack also placed 16th in the 200 prelims.

WICHITA EAST scored 49 points, good for third at the state meet.

Senior Marcus White finished as state champion in the 110 meter hurdles in 14.50 seconds. His senior teammate, Camern Davis ran fourth with a time of 14.97. The pair would go on to finish on the podium in the 300 meter hurdles as well, with Davis running 39.37 for third and White 40.07 seconds for fifth.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Ashton McClellan, Davis, Tristen Cross and White finished third in the prelims but were DQed in the finals.

Senior Ryan Son took third in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs in times of 4:17.46 and 9:15.27. The 1600 meter relay team of McClellan, White, Davis, and Son finished 16th in the prelims and did not make the finals of the event.

Junior Tristen Cross added bronze medals in both the long and triple jumps going 21 feet, 11.75 inches and 44 feet, 11.25 inches respectively. Freshman Camden Wagoner finished 11th in the pole vault with a vault of 13 feet. Senior Jackson Woodson was 10th in the shot put with a heave of 47 feet, 6.25 inches.

Wichita East’s girls finished tied for 25th with 4 points. Junior Heylei Davis finished fifth in 300 meter hurdles in a time of 46.74 seconds. Junior Rylan Chandler (100), junior Ruby Moore (3200), and the 4x100 relay team of Izzie Carranza, Chandler, Makiya Mosley and Davis all competed, but did not make the finals. Sophomore Alanna Comer was 15th in the shot put at 31 feet, 1.5 inches.

WASHBURN RURAL’s boys finished fourth at state with 47 points.

Senior javelin thrower Josh SulzenWatson was the state champion with a throw of 188 feet, 7 inches. SulzenWatson went on to place third in the discus at 162 feet, 3 inches. Senior DJ Holman was 11th in the javelin throw with a mark of 142 feet, 4 inches.

Senior Jamond Lane placed sixth in the shot put with a throw of 50 feet, 6.25 inches. Junior Jacob Hawks finished seventh, going 50 feet, .5 inches.

The 4x400 meter relay team of senior Shane Jueneman, junior Isaiah Terry, and sophomores Liam Morrison and Draden Chooncharoen won the state title in a time of 3:19.56.

Sophomore Liam Morrison finished fifth in the 110 meter hurdles running 15.07. Senior Cody Ingenhron took sixth in a time of 15.20 seconds.

Morrison also competed in the 300 meter hurdles running 41.82 seconds for eighth. Junior Isaiah Terry ran fifth in the 400 meter dash in 50.13 seconds.

Senior Titan Osburn leaped 21 feet, 5.25 inches in the long jump to place fifth. He was also 12th in the high jump with a mark of 6 feet.

The Washburn Rural girls finished tied

for 10th place with 23 points.

Juniors Rylee Ismert and Payton Fink took fifth and sixth place in the 3200 meter run in 5:11.27 and 5:17.66 respectively. Sophomore Emily Graf was 13th wtih a time of 5:37.31. Fink also finished fifth in 3200 meter running 11:14.85 with Graf in seventh in 11:20.57.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Madison Blanco, Analese Estudillo, Glory Okeowo and Sydney Maize was seventh in prelims but DQed in the final. The 4x800 team of Madison Blanco, Emme Blanco, Maddy Blow and Kailyn Peterson finished 14th in the prelims, but 4x800 team of Fink, Graf, Brooklyn Nolte and Ismert finished sixth overall in a time of 9:47.16.

Senior Raegen Peterson threw 121 feet, 7 inches in the discus for fifth. Freshman Kailyn Peterson was ninth with a throw of 110 feet, 11 inches.

Senior Aubrey Simpson placed fifth in the javelin with a mark of 126 feet, 2 inches. Sophomore Morgan Ray finished eighth throwing 122 feet, 4 inches.

The MILL VALLEY girls finished fourth with 61 points.

Junior Alonnah Gage placed fourth in 100 meter dash in 12.36 seconds.

Freshman Audrey Howard placed fourth in the 3200 meter run in 11:10.67. Junior Charlotte Caldwell was state champion in the 800 meter run in 2:14.87. Paige Roth finished fifth in the 800 in 2:29.34.

Caldwell, Howard and Roth joined senior Sarah Anderson in the 4x800 meter relay finishing fourth in 9:43.17.

Howard and Roth joined juniors Lauren Welch and Josie Benon in the 1600 meter relay running 4:06.97 to finish seventh.

Freshman Miley Strathman finished in a tie for first in the high jump with height of 5 feet, 6 inches. Freshman Faith Pittenger finished fourth with a mark of 5 feet, 4 inches. Junior Lauren Welch finished in a tie for sixth in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 2 inches.

Sophomore Kaidence Alston placed sixth in the triple jump with a mark of 36 feet, 5 inches.

Sophomore Josie Whitsitt was state runner-up in the javelin with a throw of 137 feet, 8 inches. Senior teammate Addison Bailey placed seventh with a mark of 122 feet, 7 inches.

The Mill Valley boys finished in fifth place with 44.5 points.

Junior Jayden Woods finished as state champion in the shot put and discus with marks of 56 feet, 3.50 inches and 180 feet, 3 inches respectively, though Woods has already made the move to the University of Florida to play college football.

Senior Sully Sunderman placed eighth

in the shot put with a mark of 49 feet, 5 inches. Senior Gus Hawkins finished fourth in the discus throwing 160 feet, 7 inches. Senior Aiden Stroebel was state runner-up in the javelin with a throw of 187 feet, 7 inches.

Senior Jackson Lawler finished sixth in the pole vault with a height of 13 feet, 6 inches. Sophomore Bryce Shorten placed eight in the triple jump with a leap of 43 feet, 1 inch.

Junior Carter Cline finished fifth in the 3200 meter run in 9:20.20 and sixth in the 1600 meter in 4:21.32.

GARDNER EDGERTON’s boys finished in sixth place with 42.5 points. Senior Parker Walion was state champion in the 1600 meter run in 4:17.14. Walion finished state runner-up in the 3200 meter in 9:14.20 and fifth in the 800 meter running 1:58.41.

Sophomore Mason Hill was state runner-up in the pole vault with a height of 15 feet, 3 inches. Senior teammate Jadyn Campbell cleared 14 feet, 6 inches to place third. Junior Karter Kueser finished tied for sixth with a mark of 13 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Thomas Savasten finished fifth in the shot put with a throw of 50 feet, 11.75 inches.

Gardner Edgerton’s girls scored 8 points to finish tied for 20th.

The 4x400 meter relay team of seniors Isabella Meili and Joshlyn Griffin joined sophomores Lexi Martin and Makayla Cox to place fifth in 4:06.97. Meili, Griffin and Cox joined senior teammate Rachel Harpt in the 4x800 meter relay to place seventh in 9:49.29. Meili placed seventh in the 800 meter run in 2:20.19.

MANHATTAN’s girls scored 51 points at the state meet to finish in sixth place. Junior Hanna Pellant was state champion in the 100 meter dash in 11.59 seconds. Pellant also finished fourth in the 200 meter dash in 25.19. Junior Harli Omli finished state runner-up in the 200 meter and 400 meter dashes in 24.49 and 54.21 respectfully, and was third in the 100 meter in 11.70 seconds.

Omli and Pellant joined senior Aylani Barron and freshman Sarah Oberreuter in the 4x100 meter relay to finish as state champions in 47.90 seconds.

Sophomore Jorryn Hall was seventh in the shot with a mark of 38 feet, 5 inches. The Manhattan boys scored 38 points for seventh place.

Senior Lucas Holdren placed seventh in the 3200 meter in 9:31.09. Junior Crayton Rauch placed eighth in the 200 meter and 400 meter dashes in 22.64 and 50.84 seconds respectfully. Raush also placed fourth in the long jump with mark of 21 feet, 10 inches.

Dejuan Colbert, Wichita Southeast, Senior (Photo: Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered)

Junior Charles Morgan finished seventh in the 300 meter hurdles in 40.41. Senior Cooper Sturm ran 1:59.89 in the 800 meter for seventh. Morgan, Rauch, and Sturm joined senior Zachary O’Haver in the 4x4 relay to finish seventh in 3:28.48.

Senior Aaron Newcomer was state runner-up in the high jump clearing 6 feet, 8 inches. Senior Vincen Malone leaped 6 feet, 6 inches for fifth place.

Senior Samuel Molt finished third in the javelin with a throw of 182 feet, 11 inches. Senior teammate Nicholas Murph placed eighth with a mark of 162 feet, 10 inches.

Sophomore Brady Durtschi placed seventh in the triple jump with a mark of 43 feet, 1.50 inches. Elijah Strawn was fourth in the pole vault clearing 14 feet.

WICHITA NORTHWEST senior Adryana Shelby was state champ in the girls 100 and 300 hurdles. She teamed up with freshman Julianna Avant, senior Olivia Leatherman and sophomore Kiera Smith to finish state runner-up in the 4x1. Freshman Lakeya Fuller was sixth in the high jump. Sophomore Allie Neitzel was 11th in the long jump. For the boys, NW senior Jalil Cooper was state champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Junior Alex Eagle was 11th in the 800.

JUNCTION CITY senior Lorna Rae Pierce was third in the 1600 meter run and the winner of the 3200 while sophomore Daniella Okorie placed third in the triple jump and junior Gracie Erichsen was fourth in the discus throw.

For the boys, JC sophomore Ja’marcus Vornes was third in the 400. DODGE CITY’s boys had a state champion in the 300 hurdles in senior Carter Williams while freshman Lily Pfaff was seventh in the same event for the girls. Junior Karina Avalos Martinez added a 10th place finish in the 800. DERBY junior Piper Hula finished fourth in the girls 400 meter dash, eighth in the 800 and served as a leg of the fifth place 4x1 relay with senior Maddie Snowbarger, junior Eilyannis Monge, and freshman Shadai Jackson. Junior Martel Jackson paced the boys with a third place finish in the 200 and a fifth place finish in the 100. Classmate William Hopson was sixth in the 400. The 4x1 relay of Amarion Houston, Jackson, Daylen Bledsoe and Davon Morrions was fifth. GARDEN CITY senior Kailyn Munoz was sixth in the boys 3200 and was one leg of the state runner-up 3200 relay team. LIBERAL sophomore Shamari Lewis was fourth in the triple jump (36-9.75) while Cesar Pavia was fourth in the boys 800. He was also one leg of the third place 1600 meter relay team made up of all seniors. WICHITA

SOUTHEAST junior sprinter Dejuan Colbert was the state runner-up in the 100 and finished fifth in the 200 and also served as a leg of the state runner-up 400 meter relay team along with three seniors.

*The state track recaps reflect the high school class the athletes were in last season.

Guy Gross,

Kate Gross, DDS

Kiralyn Mosier, DDS

Stefania Caracioni, DDS

Azriel Minjarez-Almeida, DDS

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

With two of the top distance runners in Class 5A returning, Salina Central’s track and field team enters the 2025 season with championship aspirations. Senior Katelyn Rupe and sophomore Kaylie Shultz have consistently set the standard for excellence on the track and cross country course.

Rupe, a three-time Class 5A state champion in cross country and a multiple-time state champion in track, has established herself as one of the most accomplished distance runners in Kansas. Last season, she won the 3200 meter run at state track for the third consecutive year and placed second in the 1600 for the second straight season.

While Rupe came in second in the 1600 to TopekaSeaman star Ryin Miller – who last year broke the state record in the 5K – her time of 4:55.19 was one of three that bested the previous state meet record in the event with Miller (4:51.58), Rupe, and bronze medalist Marissa January of Spring Hill (4:56.15) all eclipsing the 5A state meet mark of 4:56.29 established by McKenzie Wilks of St. James Academy in 2018.

With personal bests of 10:17 in the 3,200 and 4:54 in the 1600, Rupe aims to improve upon her times this spring while helping Salina Central contend for a team title at state.

“This season my personal goals are to improve upon my times from last season,” Rupe said. “I also want to contribute as many points as I can to my team at state. We placed second last year as a team and I think that we have the potential to match that and even improve on that mark.”

Overcoming injuries has been a key part of Rupe’s journey. After dealing with an injury during her freshman track season, she committed to strength training at Sharp Performance, which has helped her stay healthy and continue improving.

“The biggest challenge that I have faced in my sport was getting injured my freshman year track season,” she said. “I was lucky enough to be able to continue to train and race through it but it was extremely difficult. I went to physical therapy and was able to work through it, and eventually, once the season was over, rested and then fully healed.”

Rupe credited her work with Sharp Performance for helping to keep her on track.

“I have added sport specific personal strength training at Sharp Performance to help me prevent injuries from happening as well as getting stronger and faster,” she said. “This has helped me and I have seen success with it as I have not been injured since I started training at Sharp.”

Rupe has twice been named the Kansas Gatorade Cross Country Female Athlete of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, and her success extends beyond Kansas where she has twice qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals where she placed 28th out of more than 200 runners in 2023 and 43rd out of 200 runners last December.

Following her senior season, Rupe will continue her running career at Division I University of North Carolina, where she will compete in both cross country and track.

Shultz has also been a key contributor for Salina Central in both cross country and track, excelling in multiple distance events.

As a freshman, Shultz was state runner-up to Rupe in cross country with Miller in third. Last fall Miller finished second to Rupe while Shultz fell back to third. Shultz’s freshman season of track last spring saw her finish fourth at state in the 800 (2:16.69), fifth in the 1600 (4:59.30), and third in the 3200 (10:45.10).

With personal bests of 10:32 in the 3,200, 4:59.30 in the 1600, and 2:15 in the 800, she is a consistent performer who looks to build upon her past success.

“This season, I’ve set goals to improve my personal bests, become a stronger and more consistent racer, and contribute as much as I can to my team’s success,” Shultz said.

Like Rupe, Shultz has battled injuries, particularly at the end of her sophomore cross country season last fall. However, she has focused on recovery and strength training to ensure she is prepared for the challenges ahead.

“I ended my sophomore cross country season with some injuries,” Shultz said. “Consistency in the gym, emphasis in recovery, and slowly building my mileage are some ways that I am overcoming it.”

Shultz takes pride in competing for Salina Central and values the team environment that has helped her develop as a runner.

“Katelyn doesn’t just run the race, she inspires it. With determination, resilience, and a pure heart, she proves that greatness is earned one step at a time, both on and off the track,”

“I enjoy running for Salina Central and having Katelyn as a teammate. Competing for my school and representing my team means everything to me. It’s about more than just individual races—it’s about pushing myself to be my best while contributing to something bigger,” she said.

After high school, Shultz plans to attend a four-year university and major in nutrition and wellness, with the goal of continuing her running career at the collegiate level.

Salina Central head coach Mike Kilgore praised both Rupe and Schultz for their dedication and leadership.

“Katelyn doesn’t just run the race, she inspires it. With determination, resilience, and a pure heart, she proves that greatness is earned one step at a time, both on and off the track,” Kilgore said. “Kaylie’s impact isn’t just measured in medals or records but in effort, grit, and heart. She embodies hard work, pushes limits, and leads by example every step of the way.”

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by Edmund Cronn.*

The ST. JAMES ACADEMY girls scored 83 points at the 2024 KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet to win the state championship.

Juniors Beatrice Wiley and Reese Messer (USC volleyball signee) combined with seniors Leah Phelps and Evelyn Overlease to finish as state champions in both

5A TRACK

the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relays running 48.37 seconds and 3:57.41 respectively. The 4x800 meter relay team of junior Quinn Hays, junior Annie Wilken, senior Katelyn Blaesing, and senior Katie Price also won the state championship in 9:32.10.

Senior Leah Phelps finished fifth in the 100 meter dash in 12.55 seconds Junior teammates Messer and Wiley competed in the 200 meter dash. Messer running second in 25.50 and Wiley finishing third in 25.62 seconds. Messer finished runner-up in the 300 meter hurdles in 44.43. Wiley also was runner-up in the triple jump with a mark of 36 feet, 9.50 inches.

Senior Evelyn Overlease was state champion in the 400 meter in 58.77 seconds. Senior Katie Price placed seventh in the 1600 meter in 5:18.04 and sixth in the 3200 meter in 11:32.32. Junior Quinn Hays finished sixth in the 800 meter in 2:20.28. Hays also finished eighth in the 1600 meter in 5:18.57.

The St. James Academy boys scored 33 points to place seventh.

Junior Michael Bianco placed fourth in the 1600 meter and fifth in the 3200 meter run in 4:21.87 and 9:28.68, respectively. Sophomore Noah Schowengerdt was state runner-up in the 800 meter run in 1:56.01.

The 4x400 meter relay team of Schowengerdt, freshman Brock Wondra, junior Logan Jones, and senior Jack Pace placed fourth in 3:23.01.

Senior Spencer Dohm finished third in the shot put with a throw of 55 feet, 6.25 inches. Senior Ben Wheeler placed eighth in the long jump with a mark 21 feet, 1.00 inch. Junior Parker Chase finished in fifth place in the javelin with a throw of 172 feet, 6 inches.

The SALINA CENTRAL girls were state runner-up scoring 50 points.

Senior Elle Denning finished fourth in the 100 meter, sixth in the 400 meter, and seventh in the 200 meter dashes running 12.40, 59.57 and 26.45 seconds.

Junior Katelyn Rupe was state champion in the 3200 meter run in 10:18.09. Rupe was state runner-up in the 1600 meter in 4:55.19. Freshman Kaylie Shultz placed third in the 3200 meter and fifth in the 1600 meter running 10:45.10 and 4:49.30, respectively. Shultz also finished fourth in the 800 meter in 2:16.69.

Senior Anna Hogeland placed third in the pole vault clearing 11 feet even.

The Salina Central boys scored four points for 28th place with the 4x400 meter relay team of sophomores Christian Brosi and Jeremiah Smith teamed with junior Kamryn Jones and senior Jameer Moore to finish fifth.

KAPAUN MOUNT CARMEL’s boys were state champions scoring 87 points.

Junior Jack Guthridge was state champion in the 200 and 400 meter dashes in 21.74 and 48.36 seconds and

(L-R): Kaylie Shultz, Katelyn Rupe

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 76 was state runner-up in the 100 in 10.40 seconds. Senior Nathan Thengvall placed third in the 800 meter run in 1:57.00 and fourth in the 400 meter in 50.16 seconds. Junior Dawson Grabendike was state runner-up in the 110-meter hurdles in 14.58 seconds. Grabendike finished fourth in the 300 meter hurdles running 39.21 seconds.

Guthridge, Grabendike and Thengvall joined junior Will Niederee in the 4x400 meter relay to win the state title in 3:21.60.

Sophomore Daniel Enriquez placed third in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs in 4:19.17 and 9:27.21. Junior Micah Amphone finished seventh in the pole vault clearing 13 feet even. Junior Jackson Daniel threw 181 feet, 7 inches to place third in the javelin.

The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Jude Porter, sophomore Cole Reintjes, junior Andrew Guyer and junior Timothy Rowell finished fourth in 8:05.22. The Kapaun girls finished eighth with 34.5 points Senior Trinity Oblinger was state champion in the 100 in 12.04 seconds. The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Courtney Nye, sophomore Taylor Barringer, junior Amelia Hermann, and senior Jackie Ackerman placed third in 9:36.89. Ackerman, Nye and Barringer joined senior Jasmine Rieger in the 4x400 meter relay to finish seventh in 4:09.20.

