Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022

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Volume 4 | 2022

Spring Preview

Spring Fling

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

3: Nex-Tech Wireless Supporting Cast

22: Madison Track

5: Citizens State Bank & Trust Company Hometown Proud

23: Manhattan Baseball

7: New Horizons Dental Care Update: The Yard

24: Maur Hill Baseball

9: Spring Spotlights Begin: Tayton Klein

25: Kennedi Cline

10: Buhler Baseball & Burlingame Softball

26: Paola Baseball

11: Cheney Softball

27: Brett Schwartz

13: Eudora Softball

28: Sedgwick Baseball

14: Eureka Track

29: Southeast of Saline Track

15: Garden Plain Track & Dale Cousins

32: Jace Wentling & Topeka High Softball

17: Hoisington/Central Plains Softball

33: Avery Gatzemeyer

18: Kiowa County Track

34: Emma Yungeberg

19: Schreiner Twins & Addi Heinson

37: Baseball Previews Begin

20: Larned Baseball

51: Softball Previews Begin

21: Delaney Wright

61: Track Previews Begin

For more coverage of Kansas high school sports on the Web find Kansas Pregame on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit our Website at:

WWW.KansasPregame.COM

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Vol. 4

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Winter Edition and Spring Preview.

Staff Writer: Keegan McCullick Layout and Design: Becky Rathbun Ad Design: Becky Rathbun, Kayla Kvacik Contributing writer: Brian Thomas Contributing photographers: Connor Waltz; Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com; Joey Bahr, JoeyBahr.com 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 the school secretaries, athletic directors, coaches, photographers, sports journalists and parents who helped us secure team information and action photos. Thank you to the advertisers who made this possible – 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: Volume 4, March 18th, 2022 The 2022 Kansas Pregame Spring Preview cover shoot was photographed at Kansas Wesleyan University’s beautifully renovated Mabee Arena inside the state-of-the-art Student Activities Center. KWU has made significant improvements to their campus in just the past few years including the expanded Graves Family Sports Complex, the new Nursing Education Center, residence hall improvements and other updates and last fall welcomed the largest incoming class in school history.

For more information visit www.kwu.edu.

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

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SPRING SUPPORTING CAST

Norbert Flax has made the rounds on social media throughout the tail end of the recently completed basketball season, posing with different coaches and athletic directors for what were his last games officiating in a number of gyms across western Kansas.

Flax, who retired from officiating at the end of this basketball season, spent 40 years officiating at the high school level and built a strong reputation for consistency and fairness.

In a time where simply finding officials for KSHSAA events is harder than ever, appreciating professionalism in the often unfairly scrutinized profession, is more important than ever.

“If you ask any coach what they want in an official, it would be consistency,” Plainville basketball coach Chris Drees said. “Norbert was as consistent as they came, even if you didn’t always agree with him.”

Outside of sports, Flax is a vital member of the Knights of Columbus, where he serves as State Warden #7. He has also worked for the last 20 years as Supervisor of Environmental Services at Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom.

“I have always respected the way that Norbert calls his basketball games,” Plainville basketball coach Chris Drees said. “He has the ability to admit when he missed a call and tell me when I was wrong.

Norbert always had a good sense of humor and liked to joke during the games. He will definitely be missed in western Kansas.”

In the modern era, social media can

often provide a good indicator of just how much of an impact a person has made in the lives of student-athletes. If recent posts regarding Norbert’s retirement are that indiciation, his impact was significant.

Photos and videos of the various retirement recognition ceremonies posted on Kansas Pregame and Sports in Kansas social media accounts received thousands of interactions and hundreds of positive comments and well-wishes.

It’s clear that Norbert Flax will be missed running up and down sidelines across Kansas high school sports fields and courts in the months and years to come.

Vicki Adams

Frankfort Schools

Norbert Flax

Ken Bockwinkel

Kansas Pregame & Nex-Tech Wireless are joining forces to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who help area school athletic teams achieve success. Administrators, team managers, assistant coaches, officials & more.

Frankfort High School Athletic Director Vicki Adams is a fixture not only in the Frankfort community, but in the wider world of the Twin Valley League as well.

Adams, a graduate of Nemaha Valley High School, has been teaching at Frankfort since 1998 and holds an AS of Applied Sciences, a BS in Secondary Education and an MS in Educational Administration.

In her time at Frankfort, Adams has taught junior high Pre-Algebra, Applied Math, Basic Algebra, and Geometry, while also serving as head high school volleyball coach and an assistant for men’s basketball.

For TVL athletics, Adams is also a major provider of statistics and results for a number of sports media outlets.

“Vicki Adams is an outstanding athletic director,” said Frankfort Principal Dean Dalinghaus. “She puts in a tremendous amount of hours that no one ever sees to make sure games and tournaments run smoothly and everyone is informed of what is going on and results. She gives ample time to the league keeping track of league volleyball results and making sure schedules for the league are set correctly. Vicki is the person in the league someone calls if they have a question about volleyball or how to run a tournament. I wouldn’t trade Vicki for anyone; she is top-notch in my book.”

Adams’ prompt submission of comprehen-

sive and accurate information to media providers hasn’t gone unnoticed by sportswriters across the state.

“When it comes to league results and standings for basketball and volleyball, no one submits more complete information than Vicki,” Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz noted. “Not only does she provide regular updates, but complete score sheets and records for every team in the league. It leaves the Twin Valley League as not only one of the best athletic leagues in the state, but also one of the best to cover in the state. It’s really unique and special and has to take a lot of extra time into the evening following the completion of games.”

Raymond “Ramie” Wasinger

TMP-M grad and long time school supporter Ramie Wasinger is well-known for his efforts to make TMP’s athletic fields some of the nicest in the western part of the state.

“The fields are immaculate, especially softball, which is easily the best softball field in at least a 45-mile radius,” Kansas sportswriter Conor Nicholl said.

Wasinger maintains four fields for TMP, including varsity baseball, varsity softball and two junior varsity fields.

When Wasinger isn’t dutifully keeping his alma mater’s fields in pristine condition, he works in finance and real estate, but for folks at TMP, there is far more to him.

“Raime is one of a kind! He’s one of the most selfless, hardworking, and kind men I know,” TMP Principal Chad Meitner said. “We often will have parents help out when their children are in the programs, and that is great. But it really stands out when someone like Ramie does it for years even after all of his children have graduated and moved on. He works hard for and supports all youth no matter what!”

Holy Family Elementary Principal Rachel Wentling echoed Meitner’s sentiment.

“He does so much work quietly behind the scenes – people have no idea!”

About Nex-Tech Wireless Nex-Tech Wireless, owned by Nex-Tech Inc./Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Tri-County Telephone is a premiere wireless provider offering hightech wireless solutions to residents in over 40 counties of central and western Kansas as well as local coverage to 4 counties in Colorado. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, as well as the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www.nex-techwireless.com

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

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

ALYSSA BEHRENS

DAYTON DAVIS

SHELBIE FORD

Minneapolis

Courtesy Photo

Ellsworth High School senior Dayton Davis was among the best in the state on the pitching mound last year for the Bearcats, earning second team all-state recognition for his work.

“Dayton is an excellent baseball player and leader on the field,” Ellsworth baseball coach Jason McWilliams said. “Off the field, Dayton works for different farmers and ranchers in the community and also is a very good welder. Dayton is very self-driven and motivated.”

When he isn’t on the mound, Davis plays in the infield for McWilliams, and besides baseball, Davis is also a talent on the football field as well, earning all-league and maintaining a place of leadership no matter the sport.

“Dayton is someone who is always willing to help younger teammates,” Ellsworth football coach Josh Homolka said.

Davis’ hard work and kindness are staples of his personality that are likely to serve him well going forward.

“He is a good young man, goal-oriented,” Homolka said. “He will have a big season baseball-wise.”

Davis is committed to Cloud County to continue his baseball and academic career next year and chose the offer from the Thunderbirds over an offer from nearby Barton County Community College.

Lincoln

Becky Rathbun

Becky Rathbun

Lincoln senior Alyssa Behrens is entering her final season as a thrower for the Leopard track team and has carved out a solid three-sport athletics career, also contributing to the basketball and volleyball teams during her time at LHS. But it’s in the world of academics where Behrens is among the best in the state.

The senior is a regular member of the High Honor Roll at Lincoln, and due to her efforts in the classroom over the course of her academic career, was recently chosen to receive the prestigious Rudd Scholarship, which is a competitive scholarship designed to last four years and pay any remaining costs associated with tuition, fees, books, supplies, as well as other college amenities.

Behrens is one of 25 students in the state awarded this exceptional scholarship and was chosen after the submission of an application, essay and a personal interview.

All-in-all, the scholarship is worth up to $80,000 and can be applied at Emporia State, Fort Hays State, or Wichita State.

Behrens selected Emporia State, where she plans to study Nursing.

“Alyssa is one of the best workers that I’ve ever had in the weight room,” head coach Dustin Patee said. “Her internal drive is second to none, nothing shakes her focus on her goals.

She will also work however hard she needs to reach them.”

COLBY RICE

TANA HAYWORTH

Lincoln

Courtesy Photo

Ellsworth

Shirley Cox Schroeder/Ellsworth Co. I-R

Lincoln

Lincoln senior Shelbie Ford is entering her final season of track and field for LHS after qualifying for state in both the 400 meter and the 3200 meter races last spring, taking sixth at state in the 400 with a time of 1:02.17.

Ford has served as a key piece of very successful cross country and track teams throughout her high school career including a 2018 1A cross country title, a 2019 state track runner-up finish, a 2019 state cross country third place finish and a 2020 state cross county runner-up finish.

While distance has been Ford’s forte throughout high school, this spring she plans to focus on sprints.

Even so, the hard work and mental toughness that goes into mid-to-long distance running is something Ford applies in about everything she does.

“Shelbie is a dream athlete, in the fact that she is talented to start, but she also has an amazing internal drive,” LHS track coach Dustin Patee said. “You can give her the workout and go take care of other kids, knowing that she will push herself harder than anyone else ever could. This drive is what has built her into an amazing high school athlete over her career. I’m very excited to see what her senior year of track and powerlifting brings.”

Ford is also impactful in the classroom, where she has earned recognition as an honor student and outside of school where she holds multiple jobs in Lincoln and nearby Beloit.

Lincoln senior Tana Hayworth was an important member of the 13-8 Sylvan-Lucas-Lincoln softball team a season ago, playing both catcher and first base for the Mustangs. The senior leader was also an excellent player on the volleyball court throughout her career, but her impact in the realm of sports goes beyond her hitting and fielding abilities.

“Tana is a positive force on our team with her bubbly energy,” Sylvan-Lucas-Lincoln softball coach Linda Haring said. “She is committed to our program and our sport as she never misses practice, plays summer ball, and encourages others to play.”

Hayworth also excels in the classroom, holding a place as a member of the high honor roll.

Known for her leadership on and off the diamond, Hayworth tends to make an impact wherever she’s at.

“She is a strong role model for other athletes because of her participation in other activities, her good sportsmanship, and her strong moral character,” Haring said. “Win or lose, Tana is respectful of teammates, officials, and coaches.”

Hayworth, who earned honorable mention All-Northern Plains League after last fall’s volleyball season, has signed to take her nearly six-foot frame to Hesston College this fall where she’ll play volleyball for the Larks. Hayworth, who served 95.6 percent, led the Leopards to a 16-17 record and an 8-5 record in the NPL.

Minneapolis High School senior Colby Rice was a valuable member of the Lions’ fourth place finish at the 3A state baseball tournament a season ago, recording 14 hits, 14 RBIs, 9 stolen bases, 15 runs scored and also posting a 4.59 ERA with 15 strikeouts and a 1-1 record on the mound.

Rice’s impact at Minneapolis doesn’t end there, he’s a threesport athlete, a student leader of Minneapolis’ Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, and is tied at the top of his senior class with a 4.0 gradepoint average.

The senior’s unique ability to lead no matter the circumstance is undoubtedly something that coaches at Minneapolis have appreciated during his time there. Rice’s final season on a high school diamond will be no different.

“Colby will be one of the primary leaders and players on the team this season,” Minneapolis baseball head coach Tyler Konrade said. “He is not an overly vocal leader, but leads very well by example. His teammates follow him because of his desire to win and his caring demeanor.”

After the conclusion of his senior season, Rice is committed to attend Tabor University in Hillsboro, where he will continue his baseball and academic career.

Hometown Proud features by Keegan McCullick

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

The Yard continues growth in downtown Salina

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer When The Yard played host to the Spring Preview cover shoot in 2021 the facility was still under construction. Now, complete with a covered full-sized diamond, a pitching building with multiple “mounds” and indoor batting cages, The Yard is yet another amenity in the beautifully renovated downtown Salina.

Head instructor and facility operator Brian Guyett has overseen a number of the additions to the facility. In the 70’x30’ pitching building they have five baseball pitching mounds convertible to softball pitching lanes, Rapsodo technology designed to cover all analytics of a pitch, a driveline wall for arm care and velocity training, as well as med balls and other tools to help with mechanics of pitchings.

For the 115’x120’ covered infield, they have convertible base distances for softball and baseball, completely enclosed netting for outdoor live hitting, and LED lights for night practice or simulated games.

“I would say our infield is different,” Guyett said. “I don’t know of many other places you can go and play with a breeze on you while taking ground balls. A lot of the places are primarily indoors, where we have that outdoor/indoor place. That sets us apart for sure.”

In the 50’x120’ batting cages building, a state-of-the-art HitTrax program allows players to more easily identify and choose pitches, along with their five batting cages helping to avoid long lines to max out their cut count.

The Yard includes various membership packages for all skill, age, and commitment levels. Options range from monthly to yearly and can be more geared toward development or exposure to college scouts.

“We’re in it for the community,” Guyett said. “We want to help all kids get better. There are some places that the only way you can be a part of their indoor is if they are part of the team that is housed out of the indoor. For us, we want everybody in Salina to become a better ballplayer. Whether

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it’s baseball or softball, whether you play for the Drive, the Kings, the Spikes, Salina Braves softball or Salina Nemesis softball. We want a place for everybody to be able to come and get good coaching and have a place to practice.”

The idea for The Yard didn’t happen overnight. Guyett, along with fellow baseball fanatic, and Salina dentist, Guy Gross, worked together to bring this concept into reality.

“I’d been doing individual private lessons for about three to four years and every year I just got a bunch more kids,” Guyett said. “I was just growing at a rapid pace and I grew up on the west coast and come from an ‘indoor facility family’ where I’d spend a lot of my time getting better as a baseball player. Since I moved here I’d been wanting to start something like this. Then Guy Gross came to me with a similar vision and we really talked through the process and at first it was really just a dream of both of ours and that dream started to turn into a reality when we started looking for properties to actually make this thing go.”

The Yard’s location allows it to be a part of a major piece of Salina’s downtown improvement as a whole. Across the street from the new baseball facility is the beginning of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project, aimed at making a number of improvements and restoring Salina’s Smoky Hill River.

“Downtown has been growing and trying to build a cool place for people to come and hang out and be a part of something and for us it just made sense when we heard about this piece of land that became available,” Guyett said.

But the ultimate driving force behind Guyett and Gross’ vision is improving the play and culture of baseball and softball across Salina.

“Knowing that it’s needed in Salina,” Guyett said. “If you go to Wichita or Kansas City or even McPherson, or other places, they all have indoor facilities to call home and Salina didn’t. There’s such a big baseball/softball community in Salina that we’re really filling a need in the community.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

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SPRING SPOTLIGHT

ALL-AROUND ATHLETE: Klein headed to KU as decathlete

Tayton Klein, Andover (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The future is bright for Andover senior Tayton Klein as he enters his final season of high school track. A year ago the senior managed a gold medal in the Class 5A long jump with a leap of 22 feet, 8.5 inches at the state meet to go with a sixth place finish in the 100 meter dash (10.97) and fifth place in the 200 (22.46).

The senior standout started competing in track and field around the age of five and has long displayed natural allaround athleticism, also excelling on the football field and basketball court through his high school career.

But last summer, new opportunities took shape for Klein, and changed the course of his future in athletics.

“I’m very excited about this season,” Klein said. “My goal for this year is – because I’ve committed to the University of Kansas as a decathlete – so my plan is to just go

through all the events, see what I can do, and see what records I can break.”

Last summer Klein had the opportunity to compete with USA Track and Field (USATF) at the Junior Olympics where he took fifth in the 17 to 18-year-old decathlon.

“So that was my first ever decathlon, and I decided two weeks before that I was going to do it,” Klein said. “So I had two weeks to practice pole vault and discus, and those are my two roughest events. They’re technique heavy events, so I learned those pretty quick. Obviously didn’t compete the best in those two events, but I was able to compete well overall and I ended up getting fifth and that’s when a lot of other colleges started to look at me and that the decathlon was my event.”

While college track became a crystal clear option recently, it wasn’t always Klein’s focus. In fact, the 2021 5A first team all-state kick returner had other options that complicated his decision.

“So actually sophomore and junior year my goal was to play college football and then junior track season happened and I switched that,” Klein said. “But then senior football happened and I kind of enjoyed that more than I had. So it definitely was part of the thinking, and it was hard for me to decide, and who knows, I might end up playing football, too, at the University of Kansas someday.”

A long list of major college track programs showed interest after Klein’s USATF performance including Nebraska, Texas, UCLA, Cincinnati, Cornell, Wichita State, Emporia State, Pitt. State, Fort Hays State and others.

It was KU where Klein saw the most potential to sand

out some of his rough areas.

“Really the pole vault coach (Tom Hays), they’re a renowned pole vault program, it’s really good,” Klein said of what pulled him toward KU. “They also have a great throws coach, and for me to be a top level decathlete, that’s what I was really looking for.”

Though Klein envisioned track in his future in earlier seasons, former Andover head coach Justin Hill saw the potential right away.

“He is so versatile and it has always been clear he has talent in a lot of different events,” Hill said. “In high school you’re limited in events at each meet, so it was hard to decide which events he’d be in because he wants to do them all and is good at them all. It seemed like each week Tayton would ask me if he could do a different event, and each year he had a different strong event.”

As for his senior year of track, after the departure of Hill to a role as Director of Operations for Cross Country and Track & Field at Emporia State, it will be head coach Jordon Regehr assisting Klein in choosing the right mix of events.

“Tayton is very talented in many areas, and I believe he will want to pursue several events,” Regehr said.

“Unfortunately, he can only participate in four events each meet, so finding a rhythm for him will be important for both him and the team.”

After a third place team finish last season, Klein’s event choice could have a major impact on the team’s championship hopes.

“I am excited for both of our teams, as I think we will be highly competitive again,” Regehr said.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

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SPRING SPOTLIGHT

FAMILY CRUSADE: Buhler baseball features family ties

(L-R) Jeffrey, John and Bradley Neill, Buhler (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The Neill family name is practically synonymous with Buhler baseball as head coach John Neill enters his 11th year as the head coach for the Crusaders this spring.

Neill has already done much to cement his own legacy, amassing a 128-73 record over his decade at BHS, highlighted by the 2016 4A-DI title.

In 2021, Buhler had another successful season, going 18-4 before Circle narrowly knocked them out in the regional championship, 8-6. Returning from that team are Neill’s two sons, senior shortstop Bradley and sophomore third baseman Jeffrey.

Bradley started at short and logged extensive time on the mound. While Jeffrey, just a freshman last season, did his varsity work as a pitcher with some limited action at third base.

Bradley finished last season with a .333 batting average, 24 RBIs, five doubles, three triples and a home run and posted a 3.50 ERA with 40 strikeouts and a 5-2 record on the mound, where he earned second team all-state honors from Kansas baseball coaches.

Jeffrey went undefeated in his first season on the bump,

finishing 4-0 with a 2.739 ERA and 20 strikeouts.

“It was a lot of fun (sharing the varsity field with my brother),” Bradley said. “Definitely he got to learn a few things, he got the game speed up for him a little bit, but it was fun having him on the team and being in the same rotation.”

While the learning curve of high school ball was a factor, this is far from the first season the two played together. “(We’ve been playing together) all the way since we were young, all the way up till high school now,” Jeffrey said. “I’ve always played (with my brother’s team).”

John Neill, who also coaches the two as an assistant for the Buhler football program, where Bradley was the starting QB last fall and Jeffrey handled varsity kicking duties, relishes his unique opportunity of having two sons on one team.

“I think it’s a tremendous opportunity,” the eldest Neill said. “I enjoy every minute of it. They play hard, they learn, they pay attention. It’s been a great adventure

ever since they were little till now and it’s been a blessing.”

Unsurprisingly, outside of practices and games, the topic at the dinner table is still often athletics.

“It’s quite often the topic, especially during the season,” John said. “These guys are lucky enough to have me on the sidelines of football as well. It all depends on the season. We try to take a break from it every once in a while.”

This season, the Neills certainly have something to talk about, with a talented roster including seniors Bo Van Bruggen (OF/P, .286, 18 RBI) and Levi Atherton (OF/P, .311, 8 RBI), junior Mathew Eddy (OF/1B/P, .444, 22 RBI), along with seniors Sam Elliott, Mace McCabe, Brock McCurdy and Carson Moler, all key players from last year.

“I feel pretty good,” Bradley said of his expectations for the season. “We lost a few seniors, there’s a lot of upcoming guys that just lack experience, but they can definitely play, there’s no doubt about it.”

Following the season, Bradley is set to continue his baseball career at Hutch Community College, while his dad and brother work to continue the family legacy in Buhler.

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SPRING SPOTLIGHT

PURPLE PASSION: Bearcats back for more of five returning with better numbers, and there is faith in the group replacing the outgoing seniors.

“We lost three solid players and good hitters, good infielders, good outfielders, all around decent players,” Winters said. “But I think we have some girls ready to step into those positions.”

Crook, a first baseman, as well as a first team all-state pitcher and leader in team batting average, batted .446 (L-R) Kenna Masters and Daelyn Winters, Burlingame (Photo by Connor Waltz) with 33 hits, 33 RBIs

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer and four home runs to go with a 1.79 Burlingame came up just short of a state title in 2021, ERA and 121 strikeouts in the circle. losing in the 2-1A finals to a loaded Colgan team 6-0 and Her fellow returning junior, Simmons, finishing the season with a 22-4 mark. averaged .319 with 24 RBIs on the year.

The Bearcats get back a strong group that includes the Masters, a second baseman, averaged senior trio of Kenna Masters, Daelyn Winters and Emma .414 at the plate with 29 hits, 27 RBIs Tyson, along with talented juniors Gracie Simmons and and 30 runs scored and is an extremely Alexandra Crook. reliable fielder.

“The biggest key for us will be our returning core of five “(Kenna) has great hands defensivegirls playing up to expectations and we’ll need some other ly, makes a lot of great plays,” coach girls to step up and fill the open positions from last year’s Winters said. “She always comes up seniors,” coach Creighton Winters said. with key hits when we need them.”

Statistically, there aren’t likely to be many other groups Next to Masters at shortstop, Winters

hit .408 with 31 hits, 35 runs scored and 17 stolen bases, which earned her first team all-state honors.

“Daelyn does a little bit of everything for us,” coach Winters said. “She is our leadoff hitter, has great speed, a strong bat and is very strong defensively at shortstop.”

Not only does Winters do a lot on the diamond, but she continued on 25

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

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IN THE CARDS: Cheney softball looks to repeat

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

that first game, because that was our goal, because nobody in team history had ever done that, so after we did we just went to the hotel room and celebrated with pizza and then we were like, ‘Well, we made it this far, so we might as well go all the way!’”

Wewe reflected her teammate’s sentiment.

“I don’t think we were expecting (to win state),” Wewe said. “Because nobody has ever made it past, like she said. So once we made it past the first round we were just happy to make it this far, so we just kind of played as best as we could.”

Cheney’s relatively modest expectations last sea(L-R) Korri Lies, Brooklyn Wewe, Cheney (Photos by Connor Waltz) son doesn’t make them an underdog entering this

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer year. The two seniors, and the rest of the Cardinal Cheney softball made school history in 2021, finishing roster, is home to serious talent. the season 25-1 with a league title en route to their team’s Lies went 15-0 on the mound last season and received first ever state championship.

Player of the Year honors from Sports in Kansas, along After tenth year head coach Matt Johnson experienced with her all-state nod from the coaches. In the state five trips to state with five first round exits, the Cardinals tournament Lies was dominant, pitching every inning of 1-0 victory over Silver Lake in the championship game the three games and surrendering just seven runs in the officially knocked the monkey off of his team’s back. total, while striking out 31.

“Our state championship last year was an incredible “Korri is a force on the mound and will be our team game and finish to our best season ever,” Johnson said. leader,” Johnson said. “She is such a hard worker and “For our program just winning the first game ever in a this sport is her passion. I look for her to come out ready state tourney was the goal, but after that we felt we could and excited to make her senior year her best. She also is go all the way. Definitely the ultimate achievement for our going to be our power hitter in the four hole spot.” program.”

Wewe, meanwhile, earned much of her second team allWith momentum and talent still in place from last year, state attention with her bat, hitting .521 with 18 RBIs, 29 Johnson likes the team he has coming back for 2022 as runs scored, 27 stolen bases and 9 extra base hits. well, a group led by two of the top players in 3A. “Brooklyn is such a great competitor in all her sports,” “We have several key returning players, including our Johnson said. “She has really impressed us with her all-state pitcher and second team first baseman, Korri agility at first base and (Lies) and Brooklyn (Wewe),” Johnson said. “We have to clutch hitting with runners in start just like any other season and get back to developing scoring position. She is so better hitters and a strong defense. Our goal will be to win easily coached and inspires our league and go from there to regionals, and hopefully all our younger girls on the return to state. We know everyone we play will give us team to be their best.” their best especially since we were state champs, so we The Cardinals also return cannot take anything for granted. We must work hard and senior Alexis Lornez (C), earn each victory towards our goals.” juniors Anna Martin (SS) Like their coach, Lies and Wewe also found the state and Elina Bartlett (UT/OF, experience a bit surreal at times.

“I would just have to say that we really just wanted to make it past the first round,” Lies said. “The fact that we made it all the way just makes us want to do it again because A S S O C IAT I O N there’s no feeling better than winning a state championship when you realize all your hard work paid off. After we got past

CHENEY

all-league), as well as sophomores Payton McCormick (DP/OF, all-league) and Jalyn Adolph (2B) from last year’s starting lineup.

Johnson will need to replace senior center fielder Kylee Scheer – one of the best athletes in Cheney Cardinal history, now playing basketball at Emporia State – as well as right fielder Lexi Cline and third baseman Haley Jones.

“I’m very confident in who we have,” Lies said. “We lost three seniors last year – two outfielders and a third baseman – and I think that with the girls we have coming in we can replace them.”

Wewe is currently undecided on her post-graduation plans but Lies has signed with Hutchinson Community College where she will continue her softball career.

“I went on my visit there and I really loved the campus and all the facilities are very nice and it just felt like home compared to other places I visited and I just had a connection with coach Ray (Aguirre), because he was my pitching coach for a few years before, so it just felt like home.”

Underscoring the diverse athletic ability of the two, both are three-sport athletes and have played in a state championship game in each sport, taking second in volleyball this past fall and winning the 3A state basketball title in 2021.

“Softball is the last season, so that means it will be the last time for us senior girls to represent Cheney,” Lies said. “Although we know we can win it again, that doesn’t mean we will take any days off or work any less. We still will work as hard, and even harder, than we have in years before.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 13

EUDORA THE EXPLORER: Cards search for state win She set the school single-season record for strikeouts in the circle and is second on the list offensively with her RBI total.

“Same, extremely talented athlete and player,” Finucane said. “Willing to help out where needed when she is not pitching. Able to play multiple positions and good at each position. Again, the type of player that a coach wants to coach. Last season Kira came into her own as far as a player to be aware of on the field, especially at her favorite position of pitching. Her unique skill is that she is a talent on the field, and when challenged in certain game situations she is able to block out distractions and pull through those moments, being successful. Very impressive last season.”

Next season, Baker will attend Baker University, just down the road in Baldwin City, to play softball.

For Schreiner, meanwhile, softball isn’t even her best sport – despite being a two-time all-state selection – though that shouldn’t be surprising given her membership in the 1,000 point club for Eudora’s basketball program, joining her mother, Gretchen, in the exclusive group. Schreiner was also a candidate for 4A Player of the Year last season and will attend Pittsburg State to play next season, also her mother’s college basketball destination.

“It’s pretty amazing, I just think it’s awesome that I get to play where she played and had success, and it was great sharing that moment (joining the 1,000 point club) with her,” Schreiner said.

Before either of them move on, however, they want to leave Eudora softball in a good place not only this season, but for many more to come. “(Our goal is to) try to leave a good foundation for the years after us because I am a senior this year and I want the program to continue to be good,” Baker said.

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

example of being a leader. When it comes to game time they both give it their best effort to do the best they can, and again set a tremendous example for everyone. If they happen to not be successful with each challenge and opportunity, they don’t let that ruin their day so they can continue to give it their best, and be successful the next time around.”

Finucane gets that the standout duo can’t play every position, however, and is relieved that Baker and Schreiner understand that as well.

“For us to be successful on the field we have to play as a team,” Finucane said. “Individual performances and accomplishments certainly help a (L-R) Harper Schreiner, Kira Baker, Eudora (Photos by Connor Waltz) team to be successful, but without the entire team, it’s much more difficult to be successful at this game.

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Both Harper and Kira understand that and are great leaders In the two seasons played since 2019, with the COVID with the ability to show by example how you can have cancellation in 2020, Eudora softball, led by their standout success playing this game and being a good person (and) duo of Harper Schreiner and Kira Baker, has won their regional tournament both seasons, only to face the frustration teammate.”

Schreiner was voted first team all-state for her defensive of defeat in the first round at state. This season, Eudora is work in the infield last season, as well as for her numbers searching for that elusive state tournament win. at the plate, which included a .467 average with 42 hits, 38 “My freshman year we went to state and we lost the first round and then my junior year we went and lost first round,” runs scored, and 22 stolen bases on 22 attempts, with the hits and runs scored totals both school records.

Schreiner said. “So definitely the goal is getting past the But her coach says it’s the little things she does that truly first round.” sets her apart from the crowd.

Despite the past exits, the senior is confident her team “Extremely talented athlete and player,” Finucane said. knows the way forward.

“A definition of a coach’s dream player to coach. She is “To get back this year I think we just need to come out an excellent example of a team player. Case in point, last every game wanting to win, getting our record good so we season due to an injury of another talented player on our can go to state again,” Schreiner said. “I think we have a team, who unfortunately was out for the season, I asked really good chance of doing that. We only lost one person from last year, so I think we just need to play our game each Harper what position would she prefer to play? Her answer: ‘Coach I will play wherever game, and we should be alright.”

The Cardinals appear “alright” indeed, with all-stater Jayla you think it’s best for me to play to help this team win!’

Pierce the only loss from last season’s 18-5 squad.

And that she did.”

“Last year we meshed really well as a team and it made Baker, a second team playing together a whole lot easier,” Baker said. “We were all-state pitching selection, able to really enjoy the game and get into it and give it our had a 1.535 ERA with 181 all, and with us only losing that one player I think it’s going to be very similar this year and we’re going to really give our strikeouts resulting in a 13-4 record in the circle. She also all for the season and get where we want to go.”

Coach Bill Finucane is also feeling good about the season, hit .362 with 32 RBIs, nine doubles and two home runs. largely because of his two returning all-state seniors.

“They both are leaders on and off the field,” Finucane said. “On the field they go about their business without much fanfare. They work hard in practices, wanting to get better to help the team win. By their efforts in practice, they set an example for the entire team to strive to get better, and that is a wonderful

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TWISTER SISTERS: Family drives Tornado track

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

(L-R) Ashley and Abigail Singhateh; Brendan and Brooklyn Ptacek, Eureka (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Singhateh – who holds the school record in shot put with a throw of 41-6.75 – fouled each of her tries in the discus at For Eureka’s three returning individual state-qualifiers and regionals and was unable to make state in that event. With their head coach, there are real family bonds involved, and while that term is thrown around metaphorically to emphasize lots more reps and time in the weight room since last season, relationships between teammates, this time it’s literal. she feels ready to go, and isn’t pressuring herself too much.

Second year head coach Brendan Ptacek gets back sisters “My goal coming into this season is to do my best because it could be my last one, but I plan to go for first at state in the Ashley and Abigail Singhateh, along with his daughter shot put and really improve my discus throw, and hopefully Brooklyn Ptacek, after they did nearly all the scoring for the place in both at state this year.” state runner-up Tornadoes a year ago.

Abigail, whose personal best in the discus is just under 100 Senior Abigail Singhateh was one of the best shot putters in the 3A as a junior last season, finishing second at state with a feet, is currently undecided on her post-grad plans, but is excited for the season alongside her younger sister. throw of 40 feet, 4.25 inches. After her strong finish, and with As a freshman in 2021, Ashley Singhateh was incredibly the graduation of Riley County state champion Ames Burton, successful at the state meet, taking second in the 100 meter the older Singhateh is the favorite to take the gold in May. dash (12.46), third in the 300 meter hurdles (45.58), fourth “It’s a little bit of pressure, but I think it’s a good thing,” in the 100 meter hurdles (15.13) and was part of the state Abigail said. “It’ll make me work harder, push myself harder. I runner-up 4x100 relay (50.10). was pretty close last year so I know what it’s like to be there and I know what it takes, so I’ve just got to work on technique, While she is uniquely talented at running track, breaking the school record in the 100 meter dash and helping the 4x1 relay and I think I can get there.”

to a Eureka school record as well, she gets a majority of her out-of-season training for the sport elsewhere.

“I don’t really do track much outside of the season,” Ashley said. “I focus on basketball. But, within practicing for basketball it does get me ready for the track season.”

As for her goals this upcoming season, they remain similar.

“They haven’t really changed, I go to state and I want to be a champion in as many events as I do. I just love to win,” Ashley said. “So last year I placed in all my events, but there’s definitely room for improvement and a lot of the people that beat me were seniors, so I’m coming this year ready to win.”

The Singhatehs – whose oldest sister Rohey also just wrapped up a successful college track career as a jumper at Fort Hays – are hoping to make their last season together a big one, and Ashley isn’t about to take it for granted.

“We spend a lot of time together because we play the same sports,” Ashley said. “Always driving together, practicing together, and then playing. Most of our time spent together is through track and other sports. I think experiencing athletics with my sister is a privilege that many athletes don’t have the opportunity to experience. There are always the occasional sisterly arguments, but all in all, I love it.”

With the Singhatehs handling the sprints and throwing continued on 27

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OWLS’ PERCH: Garden Plain aims for three-peat

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

(L-R) Brooke Hammond and Haidyn Thompson, Garden Plain (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The Garden Plain girls track team heads into the season in as good of a place as a program could ever hope to be. Both the men and women won team state championships in 2021, with the women’s team making it two in a row after winning in 2019. Had the 2020 season not fallen victim to the COVID pandemic, it could very well be three in a row.

With “what-ifs” aside, the title made it an impressive three girls championships overall for head coach Eric Rockers – 2013, 2019, 2021 – and given the athletes he has coming back, a fourth is not out of the question.

Two of the top Owls returning – senior Brooke Hammond and sophomore Haidyn Thompson – happen to be the two fastest sprinters in 2A, finishing first and second in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes at last year’s state meet. Hammond took the gold in both matchups, and added a third in the 400.

Beyond those two, a number of other state qualifiers return from a team that more than doubled the scoring of second place Stanton County, 108 to 48.

In addition to the two speedsters, other returning state qualifiers are senior Sophie Smith (5th, triple-jump, 35-4.5), senior Naomi Dooley (6th, discus, 116-2), junior Celia Puetz (9th, 400m, 1:03.25; 4th, 100h,16.28; 6th, 300h, 49.49), and junior Sydney Puetz (5th, 1600m, 5:28.41).

Garden Plain also fielded a couple of talented relay teams with members returning. Hammond, Thompson, and junior Ryleigh Stuhlsatz were members of a state championship 4x100 team that ran a 49.97, while Sydney and Celia Puetz were half of their fourth place 4x400 team that finished in 4:17.79.

“We have several girls that didn’t make it to state last season, but will contribute to our team’s success this season,” Rockers said. “We look forward to having a fun and competitive season.“ As both friendly, but also fiery competitors, Hammond and Thompson are likely to garner plenty of attention for their sprinting matchups, but Thompson being two classes behind, has a good amount of catching up to do in order to surpass her state champion teammate.

“I feel like even in practice we’re trying to compete,” Thompson said. “So that’s a big thing, we’re competing off of each other and being positive to each other.”

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Hammond ran a 12.22 100, a 25.41 200, and a 1:00.79 400 at the state meet, while Thompson ran a 12.91 in the 100 and a 26.69 in the 200, still a fair distance behind her senior teammate, but still faster than anyone else Class 2A had to offer.

“It pushes me,” Hammond said of Thompson’s emergence as a top small school sprinter. “Don’t let her beat me just because she’s younger. It helps, we’ve ran against each other for a while, so I always knew she was fast, but not the second fastest.”

Thompson establishing herself as the second fastest in the state wasn’t just a surprise for Hammond either.

“I think it was kind of a shock,” Thompson said. “I thought I was kind of quick, but not that quick. It was just a crazy, crazy experience.”

Despite nobody knowing quite how fast she was, signs began showing up early on in the season.

“From practices, we knew that Haidyn was pretty fast,” Rockers said. “Then, in the first meet of the year, she placed second behind Brooke, so we knew that she was set to have a great season. Keeping an eye on the 2A runners’ times throughout the state we knew she had a very good chance of placing well at state. Fortunately, Haidyn being the competitor that she is, went out and performed very well at state and earned second place.”

Rockers believes the influx of speed has only made the continued on 35

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Hays High cousins Jordan and Dalton Dale are a pair of all-around athletes leading the Indians to one of the best stretches of athletic success in school history.

Both of the seniors were standouts on Hays High’s historically successful football team the last two falls. In 2020 the Indians went 5-3 and finished as unbeaten Western Athletic Conference champions. Last fall Hays High tied for the Western Athletic Conference title, advanced to the sectional round of the playoffs and played in an 11th game for just the third time in program history, and the first since 1993. The Indians fell to eventual state runner-up Maize in a 48-36 shootout to finish the year 8-3, but the team set multiple statistical records in the process.

Jordan received honors for his work on the offensive side of the ball, while Dalton was a focal point defensively as a linebacker.

“It was a really cool experience to be able to do that with these guys,” Jordan said of the team’s football success.

“We’ve been playing together since third or fourth grade, so to be able to contribute to a culture like that and a program having a winning season like that was really cool.”

For the sports calendar beyond the fall, the cousins go their separate ways.

After a strong showing last basketball season that individually culminated in all-league honors for Jordan, he and his teammates just wrapped up another great season under head coach Alex Hutchins, where they lost just two games, but fell short of a trip to the state tournament.

Dalton, meanwhile, was one of eight Hays High wrestlers to qualify for state at Wichita’s Hartman Arena the last weekend of February. The 160-pounder was able to post a win in the tournament and finished the season 22-18 overall.

This spring, Dalton is gearing up for a senior baseball season with tons of potential due to a strong, experienced group returning from last year’s 19-4 team that placed at state for the first time since 2000. University of Tennessee bound Dylan Dreiling and fellow-senior Garret Wellbrock, a Fort Hays State baseball commit, will join Dale as top returning players.

“We have a lot of people left (from last year’s 5A third place team),” Dalton said. “Obviously Dylan Dreiling is going to be a good help, Garrett Wellbrock, we have a lot of kids returning, a lot of good juniors coming up.”

While Dreiling is among the best in all of the midwest, Dalton is a fantastic player in his own right. As a junior he hit .463 with 31 hits, 19 RBIs and a home run, while also posting a 3.375 ERA with two saves and a 2-0 record on the mound.

His season resulted in first team all-state recognition from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

“I really like Dalton’s versatility on defense and his aggressiveness at the plate,” head coach Dustin Dreher said. “We will use him in multiple positions this year in the infield and outfield as well as on the mound, typically in a closing role.

Offensively he really attacks good pitches, and for his size (5-9) he has a really explosive bat.”

Beyond the impressive numbers, Dreher appreciates the year-round effort of his senior standout.

“Dalton is a three-sport grinder,” Dreher said. “He had a great football season and is winding down his senior year of wrestling. He has had successful high school seasons in both sports and I look forward to him bringing that leadership into the baseball season. He works his tail off in the offseason and during the season. He’s also a great teammate. He’s one of those guys that has a way of keeping teammates relaxed while also being very competitive.”

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

COUSIN CULTURE: Dales help Hays to new heights

(L-R) Dalton and Jordan Dale, Hays (Photos by Connor Waltz)

Jordan’s spring sport is track, particularly the high jump, in which he finished second in the state last year, clearing 6 feet, 4 inches, just behind now-graduated Jacob Hanna of Maize’s jump of 6-6.

“I feel pretty good about it,” Jordan said. “Definitely have had my eyes set on that for this offseason and I definitely want to win that state championship.”

Although many athletes are content with silver, Jordan has let the memory of the loss serve as motivation in the offseason.

“I’ve been thinking about it ever since that had happened, ever since I stood up on that podium that’s what I’ve been thinking about,” Jordan said.

Once the two multi-sport talents are done with their final spring of high school sports, they each have plans to play at the next level, with Jordan already committed to continue his high jump career at Washburn and Dalton still deciding on where to play college baseball. continued on 27

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Page 17

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

SEEING RED: Cardinals want more

(L-R) Gracie Aylward, Kassidy Nixon and Kadence Urban, Hoisington (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Hoisington/Central Plains softball’s season didn’t end the way the players and coaches hoped in 2021. After winning their regional and then blowing out Holcomb 12-1 in the first round of the state tournament, the Cardinals were defeated 4-2 by eventual champion Cheney in the semifinal and 8-7

by Haven in the third place game to finish in fourth place in an incredibly deep Class 2A field.

Despite the imperfect ending, Hoisington had an excellent season, finishing 20-6 with a fourth place finish in 3A. Better yet for the Cardinals, they bring back a mountain of talent.

“We have most of our team coming back, as we are only losing one senior starter from last year,” head coach Tim Boxberger said. “I don’t think I’m going to have to say too much to get this team motivated for this season. We had a great season

21H, 17RBI) and Jordyn Boxberger (SS/OF/PP, .312, 24H, 19RBI), the coach’s daughter, round out the experienced group.

To go with their deep pool of talent, Hoisington softball also seems to have a bit of buzz in the Barton County air.

“We lose by two in the semifinals to the eventual state champ and then lost a big lead late in the game in the third place match, eventually losing by one run,” Boxberger said. “It’s funny, in the past I didn’t really hear from anyone until the season started, but this year I’ve been getting messages from quite a few girls saying how excited they are for the softball season and can’t wait to get started.

So, I’m not sure I’m going to have to do a whole lot of motivational speeches to get them going, they all have that fire to get back knowing how close we were last year.”

Nixon, another in a long line of outstanding athletes from Central Plains High School who plays for Hoisington as part of a cooperative agreement between the two schools, further reinforced the culture and growing excitement around Cardinal softball heading into the 2022 season.

“We’re definitely excited for this coming season, because we haven’t been to state softball in high school in many, many years,” Nixon said. “So we got a taste of what it’s like to go to state, so we’re just excited to hopefully get to go back and have all our strong players back again.”

She also pointed out the attrition factor that is hitting rival schools much harder.

“I don’t think we’ll have too many big struggles this year because we know that a lot of other teams have lost a lot of people, but we’re sitting here losing one player,” Nixon said. “So I think we’ll come back stronger continued on 35

last year finishing in fourth place in the state tournament. Every school in 3A but three would have loved to trade places with us, but just the way we finished those two games and how close we were to achieving our goal of a state title still stings with the coaches and players.”

A talented group of seniors are set to lead the way to completing the goal of a state championship this spring, including first team all-state pitcher Kassidy Nixon (P/SS, .547, 41H, 1.79 ERA, 144K, 6HR), second team all-state utility Kadence Urban (C/SS/OF, .563, 49H, 51RBI, 8HR), Gracie Aylward (1B, .474, 46H, 34RBI), and Shaylah Kempke (CF, .347, 26H, 20RBI), along with juniors Ava Henry (3B, .303, 23H, 19RBI) and Rick Connally, Agent Kortney Lang (OF, .342, 26H, 20RBI).

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Page 18

KIO KIOW WA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HOME TO THE 2019 & 2021 1A GIRLS STATE TRACK CHAMPIONS!

Photo by Brian Deterding

The Kiowa County Booster Club is proud to support the Mavericks!

Proud supporters of Kiowa County schools!

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The Kiowa County Lady Maverick track team managed their second straight state title in 2021 after winning it in 2019 and having their chances of a three-peat knocked out due to 2020’s COVID cancellation.

Head coach Travis Powell’s team didn’t skip a beat despite the year off, however, outscoring second place Hodgeman County, 64 to 35.

Leading the charge for the Mavericks last season was current senior Addi Heinson, who managed four gold medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 4x400.

Other top sprinters that qualified for state were graduated senior Gracie Gray, who took third in the 100, while earning first as part of the 4x100 relay. Current sophomore Marley Little managed a sixth place finish in the 200 and ran legs of the championship 4x100 and 4x400 relays and also earned fourth in the pole vault.

Beyond Little, Gray and Heinson, other members of relays that placed at state last year included current seniors Addison Sherer and Charleigh Friesen in the state championship 4x100 and the state championship 4x400 as well.

Current junior Karina Martinez, sophomore Micah Edris, junior Alex Redecop and graduated senior Madison Yost managed ninth in the 4x800.

The Mavericks made waves in field events besides Little’s success in the pole vault, with current junior Liberty Gilkey taking 10th in the triple jump and current senior Emma Thompson placing 11th in the discus.

Powell and Co. should again be in position to challenge for the title given all the talent returning and the tradition of excellence established by by the Maverick track program. See more coverage of Maverick track on the next page and in the 1A track preview starting on page 71. Thank you to the sponsors on this page for making this coverage possible!

Congratulations to Coach Powell & the Lady Mavericks on your 2021 State Track Championship!

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Page 19

SCHREINERS’ CONVENTION: Family fun is competition

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

with 26 hits, 31 RBI, 4 home runs, along with a 2.86 ERA with 40 strikeouts, a 7-3 record and a save on the mound.

Eagles softball finished 17-6 after taking second in regionals in 2021.

While the duo doesn’t play organized sports together due to a lack of co-ed offerings, they still approach competition in twin-like fashion.

“I feel like we prepare for sports, or whatever, doing the same (things),” Colby said. “Our mindset, our preparation, our always wanting to compete against each other.”

Given the genetics and the time spent together, their similar perspective on sports only makes (L-R) Colby and Alex Schreiner, Kingman (Photos by Connor Waltz) sense. Only adding to that time together was the

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer unfortunate reality of aging joints.

The Schreiner name seems to be everywhere across “Once my dad got old enough, so he couldn’t catch for me Kansas high school sports this season. Senior twins Colby anymore, Colby actually started catching for me,” Alex said. and Alex Schreiner are both in the process of finishing out Colby quickly emphasized his self-description as his sister’s impressive high school careers at Kingman, while their cous“designated catcher.” in, Harper, is closing out one of the most successful athletic An unsurprising challenge for both is conflict in scheduling, careers in Eudora history. with Colby constantly at wrestling meets and Alex on the In the Kingman branch of the family, Alex and Colby both basketball court or softball diamond, but given an opportunity, recently wrapped up their winter sports seasons. While Alex they don’t miss a chance to be there for the other, even if it’s and the Kingman girls basketball team finished 9-14 overall, at times about sibling bragging rights.

Colby won a 3-2-1A state championship at 145 pounds for “The best part about having a twin is there is always someKingman to finish in at least the top three each of the last one pushing me to become better,” Colby said. “If she gets three seasons. He finished with a record of 37-5 on the year all-league in one sport, then I have to in the next and there’s and his title was the first ever for the Kingman wrestling always an unspoken competition between us on who is going program. Last fall, Alex wrapped up her fourth season on to have a better season in their sport.” the volleyball team while Colby was a key member of the The siblings’ support for each other can also be seen on Kingman football team’s run to the 2A semifinals for the first social media, with their Twitter accounts full of retweets and time in 49 years. praise of the other’s success, including their co-commitment The two are also valuable members of the baseball and to Newman University, where Colby will wrestle and Alex will softball teams. Colby serves as a utility player and had 14 continue her softball career. hits, 10 RBI and nine stolen bases last season for a 16-6 “He actually was the one who was being actively recruited squad that made a regional semifinal appearance.

by Newman,” Alex said. “He had connections, and I just Alex was a utility player and pitcher, going .426 at the plate tagged along on his visit, and that’s how I got involved.”

While siblinghood wasn’t the deciding factor for either, they still enjoy the perks of having each other around.

“I chose to wrestle at Newman because I loved the atmosphere and excitement the coaches and athletes bring,” Colby said. “It also helps that I knew most of the wrestlers already there and know most of the freshmen that were recruited with me. My sister joining me is exciting because we have done almost everything together. I’ll still be able to watch her play and she can watch me. If I have any sort of problem she will be there for me and vice versa. It’s also great for meeting other people because if you know her then you probably know me.”

While biological twinhood is a fascinating phenomena, the Schreiner twins have an unofficial “triplet” in cousin Harper, residing three hours northeast in Eudora, where she recently became the third girls basketball player in school history to score 1,000 points in a career, one of the other two her own mother, Gretchen Freeland-Schreiner.

Familial support extends to all Schreiner athletes, with extended fan clubs emerging any time someone in the family does something on the statewide stage. The family gets together often and enjoy even more sports ranging from kickball to trampoline games, as well as dove and deer hunting – of course nothing they still can’t be competitive about.

“We are all really close in age and share similar interests making it easier for us to connect,” Harper said. “Anytime we are around each other we always have a good time.”

While Alex and Colby head to Newman, Harper is committed to play basketball at Pitt State after the conclusion of her senior year, but you can guess that trips between Wichita and Pittsburg will be commonplace.

“Harper, Colby and I have always been really close,” Alex emphasized. “Once we got into high school we still all supported each other throughout any sport career. We always try to attend any postseason and state games whenever possible. During college we will no doubt do the same, maybe even some trash talking to each other.”

MARVELOUS MAVERICK: Heinson ready for final run in 1A

100 meter dash she ran a time of 12.29, in the 200 a 25.62, the 400 a 57.60, and her 4x400 team – including current sophomore Marley Little and current seniors Addison Sherer and Charleigh Friesen – ran a 4:15.43.

Her leg in the 4x4 closed out one of the more memorable races at last year’s state meet, a moment highlighting her will to win.

“She is very competitive and doesn’t like to lose,” head coach Travis Powell said. “When she got the baton in the 4x400 at the state meet last year and was about 25 meters behind, I was confident that she would be able to reel-in the team in front of us and give our team the win. I think Addi’s biggest gains will come from being able to lock-in everyday from warm-up to workout in order for her to continue to improve her times and reach her Addi Heinson, Kiowa County (Photo by Connor Waltz) personal goals.”

In the midst of the energy and excitement of Heinson’s state

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer There was no outrunning Kiowa County’s Addi Heinson performance and the team’s championship, she hadn’t yet become aware of the gravity of her accomplishments. during her state track performance in 2021, as the “I really didn’t get it until I went home and I realized “Oh my now-senior sprinter earned four gold medals and helped gosh, I just won four medals,’” Heinson said. “It really didn’t set her team win their second straight state championship. in, but it was a really cool experience.”

“It was a fun experience because – so we didn’t have Heinson’s improvements in her times helped her secure four my track season my sophomore year, and we were state champs my freshman year and my junior year – so I think golds, but her coach has seen growth in other important areas.

“Addi has grown-up since her freshman year,” Powell said. it was just really cool because we got that experience “Addi, and all of our girl sprinters at that time, were able to be with new people and we would’ve had it back-to-back, mentored by a strong senior class that year that helped show but, it’s okay.”

Heinson’s freshman performance was also impressive. them what it meant to prepare in practice and at meets. Then, the next year, we didn’t have a season and all of a sudden those She brought home silver in the 100 (12.53) and 200 (25.94), along with fourth place in the 400 (1:00.57) and girls are juniors. I pulled Addi in after her second day of practice and we had a good discussion about what I expected out of her first state gold medal in the 4x400 (4:05.92). her. She had to understand that her talent alone put her in a Last season, her performance was dominant. In the

leadership position. She was very supportive of her teammates, especially our relays with Charleigh Friesen and Addison Sherer, as well as Marley Little, who displayed a lot of talent early in practice and at one point had run a faster time then Addi in the 200. Addi cheered as loud for Marley as anyone, but it also fired her up a little bit.”

Little ended up placing sixth in state in the 200 (26.9) and fourth in the pole vault (9-00) as a freshman. The Mavericks also get back other state-qualifiers in junior discus thrower Emma Thompson (11th, 96-08), sophomore triple jumper Liberty Gilkey (10th, 32-1.75) along with a majority of their first place 4x100 and 4x400 teams and ninth place 4x800.

“We didn’t lose anybody and so we’ve always just been that team that has just played together,” Heinson said.

As for her coach, he simply plans on keeping the ship steered in the right direction “I think my approach will be the same as any season,” Powell said. “It is important to stay healthy or be healthy once we hit the postseason of league, regional and state. We will go out each day and try to be better. We will go into each meet and achieve our goals in each event at every meet. We have a solid core in our sprint group coming back, but we want to be more competitive in our field and distance events.”

A continuing driving force for Heinson, along with her natural competitiveness, are her goals beyond the high school ranks.

“I think what gets me fired up about it is the college experience I’m going to have,” Heinson said. “I always need to push myself further than I did last year.”

Heinson is considering several options to continue her track career after graduation, with Iowa State a leading candidate.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 20

THE ERWAY WAY: Larned baseball a family tradition

baseman hit .412 with 24 hits, 22 RBI, 15 runs, and was 14 of 14 on stolen bases. A major factor for the Indians will be whether or not Logan is at full strength this season after injuring his hand sliding into base this past summer, an injury that required surgery and recovery time.

“After I broke my hand in the summer I did a lot of rehab and getting my strength back,” Logan said. “But I’ve been hitting like crazy and throwing every day, so I’m just ready to get back out there.”

Time on a diamond is nothing new for Logan, as the Erways keep baseball at (L-R) Logan and Chad Erway, Larned (Photos by Connor Waltz) the center of their lives, often strategizing

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer about how they can best get an edge in that next game.

“We’re always talking and talking about strategy and The father and son tandem of Chad and Logan Erway are looking for a big season to close out their time where he can improve or where I can improve, or mostly, together at the high school level. Chad, the head coach at where the team can improve,” coach Erway said. “So, Larned High School, enters his 12th year in charge of the we’re always talking about it, yeah.”

While there are a few topic changes now and then, both baseball program. Meanwhile, Logan is in the process of prefer to keep baseball as the go-to topic. finishing his senior season. Although this will be the last “Yeah, most of the time (baseball is the focus),” Logan season together for the two, it’s far from the first. said. “We’ll watch some football together, but most of the “My dad has coached me my whole life,” Logan said. time it’s just a lot of baseball.”

“As soon as I hit fifth grade, he would take me to his high “When I was a kid, growing up it was almost always school practices and I was treated just like a player. It officially started the summer going into seventh grade when nothing but baseball,” Logan said. “Learning everything about the game starting at a young age has only made he took over my Babe Ruth team. Even before then we would do drills and anything else to help. He has coached my love for the game stronger. It has always been enjoyme ever since.” able to watch the game, but learning the way of the game In 2021, Larned baseball was among the best teams in from my father opened my eyes and showed me how it is the state that did not play in a postseason championship. much more than a sport.”

After entering as the one-seed with a 15-4 record and Their collaboration is easily advancing past Beloit in the first round, the Indians something coach Erway soon faced heartbreak in a 4-0 second round loss to TMP believes has played a of Hays. big factor in his son’s The unexpected loss cut the 2021 season short for development, as well as a number of seniors, and although Larned gets a few other players he’s had the important pieces back, including senior Carlos Ibarra opportunity to coach.

(OF/P/3B), senior Ian Orth (P/UT), and sophomore Brady “I think it’s like anything Hope (SS/P), Larned is likely to lean heavily on the else,” coach Erway said. younger Erway.

“The more you’re out “We’re going to be a little bit low on pitching this year,” there playing the game, coach Erway said. “We lost some pretty key components being introduced to good from last year’s team, but we’re going to have to count on baseball around the state some guys to get it done and step up to play at the varsity and interacting and getting level.” after it, I think the more As a junior, the 6-foot, 200 pound left-handed first you’re out there playing and

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

competing, the better you’re going to become during the high school season.”

While some coaches tend to lean toward preferential treatment of their children, it’s just the opposite for the Erways, with Chad making it a point to continue pushing his son toward improvement.

“The best part about playing for my dad is that I am held to the standard of being the best,” Logan said. “It’s almost an advantage having a parent as a coach because you are expected to be better than most.”

As the Erways’ last hoorah together approaches, Chad is fully aware of the gravity this season holds for him personally.

“I have had the pleasure to coach my oldest son Landon, daughter Maddy, and now my youngest son Logan,” coach Erway said. “It is bittersweet to come to the realization that Logan will be my last child to coach. I have had several of my friends and family always say ‘Enjoy these times while you have them,’ and that couldn’t be more true. I think back and think about the countless hours we have spent from working on hitting as a small child at our batting cages on our farm, to the long weekends of spending time as a family in tournaments throughout the state. Some families go to the lake, some go camping, our thing has always been playing ball. I’m pretty hard on my kids when it comes to coaching, but I can say that Logan is the toughest player I have ever coached, and I’m more proud of the quality person he is and his work ethic and leadership has helped us for four years.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 21

THE WRIGHT STUFF: Louisburg senior going for more gold

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

technically her coach, has still helped to shape her into one of the and honestly K-State just had the best feeling,” Wright said. “The coach was great, and I just know that I’m going to fit in.” state’s top track athletes.

With heptathlons in her future, it only makes sense that Wright “He’s always worked with me growing up and he has pushed me so hard,” Wright said. “He’ll push me the hardest out of anyone diversifies her events this season in preparation.

“Definitely hurdles and maybe a couple other events here and it feels like sometimes, but he’s always there for me and is my there, we’ll see,” Wright said of possible additional events from number one supporter.” past seasons.

Wright’s lessons learned through her father’s backing don’t take As a multi-sport athlete at the high school level, Wright isn’t new long to notice. After her dominant finish at state last season, she’s got a mindset that would make any coach proud. to learning different rules and techniques, something her head “I’m even more excited and honestly I’m going to keep busting my coach thinks will aid her in taking on her heptathlon challenge.

“Delaney is an all-around athlete,” Reece said. “She has run on butt and working harder,” Wright said of the upcoming season.

That go-getter attitude isn’t something kept to herself either. She’s the state cross-country team, competed at state in basketball, and quick to help motivate and guide others, something Louisburg girls’ has proven herself as one of the best in track and field. This is track coach John Reece has taken note of. because she is a hard-working athlete that is coachable and is a technician in her sports. With these attributes, she will be success“Delaney is a hard worker and leads by example,” Reece said.

Delaney Wright, Louisburg (Photo by Connor Waltz) ful as a heptathlete at the next level.”

“She is very open when it comes to working with the younger athBy Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer letes and helping them prepare for events at meets.

Louisburg boys’ track coach Andy Wright and his When she steps to the line, she is ready and she Proud supporters of area schools and athletes! talented group of athletes took home the 4A title wants her teammates to be ready as well to compete in 2021, and while that is a truly impressive feat, it was Wright’s daughter, Delaney, who had the most to the best of their ability on that given day. This all impressive individual performance at the state meet. starts during practice where she pushes herself each day and encourages others to do the same.”

Wright racked up three gold medals at Cessna Wright’s dynamic abilities were enough to capture Stadium last May, taking home the 400 (58.3), 200 (25.54) and long jump (18-2.25) titles while earning the eye of college recruiters, namely, those looking a large portion of Louisburg’s team total points, good for heptathletes – heptathlons consisting of five events: the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, for a team fifth place finish.

200-meter dash, long jump, javelin throw and the “It was just indescribable,” Wright said. “I came 800-meter run. in not really knowing what to expect because we Kansas, Iowa State, South Dakota, North Dakota had COVID my sophomore year, so coming into my State, Arkansas-Little Rock and Pittsburg State all junior year I really didn’t know what to expect, it was offered Wright a track scholarship, but ultimately she just a really crazy experience.” decided on Kansas State.

The senior is a natural competitor, something “I visited a lot of schools the past couple months pushed along by her father, who, though he isn’t

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 22

MAD DOGS: Bulldog duo mixes power and speed

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

compete and excel in the weight room and other sports as well. The great thing about these guys is how they make their teammates better by pushing them every day.”

Both athletes are high IQ individuals, which is quite obvious for Helm as he plans to continue his throwing career at Princeton University, the elite Ivy League school in New Jersey, with a six percent acceptance rate, making it one of the most selective universities in the country.

“It was about the middle of my junior year, I got a text message from the recruiting coordinator at Princeton and I was just really surprised and wasn’t something I’d ever (L-R) Casey Helm and Bryson Turner, Madison (Photos by Connor Waltz) thought I would do,” Helm said. “And then

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer after talking to him and learning more about it I realized that Madison High’s senior Casey Helm and junior Bryson Turner it was a potential opportunity for me and I was really excited. were among the best track pairings in the state last season, As the recruiting process went on I realized that it was a helping the Bulldogs to a second place state finish with just place that I wanted to be.” a little help from now-graduated Hunter Engle’s fourth place While the process to even gain acceptance to Princeton for finish in shot and Turner’s teammates in the 4x100 relay. many would be tantamount to rocket science, for Helm it went Aside from that, the points at the state meet were all from the relatively smooth. thunder and lightning duo, with Helm taking first in the discus “The application process was a little bit more lengthy than with a throw of 164-10 and a shot put heave of 55-4.5, and other colleges I applied to and a little more detailed and it Turner winning the 100 meter with a time of 11.44, taking third definitely focused a lot more on academics and some essays in the 200 at 22.83 and fifth in the long jump with a leap of involved, but it was not too bad and I got it done,” Helm said.

20 feet, 5.5 inches. He also helped the 4x1 team to a time of His relationship with Princeton track’s recruiting coordinator, 45.58, good for a fifth place finish.

Robert Abdullah, and overall relationship with the staff, were For head coach Alex McMillian – who also coaches both in major factors in reeling in the talented senior. football, where the dynamic duo received all-state honors in “Coach Abdullah, the recruiting coordinator, was amazing,” 2021 – the success is to be expected based on their willingHelm emphasized. “He’s like a family member to me and just ness to focus on personal and team improvement. a really great guy and I’m really glad I got to meet him and “Both Bryson and Casey are some of the hardest working that he’s going to be a coach. And then Fred Zamara, the kids I have been around,” McMillian said. “They love to throwing coach at Princeton, is just amazing.”

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Helm opted not to play basketball after his freshman season and has utilized much of the time between football and track to polish his throws.

“During football season I didn’t really throw that much,” Helm said. “I was just focused on football and just trying to be the best I could for our team because that’s what I was focused on at the moment, but not playing basketball, I’m able to train and throw quite a bit, and luckily I’m able to go to indoor meets and compete unattached and get some work in.”

Helm’s hard work and focus has paid off visibly even before entering the outdoor track season as the senior joined the “60-foot club” in shot put, after launching a monstrous 60 foot, 9.5 inch throw at the indoor Jayhawk High School Open in late January. Also, his discus throw of 191-9.5 at the Big Beefer Summer Throws League last June is fourth best nationally in the Class of 2022, just ahead of Santa Fe Trail’s Brett Schwartz.

“Casey is a very smart young man, and has been throwing for a long time,” McMillian said. “What sets him apart is his ability to critique or fix his own form. He knows immediately if it was a good or bad throw and has the ability to fix before it his next throw. In everything he’s done he has always been extremely form and technique oriented, combining that with his work ethic and IQ is a pretty good recipe for success.”

Turner, who is no slouch in the classroom, where he carries a 4.0 GPA, has a bit more time to decide on his academic and athletic plans after high school as he enters just his junior season, and has his own set of goals he’s working toward.

“Try to get some personal bests, try to get bigger, faster, stronger. Just watch everyone else grow. We got some guys that are coming up that are growing athletically,” Turner said.

“It’s going to be really fun to compete against those guys.

They’re always competitive and always on me trying to get where I am. It’s great to see myself as that role model to continued on 36

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 23

MAN-HAPPINESS: Seniors to lead MHS baseball

(L-R) Cade Perkins and Braden Dinkel, Manhattan (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Despite an uncharacteristic state tournament appearance, Manhattan baseball had an overall excellent season a year ago, taking fourth and finishing the season with a 19-6 mark.

The Indians had three players earn all-state, and despite graduating first team outfielder Dayne Aschenbrenner, second team seniors Braden Dinkel and Cade Perkins give MHS a quality pairing complemented by a strong roster around them.

“After last year we only had three seniors that played, so we didn’t lose much,” Perkins said. “We got a lot of experience this year and I feel like we can make a run at the tournament.”

It was 1998 when Manhattan last won a state title, but the coach that got them there – Don Hess – has remained with the squad, now in his 24th year with the program, and has compiled a record of 414-125.

“The goal for every team is to make it to the state tournament, and if you get there, and play well, with a few breaks you can compete to win a championship,” Hess said. “Last year we had a very solid team that was able to achieve many of our goals, which you hope provides experience and confidence as you begin a new campaign. We were young last year so we return many key performers. The challenge is making sure that we learned from past experiences and develop a mindset that our goals can be higher.”

Hess’ returning group has certainly had the time to build habits together, having played together since before they were teenagers.

“We’ve played – like six of us probably – since we were 12,” Perkins said. “So we’ve known each other pretty well and play pretty well together.”

The summers and springs on diamonds together are something the Indians largely credit for their success and cohesion.

“One of the traits of a good team is positive chemistry,” Hess said. “We have a core group that has played together for 5-6 years and we count on that familiarity to keep our approach consistent. I truly believe that each team needs to be filled with guys that know when to push each other and also when to back off.”

Perkins and Dinkel have both started since they were freshman, something unique in 6A varsity baseball, and the experience of being “thrown to the fire” early on only helped prepare them for the changes in their roles as upperclassmen.

“They both earned that opportunity due to their skill and competitive attributes,” Hess said. “They have taken positive strides each year and improved not only in their skills, but also in their leadership.”

Beyond their ability to help lead the team, the two were extremely productive in 2021.

Perkins received his second team all-state nod at first base after putting up a .420 average with 34 hits, 15 doubles, and 32 RBIs. He was dangerous on the mound as well with 51 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched, resulting in a 5-2 record.

“Cade has been a starting pitcher for us from the beginning,” Hess said.

“He brings not only a high pitcher’s IQ, but terrific command of all of his pitches. Cade throws every big game for us and relishes the challenge of facing the best teams that we play. As a hitter he is a consistent run producer and we look for him to be competitive every at-bat.”

Meanwhile, Dinkel, a shortstop for the Indians, received his second team recognition as a designated hitter after he posted a .500 average with 37 hits, 30 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. Despite the impressive bat, Dinkel sees his biggest strength in working with teammates. “(My biggest strength is) Leadership, just helping the team out in areas

we may struggle and just helping everyone all around,” Dinkel said.

According to his coach, that mentality is infectious.

“Braden came to us as a catcher and a third baseman and has developed into one of the best shortstops in the state,” Hess said. “He loves to compete and enjoys himself every day he spends on the field. His enthusiasm carries over to the rest of the team.”

The returning production doesn’t end there for Manhattan, fellow senior Tyler Pere returns after hitting .354 a year ago, while juniors PJ Hughes (2B, .320), Ian Luce (CF, .355), Kyler Horsman (P, 2.16 ERA, 22.2 IP) and Keenan Schartz (OF, .300) round out an experience group.

That core provides significant firepower for Hess to work with and expectations are high for others to step up after signs of impact last season. Particularly on the mound, where it is thought they will be most dangerous.

“For sure pitching last year, we had a couple juniors get a lot of quality innings in the state tournament, which should be helpful for this season,” Perkins said.

Both athletes are committed to play in college, with Perkins committed to Cowley County and Dinkel to Emporia State.

“I’m a left handed pitcher and knowing Cowley, they’re one of the better jucos in the Midwest and their

coaching staff is pretty awesome,” Perkins said. “So it was a no-brainer.”

Dinkel, on the other hand, cited a gut-feeling after seeing the campus and the coaches at Emporia State.

Being a man of few words, he was straightforward about what Manhattan has got to do to return to state before the two head to college.

“I think we need to just do what we did last year,” Dinkel said. “Just continue working hard on everything” As for Hess, he says this team has a special bond.

“This particular group has continued to grow together and challenge and support each other on and off the field,” Hess said. “As each of the players’ skills have evolved, their enjoyment from playing together continues to grow as well. Playing baseball with friends enhances the experience and creates a lifetime of memories.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

MOUNT UP: Maur Hill looking to advance

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

10-0 win over McLouth, followed by a 14-3 rout of Onaga. It was in the regional final against league opponent Valley Falls – who had split 1-1 with the Ravens in the regular season and shared a league title with them as well – that Maur Hill came up short in a 5-1 loss, ending their 2021 season at 22-3.

Valley Falls went on to finish as state runner-up, giving the Ravens an unpleasant sense of deja vu.

“We weren’t far off last year, or the past three for that matter,” head coach Phil Baniewicz said. “All were losses in the regional championship game to a team that either won state or (L-R) Drew Caudle and Parrish Beagle, Maur Hill (Photos by Connor Waltz) made it to the championship game.”

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Baniewicz and company aren’t letting it affect their Drew Caudle and Parrish Beagle of Maur Hill-Mount way forward, however, and quickly began focusing on the Academy in Atchison were among the best duos in 2-1A last next season after brushing off the tough loss. season and are back for another go around in 2022. The “But that is in the past,” Baniewicz said. “This year, we need first team all-state tandem was a monstrosity for opposition, young guys to step up and fill in for the graduated seniors whether they were at the plate or on the mound. and we need Parrish and Drew to carry the load both pitching Caudle, a senior committed play baseball at William Jewell and offensively, and those two are capable of doing that.

College commit, averaged .500 at the plate last season with They will end up playing at the next level and both of them 33 hits, 33 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 10 doubles, four home runs, still have that sense of ‘unfinished business’ after losing to and although he received his all-state accolades as an outValley Falls in the regional championship. I think you will see fielder, his 1.17 ERA and 7-1 record at the plate are enough a determined, tough, and aggressive Raven baseball team to faze most batters. that will not quit until they have redeemed themselves after Meanwhile, Beagle, a junior, was .420 on the season with last year.”

29 hits, 33 RBI, 21 stolen bases, six doubles, four triples, As a senior with plenty of innings under his belt, Caudle and two home runs to go with his 1.08 ERA and 3-1 record in provides the team a strong source of leadership.

2021. While the third-year infielder received his all-state atten“Drew has continually improved since his freshman year,” tion as a third baseman, he is listed to lineup at shortstop this Baniewicz said. “Many people will talk about his pitching, but upcoming season. he will return as our top hitter. He’s got a beautiful swing that The two led Maur Hill to an 18-2 mark entering regionals provides a lot of power. And his defensive play in the outfield and breezed their way through the first two rounds with a saves us several runs every season. On the mound, he is

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tough for anyone to face as a lefty. Look up ‘student leader’ in the dictionary. I bet it says ‘see Drew Caudle.’ He is our undisputed leader and everyone follows his lead.“ Beagle, while not as established in a leadership role at this point, is constantly growing his knowledge.

“Parrish has got to be one of my favorite kids I have ever coached,” Baniewicz said. “He has great baseball knowledge and is always seeking to learn more. If we instruct him to do something, he may ask a clarifying question or a deeper question simply because he wants to learn more. He’s a sponge around the baseball field.

And to compliment his commitment to knowledge, the juniors’ already impressive strength hasn’t seemed to reach its peak.

“He is our hardest thrower – sure to top 90 this season – yet the most accurate, and one of the best infielders you will find in the state,” Baniewicz emphasized. “He hit well last year, but I know his power will be even better this year and next. And he hasn’t peaked yet. He’s still growing!”

Both Caudle and Beagle have put in extensive work this summer to avenge last season and have made a point to rally the troops around them as well.

“We’re going to be very motivated,” Caudle said. “We’ve lost in the regional championship the last couple of years. This year, I know Parrish and I – and we’re bringing some guys up along with us – we’re really trying to work on developing our skills and becoming a stronger team so we’re ready when regional comes back around.”

Unsurprisingly, the team feels good about their options on the mound, but they don’t end with Maur Hill’s dynamic duo. “We’ve got, I’d say, our two best pitchers coming back, Parrish and I,” Caudle said. “And we’ve got Cooper Pound, he pitched quite a bit last year, and we’ve got some other continued on 36

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 25

WESTWORLD: Olathe West’s Cline to lead Owls

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

“My competition (keeps me motivated) a lot, because I graduate a lot of seniors so we have the same team as last know my competition is out there getting better and I want year basically with a few new people that are coming in, so I to still get better and improve to beat them,” Cline said. “My think we can at least match what we did last year.” drive is just, I don’t want to lose again and I have this high Coach Bell agrees with his star sprinter’s assessment. expectation of winning.”

“We feel really good coming into this season,” Bell said.

While it has without a doubt been a career predicated “We lost some important parts of the team for sure, but our on winning, Cline has had to work through her share of four state champions from last year all return and our cross adversity as well, suffering a career threatening injury during country team won state for the second year in a row. Most of a basketball game in 2019. those girls are on the track team and will score a lot of points “Kennedi is extremely hard working,” head coach at state.”

Demetrius Bell said. “She tore her ACL as a sophomore and Although Cline is an intense competitor, there is more to it worked to come back faster and stronger than she ever was. than the joy of winning alone in her book.

She does every rep 100 percent and is one of those I have to “I’m really looking forward to the team aspect of track and Kennedi Cline, Olathe West (Photo by Connor Waltz) worry about pushing herself too far. She’s fantastic.” seeing my friends again and competing and just that satisBy Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Cline’s circumstances this season are far different from a faction of running and finishing a race and all that hard work Olathe West senior Kennedi Cline was sensational year ago, with her being on top of the mountain instead of paying off,” Cline said. during her junior season, bringing home three gold working her way up. She will be far from alone, though, with The senior is currently undecided on her post-graduation medals and a silver, and in the process helping the a number of teammates from last year giving the Owls a plans, but has plenty of season ahead of her to make that Owls to a second place team finish in 6A at last legitimate shot at matching last season’s success. decision, and potentially gain more recognition. year’s state meet.

Other qualifiers returning are continued from page 10 also manages to split time between softball and as memCline dominated the 400 with a time of 57.90, as senior Destiny Lassiter (400m, ber of the track and field team.

She earned a fourth place finish in the high jump at last well as the 200 with a time of 24.79, both easily 10th, 62.06), sophomore Kate good enough to earn her gold medals. She was also Miller (800m, 4th, 2:21.29; 1600m, year’s state meet. a member of a 4x100 relay team that ran a 49.46, 6th, 5:13.38; 4x800, 1st, 9:22.95), “It’s honestly kind of stressful, but I’m very thankful that I get to do both of them,” earning silver, and got her third gold running the sophomore Bree Newport (800m, Winters said. “I go to track practice to start out and I’m there till about 4:30 and then I anchor in the 4x400, where her team finished with a 5th, 2:22.65; 4x800, 1st, 9:22.95) head over to softball practice and we’re there for a while. We have a good balance and our coaches talk it out well, we kind of know how to manage them both, and then if we time of 4:03.58. and sophomore Addie Cline have a track meet and softball on the same day, I go to the track meet for as long as I Cline has been doing all she can to prepare for (DISC, 11th, 94-4; SP, 4th, 38another strong showing in 2022, spending much of 11.25). The Owls return a majority can and then make it back for the softball game.”

Tyson earned her all-state spot after posting an impressive .442 average with 34 hits the summer running track to try and stay ahead of of their relay teams as well. and 38 runs scored. The senior outfielder is currently committed to Neosho where she the field, something she says keeps her motivated “I think we have a really good plans to continue her softball career. despite her already lofty accomplishments. team,” Cline said. “We didn’t “She is the glue of our outfield,” coach Winters said. “Three-year starter in center field, very good hitter, drives in a lot of runs, looking for another big year out of her,” Winters said.