Freshman Elizabeth Rambo placed fifth in the pole vault clearing 10 feet even. Junior Alexandria Stewart finished fifth in the javelin with a mark of 125 feet, 11 inches. Junior Lillian Stafford was state runner-up in the shot put with a mark of 39 feet, 3.25 inches and finished seventh in the discus with a throw of 117 feet, 11 inches.

The BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST boys finished as 5A state runner-up scoring 69 points.

The 4x400 meter relay team of seniors, Alex Parks, Trey Thomas, Crew Buehler and Drake Dombrosky placed third in 3.22.57. The 4x8 relay team of sophomore Cameron Paschke, junior Elijah Chavez, senior Cooper Reeves, and Buehler was third in 8:04.38. The 4x1 team of sophomore AJ Keuwo and Thomas, Parks and Dombrosky was fifth in 42.91 seconds.

Dombrosky also finished fifth in the 400 meter dash in 50.58 seconds. Senior Dylan Dunn finished fourth in the high jump clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Dunn was also eighth in the javelin with a mark of 166 feet, 8 inches.

Senior Kaleb Tesmer was state runner-up in the long jump with mark of 22 feet, 6.50 inches. Tesmer placed third in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet, 4 inches Teammates senior Carson Ratzlaff, sophomore Dylan Cross and junior Gabe Heck placed second, third and fourth in the pole vault clearing 15 feet, 6 inches, 15 feet even, and 14 feet, 6 inches, respectively.

Senior Trey Thomas placed fifth in the long jump with a mark of 21 feet, 4.75 inches. Junior Luke Haskins was fifth in the discus with a throw of 147 feet, 6 inches.

The Blue Valley Southwest girls finished tied for 20th with 15 points. Junior Isabella Ross was runner-up in the 800 meters in 2:15.29, and fourth in the 1600 in 4:56.74.

Senior Bailey Weber was eighth in the javelin with a mark of 122 feet, 9 inches, as was junior Karter Skillman in the discus with a throw of 117 feet, 7 inches.

The DeSOTO boys placed third with 67 points.

Senior Palmer O’Conner was a dual state champion in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs in 15:54.65 and 4:16.70 seconds, respectively. Junior Vance Krudwig finished state runner-up in the 3200 in 9:26.22.

The 4x100 meter relay team of juniors Layton Lawson, Jayden Lang and seniors Davis Barr and Carson Miller were state champions running 42.39 seconds.

Miller also finished third in the 100 meter in 10.46 and eighth in the 200. Junior Jayden Lang placed sixth in the 200 in 22.84 seconds.

The 4x800 meter relay team of junior Vance Krudwig with seniors Luke Swarts, Harrison Purkey and Connor Jacober were state champions in 7:52.88. The 4x400 team of seniors, Luke Swarts, Connor Jacober, Riley Hartman

and Harrison Purkey was eighth in 3:28.79.

Senior Luke Swarts finished fifth in the 800 in 1:57.23.

Junior Charles Woleben was sixth in the discus throwing 147 feet, 6 inches. Junior Chase Riedesel was eighth in the shot put with a mark of 52 feet even.

The DeSoto girls scored 27 points for eleventh place.

Junior Addison Cisneros cleared 5 feet, 2 inches for hird place in the high jump. Junior Brooke Bundt placed fifth in the 800 meter run in 2:17.76. Senior Kamdyn Wedel was fifth in the 200 meter dash in 26.07 seconds.

The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Addison Gillespie, sophomore Kat Meyer, junior Brooke Bundt, and senior Hope Marriott placed fourth in 9:43.03 Gillispie, Meyer, Bundt, and Marriott teamed for the 4x400 meter relay to finish eighth in 4:09.21.

Sophomore Candence Shrout was state runner-up in the discus with a throw of 130 feet even.

The ST. THOMAS AQUINAS boys were fourth with 65 points led by dual state champion junior Joey Goodenow in the discus and shot put throwing 177 feet, 10 inches and 56 feet, 6.75 inches, respectively. Sophomore Klyn Curtis was runner-up in the shot put with a mark of 55 feet, 10.75 inches.

Junior Noah Allen was state champion in the long jump with a mark of 22 feet, 8 inches. Junior LJ Maslowski placed sixth in 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes running 10.83, 22.80, and 51.16 seconds.

Senior Lance Meade finished fifth in the 1600 meter in 4:23.17 and seventh in the 3200 meter run in 9:40.25 Freshman Grady Richlin placed seventh in the triple jump with a mark of 42 feet, 7.75 inches.

ANDOVER’s girls scored 47 points for third place. Sophomore Madelyn Wallace was fourth in the 3200 meter run in 11:25.87, and sixth in the 1600 in 5:17.32.

Senior McKinlee Walker was state runner-up in the 100 meter hurdles in 14.90 seconds. Walker was third in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 5 inches and seventh in the high jump clearing 5 feet, 2 inches.

Sophomore Janae Kelly placed fourth in the triple jump with a mark of 36 feet, 9.50 inches, and sixth in 100 meter hurdles in 15.82 seconds.

The 4x100 meter relay team of freshman Asia’h Sullivan, Brooklyn Parham, junior Kenzy MacBeth and Walker finished sixth in 49.92 seconds. The 4x400 team of freshman Asia’h Sullivan and Samantha Siegrist, junior Jordyn Cleary and Wallace placed fifth in 4:08.87. Freshman Brecken Bogner joined Wallace, Siegrist, and Cleary in the 4x800 to finish state runner-up in 9:32.96.

The Andover boys finished tied for 26th with five points. Sophomore Shal Ruud was fifth in the high jump clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Senior Jack Phillips finished eighth in discus with a mark of 144 feet even.

TOPEKA-SEAMAN girls finished tied for fourth place scoring 42 points. Sophomore standout Ryin Miller was a dual state champion in the 800 and 1600 meter runs in 2:10.80 and 4:51.58, respectively. She was runner-up in the 3200 meter in 10:34.48. She joined juniors Jaida Stallbaumer, Ally Steiner, and Taylie Heston on the state runner-up 4x400 meter relay running 4:02.39.

Senior Maggie Lesmeister placed third in the javelin with a mark of 128 feet, 1 inch.

Seaman’s boys scored 32 points to tie for eighth.

Senior speedster Aaron Merritt was state champion in the 100 meter dash and 110-meter hurdles in 10.32 and 14.48 seconds, respectively, and teamed with junior Bryce Cochran, junior Peyton Holmes, and senior Jacob Anderson in the 4x100 meter relay to finish as state runner-up in 42.50 seconds. Holmes was also sixth in the long jump with a mark of 21 feet, 4.25 inches.

ARK CITY’s girls finished tied for fourth place with 42 points led by junior Kinzie Perdue’s state title in the high jump at 5 feet, 4 inches. She was also third in the 400 in 59.25 seconds. Junior Sallyah Johnson placed third in the triple jump with a mark of 36 feet, 8 inches.

Junior Savannah Phillips was fourth in the 100 hurdles in 15.41 seconds. Freshman Khalyiah Evans was sixth in 300 meter hurdles in 47.11 seconds.

The 4x100 relay team of Evans, Perdue, Phillips and junior Kierslynn Waggoner was third in 49.30 seconds. The 4x400 team of Evans, Perdue, Phillips, and freshman Harper Webb was third in 4:04.31.

The Ark City boys got five points from sophomore Karson Palmer’s fourth place in the discus (151-4).

The MAIZE SOUTH girls tied for sixth with 38 points. Senior Ashley Singhateh was state champion in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles in 14.50 and 43.13 seconds, and state runner-up in the 100 meter dash in 12:08 seconds.

Sophomore Amaya Garcia, sophomore Aliyah Singhateh, junior Jillian Gregory and Ashley Singhateh finished as state runner-up in the 4x1 in 48.74 seconds. Gregory placed seventh in the 100 in 12.58 seconds.

The SPRING HILL girls tied for sixth with 38 points. Senior Marisa January placed third in the 800 and 1600 meter runs running 2:16.26 and 4:56.15 and joined the 4x800 meter relay team of freshman Taytum Baldwin, freshman Alexis Howard and sophomore Sophie Rivers to finish seventh in 10:00.06.

Junior Jolee Castro placed fourth in the pole vault clearing 10 feet, 6 inches. Senior Haylee Whitcraft was fourth in the javelin with throw of 126 feet, 10 inches. Junior Margo Todd was state champion in the discus with a mark of 134 feet, 7 inches, and was sixth in the shot put with a throw of 37 feet, 6.75 inches.

The Spring Hill boys scored 14 points for 16th place with strong performances in the distance races. Junior Jack Janovick was eighth in the 800 meters in 2:00.38. Junior Logan Beckman finished sixth in the 3200 meter in 9:30.63 and was seventh in the 1600 in 4:25.93. Junior Calen George was eighth in the 1600 in 4:25.93.

Junior Cody Hockett finished eighth in the 110-meter hurdles in 15.37 seconds. Senior Carter Meek placed seventh in the shot with a mark of 52 feet, 6.50 inches.

The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Dylan Estes, and juniors Calen George, Logan Beckman, and Jack Janovick placed fifth in 8:05.81.

The HAYS girls finished ninth with 34 points.

Sophomore Kamryn McCall won the long jump (17-5.25) and was sixth in the 100. Sophomore Lyndi Zimmerman was fifth in the 100 hurdles. The duo joined seniors Morgan Geerdes and Lilian McGrath in the 4x1 relay to finish fifth. McGrath was sixth in the long jump followed by freshman Lynsi Kanak in seventh. Sophomore Rylen Harrington was the javelin state runner-up. Junior Dalton Meyers was the top finisher for the boys with a state runner-up mark in the javelin throw.

GREAT BEND got a girls state championship from senior javelin thrower Macy Nachtigal and a bronze medal from senior high jumper Mersadie Spray. Junior Cassie Ellegood was sixth in the high jump. The 4x800 relay team of Eliana Beckham, Addy Nicholson, Sienna Smith and Reese Bullard was fifth while the 4x4 team of Bullard, Beckham, Daizy Gomez and Spray was sixth. Freshman Cooper Ohnmacht delivered the boys a state title in the triple jump (47-3.5). He was also seventh in the long jump (21-3.5).

SUMNER ACADEMY junior Sommyr Moore was third in the boys triple (45-4) and long (22-2.5) jumps.

*The track recaps use the class of the athletes last season.

Jack Guthridge, Kapaun, Senior (Photo: Mike Courson)

After an already decorated high school career, Hayden senior Jensen Schrickel is entering his final track and field season with two primary goals: break the school’s 400 meter record and defend his Class 4A state title in the event.

“My goals for this season are to break our school 400 record and repeat as state 400 champion,” Schrickel said. “I have been training hard all offseason to achieve these goals.”

Schrickel has already solidified himself as one of the state’s top sprinters and jumpers. In 2024, he captured three state championships—winning the 400 meters in 48.73 seconds, the long jump with a mark of 23 feet, 1 inch, and anchoring Hayden’s 4x400 relay team to gold. His 4x100 relay team also placed second at state.

His list of accolades is extensive. Over his high school career, Schrickel has amassed six state championships and 10 state medals. His previous state titles include long jump (2022), 4x100 relay (2023), and back-to-back 4x400 relay wins in 2023 and 2024. He has medaled every year since his freshman season, placing third in the 400 in 2023 and seventh in 2022, while also leading the 4x400 relay to a third-place finish in 2022.

Despite his success, Schrickel has worked to overcome early-season struggles in past years.

“The biggest challenge I have faced in the past is being fully ready for the start of the season,” he said. “I have put in a lot of hard work in the offseason to make sure I am ready to compete when the season starts.”

Former Hayden head track coach DeJuan Gardenhire, who coached Schrickel for three seasons, witnessed his development firsthand.

“During my time coaching Jensen, he was a track coach’s dream athlete,” Gardenhire said. “Since his freshman year, he’s been put through so many pressure moments for the team, and he always found a way to deliver. He’s an athlete who has that ‘IT’ factor.”

Schrickel has also made his mark beyond track. He was a standout football player for Hayden, earning multiple all-state honors, including KSHSAA All-State Top 33 and a selection to the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl. He was named the TOPSports Shawnee County All-Purpose Athlete of the Year and received all-state recognition from the Wichita Eagle, KFBCA, and Sports in Kansas.

As he prepares for his final season at Hayden, Schrickel remains undecided on his college choice but is considering offers for both football and track while planning to study engineering.

“Jensen is the type of track athlete that needs to be on DI radars, as he would be a gamechanger on almost any program in the country,” Gardenhire said.

Clay Center seniors Lauren Smith and Jace Weller return for their final high school track and field season with championship ambitions and a determination to leave their mark on the program. Both athletes were state qualifiers a season ago, and each brings leadership, experience, and a competitive mindset into their final season of high school competition.

“My goal for this year is to soak up and cherish my last moments on the track,” Smith said. “I have been trying to implement a positive mindset and an overall appreciation for my sport and what it has given me to make my last days more fulfilling.”

A multi-time state medalist, Smith has found success across a wide range of distance events, collecting seven state medals throughout her career in the 3200, 1600, 800, 4x800 relay, and 4x400 relay. Her leadership has been evident both on and off the track, and she

takes great pride in representing Clay Center.

“Being able to represent Clay Center’s values of hard work and dedication means a lot to me,” she said. “Showcasing the time and effort that my team and I have put in while striving for excellence makes our community proud.”

Clay Center head coach Tyler Nelson praised Smith’s versatility and leadership, noting her impact on the program.

“Lauren is the defending state champion in the 800,” Nelson said. “She would be competitive at almost any distance. I imagine that we will be halfway through the season before deciding exactly where she is going to feel most comfortable. Lauren is a great student-athlete. She leads in the classroom and on the cross country and track teams. She leads us through practices and races to the finish line with any event that she is entered in. She is disciplined in the way she practices and competes. She is just fun to have around.”

Smith also medaled in cross country all four years of high school and helped lead Clay Center to a third-place team finish at state in 2023. After graduation, she

“Being able to represent Clay Center’s values of hard work and dedication means a lot to me. Showcasing the time and effort that my team and I have put in while striving for excellence makes our community proud.”

plans to attend Kansas State University and major in finance.

For the boys, Weller looks to build on his record-setting junior season, where he broke the Clay Center school record in the 400 meters with a time of 49.7 seconds. He won the league title in the event, placed second at regionals with a time of 50.01, and finished fifth at state. He finished fifth at the Class 4A state meet in the event and was a key contributor in multiple events, winning the league title in both the 400 and pole vault while securing a state qualification in both events and the 4x400 relay.

“A couple goals I have set for myself this season are to break my own school record in the 400 and the 4x400 relay record, and to go to state and place in four events,” Weller said. “Being able to go to state in four events requires extreme dedication, while also being well-conditioned, especially when running 400s.”

Weller’s versatility has made him a crucial part of Clay Center’s track program. He also won the league title in pole vault, placed second at regionals with a mark of 12 feet, 6 inches, and anchored the 4x400 relay team, which placed 10th at state with a time of 3:32.90. In addition to his fifth-place finish in the 400 at state, he placed second at regionals in both the 400 and pole vault, clearing 12 feet, 6 inches. He also anchored the 4x400 relay team, which placed 10th at state with a time of 3:32.90.

Despite his success, Weller has battled adversity throughout his high school career, particularly with shin splints, which have challenged him both physically and mentally.

“I have battled shin splints all of high school, and being able to mentally and physically push through that pain is a big challenge for me,” he said. “It is important to just embrace the pain rather than complain about it.”

Nelson praised Weller’s development and the impact he has had in just one season with the program.

“Jace had his first year of high school track as a junior,” Nelson said. “He was competitive in both the pole vault and the 400 meters. I would anticipate that he will be participating in those two events again (as well as the 4x400), but we will wait and see how things fit as we work our way through the season. Jace is a great student-athlete. He has only been with the high school track team one year, but he has left his mark. He is a leader on the team, and he is able to make those athletes around him better at what they do.”

Beyond track, Weller has excelled in multiple sports. He was an honorable mention all-state wide receiver in football and a first-team all-league basketball player as a junior, earning honorable mention all-state honors as well. Following high school, he plans to attend Kansas State University to study life sciences before pursuing optometry school.

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by Edmund Cronn.*

(L-R): Jensen Schrickel, Jace Weller, Lauren Smith (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

ANDALE’s boys scored 70.5 points to win yet another state championship in 2024.

Senior Rylan White was state runner-up in the 100 meter dash in 10.85 seconds. White was also staterunner up in the pole vault clearing 14 feet, 6 inches.

Junior Harrison Potucek was state runner-up in the 110 and 300-meter hurdles in 14.96 and 40.37 seconds respectively. Junior Bo Kaiser placed third in the 110 meter hurdles in 14.97 seconds.

Junior Ian Schrandt placed eighth in the 400 meter dash in 51.32 seconds and the 4x100-relay team of Kaiser, Schrandt, White and sophomore Colt Lane finished fifth in 43.54 seconds.

Senior Brayden Richeson was state runner-up in the high jump clearing 6 feet, 4 inches. Junior Noah Horsch placed fifth in the pole vault with a vault of 13 feet, 6 inches. Junior Cooper Marx was third in the discus with a throw of 163 feet, 3 inches and finished fifth in the shot put with a mark of 50 feet, 9.25 inches.

Sophomore Hunter Grimes finished third in javelin with a throw of 179 feet, 2 inches and placed eighth in discus with a mark of 144 feet, 2 inches.

Andale girls finished state runner-up with 55 points. Sophomore Rylee Meyer was state champion in the 100 meter dash in 12.34 and was sixth in the 200 in 26.65 seconds. Junior Arwyn Hennessy placed seventh in the 3200 meter run in 12:13.10.

Senior Piper Camp placed third in the 100 meter hurdles in 15.76 seconds. The 4x100 meter relay team of freshman Addy Orth and seniors, Grace Rowland, Piper Camp, Betsy Reichenberger finished 3rd in 49.98 seconds. Senior JoJo Culter placed third in the pole vault clearing 11 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Grace Rowland was third in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 6 inches. Rowland was sixth in the triple jump with a mark of 35 feet, 10 inches. Junior Taya Orth was state runner-up in the javelin with a throw of 138 feet, 7 inches. Orth placed fourth in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet. 4.75 inches.

The BISHOP MIEGE boys scored 61 points to finish as state runner-up. Senior Lamar Lynch Jr. was the state champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes in 10.60 and 22.42 seconds respectively. Senior Howard Peoples was state runner-up in the 200 in 22.43 seconds.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Lynch Jr., Peoples, sophomore Pierce Butler, and junior Teryn Jackson finished as state champions in 42.60 seconds.

Junior Brayden Lane placed fourth in the 300 meter hurdles in 41.52 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team of freshman Justin Pullen, sophomore Dante Combs, Lane and Peoples finished fourth in 3:29.35.

Freshman Liam Tesmer placed fourth in the high jump clearing 6 feet, 4 inches. He was seventh in the triple jump with a mark of 42 feet, 11 inches and junior Kendrick Cole was third with a 43 feet, 5.25 inch jump.

The Bishop Miege girls finished tied for 24th with 8 points. Junior Ella Aquino placed fifth in the 800 and 1600 meter runs in 2:22.72 and 5:30.44 respectively.