With their state tournament-tested core ready to lead the way back, Burlingame has their eyes set on more success this season.

“I think it gives us a little bit of confidence going back,” coach Winters said. “We only lost a couple girls, we still have quite a bit of our team back from last year.”

Offices located in: Tyson is the only of the three seniors currently committed to continuing her career Atchison • Everest post-graduation. Masters plans to attend Washburn to study Nursing, while Winters is still Hiawatha • Seneca in her decision-making process.

Masters summed up what they want to accomplish before moving on.

800-892-0163 “Coming back from last season, we were state runner-up and that was really impressive,” Masters said. “We have the same standards of going and winning a state title.” rainbowtel.net The Bearcats also just wrapped up an exceptional basketball season with a trip to state.

The bulk of the girls who will look to make a return trip to the softball state tournament also keyed the success on the hardwood, especially Winters, who eclipsed the 1,000 @rainbow_comm @rainbowcommunications point career scoring mark and broke the season and single game three-point records.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

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SPRING SPOTLIGHT

PHS POWER: Paola is loaded

(L-R) Dalton Picek, Caden Marcum, Carson Boehm and Dillon Ohlmeier, Paola (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Paola baseball was a force to be reckoned with in 2021, and much to the chagrin of 4A competition across the state, a majority of the cast that made them so tough to slow down last season returns for another go-around this year. The Panthers suffered just two close losses during their 18-2 regular season stretch – 6-5 against Spring Hill and 7-5 against Ottawa – and were a devastating combination of offense and defense.

The Panthers entered into the state tournament with style after a 7-6 regional championship win over a tough Wamego team ending on a two-run walkoff home run by first team all-state second baseman Dalton Picek.

In the first round of the playoffs Paola managed a 7-4 win over Eudora, setting up a faceoff with a Bishop Miege team loaded with six seniors committed to play college ball.

The game was close throughout its first half, and at the end of the fifth, Paola was down just 3-2. However, the Stags

then reeled off a big offensive inning in the sixth, and the score began opening up, by the end of the inning it was 7-2.

The Panthers were unable to close the gap, falling 10-4.

Coach Tony Brummer’s squad went on to win the third place game 3-2 and closed out the season successfully.

While the loss hurt, they still counted their blessings.

“We had many highs last season,” Brummer said. “We won the Frontier League for only the second time in school history. We won the Butch Foster Tournament and had two great wins against Shawnee Heights and Platte County.

We also won regionals in dramatic fashion with a two run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh against a good Wamego team. Losing to Miege did sting, they were a great team and played in an extremely tough conference. I believe their conference won 6A, 5A and 4A. Losing in the semifinals to anyone – regardless of who it was – was going to sting when you believe you have one of the best teams in the state.”

Paola had five players, along with 4A Coach of the Year Tony Brummer, receive first team all-state attention, with now-senior and Tennessee baseball signee Caden Marcum also taking the honor of Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year after the outfielder recorded a .400 batting average with 32 hits, 24 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and 29 runs scored, along with his 4-1 record on the with Us mound with a 3.06 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 29.2 innings.

Only one of their all-state recipients, 4A Pitcher of the

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Year Garrett Williams, graduated in 2021. While Williams departure presents an important source of production to replace, Marcum and the other three all-state seniors returning in 2022 give Paola one of the most dangerous cores in the state.

Senior second baseman Dillon Ohlmeier hit .460 at the plate last season with 29 hits, 22 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and 21 runs en route to receiving his first team all-state nod. Outfielder Carson Boehm was just behind Ohlmeier’s average, sitting at .452 with 28 hits, 21 RBIs, 12 SB, and 26 runs scored, easily good enough for second team all-state honors.

Picek – who last year sent the team to state with his regional championship walk off – made first team after recording a .388 average with 31 hits, five homers, 35 RBIs, two stolen bases and 26 runs scored, along with a 2.60 ERA, 52 strikeouts, a 6-1 record and a save over the course of 45.1 innings.

The four seniors lead a group they feel has all the talent necessary to make it back to the state tournament, so much so that improvement from last year’s team could be possible.

“I feel like we’ve got a lot of good arms coming, a lot of underclassmen that have gotten a lot better from last year, and I think we’re going to be a lot better this year than we were last year,” Marcum said.

Marcum’s positive view of the lineup is shared with his coach, who also sees potential in this season’s group, but isn’t entirely sure what the final product will look like quite yet.

“My lineup may look quite different this year,” Brummer said. “We are going to need some of our role guys to step up and be bigger than they were last year. Jon Earlywine is a guy that we are hoping to see do that,” Brummer said.

“Some underclassmen that we have high hopes for are Kolby Wheeler and Kale Murdock and a couple of others that we feel are close. Our best JV pitcher last year was Johnson Martell. We also had a move-in from Oklahoma, Keaton Matlick, that we are excited to see what he can do.

Our freshman class that we have coming in this year creates quite a bit of optimism. We are excited to see them get going as well.”

Earlywine, a senior, had a 5.38 ERA with 22 strikeouts and a save, good for a 1-1 record over 13 innings pitched. With a step forward from him, the pitching staff is likely to become just as dangerous as the Panther offense.

“Definitely our hitting and pitching (are our biggest strengths), we’ve got a lot of hitters and people who can throw strikes,” Boehm said.

Given the group returning and the noteworthy potential elsewhere on their roster, it’s no wonder the Panthers are feeling good, and looking ahead toward a return to continued on 27

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Page 27

CHARGING AHEAD: Schwartz back for SFT track

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Brett Schwartz, Santa Fe Trail (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Santa Fe Trail’s Brett Schwartz is entering his senior campaign of high school track, but the Charger thrower has been a rising star for some time now. The Nebraska commit is a two-time discus state champ – and likely would have a third if not for 2020’s COVID cancellation.

Though Schwartz is a talented shot put and javelin thrower, qualifying for state in both, it is the discus that sets him in a category of his own, with his PR a double-take inducing 190 feet, 6 inches, a throw currently ranked in the top five nationally.

His stratospheric discus numbers weren’t always where they are today. In fact, they were far from it.

“I started in seventh grade, just heard ‘track and field,’” Schwartz said. “People were talking about it and I thought ‘might as well try it’ because I like throwing things. I thought it would fit me really well, then in eighth grade it took off from there, got more coaching and more experience.”

Schwartz’s high school throwing coach Don Herren has supportive of the other throwers on the team. He’s coachable monitored his star thrower’s progression closely. and gives you everything he’s got. I never wonder if he’s dog“His first high school meet as a freshman back in ging the workout out or cutting corners on a series of drills. If 2019 he threw 135-11 in the discus, 135-10 in the jav anything, I have to watch him so he’s not doing too much. We and 42-2 in the shot,” Herren said. “Since then, he’s try to have fun at practice and Brett’s sense of humor keeps added 54 feet to his discus, 20 feet to his javelin throw, things light.” and nearly 11 feet to his shot so far. Of course, over the Schwartz had a number of suitors looking to sign him for his years he has gotten stronger and worked on his technique. throwing ability, but ultimately it was a sense of belonging that He throws just about all year round in some way, so that led him to the University of Nebraska. seems to be a factor in his improvement.”

“I took a visit there and it was the last visit I took,” Schwartz Underscoring Schwartz’s dominance is how far ahead his said. “I took a visit to Pitt. State and Missouri Southern, too.

2021 state winning discus throw of 176-7 – far below his PR and they were both very good colleges, but Nebraska just felt – was from second place, an admirable 151-10 by Peyton like home and I was supposed to be there.”

Smith of Marysville.

Before Schwartz makes his college debut next season, he “Brett has some God-given ability to be sure, but I wouldn’t is of course a favorite to win the 3A discus and is likely to call it all ‘natural’ ability,” Herren said. “He works as hard in make a run at the shot put (53-1) and javelin (154-11) titles the weight room and at practice as any kid I’ve coached. He this spring as well. definitely pays attention to the small details of his technique.

“Brett has the unique ability to not let the moment get too He has spent hours and hours throughout the past several big nor lose sight of where he’s at,” Herren said. “I think he years to be where he is today and yet he’s still the kid that is appreciates what he’s accomplished but it hasn’t changed the last one to leave practice.” the way he prepares. He’s pretty grounded that way. I don’t It’s not just his ability to throw that makes Schwartz a valthink he ever planned or would seek the attention he’s found ued member of the track team, however, as his personality because of track. He just wants his next throw to be his best and willingness to help others is also key, according to his throw. That’s probably a good way for anybody to approach coach. what they do in life.”

“Brett is a team player,” Herren said. “He’s helpful to the junior high kids and his teammates Steakhouse & Lounge that are trying to get closer to 15745 S Topeka Ave where he is. He waits his turn in Scranton, KS the ring just like everyone else.

He’s not a real loud guy. So he Lisa Jolly, Owner leads by example and is very

Paola/from page 26 the playoffs for unfinished business.

“I think we’ve got more talent coming in from our underclassmen and I think we can make a run at state,” Ohlmeier said.

It isn’t just Paola’s confidence in the talent they’ll have that could make them a particularly dangerous team this season, however.

There are few challenges bigger than beating a talented team with a chip on their shoulder, and the Panthers appear to have a heavy one in regards to their semifinal loss.

“I think overall we’re just motivated more, a little bit more fire in us to beat that private school Miege,” Picek said. “Everyone wants to beat them, we want to be the team to take them down. If you take that game away we’re the state champions.”

It isn’t just baseball that makes Picek feel that way.

“Football, basketball, baseball, every sport, that’s the team to beat. You want to be that team.”

Paola embarks with a ship full of confidence on a last go around for this talented group of seniors in late March, and whatever ends up happening, Brummer is gracious to have had the opportunity to coach his group.

“They are full of optimism, they expect to win, they compete, and they are coachable,” Brummer said. “This group of young men have raised the expectations of all of the other players. It has been an honor to be around this group and be part of their success. My assistant coaches help prepare them to be the best they can be. These players are talented, but it isn’t by accident. They work hard and hold everyone accountable.”

Dales/from page 15 “When I was taking my visit there it kind of felt like home,” Jordan said of the DII school in Topeka.

“The coaches, and I met some of the track people there. They were all really nice so it was a fun place to be and gave me that feeling that I wanted to be there and that’s what I wanted to be a part of.”

Track and football coach, Tony Crough, believes the best is yet to come for Jordan.

“Jordan is a great kid that has done all expected of him to put himself in a position to be a college athlete,” Crough said. “He obviously has really good athletic ability, but he has advanced because he has

been a great three-sport athlete who has chosen to compete all year long. Jordan is a product of commitment and competition, and his best years as an athlete are still ahead of him.”

As Dalton deliberates on his future, both have their time together at Hays to look back on.

“It was definitely a unique experience,” Jordan said. “Not many get to go to school with, and much less compete with relatives. Me and Dalton only played football together but I’ll definitely be able to look back on that and appreciate that time we had with each other.”

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Eureka/from page 14 events, it’s only fitting the third remaining qualifier is among the best jumpers in the state.

Brooklyn Ptacek qualified for state in the 200 meter dash and finished with the 11th fastest time in 3A, while running a leg of the state runner-up 4x100 relay (50.10), but it’s the high jump where she excels the most, finishing last year second at state with a leap of 5 feet, 4 inches.

While Brooklyn has experienced the most individual track success at this point, it should be noted that she is far from coach Ptacek’s only child on the team.

“For the last several years I’ve got to coach several of my daughters in track and my mother in law is my assistant, so we definitely have a family aspect going,” the elder Ptacek noted. “I actually have three daughters on the team this year. Brooklyn, who did the interview, who you know is a senior, Cady is a junior and a solid hurdler, and Kimber, who is an incoming freshman.

My oldest, Chazni, graduated last year and was a good sprinter for us. My mother in law, (Shelly Hoyt), is the head basketball coach and I’m her assistant, so it is definitely a unique and awesome situation!”

Chazni was a member of the state runner-up 4x100 team with her sister and has since moved on to playing basketball for Tabor.

It seems safe to assume that as a track coach and father of a talented jumper, Brendan Ptacek is one of the foremost high jump gurus in Kansas, but as he openly admits, that is not the case…or at least it

wasn’t in the beginning.

“It’s kind of been an adventure as far as high jump, because really he didn’t know what he was doing” Brooklyn said. “But we didn’t have anyone else so we just had to get on YouTube, ask other people, you know, that sort of thing, we’re kind of learning as we’re going.”

Given Eureka’s reality of a small coaching staff, it’s not unusual for a coach to provide tutelage outside of their wheelhouse.

“We have three coaches,” coach Ptacek said. “I’m sure other schools have a lot more, so we always ask a couple coaches – it’s usually at least one or two events – that they’ve got to step outside the box a little bit.”

Based on the results, both Ptaceks have pretty well mastered the technique surrounding the event, and while often times a coach will push their own children harder than others on the team, coach Ptacek has a different approach.

“Honestly, he’s a pretty chill dude.”

Brooklyn said. “I feel like he wants us to do well, he puts a lot of effort into knowing his stuff and making sure we’re doing what we need to do to get our bodies ready.”

With the season close-at-hand, Ptacek and his Tornadoes are hoping for another strong showing.

“I’m excited about this upcoming season,” coach Ptacek said. “I think we have a good chance to have a great year. We’ll see how we stack up again next year. I think last year gave us a lot of hope this coming year to have success.”

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 28

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

SEDGWICK SURGE: Repeat?

(L-R) Blake Huebert ,Connor Tillman, Lance Hoffsommer and Charles Harjo, Sedgwick (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Sedgwick baseball made history in 2021, winning their first baseball state title in school history with an 11-1 win over Valley Falls, leaving them with a 25-1 mark on the season.

Second team all-state senior shortstop Lance Hoffsommer, who threw five complete innings in the title game, with six strikeouts and only one earned run, reflected on the surreal feeling of finally winning the championship.

“It meant the world to me since it’s our first ever one, and for our class it was the second time going there,” Hoffsommer said. “(We made it) our freshman year, and then sophomore year it was COVID, because we didn’t get to go back, and then junior year we went back to state and we’re like ‘We’re back here, we made it!’ and then all of the sudden we won the first game, got past that, and then we eventually got past the second game and then we got to the championship and thought ‘Well, might as well win it!’ and we did, and it just meant the world to us.”

Along with Hoffsommer, the Cardinals return a strong group

of seniors in first team all-state first baseman Austin Harjo, outfielder Connor Tillman, third baseman Blake Huebert, and catcher Justin Esposito. The positions around those established seniors will otherwise be up for grabs, however.

“In preparing for the upcoming season, we know that we have some key pieces from last year’s squad to replace,” coach Doug Mabry said. “We will look to new faces to step up and make positive contributions to our team, but our 2021 senior group has some big shoes to be filled. Our team believes in what we do, and in how we do it. We look forward to the challenge of competing at a high level again this year.”

The Cards will miss the departure of a couple all-state players, including now Friends University pitcher Nolan Crumrine.

“Nolan was obviously the Pitcher of the Year, so it’s going to be very hard to replace him, I don’t think anyone could just replace him automatically, but we have the guys I think,” Hoffsommer said. “Charles (Austin Harjo) pitched in the state game, second round. I pitched in the championship. So having those two guys back we’re going to have to rely on

Blake (Huebert) to pitch, as well Connor (Tillman) to pitch, all four of us are seniors so we’ve been in spots where we’ve pitched before and we’re going to have to rely on some underclassmen, too, to pick up where Henry Burns, Austin Wilkes, Remington Knowle, Jane Tolls have left because they all graduated. They were big pieces and were all in the lineup hitting. So we’re going to just have to rely on dudes we haven’t had and they’re just going to have to step up.”

While the younger group is largely unproven, the returning starters have faith in their younger teammates.

“I think we’ve got the right underclassmen that can step up and make plays like,” Huebert said. “We had a second baseman who was a freshman last year, Jackson Scarlett, that had to start in the state championship and he stepped up and made plays.”

While Scarlett and the rest of the up-and-comers have the challenge of adjusting to varsity, the production in the already established roster should help hide early growing pains.

Harjo and Hoffsommer were among the best hitter/pitcher combos in the state last year, with Harjo hitting .534 with 39 hits and 45 RBIs, to go with his 6-0 record, 1.46 ERA and 59 strikeouts over 38.1 innings on the mound.

“He will hit in the heart of our lineup, as he is an excellent run producer,” Mabry said. “He emerged as one of our top pitchers last year, highlighted by a six-inning perfect game at 3A contender Russell/Victoria. He also has big game experience, having been the starting pitcher in both our regional and state tournament semifinal games. He is cool under pressure and our team will rely on his experience this season.”

Hoffsommer, meanwhile, was .479 with 35 hits, 51 runs scored, and four home runs, along with a 3-1 record, 2.86 ERA, and 39 strikeouts. He also broke the school record for runs in a season last year and, during football season, was continued on 30

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SPRING SPOTLIGHT

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 29

TROJANS ON TRACK: SES returns strong core

Sprecker – who is also a two-time individual state champ in XC – was unstoppable at the state meet on his way to golds in the 800 (1:55.34), 1600 (4:17.74), the 4x800 (8:12.87), and a silver in the 4x400 (3:31.04), just behind Hesston (3:30.72).

Despite his individual success, that’s not what keeps Sprecker going.

“I’ve always been one of those people where I’m kind of driven by that team factor,” Sprecker said. “If that team isn’t succeeding, I don’t really feel like I’m doing enough.

So being able to be a part of a team and keep that engine running, that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Both athletes are planning to continue running at the next level with Sprecker committed to Pittsburg State and Poague choosing between a few DII options.

“So Pitt State was one of the first colleges I visited Front row (L-R): Jentrie Alderson, Dylan Sprecker, coach Wade Caselman, Nakari Morrical-Palmer and Ashley and I found myself during other visits, I would keep on Prochazka. Back row: Chase Poague, Damion Jackson, Drake Augustine and Michael Murray. (Photo by Connor Waltz) comparing it to Pitt State,” Sprecker said. “And after a while I was just really thinking it over and I decided that

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer took the 3A state title at Cessna Stadium last May with 84 the team atmosphere there is unparalleled and they have a In terms of competitive running, few schools have a better team points, comfortably ahead of second place Girard’s 55. great legacy that I really want to be a part of, and I have a lot overall track record than Southeast of Saline over the last few “It was a great experience, just getting that opportunity,” of trust in their coaching.” years with the men’s cross country team winning three state Caselman said. “The kids performed well last year and win“Right now I’ve decided I’m picking between three,” Poague ning that first state title in school history was very special.” titles from 2018 to 2020, and a runner-up finish last fall, and said. “Fort Hays State, which has a wonderful track program, From that team, Caselman returns a load of athleticism, inthe women winning back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.

Pitt State, which these two (Sprecker and Jentrie Alderson) cluding senior standouts Chase Poague and Dylan Sprecker.

Trojan head track and field and cross country coach Wade have committed to, and honestly running with these guys the Caselman is at the heart of each of those championships, Poague took first in the 110 meter hurdles (14.54) and the next four years does sound pretty fun, and then Northwest 300s (39.98), along with a second in the 4x400 (3:31.04). and has won a total of seven XC titles between the men and Missouri. It’s up there in Missouri, it’s pretty far away, but they Despite Poague being the best hurdler in 3A, it’s not always women’s programs, with the other two titles being back-tohave a really good, dedicated track team and they have some back men’s championships in 2014 and 2015. smooth sailing for the explosive senior, something evident hurdlers, so hurdling is what I want to do.” when asked about his biggest focus this season.

What Caselman – along with every other Southeast of Before either move on, they’ve got a title to defend, and Saline coach before him – had not been able to accomplish, “Just keeping stable, because I’ve had some troubles tripa talented cast joining them to do it including juniors Nakari however, was a track and field state title. ping in the past,” Poague said. “So honestly just trying to run Morrical-Palmer (8th, 400m; 2nd, 4x400), junior Damion That changed in 2021 when the Trojans men’s squad finally good times and get those times down and PRing.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Jackson (8th, 3200), and Drake Augustine (1st, 4x800), along with a few other up-and-comers coach Caselman believes have potential to make an impact on the team as well. Junior Michael Murray should emerge as one of the top sprinters and long jumpers in the state after an injury sidelined him for the track postseason last year. His PR in the 100 is 10.97 and long jump is 21-4. Last fall he showed off versatility and speed for the Trojan football team as well.

“We have a good chance of defending our state title as long as we can stay healthy and continue to improve,” Caselman said. “We have some gaps to fill on several of our relays so that will be something that we will need to work on.”

While it was the men who won the title last season, the women’s team for Southeast is not to be trifled with either after taking eighth at last year’s state meet with a score of 26, only seven points outside of tying for a third place finish.

The catch to the Trojan women’s point total? Two athletes, Jentrie Alderson and Ashely Prochazka, did all of the scoring.

Prochazka, now a junior, had a strong showing, finishing third in the 3200 (12:04.87) and 13th in the 1600 (5:50.46).

Page 30 “For me it was really based off how I felt with the girls when She also finished 11th at state XC last fall. Alderson, meanI went there, it was just super comfortable and then I met the while, won both the 1600 (5:11.59) and the 3200 (11:13.06). coach,” Alderson said. “He was super dedicated with running, She is also a two-time cross country individual state champ. he wasn’t just there to show off his facility and things like that.

“I feel that we have a good group of girls that can help He was simply dedicated to running and I want to have a contribute in scoring points this season,” Caselman said. “ coach there to make me better and push me every single day, Hopefully we can get more than two girls to state this year in and I think he would be there to do that.” multiple events.”

As both teams prepare for the season, Caselman isn’t overWhile the two alone could provide enough firepower to thinking what he’s got to do to put his team in a good place. challenge for a podium finish this season, Alderson feels “I’d say probably making sure we get the kids in the right good about their supporting cast as well. events to be able to score as many points as we can at the “I think we have a lot of potential, especially all the girls putting in hard work,” Alderson said. “I think we do have higher meets,” Caselman said. “Especially when we get into the standards for ourselves, so if we just follow through it’ll go postseason at the regional and state meets.” good and it’ll be fun.”

Sedgwick/from page 28 one of the best He started every game of the regular season Alderson will join quarterbacks in Kansas in all classes last year. last year, before falling ill just before the state Sprecker – and potenHe is committed to play QB for Emporia State tournament. He is excited to have an opportunity tially Poague – at Pitt this fall. to make an even bigger impact this season.”

State once she wraps “We will count on him for leadership and Rounding out the returning Cardinal onslaught, up her high school communication this year,” Mabry said.

Esposito posted a .292 average with 21 hits and career.

Tillman adds more versatility to the pitching 18 RBIs along with his tough play at catcher. staff after pitching eight innings with 10 strikeAs the seasons approaches, the defending outs, but makes his biggest impact at the plate champs aren’t going to overcomplicate what got with a .356 average. them there in the first place.

“In the fall, he broke the Kansas high school re“We just want to get better every day after cord for kicking points scored in a career,” Mabry (winning a state title) and just try to go back to state again and possibly compete for another said. “Last spring, he was a first-year starter championship,” Tillman said. for us, and learned a lot from his big-game As for having the “target on their back,” given experience. He is an inspirational leader for us, and one of his biggest contributions to the team Sedgwick’s consistent winning-history, their approach changed little from years prior. is his mental toughness.”

“This year I don’t think it’s any different Huebert hit .351 with 20 hits, 32 runs scored, two home runs, and was capable of doing just because we’ve always had a good program and everyones always been out to beat us,” Harjo about anything Mabry needed him to on the said. “So I think it doesn’t change, we always diamond. have to keep the same mentality and push it no “Blake Huebert might be our most versatile matter who we’re playing.” player,” Mabry said. “He is a true utility guy that we will ask to play several different positions.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 32

DUAL MONARCH: Wentling a spring two-sport star

during the season, and is an excellent communicator when he is getting overwhelmed.”

Wentling says the decision to do both is about the teams.

“I really wanted to help both the track team and the baseball team, but my track and baseball coaches are both really supportive of me in both sports and both understand that If I have to miss a track meet to go to a baseball game, my track coach is really understanding.”

As his most chaotic time of year approaches, Wentling is hoping to make it a step further on the diamond after TMP was knocked out, 7-3, in last year’s regional final.

“It motivated me a lot,” Wentling said. “I’ve been working a lot in the offseason, along with the other sports I’ve been playing. I think that the main goal is just to get to that state tournament as a team, and I think it’s really going to motivate us a lot.”

And while motivation is important, the talent also has to be there surrounding Wentling, something he doesn’t think should be an issue.

“I think we’re looking really good,” Wentling said. “We’re returning all of our starters actually, we had no seniors that started last year and I think that this year the seniors and all of us want to get to that state tournament, so I think we should look pretty good this year.”

Starters coming back alongside Wentling include seniors Mark Rack (.385, 2.29 ERA), Niklas Helget (.221), Nicholas Herrman (.254, 4320 Vine St, Ste 30 (Located in Tebo Village) Hays, KS 1.97 ERA), (785) 625-2121 juniors Chet Irvin kuhnsdiamondjewelers.com continued on 76

to coach. She also does not take days or plays off. When she does something she does it with full commitment and giving 100 percent. Adisyn’s freshman season was shortened by COVID. Her sophomore season was unbelievable. She hit in the clean-up spot and started every game at shortstop.”

The duo has separately spent much of the offseason playing with nationally ranked club softball teams, something Miles believes gives them a considerable leg up, and both girls are determined to repeat last season’s success, despite being in the crosshairs of others.

“Last year (2019) we were kind of the underdog, we didn’t win a Centennial League (L-R) Adisyn Caryl and NiJaree Canady, Topeka High (Photos by Connor Waltz) title, let alone a state title,” Canady said. “So

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer this year we have that target on our back, everyone wants to Topeka High won their first ever softball state championship take down the top dog, and we’re the top dog now, so it’s just in dominant fashion in 2021, going 25-0 and winning the title knowing that everyone’s coming after us this year.” game against Olathe North 7-1. From that team, they return On the mound, Canady has the power and technical side two of the top players in the state in Stanford signee NiJaree down, but she admittedly is Canady and Illinois commit Adisyn Caryl. still tweaking other aspects of Canady, a senior, was voted first team all-state as a pitcher her game. last season after posting an astounding .26 ERA with 226 “I definitely have to have strikeouts and a 21-0 record. She also hit .478 with 49 RBIs a lot of confidence going on and 13 home runs and is a standout in the classroom as well. to the mound,” Canady said.

“NiJa Canady is a very talented young lady on the field, but “I always feel like I seem she probably is most talented at maintaining her academics,” confident, but inside I’m kind head coach Shane Miles said. “NiJa has maintained great of nervous a little bit. I talk grades throughout her high school career. In softball, she has to my pitching coach a lot been a leader since coming in as a freshman. She works at about pitching mentality. Your getting better each and every day.” mentality as a pitcher is half Caryl, now just a junior, was voted second team all-state as of the battle right there.” an infielder after recording a .608 average with 48 hits and 40 Given the .26 ERA and 226 RBIs and also possesses a serious focus on her grades. strikeouts, Canady’s contin“Adisyn maintains an above 4.0 GPA,” Miles said. “Adisyn ued focus on improvement is one of the hardest-working players I have had the privilege is likely to send a collective

shiver down the spines of any batter.

Canady’s focus goes so far that she decided, after suffering an injury earlier in her career, to forego playing basketball this season in order to prepare for softball, and her career at Stanford beyond that, a school that she knew was for her.

“A lot of things went into it,” Canady said. “I looked a lot at the academics and I like the coaches and the campus,” Canady said. “I looked at the other choices, too, of course, but I feel like at the end of the day Stanford was my home.”

Caryl too has a unique conviction for the sport, sticking devoutly to a six day workout regimen, including waking up early to get cuts in on game days.

The junior is fueled by a love of softball and remembers the drive she had just to get back onto the field before last season, no matter the result.

“Going into the season, because we lost the season before (to COVID), we just wanted to play and we ended up going all the way, so it was super fun,” Caryl said. “I got to play with people I’ve known continued on 36

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

nior to get looks from a few schools and in November, Wentling signed to play baseball at Neosho County after he wraps up his senior year.

Wentling’s athletic ability is unquestionable, the biggest challenge for him, at times, is simply not having enough hours in the day.

“I go to the gym and workout, take some batting practice, throw it around a bit, things like that,” Wentling said. “It’s hard to find (the time) sometimes, but I try to make it work as best as I can.”

Both coaches – James Harris in track and Aaron Breit in baseball – support his dual-sport pursuit. While it does cause conflicts of interest at times, honest communication of priorities has made situations fairly seamless.

“There have been no issues from this standpoint,” Breit said.

“Jace emphasized his main focus was baseball, and I have had no problem allowing him to compete in track along the way, as there was, and is, no negative impact on him doing both as an athlete and the work ethic he has.”

The cooperation also allows for coordination of Wentling’s priorities outside of sports.

“Jace is very involved in the school and in the community,” Harris said. “We look at his baseball season on a weekly basis and then design his track workouts around baseball. Dual sports can be very challenging on student-athletes because not only do they have multiple practices and events throughout the week, they also maintain and manage their academics as well. At TMP-Marian students must maintain a 90 percent average in the classroom to continue to dual, so not only does Jace compete in two sports but he has to manage his academic workload. Jace works extremely hard to maintain great academics, prepare his body in the weight room prior and

Jace Wentling, TMP (Photo by Connor Waltz)

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Few athletes in the state can claim the all-around production of Thomas More Prep-Marian’s Jace Wentling. The senior dabbles in a few sports throughout the year – all-league receiver in the fall, key member of a state tournament basketball team – but once spring rolls around, the schedule really gets full.

Wentling is a member of both the baseball and track teams at TMP and makes a significant impact on each.

After qualifying for the state meet in the triple and long jump last season, Wentling went on to take third in the triple with a jump of 43 feet, three-quarters of an inch – quite a bit off his personal best of 44-10 – but earned a gold with his long jump of 23 feet, 5.5 inches, nearly a half foot better than the runner-up and six inches off the 3A state meet record.

On the diamond, where he feels most at home, the talented catcher has put up excellent numbers at the plate, batting .500, with 36 hits, 27 runs scored, 10 RBI, five doubles, a triple and a home run, as well as pitching 30.2 innings with 32 strikeouts and a 3.42 ERA. His exploits were impressive enough as a ju-

UNBEATEN: THS enters year on win streak

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

FALLS GUY: Gatzemeyer leads VHS

Avery Gatzemeyer, Valley Falls (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Valley Falls baseball is coming off a 21-3 state runner-up finish in 2021 and they bring a number of talented players back in 2022, not least of all, first team all-state selection Avery Gatzemeyer.

The senior got his all-state nod for his work as a pitcher, finishing the season at a perfect 6-0, but his work at the plate is nothing to be scoffed at after he hit an incredible .598 as a junior, to go with 49 hits, 41 RBI, eight home runs and 30 runs scored.

With the departure of Cameron Hall after the end of last season, first year head coach Luke Burns has an advantage over a lot of other incoming coaches.

“Being a first year coach is always a challenge, but luckily for me, it comes in my hometown where I grew up and played,” Burns said. “I’ve known each of these guys since they were in kindergarten and have seen them all grow into great athletes as well

as great young men. I actually had the privilege of coaching some of the upperclassmen in basketball and football back when I was in high school.”

Burns is familiar with his all-state infielder, as well.

“I’m very familiar with what Avery brings to the table,” Burns said. “He’s really just the all-around player. The kind of guy you can put at any spot on the field and he knows what’s going on.

His situational awareness is second to none. He just really gets the game of baseball. When it comes to hitting, it seems that his biggest strength is his ability to pick up the ball out of the pitcher’s hand. If it’s on the outside edge, he’s driving it the other way, he’s not trying to pull it. He doesn’t try to over-power anything, just takes what he gets and makes the most of it.”

Aside from his pure talent, Gatzemeyer seems to also give his teammates peace of mind with his presence on the diamond.

“Over the past couple of years watching these guys, I’ve noticed that everybody seems more confident in their own positions when Avery is on the mound,” Burns said. “That obviously says something about the leadership that he brings to the table. He really keeps the energy level up amongst all the guys. Never lets anybody get down on themselves, and if they do, he’s always there to pick them back up.”

This rare gift – even if presented more modestly – is something Gatzemeyer sees as one of his best traits.

“My greatest strength would probably just be knowing the game and just being able to relay it to my other teammates, so that they feel the same way,” Gatzemeyer said.

Though Gatzemeyer is the lone returner with all-state accolades, the rest of the roster is far from without serious talent.

Five seniors, including first baseman Denten Elias (.318), infielder Mason Allen (.278), outfielders Brennen Miller (.349), Trenton Kraxner (.354), and Carson Clark (.347), along with junior Dylan Crevantez (.351), who has spent time at both infield and catcher,

Page 33 give the Dragons a dangerous group alongside Gatzemeyer. All but Elias and Clark can be used on the mound as well.

“This team is something special,” Burns said. “Each one of these guys brings a different piece to the puzzle. These guys have been very well coached in the past years, and it showed last year at the state tournament. I’m very fortunate that I’ve come in to this position when I did. These guys truly understand the game of baseball as a whole and play really well as a team. That makes my job a little easier.”

While Valley Falls is going to be among state tournament favorites this year in baseball, basketball is where Gatzemeyer is most at home, and it shows as the senior has helped the Dragons to one of the best seasons in 2A. “I think that we could play our basketball and win a state championship,” Gatzemeyer said.

Gatzemeyer is also the son of Valley Falls head coach Caleb Gatzemeyer, who just recently passed the 200-win mark for his career, and while Gatzemeyer jokingly pointed out the dynamics of both the fun, and the occasional butting of heads with his father and coach, his love for the sport is strong enough that it will likely drive his college choice.

“Well right now I want to play basketball at the collegiate level,” Gatzemeyer said. “But I’ve always been told I’m better at baseball, but basketball is what I love.”

Gatzemeyer is likely to excel at either sport he decides on at the next level, and for now, his remaining high school season has a lot of work to still put into it.

“There is no doubt that we are going to have a target on our back,” Burns said. “I keep trying to reiterate this to the guys every time I see them. We are going to see everybody’s best when we play them. But in my opinion, that’s what we want. We want to be challenged and have some adversity. That’s what helps set good teams apart from great teams. The sky is really the limit with this group of guys. They understand what lies ahead of them and what it takes to get right back to where they left off. They’ve had a taste of what it’s like to be in a state championship, and I think I speak for them that we want to be back there come the end of May.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 34

SPRING SPOTLIGHT

PURPLE PRIDE: Yungeberg leads Valley Heights track

Emma Yungeberg, Valley Heights (Photo by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Valley Heights senior Emma Yungeberg is in the process of putting together one of the better high school javelin careers in state history. The two-time state champ would likely be a three-time winner at this point, if not for 2020’s COVID cancellation, and is looking to bring home more gold in 2022.

Beyond the javelin, Yungeberg has shown she’s a gifted allaround thrower, also excelling at discus and shot put.

As a freshman she managed her first high school gold at the 2019 state meet with a throw of 129-11, adding a seventh place finish in the shot (36-10.75) and eighth in the discus (110-00).

After the break in 2020, Yungeberg made a statement at Cessna last May with two Class 2A golds in the javelin (144-00) and shot put (40-11), as well as a silver in the discus (126-10). Although her performance didn’t show it, the senior had some doubts in her shot and discus chances entering the meet, concerns that have since been extinguished.

“It was definitely a confidence boost for me just knowing

what I could do,” Yungeberg said. “I thought I was capable, but didn’t know how it would go for me, but after last year I’m really confident and definitely know what I can work on.”

As a team, the Valley Heights girls finished third place in 2A a season ago under head coach Tony Trimble, and now return all state-qualifiers from that squad. But with Trimble’s departure for a football coaching position at Hutchinson High, it will be Adam Schreiner, an assistant at Heights for the last eight seasons, taking over the head position.

“Coach Trimble left a great tradition that we will continue and try to improve on,” Schreiner said. “We have a girls team that will compete in various individual events and some relays. I know there are some great teams out there, but we feel as though we have an opportunity to place at state and compete all year long.”

Individual returning qualifiers for the Mustangs include senior Maddy Vermetten (discus, 8th), Taya Smith (400m, 5th, pole vault, qualifier), Brooke Porter (200m, qualifier), as well as 4x800 (4th) and 4x400 (3rd) teams that return all four legs.

“I’m really excited,” Yungeberg said. “Everyone’s returning, we didn’t have any seniors last year, so I think we’re all just excited to go and we think we can do better than what we did last year as a team, and so we’re just really excited to see what this season brings.”

Also returning this season is Yungeberg’s throwing coach Jordan Broxternman, who won his own javelin state title in 2008 for Frankfort with a throw of 182 feet.

“Emma has a great throwing coach in Jordan Broxterman and he does a tremendous job of passing on knowledge to her,” Schreiner said. “Coach Broxterman does a great job of sharing what he knows and studies more to gain as much knowledge as possible. Our approach is really just to share what we know and build a foundation that colleges can

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improve on. If we try to do too much at their level we miss out on our level and what we have to offer.”

As she enters into her senior season, Yungeberg’s career best throws currently sit at 150-4 in the javelin, 41-2.5 in the shot, and 130-11 in the disc. Even with those impressive numbers, and multiple gold medals to show for it, there is little sign of her letting up, spending much of her summer throwing with a club team and competing at nationals.

Despite the time and effort she puts into the sport, Yungeberg manages to make a point to keep things laid back.

“Emma is an extremely hard worker, but also likes to enjoy herself,” Schreiner said. “She puts in the work and will also try and have a fun time with her teammates which is fun to be around. She makes practice and meets enjoyable.”

After she wraps up her senior season, Yungeberg is committed to continue her career as a thrower at the University of Michigan, a nationally recognized athletic powerhouse, after sorting through a number of other prominent suitors such as Alabama, Stanford and Oklahoma.

“When I got to Michigan I knew that it was a very big sports school and just the atmosphere surrounding that was definitely a big draw to me,” Yungeberg said. “But I really clicked with the teammates and the coaches and so having those two factors were a really big draw for me, along with academics.”

Although her ability to hurl a javelin an incredible distance is what initially got her noticed by Big Blue, the Wolverines are getting far more than a strong arm.

“I would say it’s who she is as a person,” Schreiner said.

“She has been blessed with some talent and has worked hard to get the most out of that talent. But she is more than an athlete, she is a funny, outgoing and an intelligent young lady.

She makes people around her better and can make almost any situation entertaining.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 than ever.” softball,” Boxberger said. “One of the best Hoisington/from page 17 Helping Hoisington to “come back stronger parts about this, is how our summer coaches than ever” is a city and school system that and parents give up some of their free time has invested time and money in athletics and come down and run it for us, as the high in the community. While many other small school coaches aren’t allowed to be there. I school softball teams don’t have a dedicated appreciate everyone who comes down and summer softball program outside of weights, helps out, as they are huge assets to our the Cardinals are a successful case study program.” into what sticking together through the With that consistent practice and drilling, summer can build.

Hoisington’s personnel develop an array of “For a small town, we have nice facilities all-around skills, giving them extra flexibility for all our sports and softball is no different,” with their roster.

Boxberger said. “We are finishing up adding “That gives us a lot of confidence because a couple of ball diamonds along with a new overall, our team can really play anywhere,” building for concessions, restrooms and Urban said. “We have a bunch of talented storage. We also have a place downtown, players that can play any position, so that The Cardinals Nest, where we have indoor boosts our confidence a lot.” batting cages and places for pitchers to throw Even for teams as skilled and experienced year-round. This is huge for our program, as the Cardinals, pitfalls still exist. and you would be surprised on how much “All-around our players are very talented, this place gets used. You can see online you could put them anywhere,” Aylward said. who is accessing it, and it brings a smile to “Our biggest struggle, I would say, is getting my face when you see how many of your down on ourselves. One person gets down, players are out there working on their own in then that just causes the whole team. People the offseason. With our ‘open gym,’ we have that are there and can build you up – espebeen doing this for quite a few years now. We cially our seniors – will be very uplifting and have a gym at our city building where we set encouraging everybody else.” up a batting cage and plenty of other hitting Lucky for Hoisington, Aylward and her stations, along with pitching mats, and are fellow seniors are familiar with being the able to hit ground balls, etc., just to get the “team to beat.” rust knocked off before practice starts.”

“This group of seniors have done nothing The Cardinals start the program the first but win,” Boxberger said. “I started coaching Monday in January and run it until regular these girls in 10 and under travel softball. season practices begin for high school, while Kadence and Gracie at eight and Kass at the younger kids continue until close to spring nine. These girls won state titles at 10U, break.

12U, 14U, 16U and 18U in the summers.

“It is a great tool to get kids excited about The leadership and work ethic they provide

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for their teammates is unmatched. It’s not always vocal, but they get their point across with their attitudes at practices and games.

Of course, they all like to have fun, but when it’s game time, these girls get locked in and the underclassmen see this and follow in their footsteps. So, to ask how important they are to our program is an easy one, they are the program. They’ve been in it for so long, it’s going to be a real challenge to replace them once they are gone.”

Boxberger also made a point to include Kempke, a talented center fielder, who is the least mentioned of Hoinsington’s talented four seniors.

“I also would like to mention our fourth

Page 35 senior this season in Shaylah Kempke,” Boxberger said. “Shay gets overlooked a little with these three, but she’s a good player in her own rights and I would be doing an injustice by not giving her a mention.”

Aylward is currently undecided on her plans post-graduation, while Nixon and Urban are both set to attend Barton Community College – Nixon for volleyball and Urban as a student – and Kempke plans to attend Fort Hays State.

“These kids are just a joy to coach,” Boxberger said. “They don’t bring any drama to practice or games, they just love the game of softball, and they all know how to win, and what it takes to win.”

Garden Plain/from page 15 Owls’ practices more intense.

“The girls’ track team has always been pretty competitive, but the past few years we have been blessed with some very talented athletes,” Rockers said. “Competitiveness helps all aspects of our practices. It can sometimes be hard to push yourself to give your best every day when you don’t have someone that can push you in practice.

Having that competitiveness in practice has certainly helped to make everyone better, especially our sprinters.”

Hammond is going for her third 4x100, 100 and 200 state titles after taking first as a freshman, as well as her second 400 meter title after taking ninth in 2019. “(My goal is) to do the same thing this upcoming year and not disappoint my teammates and just work my hardest, and be

a good senior leader,” Hammond said.

After this season, Hammond is committed to run track at Emporia State, citing their atmosphere and coaches as key reasons for choosing the DII school halfway between Wichita and Topeka.

With Thompson ready to give her a run for her titles, and both working toward the ultimate goal, adding another team championship, this season could be a fitting end to Hammond’s illustrious high school career.

“Brooke has been competing in track for over 10 years,” Rockers said. “Over that period of time, she has developed a very competitive spirit. The passion she has for track drives her to work extremely hard in practice and that in turn pushes others on the team to be better. She has been a great leader and the coaching staff looks forward to having that leadership on the track this season.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 forever. In the the Trojans to their title in 2021 was her Topeka/from page 32 back of my mind it was like, ‘You always want sister, Zoe – who hit an incredible .738 last to win.’ But we just took it one game at a time year with 62 hits, 9 home runs and 68 RBIs and we made it there, and we were like, ‘It’s and just one strikeout in 96 plate appearancour destiny, we’re going to win!’” es – who now also happens to be a freshman With the experienced core Topeka has on the University of Illinois softball team. returning, Caryl likes their odds again this Despite them both committing to the same school, Adisyn suggested it may be more of a season as well.

“I think we have a pretty good chance, we coincidence than you’d think. have two, three girls not coming back and we “I was just seeing my options and once I still have a good pitcher and some hitters, so got on campus I loved it,” Caryl said. “It was a bonus that my sister was there, but I just that’s all we really need.”

A particular teammate of Caryl’s who helped really loved the place.”

Madison/from page 22 them.”

Turner sees potential in his team outside of the two established individual qualifiers as the Bulldogs eye a return to a team podium finish at state.

“I’m feeling pretty good about it,” Turner said. “We definitely still have some athletes that can get the job done and get some points on the board. I’m just looking forward to getting better and looking at my brothers getting better. It’s just going to be a good experience.”

Individually, Turner is a favorite to defend his 100 meter title and could make waves in the long jump as well. In the 200, he was a part of one of the more exciting races at state last year against Canton-Galva state champ Tyson Struber (22.82), Blue Valley-Randolph runner-up Jeremiah Duncan (22.83), with his own time of 22.83, just a few fractions of a second setting second and third apart.

Struber, a K-State football commit, is likely to return to state to defend his title.

“That was a legit race with some legit guys,” Turner said. “Really fun. I definitely tried to push myself there at the end a little bit more than I should have. Should’ve kept on pace, but that’s okay, I’ll probably have another shot at it and I’m just excited to race against those guys.”

Turner and Helm could potentially win a title by themselves this May if the cookies crumble properly, but a few more points outside of their talents would help the team’s hopes immensely. Either way, McMillian is excited to see what comes of it all.

“Last year was tough, especially since the team we beat at regionals is who beat us at state (Hanover),” McMillian said. “We graduated a big senior class last spring, but with having Casey and Bryson back, hopefully we can compete for a state championship again.

We are going to need some younger guys to step up and score some points in some places, but I am really excited to see what these guys can do this year.”

Senior third baseman Elycia Joyce (.447, 34 hits, 30 RBI), senior outfielder Amiah Cain (.263, 27 runs scored), junior second baseman Quincy Smith (.406), and sophomore outfielder McCall Beall (.250) all return to give Topeka a legitimate shot at repeating.

“We have six players returning from last

Page 36 year’s state championship team,” Miles said.

“This year we will have six to eight players fighting for spots on the varsity roster. To get back to the state tournament we will need to work hard in practice then take games one by one. This team will be led by a good group of juniors and seniors.”

Maur Hill/from page 24 younger guys coming up, so I feel like we’re going to have a really good staff this year.”

Pound, as a freshman, posted a 3-0 record with a 1.00 ERA on the mound last season and gives the Ravens another element for opposing teams to deal with, but while the talented underclassman has shown he’s capable, having Caudle or Beagle on the mound as often as possible is part of Baniewicz’s approach.

“First, it is a blessing to start with two guys on the mound the caliber of Drew and Parrish,” Baniewicz said. “Yet, you always need more pitching. Cooper Pound did a great job in the limited opportunities he had last year and we will depend on him more this year. He is a great third option. Sophomore Truett Weninger throws pretty hard and I expect him to help us out. Sophomore Bohdan Korbelik will also see some spot duty and mix things up. Let’s be honest though, we are going to go as far as Drew and Parrish can lead us on the hill.”

At the season’s conclusion, Caudle won’t be the first in his family to compete in college athletics, but he is switching the sport up.

His father, Todd, played football for KU in the early 90s, along with his brothers Nick (KU) and Jack (Fort Scott CC).

“Football’s always been in the back of my mind,” Caudle said. “It’s always been there, I’ve grown up on it. My dad played in college, my brother, and just everything. So it’s already been there, but I felt like baseball was my best sport and what I liked playing the most. It was a no-brainer for me, but it was still in the back of my mind.”

Ultimately, Caudle knew baseball at William Jewell was right for him soon after setting foot on their campus.

“When I visited it kind of brought it all together,” Caudle said. “The coaches are really putting a big investment into the baseball program and I really like the new pitching coach (Greg May) and head coach, Coach (Mike) Stockton, and it’s just a great place to be.”

While Beagle has another year to make decisions on his future, he recently announced his commitment to Tarleton State University’s baseball program on Twitter.

But, no matter what the future holds, the season at hand is what the duo is most focused on at this time.

“This year’s definitely important to me,” Beagle said. “Me and Drew have grown up playing baseball our whole life, so this one’s special to us. If we can get over the hump this year it’ll be something we don’t forget ever.”

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Page 37

“We have the pieces to be competitive and will have to develop depth on the mound and length in our line-up to be a state tournament type team,” coach Mike Hill said.

Eric Olmstead’s LIBERAL squad finished 6-14 last season, but gets back a good core of talent, including seniors Shay Kerr (SS/C, .303, 20H, 15RBI, 7SB), Oscar Rubio (1B, .306, 19H, 10RBI), Erick Baca (OF, .423, 11H, 5RBI), junior Israel Rotolo (OF/C, .333, 19H, 10RBI, 14SB) and sophomore Brooks Kappelmann (SS, .261, 6H, 3RBI).

“We bring back quite a bit of experience from a young 2021 team,” Olmstead said. “We will be led by a strong senior class.”

Coming off of a first round loss in regionals that saw them finish the season 11-9, GARDEN CITY bring back three key players in seniors Caleb Metzen (P/OF/IF, .349, 22H, 20R, 22RBI, 11SB, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2.68 ERA, 3-2), Micah Perez (P/IF, .283, 13 H, 9R, 9RBI, 2 2B, 1 3B, 4.03 ERA, 2-0), and junior Iziah Salinas (P/OF, 3.57 ERA, 0-1).

“Have a great young core that will have some growing pains, but a ton of potential,” coach Justin Reich said. “Looking forward to watching them compete at the varsity level.”

GARDNER-EDGERTON came up just short of winning the school’s first ever baseball state championship, losing to Blue Valley 4-3 in the title matchup, and finishing the season 22-3.

Head coach Corey Schrack has a number of weapons back from that crew, including senior Tyler Butash (C, .221), Jake McClure (UT, .359), Carson Schrack (2B, .303), Matt McMilian, Zach Sanford (RHP, 1.46 ERA, 7-0), Garrett Bergmann (RHP, 2.89 ERA, 2-0), Brady LeCluyse (OF, .225), juniors Austin Buie (3B, .212) and Dawson Williams (1B, .353), and sophomore Dylan Butash (LHP, 2.73 ERA, 2-0).

“The Blazers return many players with varsity experience after last season’s 22-3 record and state runner up in 6A,” Schrack said.

MANHATTAN returns a deep pool of talent from last season’s team that finished fourth at the 6A state tournament with a record of 19-6. The second team all-state senior duo of Cade Perkins (P/1B, .420, 34H, 32RBI, 15 2B, 34.1 IP, 51K, 5-2, Cowley County signee) and Braden Dinkel (SS, .500, 37H, 23RBI, 30R, 18SB, Emporia St. signee) are poised to help navigate the Indians back to the postseason, along with fellow senior Tylar Pere (C, .354), and juniors PJ Hughes (2B, .320, 24H, 21RBI), Ian Luce (CF, .355, 26R, 18RBI, 7 2B, 3 3B), Kyler Horsman (P, 22.2 IP, 2.16 ERA, 30K, 3-1) and Keenan Schartz (OF, .300) “We are excited about the upcoming season,” coach Don Hess said. “We like our athleticism and experience that we have coming back. If the pitching holds up, we like our chances to compete at a high level.”

Hess, in his 24th year at Manhattan, has compiled a record of 414-125 with a 6A state title in 1998.

OLATHE EAST posted a 14-8 record after their regional championship loss to rival Olathe West. Fourth year head coach Blake Iles returns some important pieces including seniors Austin Berggren (P, 35 IP, 1.3 ERA, 44K, Nebraska signee), Caden Gray (P, 19 IP, 1.8 ERA), Connor Payne (C, .293, 12H, 8RBI, Newman commit), and junior Michael Novak (SS, .316, 18H, 12RBI).

6A Baseball Chance Parker/Lawrence Journal-World

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer From that team the Panthers return a deep Head coach Tony Scardino added his first of group of talent including the senior second BLUE VALLEY’s now seven state titles last team all-state tandem of Saben Seager season after the Tigers defeated Gardner- (RHP/2B, .283, 15H, 7RBI, 15SB, 19R, 1.14 Edgerton 4-3 in the championship game, to ERA, 57K, 4-0, Cowley CC signee) and Luke finish 23-2 overall.

Westerman (IF/RHP, .383, 28H, 20RBI, 29R, 8 Scardino has to address the graduation of a 2B, 3.00 ERA, 1-0, Neosho CC signee), along loaded 2021 class featuring 6A Pitcher of the with fellow seniors Mercer Thatcher (OF/RHP, Year Carson Ligget (Louisville) and first team .364, 19H, 9RBI, 14R, 18 IP, 1.16 ERA, 15K, all-state outfielders Chase Jans (KU) and Tate 3SV), Drake Thatcher (OF/RHP, .286, 16H, 10 Gillen (Creighton).

RBI, 4R, 1 3B), Karson Klima (3B, .225, 16H, Returning seniors Drew Norris (RHP), Sam 21RBI, 4 2B), and juniors Mitchell Johnson McAleer (C, Wichita State commit) and Connor (LHP, 24 IP, 1.13 ERA, 34K) and Braden Horn Stark (LHP/OF) give the Tigers a strong trio to (C/1B, .275, 14H, 4 2B, 5RBI, 9R, .988 FP). build on as the rest of the roster takes shape.

“The key for us will be getting consistent “We graduated a very talented class last starting pitching and defense again,” coach spring and have new players at every posi- Todd Olmstead said “We will be adding severtion,” Scardino said. “We have many questions al new faces to the lineup that will hopefully get for this spring. Will be very challenging.” us to that next level of competing. We return After a first round playoff exit and an 11-10 several key players who helped drive us to a finish last year, BLUE VALLEY NORTH has big run in the postseason, hopefully they bring a lot of roster maintenance to tend to with just the new additions along and pick up where one returning starter in junior Jaxon Goldberg we left off.”

(SS, .327, 22H, 21RBI).

DODGE CITY finished last season 15-7 after “Lost 16 seniors, so there is a lot of oppor- a tough 3-2 loss in the regional championship tunity for guys,” said coach Mike Dudley (4th to Washburn Rural. The Red Demons return season, 18-25). “Should be athletic this year, three consistent bats along with some pitching so hopefully that puts us in a position to com- experience in seniors Aiden Sowers (1B/LHP, pete and play our best baseball at the end.” .305, 18H, 17R, 14RBI, 1HR, 2.94 ERA, 5-1, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST also faced Barton CC commit), Tucker Smith (OF, .327, a first round exit in 2021, finishing the year 20R, 15SB), and sophomore Remington Miller 9-12, but face the opposite situation with an (C/IF/RHP, .387, 22 H, 12 R, 10 SB, 2.93 ERA, experienced roster. The Huskies return one of 3-1). the best athletes in the state in senior Mikey “We graduated 11 seniors, so this will be a Pauley (UT/P, .266, .380 OBP, 10R, 10RBI, great opportunity for our young kids to come 7SB, 19 IP, 2.95 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, Nebraska in and earn a spot,” coach Zach Shipley said. football/baseball signee), as well as seniors After starting out last season 9-4, JUNCTION Matthew Lemke (UT, .196, .250, 11RBI, 8R, CITY finished out the season with a tough 5SB, Kansas State commit), Drew Kaufman eight-game slide, leaving their final mark (OF, .296, .426 OBP, 11RBI, 4 2B, 8SB), at 9-12. New Blue Jays head coach James Cameron Naber (P, 17.1, 1-1), Owen Brockner Denton gets back some key cogs from the (P, 18 IP, 1-1), and juniors Easton Wasinger 2021 roster, including seniors Jordan Kell (P), (1B/P, .477, .557 OBP, 13RBI, 2.37 ERA, 24K, Ky’rell Taylor (2B), juniors Jonathon Phillips St. Louis commit), Connor White (3B/P, .250, (OF), and sophomores Landen Haynes (OF) .333 OBP, 9R), Jack Kreisman (P/OF, .250, and Michael Boganowski (P). .378 OBP, 14R, 9RBI, 6SB, 19 IP, 4.79 ERA), “Guys have worked hard all year long,” and JJ Nei (.250, .429 OBP, 5SB, 5.1 IP, 3.94 Denton said. “We will be filled with sophoERA). mores and juniors.”

“We return 65 percent of plate appearances LAWRENCE was knocked out in their reand defensive innings played last year, as well gional finals matchup by eventual state chamas 100 percent of the innings from the bump,” pions Blue Valley, giving the Chesty Lions a said coach Mike Pangborn (2nd season, 9-12; 12-10 record. Head coach Brad Stoll gets four 5th overall, 58-32). “We have a really talented starters back from last year’s order with Grant group of young men who are poised to take Cleavinger (LHP, Tulane signee), Ike Cobb the next step.”

(RHP, KU signee), Braden Hoffman (OF) and BLUE VALLEY WEST comes off of a 17-6 Evan Bannister (2B, Coffeyville CC commit) season that saw them qualify for the state tour- returning for senior season. nament before a 3-2 first round exit against “I feel that we will pitch it very well with eventual third place finisher Derby.

Cleavinger and Cobb leading the way,” Stoll “We enter the 2022 spring season returning said. “Need some young dudes to step up as two of our top three arms and two of our top we lost six of eight starting position players to five hitters from 2021,” coach Joe Allison said. graduation.”

“We will have a young, athletic team that’s LAWRENCE FREE STATE made the state filled with several young men with a lot of po- tournament and dropped a first round game to tential.” eventual champion Blue Valley to finish 13-10 Allison’s returners include senior Joey on the season.

Nichols (OF, .373, 16RBI, 18R), Bryce Hanson The Firebirds return seniors Harrison Juhl (RHP, 24 IP, 1.45 ERA, 15 K, 4-1), and (1B, .210, 3 2B, 10RBI), Grant Gregory (3B, Jackson Lovich (SS, .314, 23RBI, 20R, 10 2B, .210, 2 2B, 10RBI), Calvin Urish (CF, .220, 1 2 3B, 2HR, Mizzou commit) and junior Austin 2B, 1 3B), Maddox Burkitt (RF/P.285, 3 2B, 1 Young (RHP, 39.2 IP, 2.29 ERA, 50K).

3B, 15RBI, 24.2 IP, 3.405 ERA, 19K, 21BB, After a tough 6-4 loss to Gardner-Edgerton in 1-2, 1SV), Will Dawson (P, 10.1 IP, 2.7210 the state semifinals, DERBY went on to domi- ERA, 8K, 4BB), and juniors Brady Kern (.255, nate Manhattan by a score of 9-2 and rounded 4 2B, 9RBI) and Tyler Vigna (23 IP, 4.261 ERA, out the season with a 20-5 mark.

12K, 9BB, 1-1).

GRANT CLEAVINGER Lawrence

“We have some quality experience returning and some others ready to make their mark on the program,” Iles said. “ A lot of baseball talent with the group this year that will provide depth at multiple positions.”

Former Bonner Springs head coach Adam Loecker takes over at OLATHE NORTH after the Eagles posted a 6-14 record last year.

“We have a bunch of young talent who are ready to make an impact,” Loecker said.

OLATHE NORTHWEST finished 10-10 last season and bring a core of seniors back including second team all-league Camden McKernan (3B, .357, 12RBI, 6R), Carson Reeves (.286, 16H, 10R, 8RBI), Luke Pavlovich (P, 3.5 ERA, 1-3, 1SV) and Steve Mesa (1.4 ERA, 1-1, 1SV).

“We are excited for the upcoming season,” coach Rick Setter (14th season, 128-93) said.

“We have a great senior group who got some playing time last year, three returning position players, and we are returning two varsity pitchers who pitched 45 innings last year. We are hoping to have a balanced attack throughout the line-up with quality defensive play.”

OLATHE WEST saw their season come to an end at the hands of Manhattan in the first round of the state tournament last season, closing out the year with an 18-5 mark.

Second team all-state junior Kasey Crawford (RHP, 2-0, 9SV) returns after a dominant season as a sophomore closer, along with allleague senior Andrew Evans (RHP, 1.06 ERA, 5-1), and fellow seniors Will Krzykowski (CF, .344, 26R, 15 SB, 25BB, .536 OBP, Central Missouri commit), Alec Stewart (SS, .286, .444 OBP), Jon Davis (2B, .317, 21RBI, 3HR), Mitch Warren (UT) and sophomore Cameron Carter (OF, .296, .371 OBP), who started every game for the Owls as a freshman.

“We lost a large and impactful senior class and we need our returning players to be great leaders both on and off the field for us to have a successful season,” coach Rick Sabath said.

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST was 11-11 in head coach Domenic Mussat’s (8252) seventh season with the team and enters his eighth with an experienced roster looking to improve that mark. Returning starters include senior Ryan Borberg (P/IF, .333, 22H, 24R, 1.07 ERA, 47 IP, 51K, 20BB, Illinois State signee), Blake Reeder (IF, .262, 16H, 18RBI, 10BB, 8K), Riley Wineinger (C), Tyler Gundelfinger (IF/P, .324, 23H, 14R, Coffeyville CC signee), as well as juniors Vaibahv Marada (C) and Mason Thomas (P, 5.56 ERA, 12.2 IP,

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Page 38 6K, 4BB).

Eli Kuttler (OF/P), Ryan Means (UT/P), Gus (OF/P). key role on JV,” coach Patrick Groepper said.

“We are very excited about our team this Lovingier (OF/P), juniors Grant Haffley (UT/P) Coming off a 4-13 season a year ago, “The Bulldogs will look to contend for their first year,” Mussat said. “They are a fun group that and Josh Cline (UT/P), as well as sophomores WYANDOTTE gets back some key pieces as KCAL title after finishing third and losing in has great team chemistry and will battle until Canon Cole (UT/P, and JP Manrique (OF/P). they look to improve on that mark. a one run and an extra inning game against the last out.”

“I feel like we should be in the top third of the Seniors Manny Villalpando (P/SS, .381, Sumner.”

New head coach Matt Shipley takes over City League,” Bensch said. “It always comes 16H, 10RBI, 16SB, 3.83 at SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH after the down to pitching – who has it, who doesn’t. I ERA, 40K), Alexis Murgia ORDER ONLINE AT Raiders posted a 4-16 record a year ago. feel like we have several solid guys who will (OF, .156, 5H, 7RBI, 7SB), SHAWNEE MISSION WEST gets back only help us achieve our goals.”

Caros Castros (OF/P, .163, one starter from last season’s 9-12 in talented WICHITA HEIGHTS returns a blend of se- 7H, 4RBI, 9SB), junior Jose senior shortstop Drew Lippold, who hit .344 niors and sophomores from last season’s 6-15 Rodriguez (SS/C, .227, 10H, locations in Dodge City, last season with 22 hits, 16 RBI, 3 stolen bas- team. That group includes seniors Javan Titus 8RBI, 15SB) and sophomore Garden City and es, 20 runs scored and a home run.

(P, 28.2 IP, 6.10 ERA, 35K, 3-2), Gaige Oakley Ricardo Mascorro (C/1B/3B, Hutchinson!

“In 2022, (junior) Brandon Stone will be (1B/P, .396, 21H, 13RBI, 9 2B, 1HR, 15.2 IP, .200, 9H, 13RBI, 10SB). asked to step up on the mound and take the 4.91 ERA) and Blane Kelly (SS/P, .240, 5SB, “Wyandotte will be bringing role as ace for the club as we graduated our 30.2 IP, 4.79 ERA, 48K, 2-5), along with soph- back three starting seniors one and two starters in 2021,” coach Todd omores Carson Smith (UT, .340, 18H, 10RBI, from last season and will bring Reed (22nd, 240-193) said. “Lippold will be 5SB, 18 IP, 2.33 ERA), Cooper Oakley (3B/P, in three more that played a asked to lead the infield at shortstop as sec- .292, 14H, 12RBI, 7 2B, 1HR) and Jackson ond base will be played by, potentially, (sopho- Ellison (IF/P, .236, 13H, 4SB, 8 IP, 5.88 ERA). more) Nick Paredes or (junior) Gage Handzel.

“We will be young again with some experiJacob Jewell will also continue to pitch for the ence returning,” coach Eric Hansen (3rd, 6-15) Vikings and be asked to serve a role as either said. “Looking to build off of last season.” the starting third or first baseman. The outfield WICHITA NORTH finished 1-19 in 2021, but will see returners Lukas Dudek (senior) and faced the considerable challenge of fielding Andrew Casey (junior) as one spot remains no varsity experience after the cancellation of open to be filled by either senior Ayden the 2020 season.

Chavez or a potential utility player. Chase Returning starters looking to improve on last Rosen (junior) will take over the everyday year’s mark include seniors Cruz Alvarado catching duties and saw limited action behind (OF/P), Jacob MacKay (OF), juniors Aaron the plate last season.”

Dimit (2B/SS) and Missael Guevara (1B/3B) The Vikings graduated Josh Holmes who and sophomore Kole Brown, (1B). was a first team all-state and first team All“We were very young last year,” coach Proudly owned by Cloud Co. Coop, Randall Farmers Coop Union, Sunflower League outfielder who hit .396 with Randy Griffitts said. “My entire team was play15 stolen bases and 26 runs scored. ing their first year at the varsity level. Losing Central Valley Ag,The Ottawa Coop Association and Trinity Ag LLC. WASHBURN RURAL made a state tourna- the previous year to COVID was huge for the ment appearance before being knocked out development of our team. However, we have 4-1 in the first round by Gardner-Edgerton, quite a few guys returning and I anticipate our finishing the season 17-6. Head coach Jay team to be much improved this year.”

Mastin (10th season, 120-59; 13th overall, First year head coach Kaale McCullouch’s 145-97) returns a few key senior starters in WICHITA SOUTH team finished just 2-18 last Brock Howard (OF/P, .507, 34H, 5 2B, 2 3B, season, but got a vital year of development for 27RBI, 23R, 11 IP, 0.00 ERA, 6K, 2-0), Carson a young roster.

Rosen (P, 23.2 IP, 3.845 ERA, 20K, 3-2, 2SV), “We are coming off a year with very little Keaton Catlin (OF, .143, 18R), and Robby experience playing high school baseball, with Bolin (OF, .292, 7H, 6RBI). only one starter who ever played,” McCulloch “We had a lot of seniors graduate, so we said. “A lot of young guys got great experience are looking forward to seeing a lot of new and have grown up quick. Looking for major guys compete at the varsity level this spring,” growth from our sophomores and juniors who Mastin said. led our team last year.”

WICHITA EAST closed out last season at Varsity returners include senior Clayton 11-11 after a loss to Derby in the regional Bookout (OF/IF/P), juniors Aubrey Clarke championship. The Aces’ .500 record ironical- (OF/P), Juan Viramontes (3B/P), Karsen ly gives coach Ryan Bensch a career record of Ciemny (C) and Jonathan Rose (P/OF/IF), as 128-128 as he enters his 16th season. well as sophomores Brandon Cato (P/SS/2B), ULYSSES, KS KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, 2209COLBY, CANTERBURY DRIVE JOHNSON, HAYS KS 620-621-4570 WWW.PTKANSAS. WHEELER, KS KS KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS COM ULYSSES, KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS East’s returning roster includes seniors Kaden Eskins (P/OF) and Ryan Rodriguez

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Page 39

5A Baseball

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Heitmann.”

HAYS had a strong season a year ago, finishing third in 5A after an 11-2 dredging of Maize South in the consolation game, finishing out the year with a 19-4 mark in coach Dustin Dreher’s second year in the head position and first getting to manage his team from the dugout, given the 2020 cancellation.

A notably strong senior trio returns for the Indians in first team all-state Dylan Dreiling (OF/P, .430, 37H, 29R, 26RBI, 11SB, 3HR, .519 ERA, 94K, 23BB,1SV, 9-0, Tennessee signee), first team all-state Dalton Dalen (OF/ IF/P, .463, 31H, 20R, 19RBI, 1HR, 3.375 ERA, 2SV, 2-0), and Garrett Wellbrock (IF/P, .375, 554 OBP, 24H, 25R, 22RBI, 1HR, 3.915 ERA, 22BB, 6K, 5-2, Fort Hays signee). “(We) have 140 out of 151 innings on the mound, as well as three of our top four hitters, returning for 2022 so we should pitch it and hit it really well this year,” Dreher said.

After a 12-10 season that saw them finish as regional runner-up, GODDARD returns a strong cast including seniors Lake Hamilton (IF/P, .250, 19H, 12RBI, 13R, 4 2B, 4SB, 7.1 IP, 2.86 ERA, 7K, 1-1, 2SV) Seth Silhelm (IF/P, .319, 15H, 7RBI, 9R, 4 2B, 15 IP, 4.66 ERA, 13K, 6BB, 1-2), Mason Lubbers (IF, .162, 11H, 9RBI, 10R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2SB) and sophomores Mason Healy (OF, .300, 12H, 4RBI, 8R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2SB) and Coltin Watkins (P, 30.1 IP, 1.85 ERA, 4BB, 34K, 3-3, 2SV).

“Competition for positions will create opportunity for four or five new faces to the varsity starting squad,” head coach Jim Foltz (11th, 137-68) said. “Pitching depth and experience beyond three (Hamilton, Wilhelm, Watkins) arms from last season are also open for those returning from a successful JV squad.”

GODDARD-EISENHOWER was 14-8 in new head coach Mike Warren’s first season with the Tigers and he enters his 38th season overall with a record of 1,016-692 after a Hall of Fame career at Barton Community College and other stops at the junior college level.

Returning for the veteran coach are seniors Jason McCarty (IF/P, .434, 33H, 3HR, 22RBI, 13SB, 18R, 4.29 ERA, Northwestern Oklahoma State signee), Owen Rush (IF, .403, 27H, 13RBI, 14SB, 19R, Fort Scott CC signee), Carson Adams (OF, .347, 25H, 15RBI, 8SB, 16R), Trey Omli (P, 2.63 ERA, 5-1), as well as juniors Tyner Horn (P/OF, .339, 20H, 8RBI, 3SB, 13R, 2.12 ERA, 3-0, Wichita State commit), Will Rogers (OF, .270, 10H, 8RBI, 5SB, 5R) and Noah Stevens (C, .220, 9H,

Photo by Joey Bahr

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer and Reed Haneberg (IF).

Steve Hilts takes over an ANDOVER team “Graduated 10 seniors and eight starters inthat finished 7-14 last season after he posted a cluding our ace on the mound,” Ebright said.

44-35 record in five years at Remington. While “We have a small senior class but a talented they didn’t finish with the mark they wanted, group of juniors and sophomores. We will be they did end the season strong, challenging young and inexperienced, but hope to contineventual third place state team Hays, 5-4, in ue the successes of our program. Coaches will their first round regional matchup. earn their money this season, especially if this Hilts gets a good combination of production group buys in. We have the talent to compete and experience to work with including seniors in our league, region and state.”

Brandon Klusener (P/1B, .268, 56AB, .756 State champions BLUE VALLEY OPS, 11IP, 3.2 ERA, 1-0), Brody Kasel (SS/ SOUTHWEST finished their dream season at OF, .229, 48AB, .717 OPS), Connor Leu (P/ 22-3 after a championship game victory over OF, .259, 27AB, .704 OPS, 26 IP, 3.2 ERA, Andover Central. While the Timberwolves 3-2), Cade Orban (P/UT, 22 IP, 1-1, 1.9 ERA), have plenty of reason to celebrate the mojunior Colton Blair (P/C, .261, 23AB, 4.2 IP, 3.0 mentous victory, they now have the tall order ERA) and sophomore Peyton White (3B/1B, of replacing eight seniors who all are going .225, 40AB, .676 OPS). on to play baseball at higher levels - includ“We are looking forward to the opportunity to ing Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year Ben compete with a number of talented teams in Kurdna, who was drafted 43rd overall by the our league and area,” Hilts said. “Overall, we Kansas City Royals in last year’s draft. return some key pieces and will be looking to Southwest still manages to return experience find roles for a number of sophomores and ju- and talent, however, in seniors Cooper Kelly niors that will help us compete at a high level.” (SS, .356 ERA, 26H, 23 R, 17RBI, 6SB, 4 2B, Head coach Grant Bacon (20th season, 307- 4 3B, 2HR, KU signee), Ben Bybee (RHP/1B/ 130) and ANDOVER CENTRAL came just two DH, .281, 16H, 14R, 17RBI, 2SB, 5 2B, 1 3B, runs from the school’s first state baseball title, 2HR, Arkansas signee), Tyler Buchman (C/1B, but still finished with an impressive 23-2 record .286, 14H, 9R, 15RBI, 1SB, 2HR), along with and a state runner-up trophy in 2021 after a juniors Seth Dandridge (LF/LHP, .237, 9H, 8R, 2-0 loss against Blue Valley Southwest.

3RBI, 1 3B) and Bo Shinkle (CF, .225, 9H, The Jaguars get a solid nucleus of talent 15R, 8RBI, 3 SB, 3 2B). back as they attempt to make another state “We have a chance to have another solid tournament appearance, including seniors team as we are deep in all three aspects; Lou Blackman (OF/P, .337, 30H, 25RBI, .746 pitching, hitting and defense,” coach Tyler OPS, 2.66 ERA, 4 SV, 1-0), Bryce Naipohn Kincaid said.

(1B, .306, 19H, 3RBI, .463 OBA), Rece Wilson DE SOTO faced a first round exit at the (3B/P, .250, 19H, 10RBI, 55.1 IP, 2.44 ERA, state tournament against eventual champion 55K, 20BB, 8-0) and junior Cooper Tabor (IF, Blue Valley Southwest and finished the year .375, 27H, 16RBI, 18/18 SB). at 17-6. Head coach Joel Thaemert enters “We hope to be a team that limits the crooked his 25th year coaching (329-191) and 15th number innings via gifts and solid D,” Bacon with the Wildcats (206-95) with three starters said. returning from last year’s crew; seniors Sam ARKANSAS CITY finished 11-10 in head Fox (C, .362, 17H, 6RBI, 3 2B, 2 3B), Cooper coach Aaron Bucher’s (23rd year, 235-219) Schwindt (1B, .442, 23H, 17RBI, 4 2B, 3 3B), 23rd year with the program after a first round and junior Greyson Chappel (P, 11.66 IP, 10H, regional exit against Salina Central.

3.00 ERA, 15K, 4 SV), as well as a few other The Bulldogs bring back a team full of po- lettermen named by coach Thaemert. tential to improve on last year’s mark, includ“We’re very excited for the 2022 season ing seniors Lucas Barnes (OF/P, .265, 18H, as we open a new on-campus ballpark, fully 16R, 3 2B, 3 3B, Cowley CC commit), Seth turfed with locker rooms,” Thaemert said. “Our Zimmerman (OF/P, .294, 15H, 32.2 IP, 4.29 team is inexperienced and young, but has talERA, Pratt CC commit), Ben Thomson (P, 16.1 ent and toughness. The returning starters are IP, 2.57 ERA), junior Gabe Welch (C/P, .397, all-conference types of players and will lead a 23H, 17RBI, 15.2 IP, 1.34 ERA) and sopho- strong senior class into the rigorous schedule. more Blake Bucher (IF, .380, 15H, 15BB).

The UKC will be very competitive and we are “Six returning position players and six pitch- looking forward to trying to defend our undeers with varsity experience,” Bucher said of his feated conference record of 2021. Ten letterteam’s strengths. “Consistency on the mound men return to the varsity squad. Seniors Drew will be key for team success.”

Sharkey, Jacob Schoen, Landon Reith and BISHOP CARROLL advanced to the state Josh Dunn and junior Greyson Chappel will be tournament last year before a first round loss major contributors on the mound. Sophomores to Maize South ended their season at 21-2. Will Burger and Jack Millman will be countHead coach Charlie Ebright (23rd season, ed on as well. Schwindt, Fox, seniors Zack 394-93) has a number of empty roster spots to Schwarzenberger, Bryce Englehart, Wyatt fill, but gets back seniors Aaron Casas De La Lowry, Ethan McCombs and Will Thurman Torre (RHP), James Brennan (RHP/1B), along will be impact players in the lineup along with juniors Tate Blasi (IF), Kolby Girrens (C) with junior Blake Hicks and sophomore Cole

STEFAN SPRAY Great Bend

JASON McCARTY Eisenhower

6RBI, 1R).

“We will have good team speed and defense,” Warren said. “Biggest question mark is pitching depth.”

GREAT BEND returns a deep pool of talent from last season’s team that finished 7-13 including seniors Brad Beck (C, .302, .410 OBP, 16H, 12R), Chayse Gruber (P/3B, .328, .459 OBP, 19H, 12R, 30.1 IP, 3.2 ERA, 30K, 1-4), Gavin Haberman (CF, 13BB, .382 OBP), Jade Poe (UT, .345, 20H, .506 OBP, 16BB, 20R), Pace Hernandez (OF/P, .429, .523 OBP, 13.1 IP, 4.2 ERA, 17K), Sage Koelsch (SS, .323, .455 OBP, 20H, 14BB, 15R), Stefan Spray (1B/P, 15H, 12RBI, 21.2 IP, 2.90 ERA, 2-1) and junior Edwin Chavez (2B/P, 17.2 IP, 1.52 ERA, 20K).