EUDORA girls scored 68 points to win the state championship. Junior Hanna Keltner finished as state champion in the 1600 meter in 5:10.16, was state runnerup in the 3200 in 11:20.60, and placed third in the 800 in 2:20.55. Freshman Brynn Deterding was seventh in the 100 and 300 hurdles in 16.79 and 49.92.

The 4x800 relay team of Deterding, Keltner and seniors Sophie Whalen and Sydney Owens were state runner-up in 9:48.18. Freshman Izzy Brunkow placed fourth in the pole vault clearing 11 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Brennan Moeckel was state runner-up in the shot put with a mark of 39 feet, 3 inches. Senior Sydney Owens placed sixth in the 3200 meter run in 12:09.12. Eudora’ boys scored 37 points to finish in seventh. Freshman Cameron Tice placed seventh in the 200 meter dash in 23.42 seconds. Senior Zachary Arnold placed fifth in the 3200 meter run in 9:52.54, and was seventh in the 1600 meter in 4:31.93.

The 4x100 meter relay team of freshman Cameren Tice and seniors Matthew Magette, Derek Lehmann, and Adrion Seals placed third in 42.96 seconds. The 4x4 team of Tice, junior Micaiah Jerome, junior Nate Steinlage, and senior Adrion Seals was third in 3:24.91.

Senior Braylen Hoobler finished sixth in the shot put with a mark of 49 feet, 7 inches. Senior Kole Manley was state champion in the javelin with a mark of 191 feet, 5 inches. Junior Nate Steinlage placed sixth in the javelin with a throw of 175 feet, 7 inches.

CLEARWATER girls scored 51 points for third place.

Junior Madison Williams was dual state champion in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles in 14.82 and 45.02 seconds respectively. Junior teammate Kenzy McArtor wad dual state-runner-up in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles in 15.51 and 45.86 seconds respectively.

The 4x100 meter relay team of McArtor, Williams, freshman Millie Allred and sophomore Callie Noland were state champions in 49.44 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team of McArtron, Williams, Allred, and sophomore Kynlee Martin finished seventh in 4:11.59. Noland also placed sixth in the 100 in 12.56 seconds.

COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY’s boys placed third scoring 59 points. Senior Kainen White was dual state champion in the shot put and discus with marks of 57 feet, 5.50 inches and 169 feet, 3 inches respectively. Junior teammate Keiton Jones placed fourth in the shot put with a mark of 50 feet, .75 inches. Jones was also fourth in discus with a mark of 161 feet, 10 inches.

Senior Dantevius Boykin was state champ in the triple jump with mark of 46 feet, 9.25 inches. Boykin was state runner-up in the long jump at 22 feet, .5 inches. The 4x100 relay team of Boykin, junior Jake Horner, junior Aaron Tunstall, and senior Amanie Luten were state runner-up in 42.95 seconds. Junior Jake Horner placed sixth in the 100 meter dash in 11.09 seconds.

The Field Kindly girls placed 16th with 20 points. Sophomore Erin Lopez finished as state runner-up in the 100 meter dash in 12.36 seconds. Sophomore Jakayla Johnson-Jones placed third in the 100 in 12.43 seconds, and eighth in the 200 in 26.74 seconds. Junior Brooklyn White placed eighth in the 100 in 12.61.

The 4x100 relay team of sophomores Jakayla JohnsonJones, Erin Lopez, Audrey Cavaness and junior Brooklyn White placed fifth in 50.22 seconds.

The BALDWIN girls finished fourth with 41 points.

Freshman Kami Moore was state runner-up in the 800 meter run in 2:19.61. Sophomore Irelyn Kennedy finished third in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs in 5:22.43 and 11:27.84 respectively.

The duo of Kennedy and Moore joined freshman Shea Griffith and senior Lily Brecheisen to finish as state champs in the 4x800 meter relay in 9:32.13. The 4x400 team of freshman Shea Griffith, Emme Nigh, Cheyenne Brunker, and Kami More placed fourth in 4:08.98.

The ABILENE boys scored 30 points to tie for 10th. Junior Tyler Green was fourth in the 200 (23.10) and fifth in the high jump (6-2). Senior Judah Bowell won both the 110 (14.84) and 300 meter hurdles (39.96) and was eighth in the long jump. The girls tied for 13th with 24 points. Junior Renatta Heintz was fourth in the 100 and third in the 200, while senior Eden Bathurst was fourth

in the 800. The 4x1 relay team of Annie Waite, Claira Dannefer, Mia Johnson and Renatta Heintz was seventh as was the 4x4 team of Samantha Stout, Lola Rock, Jadence Coyle and Bathurst. The 4x8 team of Bathurst, Stout, Heintz and Kit Barbieri was eighth. Dannefer was eighth in the long jump and seventh in the shot put.

WAMEGO boys scored 39 points to tie for fourth.

Senior Harrison Cutting finished as state champion in the 800 meter run in 1:56.30, and state runner-up in the 400 meter dash in 49.43 seconds. The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomore Peyton Parker, sophomore Isaac Ibendahl, junior Toney Shea, and senior Harrison Cutting were state champions in 8:02.19.

The 4x400 meter relay of junior Tony Shea, sophomore Dominic Falco, junior Harper Lull, and senior Harrision Cutting placed eighth in 3:37.32. Sophomore Peyton Parker placed sixth in the 1600 meter run in 4:31.09. The Wamego girls placed 11th with 30 points.

Junior Isabella Wilber finished sixth in the 400 meter dash in 59.79 seconds, and seventh in the 200 meter dash in 26.71 seconds. Wilber also placed seventh in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 2.5 inches.

Senior Nevaeh Pearson placed fifth in the 400 meter dash in 59.62 seconds. Freshman Shayne Pittenger-Reed placed sixth in the 800 meter run in 2:23.12.

The 4x400 meter relay team of Pearson, Pittinger-Reed, sophomore Liz Adams, and Wilber placed third in 4:08.87. The 4x800 team of freshman Shayne PittingerReed, sophomore Skylar Schoenbeck, junior Sariah Pittenger-Reed, and Adams finished third in 9:52.96. Schoenbeck also placed fifth in the javelin with a throw of 131 feet, 3 inches.

The CHANUTE girls got a state title in the 200 from senior Kynleigh Chard, who was also sixth in the 100 hurdles and third in the 300s. The 4x1 team of Camrie Ranabargar, Violet Stich, Laney Hillmon and Chard finished fourth. Senior Kaiden Seamster led the Blue Comet boys with fifth place finishes in the javelin and triple jump, and was sixth in the high jump. Sophomore Easton Colborn was seventh in the high jump.

The CHAPMAN girls were seventh with 37 points. Senior Elyssa Frieze led the way with a state title in the 3200 and a runner-up finish in the 1600. Senior Haley Litzinger added fifth place finishes in the 100 and 200, and a sixth place mark in the long jump. Senior Tanith Elliott added a runner-up finish in the discus.

The Irish boys finished ninth with 32 points led by junior Drew Elliott who was third in the 800 and 1600, and fourth in the 3200. Sophomore Dereck Klukas was fifth in the 800. Senior Gage Picking was third in the 100 and eighth in the 200. The 4x100 relay was seventh and senior Aiden Whitley was 10th in the long jump.

PRATT’s boys were eighth with 36 points. Sophomore Carlito Lara was fourth in the 800 and classmate Gavin Rupe was fifth in the 300 hurdles. The 4x400 team of Arley Morrell, Yasir Gonzalez, Natanael Chavez and Lara won the state title, while the 4x800 team of Lara, Gonzalez, Chavez and Blake Winsor finished third. Morrell was 10th in the triple jump, 11th in the long jump, and tied for 12th in the high jump. Junior Kollyn Strong was state runner-up in the shot put.

The girls scored just eight points with junior Adelyn Fields placing second in the 400 meter dash in 59.07. McPHERSON’s girls were eighth in 4A with 35 points. Senior Jayla McLeod was runner-up in the 200. Junior Arihanna Koehn was fifth in the 100 meter hurdles and sixth in the 300s. The 4x1 and 4x4 relays were both state runner-up. Senior Mallory Holmes was fifth in the triple jump. The McPherson boys were seventh in the 800 (Ethan Elder), second in the 1600 and 3200 from sophomore Caleb Muehler, sixth in the 300 hurdles by senior Cory Muehler, and eighth place in the 4x800 relay and the high jump (Kyden Thompson).

*The state track recaps reflect the high school class the athletes were in last season.

Drew Elliott, Chapman, Senior (Photo: Huey Counts)

Photos: Marcia Matthies

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Scott City seniors Camden Vulgamore and Jackson Rumford enter their final high school track and field season as key leaders for the Beavers, and two of the top all-around athletes in Kansas. Scott City head coach Jim Turner praised both athletes for their leadership and dedication.

“Camden and Jackson are both leaders for us, both on and off the field and track,” Turner said. “Jackson is a golfer and javelin thrower, so his time at practice is limited, but he shows his dedication to both. Camden is a vocal leader and leads by example. He leads every workout and is a leader in the weight room.”

Vulgamore, a standout in multiple events, is looking to cap his senior year with multiple state titles.

“This season I want to win four golds at state, set the 4x4 school record, and break the 3A state 400 record,” Vulgamore said. “I have been focusing on my core, plyometrics, and block-start training while incorporating more explosive and speed-focused workouts. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on pole vault, which I’ve never been able to do in the offseason.”

3A TRACK

A consistent state qualifier and placer, Vulgamore has excelled in several events. He placed fourth in pole vault and third in the 4x800 relay at the 2022 Class 3A state meet. In 2023, he finished second in pole vault, third in the 400 meters, sixth in the 800 meters, and anchored Scott City’s state-champion 4x400 relay team. Last season, in Class 4A, he won the state title in the 400 with a time of 48.07, placed third in pole vault clearing 14 feet, 6 inches, helped the 4x400 relay to a runner-up finish, and took eighth in the 4x100.

“In past seasons, I developed shin splints from training too hard, too quickly,” Vulgamore said. “This winter I have eased into training to prevent overuse injuries, and I have incorporated numerous shin and calf exercises into my workouts. I was also able to start my pole vault training in January, which will help prepare me for the intensity of multiple events as the season progresses.”

After graduation, Vulgamore will compete in track and field at Kansas State University while majoring in business and finance.

Rumford, a four-sport athlete balancing football, basketball, track and golf, is focused on refining his form in the javelin while maintaining a strong mental approach in both sports.

“My goal in track is to break 200 feet in the javelin,” Rumford said. “I will continue to work hard in the weight room and perfect my throwing form.”

Rumford has been a consistent presence in javelin, earning top finishes at regional and state meets. Last

season, he placed second at the KSHSAA Class 4A regional meet and went on to finish second at state.

Beyond track, Rumford is an outstanding multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and golf. In both track and football he has earned all-state honors multiple times from various outlets and has been one of the top players on one of the top team’s in the state in both sports for multiple years. On the golf course he has won multiple league titles and made a trip to state in each of his first three seasons. As a junior he won a league title and was named GWAC Player of the Year, while also winning a 4A Regional Championship and earning KGCA 4A All-State second team honors. Rumford could participate in any of his four sports in college, but has yet to make his choice. Regardless of his future destinations, the senior won’t be forgetting his roots anytime soon, though.

“I want everyone in the state to know where I am from and that I am proud to be a Beaver,” Rumford said. “We have a very supportive community and just a great family in Scott City.”

With three of the top track and field athletes in Class 3A returning for their senior seasons, Lakin is set to make a push for a state trophy this spring after finishing fourth in the final team standings last season with 52 points, just one point behind third place Wichita Collegiate.

Standouts Colter Oldham, Tyelor Holloway, and Ross Rider bring a championship pedigree and school record-setting performances into the 2025 season as they look to build on past success and lead the

Broncs to new heights.

Oldham, who has established himself as one of the best throwers in Kansas, enters his senior season as the reigning Class 3A state champion in both the shot put and discus. Last season, he dominated the state competition, launching the shot put 59 feet, 3.75 inches and throwing the discus 180 feet, 5 inches to claim both gold medals. Those marks are also Lakin school records.

“This season, I’m working on getting stronger by spending more time in the weight room,” Oldham said. “I’m also hoping to break the 60-foot mark in shot put and 190 in discus by improving my technique and having quality practices.”

Beyond personal records, Oldham has been motivated by the high level of competition he’s faced throughout his career, including top-tier former high school throwers like Beloit’s Grady Seyfert (KU football) and Santa Fe Trail’s Brett Schwartz (Nebraska T&F). Rather than being discouraged by tough competition, Oldham continued to develop his abilities.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my sport is the tough competition, especially going up against throwers like Grady Seyfert and Brett Schwartz in the past,” Oldham said. “Competing with athletes at that level has been tough, but watching their success has motivated me to work harder.”

Oldham, a multi-sport athlete who also earned all-state

(L-R): Camden Vulgamore, Jackson Rumford, Ross Rider, Colter Oldham

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

jumpers, returning after a strong showing at the 2024 state meet, where he placed fourth in the triple jump with a mark of 43 feet, 9 inches, and seventh in the long jump at 21-4.

The senior has already left his mark in the program’s record books, breaking Lakin’s triple jump record as a sophomore with a leap of 47 feet, 1 inch. Now, his sights are set on adding the long jump record, needing to improve his personal best of 22-feet to surpass the school mark of 23-1.25, among other accomplishments.

“Another goal is to make it back to state track for a third year in a row,” Rider said. “As a sophomore, I qualified in the triple and long jump, and last year, I made it in all four of my events. I also want to win the state title in triple jump and contribute to a team state championship.”

Rider has focused on improving his consistency in the triple jump after struggling with scratching attempts in past state meets.

“Even though the past two seasons have gone pretty well in both long and triple jump, I haven’t been happy with how I performed at state,” he said. “Each of the past two years at state in triple jump I have only had three out of the six jumps count. I have struggled with consistently hitting my mark and scratched several jumps, which can really mess with you mentally and affect your confidence.”

Heading into his senior year, Rider believes his past experiences will help him handle the pressure of highlevel competition.

“I’ll have the advantage of experience from the pressure I’ve faced over the past couple of years as one of the top jumpers in the state,” Rider said. “I’m making sure to put in the work at practice to consistently hit my mark, so I’m prepared when it matters most.”

Outside of track and field, Rider has also been a standout in football, earning all-league honors as both a punter and a linebacker. However, his passion lies in agriculture, and after graduation, he plans to return to his family’s farm and continue their seventh-generation farming operation.

Senior Tyler Holloway looks to take the next step this season and close the gap with rival Linkon Cure in the hurdle races after finishing state runner-up in both the 110s (15.15) and 300s (39.86) to the Goodland standout.

Oldham, Holloway, and Rider have played a key role in Lakin’s recent success, helping the Broncs to a fourth-place team finish at last year’s state meet—just a single points shy of bringing home a trophy. With both standouts returning, alongside a strong field of Lakin tracksters, head coach Chris Pollart is excited about the possibilities this spring.

“We are excited about the upcoming track season,” Pollart said. “If we can stay healthy, we are looking for a strong season.”

Minneapolis senior Maci McClure has been a key contributor to the Lions’ track and field program, competing in the long jump, triple jump, javelin, and 4x400-meter relay. After placing fourth in the long jump as a sophomore and sixth in the triple jump last season, she enters her final year focused on breaking records and making a run at the state meet. McClure, who has a personal-best mark of 37 feet, 9 inches in the triple jump, and 17-2 in the long jump, aims to raise the bar this spring.

“Some personal goals I have set for myself this season are to make it to state in as many events as possible, break my school long jump record, and break my own triple jump record again,” McClure said. “To achieve my goals, I put in lots of time in the weight room training

and getting stronger so that I can see results when I step back out onto the track.”

McClure’s competitive drive and relentless work ethic have made her a leader for Minneapolis, something head coach Linda Smith has witnessed firsthand.

“Maci has been a vital part of our program for three, going on four years,” Smith said.

Despite that success, the spring of her junior year did end with some question marks.

“Maci was seeing great improvements and was setting PRs often in all of her events, but a knee issue hampered her a bit towards the end of the season,” Smith said. “She still managed to qualify at Beloit regionals and go to state. Her best mark of 37-9 would have won the state title, but she didn’t quite have the healing she needed in time to put that mark on the board.”

Smoky Valley’s Breanne Peters won last May’s 3A triple jump with a leap of 37-7, seven inches ahead of second place, while McClure jumped a still impressive 35-11.

With a clean bill of health this spring, McClure and the Lions hope to again make some noise at Cessna in May, and embrace the challenge of competing for a small, but determined, 3A program.

“Competing for my school is huge to me,” McClure said. “Coming from a smaller 3A school with a very small track team means we have to be small and mighty. I go into my events knowing I’m not only doing this for myself but also for my team. On a small track team, you have to work even harder for those team points.”

In addition to her success in track and field, McClure has earned all-league honors in volleyball as a senior and was a two-time all-league basketball selection as a sophomore and junior. She also received all-state honorable mention in basketball last season.

After graduation, McClure plans to attend Fort Hays State University and major in diagnostic medical sonography. But before moving on, she is determined to finish her high school career strong, with aspirations of rewriting school records and making an impact at state.

Osage City is gearing up for another track and field campaign and will feature sisters Lexi and Kaelyn Boss, two of the state’s top throwers, along with a strong cast of returning state qualifiers.

Lexi Boss has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with, boasting multiple league titles in discus and javelin, a regional championship, and several state medals, including a state championship in discus in 2024. She placed third in discus at state in 2022, followed by an eighth-place finish in javelin and a runner-up finish in discus in 2023 before claiming the state title in discus last season. Her personal bests include a throw of 125 feet, 5 inches in the javelin and a 144, feet, 6 inches in discus. She is committed to DI Wichita State University, where she will compete in discus and javelin while pursuing a nursing degree.

“Lexi has had an incredible track career already,” said Osage City head coach James Bellinger. “She’s not only a great thrower, but she’s also a part of our 4x1 and 4x4 relay teams. She’s a very versatile and complete athlete.”

For Lexi, success in throwing events is about continuous improvement.

“My personal goals for this season are to increase my distances in both throws and improve my technique,” she said. “To achieve them, I’ll need to put in the time, energy, and focus every day. It’s not just about my throws, but also my footwork and overall technique.”

One of her biggest challenges came when she had to adjust to a new throws coach after two years under the same mentor.

“It was a big deal for me because I’d gotten really comfortable with his coaching style and how he taught me about the throws,” Lexi said. “Not knowing who my next coach would be made me feel anxious. When my new coach came in, it was definitely an adjustment. I had to get used to new ideas and ways of training. Going through this challenge taught me that change is okay, and it’s something you can handle.”

Kaelyn Boss, entering just her freshman year of track, is following in her sister’s footsteps. She had a standout junior high track season, excelling in the throwing events and competing in the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Her personal bests include a 106-8 throw in javelin, a 132-11 throw in discus, and a 41-2.5 throw in shot put. She also swept discus, javelin, and shot put as an eighth grader while ranking No. 1 nationally in the discus.

“Kaelyn had a tremendous junior high track season last year and has set the stage for a big high school career,” Bellinger said. “She will make a huge impact on our team in all three throws.”

Kaelyn is focused on maintaining consistency and refining her technique as she transitions to high school.

“I plan to continue to improve my distances, not just in one throw, but all throws,” she said. “I plan to improve them by continuing to work hard in the offseason. I also plan to improve my throws by giving my all through the good and bad times and just working on having consistent series at each meet.”

She acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges in throwing is trusting the fundamentals.

“One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my throwing career is staying focused on the fundamental side of throwing and letting big throws just happen,” she said.

Both sisters take great pride in competing for Osage City, where they are also standouts on the basketball court for one of this season’s top teams in Kansas. Older sister Lexi is a consistent performer for the Lady Indian basketball team and a multiple time all-league selection, while Kaelyn was one of the top freshmen in all of Kansas this season and a surefire all-state selection after averaging nearly 25 points per game in just her first season of high school ball.

“Competing for my school means so much to me,” Kaelyn said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my school and community. They have shown so much support and love throughout my track and sports career. Competing as a Lady Indian through the next four years of my high school career will be something I am forever grateful for.”

Lexi shares a similar appreciation for the opportunity to represent Osage City.

“Competing for my school is something I take seriously,” she said. “So many people have helped me become my best, and the way I show thanks is by giving them my all. Representing the Osage City Indians means a lot to me, and the support from my community is incredible. I’ll do whatever it takes to make them proud.”

The Boss sisters’ competitive spirit and drive to succeed should create synergy between the two, according to their coach.

“I’m very excited for these two young ladies and what they can accomplish this year,” Bellinger said. “Competition breeds excellence, and I can see that there’s going to be some big-time competition between these two sisters. It should be very exciting watching them push each other all season long.”

Aside from the Boss sisters, the Osage City’s girls also features returning state placer Emory Speece, a junior

CONKLIN

PLUMBING - REMODELING

3A TRACK

who took eighth in the 1600 meter run last season and holds a personal best time of 5:21 in the event. She was also a qualifier in the 800 meter run.

On the boys’ side, junior Quenten Stark returns after a fourth-place finish in the 400 meter dash, where he has a PR of 50.07. Junior Kasen Parsons also placed fourth in the javelin, and has a PR of 177-10.

All four members of the 4x400 and 4x800 meter relay teams were non-seniors a season ago with Tate Smith, Dylan Theel, Reed Silver and Stark making up the 1600 meter team that was 14th in the preliminaries and did not qualify for the finals, and Smith, Luke Kerns, Silver and Stark running on the 11th place 3200 meter team.

Prairie View senior Bree Allen has already established herself as one of the top distance runners in Kansas, but she has her sights set on even greater achievements in her final high school season. With five state track championships and a state cross country title to her name, Allen is aiming to defend her Class 3A crowns in the 1600 and 3200 meters while chasing state records in both events at the 2025 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

“For the upcoming season, I am shooting to break the state record in the 3200 and 1600 at the state track meet and to defend my state championships,” Allen said. “To achieve these goals, I will assess my training and racing schedule to aim to peak at the state meet, as well as focus on mentally preparing for my final high school season.”

Allen is no stranger to performing at an elite level. At last season’s state meet, she captured the 1600 title in 5:02.37 and won the 3200 in 11:11.89. She also competed in the 800, placing seventh with a time of 2:24.89, and helped Prairie View’s 4x800 relay to an 11th-place finish.

While her dominance on the track is evident, Allen credits much of her success to her faith and the support of her community.

“The biggest challenge I have faced in the sport is aligning my self-worth with the outcome of races, times, or workouts,” Allen said. “I have learned through speaking with coaches and teammates, as well as through experience, that my worth is only defined by God. My faith has allowed me to run for a greater purpose and share that purpose with others.”

Her dedication has led to an impressive résumé, including back-to-back state championships in the 1600 and 3200, a state title in the 800 in 2023, and a 2022 Class 3A state cross country championship. She has also finished as a state runner-up in the 3200 and 1600, is a four-time Pioneer League champion in all three distance events, and has captured multiple regional titles in track and cross country.

Allen’s leadership and competitive drive have not gone unnoticed by those around her. Prairie View head coach Kyle Littrell highlighted her relentless work ethic and mental strength as key factors that separate her from the competition.

“Bree is just a fun, positive person to be around,” Littrell said. “Even if she has a bad day or a bad race, you wouldn’t be able to tell it. I think Bree enjoys being a teammate almost as much as competing, as you always find her cheering on her teammates when they are competing. She trains as hard as anyone; however, I think it is her mental toughness that separates her from her competition.”

For Allen, representing Prairie View and her hometown of La Cygne is more than just racing—it is about giving back to her supportive community.

(L-R): Maci McClure, Kaelyn Boss, Lexi Boss, Bree Allen (Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 86

“Competing for my school and representing my team is something I do not take lightly,” Allen said. “I have grown up in my community and respect and love the people in it. When I represent Prairie View, I am representing my whole community.”

After graduation, Allen will continue her athletic and academic career at Kansas State University, where she plans to major in elementary education. She hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes while continuing to set a high standard on the track.

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by Adam Meyer.*

HOLCOMB’s boys scored 80 points to tally a 19-point margin of victory over Hayden Catholic at the 2024 3A state meet.

Middle-distance events and relays led the way, with Holcomb placing second, third, and fourth in the 800. The Longhorns also placed first in the 4x800, second in the 4x400, and third in the 4x100.

Sophomore Brody Deniston ran 1:55.99 to finish second in the 800, followed by junior Landen Leonard in third (1:56.48) and junior Weston Blake in fourth (1:57.41). Deniston also placed fourth in the 1600 (4:20.25) and second in the 3200 (9:22.82).

Leonard added a third-place finish in the 400 (49.83), and sophomore Job Stoppel joined Blake, Leonard, and Deniston to win the 4x800 in 7:58.52. Senior Dominic Munoz, senior Manny Reyes, sophomore Avery McVey, and senior Braydon Bastin placed third in the 4x100 (43.40). Munoz, Leonard, Reyes, and senior Dominique Orosco took second in the 4x400 (3:26.34).

Reyes also placed fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.41) and seventh in the 300 hurdles (41.72). Senior Greg Martinez was third in the pole vault (13-6), and junior Drayton Knoll took sixth in javelin (176-4). Munoz was 11th in 100 prelims (11.45) and seventh in the 200 (23.21), while McVey finished 10th in the 200 prelims (22.83). Orosco was 10th in the 400 prelims (51.61).

The BELOIT girls placed sixth with 37.5 points. Junior Tatum Seyfert won the shot (45-11.25) and placed second in discus (135-10), while junior Addison Budke was third in shot put (40-5) and 10th in javelin (119-11). Junior Cassandra Thompson was 11th in discus (115-11), and sophomore Autumn Lorenz was 14th in javelin (116-1). Senior Mylie Brown finished fourth in the long jump (172.75), junior Ashlyn Loomis was fifth in pole vault (10-0), and junior Sophia Thompson was 11th in high jump (52). The 4x100 relay of freshmen Bently Pruitt and Scarlett Ludwig, senior Ashlyn Knight, and Brown placed eighth in 51 seconds. Lorenz, Ludwig, Knight, and sophomore

The Beloit boys placed 18th with 12 team points, led by a pair of scoring performances in the throwing events. Junior Eli Johnson earned the Trojans’ top finish with a runner-up mark of 159-10 in the discus. He added a ninth-place finish in the shot put with a throw of 51-7. Fellow junior Brodie Boudreaux also reached the medal stand in the shot put, placing fifth with a toss of 53 feet.

Senior Bryce Beisner competed in the high jump and cleared 5-10 to finish 11th.

BISHOP WARD’s boys scored 15 points to place 15th. Junior Tyler Holmes finished second in long jump (227.25) and helped the 4x100 relay to a fourth-place finish (43.58) with senior Steven Mills, sophomore Davontae Davis, and freshman Micah Neely. Sophomore Jailen Jefferson took eighth in both the 110 (15.90) and 300 hurdles (42.69). Mills and Davis ran in the 100 prelims but did not qualify, and Mills also missed the 200 final after placing ninth in prelims (22.63).

The BURLINGTON girls finished ninth with 26 points. Junior Keely Hoback won the 100 meter hurdles in 14.99 seconds and placed third in the 200 meter dash (26.09). She teamed with sophomore Alexa Ratzlaff, junior Olivia Lyons, and junior Haylei Potter to win the 4x100 relay in 49.34. The 4x800 relay of junior Shali Buck, sophomores Hattie Burgio and Brayleigh Harden, and freshman Mac Medlock placed 14th (10:55.28). Senior Michael Ianacone finished sixth in the discus for the boys.

CIMARRON’s girls scored 19 points to place 13th. Junior Janae Fugitt placed third in the 1600 (5:22.74), fourth in the 3200 (11:53.16), and ninth in the 800 (2:26.09). Sophomore Taegan Eskam finished second in the 300 hurdles (46.79), and senior Aleah Cervantes took 11th in long jump (15-10.75).

CHENEY’s girls placed

seventh with 35 points. Sophomore Trinity Griffin took fifth in the 100 hurdles (15.90), while junior Breanna Wells and senior Alex Bittner finished third (47.08) and sixth (47.74), respectively, in the 300 hurdles. The 4x100 relay of senior Amy Wright, Bittner, senior Reagan Ayres, and freshman Nikki Wright placed third (50.21), while Wells, Wright, Ayres, and Bittner also took third in the 4x400 (4:09.29). Cheney was 10th in the 4x800 (10:24.64) behind junior Reese Hedstrom, seniors Kinslee and Tatum Ingram, and freshman Abigail Blundell. Freshman Katy Wehrman cleared 10-0 for seventh in pole vault, and junior Alayna Wehrman was ninth (9-6). Freshman Addisyn Hudson placed 14th in long jump (15-2.5), and sophomore Morgan Green was 16th in triple jump (31-11). In the javelin, Bittner took fourth (132-2), Ayres sixth (128-3), and sophomore Chloe Scheer 13th (116-8).

The Cardinal boys scored 31 points to finish eighth. Senior Drew Tolar placed fifth in the 100 (11.02), eighth in the 200 (23.31), and third in the 300 hurdles (40.13). The 4x400 relay of freshman Isaac Brin, sophomore Cooper Frieden, junior Jase Robertson, and Tolar placed fifth in 3:31.60. Senior Gavin Maass was third in high jump (6-2) and second in triple jump (44-5.75), while junior Carter Peintner placed 12th in triple jump (417.5). Senior Kason Messenger finished 13th in shot put (46-0.25). Seniors Nash Young (11th, 42.67) and Tre Black (12th, 42.94) qualified in the 300 hurdles.

The GIRARD girls finished 12th with 21 points. Freshman Kennedy Keller placed third in the 800 (2:24.01), and junior Natalie Onelio was sixth in the 1600 (5:32.91) and fifth in the 3200 (11:56.14). Senior Ainsley Norton, senior Claire Stevens, freshman Karsyn O’Rand, and Keller finished fourth in the 4x400 (4:10.03).

Freshman August Mooneyham, sophomore Maggie Niggeman, freshman Brook Stafford, and junior Emily Ferguson placed 16th in the 4x800 (11:52.05). Norton was 12th in the 400 prelims (1:03.28) and tied for fourth in pole vault (10-0), while junior Connor Hudson was 16th (8-0). Sophomore Maddie Coester tied for 11th in high jump (4-10), and junior Lillian Ripper placed 12th in javelin (117-4).

The GOODLAND boys finished seventh with 32 points. Junior Linkon Cure swept the hurdles, winning the 110s in 14.52 and the 300s in 38.90. Sophomore Chayton Goodwin placed third in the 100 (10.99), and Cure added a third-place finish in the 200 (22.61). Goodwin was ninth in the 400 prelims (51.22). Senior Noah Shinette placed 12th in long jump (19-10). The Cowgirls had qualifiers in the 400 (senior Jaxi Mitchek)

Ellie Olson were 11th in the 4x4 prelims (4:16.64).

Linkon Cure, Goodland, Senior (Photo: Marcia Matthies)

Guy Tubbs, Colby, Senior (Photo: Torie Schrick)

and the 800 (sophomore Jayslin Gabel).

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN finished second with 45 points, good for second on the girls side. Senior Rachel Van Gorp won the long jump (18-7.75), took second in both the 400 (58.43) and triple jump (37-7), and finished fourth in the 200 (26.32). Sophomore Juliana Parr was fourth in the 800 (2:23.98) and 1600 (5:28.12). Senior Maddy Wolf was fifth in the javelin (128-4).

HESSTON girls placed third with 44 points. Sophomore Ashley Lehman won the 100 (12.08), took second in the 200 (25.21), and won the 400 in 56.83. Freshman Jaden Williams placed sixth in the 400 (1:00.69), and freshman Reese Quinn was sixth in the 3200 (11:57.66). Quinn, freshman Corynn Nickel, junior Ava Magill, and Williams placed ninth in the 4x800 (10:18.14). The 4x400 relay of freshman Taylin Frick, Williams, Magill, and freshman Kylie Warden ran 4:15.66 in prelims. Lehman also cleared 11-6 to finish second in pole vault. Junior Kaycee Mason was 11th in shot put (35-8.5) and ninth in discus (113-0). Senior Jackson Fry was second in the high jump and junior Karter Gonzalez was eighth in the discus, Hesston’s two top boys placers. The HOISINGTON girls scored 31.5 points to finish eighth. Freshman Marley Bittel placed second in the 100 (12.38) and sixth in the 200 (26.69). She teamed with seniors Shellamae Farmer and Mallory Mooney, and sophomore Kelsi Maier to place second in the 4x1 (49.86). Farmer tied for third in the pole vault (11-0), and Mooney took third in the triple jump (36-5.5). The Cardinal boys finished ninth with 29 points. Senior Josiah Ball placed third in the 110 hurdles (15.38) and fourth in the 300 hurdles (40.41). He also joined sophomore Courtney Bryant Jr., junior Brier Thompson, and senior Mason Alderdice to finish seventh in the 4x100 relay (43.99). Sophomore Taylen Morales took sixth in pole vault (13-0), and senior Caiden Hoffman placed sixth in shot put (52-3.5).

LAKIN finished fourth with 52 points for the boys. Junior Colter Oldham won both the shot (59-3.75) and discus (180-5). Junior Tyelor Holloway took second in both the 110 (15.15) and 300 hurdles (39.86). Junior Alex Luce placed 11th in the 800 (2:02.28) and fifth in the 1600 (4:20.46). The 4x1 relay of senior Maddux Beltran, Holloway, junior Armando Salcido, and junior Ross Rider finished eighth (44.19). Rider added a seventhplace finish in long jump (21-4) and fourth in triple jump (43-9), while sophomore Quincy Esquibel was 13th in triple jump (40-10.5). Junior Austin Ritsema cleared 6-0 to take fifth in high jump. The 4x400 placed 15th in prelims (3:38.96). Lakin sophomore Amari Esquibel was fifth overall in the 100 for the girlls and just missed the finals of the 200. Freshman Aryn Michaelis was fourth in the high jump and seventh in the 100 hurdles. Junior Alyssa Edington tied for fifth in the pole vault.

PRAIRIE VIEW’s girls scored 23 points to place 10th. Junior Bree Allen swept the distance events, winning the 1600 (5:02.37) and 3200 (10:50.17), and placing seventh in the 800 (2:24.89). Junior Wylie Teagarden was 15th in both the 800 (2:37.05) and 1600 (6:08.68). The 4x800 relay of Teagarden, Allen, junior Kally Stroup, and freshman Laramie Stevens finished 11th (10:34.74), while the 4x4 team placed 14th in prelims (4:24.49). Junior Mary Jane Britz was eighth in shot put (36-10.25) and 11th in discus (108-5). Freshman Kirbie Stroup placed 14th in shot put (32-7.5) and also competed in discus. In javelin, Stroup took ninth (122-5), and junior Rylee Davis finished 11th (118-1).

The SMOKY VALLEY girls won the team title with 51 points. Senior Breanne Peters won the pole vault (12-8) and triple jump (37-7), and took second in the long jump (17-11) and 200 (25.77). Sophomore Trista Spitler was fourth in triple jump (36-4.75). Senior Keira Mullen, junior Katja Blanchat, junior Taytum Reed, and junior Esther Clark placed third in the 4x800 relay (10:02.00). Clark also finished seventh in both the 1600 (5:35.45) and 3200 (11:57.84).

The NORTON girls placed fifth with 38 points. Senior Mackenzie Clydesdale won the 800 (2:23.31) and anchored the winning 4x800 relay (9:52.49) with freshman Emma Collins, sophomore Savana Rumback, and junior Payton Bailey. Collins was ninth in the 1600 (5:41.26), and Bailey, Clydesdale, junior Hallie Brooks, and freshman Alexis David finished fifth in the 4x400 (4:10.26). Senior Jenessa Ruder placed fifth in the discus (127-4) and won the javelin with a state meet Class 3A record throw of 152-8.

PHILLIPSBURG’s boys finished 16th with 14 points, all from the javelin. Senior Trace Hanchett placed second with a throw of 180 feet, and junior Kayden Hudson was third at 179. Phillipsburg sent just two girls to state last season. Junior Callie Leidig was ninth in the shot put (368.25) and junior Karissa Keeten was 16th in the javelin.

The RILEY COUNTY boys placed 12th with 18 points. Senior Owen Miesner finished fifth in the 800 (1:58.37) and helped the 4x800 relay to sixth (8:26.86) alongside seniors Cody Sharp and KJ Davis, and junior Kaden Gutsch. Freshman Kyle Morgan placed fourth in high jump (6-2), and junior Jace Woodard was third in triple jump (44-1.25). Junior Anna Lambert paced the girls with a seventh place finish in the 300 hurdles and teamed up with junior Avery Higgins, sophomore Mikaila Frese, and freshman Claire Anderson to finish sixth in the 4x800 relay in a time of 10:14.20.

The RIVERTON girls scored 21 points to place 11th. Senior Alivia Parker took second in the 100 (12.60) and fifth in the 200 (26.62). She also helped the 4x100 relay to sixth place (50.32) with sophomore Amberly Youngblood, senior Chloe Parker, and sophomore Taisha Combs. Youngblood was ninth in the 200 prelims (26.48). Chloe Parker and Youngblood missed the 100 hurdles final after finishing 13th and 14th in prelims. Combs, Youngblood, freshman Rilyn Thomasson, and sophomore Elizabeth Helms were 15th in the 4x400 prelims. Thomasson also competed in long jump (16th, 14-6.75), and Combs was 12th in triple jump (33-7.5). Senior Kelci Locke placed fourth in shot put (39-5) and sixth in discus (126-2), while senior Elizabeth Wells was 12th in shot put (34-11.75).

The RUSSELL girls placed 14th with 17 points. Freshman Kinsey Zorn finished third in the 800 (2:23.92) and fifth in the 400 (59.92). Zorn also ran on the fourthplace 4x800 relay (10:02.23) with senior Anna Thielen and juniors Jaden Ney and Kelvie Reeves. Sophomore Macy Patterson was seventh in the discus (117-1).

The SOUTHEAST OF SALINE boys placed sixth with 43 points. Sophomore Tate Nurnberg won the high jump (6-6) and triple jump (46-1). Sophomore Brayden Walker placed fifth in the 3200 (9:31.20) and 11th in the 1600 (4:32.94), while senior Cayden Walker was sixth in the 3200 (9:33.27) and 13th in the 1600 (4:36.58).