The Panthers also get back the services of senior Joseph Moeder, after he, along with Hernandez, albeit to a lesser extent, spent last season injured.

“With a ton of experience and a senior load-

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 ed team, our confidence coming into the 2022 the new additions to help bolster our team. season is high,” coach Randy Beck said. “We Team chemistry will be very important to our are looking forward to competing this spring.” success and the willingness for our players KAPAUN finished 13-8 in 2021 after a first to accept and thrive in their roles. Hopefully, round regional exit against Valley Center and great things will happen for our team.” now has the tall task of replacing all but one of MAIZE SOUTH finished last season fourth in their starters from last season, senior catcher 5A with a final mark of 17-8 and much like their Drew Myers (1HR, 1 2B). crosstown counterparts, have lots of potential “Kapaun lost eight of nine starters and the for a big 2022 season. Seniors Owen Clyne top three pitchers,” coach Ryan Burr said. (SS, .400, 32H, 1HR, 20RBI, 25R, 7SB), “There are some good athletes coming up, but Owen Bailey (1B/C, .375, 30H, 17RBI, 12R, leadership will be the biggest question.”

3SB), Colin Johnson (C, .354, 29H, 21RBI, LANSING was knocked out of the first round 9R), Josh Darrenkamp (OF, .296, 21H, 10RBI, of their regional against Mill Valley, 6-4, and 21R, 4SB), Isaac Epp (P/OF, 42 IP, 6-1, 1.5 finished the season with a 14-8 mark.

ERA) and Barron Lynch (P/UT, 12 IP, 2-0, 2.92 The Lions face a challenge in replacing sec- ERA) all return for another playoff run. ond team all-state outfielder Jack Knutson, “The Mavericks could return nine seniors but seemingly have the means to do so with in 2022, including six who were part of the seniors Bryce Turner (P/1B, .313 AVG, 21H, Mavericks 2021 regional championship and 42B, 1 3B, 2HR, 25RBI, 20R 3.83 ERA, 5-2, top four finish in the 5A state playoffs,” coach 2SV), Justin Jardon (3B/1B/P, .267, 3.5 ERA, Chad Christensen (12th year, 168-81) said.

1-0), Kylar Jaccard (OF, .282, 14H, 3 2B, “The Mavericks will have their work cut out 5RBI, 13R), Kaid Keller (C/3B, .259, 15H, for them to repeat last years success in the 6RBI, 3R) and sophomore Antonio Mendez AVCTL-DI conference.”

(3B/SS, .308, 16H, 3 2B, 11RBI, 9R), NEWTON was 7-14 last season and gets “The 2022 Lansing Lions will have a good back a strong senior core that includes Joe mix of seniors with experience and under- Slechta (P/SS, 2.97 ERA, 2-1), Cade Valdez classmen that showed a lot of promise in (P, 2.10 ERA, 1SV), Joel Franz (OF), Drew 2021,” head coach Michael Basler said. “We Barron (OF), Owen Mick (DH, .333), along return our number one starter and have seen with sophomore Justin Zerger (P/OF, 2.10 tremendous growth in a few sophomores that ERA, 1SV). have a chance to impact our rotation. Pitching “Our team will be balanced with seniors, juand defense will be a strength that will contin- niors and sophomores,” coach Mark George ue to grow throughout the spring.”

16th, 152-150) said. “Our roster will have a lot In the wake of a 3-17 season a year ago, of flexibility. We have a lot of potential.”

LEAVENWORTH gets back about as much SALINA CENTRAL put together a 13-9 seaexperience as a coach could ask for with all son that ended at the hands of Bishop Carroll but one starter returning in 2022. in a 15-3 regional final rout. The Mustangs Returning seniors include Deven Bruning return experienced fielding, but do have a (IF/P, .310, 6 2B, 15RBI), Dalton Gaspard number of vacant positions to be addressed.

(IF, .286, 4 2B, 13RBI), Wesley Redelberger Head coach Dee Kolzow (15th, 145-134; 27 (OF/P, .300, 1 HR, 1 3B, 3 2B, 20 R, 10 SB), overall, 307-224) will look to his son, Jaxon, and Angel Rosario (UT, .306, 2 2B, 12SB), (SS, .338, 24H, 10RBI, 13SB, 27R, 1HR) along with juniors Brandon Jones (IF/P, .302, who is among the top returners for his fa3 2B, 12RBI, 2.98 ERA), Charlie Rambo ther’s squad, along with fellow seniors Parker (UT/P, .333), Kaden Ramey (OF/P, 3.91 ERA) Kavanagh (OF/P, .218, 12H, 13RBI, 3SB, 8R, and Jackson Harding (.286, 3 2B, 10R).

1HR, 3.94 ERA, 1-1), Nolan Puckett (3B, .133, “We lost one starter from last year’s COVID 6H, 11RBI, 2SB, 11R), Nick Clayson (P, 4.73 rebuilding year, ‘’ coach Justin Bode said. “We ERA, 3-2, 1SV) and junior Brooks Richardson improved greatly from the first day of last sea- (C, .415, 22H, 11RBI, 2SB, 8R, 1HR). son to the end of the year and we look to pick “We need to have some young pitchers up where we left off last season. With our new come on for us – only have 37 innings of varfacility fully completed we are excited to utilize sity pitching returning,” Kolzow said. “Should it to the fullest to help us continue to improve.” be solid defensively.”

MAIZE posted a 12-9 record in 2021 after a SALINA SOUTH finished last year first round regional exit against Goddard, but 5-16 after nearly shaking up the 5A get back a deep group of upperclassmen with baseball world with a tough 4-3 loss considerable experience this season. to eventual state runner-up Andover Returning for the Eagles are seniors Jaden Central in the first round of regionals.

Gustafson (OF, .333, 22H, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2HR, The Cougars return a young group 18R, 24 RBI, 8SB), Cole Schieffer (IF, .317, looking to build off of that near upset, 20H, 5 2B, 2 3B, 15r, 18RBI, 5SB), Sam including sophomores Kaden Budke Schmidt (IF, .219, 7H, 2 2B, 6R, 7RBI, 1SB), (3B/P, .390, 23H, 3.5 ERA, 3-1), Landon Helm (IF, .235, 8H, 1 2B, 7R, 7RBI, Kyren Whitaker (OF/P, .294, 1.24 4SB), Drew Wardell (C, .239, 11H, 3 2B, ERA), juniors Weston Fries (SS/P, 7RBI, 1SB, 10 IP, 1-0, 3.94 ERA) and Drew .270, 20H, 5.2 ERA), Luke Simpson Otero (P/IF, 5.1 IP, 3.94 ERA, injured in 2021), (DH/1B, .306, 15H), Kaden Herbel along with second team all-state junior Avery (2B, .200), Garrett Ails (OF, .195) Johnson (OF, .419, 26H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 27R, and Seth Clemmer (P, 7.5 ERA) and 12RBI, 15SB) and fellow junior Cooper Burke seniors Zach Davidson (P/OF, 7.2 (P/OF, 27 IP, 1-2, 2.85 ERA).

ERA) and Parker Benoit (1B, .281, “Very excited with all the returning guys com- 18H, 2HR). ing back,” coach Rocky Helm (24th year, 394“We bring back lots of experience 120) said. “Barring no injuries, excited with the from a young team a year ago,” core group of players coming back along with coach Kris Meis said. “Our success

this season will depend on how much we have grown and learned from our young mistakes last season.”

SEAMAN advanced to the state playoffs before a first round exit left them with a final record of 19-4 in head coach Trent Oliva’s first year steering the Viking ship, and in 2022 there could very well be more success with a productive group returning.

Seniors Dagen Brewer (C/IF, .375, 21H, 9 2B, 6HR, 25RBI, 25R, 19BB), Maclane Finley (IF/P, .356, 26H, 3 2B, 15 RBI, 29R, 1.91 ERA, 1-0, 1SV), Aidan Polter (IF, .304, 17H, 5 2B, 18RBI, 21R) and juniors Bryson Vaxter (P/IF, .391, 18H, 8 2B, 21RBI, 12R, .457 ERA, 1-0, 1SV) and Braden Colley (IF, .286, 14H, 4 2B, 9RBI, 16R) give Oliva a great starting point.

“We return a good nucleus from last year’s state team,” Oliva said. “We will look to compete for the Centennial League title along with competing for a state berth.”

SPRING HILL posted a 13-9 record a season ago, but sixth year coach Will Meier (6442) has multiple holes to fill from graduation.

“Although we have graduated a lot of experience and talent over the last two years,” Meier said, “I am excited for the returning group we have. They are very coachable, hardworking and ready for their opportunities.”

That group includes seniors Zack Knowlton (.368, 25H, 18RBI, 27R, 21SB, 6 2B, 1 3B) and Cooper Milroy (2B, .388, 26H, 14RBI, 17R, 9SB), juniors Cade Johnson (OF/P, .222, 4H, 2RBI, 4R) and Donovan Johnson (IF/P, .359, 14H, 8RBI, 17R, 4 2B, 9SB).

ST. JAMES ACADEMY managed a crossleague upset in the first round of regionals, defeating Aquinas, 8-2, on their way to becoming regional champs after another upset of Pittsburg, 9-2, in the final. The Thunder went on to lose their first round state matchup with Andover Central 6-0, finishing 9-14.

Junior Jeremy Comer (RHP/OF) is a player on the radar of rival coaches and was one of the top underclassmen in 5A a year ago.

ST. THOMAS-AQUINAS finished 14-7 last season and gets back a young group with experience including juniors Gabe Fender (3B), Jacob Bittner (OF), Ashton Larson (OF), Eddy Henchek (P) and Blake O’Brien (OF/P).

“We will be very young this year and will need quite a few young men to step up and compete at the varsity level,” head coach Lorne Parks (23rd season, 311-168; 35th

Page 40 overall, 485-241) said.

TOPEKA-HIGHLAND PARK managed a 6-14 record last season and gets some of their top players back for 2022, including junior Vonni Osayandae (IF/P, .489, 24, 10RBI), junior Tre Richardson (OF/IF, .489, 9RBI, 1HR), and senior Trent Long (IF/P, .490, 23H, 11RBI).

“This year will be a fun year, coach Rob Brown (4th season, 6-45) said. “We have a group of juniors who really love to compete and play for each other. We have one senior in Trent Long, who if he gets down to business, could be one of the best utility players in the city.”

TJ McGreevy takes over as TOPEKA WEST’s head coach after they posted a 4-16 mark a year ago and lost a number of players to graduation.

Seniors Zander Putthoff (P/OF) and Ty Epler (P/IF), along with junior Xavier Alexander (P/ OF) and sophomore Anthony Boydstun (UT) will look to improve that mark as the team’s four returning starters.

TURNER ended with a 1-19 record in 2021, but start fresh this year with first year head coach Jesse Smallwood.

“We are bringing back senior Brett Langley, who earned second team honors in the UKC,” Smallwood said. “Brett is a strong lefty with good pop in his bat (with a) .330 average, fast in the outfield that gives him the ability to track down balls that others wouldn’t get to, as well as one of our dominate performers on the mound from last year. Another senior, Matt Jimenez, earned honorable mention last year as a catcher and is coming back as one of the other core leaders. Matt had a good junior year batting .327 and is a good receiving catcher that gives a pitcher a nice boost.

When not catching Matt led the team last year in innings pitched with a great tempo on the mound that throws hitters off rhythm. The last guy we bring back is a sophomore who earned honorable mention as a freshman shortstop, Bradley Ogden, (who) hit a whopping .387 in 35 plate appearances.

“Very excited for this upcoming season, not only is it my first season as a head coach, but I am also bringing in a staff who are just as excited to get the ball rolling. We are in a loaded conference in the UKC, but our guys are geared up to compete in every game and are trying to start a new tradition here at Turner.”

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ANDALE/GARDEN PLAIN finished 12-9 last season after a first round regional exit, but get back a deep pool of talent that includes seniors Seth Reichenberger (OF/P, .415, 7R, 8RBI, 3 2B, 3 3B, 2SB, 3-3, 1SV, 2.279 ERA, 40K), Drew Bugner (SS/P, .339, 21R, 10RBI, 4 2B, 11SB, 1-0, 2.243 ERA, 6K), Reed Adelhardt (P/OF, .192, 7R, 4RBI, 3SB, 3.048 ERA, 17K), John Stuhlsatz (DH, .293, 10R, 5RBI, 4SB), and juniors Tegan Orth (UT, .348, 14R, 6RBI, 2 2B, 2 3B, 10SB), Wyatt Spexarth (OF/P, .163, 6R, 5RBI, 1 2B, 4SB) and Simon White (C, .222, 2R, 1RBI).

“We will have a fun, athletic group of guys this year,” coach Alex Butterfield said. “We reLyons/Sterling turn solid pitching and defense; if we can hit a little bit, this group will see a lot of success.”

AUGUSTA notched a 15-7 record after getBy Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer ABILENE finished 10-11 last season and ting knocked out in the regional finals against gets back a strong core of five starters in all- eventual state runner-up Clay Center, 5-2. The league senior Carter Taplin (IF/P, .441), senior Orioles have some recalibrating to do in 2022, Kaleb Becker (OF/P, .275), all-league sopho- however, with only five back from that lineup.

Seniors Hunter Henderson (C), Dominck more Zach Miller (UT, .386), all-league honorable mention sophomore Stocton Timbrook Rios (3B), Sebastian Flower (P/OF) and ju(IF/P, .389) and sophomore Kyson Becker nior Kaden McDaniel (1B/P) return for Garan Qualls (2nd year, 15-7; 7th overall, 98-91).

(OF/P, .323).

“We have a young, talented group mixed in “Really excited about this year’s team,” coach Travis Bartley said. “We have a pretty with some older guys that will compete to win young, talented group with the leadership from on a daily basis,” Qualls said.

BISHOP MIEGE won their second state our seniors and the experience and success our sophomores had last year will help us in championship in school history in 2021 – the building continuous success for this year and other in 1996 – after defeating Clay Center the future. We’re in a pretty good spot with 8-0 in a dominant finals matchup. The Stags our program and the kids we have now and finished the season with an 18-7 mark on a the kids yet to enter our high school program. 10-game winning streak.

Head coach Dan Meara’s (7th year, 61-46) If we’re able to continue to grow in the right direction this year, baseball in Abilene for the returning roster is a classic “good news/bad

Photo by Joey Bahr

4A Baseball

JAIDEN DIASIO

new” scenario. The bad news is the loss of a class that included six college baseball commits. The good is a solid four-man nucleus returning that includes second team all-state sophomore pitcher Victor Christal, all-state honorable mention junior outfielder Rohan Putz (K-State commit), as well as key seniors Charles Calahan (OF) and Eddie White (P).

“In order to be successful for the 2022 spring season, pitching and defense will have to be a priority,” Meara said.

BALDWIN/BISHOP SEABURY finished last season with a 3-17 mark and get back three starters including senior Ryan Hercules (IF/P, .383 OBP), junior Shamus Sawyer (OF/P) and sophomore Kyan Guss (OF/P, .389).

“We will be a very young team with very little experience, but we have a lot of talent that could make the next few years very fun,” coach Jay King (4th year, 12-28) said.

BUHLER was upset in the regional final by Circle, 8-6, but besides the unceremonious ending posted an excellent 18-4 record.

Head coach John Neill (11th year, 128-73; 16th overall, 180-122) gets back a number of solid players, including his sons, senior Bradley Neill (SS/P, .333, 1HR, 3 3B, 5 2B, 24RBI, 5-2, 3.5 ERA, 8BB, 40K) and sophomore Jeffrey Neill (3B/P, 4-0, 2.739 ERA, 4BB, 20K), as well as seniors Bo Van Bruggen (OF/P, .286, 6 2B, 18RBI), Levi Atherton (OF/P, .311, 2 2B, 8RBI, 15SB), and junior Matthew Eddy (OF/1B, .444, 1HR, 3 3B, 4 2B, 22RBI, 13SB). Seniors Sam Elliott, Mace McCabe, Brock McCurdy and Carson Moler are also expected to be key contributors.

“We are looking to have another successful season and look to our seniors to step up and lead,” Neill said. “We are going to be replacing

Where the only thing missing is you!

Page 42 some key players that graduated a year ago, but I have been very pleased with the work that our guys have put in this off-season.”

CHANUTE was 12-9 in 2021 and brings back a big group looking to take another step, including senior Kam Koester (IF/P, .466, .795 SLG, .529 OBP, 21RBI, 28R, 6-3, 3.22 ERA, 43K), juniors Parker Manley (OF/P, .400, .438, 3.07, 1SV), Bryan Jackett (C, .214), and sophomores Lars Koester (1B, .350, .600 SLG, .536 OBP, 21H), Rhett Smith (SS/P, .284, .422 OBP, 21R, 2.39 ERA) and Brax Peter (IF/P, .284, 17H, 18RBI, 1-1, 2.33 ERA).

“We have a lot of returning experience from last year with high excitement for the 2022 season,” coach Kurt Sizemore said. “We will need to develop depth and leadership to replace last year’s seniors.”

A young CHAPMAN squad with a list of lineup problems finished just 7-14 last season, but they’ve got reason to feel good about 2022.

“We return all but one starter from a team that saw a lot of players shuffled around due to early injuries,” head coach Judd Liebau said.

“We return six seniors who all hit .310-plus and we return all but 14 innings pitched from last year’s staff. We should compete well in the NCKL and in 4A this year.”

The Irish’s returning lineup includes seniors Torin Cavanaugh (P/C, .431, 22H, 1HR, 19RBI, 7R, 26.1 IP, Emporia St commit), Tate

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Milton (OF/P, .438, 28H, 16RBI, 7SB, 19R, a solid year.”

26.2 IP), Eli Riegel (OF/P, .533, 8H, 5RBI, LOUISBURG also finished .500 last season, 3SB, 7R, 5.2 IP), Cam Liebau (SS/P, .361, going 11-11 and advancing to their regional fi22H, 17RBI, 10SB, 14R, 12 IP), Hayden nal before getting knocked out 4-0 by Hayden.

Frazier (2B/P, .310, 22H, 1HR, 10RBI, 4SB, The Wildcats get back seven varsity standouts 15R, 22 IP), Colby Hartung (DH, .321, 17H, from that squad.

11RBI, 8R, 4 IP), junior Chris Falls (UT, .143, Top returners include seniors Kolby Kattau 2H, 2RBI, 4R, 1 IP) and sophomore Ian Suther (1B/P, .444, 32H, 5 2B, 2 3B, 16RBI, 26R, (3B/P, .268, 15H, 9RBI, 3SB, 10R, 10.1 IP). 9SB, 2.88 ERA, 4-3, all-state HM P), Maverick Riegel staying healthy is key for Chapman, Rockers (SS/P, .293, 22H, 2HR, 14RBI, 24.2 after he only played six games last season.

IP, 3.69 ERA, 1-0), Brandon Doles (LF/P, .382, CLAY CENTER/WAKEFIELD was one win 29H, 5 2B, 23 RBI, 3.16 ERA, 4-3), George away from the school’s first baseball state title Reichart (2B/SS, .310, 18H, 11RBI, 10BB), jua season ago, but still managed a 21-4 record niors Cade Driskell (DH/1B, .327, 18H, 11RBI, and a 4A runner-up trophy to go with it.

10BB), Mack Newell (3B/P, .258, 8H, 12.1 IP, Head coach Andy Bent (8th season, 71-39) 4.5 ERA, 18K) and sophomore Declan Battle graduated a large portion of his top play- (OF/P, .269, 14H, 1 2B, 2 3B, 1HR). ers last spring, including the strong arm of “I am very excited about the upcoming seaall-state honorable mention pitcher Keegan son,” coach Kade Larson (3rd year, 11-11) McDonald, but does gets back junior Mark said. “We have a lot of returning players from Hoffman (1B/P, .439, 36H, 1HR, 30RBI, 2.90 last season and I can’t wait to see how we ERA), and sophomores Brody Hayes (SS/P, build off of last year.” .281, 18H, 16RBI) and Carter Long (OF, .339, LYONS/STERLING had the makings of a 20H, 2HR, 17RBI). talented, but young team in 2021, finishing “We will only have one senior this year with 7-14, but losing many close matchups. Head a great group of freshmen coming in,” Bent coach Clint Bieberle (2nd year, 7-14) gets said. “We should have a good combination of back a more experienced roster in 2022, younger (and) older players again this year.” including seniors Reece Bressler (DH/P), After 11 hard-fought innings, CONCORDIA Dawson Stover (UT/P), Brian Bernhardt (C/ was narrowly knocked out in their first round OF), Hayden Laymon (1B), Kaz Comley regional matchup against a talented Augusta (OF/P), junior Kayston Cox (SS/P), and team, losing 7-6, to finish the year 8-11. sophomores Jaiden Diasio (IF/P), Gabe Riffel The Panthers get back a strong group of (IF/P), Solomon Goforth (UT/P) and Wrikin bats looking to build off last season including Scobee (UT/P). seniors Dalton Owen (1B, .281, 17RBI, .453 “We were very young and inexperienced last OBP), Logan Leiszler (OF, .220, 10R), Nathan year,” Bieberle said. “Lost 10 of 14 games by Brown (P, 19 IP, 5.53 ERA 21K, 2-2), Shelby two runs or less. I like where we’re heading Giersch (IF, .375, 8AB), junior Styker Hake and look forward to some senior leadership (SS, .339, 20R, .545 OBP) and sophomore and underclassmen to step up.”

Joey Henderson (IF, .282, 9R).

MCPHERSON had one of the most suc“As every year, we look to compete,” coach cessful seasons in school history last year, Brandt Hutchinson (14th season, 217-80) finishing 18-4 after getting knocked out in a said. “We need to be better on defense and hard-fought 7-6 regional championship game build some depth with our pitchers.” against Mulvane.

EL DORADO went 7-13 last season as they The Bullpups get back four starters, includoftentimes found themselves shuffling their ing seniors Tytin Goebel (OF/P, .460, 29H, lineup around for various reasons, but a deep 1HR, 26RBI, 12SB, 22R, all-state OF), Aiden group returns for the Wildcats.

Hoover (3B/P, .412, 28H, 16RBI, 20SB, 16R), Major contributors include junior Drew and juniors Hunter Alvord (SS/P, .400, 26H, Veatch (IF/OF/P, 18SB, 14R) – who missed 10 2HR, 22RBI, 17SB, 15R), and Jaytin Gumm games last year due to injury – junior Gannon (UT, .383, 23H, 18RBI, 18SB, 25R).

White (C/IF/P, .344, 22H, 14RBI, 14SB, 23R), “McPherson should be a dangerous team in senior Trip Baker (P/IF, .300, 15H, 3 3B, 2022 as they only lost one senior from a team 16RBI, 15R, 14SB), along with a group who that set a school record for wins in 2021,” said saw considerable varsity time in seniors Miles head coach Heath Gerstner. “They did lose String (P/IF), Jaydon Sundgren (OF), juniors their number one pitcher who is now pitching Jalen Rice (IF/OF), Adam Cavallaro (OF), as at Butler CC (Dylan Rinker), but the Bullpups well as sophomores Cole Rickard (P/IF) and look to be as deep as they have been in a few Rhett Briggs (C/IF/OF). years. Their schedule is very challenging in“We have all but three players returning,” cluding an opener against Carl Albert (Okla.) coach Adam McCormick said. “We have a and playing Lee Summit West in Lawrence.” good team coming back and we are ready to Benefiting from that 7-6 upset over the compete against our tough schedule.”

Bullpups, MULVANE advanced to the state Head coach Paul Marquez led tournament, before a 3-2 loss to Clearwater in INDEPENDENCE to a 9-9 record in his first the first round brought their exciting 15-8 seaseason in the head position and gets a strong son to an end. A deep group coming back from three-senior core to work with back in 2022, that squad gives the Wildcats plenty of hope. including Ryan Leiker (RHP/3B/1B, .385, Top returners include Hunter Seier (SS/P, 20H, 5 2B, 12RBI, 1.59 ERA, 65K, 4BB, 5-2), .362, 25H, 1HR, 26RBI, 9SB, 27R, 2.71 ERA, Cooper Smith (OF, .444, 20H, 21R) and Davis 2-2, 1 SV), Mason Ellis (OF/P, .278, 15H, 1HR, Merrick (SS/RHP, .424, 25H, 8 2B, 23R, 2SV, 9RBI, 7SB, 17R, 2.26 ERA, 2-2), Ian Comer 3.39 ERA) (OF, .266 17H, 11RBI, 8SB, 10R), Cooper “We have some very quality returners to Schmidt (IP/P, .407, 22H, 11RBI, 3SB, 14R, build around,” Marquez said. “If the newcom- 5.77 ERA, 2-1), Keaton Herd (OF/P, .200, 4H, ers step up we’ll have the opportunity to have 3RBI, 4SB, 11R, 3.97 ERA, 1-0), along with

juniors Parker Richardson (IF/P, .484, 31H, 26RBI, 4SB, 13R, 4.43 ERA, 5-2) and Julien Myers (OF/P, .275, 14H, 10RBI, 8SB, 8R, 1.38 ERA, 2-0, 1SV).

“I’m very excited to get this group back this year,” coach Steve Nelson said. “We are bringing back some experience and replacing a couple of guys from last year with new young kids.”

An OTTAWA team that went 12-10 in head coach Shawn Herrmann’s 19th season (261121) gets back a majority of their lineup.

Returning varsity starters include seniors Chase Bloomer (SS/P), Austin Nitcher (3B/P), Brett Hadl (2B/OF/P), Wyatt Sink (OF), Ryan Laurie (OF/1B), Ayden Alterman (P), juniors Jake Titus (P/OF), Aldan Michel (P/OF/1B), Logan Morton (OF/P) and sophomores TJ Kerns (IF/C), Brandon Reynolds (OF), Logan Morton (OF/P) and Keegan Riemer (UT) “We return a lot of experience from last year,” Herrman said. “We have a lot of players that can pitch and play multiple positions.”

PAOLA finished third in 4A last season with a 22-3 record after defeating Clearwater 3-2 in the state tournament. The Panthers filled their shelves with postseason accolades, including 4A Coach of the Year recognition for eighth year head coach Tony Brummer.

Replacing Pitcher of the Year Garrett Williams will be a challenge, but Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year, and now senior, Caden Marcum’s (OF/P, .400, 32H, 24RBI, 9SB, 29R, 29.2 IP, 3.06 Era, 53K, 4-1, first team all-state OF) play should help soften that blow. Also back are classmates Dalton Picek (P/1B, .388, 31H, 5HR, 35RBI, 2SB, 26R, 45.1 IP, 2.60 ERA, 52K, 1SV, 6-1, first team all-state 1B), Dillon Ohlmeier (2B, .460, 29H, 22RBI, 14SB, 21R, first team allstate 2B), Carson Boehm (.452, 28H, 21RBI, 12SB, 26R, second team all-state OF), Jon Earlywine (13 IP, 5.38 ERA, 1SV, 22K, 1-1), and defensive specialist Logan Newkirk.

“We are excited for the season,” Brummer said. “Losing the pitcher of the year, catcher, and left side of the infield from last season will not be easy to replace. We hope to see some big things from Kolby Wheeler, Kale Murdock, Johnson Martell, Gus Wright, Kody Hendrickson, Gavin Clark, Noah Gerken and Keaton Matlick, to name a few.”

After one of the best regular seasons in the state, PRATT entered their regional tournament as the clearcut one-seed. However, it

Page 43 was Clearwater advancing to the state tournament after a 3-1 defeat of the Greenbacks – who finished 19-3 – in the regional final.

Despite the bitter ending to the season, Pratt returns plenty of talent, including second team all-state senior closer Matthew Shanline (P/ IF), fellow seniors Cesar Espino (P/IF), Matt Hook (3B), Blake Coss (P/IF), Dylan Lunsford (OF/P), Dru Lunsford (IF/P), Fernando Fernandez (OF/UT), Koda Dipman (C) and junior Gerardo Martinez (OF).

“Have a great deal of experience from the league championship team a year before,” coach Ron Hill said. “Need to continue to grow and find ways to replace some run production from last year’s seniors.”

Defending 3A state champs ROCK CREEK face the combined challenges of being defending state champs, replacing much of last year’s elite lineup that went 21-5, and bumping up to 4A. Two-time state champion (‘15, ‘21) head coach Shane Sieben (7th year, 122-20) isn’t without experience or talent to help lead the way in this new chapter, as senior Zac Becker (C, .397, 10 2B, 1 3B, 26RBI, first team allleague), juniors Ethan Burgess (OF, .363, 5 2B, 27R, 22RBI, 20SB), and Maddox Ibarra (.342, 20R, 11SB), along with sophomore Daegen Vinduska (1B/P, 22.2 IP, 3.71 ERA, 14K, 22.2 IP) – who pitched a shutout in last year’s state championship game – combine to make a strong nucleus as the Mustangs look to shake up a new classification.

“Rock Creek bumps up to class 4A this year after winning the 3A state title in 2021,” Sieben said. “The Mustangs must replace an outstanding senior class that included 3A Player of the Year Brooks Whaley and allstate SS Mason Sturdy - both playing baseball at Emporia State. Three year starting catcher Zac Becker looks to lead the way for the Mustangs along with a very athletic outfield led by juniors Ethan Burgess and Maddox Ibarra. Pitching will be the big question mark as Vinduska is the only returning arm with over 20 innings pitched.”

TONGANOXIE went 14-8 last season, but faced the same season-ending fate from the prior two seasons.

“After missing out on a third consecutive regional title in upset fashion to Eudora, we return a large core of the team that won 14 games,” coach Mitch Loomis (12th year) said.

continued on 50

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 “Lot’s of senior leadership with this team,” coach Charlie Whitworth (27th, 334-185) said.

“We hope to battle for a Pioneer League title, but we know it will be a very tough league like it is every year.”

Despite a first round regional upset loss against Columbus, CANEY VALLEY had an excellent 2022 season and finished with a 16-5 record. The Bullpups get back seniors Trey King (RHP/OF), Kyler Brandon (C/UT), Kris Cunningham (LHP/1B), Hunter Watson (RHP/OF), Caleb Dejear (UT) and sophomore Heath Ellis (IF). While newcomer freshmen Ben Matthews (C/UT), Nate Kaminska (RHP/3B) and sophomore Garrett Watson (UT) are likely to make an impact as well.

“We should be very good if our starting pitchers will step up,” coach Michael Kaminska Nemaha Central said. “We should have talent to win our league and hopefully win the regional which is always

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer tough because we play all CNC league teams ANDERSON COUNTY moved onto many in regional.” rivals radar after finishing second in 3A a year CHAPARRAL went 5-16 in head coach Tyler ago. Fifth year head coach Travis Persinger Clubine’s first year at the helm with a young (47-23) has to replace a talented group lost to group. Returning starters include seniors graduation, including all-state third baseman Wyatt Drouhard (SS/P, .345, 1HR, 2.72, 38.2 Ahston Miller, but gets back senior all-state IP, ERA, 56K), Justin Moritz (C, .273, 10RBI, pitcher Derek Rockers (OF/P, .312, 24H, 2HR), Trevor Cullop (1B, .250), junior Cody 15RBI, 21R, 57 IP, .850 ERA,113K, 9-1 ) and Moritz (CF/P, .312, 8RBI) and sophomore senior second team all-state first baseman Tyce Pfaff (3B, .347).

Dalton Kellerman (1B/P, .532, 33H, 30RBI, “(We) return most of our team,” Clubine said.

30R, 2.31 ERA, 24.1 IP, 24K, 2-1, 2SV). “A lot of young players were forced into varsity Juniors Braden Blaufuss (OF/P, .355, 27H, time last year and should be ready to step up.”

15RBI, 26R, 14SB, 5.55 ERA, 1.1 IP, 15K, CHERRYVALE finished 14-6 in head coach 1-0), Dallas Kueser (SS/P, .257, 18H, 23RBI, Scott John’s (34-26) fourth season at the helm.

25R, 7.2 IP, 2.73 ERA, 1SV) and sophomore Seniors Fisher Hey (P/SS), Caiden Heit (3B), Preston Kueser (IF/P, .316, 6H, 30 IP, 2.76 Austin Hooper (C/P), Isaiaha Castorena (UT), ERA, 21K, 7-1) also return.

Tobin Cannon (1B), Connor Wickham (DH/P), “Our pitching should be a strong point this junior Jackson Knight (IF/P) and sophomore year,” Persinger said. “We will need some Stetson Shafer (IF/P) all return. younger guys and some older guys that have “We are returning a lot of guys with a lot of been waiting for their time to step up and fill experience,” John said. “We should be very the spots we lost offensively from last year’s competitive in the Tri-Valley League this year. roster. The group coming back enjoyed the We have a lot of depth at pitching and guys run we made last year, but I know they are not that are very versatile and can be moved all satisfied and will be ready to work!” over the field.”

A young BELOIT team had a tough time After entering their regional as a seven seed, finding a rhythm last season, finishing just CIMARRON nearly broke the entire bracket 2-17, but the future holds potential. The after upsetting second-seeded Holcomb and Trojans bring back 10 players with varsity narrowly losing 8-7 against eventual regional experience including seniors Owen Eilert champ Hugoton in the second round. While (OF/P), Jackson Rexroat (OF), juniors Wesley coach Charles Dirks (5th year, 40-43; 8th Adolph (C), Logan Arasmith (P/OF), and soph- overall, 93-58) likes his team’s depth, his only omores Quinn Eilert (P/SS), Maddox Waters listed returning starters are seniors Michael (OF), Jerek Rexroat (2B/C/OF), Brody Widrig Feltman (P/UT) and Dylan Jones (C).

(P/3B), Bryce Beisner (P) and Noah Gerstner “We have a ton of upside this year and it (P/IF/OF). will be fun to watch how we develop over the “The key to this year’s season will be the pro- year,” Dirks said. “Last year we struggled at gression of our young talent,” coach Brandon the beginning but were tough out of our regionCox (13th, 103-103) said. al tournament – pushing the regional champiAfter an up-and-down 7-12 season punctu- ons to a one-run game – and I expect us to be ated by a 10-0 first round loss to Wellsville in a tough tournament team again!” their regional matchup, BURLINGTON has a COLBY finished last season 3-16, but gets a strong group of seniors back looking to find deep group of starters back looking to improve stability in 2022 including Cooper Carlson on that mark. Those include senior Zach Griffin (1B/P), Eli Crutchfield (C/P/CF), Mitchell (OF), senior Zach Castigliano (OF), juniors Broyles (P/3B/C) and Max Kuhlmann (LF).

Shane Puckett (SS/P), Mason Kersenbrock

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(1B/P), Mac Haines (C/P), Landon Vogler (DH/ IF) and Drestin Ter Haar (OF), and sophomore Kaeden McCarty (P/OF).

“We were very young and inexperienced last year,” coach Rick Williams said. “We showed a ton of improvement, but will still be rather young this year with just three seniors on our roster. We are excited to have 16 freshmen out this year. Last year, we did not pitch well enough to compete consistently, but have put in a lot of time to improve in that area.”

COUNCIL GROVE had a down year at just 2-19 last season, but with a strong group of returning starters and an influx of younger talent, the Braves are trending in the right direction.

Seniors Hunter Brintle (IF, .310, 13H) and Kaleb Litke (OF/C, .269, 14H), juniors Anthony Monihen, (IF, .265, 13H) Jackson Comer (IF, .100, 3H) and Chase Buchman (OF/C, .222, 8H), as well as sophomores Kolby Rose (IF, .317, 20H) and Chase Buchman (OF/C, .222, 8H) provide sixth year head coach Matt Wilkens (36-48) an excellent foundation.

“Council Grove reloads this year with 33 players going out for baseball,” Wilkens said.

“Fifteen of those are freshmen that have been playing competitive summer ball. The team will be young, but will compete.”

DONIPHAN WEST and RIVERSIDE will play baseball together this season for head coach Jeff Spiker. He’ll welcome back standout Trent Spiker, a dual-sport athlete who also finished third in the 400 meter dash at 1A state track. Other seniors returning with experience include Kole Franken, Creighton Johnson, Broc Leatherman, Michael Lackey, Jeren Whetstine, Reilley Goff, Dillion Williams, Kobe Davis and Brock Studer.

ELLSWORTH closed out at 9-10 a season ago after a 4-3 first round regional tournament loss to Hoisington. The Bearcats return one of the best in the state from that team in second team all-state pitcher Dayton Davis, along with junior Cade Gwinner (P/IF), and sophomores Layton Leiker (C/OF), Cole Webber (P/IF), Ben Hipp (P/OF) and Lane Rolfs (P/OF).

“We are looking forward to the season,” coach Jason McWilliams said. “We are returning a young but talented group of starters with great senior leadership.”

EUREKA finished 12-8 after a second round regional exit against eventual state qualifier Hesston. The Tornadoes return a pair of all-state seniors in Garrison Spoonts (.523, 26RBI, 34H, 49.1 IP, .993 ERA, 95K, 8-0) and Cole Strickler (.515, 25RBI, 35H, 17 IP, 3.706 ERA, 2-1), as well as fellow key returners sophomore Carson Spoonts (.333, 20RBI, 25H), senior Quentin Campos (.266, 20RBI, 21H), junior Hunter Scott (.333, 5RBI, 5H), junior Cooper Zimmers (.208, 3RBI, 5H), senior Wyatt Samuels (.170, 3RBI, 9H) and junior Andrew Westerman (.250).

“Returning a great core to a team that played against Hesston in the regional semifinals,” coach Bruce Munden said. “We expect with the additions of some youth and returning

Page 44 starters to be as good, if not better, than last year.”