Sophomore Jacob Bircher placed seventh in the 400 (50.62). The 4x400 relay of Bircher, junior Owen Bailey, junior Caden Parry, and sophomore Amarion Holub finished third (3:26.64), and the 4x800 relay of Brayden and Cayden Walker, senior Levi Allen, and senior Ben Grauerholz was runner-up (8:17.12). Sophomore Malachi Hopkins placed ninth in long jump (20-6.25). The girls scored 13 points led by sophomore Elliana Smith’s state runner-up finish in the high jump (5-6). The 4x8 team of Regan Duran, Cali Augustine, Sadie Franklin, and Piper Brown was fifth. Smith was eighth in the 300 hurdles. SILVER LAKE’s boys finished 10th with 24.5 points. Junior Evan Scheid was sixth in the 100 (11.05) and fourth in the 200 (22.73). Senior Eli Ferguson was ninth in the 800 (1:59.55). Scheid, senior Blake Redmond, sophomore Joel Miller, and junior Trent Rollenhagen finished fifth in the 4x1 (43.63), while Miller, Ferguson, junior Allen Lees, and Scheid were fourth in the 4x4. Junior Jared Johnson tied for seventh in high jump (6-0), and Redmond was third in long jump (22-3.75). The girls 4x400 relay team of Ella Bolan, Kaibryn Kruger, Ali Gerber, and Ava Rottinghaus delivered a state title.

The NEMAHA CENTRAL girls placed fourth with 43 points. Junior Cali Honeyman finished third in the 100 hurdles (15.83), fifth in the 300 hurdles (47.53), and eighth in long jump (16-2.5). Senior Hailey Nordhus was fourth in the 400 (59.27) and eighth in the 800 (2:26.09), while junior Maddy Mosteller was 13th in the 1600 (5:46.32) and 10th in the 3200 (12:39.18). Honeyman, Nordhus, junior Cami Dalinghaus, and freshman Rachel Nordhus placed seventh in the 4x400 (4:15.19). Mosteller, Rachel Nordhus, sophomore Jade Macke, and Hailey Nordhus were eighth in the 4x8 (10:17.89). In the throws, Dalinghaus took second in shot put (40-7.5) and third in discus (133-4), while senior Zoey Sudbeck was fifth in shot (38-9.5) and fourth in discus (127-10). Nemaha Central’s boys scored 15 points to finish 13th. Senior John Langill placed seventh in the 1600 (4:21.29) and fourth in the 3200 (9:29.41). Senior Holden Bass was third in shot put (53-6.5) and ninth in discus (142-1). Senior Josh Gonzales was eighth in javelin (161-7), and sophomore Caleb Stratham tied for 10th in high jump. HAYDEN’s boys - in 4A this season - placed second with 61 points. Senior Finn Dunshee swept the sprints, winning the 100 (10.60) and 200 (21.99), and ran on the runner-up 4x100 (42.52) and winning 4x400 (3:26.01) relays. Junior Jensen Schrickel won the 400 (48.73) and long jump (23-1), while junior Liam Stegman was eighth in the 400 (53.74) and also ran on both top relays. Senior Zach Moore, sophomore Connor Baldwin, junior Jonah Stewart, and senior Aiden Amis placed seventh in the 4x800 (8:27.73). Senior Carter Charvat was 10th in javelin (157-2).

WELLSVILLE’s boys finished 11th with 23 points. Senior Carson Bell was second in the pole vault (14-6), and senior Dezmond Winton was fourth in long jump (21-11). The 4x8 relay of seniors Nash McDaniel, Jace Troutman, junior Mason Lytle, and sophomore Cole Douglas placed fourth (8:23.94). The 4x4 team of Douglas, Troutman, senior Chase Douglas, and senior Calvin Dwyer placed seventh (3:35.08). Dwyer was also sixth in the 300 hurdles (41.43). Winton, senior Willie Dorsey, Dwyer, and sophomore Armond Graves ran in the 4x1 (45.18). Chase Douglas and Cole Douglas ran in the 400 prelims, and both Dwyer and sophomore Payton Otwell ran in the 110 hurdle prelims but did not advance. Junior Micah Holmes was 15th in long jump (19-5.5), and junior Carter Wilson was 14th in shot (45-9).

WICHITA COLLEGIATE’s boys took third with 53 points. The 4x100 relay team of senior James Shackelford, sophomore AJ Batiste, senior Peyden Chronister, and freshman Timmy Ritchie won the event in 42.36. Shackelford placed second in the 100 (10.90) and 200 (22.20), and Ritchie was fourth in the 100 (11.00) and second in the 400 (48.95). Batiste finished sixth in the 200 (23.04), and senior Brett Wetta took fifth in the 110 hurdles (15.65). Junior Will Meyer ran 13th in the 800 (2:03.78), 10th in the 1600 (4:31.20), and 10th in the 3200 (9:47.22). The 4x800 relay placed 13th (8:55.06) with senior Mason Hart, freshmen Max Timsah and Ben Shackelford, and senior Price Johnson. Sophomore Julian Johnson placed eighth in long jump (21-3), and senior Hudson Ferralez was 12th in javelin (155-11).

Collegiate’s girls were 16th with 17 points. Sophomore Ellie Howell was second in the 800 (2:23.41), and sophomore Savannah Vess placed 10th (2:29.86). Vess, Howell, freshman Alegra Fazio, and junior Macy Beran placed second in the 4x8 (9:56.14) and eighth in the 4x4 (4:22.90). Beran was ninth in the 400 prelims (1:01.93).

WICHITA TRINITY’s boys finished fifth with 51 points, led by senior Clay Shively, who won the 800 (1:54.60) and 1600 (4:15.79). Senior Samuel Ferguson was second in the 1600 (4:16.50) and won the 3200 (9:12.34). Junior Caleb Tofteland placed third in both the 1600 (4:19.51) and 3200 (9:26.89), while senior Wes Ferguson was 12th in the 3200 (10:27.29). Senior Jacob Hobson placed eighth in the 800 (1:59.10).

*The state track recaps use last season’s high school class.

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

Payton Wurtz’s name is already etched into the Wabaunsee High School record books. The senior distance runner boasts 12 state medals, including three golds, and holds school records in the 400 (58.92 PR), 800 (2:16.16 PR), 1600 (5:17.23 PR), 3200 (11:19.29 PR), and as a leg of record-breaking 4x400 (57.4 split), and 4x800 (2:15.1 split) relay teams. She’s also a four-time state placer in cross country, is a USATF National Champion in the 4x800, and has scored the most points of any Wabaunsee athlete at state track in school history.

But Wurtz won’t rest on her laurels.

“I’ve set lots of goals for my times, as have most people,” Wurtz said. “My biggest goal, however, is to glorify God with my talents and bring others to him.”

Wurtz’s faith has been a cornerstone throughout her running journey, especially during a challenging junior cross country season when she battled injury and selfdoubt.

“I really lost faith in God’s plan for my life,” she admitted. “After putting trust in the idea that his plan is perfect, my confidence and career really took off. It’s not easy to overcome your own mind, and it absolutely can’t be done on your own. It’s difficult to surrender everything that matters to you, especially when your career is riding on that. After I did that though, the freedom I found from worry and anxiety can’t be described.”

That renewed confidence translated into a dominant junior track season, highlighted by a gold medal in the 800 meter run and running the anchor leg for the Chargers’ state record-breaking 4x400 relay team and 4x800 team, both of which took gold at state last year. She also earned a fourth-place finish in the 1600.

To follow-up that junior performance on the track, she closed out her 2024 senior cross country campaign with a runner-up finish at state cross country.

Wabaunsee head coach Roger Alderman recognizes Wurtz’s influence as a leader and role model.

“What really has made an impact on our program is the positive attitude and work ethic that she brings to practice every day,” Alderman said. “Those are the qualities that lift others up and make everyone better.”

Wurtz’s leadership has been instrumental in Wabaunsee’s recent success, including state track trophies in 2022 (second) and 2024 (third).

Beyond Wurtz, the Chargers boast a talented supporting cast, with several state qualifiers returning.

Sophomore Grace Zeller earned a bronze medal in the 800 (2:25.64) and qualified in the 400 (1:01.33). Sophomore Talen Orton made her mark in the 200 (26.71) and triple jump (35 feet, 5.25 inches), while senior Isabelle Stuhlsatz qualified in the 300 hurdles (48.31). Additionally, the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams return key members from their championship runs, including Wurtz, Zeller, Orton, Adalynn Miller, and Stuhlsatz.

Wurtz’s connection to her team and community runs deep.

“When I wear Wabaunsee on my chest I wear it for those girls who show up for me every single day through victories, and losses, the same,” she said. “I’m proud to be from a small town and a small school. There’s nothing like it.”

After graduation, Wurtz will take her talents to Kansas State University, where she’ll compete in cross country and middle-distance track events while pursuing a degree in interior design.

2A TRACK

Hoxie High School senior Emily Bainter has her sights set on a breakout final track and field season, aiming to build upon past state performances while solidifying her legacy as one of the top multi-sport athletes in Hoxie history.

A standout in javelin, long jump, and high jump, Bainter has been a consistent contender at the state level. She finished second in javelin at the Class 2A state meet the past two years, with a personal best of 136 feet, 8 inches, a mark that set a new school record last season. She also placed sixth in long jump last spring with a personal best of 17 feet, 6.5 inches.

“This coming season I have set high goals for myself when it comes to track,” Bainter said. “After earning second place the last two years in the javelin, I believe this is my year. I have been working with the University of Nebraska at Kearney at some of their track camps to improve my javelin technique. I am planning to improve my long jump and high jump this year as well.”

Bainter has faced her share of challenges in competition, including the disappointment of missing state qualification in high jump last season by one place after previously making it as a freshman. She also entered the state long jump finals as the top seed last season but finished sixth.

“Long jump is one of those things where consistency is key,” Bainter said. “As it gets warmer, I will be going to the track as much as I can to continue working on all my events.”

Hoxie head coach Lichelle Baar praised Bainter’s determination, work ethic, and leadership, noting that she will play a crucial role for the team this season.

“Emily is a very talented multi-sport athlete who has put a lot of extra time and work into improving at everything that she does,” Baar said. “She brings a lot of heart and determination to every team that she is on and expects nothing but her best every performance. She will be a big leader for us this year in javelin and long jump, and anything else that she does for us this season, as our girls team should be

But first, she has one final season to add to her already storied legacy at Wabaunsee High School.

(L-R): Payton Wurtz, Brogan Rowley, Emily Bainter

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 92 pretty competitive.”

Beyond track, Bainter has excelled in volleyball and basketball, earning multiple all-state and all-league honors. She holds the Hoxie career records for total kills and aces in volleyball and has surpassed 1,200 career kills. This past season, she was named first-team all-state and first-team all-league in volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned first-team All-Mid-Continent League honors and was named to the Sports in Kansas second-team All-State, KBCA third-team All-State, and the Wichita Eagle All-State honorable mention.

Competing for Hoxie has been a source of pride for Bainter, and she embraces the program’s tradition of athletic success.

“Hoxie is a school that has a long history of excelling at sports,” she said. “I love that I will be a part of that history and am proud to be a Hoxie Indian. I am a super competitive person and am not afraid to put in the work it takes to excel at what I do. The best part about what I do is the people. My teammates and coaches push me to be my very best every day.”

After graduation, Bainter will continue her javelin career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she plans to major in physical therapy. She is also considering extending her basketball career at UNK.

After an already decorated high school career, Ell-Saline senior Brogan Rowley enters the 2025 track and field season with his sights set on new heights. A multi-time state champion and one of Kansas’ top high jumpers, Rowley is determined to clear 7-feet consistently - after setting a PR with that mark earlier in the season - and reclaim the Class 2A state title.

Rowley, who cleared 7 feet last season, finished second at the state meet in high jump (6-6) and third in long jump (21-10.25) as a junior. His past success includes back-to-back state high jump championships as a freshman and sophomore, hitting 6-10 marks to win both titles, along with a runner-up finish in long jump as a sophomore with a 21-3.25 leap.

“My personal goal is to jump over seven feet and become more consistent at high bars,” Rowley said. “When I’m not having a great jumping day, I have to keep my mind in the ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Rowley has not only been a dominant force in track and field but has also shined on the basketball court. He was named first-team all-league in basketball as a sophomore and junior and earned first-team all-state honors in 2024 as well. In his senior basketball season he helped lead Ell-Saline basketball to a third place

finish at the 2025 2A state tournament, the Cardinals finishing with a 22-4 record and breaking the state tournament scoring record for all classes in their 109-74 consolation game win over Valley Falls.

“Representing my school and team with pride to try and achieve excellence means a lot to me,” Rowley said.

Ell-Saline head track coach Paige Goddard praised Rowley’s work ethic and impact on the program.

“Brogan is a great kid on and off the track,” Goddard said. “He is a very talented athlete, and I can’t wait to see how this year and his college years play out. He makes Ell-Saline proud.”

Rowley has committed to DI University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s track and field program, where he will continue his jumping career at the collegiate level.

Oxford High senior Makhila Maupin enters her final high school track and field season with an impressive résumé and ambitious goals. A multipletime state champion and record-holder, Maupin is determined to defend her titles and finish her prep career on top before heading to Pittsburg State.

“This season is my last high school season, so I want to go out with a bang,” Maupin said. “My goal this season is to hit all new PRs and to hopefully go back to state and reclaim my state titles and to hopefully pick up another first-place title in the 400. I am going to achieve these goals by having a healthier mindset. In the past, I have wanted to give up and not finish strong, but this season my mindset is going to be to never give up no matter how rough it gets. Giving my all in workouts, practice, and meets will help me meet my goals of success.”

Maupin has emerged as one of the premier sprinters in Kansas, winning back-toback state titles in the 200 meters and setting the Class 2A state meet record in the event last season. She also captured the 100 meter state championship, breaking the 2A meet record, and placed third in the 400 meters in her first year competing in the event. She holds personal bests of 11.97 seconds in the 100 meters, 24.85 seconds in the 200 meters, and 58.62 seconds in the 400 meters, further cementing her status as one of the state’s top athletes.

Since her freshman year, Maupin has consistently proven herself against top competition. She placed eighth in both the 100 and 200 meters as a freshman, then broke through as a sophomore, winning the Class 1A 200 meter title before a false

start in the 100 meter finals cut her state meet short.

Her junior season was a defining moment.

Competing in Class 2A, she dominated the 100 and 200 meters, securing state titles and setting meet records in both events while adding a thirdplace finish in the 400. Maupin also helped Oxford qualify for the 4x100 relay finals, though a lane disqualification prevented a podium finish, despite the team entering with one of the top four times.

Oxford head coach Jackson Schneider has seen firsthand how Maupin’s dedication has fueled her growth as an athlete.

“Last year was the first year that I got to coach Makhila. She took a huge jump in not only her production but also in her work ethic from her sophomore year,” Schneider said. “The harder that Makhila works, the better she will continue to get. She has a unique gift and has just scratched the surface of her potential. As a senior this year, us coaches are excited to see her lead in practice with hard work and also how she represents Oxford.”

For Maupin, wearing an Oxford jersey is an honor.

“My school and community have always given me their full support in everything I do, so being able to represent my town’s name is a huge honor,” she said.

After high school, Maupin will continue her track career at DII Pittsburg State University, where she plans to major in nursing.

As she prepares for her senior season, Maupin is

ready to cement her place as one of the top sprinters in Kansas high school history. With multiple titles and records already to her name, she looks to add more to her legacy in 2025.

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by Adam Meyer.*

The BENNINGTON girls finished in ninth place at 2A state with 34 points led by sophomore Jordan Bartlett who finished in first place in the javelin throw with a distance of 139 feet.

Junior sprinter Rori Miles finished in third place in the 100 meter dash clocking 12.74 seconds. Miles also finished in seventh place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.82. Moss, Taleigh Watson, Jordan Bartlett and Miles finished in first place in the 4x100 meter relay clocking 50.72 seconds.

In the 100 meter hurdle preliminaries freshman Jaylee Moss finished in 11th place with a time of 16.84 and sophomore Abby Gans finished in 16th place with a time of 18.19, both missing the finals. Sophomore Taleigh Watson finished sixth place in the 100 meter hurdle finals in a time of 16.83. Moss finished in 13th place in the preliminaries in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 50.42, but she did not qualify for the finals.

Sophomore Madison Simmons finished ninth place in the pole vault with a height of eight feet, six inches. Junor Alyssa Wolff finished sixth in the shot put with a distance of 37 feet, 10.50 inches.

Bennington’s boys finished 16th with 15 points. Sophomore Manny McVay finished seventh place in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.26. Junior Thayne Trout placed 12th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:05.47, while junior Brayden Palenske took 16th in 2:13.53. Trout also secured seventh in the 1600 meter run, finishing in 4:34.29, with junior Nick Williams placing 12th in 4:50.82. Sophomore Spencer Ward finished in 15th place in the 3200 meter run with a time of 10:50.88.

The relay team of sophomore Isaiah Garrett, junior Payge Rodenbeck, junior Lorenzo McVay and sophomore Manny McVay finished in second place in the 4x100 meter relay with a score of 44.21.

Rodenbeck finished in seventh place in the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 3.50 inches. Sophomore Garrett Isaiah finished in eighth place in the triple jump with a distance of 40 feet, 11.50 inches and Manny McVay finished in 11th place with a distance of 40 feet in the triple jump.

The CHASE COUNTY boys finished in third place with 49 points. Senior Tucker Groh finished in fourth

Makhila Maupin, Oxford, Senior (Photo: Cassi Easterly)

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 94 place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.18 and second in the 400 with a time of 50.39, while senior Brock Griffin finished fifth in the 400 at 50.98.

In relays, Groh, Griffin, junior Luke Budke, and sophomore Wyatt Griffin took first in both the 4x100 and 4x400 with times of 43.74 and 3:26.15 respectively. Senior Silus Hernandez and juniors Tate Morgan, Landon Doty and Carson Schroer finished in 13th place in the 4x800 with a time of 8:48.28.

In the field, Wyatt Griffin finished in fifth place in the high jump with a height of 6-2 while Budke took second place in the pole vault with a mark of 13-0.

Chase County’s girls finished in 15th place with 15 points led by a young group. Freshman Sadie Mushrush finished 15th in the 800 with a time of 2:37.98, junior Kinslea Glanville finished 16th in the 3200 with a time of 15:34.85, and sophomore Madelyn Wilson finished first in the shot put with a toss of 43-3, fourth in the javelin at 125-10, and 16th in the disc at 99-2.

ELL-SALINE finished in 14th in 2A boys standings led in points by junior Brogan Rowley who finished second in the high jump at 6-6, third in the long jump at 21-10.25, and 14th in the javelin with a throw of 138-6. Elsewhere in the field senior Joseph Hiechel took 10th in the long jump at 20 feet even and junior Victor RuizTorres was ninth in the shot with a heave of 46 feet, 6.5 inches, and 11th in the discus at 135-8.

On the track, Hiechel, sophomores Kas Kramer and Lucas Correa, and junior Garrison Zerger finished ninth in the 4x4 relay with a time of 3:35.98 while junior Melvin Lutes took 13th in the 300 hurdles in 45.42. Zerger was also sixth in the 800 and 11th in the 1600 and senior Carson Fouard was ninth in the 3200 and 16th in the 1600.

For the Ell-Saline girls, junior Darby Smith was 10th in the 800 meter run in a time of 2:31.14.

BEREAN ACADEMY finished in eighth place with 37.5 points on the boys side of the scoring. Junior Randall Thiessen took third in both the 110 hurdles (15.86) and 300 hurdles (41.35), senior Wyatt Ranfeld took third in the discus (156-11), senior Devin Busenitz took sixth in the 400 (51.34), eighth in the long jump (20-5), and ninth in the high jump (6-0), senior Trevor Nusz finished 13th in the 800 (2:06.57), freshman Will Snook was 13th in the 3200 (10:36.12), while juniors Everet Busenitz (12-0) and Sylas Nord (11-0) took fourth and 12th in pole vault respectively.

In relays, the team of Devin Busenitz, senior Jarrett Wiebe, junior Aiden Fasnacht, and freshman Ryley Busenitz were second in the 4x400 (3:29.94), while the same quartet - running different legs - finished sixth place in the 4x100 (45.02). Wiebe, Nusz, senior Nick Krebs, and junior Titus Veer finished in 11th place in the 4x800 (8:46.19).

The Lady Warriors finished in 28th place with six points, three from freshman Rebecca Widler, who finished seventh in the 100 hurdles with a time of 16.85. The only other two individual qualifiers were sophomore Adrienne Mullins who finished eighth in the discus (115-10) and senior Tara Tucker who finished 11th (112-8) in the same event.

Widler, freshman Aubrianne Briscoe, sophomore Autumn Hirsch and sophomore Leah Entz finished ninth place in the in the 4x400 relay with a time of 4:18.38, while Briscoe, Hirsch, sophomore Addelyn Turpin and Entz earned the team’s other three points with a sixth place in the 4x800 relay in 10:21.41.

The ELLIS girls finished in second place with 54 points, just two shy of state champs Inman. Individually, freshman Evelyn Merriman finished fourth in the 100 with a time of 12.76 and eighth in the 200 with a time of 26.95, sophomore Avery Boydston finished in eighth in the 800 with a time of 2:24.70, second place in the 1600 at 5:15.53 and second in the 3200 at 11:34.48, junior Addison Kohl finished 12th in

the 100 hurdle prelims with a time of 16.93, senior Kylee Pfeifer finished in sixth place in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 48.22, while junior Natalee North finished in second place in the discus throw at 129-1 and fifth place in the shot put at 38-8.25, and junior Isabella Eck was state runner-up in the high jump (5-2).

Pfeifer, Kohl, sophomore Sienna Schmidt and Merriman finished in second place in the 4x100 with a time of 51.05, while Pfeifer, Schmidt, Eck, and Kohl finished in 14th in the 4x400 with a time of 4:25.27.

MISSION VALLEY’s girls placed 14th with 18 points. In individual events, freshman Ava Boyden finished 15th in the 1600 with a time of 6:11.85. Senior Emma Slade took second in the shot put with a throw of 398.75, and won the discus with a mark of 138-3 inches. Freshman Kailyn Jacobson placed 15th in the javelin with a throw of 101-8. Junior Clay Colin was sixth in the triple jump for the only boys points at state.

EUREKA was a one-man point show at Cessna and finished in 15th with 16 points as sophomore T.J. Mills took third in the 100 with a time of 10.94 and first place in the 200 at 22.78. Sophomore Peyton Hare qualified in the 400, but false started in the prelims. He entered the event with the second best seed time. For the girls, sophomore Rose Buck was ninth in the 800 and her classmate Britta Mongeau was 13th in the 1600.

GARDEN PLAIN finished in 11th place with 22 points for the boys with a deep group of qualifiers. Senior Ty Scheer finished in fifth place in the 800 with

a time of 2:01.13, junior Logan McKim finished 15th in the 3200 at 10:47.60, freshman Brant Long was 11th in the 110 hurdle prelims at 16.15 and 11th in the high jump clearing 6-0, sophomore Elijah Eck took 11th in the pole vault at 11-0, and freshman Hunter Kampling took 12th in the triple jump at 39-8.5. McKim, Scheer, and sophomores Arthur Boyle and Kai Laird finished in fourth place in the 4x800 with a time of 8:27.99. Throwers were in abundance for the Owls with junior Brady Back (5th, 48-8.75), junior Hank Lilly (8th, 46-8), and senior Mason Hoheisel (14th, 41-6.25) making it in shot put, junior Kaeden Kasselman (5th, 149-0) in the discus, and senior Gage Lee (5th, 173-3) and sophomore Emrick Hays (10th, 153-6) in the javelin. Meanwhile, the Garden Plain girls finished in 10th place with 29 points, sending another deep field of athletes to Wichita. Senior Haidyn Thompson finished sixth in the 100 with a time of 12.85 and 10th in the 200 at 26.566. In the same two events sophomore Reese Stuhlsatz finished seventh at 12.89 and ninth in the 200 at 26.564 - just .002 ahead of Thompson. Stuhlsatz additionally finished fourth in the 400 at 1:01.26.

In the 4x800, Jewel Gallagher, freshman Lauren Brittain, freshman Kayla Coleman and freshman Tori Trumble finished in 14th place with a time of 11:04.72. In field events, Gallagher finished first place with a height of 9-6 in the pole vault, while junior Jaden Stuhlsatz finished in sixth clearing 9-0 and freshman Aly Scheer finished in 11th at 8-6, freshman Vivian

Albert finished in sixth place in the high jump clearing 5-0, freshman Hailey Brack finished seventh place in the shot put with a distance of 37-8, and junior Kora Rex finished 16th in the javelin with a distance of 100-10. HAYS-TMP-MARIAN finished in seventh in scoring with 36 points for the girls. Junior Shalee Gottschalk finished third place in the 300 hurdles with a time of 46.35, senior Emma Basgall finished in ninth place in the 100 with a time of 13.27 and 15th in the 200 at 27.47, and junior Macara Rohr finished in ninth in the 400 with a time of 1:02.40.

In the two relays they qualified for, Gottschalk, junior Shyanne Yost, senior Nevaeh Weigel and Basgall took third in the 4x100 with a time of 51.12, while junior Gracyn Schippers, sophomore Rachel Staab, Weigel and Rohr finished in 13th in the 4x400.

In the field, Yost finished in eighth place with a height of 4-10 and junior Tessa Wentling finished in ninth place with a height of 4-8 inches in the high jump, sophomore Anna Cappuccio finished eighth in the pole vault at 8-6, Weigel finished fifth in the long jump with a distance at 15-9.5, Gottschalk took second in the triple jump with a jump of 35-8.25, while Rohr finished in ninth in the triple jump (33-7.25) as well. Senior Tara Tucker was the lone thrower to qualify and finished in 10th in the discus at 112-9.

HILLSBORO girls took 13th as a team with 20 points. The young distance duo of freshman Riley Richert (1600, 8th, 5:46.3) and sophomore Quinlyn Funk (3200, 7th, 12:16.27) were the lone qualifiers in individual running events, while sophomore Emily Gilkey (HJ, 7th, 5-0) and Abbigail Williams (SP, 4th, 38-8.5) both placed in field events. In relays, Richert, Funk, and sophomores Jaidyn Frantz and Addison Jost finished third in the 4x800 with a time of 10:13.58.

The HOXIE girls finished in 12th place with 25 points led by sophomore Madison Meier, who finished fourth in the 200 with a time of 26.60 and fifth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:01.57 individually. Junior Sofie Gourley finished in 13th place in the 800 at 2:36.43, junior Taegan Lindenman finished 11th in the 1600 at 6:02.88 and 11th in the 3200 at 12:48.92, and sophomore Keyara Mader 13th place in the 100 hurdles at 17.13. In the 4x100, Meier, junior Mariah Barnett, freshman Emma Schamberger, and junior Sofie Gourley finished fourth with a time of 51.44.

Junior Emily Bainter was the team’s lone field qualifier and finished in sixth in the long jump at 15- 5.25 and second in the javelin with a distance of 128-8.

JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH finished tied for fifth place on the boys side with 41 points. Senior Isaac Kane finished third in the 400 with a time of 50.40, sophomore Lucas Meredith took 12th in the 3200 at 10:34.43, and junior Chase Terry was 12th in the 110 hurdles at 16.55.

In relays, seniors Connor Keirns, Cameron Seever, Grady Noll and sophomore Will Elias finished fourth in the 4x100 relay with a time of 44.85. Keirns, in the 4x4, joined by Elias, Kane and senior Ethan Noll finished in third at 3:30.81, and in the 4x8 Elias, Kane, Meredith, and freshman Brody Edwards were third (8:25.92).

In the field, Kane won state in the high jump with a height of 6-6 while sophomore Nicholas Cahill finished 15th at 5-8. Keirns finished in 10th place in the triple jump at 40-5.25, senior RB Tweed finished in 12th place in the shot put throwing 42-1.75 and also finished in ninth discus with a throw of 137-10, and rounding out the group, senior Zach Toole finished in second in the javelin with a distance of 179-11. Evelyn Smith and Clara Johnson, both seniors last season, led the JCN girls with a pair of second place finishes in the high jump (5-2) and pole vault (9-0) respectively.

KC-CHRISTIAN saw their boys finish tied for fifth place with 41 points last spring. Aside from junior Derrius Derrall, who took ninth in the 100 (11.53),

Madison Howland, Smith Center, Sophomore (Photo: Sports in Kansas)

distance was the name of the game. In the 800, senior Andrew Schumacher finished in fourth place with a time of 2:00.53, and senior Spencer Mumford finished in 10th place with a time of 2:02.91, while the same two qualified for the 1600 in which Schumaker won state (4:24.63) and Mumford finished fifth (4:33.92). Schumaker also won state in the 3200 in 9:14.64. Mumford and Schumaker also both competed in the 4x800 along with seniors Nathan Coneally and Jahzua Adhiambo where they finished in second at 8:25.92.

The KC-Christian girls got an 11th place finish in the 800 from senior Rebekah Jenks, a 14th place finish in the 1600 from junior Brooklyn Veer, and a 15th place in the 3200 from senior Rory Hawk.

The LYNDON boys finished in second place with 50 points, just ahead of Chase County’s 49, and five points short of state champs Moundridge.

Senior Tanner Heckel (University of Illinois football) finished in first place in the 100 with a time of 10.78, first in the long jump at 23 feet, 11.25 inches, second in the triple jump at 45-0.75, and threw the javelin 179-6 at Cessna for third place. Another current DI football player, Kaedin Massey (K-State football), took second in the shot put at 50-10.75 and second in the disc at 164-2.

Outside of those two, freshman Josh Vignery qualified in both the 110 and 300 hurdles, finishing ninth in the 110 prelims at 16.06 and getting disqualified from the 300 in prelims, while senior Caston Wirth, and sophomores James Marcotte, Zach Criqui, and Asher Edington finished 12th in the 4x100 (45.36). For the girls, junior Morgan Gross was 11th in the javenlin.

The MEADE boys finished in fourth place with 42 points, edging out Jeff County North and KC-Christian by just one point each. Senior Brock Keith finished in 12th place in the 100 prelims, third overall in the 200 with a time of 22.98, and fourth in the 400 in a time of 50.46. Brock’s brother, senior Logan Keith, finished first in the 800 with a time of 1:55.91, second in the 1600 at 4:28.89, and third in the 3200 at 9:46.89. Competing alongside Logan Keith, junior Anthony Godfrey finished in ninth place with a time of 2:02.44 in the 800, while sophomore Ryker Vieux took 13th in 1600 at 4:51.01 and eighth in the 3200 at 9:59.45.

For relays, the Keith brothers, junior Anthony Godfrey, and junior Walker Koons finished sixth in the 4x400 with a time of 3:33.62, while junior Alex Zortman, freshman Saul Mendoza, Vieux and Godfrey finished sixth in the 4x800 at 8:32.06.

The Meade girls got a 13th place finish in the pole vault from freshman Sayler Stapleton, and an 11th place finish in the triple jump from senior Carlie Martin. The boys for MEDICINE LODGE finished 12th overall with 19 points. Junior Davis Miltner finished in sixth place in the 1600 at 4:34.07 and fourth in the 3200 at 9:47.68, junior Durham Nittler took fourth in the

300 hurdles at 42.15, third in the triple jump at 43-10.5, and 11th in the long jump at 195.25. Junior Ke’veon Ruiz (9th, 20-5) and senior Kye Gerdes (15th, 16-2) also qualified in the long jump.

The MOUNDRIDGE boys claimed the 2A state title with 55 points last spring. Junior Kaden Elmore finished fourth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.94, in a photo finish with Eureka’s sophomore TJ Mills. Elmore also took second in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.81, just behind Mills, who ran 22.78. Elmore won the 400 meter dash with a time of 50.27, edging out Tucker Groh of Chase County, who finished second at 50.39.

Freshman Dan Kuder placed 11th in the 3200-meter run (10:34.05). Sophomore Heath Churchill finished sixth in the 110 meter hurdles (16.33) and fifth in the 300 meter hurdles (42.15). Elmore, Churchill, sophomore Kaizer Kanitz, and Fynn Burge placed fifth in the 4x400-meter relay (3:32.61).

Churchill also tied for third in the high jump with a height of 6 feet, 6 inches. Kanitz took fourth in the triple jump at 43 feet, 4.5 inches. In the javelin throw, junior Barrett Moddelmog finished fourth (174 feet), and junior Henry Hecox took sixth (171 feet).

The Moundridge girls finished fourth with 40 points. Sophomore Cammi Unruh took second in the 100 meter dash (12.58) and third in the 200 meter dash (25.88). Sophomore Haylee Jantz finished sixth in the 1600 meter run (5:37.18) and sixth in the 3200-meter run (12:10.10).

The 4x400 relay team of juniors Avery Schrag and Halle Hecox, Jantz, and freshman Hattie Hecox placed fourth (4:15.54). Unruh won the long jump with a distance of 16-11. Hattie Hecox was also fourth in the triple jump (34-11.5) and ninth in the javelin (111-8).

The MOUND CITY-JAYHAWK LINN boys placed seventh with 39 points. Junior Trenton Broyles did not qualify for the 200 meter dash finals but finished second in the 110 meter hurdles (15.77) behind senior Gus Grote, who won in 15.43. Broyles also won the 300 meter hurdles (40.61).

The 4x100 meter relay team of freshman Brayden Johnson, Grote, junior Cooper Johnson, and Broyles finished first (54.03). Junior Gabe Springer placed third in the pole vault (12-6), and sophomore Truman Schneider took sixth (11-6).

The OXFORD girls finished 11th with 26 points. Junior Makhila Maupin won the 100 meter (12.04) and 200 meter (25.19) dashes. She also took third in the 400 (1:00.02). Sophomore Yasmin Gardea placed ninth (16.60) and senior Mya Johnson took 14th (17.27) in the 100 meter hurdles.

The PITTBURG-ST. MARY’S COLGAN boys finished 13th with 18 points. Senior Tucker Harrell placed second in the 100-meter dash (10.84) and seventh in the 200-meter dash (23.67). Harrell also

finished fourth in the long jump (21 feet, 6.5 inches). The Colgan girls finished sixth with 38 points. Senior Lily Brown won the 300 meter hurdles (45.57) and placed second in the 100 meter hurdles (15.41). Brown also claimed first place in the high jump (5 feet, 4 inches) and the triple jump (40 feet, 5.25 inches). The 4x800 meter relay team of Costantini, Kalan, Treiber, and Karleskint placed 11th (10:43.35).

Freshman Kayla Hutchinson placed ninth in the long jump (15-3.25), while junior Dalanie Meek finished 15th (13-11.25). In the shot put, sophomore Sarah Schibi was 15th with a throw of 31-5.75. In the 1600-meter run, senior Polona Kalan finished 16th (6:15.09), and she also placed 13th in the 3200-meter run (13:39.12). Freshman Katie Paulie placed 15th in the preliminaries of the 400-meter dash (1:04.45) and junior Dalanie Meek finished 16th in the preliminaries of the 200-meter dash (28.54).

The 4x400-meter relay team of Paulie, sophomore Alli Karleskint, Meek, and senior Gianna Costantini placed 16th in the preliminaries (4:27.91), while the 4x800meter relay team of Costantini, Kalan, junior Hope Treiber, and Karleskint finished 11th (10:43.35).

The PLAINVILLE boys finished 10th with 29 points. Senior A.J. Brown placed fifth in the 110-meter hurdles (16.06) and ninth in the 300-meter hurdles (43.27). Sophomore Draden Puckett finished 16th in the 200-meter dash (24.10) and senior J.D. Dintino placed 10th in the 110-meter hurdles (16.11). The 4x100-meter relay team of Brown, Puckett, junior Roy Bright Jr., and Dintino finished ninth in the preliminaries (45.17). In field events, Braylon Bittel finished fourth in the shot put (49-2), Mason Hogan placed 10th (44-10), and Bittel won the discus throw with a distance of 164 feet, 8 inches. Hogan finished fourth (155-7) and sophomore Tucker Rudman was sixth (143-9). Bittel also took seventh in the javelin throw with a distance of 167-4.

RICHMOND-CENTRAL HEIGHTS placed ninth in the boys standings with 37 points. Junior Cody Hammond was runner-up in the 800 meters at 1:57.52 and took third in the 1600 at 4:32.52. Junior Connor Burkdoll finished second in the 3200 at 9:39.71 and fourth in the 1600 at 4:33.48. Hammond, Burkdoll, junior Owen Miller, and junior Christian McCord won the 4x800-meter relay in 8:00.20.

SALINA-SACRED HEART finished 14th in the girls standings with 18 points. Junior Caroline Stone placed 16th in the 800 meters (2:38.76), fifth in the 1600 (5:36.89), and joined senior Gracy Dorzweiler, senior Lauryn Mikkelson, and sophomore Skylar Douglas on the runner-up 4x800 relay (10:08.52). Freshman Mia Hamilton was 10th in the 1600 (5:58.52). In the 3200, senior Eva Matteucci placed eighth (12:24.34) and junior Libby Kierscht was 11th (12:59.85). Mikkelson added an eighth-place finish in the 300 hurdles (50.63)

John Franklin: Owner

KANSAS PREGAME SPRING 2025 | 96 and ran on the sixth-place 4x100 relay (51.85) with junior Makenna Soukup, sophomore Nicole Richards, and Dorzweiler. Mikkelson, Stone, Soukup, and Dorzweiler also placed eighth in the 4x400 (4:34.08).

SMITH CENTER finished eighth in the girls standings with 35 points. Freshman Madison Howland won the 1600 (5:12.50) and 3200 (10:58.26), and placed second in the 800 (2:18.29). She also helped the 4x800 relay team — along with senior Camryn Hutchinson, freshman Alexis Koelsch, and senior Dakota Kattenberg — finish eighth in 10:27.54. Freshman Kaydyne Armknecht placed 10th in the shot put with a throw of 35-1.25. In the javelin, Hutchinson placed third with a mark of 128-1, and sophomore Lillie Heiland threw 103-10.

The Smith Center boys got a 10th place finish in the 1600 meter run from sophomore Gavin Hickert, who was also seventh in the 3200. The 400 meter relay team of seniors Brandon Hendrich and Tegan Mckenzie, junior Daveyon Orr, and freshman Riley Griffin-Powers finished third in a time of 44.42 seconds, while the team of junior Mason Enochs, and sophomores Wyatt Schaffer, Reed Doane, and Hickert was fifth in the 4x8. Sophomore Gannon McCoy tied for sixth in the pole vault with a height of 11-6.