Top-seeded FREDONIA was dealt a devastating 6-3 first round upset against eighth seed Prairie View in their regional tournament last year, finishing an otherwise outstanding season 16-3. Looking to bounce back from that loss are juniors Wyatt Miller (OF, .333, 17H, 10RBI, 9BB, 11R), Aidan Chard (2B, .346, 18H, 12RBI, 8BB, 13R), Joel Dutton (SS/P, .423, 17RBI, 30H, 17RBI, 25R, 6BB, 3.39 ERA, 2-2), and all-state honorable mention senior Colton Dinkel (3B/P/C) .516, 33H, 18RBI, 27R, 3HR, 6BB, 3.36ERA, 2SV, 2-1).

“I think we have a solid crew this year,” coach David Nelson said. “We have Tyler Foged coming back from his shoulder surgery last year and we foresee him having a great year. We have several freshmen that will have a major impact. Our four returning starters have been working hard in the offseason to prepare themselves for this spring. It should be an entertaining season! Hopefully, we can defend our Tri-Valley League title and have a good showing in regionals.”

Fifth-seeded FRONTENAC made it out of their regional bracket with three consecutive one-run games before a strong state tournament performance that saw them defeating Minneapolis in the third place game 7-5.

A strong group of Raider upperclassmen return led by one of the best three-sport athletes in the state, senior second team allstate pitcher Collin McCartney (1B/LHP, .333, 30RBI, 4 2B, 5 3B, 33 IP, 28K, 2.7 ERA), along with fellow seniors Jeremy Raio (LHP, 1B, .333, 4 2B, 5 3B 30RBI. 33 IP, ERA 1.87, 40K), Kaston Fields ( IF .218, 3 2B, 2 3B, 30R), Lane Franklin (IF, .308, 1 2B, 1 3B), and juniors Logan Myers (IF, .346, 3 2B, 11 3B. 20RBI, 31R), Mario Menghini (P, .395 6 2B, 3 3B, 20RBI, 20R. 33 IP, 2.7 ERA, 28K), Alex Williams (C .447, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1HR, 17RBI) and Lane Sullivan (OF, .215, 5 2B. 13RBI, 12R).

“Very excited about our potential this season, coach Bill Sullivan (24th, 287-183) said.

“Great group of returners with a lot of experience. Should be strong on the mound and defensively.”

GALENA brings back a majority of their 2021 roster that finished 10-12 after upsetting one-seed Baxter Springs 3-0 and nearly beat regional champ Frontenac in a 7-6 thriller.

The Bulldogs have a tough task in replacing first team all-state outfielder AJ Holmes, but key returners including all-state shortstop Brett Sarwinski (SS/P, .441, 30H, 1HR, 14RBI, 13SB, 31R, 4.97 ERA, 2-5), seniors Kenyon Martin (IF/P, .301, 22H, 15RBI, 2SB, 15R, 3.58 ERA, 3-4) and Lane Madden (2B/P, .301, 22H, 14RBI, 15SB, 16R, 9.06 ERA, 2-1, 1SV) and junior Hadley Price (IF/OF/P, .265, 9H, 3RBI, 1SB, 13R, 4.31 ERA, 1-2).

“This team is in good shape for the upcoming season,” coach Ross Bailey said. “Along with the returners listed above, we are returning all but two starters. We will be returning Easton

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Dart (senior), Evan Turner (senior), Zane far more experienced roster than a year ago.

Turner (sophomore) and Malachi Wesley (ju- Seniors Carson Gilbert (P, .300, 4.9 ERA, 2-3, nior). Also going to contribute this year will be 42K), Joel Bryon (P/IF, .267), Tyler Davis (OF, KC Hopkins (junior), Logan Ward (senior), and .173), along with juniors Brandt Barnhill (C/P, Jack LaTurner (freshman).” .250), Xavier Oldham (3B, .355, 22H, 11XBH) GOODLAND welcomes a new head coach and Ashton Rockey (CF, .414, 24H, 15SB, in Terry Griffith after the Cowboys faced a 16R). first round regional exit last year. Griffith “We are really excited about the team we listed some key returners including seniors have this year and feel that we have a great Caleb Duell and Jackson Griffith, juniors Ryan opportunity to do some damage in northeast Ensign, Octavio Gonzalez, Gentry Deeds, Kansas,” head coach Curt Weldon (5th seaMason Hernandez and Bryson Waters, soph- son, 18-40, 6th overall, 24-49) said. “This omores Cole Linton, Tanner Weber, Manuel is the deepest and most experienced bullGonzalez and Juan Hernandez, and freshmen pen we have had in our five-year existence.

Kacen Sederstrom and Anthony Ruibal.

Defensive experience and a core of players “Goodland is in a transition phase this year that love baseball could be the key combinafor baseball, as I will be taking over the head tion we are looking for to turn things around coaching position,” Griffith said. “I am a former at Hiawatha.”

DII pitcher and coach. I am looking forward Four-seed HILLSBORO lost their first round to seeing these guys for the first time when regional matchup against five-seed Osage spring practices begin. They finished last City 4-3, leaving them 10-11 on the season. season on a close loss in the regional game Third year head coach Clint Potucek returns and missed out on a trip to state. I have seen a majority of that roster, including seniors them compete in fall and winter sports and I Matthew Potucek (OF/P, .333, 25H, 1HR, am confident that they will want to have an 28RBI, 35R), Jaxxon Hanschu (C, .241, 14H, opportunity to make a run into the postseason 10RBI, 15R), Hunter Navrat (SS/2B, .314, and not settle for just playing the 20 game 22H, 14RBI, 13R), Phillip Young (IF/P, .250, season. Speed does seem to be a strong suit 14H, 11RBI, 13R), Duncan Duell (OF, .190, for us. I will have a good mix of juniors and 11H, 14RBI, 12R), Corbin Marple (1B/P, .233, sophomores with five in each. Our seniors 7H, 9RBI, 11R), Alex Caldwell (P, .259, 14H, and freshmen each have two. From a players 10RBI, 15R, 5.6 ERA, 3-1, 1SV) and junior perspective this will be a ‘Great Year to be a Jake Thiessen (OF, .214, 12H, 10RBI, 15R).

Goodland Cowboy’ as our numbers are low “We are returning most of our team from last and the potential for playing time is high.” year,” Potucek said. “We expect to compete After a 10-11 mark punctuated by a first well in a very tough CKL league.” round blowout loss to Galena, HAVEN head After entering the regional tournament as a coach Dwight Roper gets back a solid group six-seed, HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS consisting of seniors Karter Cooprider (C), advanced past three-seed Ellsworth with a Holden Schneider (P) and Tyler Rogers (OF/ 6-2 win, before nearly upsetting statebound DH), juniors DJ Miller (P/3B) and Brant Sipe Minneapolis 4-3 in their second round match(1B), and sophomore Dustin Loughrie (2B). up. The Cardinals finished the season 9-13 “We have a good group of young players,” in head coach Eric Steiner’s first full year as Roper said. “We will see how fast we can head coach after 2020s COVID cancellation. adapt to varsity baseball.”

The Cardinals return a young, but exHERITAGE CHRISTIAN finished 9-12 last season, but had a young group gaining valuable varsity experience throughout. Returning starters for 11th year head coach Bart Briley (87-116) include senior Nathan Schwab (OF/P, .352, 24H, .704, 2HR, 17.1 IP, 4.15 ERA, 3-1), juniors Blake Hekman (3B/P, .389, 21H, .939 OPS, 15SB, 19 IP, 2.54 ERA, 2-2, 2SV), Connor Kudrna (SS/P, .281, 18H, 10RBI, 15SB, 15 IP, 4.99 ERA, 1-1), Brayden Bivens (1B, .288, .814 OPS, 9RBI, 2HR), Jason Schnuelle (P, 32 IP, 25K, 3.89 ERA, 3-2, 1SV), Ashton Ratzlaff (OF, .361, 13H, .937 OPS, 13H, 1HR, 11SB), and sophomores Luke Briley (C, .319, .888 OPS, 15H, 10RBI), and Carter Manning (.300, 10H, .750 OPS).

“We return seven starters from last year’s team,” Briley said. “Last year’s record was a little skewed since we played Aquinas and Hays and started two freshmen and four COVID sophomores. The experience should allow us to be ready for the move up to 3A from 2A.” HIAWATHA finished last season with a 4-16 mark, but returns a

perienced group in juniors Layton Haxton (OF/1B/P, .303, 20H, 12RBI, 7SB, 2.718 ERA, 2-1, 1SV), Shawn Ingram (IF/P, .282, 20H, 7RBI, 5SB, 1.40 ERA, 0-2), Chase Steinert (C/ OF/3B/P, .338, 24H, 6RBI, 17SB, 4.065 ERA, 1-1, 1SV), MJ Aylward (2B/P, .143, 9H, 4RBI, 5SB, 3.574 ERA, 1-2) and Tony Moore IF/P, .351, 26H, 22RBI, 7SB, 1.544 ERA, 0-3, 2SV).

“Build off the success we had last season with such a young group and be competitive in all our games,” Steiner said of team goals.

“Start finding ways to win close games that we came up on the short end last season.”

HUGOTON entered last year’s state tournament on the heels of a 4-3 regional championship win over one-seed Scott Community in extra innings. The Eagles then faced a first round exit in a tough 1-0 loss to eventual runner-up Anderson County.

Coach Tanner Rindels (4th year, 29-18) has his hands full after graduating a big senior class that included the all-state duo of Jayce Korf and Sawyer Harper, but gets back a trio of starters in juniors Zevin Littell (OF/P, .397, 31H, 18RBI, 23R) and Adam Mendoza (3B, .442, 34H, 12RBI, 37R) and senior Isaac Marioni (2B, .349, 22H, 12RBI, 21R).

“We are going to have to work harder for wins this season, relying heavily on our main returning players,” Rindels said. “Hopefully our underclassmen can develop quickly.”

JEFFERSON WEST finished 12-10 after a second round regional exit in coach Dan Hypse’s 30th year as head coach (424-177) of the Tigers. As he enters his 31st, he has seniors Devin Watkins (P/1B, .264) and Kaden Stones (SS/P, .474) back to lead the way.

“Small senior class, so a lot of opportunities for underclassmen to step up and fill some holes,” Hypse said. “ We will need to be fundamentally sound to be competitive.”

KINGMAN/NORWICH is looking ahead to a promising year as they bring back a deep group from last season’s 16-6 team after a

Page 45 second round defeat at last year’s regional against a talented Cheney team.

Sixteenth year head coach Toby Munz (133161) returns seniors Colby Schreiner (UT, 14H, 9SB, 10RBI, 12BB), Geoffrey Holloway (C/P, 13IP, 0.00 ERA, 16H, 16BB, 9HBP), Cole Watkins (1B, 7H, 3SB, 6R), Jake Clover (OF, 5H, 3SB, 8R, 3BB), juniors Ty Birkenbaugh (OF, 9H, 2XBH, 9RBI), Dillon Suenram (IF, 4H, 5BB, 5R), Nolan Freund (IF, .394, 26H, 10XBH, 16RBI) and sophomore Carter Helm (24H, .369, 11XBH, 16RBI) “We are returning a lot of players that saw significant playing time last year,” Munz said.

“We have a bunch of baseball guys that have spent a lot of time down at the ball fields.

Expectations are high.”

LAKIN went 10-9 during their 2021 campaign after an 11-4 defeat against Scott City in the semifinals of regionals. The Broncs 26th year head coach Steve Davidson (375-61) gets back a solid core to work with in sophomore Bode McCormick (P/IF) and seniors Allen Martinez (SS, .345, 4.51 ERA, 4-2) and Braden Fisher (OF, .353).

“We will have a young bunch this year, but do have a few returners that will provide good leadership for the young guys. Our pitching staff should be fairly deep,” Davidson said.

LARNED had few issues during the regular season in 2021, but the one-seed Indians couldn’t quite get past two-seed Minneapolis in their regional final, losing that game 7-3 and ultimately finishing the season 14-4.

Head coach Chad Erway (12th season, 14195) gets a talented crew back that includes his senior son Logan Erway (1B), senior Carlos Ibarra (OF/P/3B), senior Ian Orth (P/UT) and sophomore Brady Hope (SS/P).

“We will be young this year and a little thin with pitching,” Erway said. “However, if we can play solid defense and mix in some timely hitting with the hopes of a few young players stepping up we should compete.”

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 First year head coach Blake Lee takes over whether at the plate, or on the mound, and at LINCOLN-SYLVAN-LUCAS as theycoming they should continue to grow and fill those off a 7-12 season ending in a first round re- leadership roles perfectly.” gional exit. Two sophomores return for the After a tough start to the season, OSAGE Leopards in Logan Meier (SS/P) and Lane CITY rallied during the second half of the Homewood (3B/P). season, advancing to the second round of “We are going to be a young team,” Lee regionals and finishing with an 11-11 mark. said. “We lost a couple of returning starters to Third year head coach Mitche Foote (11-11) other sports, but we are looking to get good gets four senior starters back from that team varsity experience and build for the future.” including Garret Fager (SS/P, .391, 27H, 3HR, Finishing 7-14 last season, MARYSVILLE 12RBI, 28SB, 27R, 1.33 ERA, 77K, 14BB, has a new look with only one starter returning 4-2), Brody Littrell (C, .343, 23H, 5HR, 17RBI, in junior Thomas Behrens (SS) as coach John 14SB, 22R), Brian Bailey (OF, .355, 11H, Haefele enters his second season in charge.

12RBI, 8SB, 8R) and Tyler Sage (2B, .268, “We graduated nine seniors that played 15H, 9RBI, 4SB, 9R). nearly every inning last year,” Haefele said.

“We are hoping to take another leap in the “We will be a young team with only two seniors right direction and continue to change the culthis year and not much varsity experience. It ture of Osage City baseball,” Foote said. “After will be a great opportunity for guys to step up starting the season off on a 3-10 record we and contribute to the varsity squad as all posi- were able to string together eight consecutive tions are open.” wins including a first round regional win over After helping MINNEAPOLIS to their first Hillsboro 4-3. We ended the season in a hard two playoff appearances in the school’s his- fought game to Southeast of Saline, 8-5, in the tory, the Lions said goodbye to their talented second round of regionals. This team was led class of 2021 that most recently led the Lions by our pitching and timely hitting throughout to a fourth place state tournament finish and the season and looking to build on that! Key a 16-8 record. returners would be senior Garrett Fager who Despite that, head coach Tyler Konrade will be the team’s ace once again, while fellow (13th season, 105-127) still has a solid seniors Brody Littrell, Brian Bailey and Tyler group to work with in seniors Ryker Nelson Sage will play key roles in the upcoming sea(SS/2B/P, .375, 27H, 9RBI, 24SB, 2R), son. This team has several returning pieces Weston Schrader C/3B/P, .200, 13H, 14RBI, from last year with several new faces ready to 10R, 1.68 ERA, 1-0, 7K), Colby Rice (OF/C/P, step into a larger role!” .182, 14H, 14RBI, 9SB, 15R, 4.59 ERA, 1-1, PERRY-LECOMPTON finished last year 15K) and junior Logan Kearn (OF/P, .269, 7H, 6-14 after a 2-1 first round regional loss to 2RBI, 4SB, 9R).

Santa Fe Trail. The Kaws get back a deep “With the experience several of our players group looking to build on last year’s experireceived during postseason last year, I’m look- ence in seniors Evan Gottstein (3B), Reichen ing forward to seeing how they bring what they Rush, Seth Cooksey (CF), Mason Bahnmaier, learned into the current year,” Konrade said. juniors Gunnar Ball (SS), Brock Pattin (DH), “The development of some of our younger Ty Williams (2B), along with sophomores Zach players will play a big part in the success of Essman (C) and Wyatt Spencer (P). our season.”

“We return experience on the mound and NEMAHA CENTRAL had a successful 19-4 in the field We are looking forward to a good season last year, despite losing in a tough season,” coach Kent Houk said. matchup with eventual state champion Rock PRAIRIE VIEW finished just 2-19 in head Creek in their regional championship. The coach Joe Cullor’s fourth season (15-42) Thunder return a few key players from that coaching the Buffs, but he gets back an exgroup, but will have to adjust to first year head perienced group consisting of Charlie McCain coach Schuyler “Skip” Mayberry after the de- (P/2B/OF), Garret Cullor (P/2B/OF), Kaden parture of Terry Stueve, who won a 3A state Walker (P/1B), Kooper Konitzer (P/2B/SS), title with them in 2016.

Kaden Stroup (IF), Gabe Murillo (P/C/3B), Key returners include seniors Zac Kramer Hunter Dunn, (3B/OF/DH), Trevor Brooks (IF/C, .393, 33H, 18RBI, 8SB, 29R), Andrew (OF), Gage Pugh (CF), Cayleb Daniels (OF), Henry (IF, .347, 25H, 15RBI, 13SB, 14R), Micah Eastwood (P/3B/OF), Colby Garretson Ryan Lueger (1B, .320, 16H, 12RBI, 5SB, (P/C/1B) and Zach Nordgren (OF).

18R) and junior Brayden Uphaus (SS/P, .250, “Lost pitcher Hunter Minden to Central 15H, 1HR, 18RBI, 9SB, 16R, 1.07 ERA, 6-1). Missouri State and all-state catcher Grady “Returning four guys opens up a lot of posi- Gregg to Allen County Community College,” tions for competition which will be new for us Cullor said. “But we return everybody else this year as we had a ton of experience leave from a team that pulled off the one/eight upset us last year,” Mayberry said. “We’re excited to in sub-state. We improved tremendously over see our young guys compete for those spots last year and with so many returning players, and find their role on the team. Our goals we should be vastly better than last season.” continue to be winning the Big 7 and to be RILEY COUNTY went 13-6 in 2021 with a playing in Manhattan at the end of May. The first round regional loss ending their season. guys coming back all had success last year, Head coach Weston Steiner gets back only

two starters in seniors Kolton Payne (SS) and Trey Harmison (OF), but is still optimistic about his team’s chances in 2022.

“We have a great group of seniors returning this year,” Steiner said. “It will be exciting to see how hard they work and what they can do throughout the season.”

Seven-seed RIVERTON was able to upset two-seed Cherryvale before seeing their season end in the second round of regionals and closing out the year at 10-12. Key players returning for the Rams include seniors Kyler Harper (MIF/P, .328, .71 ERA, 2-0), Kaden Hedrick (P, 3.75 ERA, 3-5), junior Noah Valenti (C, .283) and sophomore Noah Harper (P, 1.75 ERA, 2-2).

“Looking to improve our record as we mature,” head coach Danny Weaver (23rd season, 263-196) said of team goals. “We started seven different freshmen last year. With the leadership of our returning upperclassmen and the maturing of our guys who were thrown into the fire last year, our hope is to be a solid team in 3A this season. Playing early last season in a tough CNC conference will pay off for our young players.”

ROSSVILLE managed a first round regional victory against Riley County in the four vs. five game before facing a second round exit against Nemaha Central and ending the year with a 15-7 mark.

The Bulldogs bring back an unsettling amount of talent for Mid-East League rivals, including seniors Kaden Brown (C/OF/P, .425, 31H, 1HR, 16RBI, 25R, 10SB, 18 IP, .38 ERA, 23K, 5BB, 3-0), Corey Catron (UT/P, .200, 5H, 6RBI, 6R, 4BB, 3SB, 24.1 IP, 3.16 ERA, 14K, 12BB, 2-1), Torrey Horak (OF/P, .359, 23H, 12RBI, 20R, 5BB, 12SB), Aiden Garcia (P/SS/2B, .301, 22H, 12RBI, 19R, 8BB, 12SB, 36.1IP, 3.66 ERA, 30K, 13BB, 3-3), Brody Lietz (1B, .295, 18H, 16RBI, 10BB, 1SB), McGwyre Leathers (3B/C, .333, 26H, 1HR, 16RBI, 14R, 4SB), junior Kade Perine (OF, .250, 14H, 12RBI, 17R, 11BB, 9SB) and sophomore Camden Horak (IF/P, 40.1 IP, 3.12 ERA, 46K, 26BB, 5-2).

“We return a lot of guys who have played a lot of baseball in their careers so our lineup won’t change much, ‘’ coach Eammon Bradley (4th season, 34-32) said. “I am excited to watch this group of kids compete one last time together.”

ROYAL VALLEY was 8-13 a season ago after a first round regional exit, but the Panthers do get some important pieces back. Seniors Kendon Wege (P/IF), Cooper Daugherty (P/ OF), Parker Long (OF), juniors Jase Wege (P/ IF), Preston Golden (P/IF), as well as sophomores Aidan McKinsey (OF/P) and Tyson Parks (C/P/OF).

“We return our core group of starters and a lot of experience, with most of our returning starters being upperclassmen,” coach Kenny Swart (2nd year, 8-13; 3rd overall, 27-17) said.

“Our pitching depth and defense sets us up to have a successful season, we will need some

Page 46 of the younger players to step up into some big roles in order to meet our ultimate goal.”

RUSSELL/VICTORIA finished 8-11 under now second year coach Allen Penka after a first round 11-inning regional loss, 8-7, to TMP. Andrew Kraus, Braydon Gibson and Kaden Rome are a trio of quality players lost to graduation but senior Andrew Roth, who pitched a one-hitter against Ellinwood last year, returns, along with classmates Aidan Rohr, Brayden Drake, Josh Sohm and LaAries Winzerling.

SABETHA had a good 13-8 season last year, but had the unenviable task of facing eventual state champs Rock Creek in the first round of their regional, losing 7-4. Second year coach Curtis Hamilton gets back two key players in senior Tristan Wittwer (IF/P, .365, 1HR, 14RBI, 2.33 ERA, 3-1) and junior Josh Herrmann (P/C/IF/OF, .384, 1HR, 14RBI).

“We have a great group coming back,” Hamilton said. “They work hard and love to play the game. We have one senior so we will rely on our sophomores and juniors to step into the lineup on a regular basis this season.”

SANTA FE TRAIL brings back four starters from last year’s team that finished 15-8 after a 6-3 regional championship loss to Bishop Ward, and will have first year head coach Weston Gloss in command.

Gloss has senior Ben Coffman (P/IF, .287, 2.049 ERA), junior Theron Berckefeldt (P/IF, .303, 5.250 ERA), junior Brodie Gleason (C/ OF) and sophomore Kyle Strother (.429).

“This will be an exciting year,” Gloss said.

“We have a lot of young talent. There will be some learning moments but overall I expect a successful year.”

One-seed SCOTT CITY faced a regional championship upset at the hands of threeseed Hugoton, ending their season with a strong 16-5 mark. The Beavers had two of the state’s best underclassmen on their roster last year in now-sophomore second team all-state closing pitcher Brady Welker and all-state honorable mention now junior JP Harris.

SILVER LAKE finished 17-5 last year after getting caught up in Rock Creek’s path to a state title in just the second round of regionals. A small, but all-around talented group including senior Daigan Kruger (UT, .521, 37H, 20RBI, 11SB, 27R, 2.2 ERA, 4-1), senior Matthew Barnes (UT, .333, 15R) and junior Kaiden Walker (3B/1B/P, .333, 5RBI) return as head coach Tyler Seele enters his second season with the team.

“This year’s team will have a lot of new faces, but will return several experienced players as well,” Seele said. “We will rely on pitching, defense, and situational baseball to be successful this upcoming season.”

SMOKY VALLEY has a new head coach in former Ell-Saline high school standout and Kansas Wesleyan first baseman Dalton Eastep after finishing 7-14 last season. The first year coach has some experience to work with, including seniors George Moore (C/P, .261, .435 OBP, 12H, 1 2B, 1 HR, 14BB, 22

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 IP, 4.77 ERA, 24K, 2-2) and Trayton Miller Hart Nurnberg (OF, .320, 11R).

(OF/IF/P, .214, .364 OBP, 12H, 1 2B, 11RBI, SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS finished 9-12 10BB, 6.46 ERA, 13 IP, 0-1), along with ju- a season ago after losing their first round reniors Trevor Jones (OF/P, .225, .462 OBP, gional matchup with Lakin 1-0. Coming back 9H, 1 2B, 12BB), Nolan Dauer (SS, .214, .374 from that team are seniors Branden Stanfield OBP, 12H, 3 2B, 1 3B, 12RBI, 5SB, 12RBI, (P/IF/OF, .355, 25RBI, 5 2B, 1HR), Jayden 10BB) and Kade Blanchat (1B/P, .385, .538 Leak (P/IF, .231, 14RBI, 1HR), Daniell Juarez SLUG, 25H, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1HR, 21RBI, 7BB, (P/1B/3B, .462, 33RBI, 6 2B, 2HR, 1.197 4.69 ERA, 43K, 31.1 IP, 1-4).

OPS), junior Parker Wurtz (C/P, .470 OBP) “I think we will be extremely competitive this and sophomores Julian Juarez (P/1B, .389, year,” Eastep said. “We have some tough- 18RBI, 2HR) and Cade Thomas (P/2B, .250) nosed ball players, young kids that finally “While we lost some key pieces at the top of have a year of starting under their belt, and a our lineup last year, we are returning a very good group that is determined to build a base- deep group this year,” coach Lane Albert said. ball culture here in Lindsborg.”

“We have four guys who can start and get SOUTHEAST OF SALINE secured a one- deep into a game on the mound, we have a lot seed and made their way to the regional of experience returning in the field, we have championship last season, but were unable some younger players who got experience to overcome a determined Hesston team, los- late in the season last year and gained a lot ing 4-3. Entering his 20th season at the helm, of experience going into this year, and a deep head coach Mike Garretson (254-123) feels freshman class coming up that has some good about 2022. players who are varsity ready right now. If we “We return several experienced players can figure out how to limit our bad innings in from our 2021 team that lost two games by a the field we will be very competitive this year total of two runs,” Garretson said. “We lost a and finally be able to get that first winning relot of firepower from last year so we will need cord in our program’s five year history.” to play good defense to keep us in games.

The 10-11 TMP/La CROSSE Monarchs Our roster is over 30 players for the first time finished second at their regional despite enin many years.” tering as an 8-10 four-seed. A talented group Top returners include seniors Evan returns from that team, including seniors Nickelson (1B/P, .493, 20R, 27RBI, 2.33 ERA, Mark Rack (.385, 2.29 ERA), Niklas Helget 5-0), Clayton Meier (C, .308, 14RBI, 14R), (.221), Nicholas Herrman (.254, 1.97 ERA), Jayton Mathis (3B/P, .359, 26RBI, 18R), and juniors Chet Irvin (.220, 4.2 ERA) and Bryce juniors Landon Allen (P/OF, .410, 3 3B, 1.73, Conner (.283, 2.74 ERA) and sophomores 7-0), Drew Richardson (IF, .278, 17R, 12RBI), Caden Morgan (.300, 2.75 ERA) and Joseph Luke Gebhardt (SS, .386, 19RBI, 14R) and Mindrup (.167). continued on 50

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 GALVA/ELYRIA CHRISTIAN enters what will be an intriguing year with a new coaching staff and an expanding roster.

“The coaching staff and I are really excited about the opportunity to take over this program,” new head coach Seth Moddelmog said. ”We have Elyria Christian (entering a cooperative) with the baseball program, so with the new coaching regime and new players the excitement for the baseball program is definitely rising and that is really great to see.”

Returning starters are juniors Garett Maltbie (P/IF), Brazen Alcala (P/IF), Ryder Nordstrom (UT), and senior Xavier Westbrook (UT).

CENTRAL HEIGHTS finished 11-11 after a second round regional tournament exit Inman and get back a load of experience in senior Treyton Smith (3B), senior Tony Detwiler (CF),

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer juniors Max Cannady (P/OF), Nick Schulz A young EFFINGHAM-ATCHISON COUNTY (P/3B), Luke Burkdoll (SS/2B/P), Conner Peel team finished 5-16 after a first round region- (SS/2B) and sophomore Ethan Rowan (1B). al loss to Wathena-Riverside. The Tigers get “We have the potential to have a successback a deep group including two all-league ful season with the returners we have,” head honorable mention seniors in Kieran Courter coach Jason Brown (19th season, 207-182) (OF, .312, .984 FPCT) and Caleb Miller (UT, said. “Our league will be very competitive .407, 1.000 FPCT), along with fellow senior though and there will be no easy nights.”

Ryan Keith (1B, .964 FPCT), juniors Bricen CHASE COUNTY was 12-8 and advanced Lee (P, .343, .964FPCT), Kreyton Baurle to the second round of regionals in coach Alex (P/2B, .377, .878 FPCT), Ty Crossland (OF), Weiss’ first season as head coach.

Trenton Kimmi (C/IF), and Coltin Myers (DH/ For year two, Weiss gets back much of last IF), and sophomore Jeston Vessar (IF, .444, year’s talent, including senior Rhett Reyer .913 FPCT).

(P/2B, .347, 17H, 11BB, 14RBI, 9SB, 17R, “We have all but two starters back from last 10.5 ERA, 1SV), juniors Mitch Budke (OF/P, year and will continue to build on developing a .418, 28H, 1HR, 15BB, 19RBI, 29SB, 28R, winning atmosphere here at Atchison County,” 28ERA), Cal Kohlmeier (1B/P, .515, 34H, 2HR, coach Paul Courter said. “We are going to be 10BB, 23RBI, 21SB, 28R, 2.93 ERA, 7-1, competitive and look forward to competing for 1SV), Taylor Palenske (P/OF, .433, 13H, 1BB, a regional championship this coming year.”

9RBI, 4SB, 2R, 5.57 ERA, 1-2, 1SV), James BENNINGTON starts the season with 21 Bell (P/3B, .333, 3H, 2BB, 2RBI, 1SB, 2R, players out for coach Todd Burrow. The 26.25 ERA), Kaleb Fetrow (P/OF, .349, 15H, Bulldogs added former Lincoln head coach 7BB, 11RBI, 17SB, 10R, 6.56 ERA, 0-1), along Ryan Hageman as an assistant this offseason with sophomores Brock Griffin (C/P, .439, 29H, as well.

1HR, 8BB, 23RBI, 30SB, 25R, 2.33 ERA, 3-0), After a 4-11 season a year ago, BLUESTEM and Colin Monihen (P/3B, .424, 25H, 4BB, gets back some key players as new head 17RBI, 12SB, 13R, 11.60 ERA, 1-1). coach Branigun Gomez takes over.

“Looking to improve defensively and add a “I do think we have a great amount return- couple young arms to the mix this year,” Weiss ing from the last few seasons,” Gomez said. said. “Offense is going to build on a strong “Look forward to seeing leadership from some year last season.” of those returners. I believe with the experiCOLONY-CREST outscored regional tourence they bring back and the energy of some nament opponents 27-4, allowing them a spot younger players we will try to provide a team in the state tournament. The first round of state hungry to play. Our new coaching staff looks would prove to be a tougher test, however, forward to getting a chance to work with them.” with the Lancers losing 4-2 to Spearville to BUCKLIN/SOUTH CENTRAL went 14-6 last finish the season 22-2. season and advanced to the second round Fifth year head coach Roland Weir (31-28) of regionals before getting knocked out by gets back some young, but talented piecstate-qualifier Spearville, 4-1. The Red Aces es from last season’s group, including the get four starters back from that squad in all- all-state junior trio of Trevor Church (P/OF), state seniors Nate Bowman (P, HM), Nathan Stetson Setter (P/OF/IF) and Holden Barker Imel (CF), Scott Price (C, HM), and sopho- (IF/1B), and all-league honorable mention more Andrew Bowman (2B). junior Avery Blaufus (P/C), junior Jack White “We should be very competitive this year (1B/P, .375), along with all-league honorable with most of our pitching coming back from mention sophomore Rogan Weir (P/OF/IF) last year and a lot of young guys coming up,” and sophomore Ryan Golden (P/OF). head coach Kyle Feikert said.

“We have a solid core coming back and are Despite going just 1-9 last season, CANTON- expecting to return to the state tournament to finish our goal,” Weir said.

ELLIS garnered a number of postseason honors, including KABC Coach of the Year for Brent Cain, Player of the Year for his son Tegan Cain, as well as a first team pitcher nod for Cain and second team nods for three others after a third place finish with a 21-1 record.

With Cain now playing at Barton County and

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his dad no longer head coach, Cole Pfeifer takes over the program with the two top non-seniors from last season second team senior pitcher Tyson Jimenez and second team utility Easton Burton, along with seniors George Crawford, Sam Honas, Matt Ernst, and junior Jarret Mader adding experience on the roster.

ELKHART entered into the regional tournament as the one-seed and dominated their first two tournament matchups before facing a 2-1 upset against three-seed Spearville in the championship game.

The Wildcats return a strong group led by the second team all-state junior duo of Kage Ralstin (P/3B/SS, .429, 26H, 1HR, 28RBI, 15SB, 31R, 2.64 ERA, 5-1) and Cesar Gomez (P/SS/C, .519, 27H, 1HR, 17RBI, 17SB, 40R, 1.59 ERA, 1-1), as well as fellow juniors Weston Hall (P/3B/1B, .300, 12H, 10RBI, 5SB, 15R, 2.40 ERA, 7-3), Austin Rich (C/OF, .322, 19H, 21RBI, 10SB, 20R), Clayton Cole (OF, .327, 17H, 15RBI, 12SB, 21R), Julian Duran (DH/2B, .429, 18H, 20RBI, 2SB, 16R), and senior Justin McKinley (1B/P, .358, 19H, 15RBI, 8SB, 20R, 2.25 ERA, 1-0).

“We have the bulk of our production returning from last year and our entire pitching rotation,” coach David Aranda (9th, 100-43) said. “The guys are extremely disappointed in how the season ended last year and they are hungry and working harder than ever to get back to state.”

ELL-SALINE will have another vital year of experience for a young group that finished 5-15 last year. Head coach Joe Roche enters his 22nd season with a group that includes seniors Gabe Roche (OF/C, .200), Taegan Bradley (OF/P, .288), Kayden Goddard (IF/P, .290), Steven Norris (IF/P, .200), junior Kade Wilson (IF/P, .229), and sophomores Marshall Johnson (IF/P, .150), Ryder Dent (OF/C, .163) and Hunter Homgren (UT, .154).

“We have a core of good kids coming back who gained valuable experience last year competing in their first season at the varsity level,” coach Roche said. “Hopefully, we can use the lessons we learned last year and be able to compete with the quality teams on our schedule.”

Another young team, FLINTHILLS, finished 8-13 last season, but will be senior ladened in this spring. Returning starters include seniors Jackson Houseman (P/IF, .412, 28H, 1HR, 25RBI, 15SB, 7.590 ERA, 1-3), Kendall Pinkerton (P/SS, .359, 23H, 3 3B, 13RBI, 19SB, 4.988 ERA, 2-2), Tayler Brown (CF/C, .333, 18H, 15RBI, 13SB), Cael Sorum (1B/P, .242, 16H, 9RBI, 4SB), Josh Schultz (LF, DEF. SPEC.), along with juniors Hunter Lowmaster (P/C, .222, 12H, 1HR, 12RBI, 9SB, 4.065 ERA, 3-2) and Josh Hunter (2B, .265, 13H, 8RBI, 3SB).

“Tough year last year as we came off COVID with only one returning player from the 2019 season as a starter,” head coach Eric Sorum said. “Chemistry was not there last year, hopefully with some good leadership we can bring it all together this season.”

HORTON enters it’s inaugural season as a program with head coach Zach Mendez.

“Very excited to start our first season as a high school baseball team,” Mendez said.

INMAN had a great season cut short by a 5-1 loss to Ellis in the regional championship

Page 48 round, leaving them 20-3 overall. The Teutons’ fifth year head coach, Matt Mikulecky, has the arduous task of replacing 2021 all-state seniors Carson Munoz, Carter Brown, Landon Snyder and Derick Johnson, but does get one all-stater back in first team senior Kyler Konrade (SS/P, .545, 36H, 16 2B, 1HR, 39R, 24SB, 2.54 ERA, 3-0, 1SV).

Returning alongside Konrade are juniors Sammy Shober (IF/P, .298, 14H, 3 2B, 23RBI, .500 OBP), Brant Mikulecky OF/P, .321, 18H, 1 3B, 20R, 18SB), Josia Buller (OF/P, .200, 1.000 FPCT) and Zaden Johnson (1B, .481 OBP, 7R, 9BB).

“We are going to be inexperienced across the board at the varsity level so we’ll need to see guys rise up and seize the opportunity to make the lineup,” Mikulecky said. “Pitching is a big question for us. Our focus needs to be getting better day by day so that we’re a scrappy team going into regionals.”

JAYHAWK-LINN finished 12-5 after a first round regional tournament matchup against Central Heights. It will be a fairly clean slate for the Jayhawks with new head coach Chase Brown taking over with three returning starters from last year in juniors Austin Nation (SS/P), and Dylan Nickelson (1B/P), and senior Hunter Holt (IF/DH).

“I believe this is the type of team that will come out and play hard for seven innings and leave it all on the field no matter what the score,” Brown said. “They are all competitors and have great leadership in the upperclass.”

After a second round regional exit, KCCHRISTIAN finished last season 8-13. Head coach Jared Barker (8th year, 67-52) returns a group that was forced into the fire young, but believes that experience could prove vital.

The team’s lone returning senior starter is Grant Bough (IF, .278, 16H, 5RBI). He’ll be joined by juniors (Brayden Burrow (IF/P, .364, 20H, 9SB, 10RBI), Ben Raschke (IF/P, .361, 22H, 14RBI, 3.86 ERA, 72K, 3-1), Caleb Huntsman (P, .360 ERA, 18K, 1-0, 1SV), along with sophomores Daniel Haivala (C/ OF, .238, 10H, 9RBI), Hunter Rush (OF, .140, 5H), Caleb Barker (IF, 1.000 FPCT) and Ian Gatchell (OF).

“We will still be a young team again this season but we return all but two starters from last season,” coach Barker said. “We will have varsity experience at every position and will have depth at pitching this season, if we can stay healthy.”

Despite a dominant regular season, LITTLE RIVER couldn’t quite get past a second round matchup against Inman during one of last year’s toughest regional tournaments, finishing the season 20-4.

One of coach Terry Renken’s (14th season, 168-108) toughest tasks will be replacing the all-state duo of Graham Stephens and Jayden Garrison, but he does get a big group back in seniors Ty Herzog (P/3B), Kaden Schafer (P/1B), juniors Braden Young (P/SS/2B/C), Dalton Mantz (P/C/UT), Grant Stephens (OF/P), Ryan Loder (OF/P), and sophomores Treygan Birdsong (2B/OF) and Carter Stansbury (P/1B).