STERLING placed fifth in the girls team race with 39 points. Sophomore Julia Kilgore won the 400 meters in 57.88 and was runner-up in the 200 at 25.70. Senior

and added third-place finishes in both the 1600 (5:16.93) and 3200 (11:54.28). Ekart and Kilgore teamed with freshman Kate Inwood and sophomore Cora Svaty to place fifth in the 4x400 relay with a time of 4:16.35.

For the boys, Sterling senior Tim Parrish was ninth in the 1600 and sixth in the 3200, while sophomore Zane Farney was eighth in both the 110 and 300 meter hurdles events.

SYLVAN-LUCAS freshman Codie

Huehl scored the only points at state for either the Mustang girls or boys with her seventh place finish in the 400 meter dash (1:01.76). Sylvan-Lucas competed at the 1A level last year but bumps up to 2A this spring. Freshman Morgan Finkenbinder did just miss qualifying for state in the triple jump last season finishing fifth at the regional (33-10.75).

WABAUNSEE finished third in the girls standings with 53 points. Junior Payton Wurtz won the 800 meters in 2:16.16, with freshman Grace Zeller placing third in 2:19.44. Senior Alexus Ford took eighth in the 400 (1:02.44). Freshman Talen Orton ran 27.24 in the 200 prelims and junior Isabelle Stuhlsatz clocked 52.32 in the 300 hurdles prelims. Wurtz, Zeller, Ford, and Orton won the 4x400 relay in 4:03.43. Wurtz, Zeller, Stuhlsatz, and freshman Adalynn Miller won the 4x800 in 9:56.14. Ford, senior Sienna Jones, Orton, and Sophia Castillo finished seventh in the 4x100 at 51.92. Ford cleared 4-6 for 13th in the high jump. Jones placed fourth in

triple jump (34-7), while Orton finished 13th in the triple jump (32-4.25).

WHITEWATER-REMINGTON finished 16th in the girls standings with 15 points. Sophomore Chelsea Willour was fifth in the 3200 meters in a time of 12:03.03. Junior Annie Entz took fifth in the 100 hurdles (16.64), and sophomore Emily O’Brien finished fifth in the 300 hurdles (47.60). O’Brien, Entz, senior Eva Hilgenfeld, and Sheyenne Pinkston placed eighth in the 4x100 relay (52.21). O’Brien also teamed with seniors Ava Klaassen and Kyleigh Hayworth and sophomore Chelsea Willour to take seventh in the 4x800 (10:24.66).

For the boys, senior Eli Gerber was 11th in the 200 meter dash prelims but finished as state runner-up in the 300 hurdles. The 3200 meter relay team of Isaac Jury, Gerber, Bradyn Thomas, and Dakota Hoch finished 13th.

MARION freshman Dylan Kraus was state runner-up in the girls 400 meter, while junior Taryn Kraus was seventh in the 300 meter hurdles. On the boys side, junior Luke Wessel was third in the 800 meter run and eighth in the 1600. He also ran a leg of the fourth place 4x400 relay along with sophomores Jesse Snyder and Wyatt Soyez, and senior Jonathan Frese.

OAKLEY got a fourth place finish in the girls high jump from junior Bella Hudson who was also third in the long jump. The 1600 meter relay team of Jade Beckman, Brynn Johnson, Emma Mandeville, and

Daysha Allison finished in sixth place. Mandeville was also ninth in the discus. The Plainsmen boys got a seventh place finish in the 800 from senior Isiaha Rebarchek who was also one leg of the eighth place 1600 meter relay team. Senior Myah Mattheyer scored the only points for TREGO’s girls with a sixth place finish in the triple jump, though sophomore Kallan Rothchild was 12th in the 1600 and classmate Tegan Lang was 10th in the 100 hurdle prelims and also qualified in the 300s.

SEDGWICK sophomore Noah Little won the 2A boys triple jump while junior Dallas Lagree was fifth in the long jump.

The JACKSON HEIGHTS girls got a third place finish in the discus throw from senior Dawson Cochren and a seventh place mark in the javelin from sophomore Chesnea Cochren. The Cobra boys were led by sophomore Kyson Proffit who was sixth in the 100 meter dash eighth in the 200. Senior Nate Linck was eighth in the 800 and junior Kaden Claycamp was 13th in the discus throw.

HILL CITY sophomore Vincent Zohner and senior Aiden Amrein were 12th and 13th in the javelin - though both came into the event seeded much higher - while freshman MaryAnne Christian was the only qualifier for the girls and got 10th in the prelims of the 300 hurdles.

*The state track recaps use last season’s high school class.

Amy Doris taken on Samsung

By Keegan McCullick, Writer & Editor

As Palco senior Ethan Gaschler enters his final high school track and field season, he has one goal in mind: capturing state championships in both the shot put and discus.

“Out of all of my goals this season, my biggest one is to finally capture two state championship wins in the same year, one in the shot put and one in the discus,” Gaschler said. “I have been working tirelessly in the weight room and in the circle. With the hours of preparation, I am excited to see the results.”

Gaschler has established himself as one of Kansas Class 1A’s premier throwers. He owns school records in both events, with a discus personal best of 176-0 and a shot put mark of 56-11.75 inches—both set during his junior season. At the 2024 state meet, he won the shot put title with his PR and placed third in the discus with a 160-9 mark. His sophomore year saw him finish second in the discus (158-7) and third in the shot put (47-11.5), with a shot put personal best of 50-2.5 that season.

Despite his dominance, Gaschler has faced challenges, particularly an injury that hampered his training last season.

“My biggest challenge was coming off of injury last year and competing,” he said. “My ability to train suffered and created challenges I had to learn to work through. I have overcome this through physical therapy, which has allowed me to get back to training properly.”

Palco throwing coach Dani Hartung has high praise for Gaschler, not just as an athlete but as a leader and mentor to younger throwers.

“Ethan is the ideal athlete that every coach hopes to work with in their career,” Hartung said. “He gives his all, all the time. From the work he does in the weight room to the hours he spends increasing his IQ and having conversations about technique and training, what everyone sees in the ring is just the tip of the iceberg. The best part is, he cares about other throwers and has already started honing his own coaching and mentoring skills. I am honored to work with Ethan, and for my own son to have such a great role model. I am so proud to witness his next chapter!”

In addition to his track and field success, Gaschler has lettered multiple years in basketball, track, and even once in cross country. He was named second-team all-league in basketball as a sophomore.

After graduation, he will continue his track and field career at Northwest Missouri State University, where he plans to study exercise science.

As the reigning Class 1A pole vault state champion, Cunningham senior Will Wegerer enters his final high school track and field season with his sights set on defending his title and taking his performance to new heights. With a personal record of 15-1 set last season, Wegerer hopes to push past the five-meter barrier (16-4) before his high school career comes to a close.

Wegerer has solidified himself as one of the top small-school pole vaulters in Kansas. After placing third at state in 2023, he reached the top of the podium in 2024, winning the Class 1A state championship in dominant fashion. He also earned HOPL AllLeague honors in the event and claimed the regional title.

“My goals for this year are to better the school record that I set last year in pole vault and defend my state title,” Wegerer said. “Also, hoping to make it back to state in the 300 hurdles and get the 4x400 relay team to state. This year, I’ve been working hard towards these goals in the weight room every day.”

While pole vault is his premier event, Wegerer is also a well-rounded track athlete. He qualified for state in the 300-meter hurdles last season and has competed in multiple events throughout his career, including the 110 meter hurdles and 4x400 relay. His versatility and leadership will be key for Cunningham’s success this spring. However, one of the biggest challenges he has faced is access to the right equipment

1A TRACK

for pole vaulting, an event that requires specialized gear.

“The most difficult thing for me has been finding the correct poles for pole vault,” Wegerer said. “Cunningham is a very small school, so our resources and facilities are limited, but I have formed many relationships with other coaches and schools who have been very helpful with lending me equipment.”

Despite these challenges, Wegerer’s dedication has allowed him to excel. He balances his training with a demanding schedule as a multi-sport athlete. In addition to his track and field success, he has been a standout in both football and basketball. As Cunningham’s quarterback, he helped lead the team to a pair of 6-Man state runner-up finishes, earning multiple all-state and all-league honors. On the basketball court, he played a crucial role in Cunningham’s 2024 Class 1A Division II state championship and 2025 runner-up finishes, earning all-state recognition and finishing his career with more than 1,000 points.

While competing at a high level in three sports, Wegerer also maintains excellence in the classroom, earning honor roll status every semester. His leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Cunningham athletics.

“Will Wegerer is the definition of leadership, modeling and dedication to his sports,” head coach Eric Kerschen said. “He is the QB on the football team, leading scorer on the basketball team and current state champion in the 1A pole vault. Will is very disciplined in the classroom as well, on the honor roll every semester and he continues to strive for excellence.”

Wegerer has not yet decided on a college but plans to continue his pole vaulting career while majoring in kinesiology with the goal of attending physical therapy school. Before that, he has one more track and field season to finish what he started.

“It means a lot to wear Cunningham on my chest and represent our small school and community, as well as my coaches,” Wegerer said. “Training all year and getting to go out in the spring and lay it all on the line for my teammates is also a great honor.”

Washington County seniors Addy Goeckel and Jesse Hoover return for their final high school track and field seasons, aiming to lead the Tigers to another Class 1A team title while pursuing individual championships. Both athletes are defending state champions and have established themselves as two of the top competitors in the state.

(L-R): Will Wegerer, Ethan Gaschler, Brock Deterding

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

PALCO TRACK & FIELD

THE ROOSTERS THROW FOR BLACK & GOLD

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PALCO TRACK & FIELD

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CONGRATULATIONS TO PALCO SENIOR ETHAN GASCHLER ON SIGNING WITH NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY TO CONTINUE YOUR TRACK & FIELD CAREER!

“Addy and Jesse are both looked upon to be leaders on the Washington County Tigers track team,” head coach Jerry Baker said. “Both of these girls have taken it upon themselves to be positive, hard-working athletes that are eager to step up when needed. Along with that, both Jesse and Addy continue to master their respective events. This hard work has gotten them both to where they are today.”

Goeckel has been perfect in hurdle events for consecutive seasons, winning both the 100 and 300 hurdles at the state meet in back-to-back years. She holds personal records of 15.42 seconds in the 100 hurdles and 45.59 seconds in the 300 hurdles.

“One of my main personal goals for this season is to continually improve my times and push myself to new limits,” Goeckel said. “Achieving a three-peat at the state championships is a dream of mine, and I recognize that it will take consistent dedication and focus to make that a reality. To reach this goal, I am committed to giving 100% effort in every practice and competition.”

In addition to her four individual state titles, Goeckel helped lead Washington County’s 4x400 meter relay team to a runner-up finish last season and was part of the seventh-place 4x100 relay.

While Goeckel has experienced tremendous success, she acknowledges that managing the pressure of her own expectations has been a challenge.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced on the track is the immense pressure and the high expectations I place on myself,” she said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve adjusted my perspective on the sport and now find competing much more enjoyable. Moving forward, I plan to view every opportunity on the track as a chance to positively represent my school and community.”

After high school, Goeckel plans to attend Cloud County Community College, where she will compete in track and field while pursuing a career in the medical field.

Hoover enters the season as the defending Class 1A state champion in javelin, having won the event last season with a personal-best throw of 144-7. She is determined to defend her title and set a new PR this spring.

“This season, I have my goals set high for myself,” Hoover said. “Last season, I went undefeated in javelin at every meet, including state, with the exception of KU Relays, as that is the best of the best athletes from all over the U.S. A personal goal I would like to achieve is a new PR this track season. I got a new javelin at the end of the year, and I am extremely excited to work hard with it to achieve my goal.”

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1A TRACK

Hoover has worked to refine her technique over the past four years, focusing on consistency in her throws.

“The biggest challenge I have faced over the last four years in javelin would be my inconsistency,” she said. “My freshman and sophomore year, I was very inconsistent with my throws. I would have two or three really bad throws and one good throw in a meet. Last year, I was finally capable of overcoming that challenge and having consistent throws all year long.”

Hoover was also a member of Washington County’s seventh-place 4x100 relay team at state and has been an integral part of the Tigers’ team success.

Both athletes have excelled in other sports as well.

Goeckel is a four-year varsity letterwinner in volleyball and basketball. In volleyball, she was named second-team All-Twin Valley League as a junior and senior, and was

(L-R): Addy Goeckel, Anna Jueneman, Jesse Hoover

(Photo: Heather Kindall Photography)

a four-time Twin Valley League AllAcademic Team selection. She also holds the school record for digs in a season.

Hoover is also a standout in volleyball and basketball as well, earning first-team All-TVL volleyball honors as a junior and senior and being named all-state honorable mention in basketball as a sophomore and junior and recording her 1,000th career point in mid-February.

“Competing for Washington County holds a deep sense of pride for me,” Goeckel said. “Although our school may not have a longstanding tradition of athletic dominance, I find immense pride in the opportunity to showcase the spirit and determination of our community through track and field.”

Hoover echoed those sentiments.

“Competing feels as if it is more than representing a team or the school, it’s also representing our community,” she said. “My team works hard in their events, and it pushes me to my full potential when competing, knowing I am representing our school.”

The Washington County girls track team enters 2025 as the two-time defending Class 1A state champions. Alongside Goeckel and Hoover, returning state qualifiers include McKenzie Baker, Anna Goeckel, and Alyssa Jueneman. With both Goeckel and Hoover poised to defend their state titles, Washington County will once again be a contender.

With multiple state championships already to her name, Hanover senior Anna Jueneman enters her final high school track and field season with a clear goal: lead her team to a Class 1A state title.

“My top goal is to win a 1A state championship as a team,” Jueneman said. “The past few years we have had a low number of girls participate in track, and our goal is to have higher numbers and more points scored at state.”

Jueneman has established herself as one of the top sprinters in 1A. She is the defending state champion in the 200 meters (25.76) and 400 meters (58.24), both school-record times set at last year’s state meet. She also made the podium in

the 100 meters and anchored Hanover’s 4x400 relay, which placed at state. Her dominance on the track is a continuation of an impressive athletic career. In addition to her track success, Jueneman has been a key contributor to Hanover’s volleyball and basketball programs, winning multiple state championships in both sports. She was named the 1A Division II Basketball Player of the Year in 2024 and will continue her basketball career at Kansas Wesleyan while majoring in accounting.

Despite her success, Jueneman has faced challenges, including training conditions other small Kansas schools often have to deal with.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced in track is probably the condition our facility is in for daily conditioning,” she said. “We have a limestone track and most of our workouts are on the streets of Hanover. To get a good workout in, our coaches have taken us over to neighboring towns to practice on their track.”

While the hard surface is problematic, it hasn’t prevented Jueneman’s dominance, or the Hanover girls and boys from winning two state titles apiece in the last decade. Last season, the girls finished fifth in 1A.

Hanover head coach Kim Lohse - who led the Wildcats to those state titlesrecognizes Jueneman’s impact on the program, both through her achievements and leadership.

“Anna Jueneman is our leader for our girls’ track team,” Lohse said. “She is a relentless competitor and does what it takes to be a state champion and also help her team. Other girls look up to her on the track team, and Anna tries to make them better as well as helping the team.”

The Wildcats will also return Gracie Bruna, a state qualifier in the triple jump, sprints, and 4x400 relay, as well as Drew Bruna and Kennedy Cohorst, both sophomores, who round out the 4x400 relay team.

With her senior season underway, Jueneman hopes to cap off her decorated high school career by adding more gold to Hanover’s trophy case.

Kiowa County senior Brock Deterding returns this spring already established as one of Kansas’ top sprinters, and after winning state titles in the 100 and 200, and as part of the 4x400 relay last year, helping the Mavericks to a tie for second place with Quinter in 1A team standings.

“Brock has been the kid that came in as a freshman, who we knew had talent, and has grown and developed into one of the top sprinters in the state for his senior year,” Kiowa County head coach Travis Powell said. “He will be looking to finetune his races and be a leader for our boys team this year.”

Deterding’s steady rise began with an 11.37 personal best in the 100 as a freshman, qualifying for state, but not making the finals. As a sophomore, he improved his PR to 11.04 ran 11.27 in the state finals, good for second. He led off the 4x100 relay, which took second at state, and anchored the 4x400 relay to a state title as well.

His junior season saw further dominance, setting school records in the 100 (10.75), 200 (22.03), 4x100 (43.45), and 4x400 (3:28.99). At state, he won the 100 (10.83), 200 (22.66), and anchored the 4x400 to another championship.

The Mavericks’ 4x100m relay narrowly advanced to the finals after a bad handoff in prelims but secured third place from lane one with Deterding the anchor leg.

“My biggest goal for this season is to repeat as state champ in the 100 and 200,” Deterding said. “Right there with that though is to finally win the 4x100 at state. The last two years we’ve come up just short, getting second and third.”

Having established himself at the top of the mountain in 1A, the senior knows keeping his spot won’t be easy.

“I think the biggest challenge I’ll face this season is how I’m able to handle pressure. With how much I succeeded last year, lots of expectations come into play. Expectations from teammates, coaches, and anyone else watching will lead to more pressure to perform than I’m used to. How I respond to and handle that pressure will determine how my season goes.”

Aside from track, Deterding also excels in basketball, earning 2025 SPIAA first team honors and 2024 All-State honorable mention selections from the Wichita Eagle, Sports in Kansas, and KSHSAA Covered.

After graduation, Deterding will head to Fort Hays State University to continue his sprinting career.

Now, let’s take a look back at the results of last year’s state meet as compiled by John Baetz and Alyssa Lopez.*

AXTELL finished with 90 points to secure the second straight Class 1A state championship for the boys at last year’s KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet. Senior Grady Buessing led the team with two individual state titles, winning the 800 meter run in 2:01.40 and the 3200 meter run in 9:49.71, while also placing second in the 1600-meter run in 4:28.92.

Sophomore Landon Schmitz claimed the 110 meter hurdles title in 15.19 seconds and finished third in the 300 meter hurdles in 40.28 seconds.

The 4x800 meter relay team of junior Daltyn Heinen, junior Gavin Shaughnessy, freshman Wyatt Detweiler, and Buessing won the state championship, finishing in 8:23.43.

The 4x100 meter relay team of junior Eli Broxterman, sophomore Schmitz, sophomore Lucas Talbot, and junior Rilyn Buessing placed sixth in 44.76 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team of Schmitz, Broxterman, Talbot, and Buessing finished third in 3:35.32.

Gavin Shaughnessy placed fifth in the 800 meters in 2:05.02, took seventh in the 3200 in 10:08.20, and finished eighth in the 1600 in 4:37.28.

The Axtell girls scored just six points at state. Junior Kylie Smith placed third in the triple jump, recording a mark of 35-5.25. Smith also competed in the 100-meter hurdles, running a preliminary time of 17.02 seconds to miss the finals. ATTICA sophomore girl Cadey Hemphill was 11th in the 800 and sixth in the 1600, while junior Zoie Redgate was fifth in the javelin. Senior Thomas Deviney tied for fourth in the pole vault.

BUCKLIN’s boys finished fifth at 1A state with 36 points. Senior Andrew Bowman won the javelin throw, recording

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a winning mark of 192 feet, 7 inches. Junior Lucas Kirk placed third in the 110 meter hurdles, running a time of 16.05 seconds, and seventh in the 300 meter hurdles, finishing in 42.74 seconds.

Junior Kaden Tilley placed fourth in the triple jump, recording a mark of 42 feet, 6.75 inches. Tilley also tied for fourth in the high jump, clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Junior Aiden Haskell finished seventh in the long jump, recording a mark of 20 feet, 6.5 inches, and also competed in the 100, finishing ninth in the prelims in 11.47 seconds, missing the finals.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Haskell, Tilley, senior Jack Clevenger, and Kirk placed fourth, in 44.4 seconds. The 4x400 team of senior Kendal DeWeese, junior Kolson Cook, Tilley, and Kirk placed eighth in 3:47.80. The 4x800 team of DeWeese, senior Kale Nagel, senior Drew Ellis, and Cook finished in 15th in 9:22.27.

The Bucklin girls finished with 14.5 points, good for 18th in 1A. Sophomore Isabel Bowman placed fifth in the 100 meter hurdles in 16.29 seconds. She also competed in the 300 meter hurdles, finishing 11th in the prelims in 50.19 seconds and missed the finals. Sophomore Tristan Stout finished second in the pole vault, clearing 10 feet, 6 inches. She also placed 10th in the javelin with a mark of 112 feet, 11 inches. Junior Whitney Scott tied for fifth in pole vault at 10 feet.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Bowman, Stout, Scott, and senior Sydnie Jones was 11th in prelims in 52.08 seconds, not fast enough for the finals. The 4x400 meter relay team of Bowman, sophomore Emmerson Kirk, senior Brooke Evans, and Jones were 10th in the prelims in a time 4:20.76, and also missed the finals.

The BURLINGAME girls qualified a handful of athletes for state but were unable to find their way into the top half of any events. Junior Willow Wyatt was 15th in the 200 meter prelims. Senior Madison Hovestadt was unable to record a mark in the triple jump. Freshman Harper Seele was 11th in the shot put for the highest individual finish. The 400 meter relay team of Hovestadt, senior Kaylin Noonan, Wyatt, and Seele was 12th in the prelims, not qualifying for the finals.

The CLIFTON-CLYDE girls finished second in Class 1A behind Washington County with 48 points. Sophomore Sevy Wurtz won the 100 in 12.37 seconds, placed second in the 200 in 26.28 seconds, and won the long jump with a mark of 18 feet, 1 inch.

Senior Shea Wurtz finished 11th in the high jump, clearing 4 feet, 10 inches. Sophomore Jordi Fahey placed third in the pole vault with a height of 10 feet, while sophomore Calyn Baker took fourth in the discus, throwing 115 feet, 9 inches.

The 4x100 team of sophomore Sevy Wurtz, senior Shea Wurtz, junior Jessica Osterman, and junior Lillian Steinbrock finished third in 51.27 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team of junior Whitley Sikes, junior Jessica Osterman, senior Shea Wurtz, and junior Lillian Steinbrock placed sixth with a time of 4:16.09.

The Clifton-Clyde boys finished tied for 28th place with Pratt-Skyline, scoring seven points. Sophomore Landon Begnoche finished 15th in the 1600 meter run, clocking in at 5:04.31, while freshman Cohen Girard placed 14th in the 3200 meter run in 10:48.25. Junior Jack Skocny cleared 6 feet in the high jump, finishing seventh. Senior Payton Fahey placed sixth in the pole vault, clearing 12 feet, 6 inches, and freshman Brady Pruser tied for seventh, also clearing 12 feet, 6 inches.

FRANKFORT tallied 38 points at the state meet led by a state championship in the 4x100 relay, with the team of junior Carter Olson, senior Brock Armstrong, senior Fred Hyde, and junior Lane Loiseau. Loiseau finished third in the 200, clocking in at 22.97 seconds, and placed fourth in the 100 with a time of 11.16 seconds. Olson took second in the 100, running 10.96 seconds. In the field events, senior Ole Svae secured a runnerup finish in the discus throw with a mark of 161 feet, 1 inch. Junior Trent Hardin placed seventh in the triple

jump, recording a leap of 41 feet, 2 inches. Armstrong cleared 11 feet, 6 inches in the pole vault, finishing 13th. Svae also competed in the high jump, tying for 11th after clearing 5 feet, 10 inches. Junior Ty Smith added an eighth-place finish in the javelin throw, reaching a distance of 155 feet, 4 inches.

Frankfort’s 4x400 meter relay team of junior Jett Keller, Loiseau, Armstrong, and Svae placed 14th in prelims in a time of 3:47.66, but did not make the finals.

The Frankfort girls totaled 26 points at the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet tying them with Little River for seventh place. Freshman Tessa Parthemer led the Wildcats with a third-place finish in the 100 meter hurdles, running 15.97 seconds, and placed fourth in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 47.59 seconds. The fabulous freshman was also 12th in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 3 inches, but fell far short of her 16 foot, 2.25 seeding mark. Senior Emma Hardwick finished sixth in the 300 meter hurdles, clocking in at 48.39 seconds.

The 4x400 meter relay team of junior Breleigh Ebert, Hardwick, senior Hattie Gros, and junior Ellie Studer secured third place, finishing in 4:11.08. Frankfort’s 4x100 meter relay team of Hardwick, Studer, sophomore Ashlyn Dalinghaus, and Gros placed eighth, crossing the line in 52.31 seconds. The 4x800 meter relay team of Studer, Ebert, Gros, and Hardwick earned fourth place with a time of 10:21.49.

KIOWA COUNTY finished with 59 points, tying Quinter for second place in the 1A boys race. Junior Brock Deterding led the team with two individual state titles, winning the 100 meter dash in 10.83 seconds and the 200 meter dash in 22.66 seconds. Junior Kaden Weseloh placed third in the pole vault, clearing 13 feet, 6 inches and also qualified in the 200 where he placed 13th in the prelims but didn’t make the finals. Sophomore Carter Kishpaugh finished seventh in the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.04 seconds.

The 4x100 meter relay team of senior Hunter Thompson, junior Kaden Weseloh, junior Nazar Haydon, and Deterding finished third in 44.21 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team of Kishpaugh, Weseloh, Thompson, and Deterding won the state title in 3:32.35.

Sophomore Samuel Martinez placed third in the 1600 meter run, clocking in at 4:34.79, and fifth in the 3200 meter run in 10:05.52. Freshman Mason Weseloh was 12th in the 3200 meter run in 10:37.40.

Kiowa County’s girls scored 10 points at Class 1A state. Senior Marley Little competed in two sprint finals, placing eighth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 13.05 seconds and sixth in the 200 in 26.88 seconds. Junior Kendal Blanton also ran in the 200 meter dash finals, finishing seventh in 26.89 seconds.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Blanton, freshman Sayre Hassiepen, sophomore Sydney Taylor, and Little placed seventh in 52.24 seconds. Junior Ava Little was seventh in the shot with a throw of 35 feet, 5.25 inches.

La CROSSE sophomore Hannah Dellett led the Leopard girls with a fourth place finish in the shot (36-9.5) and a 10th place mark in the discus (104-5). The 1600 meter relay of senior Avery Parrott, and sophomores Clara Thielenhaus, Lillian McGaughey, and Morgan Madison ran to a ninth place finish in prelims to just miss the finals. McGaughey was also 15th in the 400 meter dash prelims.

LAKESIDE senior Lauren Brummet scored the only points for the Knights with her tie for sixth place in the high jump with a mark of 5 feet. She added an eighth place finish in the javelin throw 120 feet, 6 inches.

LINCOLN, who drops to 1A this season after competing at 2A last spring, saw a nice mix of male and female qualifiers. Senior Bentley Smith was fifth in the girls 100 meter dash while freshman Olivia Dail was 10th in the 3200. The 400 meter relay team of sophomores Alyssa Lopez, Hazel Metz and Ashton Lyne joined Smith on the 4x1 relay team that was 10th in prelims. Metz was a qualifier in the 200 meter dash as a freshman. The boys

saw freshman Ben Bell tie for fourth in the pole vault and classmate Xavier Miller finish 10th in the high jump. Xavier’s twin brother Jeremiah was a qualifier in the 300 hurdles.

The LEBO boys finished in 11th in 1A with 17 points thanks to a state championship in the 1600 meter run by junior Caleb Durst (4:27.34), who also added a fourth place finish in the 3200 (10:04.45), and a seventh place time in the 800 (2:05.39). The 400 meter relay team of senior Corey Reese, juniors Eli Hauff and Taegan Kelley, and freshman Kaden Balding was 14th in prelims, while the 4x400 team of Reese, Hauff, Balding, and senior Grayson Shoemaker was 15th. Shoemaker was also 14th in the 400 prelims, Reese was 14th in the pole vault, and junior Zach Oswald was 15th in the discus. The Lebo girls got a seventh place finish in the javelin throw from senior Audrey Peek, who also tied for 12th in the pole vault. Freshman Alexis Hutchinson was the only other female qualifier and finished 15th in the high jump.

The MADISON girls had just two qualifiers with sophomore Caylin Luthi placing 15th in the 800 and junior Jalynn Weakley finishing 11th in the javelin, though she fell just out of 10th place on attempts. For the Madison boys sophomore Octavian Dean was 14th in the 110 meter hurdle prelims, sophomore Cruz Leiser was 12th in the pole vault, junior Colton Isch was 14th in the triple jump, and senior Hayden Helm was 10th in the javelin for the highest finish by a Madison boy at state.

NESS CITY’s girls finished third at state with 35 points. Sophomore Taegin Liggett secured second place in the 100 meter dash, finishing in 12.59 seconds. She also placed second in the 300 meter hurdles, clocking 47.00 seconds. Senior Monica Jordan placed seventh in the 100, running 12.99 seconds, and also finished seventh in the long jump with a mark of 16-6. Junior Sienna Brenner competed in the 100 meter dash prelims, finishing 13th in 13.32 seconds, but did not advance to the finals. Brenner also placed eighth in the 200-meter dash, finishing in 26.63 seconds.

Junior Issy Fuchs ran in the 100 meter hurdles prelims, finishing 10th overall in 16.59 seconds, but did not qualify for the finals. She also competed in the 300 hurdles, finishing 12th in prelims in 50.30 seconds, missing the finals. Senior Angela Lopez-Barrera was ninth in the long jump, with a mark of 15-10.5.

The 4x100 meter relay team of Jordan, Fuchs, Brenner, and Liggett won the state championship, finishing in 50.44 seconds. The 4x400 team of Jordan, Fuchs, Brenner, and Liggett placed fifth, recording a time of 4:13.90. The 4x800 team of Stephany Esparza, Brecklyn Bishop, Hannah Younger, and Emma Petersilie placed 11th, finishing in 10:40.46.

The Ness City boys finished 17th with 11 points. Sophomore Broxton Gall placed fourth in the 1600 meter run, finishing in 4:35.18. Gall also competed in the 800 meter run, finishing 14th overall in 2:09.26.

The 4x800 team of sophomores Braddix Bozarth, Ben Durham, Ethan Flax, and Gall placed third in 8:28.32. In field events, senior Ethan Flax finished 14th in the javelin throw, recording a mark of 146 feet, 9 inches.

The NORTHERN VALLEY boys finished sixth in the team standings with 28.5 points. Senior Kenton Thalheim won the triple jump with a mark of 45 feet, 6 inches, and was the state runner-up in the pole vault, clearing 14 feet. Sophomore Gavin Thalheim placed fourth in the javelin throw with a mark of 160 feet, 10 inches, and tied for fourth in pole vault clearing 13 feet. He also competed in the 300 hurdles, but had a false start in the prelims. Sophomore Owen Hammond placed eighth in the 300 meter hurdles in 43.82 seconds. He also competed in the 110 hurdle prelims, finishing ninth in 16.15 seconds, but did not qualify for finals. Senior Jeremiah Hansen placed 10th in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 2 inches.

OSBORNE’s boys scored 24 points to finish seventh in 1A. Senior Sam Kendig led the Bulldogs, finishing second in the 300 hurdles in 40.16 seconds. Kendig also

contributed to Osborne’s seventh-place finish in the 4x400 relay (3:41.88), joined by juniors Dalton Garman and Hunter Howell, and senior Nathan Goheen.

Goheen added a fourth place finish in the 110 hurdles, clocking 16.15 seconds and joined Garman, Kendig and Howell for an eighth place finish in the 4x1 relay.

Senior Jonny Hamel placed 10th in the 3200 meter run (10:18.23) and 13th in the 1600 meter run (4:52.31).

He also ran a leg on the Bulldogs’ 4x800 relay, joining Garman, Kendig, and senior Aiden Conrad for a state runner-up finish in 8:23.98.

In the field events, junior Dashiell Brown was seventh in shot put with a heave of 47 feet, 8.75 inches, and sophomore Cole Dieball was 10th in discus with a toss of

136 feet, 7 inches. Senior Qwinton Morris competed in the shot put and finished in 14th with a mark of 40 feet, 9.5 inches.

The Osborne girls finished sixth in the team standings with 32 points. The Bulldogs were led by the 4x800 meter relay team of sophomores Ryah Bertuccelli and Leavie Riner, junior Kate Kendig, and junior Addison Poore, which captured a state championship, running a time of 10:08.60. Poore finished fifth in the 800 meter run in 2:27.78 and Bertuccelli was 10th in the 1600 meter run in a time of 5:45.68, while Kate Kendig finished 13th in the 3200 meter run in 13:11.94.

Junior Grace William earned third place in the shot put with a throw of 38 feet, 3.25 inches. Sophomore Ashlyn

Schultz finished fourth in the high jump after clearing 5 feet, 2 inches. Senior Gracie Riner finished fifth in discus with a mark of 114 feet, 3 inches, and sixth in the javelin with a throw of 125-6. Sophomore Leavie Riner finished 13th in the javelin at 98 feet.

The SOUTH GRAY girls totaled 42 points, finishing third in the team standings at state. Junior Kylie Stapleton claimed the state title in the 800, finishing in 2:17.81. She also placed second in the 100 hurdles in 15.91 seconds, and took third in the long jump with a mark of 17-3. Senior Jacelyn Huelskamp placed eighth in the 300 meter hurdles, finishing in 51.20 seconds.

South Gray’s 4x800 team of sophomore Jacee Deges, junior Reegan Meairs, Huelskamp, and junior Gwyn

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Jantz took second, finishing in 10:18.91. South Gray’s 4x400 team of Kylie Stapleton, Jacelyn Huelskamp, Jacee Deges, and Allie Reed took eighth place in 4:18.06. Jantz also competed in three individual events, placing 14th in the 800 with a time of 2:39.81, 12th in the 1600 in 5:51.43, and ninth in the 3200 in 12:49.16. Senior Vi Helm was fifth in the high jump, clearing 5 feet. Deges was fifth in pole vault, clearing 10 feet.

South Gray’s boys scored four points at state as senior Dominic Martin placed fifth in the high jump, clearing 6-2. He also competed in the pole vault, tying for 10th place after clearing 12 feet.

QUINTER’s boys scored 59 points to tie for second in 1A. Senior Bradley Bogert led the team with a state title in the 400, finishing in 49.62 seconds, and a runner-up finish in the 110 meter hurdles, crossing the line in 15.54 seconds. He also placed first in the 300-meter hurdles, clocking in at 39.96 seconds. Senior Trace Kinderknecht was sixth in the 400 with a time of 52.86.Junior Camden Polifka placed sixth in the 110 meter hurdles, crossing the line in 16.42 seconds. Junior Hans Deaton finished seventh in the 3200 meter run with a time of 10:10.50 and 12th in the 1600 in 4:50.58.

The 4x400 team of Kinderknecht, junior Shea Salyers, senior Ethan Gruenbacher, and Bogert finished second with a time of 3:34.37. The 4x8 team of sophomore Josh Mullins, sophomore Gunner Catura, junior Kendrik Selensky, and junior Hans

Deaton placed seventh in 8:36.81. The 4x1 team of Polifka, sophomore Pierce Rummel, senior Ethan Gruenbacher, and Kinderknecht finished 12th in 45.82.

Senior Lakin Getz was third in the disc, throwing 160 feet, 9 inches. Freshman Caedmon Bridges was eighth in the discus, with a throw of 145 feet, 5 inches.

The TESCOTT boys saw senior Justin Pasley place third in the javelin (162-5) and senior Carter Peters tied for 10th in the pole vault. Sophomore Breonna Peterson was the lone qualifier for the Tescott girls and posted a sixth place finish in the 3200 (12:20.62) with a 13th place time in the 1600 (5:53.10).

The CHEYLIN boys finished ninth in the 400 meter relay prelims with the team of juniors John Sabatka and Harley McPherson, and seniors Brady Ketzner and Pablo Bermudez. Sabatka was also 13th in the javelin, while Bermudez was also sixth in the triple jump (41-6.25).

The LITTLE RIVER girls scored 26 points to tie for seventh. Sophomore Havana Olander won a triple jump state title (37-10.5). Senior Aubrey Olander was seventh in the 100 hurdles. The 400 relay team of seniors Alaina Eck, Kami Grasser and Ashley Stephenson, and freshman Saelyn Raleigh, finished state runner-up in 51.18. The same quartet placed fourth in the 4x400 relay in 4:12.43. Senior Kate Ellwood was eighth in the pole vault. The LRHS boys were paced by senior Andrew Smith’s third place finish in the 400 and seventh place finish in the 100.

Sophomore Tristan Bristow finished eighth in the high jump and classmate Cole Dieball was 10th in the discus throw.

SOUTH HAVEN sophomore Kelly Theurer was 10th in the girls triple jump while freshman Avery Strickland was 16th in the 1600 meter run. The relay team of Alivia Bacon, Makenzie Callison, Addison Heater and Strickland was 15th in the 4x8.

OTIS-BISON junior Ian Haselhorst was seventh in the 200, second in the high jump, and 10th in the 400 prelims. Sophomore Gavin Alloway was eighth in the long jump and 13th in the triple.

Junior Ismael Cortez was 11th in the shot. The 3200 relay of seniors Ava Kenyon, Abigail Rodriguez, Emma McMillan, and junior Destiny Mitchell was third. Mitchell tied for eighth in the high jump.

Freshman Hannah Nelson was the lone qualifier for THUNDER RIDGE. She finished 12th in the 3200 run. The boys got a fifth place finish in the 400 from senior Mason Baker, while classmate Joshua Ferguson was state runner-up in the shot put.

The WALLACE COUNTY boys got

a third place finish from senior Kean Dinkel in the 100, and a state runner-up finish from his classmate Evan Pearce in the 3200. The 4x1 team of Trell Larson, Dinkel, Kemper Benisch, and Tharyan Appelhans was fifth. Junior Pearce Richardson was eighth in the pole vault. Junior Jaelyn Daily was 10th in the 400 prelims for the girls, while senior Aubree Richardson tied for eighth in high jump, and freshman Kallie Richardson tied for ninth in the pole vault.

DIGHTON sophomore Lani Speer was fifth in the girls 300 hurdles. Sophomore Savannah Wilkison was 13th in the 400 prelims. Junior George von Leonrod was fifth in the javelin while the 4x4 relay team of Daniel Cramer, von Leonrod, Rodrigo Ortiz, and Ryland Price was 11th. *State track recaps use last season’s class.