“With a good group of returners and some freshmen coming in (we) hope to be very competitive,” Renken said. “We will have some tough teams on our schedule – Inman, Minneapolis, Spearville, Ellsworth – just to

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 name a few.”

18SB, 42 IP, .667 ERA, 5-1, 83K), along with MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY went 4-12 fellow seniors Keaton Marcotte (OF/1B, .423, in 2021 and returns their entire roster.

33H, 38RBI, 28R, 7HR, 15SB), Joel Deters “Looking to improve on last year, pitching is (SS/P, .485, 16RBI, 23R, 17SB, 11.2 IP, 6.00 a point of emphasis for us as well as shoring ERA, 1-0, 9K), Cade Willard (IF, .367, 22H, up our right side,” coach Jared Lingenfelter 14RBI, 18R, 11SB), Jon Grame (C/3B, .431, said.

28H, 20RBI, 17R) and Victor Vargas (OF/P, MARION is likely to have one of the young- .357, 20H, 15R, 4HR, 14.1 IP, 3-0, 1.953 ERA, est teams in the state this season, after mak- 10K) and Nick Price (P, 22.2 IP, 4.32 ERA, ing their way to the regional championship 33K, 4-0). before falling to Sedgwick last spring to finish “We return a great core of players,” coach 14-9. Returning starters include junior Hayden Justin Duncan (14th season, 174-28) said.

Mendoza (IF), along with sophomores Gavin “We have the ability to be a really good team.

Wasmuth (C), Trevor Schafers (1B/P) and We should fight for another regional title.”

Jack Lanning (IF/P).

MOUNDRIDGE returns five starters from “Young team with no seniors on the roster a team that was knocked out in the second this season,” coach Roger Schroeder (11th round of regionals, finishing 9-13 in Jason season, 173-55) said.

Rains first season as head coach.

MAUR HILL gets back a few of the most Returning starters include seniors Anthony talented players in the state in 2022, after los- Everhart (P/OF, .383, 16RBI), Ethan ing a regional championship heartbreaker to Brandeweide (P/OF, .411, 15RBI, 1HR), Joe Valley Falls and finishing 20-3 a season ago. Schrag (IF, .333, 7RBI), junior Logan Churchill The Ravens have lost their regional champi- (IF/OF, .409, 8RBI) and sophomore Ty Rains onship in three consecutive seasons, and will (IF, .357, .565 OBP, 32R, 39SB). have to replace all-state honorable mention “I’m excited to see what our returning guys outfielder Aaron Noll, but get back first team can do this season now that we have estaball-state senior Drew Caudle (P/OF, .500, 33H, lished our expectations and continue to build 33 RBI, 10 2B, 4HR, 13SB, 1.17 ERA, 7-1) our culture from last season,” Rains said. “We and first team all-state junior Parrish Beagle will need some new guys to step into fill roles (P/SS, .420, 29H, 6 2B, 4 3B, 2HR, 21SB, and contribute, but I think we can compete 1.08 ERA, 3-1, 4SV). well this season.”

Other returning starters for the Ravens inAfter their first year with a baseball program, clude team leader in batting average and first ONAGA brings back a deep group of starters team all-league senior Christian Trevino (.521, from last year’s team that finished 11-11 and 25H, 7 2B, 18RBI, 8SB, 1.00 ERA, 3-0), junior advanced to the second round of regionals Mark Harris (SS/2B, .371, 23H, 3 2B, 23RBI, under head coach Adam Kufahl.

6SB) and sophomore Cooper Pound (P/OF, Returning starters include seniors Jason .196, 9H, 4 2B, 8RBI, 7SB, 1.00 ERA, 3-0).

Abitz (1B/P, .375, 21H, 2HR, 24RBI, 8SB, “Pitching will be a strong point with Drew 16R, 2.57 ERA, 2-2, 2SV), Rilyn Maginnes Caudle and Parrish Beagle taking a majority of (OF, .222, 12H, 1HR, 13RBI, 13SB, 17R), the innings (and) sophomores Cooper Pound, Josh Marten (OF, .186, 11H, 1HR, 15RBI, Truett Weninger, and Bohdan Korbelik will 10SB, 11R), Kaid Schwant (OF/DH, .200, 3H, make the pitching staff the focal point,” coach 1RBI, 2R), juniors Jeramia Dorsey (1B/3B, Phil Baniewicz (11th season, 128-77; 18th .132, 5H, 6RBI, 4SB, 8R), Tyree Figge (OF/P, overall, 257-119) said. “Offensively, Caudle, .133, 6H, 2RBI, 7R, 6.00 ERA), Zac Fisher Beagle, and Christian Trevino will make the (SS/P, .465, 33H, 6HR, 26RBI, 24SB, 31R, middle of the order tough. Valley Falls returns 3.50 ERA, 4-3) and Colby Simkins (C/P, .347, several players and should be our toughest 25H, 5RBI, 10SB, 29R, 3.90 ERA, 2-5), as opponent in winning another league title.” well as sophomores Christian Henneberg MEDICINE LODGE had a young group (SS/C, .263, 15H, 15RBI, 18SB, 18R), and finish 8-12 last season after a first round re- Hunter Lamond (2B/P, .224, 11H, 12RBI, 6SB, gional exit. The Indians return a strong cast 6R, 3.75 ERA, 2-1). with a vital extra year of experience in senior “The 2021 season was the first varsity seaChance Winter (1B, .351, 20H, 20RBI, 17R), son in school history,” Kufahl said. “We went juniors Cauy Scripsick (3B/P, .491, 28H, 10-10 in the regular season, won the first 15RBI, 20SB, 28R, 2.13 ERA, 4-5), Aydn round of regionals, and led the number two Keimig (OF, .333, 18H, 15RBI, 3SB, 11R), team in the state of Kansas in the fifth inning and sophomores Carter Cunningham (C/P, of the regional semifinals. We had zero se.420, 27H, 20RBI, 7SB, 22R, 7.22 ERA, 4-5), niors on that team so we return every player Derrek Randels (P/2B, .210, 13H, 6RBI, 4SB, from last year, and have several players that 11R), Jace Cox (P/SS, .367, 22H, 17RBI, will push for starting spots that were injured 25SB, 21R), Al Nittler (OF, .250, 6H, 4BI, 3SB, last season.”

7R) and Jake Fisher (C/P, .456, 26H, 7RBI, OSKALOOSA returns a veteran group 17SB, 23R). coming off of a 10-12 mark a season ago.

“We are looking to grow as a team after start- Established starters include seniors Cord ing five freshmen last year, and three sopho- Perry (SS/P, .380, 27H, 2HR, 18RBI, 25R, mores,” coach Joe Dohrmann said.

3.49 ERA, 6-2), AJ Kreutzer (1B, .338, 25H, MISSION VALLEY got caught in the path of 2HR, 18RBI, 10 2B, .975 FPCT), Justin Miller upset-hungry Maranatha Christian Academy *(RF, .301, 19H, 17RBI), Trevor Willits (CF, last season, losing to them in the regional .301, 19H, 24R), Cannon Cramer (2B, .272, finals 3-0 after entering the tournament as a 17H, 16R), juniors Hunter Boyd (3B, .259) and one-seed, ultimately finishing the 21-2.

Cooper Taliaferro (LF, .143), as well as sophThe Vikings returning starters include all- omores Coy Perry (C, .369, 24H, 15RBI, 15R) state honorable mention senior pitcher Carter and Gunner Rockhold (LF, .139).

Phillips (OF/C/P, .493, 35H, 32RBI, 33R, 3HR, “We should have a very solid team this year

as we return eight starters and our top five pitchers from last season – Cord Perry, AJ Kreutzer, Nick Bradshaw, Gunner Rockhold, and Justin Miller,” coach Rod Stottlemire (18th season, 176-138) said. “Our league will be very tough with Valley Falls and Maur Hill being two of the top teams in 2A. Cord Perry was NEKL first team pitcher last season, AJ Kreutzer was Honorable Mention NEKL first baseman (and) Trevor Willits has signed to play baseball next year at Ottawa University.”

OSWEGO finished 2021 with a 9-11 record in head coach Joe Schreppel’s ninth season and bring back a group that he feels are ready for another step.

“We’ve been playing some young kids the last few years,” Schreppel said. “Time for them to step into some different positions and take on bigger roles. Some of the kids have seen some innings pitching, and they will have to take on starting roles and go deeper into games.”

OXFORD finished 3-16 last season and returns a young, yet experienced group in juniors Peyton Rush (C/P), Colby Hammond (2B/P), Hayden Ruyle (SS/P), Logan McLain (OF/SS/P), Cristian Bain (OF/1B/C), Alex Alata (OF/DH/P) and sophomore Karter Hiten (OF/P).

“We were very young last year, played a lot of sophs and freshman, coach Kyle Green (10th season, 101-55) said. “We are counting on that experience playing as underclassmen to pay off this coming spring.”

Former South Gray head coach Jesse Hodgson (2nd overall, 6-15) takes over at REPUBLIC COUNTY after the Buffs posted a 4-13 record in 2021. An experienced crew returns for Hodgson including seniors Brody Boyer (P/SS/OF), Caleb Bates (P/1B), Conner Svoboda (P/2B/SS), Trevor Lewellyn (P/ OF), and juniors Hudson Brzon (P/3B), Sam Thumann (P/OF), Garrett Siemsen (C/OF), Dylan McCartney (OF) and Jude Lapo (C).

“This group of seniors and juniors have been playing baseball together since they were little kids,” Hodgson said. “I am honestly expecting big things from these guys. They have been talking baseball all year and several of the guys have stayed busy playing winter ball.

They made it to the state tournament in the summer Legion league, and are ready to build on that success.”

After a second round regional exit last season, SACRED HEART finished 10-8 in Dalton Dooley’s third season (16-20) coaching the

Page 49 Knights. Dooley gets back senior Peyton Jones (IF/P), junior Adrian Panuco (IF/P), and sophomores Cameron Yohe (OF/P), Jett Samuelson (OF/P), Cooper Ivey (1B/P), Evan Bogart (IF/P) and Max Ehrlich (UT/P).

“We have a good core of young returning starters for the upcoming season,” Dooley said. “We return seven starters from last season and expect our guys to continue to grow and be successful on the field.”

Kansas’ 2021 2-1A state champs, SEDGWICK, were quite simply loaded last season, boasting four all-state players from a team that finished 25-1. The Cardinals have challenges in replacing a talented group lost to graduation last year – including 2-1A Pitcher of the Year Nolan Crumrine and allstate outfielder Henry Burns – but coach Doug Mabry (14th season, 185-61) has a few key seniors returning.

Those include first team all-state first baseman Austin Harjo (1B/P, .534, 39H, 15 2B, 45RBI, 38.1 IP, 1.46 ERA, 59K, 6-0), second team all-state second baseman Lance Hoffsommer (SS/P, .479, 35H, 4HR, 51R, 22 IP, 39K, 2.86 ERA, 3-1), Connor Tillman (OF/P, .356, 16H, 4 2B, 19R, 8 IP, 4.37 ERA, 10K, 1-0) and Blake Heubert.

“The target will be on our backs this year, after winning 2-1A State in 2021,” Mabry said. “So we will need to be able to handle that kind of pressure. We return a very strong senior class, and will look to them to provide leadership and continue a strong tradition of success.”

SOUTHEAST-CHEROKEE had an excellent season in 2021, going 17-6, but were unable to overcome a determined Colgan team in their regional championship matchup. Coach Ryan Wydick returns a strong group headlined by senior Cooper Hamblin (C/P, .466, 27H, 27RBI, 10R, 5.72 ERA, 16K) and junior Easton Renn (OF/P/SS, .420, 29H, 17RBI, 33R, 3.28 ERA, 61K).

“We should have a really good season,” Wydick said. “Only lost one true starter last season giving us a lot of returning depth.”

ST. MARYS finished with a 4-16 mark in

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 2-1A Baseball/from page 49 will have to stay healthy and need to improve coach CJ Marple’s first season with the Bears in all aspects of the game,” long-time Panther (4th overall, 24-32). They return seniors Luke coach Mike Watt said. “We will be relatively Homan (IF/P, .354, 17H, 1HR, 7RBI), Noah young but return varsity experience in several Jacobsen (OF/P, .333, 17H, 5 2B, 4.48 ERA, positions. I look for my seniors to provide ex25K) and junior Abe Huaracha (IF/P, .340, perience and leadership and our team goals 18H, 15R, 5 2B, 4.41 ERA, 23K). are to be in the mix for a CNC title and to play “This year’s team returns a lot of experience deep into the postseason.” from last year only losing two seniors,” Marple Watt has led the Panthers to 16 state titles, said. “Playing one of the toughest schedules including a run of seven in a row from 2004in 2A will be a challenge, but we look to take 2010. another step forward in building this program TROY coach Roger Purdy enters his second into being a contender in 2A this year.” decade with the program with a 113-86 overall Perennial power PITTSBURG-ST. MARY’S record after a 4-15 season last spring. Key COLGAN managed a trip to state last year returners include senior Gavin Fuemmeler despite entering the regional tournament just (OF/P, .357, 20H, 4HR, 2-4, 30K) and a trio of above .500, but were unable to overcome a juniors in Preston Christenson (C/INF/P, .227, tough 3-2 first round loss against eventual run- 1HR, 2-6, 48K, 1SV), Reagan Hartman (C/P/ ner-up Valley Falls.

INF, .370, 1HR) and Austin Grable (UT, .208, Back from that team are seniors Brooks 2HR).

Badart (OF/P), Kaden Vogel (UT/P), juniors “We get all of our players back from last Colin Hite (IF/P), Carter Jacquinot, and sopho- season that we competed very well in,” Purdy mores Cooper Simmons (C/P) and Gus Keller said. “Our record doesn’t show how compet(UT/P). itive the games were, I believe we are a few “To improve on last year’s 13-9 record, we hits away from winning a few more games.”

In the wake of finishing last season 21-3 as the 2-1A state runner-up, VALLEY FALLS hired new head coach Luke Burns, who will have a plethora of talent to work with in 2022.

Headlining the talented group is first team allstate selection Avery Gatzemeyer (IF/P, .598, 49H, 41RBI, 30R, 6-0), who will be joined by fellow seniors (Denten Elias (1B, .318, 21H, 3HR, 15RBI, 15R), Mason Allen (IF/P, .278, 10H, 2HR, 10RBI, 17R), Brennen Miller (OF/P, .349, 22H, 17RBI, 15R), Trent Kraxner (OF/P, .354, 28H, 22RBI, 22R), Carson Clark (OF, .347, 17H, 2HR, 16RBI, 22R) and junior Dylan Cervantez (IF/C/P, .351, 20H, 1HR, 17RBI, 21R).

“As a team, we are striving to get right back where we ended last year, but hopefully to take that next step and hold up that trophy at the end of the year in Great Bend,” Burns said.

“This team is full of talent and just all around great kids to be around and coach.”

New WABAUNSEE head coach Lance Fuller Jr. is coming into quite the opposite of Burns’ experience at Valley Falls, as the Chargers finished just 1-20 a year ago. Fuller

does get a strong group to build around, however, in senior CJ Glotzbach (OF/C, .357, 20H, 8RBI, 3SB, 9R), sophomore Zach Frank (DH/2B/OF, .395, 17H, 12RBI, 3SB, 9R), and juniors Bryton Reves (OF, .434, 23H, 14RBI, 5SB, 13R) and Lanson Parry (OF, .343, 12H, 4RBI, 2SB, 8R).

“This being my first year with the Wabaunsee High program, I am coming in with a fresh outlook,” Fuller said. “I feel that we have a nice returning core and some young talent. We want to be fundamentally sound, build together as a team and have a family atmosphere.”

YATES CENTER went 6-12 in coach Richard Hurst’s first year in the Wildcat’s head position. Hurst, entering his fifth season overall as a head coach, gets back seniors Sean Hurst (C/P/SS/2B), Chayse Hobbs (CF), and juniors Emmett Britain (IF), Jayston Rice (3B) and Preston Hurst (1B).

“I am looking forward to having a positive year this year,” Hurst said. “Last year we had some outside distractions that didn’t help any.

Our goal this year is to finish the season off with a winning record.”

Page 50

4A Baseball/from page 43 “(Mason) Davenport is a returning all-state pitcher and Gehrig Goldbeck is one of the state’s top infielders in any class. Mix that with a strong group of sophomores, that should allow us to make another run deep in the playoffs.”

Along with seniors Davenport (P, 1.9 ERA, 55K, 6-3) and Goldbeck (SS, .415, .609 OBP, 4 2B, 6 3B, all-state), the Chieftains also return seniors Owen Welsh (3B/P, .375, 5-2, 4.2 ERA, all-league), Cody Kessinger (IF, .281, 23 RBI), Sam Kleidosty (OF, .269, 20RBI, 14R), Zane Novotney (OF, .204 BA, .355 OBP) and junior Logan Wake (OF, .310 OBP).

TOPEKA-HAYDEN advanced to state after entering their regional at 8-12. The Wildcats were knocked out in the first round at state by Clay Center, 2-1, closing out the year 10-13.

Seniors Gavin Arnold (P/OF, .283, 6.00 ERA), Nolan Becker (OF, .136), Trevor Beckman (3B), Ryan Wurtz (2B, .053), and ju-

niors Braydn Rose (C, .382), Dylan Foster (IF, .182) and Jackson Summers (.261) return as starters from last season, while junior Konnor Becker (P/1B), sophomore Carter Charvat (P/C/3B), sophomore Drew Crady (IF), and freshman Cooper Grace (P/IF) were included as “guys to watch” by coach Bill Arnold.

“We lost most of our pitching, but have some good young arms moving in to take their place,” Arnold said. “With such an inexperienced group coming back we will look to get better each week and hit our stride down the stretch.”

ULYSSES finished 11-10 last season and return a deep group of veterans that include seniors Matt Bushnell (IF/P), Ryan Nightengale (CF/P), Blayc Nelson (C/P), Izzac Sanchez (OF), Khristian Jaquez (IF), and junior Justin Degollado (IF/P).

“Should be solid on defense and offense,” coach Steve Ysac said. “Need some guys to step up and help with pitching duties.”

A 12-8 WAMEGO squad lost out on a trip to the state tournament by just one run in 2021, falling to Paola, 7-6, in the regional title game.

Replacing all-state pitcher Ryan Erickson’s production is going to be important for the Red Raiders this season, but a deep pool of pitchers should help spread that burden out.

Seniors Colyer Brummet (IF/P, all-state 1B), Hayden Nutsch (OF/P), Jace Jager (IF), James DeRouchey (P), along with juniors Hayden Oviatt (OF/P, all-state), Chase Cottam (SS), Dawson Tajchman (IF/P), Lane Jeanneret (OF/P), and Grant Larson (C) give Wamego plenty of experience.

“We have a lot returning from a team that was one out away from upsetting number one ranked Paola in the regional championship last year,” coach Weston Moody said. “I’m excited to see what’s in store for this team.”

WELLINGTON gets five starters from last season back after going just 3-18.Seniors Korbin Jones (P/1B) and Ryan Biles (OF/P),

along with juniors Mekhi Haskin-Ybarra (MIF), Keaton Hartman (MIF), and Banks Hinkshaw (C) will lead the way.

“With a bulk of the line-up returning, it should be an exciting spring in Wellington,” coach Ryan Jenkins (5th year, 21-38) said.

WINFIELD was unable to get much of anything going last season, with a winless 0-20 record. The Vikings get a new head coach in Grant Newton for 2022, and he will have a group with decent experience in senior Gunther Flower (P/OF), juniors Austin Bryant (1B/P), Andru Owens (C/P/IF), Justyce Tate (OF), and sophomores Cole Wageman (C/ PF/IF), Christian Tover (OF/SS), Adam Woods (2B/OF) and Trevor Shelton (2B).

“I am excited to get this season started and watch the boys continue to improve,” Newton said. “We are expected to have double the numbers this year on our roster. We are returning all but one starter from last season and adding some very talented freshmen.”

3A Baseball/from page 47 “I am looking forward to getting back on the field and seeing how these kids have developed since last season,” coach Aaron Breit said. “We finished strong and I hope we can pick up where we left off.”

After a 10-12 mark achieved by a young squad last season, WELLSVILLE has reason to look ahead with optimism. The Eagles made a strong regional tournament run as the four-seed before eventually getting knocked out in the finals by Anderson County, giving them exciting momentum as this spring approaches.

Returning starters include seniors Benito Delgado (3B/OF, .265, 5 2B, 15RBI), Jake Berg (C/P/IF, .439, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3HR, 21RBI, 20R, 35 IP, 3.8 ERA, 47K) and Jacob Hunsaker (P/OF, .388, 3 2B, 11RBI, 14R), junior Jake Richards (C/P/IF, .304, 14H, 8RBI, 3.6 ERA) and sophomores Willie Dorsey (IF/P, .324, 4 2B, 27R), Brody Lee (OF, .111, .556 OBP, 7R) and Duncan Robertson (P/IF, .300, 23.1 IP, 3.6 ERA).

“We are young, but have quite a few start-

ers returning,” head coach Bryan Kindle (8th year, 92-41) said. “I am excited to continue watching this team compete and play at a high level.”

WEST FRANKLIN finished 12-10 after a second round regional loss to state qualifier Anderson County.

“I am excited to get this season started,” ninth year coach Daniel Waggoner said. “We return almost our entire roster from last year and add a few new guys.”

In the wake of finishing 19-5 and a regional championship, WICHITA COLLEGIATE gets back their entire state-qualifying roster from 2021. Returning starters include senior Evan Eicenauer (OF/C/P, .384, 28H, 3HR, 23RBI, 22R), Drew Charbonneau (P/UT, .382, 26H, 5 3B, 3HR, 26RBI, 28R, 2.2 ERA, 48K, 4-1), Ashtun Villagomez (SS, .377, 29H, 24RBI 30R), juniors Brady Hunt (C, .423, 22H, 1HR, 19RBI, 14R), Brett Black (P/1B, .292, 19H, 16RBI, 20R, 2.25 ERA, 50K, 1SV, 6-2), Hayden Malaise (P/UT, .230, 14H, 7RBI, 19R, 2.534 ERA, 54K, 7-1, 1SV), Landon Ramsey (.270, 17H, 13RBI, 25R) and sophomores

Jacob Chappell (P/2B/OF, .135, 5H, 3RBI, 13R), Brett Wetta (OF, .255, 13H, 6RBI, 11R), Jace Campbell (P/3B, .275, 14H, 10RBI, 19R).

“After a successful 2021 season, the Spartans look to continue the success returning all players from last year,” coach Joe

Gerher (11th, 87-103) said. ”Several freshmen and sophomores earned ample playing time and postseason accolades. The Spartans look to defend their league and regional championships and return to the state tournament in 2022.”

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coach. Former assistant Charley Bowen was announced as head coach in November.

Also competing at state were Garden City, Olathe East, Olathe South and Washburn Rural.

Despite losing six seniors to graduation, GARDEN CITY will look to return to state with five starters back from last year’s 19-4 squad.

Trina Moquett begins her ninth season as head coach, posting a 134-41 record to date.

She will be led by junior pitcher and utility player Brie Manwarren. A year ago, Manwarren posted a 16-3 record in the circle with a 3.63 ERA and 185 strikeouts. At the plate, she had a .458 batting average with 11 doubles, six triples, one home run and 42 RBIs. Also returning for the Buffaloes will be seniors Jesykah Foster (middle infield/outfield) and Yemeni Castro (utility), as well as juniors Kamy Foster (outfield/catcher) and Angel Serrano (3B).

“Graduating six seniors last year, we are looking to see some young ones step up and contribute to the success of this program,” Moquett said. “We have key returners and believe we will compete.”

OLATHE EAST reached state a year ago despite a sub-.500 record. Blair Lewis returns for her second season after leading the Hawks to a 10-13 record.

Back in the lineup for Olathe East will be seniors Avery Prather (pitcher), Molly Belk (C) and Jayden Chavarria (left field), juniors Alivia Darbe (2B) and Izzy Carter (shortstop) and sophomore Cameron Carlisle (right field).

“We are returning a lot of talent this year,” Lewis said. “We have a big senior and junior class full of great leaders and positivity. These girls are looking to work hard, get better and hopefully be back at the state tournament this spring.”

Coming off a 20-3 campaign that included a trip to state, WASHBURN RURAL returns a solid group of players from last year’s squad in 2022. Liz Stover takes over a Junior Blues program that welcomes back five starters. Leading the way are a pair of first team All-Centennial League players in junior pitcher Emmerson Cope — a first team All-Class 6A selection — and senior shortstop Campbell Bagshaw (KU commit). Also returning are a pair of second team all-league picks in seniors Baylee Dial (3B) and Mikaila Herring (outfield, Barton CC signee), as well as junior Kaci Bath (outfield).

“We are returning a great group of upperclassmen with state experience,” Stover said.

“The girls are excited to get going and build on the successes from previous seasons. We’ll have some strong senior leadership who will uphold our culture of excellence and push their teammates to success.”

A 17-6 season a year ago has given BLUE VALLEY plenty of optimism heading into the new season. Third-year coach Jennifer Stock has a total of six returning players that will play key roles in the team’s success.

Back in the lineup for the Tigers will be seniors Alison Yee (IF), Logan Hays (outfield), Ashlyn Richardson (pitcher) and Libby Hawks (C), junior Sam Nelson (IF) and sophomore Ava Bloyd (pitcher).

“We lost nine seniors last year, but we have great talent ready to step up and fill those spots,” Stock said. “I’m looking forward to a strong season.”

Kim White begins her 15th season in charge

Page 51

of BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST, which is coming off a rough 5-21 campaign a year ago.

The Huskies will have a good balance of experience and youth returning in the lineup.

Three seniors are back in pitcher/infield Lindsey Farthing, outfield/catcher Shayla Edwards and first base/outfield Brynn Grosdidier. Also returning are sophomores Josie Grosdidier at catcher, Ella Burvee in the outfield and Danni Waller as utility player.

“Our team will be led by three outstanding seniors who are exceptional people both on and off the field,” said White, who has a 117-162 record during her time with the Huskies. “We will need some young players to step in and fill holes left after the conclusion of last season. I am excited to work with this amazing group of young people.”

In her 18th season at DERBY, Christy Weve will return plenty of experience to a squad that finished 16-6 a year ago.

“We have a good core of players back,” said Weve, who has a 267-112 overall record with the Panthers. “We are looking to build on what we have.”

Derby is led in the circle by senior pitcher Morgan Haupt, who finished 12-3 with a 1.83 ERA and two saves. Also contributing in pitching was sophomore Addy Canfield as she went 3-2 with a 3.90 ERA. At the plate, the Panthers have several key contributors back, including Trinity Kuntz, Rylee Frager, Audrey Steiner and Madi Grady. Steiner is the top returning hitter at .452 with 28 hits, two home runs, 35 runs scored, 17 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Kuntz was a .417 hitter with 30 hits, two home runs and 29 RBIs. DODGE CITY ended a solid season with a dominating 12-0 loss at the hands of Washburn Rural in their regional championship game.

The Red Demons finished 16-5 overall on the season and graduated all-conference selection Raemie Lopp (Dodge City CC softball) but 2022 seniors Mari Landa and Brittany Lomas earned first team all-conference honors while now sophomore Easha Potts earned second team all-conference. Southeast Missouri signee Taryn Coon also returns for her senior season.

An experienced senior class will look to build more wins in the program at HUTCHINSON following last year’s 5-15 campaign. Clayton Evans returns for his fifth season as head coach, compiling a 21-62 mark to date with the Salthawks. He welcomes back Jayden Rehlander (shortstop/pitcher), a .390 hitter with three home runs, Kylar Smith (second base/ catcher), Riley Lusk (pitcher/shortstop), and Karcin Regier (3B). Regier had a pair of home runs last season.

“We have a strong senior class with four girls signed to play college softball,” Evans said.

“We play in a very tough league with lots of great teams and coaches. We’re excited for the challenge.”

Despite posting just one win a year ago, second-year coach Jas Benibo is looking for brighter days ahead at JC HARMON. The Hawks went 1-10 last season and have just one starter back this season in senior second baseman Taylor McNeil.

“I believe this will be a great year of growth for our school’s program,” Benibo said. “We are in just our third season as a (softball program).

These kids are resilient and have been through a lot since the program’s inception.”

6A Softball Photo by Joey Bahr

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle For the first time in program history, Topeka High captured a state championship in softball, taking down Olathe North 7-1 in the Class 6A championship game. Led by third-year coach Shane Miles, the Trojans are coming off a perfect 25-0 season. There’s reason to believe TOPEKA will be a threat to win another title during the 2022 spring campaign.

THS has six starters back in the lineup, including three seniors — NiJaree Canady (Stanford signee) at pitcher/first base, Elycia Joyce at third base and Amiah Cain in the outfield. Canady had team highs in home runs (13) and RBIs (49) while hitting .478 at the plate. In the circle, she was beyond dominant, a perfect 21-0 with a 0.26 ERA and 226 strikeouts. Joyce was a .447 hitter with 34 hits and 30 RBIs, while Cain hit .263 with 27 runs scored.

Also returning to the lineup for the Trojans are juniors Adiysn Caryl (Illinois commit) at shortstop and Quincy Smith at second base, as well as sophomore McCall Beall in the outfield.

Caryl is the top returning hitter with a .608 batting average, 48 hits and 40 RBIs last season.

“Coming off an exciting year last season, we are going to look how to fill a great senior graduating class,” said Miles, who has a 41-4 mark in his first two seasons with the program.

“We have a talented group returning and will be looking for some girls who want to compete for quality playing time. I am looking forward to this year’s group going out and competing.”

Last year’s runner-up OLATHE NORTH will try to push its way to the top this season but will have to do so after the loss of several key seniors from last year’s squad.

The Eagles are coming off an 18-7 campaign a year ago as Bree Ederer begins her seventh season as head coach, compiling an overall record of 103-40 during her tenure.

ONHS has just two starters back from last year’s runner-up squad in second baseman Bailey Dillon and left fielder Rilee Irby.

“We will be loaded with young talent this year after graduating eight contributing seniors last year,” Ederer said.

Gardner-Edgerton took third place at last year’s 6A State Tournament, edging LawrenceFree State 2-1 in the consolation final.

GARDNER-EDGERTON welcomes back a talented group of college bound seniors including Ellie Garrie (Colby CC commit), Erin Michael (Central Arkansas commit), Kaylah Newman (Daytona State commit), Harley Pruetting (GEHS RBI record holder, Missouri Western commit), Kate Thompson (Fort Scott CC commit), Ashley Tribble (Allen County CC commit) and Makenna Trout (GEHS HR record holder).

LAWRENCE FREE STATE bid farewell to a number of key pieces from one of the best programs in the state over the past four seasons. Graduated senior Tatum Clopton is now playing for Oklahoma State after a dominating high school career, teammate Sara Roszak is just down the road playing for KU, and Firebird coach Lee Ice is gone after 12 seasons as head

MARI LANDA Dodge City

Courtesy Photo

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

CLAIRE LOPEZ Olathe Northwest

JUNCTION CITY will be looking for improvement this spring after going just 6-15 on the field last season. Aaron Craig is now in his sixth year with the Blue Jays, who are 18-66 during his time with the program. JCHS returns five starters to the lineup — Abby Ratts, Hannah Ratts, Ava DeGuzman, Sara Rexrode and Anja VonSpreckelsen.

“We will be a young group and look to build on the energy that they will provide,” Craig said.

“We expect to be competitive.”

With the departure of seven players due to graduation, LIBERAL will have to fill some holes in the lineup if it hopes to improve off last year’s 7-14 season.

Despite those losses, the Redskins still have some valuable experience with several key players back from last year. That includes seniors Jaciana Rivera (first base/third base), Leilani Torres (C/1B) and Amya Blake (outfield), juniors Jenna Ormiston (pitcher), Lizzie Cisneros (2B) and Arianna Hubbard (outfield/ infield) and sophomore Maedeen McClure (outfield/infield).

Ormiston went 12-7 in the circle with a 3.85 ERA and 96 strikeouts. She also had a .297 average at the plate with four home runs and 21 RBIs. “We graduated seven seniors, five of them veteran starters, but bring in some key freshman to help fill holes and help pitching,” McClure said. “We have youth, but with over 90 percent of our players playing summer ball and some fall work, we should be competitive again this year.”

Seven starters return at OLATHE NORTHWEST for third-year coach Shawn Lopez, who helped direct the Ravens to a 13-9 record last season.

Leading the way will be junior Claire Lopez, a second baseman that continued on 53

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 GODDARD-EISENHOWER finished in third place in 5A after capturing a victory over rival Goddard in the consolation game of the state tournament.

Finishing with a 16-6 overall record, GODDARD has seven players back this season for head coach Rita Smith, who begins her 20th season. Returning for the Lions this spring are seniors Laci Dryden, Lani Dryden and Bailey Kimbell, juniors Kabella Kanitz and Ally Hamblin and sophomores Khloe Perkins and Natalie Klenda.

“We bring back most of team from last season,” Smith said. “The big question will be our pitching.”

Other teams that qualified for the Class 5A State Tournament a year ago were St. Thomas Andover Aquinas, Shawnee Heights, Spring Hill and

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle Valley Center.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS advanced to state a State power Bishop Carroll returned to the top of Class 5A last season by capturing its year ago despite a losing record, finishing 8-12 first championship in six years. The Golden overall. Keith Hughes begins his second seaEagles took down Basehor-Linwood 4-3 in last son in charge of the Saints program with seven year’s championship game at Wichita State players back from that state-qualifying team, including seniors Maddie Cole (C), Evie Collier University’s Wilkins Stadium.

It was definitely not unusual to see a champi- (shortstop) and Eva Dotterer (outfield), juniors onship won by the BISHOP CARROLL softball Annika Jaworski (3B) and Sophie Lipp (outfield) program. In fact, it was the 14th time in program and sophomores Bella Sanchez (pitcher) and history. What was a surprise was the length of Kelsie Schenck (1B). Sanchez will spend plenty time between titles as the six-year gap was the of time in the circle after posting a 3.59 ERA last longest in the program since the 1990s. The season. At the plate, the Saints will be led by Golden Eagles won five straight championships a pair of .400 hitters in Collier (.477) and Cole (.471). Cole also smacked five home runs and from 2011-‘15.

Last season, Bishop Carroll, under the direc- finished with 28 RBIs. “We are looking forward to continuing what tion of head coach Steve Harshberger, went a perfect 23-0 en route to the crown. Now in his we started building last year,” Hughes said. eighth season with the program, Harshberger “We have a strong freshman class and team has posted a 158-9 record. In fact, he has led that should keep us in all games.”

Capping off a stellar 21-2 season, SPRING the squad to an appearance in the state chamHILL is hoping to make it back to state once pionship game six times in his seven seasons.

Despite the loss of five starters from last again this spring. Second-year coach Corey year’s squad, Bishop Carroll will likely be in Katzer welcomes back a squad of six returning the hunt for another Class 5A title in 2022. The starters from that unit a year ago.

The Broncos have two standout pitchers in Golden Eagles have six players back with valuable playing experience, including five seniors seniors Maggie McNally and Vanessa Murray, — Kiley Brewster (third base/catcher), Kadence who both posted ERAs under 1.00 last season.

Brewster (pitcher/outfield), Eve Morris (C/OF), They will also spend time in the outfield and Kendall Forbes (shortstop/second base) and first base, respectively. McNally is also the top Kaylee Back (utility), and sophomore pitcher returning hitter on the team at .444 with three home runs and 24 RBIs. Also returning this Cambell Riordan.

Kiley Brewster is the top returning hitter with season are seniors Malia January (left field/ a .654 batting average. She also had four pitcher), Riahn Pinkerton (3B) and Coral Callen home runs and 34 RBIs last season. Kadence (C/OF), as well as junior Delaney Hill (C/1B).

Brewster, who had a 1.02 ERA in the circle, re- January also produced at the plate last season corded a .509 batting average with five home with a .411 batting average, seven home runs, runs and 31 RBIs. Forbes also batted over .500 32 RBIs and 27 runs scored.

“I am extremely excited for this coming year, with a .583 batting average, recording three home runs and 28 RBIs. Back (.475) and Morris although we lost a lot of key contributors from (.413) also surpassed the .400 mark in and ac- a state qualifying team,” Katzer said. “We have tremendous returning talent in the circle and counted for 41 RBIs combined.

“We will be replacing five starters from last several extremely talented underclassmen season and will need to figure out who fits best who would have had a huge impact on most in what position,” Harshberger said. “After figur- other teams. They have been waiting for their ing that out, we will need to define who we are chance, and I think they bring a whole new dimension to what was already a pretty potent and get better at becoming that team.”

After finishing as the state runner-up behind offense and defense. We have the potential to Bishop Carroll, BASEHOR-LINWOOD hopes be more athletic in several areas this year.”

Corey Jones returns to VALLEY CENTER to be in contention for the title again in 2022.

The Bobcats are led by Susan Mayberry, who for a 16th season after compiling a 231-71 reenters her 24th season in the program with an cord to date with the program. A year ago, the overall record of 350-164. During its run to sec- Hornets went 17-6 and advanced to the state ond place in 5A, Basehor-Linwood finished with tournament. A young squad last season gained valuable experience, which should pay off this a 21-4 mark last season.

“We are driven with great motivation to get spring.

Valley Center returns three key starters in back to the 5A state tournament,” Mayberry shortstop Lucy Hooper, third base Maci George said.

Courtesy Photo

5A Softball

BAILEY WAY

and first base/pitcher Sykora Smith. All three of those players batted over .450 on the season, with George leading the way at .512 with eight home runs, 36 RBIs and 44 runs scored.

Hooper was an all-state performer at .451 with 10 RBIs and 36 runs scored. Meanwhile, Smith will be key in the circle after posting a 2.44 ERA and 5-1 record. She also batted .453 with nine home runs.

“We won regionals last year with a junior EH, eight sophomores and a freshman,” Jones said. “We will be experienced this year with high expectations.”

Returning seven starters to its lineup, ANDOVER hopes to make a push this season after going 17-5 a year ago. The Trojans are under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Amisha Daniels.

AHS welcomes back some valuable experience, led by senior shortstop Bailey Way. The all-state and All-AVCTL-Division II first team selection had a .647 batting average last season with eight doubles, 11 triples, four home runs and 34 runs scored. Four all-league second team selections return to the lineup in senior third base Kylie Forney, and sophomores Haley Ziser (utility), Grace Bolling (2B) and Alyssa Evans (outfield). Two other players back are juniors Tressa Porter in the outfield and Makenna Mallett at catcher.

“We are still pretty young and have some underclassmen that will have an immediate impact to our varsity roster,” said Daniels, who has a 21-23 overall record during her time in Andover. “The AVCTL-DII League will be just as tough as it was in 2021, with many teams returning top players, but coming off a 17-5 season, ending 2021 with first place in the league and as regional runner-up, we have our sights set high for the 2022 season.”

Rita Frakes hopes a year of experience will help her ANDOVER CENTRAL squad this season as she enters her 16th season with the program. The Jaguars will be led by pitcher/ shortstop Jaylee Jefferson, while freshman Kaylee Davis will also get time in the circle. “(Last year) we only had two kids on varsity that had ever played varsity before,” Frakes said. “We will be very young again, but several of them have played more competitive ball. We have nowhere to go but up. We will be young and will take some knocks but hopefully building a nucleus that we can rebuild with.”

An experienced group of returning players has ARKANSAS CITY head coach Angiel Ruyle looking for more success on the field this spring. The Bulldogs are coming off an 8-14 campaign a year ago but have a total of nine players with starting experience back in the lineup. Leading the way are five seniors — infielders Ayanna Jennings and Justise Mills, catcher Cady Dickey and outfielders Emma Badley and Kaitlyn Miller. Also returning are juniors Taverli Tennant (infield/pitcher), Breanna Ruyle (1B) and Mika Munson (outfield), as well as sophomore Paige Smith (outfield).

“I am excited about this season,” said Ruyle, who begins her fifth season at ACHS. “We have great potential to have a great year.”

After previously spending 10 years as coach at Holcomb, Shelly VanCleave takes over the program at BONNER SPRINGS this season.

The Braves are coming off a 14-8 season a year ago. Junior Teelie Super, who plays at catcher and in the infield, returns as the top hitter after posting a .487 batting average with 10

Page 52 doubles, one home run, 26 RBIs and 19 runs scored. Also returning are senior pitcher/infield Carley Billings, as well as outfield/infield Mattie Newsome and infield Wren VanCleave. Billings had a .450 batting average with four doubles and 29 runs scored. She also had a 3.95 ERA in the circle.

“We are hoping to build on a positive season from last year,” VanCleave said. “We have a lot of returning lettermen.”

The return of seven starters has head coach Aaron Hammond and his EMPORIA squad shooting for a winning season. A year ago in his first season, the Spartans went 8-13.

They have a solid group of returning players, including three seniors, three juniors and a sophomore. Leading the way is shortstop/ pitcher Gracie Gilpin, who had a .385 batting average with seven RBIs and 21 runs scored.

She also had a 3-4 record in the circle with a 4.87 ERA. Also returning are Elleana Bennett (outfield), Shaylee Ginter (infield/pitcher), Adriana Hernandez (IF), Addie Kirmer (outfield/ catcher), Kaylee Reimer (infield/catcher) and Maddyn Stewart (infield/catcher). Emporia also welcomes in senior transfer Cait Myers from Broomfield, Colo.

“Returning almost everyone from last year’s team is very encouraging,” Hammond said.

Beginning her 12th season in the GREAT BEND program, Carrie Minton hopes the return of six players with experience will help the Panthers build off their 7-14 campaign a year ago. Back in the lineup will be Jordan Turner at pitcher, Paige Thexton at pitcher/infield, Analiz Rivas at first base, Brooke McReynolds at outfield/infield, Melyne Fletchall in the outfield and Breanna Ridgeway in the outfield. Thexton posted a .377 batting average with 26 hits, 13 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

“I am looking forward to having some great experience returning,” said Minton, who has an overall record of 142-75 during her time at Great Bend. “Coming off of the previous COVID year, we entered the season lacking experience at the varsity level. Having a year under our belt, we are looking forward to what lays ahead.”

Three All-Western Athletic Conference performers return to lead the way for HAYS this spring under the direction of “new” head coach Abby Gillan, who is back for her second stint as head coach following a 101-54 record with three state apperances from 2009 to 2015. The Indians are coming off a 12-9 campaign last season. Sophomore pitcher Aubree Thomas leads the way for Hays after picking up All-WAC honors last season. She will be joined by senior utility player Brenna Schwien and sophomore shortstop Lakyn Zimmerman. Both Schwien and Zimmerman were honorable mention AllWAC. “(This season) will see a core of returning varsity players with several young and hungry freshmen looking to make their debut on the varsity squad,” Gillan said.

Following a winless season a year ago, there’s nowhere to go but up for head coach Bill Nicholson and his HIGHLAND PARK squad. The Scots, who went 0-20 last season, have six starters back, including seniors Emma Fouraker (first base/outfield) and Samantha Alcantara (first base/shortstop/third base), juniors Emerald Gilliand (outfield) and Serenity Gonzales (2B), and sophomores Karlin White (3B) and A’Mayahia Williams (outfield).

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 “We will be a young team but stronger than with three saves while also striking out 133 last year,” said Nicholson, who begins his third batters. She also had a .431 batting average season with the program. with 17 RBIs and 16 runs scored. McLain is the KAPAUN graduated seven seniors from a team’s top returning hitter after hitting .522 last team that finished just south of .500 with a 10- season with 15 doubles, four triples and two 11 record following a first round regional loss to home runs.

Salina South, 14-7.

“We are excited about the progress made Due to COVID issues, KANSAS CITY- throughout the season last year and building WASHINGTON was limited to just 12 total on it for this year,” Tillery said. games last season, resulting in a 2-10 overall Jenny Meirowsky has six players back at mark. Third-year coach Robert Carpenter is MAIZE as they look to improve on last year’s hoping for more of a normal season this spring 15-5 campaign. Meirowsky enters her 17th as his Wildcats squad trying to develop consis- season and has a 264-76 overall record during tency on the field. her tenure. Returning for the Eagles will be se“I’m very excited about the new season,” niors Chloe Bartlett (C) and Madi Lambert (3B), Carpenter said. “My first year as coach was juniors Maia Djurovic (outfield), Peyton Same cancelled because of COVID, and then last (P/1B) and Kennedy Topping (shortstop) and year we were very limited because of COVID. sophomore Brynley Smith (2B). Bartlett leads We have a very good group of student-athletes the list of returning players at the plate, where interested in playing this year. I am looking for- she hit .397 with eight home runs, 21 RBIs and ward to working with them and improving in all 22 runs scored. areas of the game. We look forward to competAfter a 3-17 record a year ago, MAIZE ing for a full season.”

SOUTH will be searching for improvement on Washington has just two starters back in the the field this spring. Head coach Darcie Wilson lineup in right fielder Abilene Mendoza Rincon begins her second season in charge of the and first base Kierstin Sears.

Mavericks softball program. She welcomes With eighth players back in the lineup, back a group of players that includes seniors LEAVENWORTH looks to build off last year’s Lillie Johnson (pitcher), Alexa Davison (C/IF), 11-11 record. Kacy Tillery begins her second Holly Shafer (IF) and Grace Brained (DP), as season as head coach of the Pioneers. She well as junior Macy Bruggeman (utility) and has a solid group of returning players that in- sophomores Jenny Sokoll (pitcher/outfield), cludes seniors Landri Lopez (pitcher), Kaylee Izzy Brainard (pitcher) and Kylie Parker (IF).

“After a tough season last year, we are lookMcLain (shortstop), Jewel Lake (1B) and Ingrid Scaduto (outfield), as well as sophomores ing to revamp and build our program from Jada Eagle (C), Hailey Garcia (2B) Paci Tate the ground up,” Wilson said. “We have lots of (outfield) and Paradise Wright (outfield). Lopez young talent and positions to be filled.”

PITTSBURG captured the Southeast Kansas produced at the plate and in the field. In the circle, she had a 1.07 ERA and a 7-6 record League championship a year ago with an 11-1

mark and closed out the season at 14-7 overall. The Purple Dragons are under the direction of head coach AJ Terry.

SALINA CENTRAL finished 6-15 last season following a 10-7 loss to Andover in the regional opener.

Seven players return to the lineup at SALINA SOUTH as Brea Vidrine’s Cougars try to build off last year’s 12-10 campaign. The second-year coach has plenty of experience back this spring, led by seniors Kylee Carter (right field), Lainey Howard (2B) and Chana Wolfe (pitcher/shortstop). Also returning are juniors Baylee Brin (1B), Emily Anderson (shortstop), Madison Yost (center field) and Lily Bartley (C).

Anderson is the top returning hitter at .318 with 11 RBIs. “I am excited about this group of girls that are going to be coming in,” Vidrine said. “We have quite a few returning players that are looking to make a large impact. We are going to need players to step up into roles that they might not have had to play yet. We are going to see a lot of growth from each player on our team.”

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS finished 18-5 after a first round loss in the 5A state tournament and graduated first team All-UKC selections Mykala Johnico (pitcher), Adysen Burghart (infielder) and Taylor Hawkins (infielder). Current seniors Abby Schulte (infielder) and Ariah Durkes (outfielder) were also first team All-UKC last year after Schulte led the T-birds in hitting with a .515 batting average and Dukes hit better than .400. Junior catcher Addison Bryant was a second team pick last year as a sophomore and infielder Deja Gardenhire, now a senior, earned honorable mention. Other returning starters include seniors Brook Newberry (infielder), Olivia

6A Softball/from page 51 had a .473 batting average and 26 stolen bases a year ago. Also back in the lineup are senior first baseman Paige White, junior pitcher Lilly Fisher and outfield/third base Madison Fabia and sophomores Bre Severino (pitcher/utility), Ashlyn Gaughan (shortstop) and Kendall Yarnell (catcher/third base). Fisher returns in the circle after posting a 6-2 record with a 3.79 ERA and 50 Ks. “We are extremely excited to get started on the 2022 season,” Lopez said. “Our young team is beginning to mature. We lost just two seniors from last year’s squad, and now our main contributors are sophomores and juniors.

Our goals are to improve each day and play our best ball at the end. Winning that final game of the year is always the goal.”

Last year’s experience will hopefully pay off for SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH following a 6-15 season.

Sue Williams, now in her fourth year as Raiders coach, welcomes back eight players to the lineup, including Marleigh Sikes (pitcher/ second base/outfield), Michelle Hoover (utility), Chloe Cowley (designated player/first base), Kate Colwell (pitcher/first base/third base), Rae Salyer (C/SS), Mary Donovan (catcher/ third base), Camryn Smith (shortstop/center field) and Anna Clough (outfield).

“I am excited about the upcoming year,” Williams said. “We have a well-grounded group of girls returning, and our incoming freshman have a competitive background. I am anxious to see what this group of young ladies can do as a team.”

In her second season at OLATHE WEST, Cynthia Adams hopes to build off of last year’s 11-10 mark.

“We will continue to rely on our big bats and our ability to outscore our opponents,” Adams said. “We have a lot of talent returning and some newcomers that will be definite game changers.”

Carly Milner takes over as head coach at SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST after the Cougars finished with a 9-12 record a year ago. In her first season, Milner will see competition for starting spots but does welcome back six returning players — Anne Borberg, Maggie Chapin, Autum Horn, Brooke Bazzel, Sierra Martinez and Kelsi Loeffler.

“We expect for the 2022 season to be a year of competition and growth,” Milner said.

Page 53 Morgan (outfielder), Taryn Dial (1B) and sophonmore Alaryce Millard-Adams (utility). The T-birds won the United Kansas Conference last season and made the state tourney for the eighth straight season.

After posting just three wins a season ago, ST. JAMES ACADEMY welcomes in Anne LeVar-Hash as the new softball coach. The former Emporia State softball player spent more than 10 seasons as an assistant at Olathe South and Olathe Northwest.

Playing its final season in the Centennial League before joining the United Kansas Conference, TOPEKA-SEAMAN hopes to build off last year’s 16-6 record. The Vikings will once again be led by Jay Monhollon, who has posted a 173-42 record as he enters his 11th season with the program. He welcomes back the experience to make some noise this spring with the return of eight starters, including a group of seven seniors — Skyler Duncan (pitcher), Emma Esser (1B), Kynlea Heydenreich (DP), Emma Smith (shortstop), Rylee Murray (outfield), Brilea Flott (outfield) and Kaylee Moe (outfield) — and one junior in pitcher Aspen Burgardt. The top returning hitter from last season is Smith, who batted .460 with four home runs and 24 RBIs. Duncan will be a leader in the circle after posting a 10-5 record and a 2.68 ERA. “We are excited about the upcoming season and seeing the program improve throughout the season,” Monhollon said.

Expectations have been raised at WICHITA NORTHWEST with the return of several players from last year’s 17-5 squad.

Eighth-year coach Cody Stucky, who has a 121-37 record in the program, will field a team led by four key returning players — senior pitcher/first base Caiya Stucky and juniors Brailee Bogle (outfield), Ava Mullins (catcher/ third base) and Nevaeh Lopez (catcher/third base). All four of those players hit over .450 at the plate, including a team-best .581 average from Mullins, who also had a .700 on-base percentage with 29 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

Bogle had a .507 batting average with 35 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

“We have everyone returning, so our expectations are high,” Stucky said.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 junior pitcher/utility Addie Ross. Nightengale was named all-league and all-state, while Ross and Rolfs also earned all-league recognition.

“Ready to help us defend our league and regional championships are several key players who were part of our state runner-up team from last spring,” Schrader said. “We also have several talented players who will compete to fill the positions of our six seniors.”

HOLTON took third place at the Class 4A State Tournament a year ago by beating Clay Center/Wakefield in the consolation game.

The Wildcats had a standout season a year ago, finishing 23-2 overall, but will now be under new leadership with first-year head coach Carlene McManigal. The cupboard isn’t bare, though, with the return of several players from Holton last year’s squad — seniors Sadie Walker (pitcher/outfield), Gracie Gallagher (pitcher/outfield), Staci Bond (second base/outfield), Olivia Summers (1B) and Justina Raye (3B); along with juniors Timber Wilson (C/OF) and Brooke Flewelling (shortstop), and sophomore Emma Summers (outfield).

Walker is the top returning batter for the Wildcats after hitting .660 a year ago with 64 hits, nine home runs and 52 RBIs. She also went a perfect 13-0 in the circle with a 1.35 ERA and 104 strikeouts. Gallagher, a .543 hitter at the plate with 43 RBIs, also went 9-2 pitching with a 1.98 ERA and 116 strikeouts.

“We have all the tools to be one of the top teams in the state again … as long as we put those tools to work,” McManigal said.

Four other teams qualified for state comRock Creek petition a year ago, including Bishop Miege,

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle Eudora, Pratt and Winfield.

PRATT is coming off a 17-5 season a year For the first time in program history, Wamego won a state championship in softball a year ago ago. Mike Forshee returns for his 17th season with a 6-2 win over Andale/Garden Plain. The after leading the Greenbacks to a 265-91 mark Lady Raiders claimed the Class 4A title to cap in his tenure. Returning to the lineup for PHS is senior catcher Livia Swift, senior shortstop Lexi off a 20-5 season.

Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Walker, sophomore outfielder Jaycee Theis, juLuke Meyer, WAMEGO will be looking for a re- nior second base Gabby Gatlin and junior first peat performance with the return of four starters base Marleigh Bates. Theis is the top returning from that squad. WHS welcomes back Maya hitter for the Greenbacks with a .524 batting avGallagher in the circle. The junior went 11-2 last erage a year ago. Walker is back after posting season with a 2.16 ERA. At the plate, she hit 32 RBIs and 25 runs scored last season.

“We lost some valuable seniors that led us .461 with three homers and 28 RBIs. She will be joined by senior utility player Delaney Campbell, back to the 4A state tournament in 2021,” senior first baseman Ryann Alderson and junior Forshee said. “But we are confident that we will shortstop Ashten Pierson. At the plate, Pierson reload with some experienced young players.”

ABILENE is in search of pitching after the hit .455 with three home runs and 23 RBIs. She also had 29 stolen bases. Campbell was a .422 loss of some key players from last year’s 6-15 squad. LouAna Taplin returns for her 10th seahitter with four home runs and 40 RBIs. “We return a strong nucleus from our state title son as head coach of the Cowgirls program. team from last year,” Meyer said. “We look to This season, Abilene welcomes back seven grow and make another deep run this season.” starters to the lineup, including seniors Emma After coming so close to a state title a year ago, Wildman (IF) and Jenna Hayes (outfield/pitchChuck Schrader’s ANDALE/GARDEN PLAIN er), junior Haylee Anguinao (IF), and sophosquad hopes to push its way to the top this mores Hannah Walter (outfield), Maddie Murray season following a 21-4 campaign. Schrader (C), Zoey Debenham (P/IF) and Callie Powell enters his fifth season with the Indians program, (outfield). Leading the way at the plate will be posting a 79-17 record to date. Despite the loss Walter, who had a .322 batting average with 12 of six all-league players to graduation, includ- runs scored and 11 RBIs last season.

“We lost 90 percent of our pitching from last ing all-state player Kyla Eck, now at Pacific, the year, so we need to find replacements,” Taplin squad still has experience back.

The Indians will rely heavily on two solid pitch- said. “We feel optimistic about the three we ers — senior Alyssa Mude and junior Hannah have competing for that position.”

Five starters return for head coach Rhett Decker. Mude — an all-league and all-state selection — went 10-2 last season with three Mallon at AUGUSTA following last year’s 13-9 shutouts and two no-hitters. Decker, who was campaign. In that group of returning players will be three seniors, including pitcher/outfield also all-league, was 9-2 with a 2.28 ERA. Both Mude and Decker will also provide punch Keelynn Barnett, pitcher Gracyn Cody and at the plate and will be joined by junior infielder catcher Allison Timberlake. Also back in the Madison Nightingale, junior outfielder/infielder lineup will be junior catcher/first base Brooklyn Madelyn Rolfs, junior catcher Ryan Cooper and Smith and junior outfield Kinleigh Haskell.

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“We have a solid group of ladies that have done the work and are ready for their time to shine,” said Mallon, who enters his third season with the Orioles program.

It was a rough 2021 campaign at BUHLER, which closed out the seasonal 0-20. Kimberly Cottam will be looking for better things this season as she enters her third year in the program.

The Crusaders return four starters from last year’s squad, led by seniors Carly Thompson (catcher/utility), Shelby Briggs (pitcher/outfield) and Emma Rosenberger (outfield). They will be joined by junior Morgan Carson at shortstop.

Southeast Kansas League runner-up CHANUTE has plenty of talent returning following a 13-8 mark a year ago. Beth Jackett enters her fourth season as head coach, compiling an overall mark of 26-18 with the Blue Comets.

Seven starters — all underclassmen — are back in the lineup after gaining valuable experience last season. The Comets have no returning senior starters, so they will continue to rely on a young and talented group that includes juniors Kamri Naff (pitcher), Brinly Bancroft (shortstop), Preston Keating (2B) and Grace Thompson (C), as well as sophomores Kaydnce Axelson (utility), Marlee Miller (3B) and Peyton Shields (outfield). Taff had a 6-3 mark in the circle for CHS with a 2.74 ERA. She was also the team’s top hitter with a .492 batting average.

Bancroft and Axelson both recorded four home runs last season.

“I am looking forward to this season,” Jackett said. “The season did not finish like we hoped, but we were able to walk away with heads high and have a drive for this year’s season. My incoming freshmen will only bring more to the team and push our upperclassmen.”

CHAPMAN posted only one win last season but did place a pair of non-seniors on the AllNCKL team in Emily Scholz and Jessie Switzer.

CLAY CENTER/WAKEFIELD lost to Holton in the third place game at state and finished 21-4, but graduated dominant pitcher Clara Edwards, now an emerging DI star at South Dakota. CC did place several non-seniors on the All-NCKL team including Dani Carson, Shleby Siebold, Jacey Schurle and Mackenzie Weller.

After posting a 16-6 record a year ago, CLEARWATER will be looking to make some noise with the return of four starters. Tyler Hampton returns for his fifth season with the Indians and welcomes back three senior starters to the lineup — pitcher/infielder Tess Winter, infielder Kayleigh Herdman and outfielder Hayley Gerberding. Herdman is the top returning hitter from a year ago, finishing with a .422 batting average and 28 RBIs. Also back this season is sophomore infielder Elizabeth Tjaden.

“We have to replace several players who had a great deal of experience, but we still have some experienced players returning as well,” said Hampton, who has a 41-45 overall record during his time at Clearwater. “We expect to be very competitive again this season.”

Brooke Yell will take over as the head coach at COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY. The Lady ‘Nado went 4-16 a year ago, including a 2-10 mark in the SEK play for sixth place.

CONCORDIA was 6-14 in 2022, losing to Augusta in regionals, but had just one non-senior on the All-NCKL team, Hannah Acree.

EUDORA was dominant in regional play downing Tonganoxie and Fort Scott by a combined score of 24-4, but lost the state opener to Andale/Garden Plain to finish 17-5.

Also in the SEK, FORT SCOTT was a middle

Page 54 of the pack squad a year ago, finishing in a tie for fourth place in the final standings. The Tigers will be searching for improvements this season following a 9-13 campaign last spring.

A mix of experience and youth will be the key to TOPEKA-HAYDEN this season as the Wildcats look to build off their 12-9 season a year ago.

Fourth-year coach Carvel Reynoldson, who has a 37-24 overall record in the program, has six starters back this season — Alyssa Droge at pitcher, Tatum Abbey at first base, Ava Delgado at shortstop, Carly Stuke at third base, Sandy Anguiano at designated player and Maylee Burris in the outfield. Droge is the top returning hitter after posting a .464 batting average last season with six doubles and two triples. Stuke recorded a .444 average with five home runs, 24 RBIs and 22 runs scored.

“We will have a mix of experience and younger players that will compete,” Reynoldson said.

Rick Bruce takes over as the head coach at INDEPENDENCE after the Lady Bulldogs had their three-year run as Southeast Kansas League champions come to an end last season.

The first-year coach takes over an IHS program that went 12-9 a year ago and took third place in the SEK. The Lady Bulldogs had a string of 38 consecutive league wins come to an end — the team’s first SEK losses since 2016. Bruce replaces former head coach Danny Burnett, who led the Lady Bulldogs to a 73-16 record — including Class 4A-Divison I runner-up in 2018 — during his four years in charge.

After an 0-6 start a year ago, IOLA rallied for 11 straight wins to post a winning season at 119. Chris Weide, who begins year seven in the program, hopes that momentum carries into a new season for the Mustangs. Leading the way for Iola will be senior pitcher/first base Reece Murry. In the circle, Murry had a 1.11 ERA for the Mustangs with 96 strikeouts. She also posted a .328 batting average at the plate with four doubles. IHS also has three other seniors returning to the lineup, including Jenna Curry at third base, Maci Miller in right field and Chloe Sell in left field. Back for her junior campaign is shortstop Aysha Houk.

“We are very excited for the upcoming softball season,” said Weide, who has a 42-57 record with the Mustangs. “We have one of the best pitchers in the state in Reece Murry, who gives us a chance to win every time she is on the mound. We have the potential to hit the ball and back our pitchers up in the field. If we do that, we will have a successful season.”

Seeking its first Southeast Kansas League championship in a decade, LABETTE COUNTY will have some building to do following a 7-14 record a year ago that included a tie for fourth place in the final league standings.

Following a one-win season a year ago, Nick Chapman will be seeking improvement from his LOUISBURG squad during the spring campaign. Now in his second season with the program, Chapman welcomes back six starters from last year’s 1-19 squad, including senior pitcher/shortstop Mia Wilson, sophomore pitcher/first base Megan Quinn, sophomore third base Jenna Cauthon, sophomore shortstop/ second base Ashley Moreau, sophomore pitcher/infield Izzy Moreland and sophomore catcher/outfield Rylee Hickey.

“We’re coming off a season where we had six to seven freshmen in our lineup every game and struggled with confidence and playing team softball,” Chapman said. “The girls are back and hungry for success. I’m expecting to see our

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 girls grow and mature a lot this season. I’m ex- Miege to a 6-4 loss in the final to finish 12-10. cited to see what we bring to the table this year After going winless a year ago, PARSONS will and to make a name for ourselves.” be trying to get its way out of the cellar of the A group of seven returning starters are hop- Southeast Kansas League in 2022. The Lady ing to post a winning season for McPHERSON Vikings went 0-20 overall last season, which this spring following an 8-13 mark a year ago. included an 0-12 mark in league play for sevDanica Fitzmorris, now in her seventh season enth place. with the Bullpups, has a wide range of talent Breaking numerous school records a year back in the lineup, led by three seniors — ago, ROCK CREEK is looking to build off a Sophia Herrera (pitcher/designated player), successful 15-9 campaign. Jeri Brummett beBrette Doile (pitcher/catcher/outfield) and gins year number 22 with the Mustangs and has Cameron Pelzel (1B). Also returning are junior a total of seven starters back this spring.

Sayge Salmans (C), as well as sophomores Leading the way is first team all-league and Karter Alford (shortstop), Olivia Cheatham (out- all-state outfielder Grace Gehl. The senior field) and Alex Romero (outfield). had a .481 batting average while breaking the “I look for this group to do great things,” school record with seven home runs and 36 Fitzmorris said. “We have a deep and diverse RBIs last season. In the circle, senior Sophia group of athletes. We were 8-13 last season Haverkamp — first team All-MEL and second and hope to turn those numbers the opposite di- team all-state — broke the school record with rection this season. Our seniors bring with them 145 strikeouts, while also posting a 1.34 ERA lots of varsity experience. Our sophomores and limiting hitters to a .182 batting average. were critical to our growth last season, and the Senior Brooklyn Goehring broke the school same will be true of our freshman this season.” record in triples with 10, while posting a .517 A young MULVANE squad that finished 4-17 batting average as she earned All-MEL first a year ago hopes that experience translates to team and all-state second team at shortstop. success this spring. Jesse Kollmeyer, who has Also returning for Rock Creek will be seniors an 11-50 record, now in his fifth year with the Lexi DeWeese (utility), Laney Marple (C) and program, has several key pieces back this sea- Brooklyn McCormick (IF), as well as sophoson — junior pitcher Jalin Lavers, junior second more Ali Jones (pitcher/utility). base Emma Kendrick, junior infield Kammie “Our 2022 crew is special,” Brummett said.

Schanz, sophomore shortstop Madison Phipps, “Our veterans will have a large group of newsophomore catcher Avrie Warner, sophomore comers to mentor, and we play a tough schedpitcher/third base Addison Mackey and sopho- ule to prepare us for a postseason opportunity.” more utility player India Downs.

Entering her 10th season with TONGANOXIE, “We return eight starters from a very young Stephanie Wittman-Stanton is hoping the return team a year ago,” Kollmeyer said. of eight starters will lead to the team’s success PAOLA upset seventh seeded Topeka this spring. The Chieftains are coming off a 5-16 Hayden in the regional opener and battled campaign last season but have some valuable

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assets back in the program. Leading the way for THS are sophomores Santi Garcia and Sage Isaacs, who both recorded .356 batting averages last season. Garcia returns at catcher, while Isaacs will be a pitcher and utility player. Other returning players include senior Lali Tanner (P/1B); juniors Kylie Vandervoort (center field), Savannah Booker (2B) and Sierra Innis (outfield); and sophomores Abby Clarkson (shortstop) and Jordayn Vorbeck (3B).

Page 55 “We are returning a lot of starters from last season that have the potential to compete at a high level for our program,” said WittmanStanton, who has a 96-74 record during her time at Tonganoxie. “We also have a good group of freshmen coming in that will contribute right away in our program.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 “This season should be another good one at Lake,” Hamilton said. “Along with a good group of returning starters, we have three seniors and several underclassman that played big roles in our season.”

Last year’s other semifinalists, Haven and Hoisington/Central Plains, could also be in contention for the top spot in 2022. Haven took third place at the Class 3A State Tournament a year ago with an 8-7 victory over Hoistington in the consolation game at Manhattan.

HAVEN is coming off a 23-3 record and has been a solid program for years. In fact, head coach Darin Ashworth, entering his 14th season, has compiled an overall record of 223-67.

Although the Wildcats have some spots to fill in the lineup, they do have key figures back this season, including senior Amie Yoder (first base/ Council Grove pitcher), juniors BrieAnn Brawner (shortstop/

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle pitcher), Brookelyn Barnett (C) and Kelsi Kincaid As Cheney was closing out a 1-0 victory over (OF) and sophomore Sadie Estill (OF). Yoder was Silver Lake in the 3A softball championship last a .605 hitter last season with 46 hits, one home May, it was celebrating its first state title in pro- run, 35 RBIs and 26 runs scored. Also hitting over gram history. That day in Manhattan capped off .400 were Estill (.440), who recorded 27 RBIs and a 25-1 season for the Cardinals and gave them 39 runs, and Brawner (.432) with 24 RBIs and 49 plenty of momentum heading into the offseason. runs.

Now, head coach Matt Johnson, who enters his “We have some very good returning players, but 10th season with the program, believes his squad our success will be determined by how well we’re has the pieces to repeat not only as league cham- able to fill some big holes in the circle and middle pion but also finish at the top of 3A this spring. of the lineup,” Ashworth said.

CHENEY has several valuable pieces back The 2021 campaign was a record-breaking seain the lineup this season following last year’s son at HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS with a championship season. That includes a pair of All- total of eight school records broken en route to a State players in seniors Korri Lies at pitcher and 20-6 overall record and fourth-place finish in 3A. Brooklyn Wewe at first base. Lies was a perfect With eight starters back from that squad, there’s 15-0 in the circle last season. In addition to those reason to believe the Cardinals, under the leadplayers, CHS returns five other players to the line- ership of second-year coach Tim Boxberger, will up, including junior Elina Bartlett, an All-CPL utility once again challenge the field. player/outfielder; sophomore Payton McCormick, Leading the way for Hoisington will be three inan all-league designated player/outfielder; junior dividuals that broke records a year ago — seniors shortstop Anna Martin; sophomore second base Kassidy Nixon (P/SS), Kadence Urban (C/SS/ Jalyn Adolph and senior catcher Lexi Lorenz.

OF) and Gracie Aylward (1B). Urban, who was a “We have high expectations,” said Johnson, .563 hitter at the plate, broke five single-season who has a record of 155-46 in his time with the records, including hits (49), doubles (19), home Cardinals. “We want to repeat as league cham- runs (8), RBIs (51) and runs scored (40). Nixon pions and make it back to defend our state title.” not only broke the record with triples at the plate, Although Cheney will be looking to stay atop but she also had a record 144 Ks as she finished the throne of 3A, last year’s runner-up, SILVER 13-2 in the circle with a 1.79 ERA. Aylward, a LAKE, believes it has the pieces to surpass the .474 hitter, established a new record for at-bats Cardinals this season in pursuit of a title. in a season. Also returning for the Cardinals are Third-year head coach Nick Hamilton returns senior Shaylah Kempke (CF), juniors Ava Henry six starters from last year’s 22-4 squad — senior (3B) and Kortney Lang (OF), and sophomores left fielder Taryn Burkhardt, and sophomores Mollie Steiner (2B) and Jordyn Boxberger (SS/ Kaibryn Kruger (CF), McKinely Kruger (2B), OF/P).

Makenzie McDaniel (1B), Hailey Horton (C) and “We are only losing one senior starter and bring Avery Wende (P). Horton is the top returning hit- back a bunch of talent, including all of our pitchter from last season, posting a team-best 43 hits ing,” Boxberger said. and four home runs with a .453 batting average.

Four other teams qualified for the Class 3A Wende handled most of the pitching duties and State Tournament in Manhattan but lost in the tossing 86 Ks. opening round — Frontenac, Holcomb, Prairie

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With the return of seven starters from last year’s 19-5 season, don’t count out FRONTENAC in pursuit of a championship. The Raiders have won two state titles in recent years, including 2016 in Class 4A-Division II and 2019 in 3A as the eighth seed in the bracket. Cassie Rhuems returns for her 15th season in charge at FHS, posting a 21779 record to date. She has plenty of experience to lean on for success this season in senior Heather Arnett (SS), juniors Hattie Pyle (1B), Kaitlyn Hayslip (C), Mia Brown (P) and Kelby Burke (OF) and sophomores Abi Beaman (OF) and Annie Lee (2B).

“We have very high expectations for our team this season,” Rhuems said. “We return the majority of our squad, we have some new kids in our program and have a lot of depth.”

Coming off a school-record 20-4 season that included a first-ever trip to state, excitement surrounding HOLCOMB softball is at an alltime high. Jennifer Barrett returns a solid group of players from that squad, led by sophomore shortstop Emma Cornelian, who hit .549 with 50 hits, 28 RBIs and 37 runs scored from the leadoff spot. Sophomore catcher Rian Rodriguez hit .506, with five homers, 44 RBIs and 40 runs scored. Also returning to the lineup is senior third baseman Ryleigh McVey (.422 BA, 38H, 24 RBIs, 35R), while sophomore pitcher Korryn Johnson is back in the circle after posting a 3.20 ERA with 197 Ks in 142 innings pitched.

“We are excited to get back on the field after last year’s season,” said Barrett, who has a 152-100 record during her time at Holcomb. “Making it to the state tournament was a first in school history and the 20-4 record was also the best record we have had in the program’s history.”

With the loss of six starters, ANDERSON COUNTY will need to fill several holes in its lineup following a 14-9 campaign. Maria Bowman takes over as head coach of the Bulldogs. She has a total of three starters back this season, including senior outfielder Karen Yoder, junior outfielder Mallory Wheat (.301 BA) and sophomore third baseman Caitlyn Foltz (.250 BA).

“After losing six starters, we will be a young team with potential,” Bowman said. “This season’s team has strong passion for the game.”

Losing just one senior due to graduation, BELOIT will be looking to build off last year’s 17-5 campaign. Tyler Odle returns for his third season as head coach, with a 34-8 overall record, and welcomes nine players back with experience from last year, led by seniors Kimberlyn Nichols (pitcher/outfield), Haleigh Pearson (3B), Trinity McMillan (C), Tatem Tietjens-Peters (1B) and Makenzie Travis (IF). Nichols posted a 9-2 record in the circle with a 2.13 ERA and 73 Ks. Pearson was one of the team’s top hitters, finish-

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Page 56 ing with a .373 batting average with four triples.

Also returning are juniors Chloe Odle (pitcher/ outfield) and Haley Channell (OF), as well as sophomores Peyton Remus (outfield/pitcher) and Mylie Brown (IF). Odle was a .479 hitter with 34 hits, seven doubles, 26 runs scored and 11 RBIs, while also posting a 0.31 ERA and 127 Ks in the circle. Remus finished with a .413 batting average with 26 hits.

“We have a solid team to build on because we only had one senior last year,” Odle said. “We have to do better on offense and against the short game on defense.”

In his fifth season at BURLINGTON, head coach Dave Watkins lost some key players from last year’s 13-10 squad but still returns three starters to the lineup. The Wildcats welcome back senior Madison Coursen in center field, while juniors Josie Fejfar and Cadence Isch return in left field and the infield, respectively.

“Replacing four-year starter all-league and allstate pitcher Myka Watkins and all-league catcher Chrissy Hall will be tough,” Coach Watkins said.

“Having someone step into the leadership roles vacated by these two will be key to being successful.”

The return of two-time All-Tri-Valley League pitcher/infielder Kamryn Kaminska will be a key for CANEY VALLEY this spring as it tries to build off its 8-13 campaign a year ago that included a fifth-place finish in the league. Jerod Rigdon, who begins his 13th season in the program, has some experience back in the lineup. Kaminska, a senior, is joined by junior infielder Avery Tipton and utility player Maggie McVey. Kaminska hit .614 last season with four homers and 29 runs scored. Tipton also hit at .386, while McVey finished at .306.

“We return several key players and look to make big improvements,” Rigdon said.

CHERRYVALE was a middle of the pack team in the Tri-Valley League last season with a fourth-place finish. Overall, the Chargers went 8-12. They did lose two-time All-TVL performer Makenna Kuehn — the team’s leading batter with a .638 average — due to graduation.

Pitching will be something that determines the fate at CIMARRON this season as the Lady Jays have no players with varsity experience in the circle. If they are able to fill those roles, they could build off last year’s 14-7 record in Neal Bailey’s second season as head coach. Five players do return for CHS, led by seniors Emily Acton at shortstop, Dani Kugler in the outfield and Ryleigh Dyke at first base. Acton was a .580 hitter with 40 hits, 35 RBIs and 42 runs scored, while Kugler finished at .438 with 28 hits, 22 RBIs and 22 runs and Dyke at .364 with 20 hits, 20 RBIs and 25 runs. Also returning are junior Madi Newton and sophomore Meggie Feltman — both in the out-

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 field. Feltman batted .460 with 37 runs scored and 26 RBIs, while Newton finished at .417 with 31 runs and 26 RBI. Returning all nine starters from last year’s 16-6 squad, COLUMBUS could be a threat near the top of the CNC League this spring. Aimee Saporito, who begins her 12th season with the Titans, has a squad full of talent and experience. Leading the way are three pitchers that earned league recognition — junior Aubree Saporito, senior Lily Mooney and sophomore Grace Major. Saporito finished with a 2.02 ERA with 49 Ks. Mooney went 7-2 in the circle with a 2.98 ERA and 39 Ks. Major finished with a 2.81 ERA and 53 Ks. Also returning for Columbus are senior left fielder Lexy Stone, senior right fielder Emily Welch, junior second baseman Jaclyn Rodriguez, junior catcher Addison Saporito, sophomore center fielder Katie Simpson (All-CNC) and sophomore SS/ third baseman Kaitlyn Lopp (second All-CNC).

“We have high expectations for this season, but it is going to take a lot of work to meet these expectations,” said Saporito, who has a 100-126 record during her time at Columbus. “With all nine defensive players returning, we hope to build on our experience and see a lot of growth from last year.”

COUNCIL GROVE finished the season 14-8 after a second round loss to Prairie View in regional play for coach Dustin SanRomani.

The Braves were led by a strong group of juniors last year including first team all-league selections Paisley Butler (C) and Elle Dragone (OF), second team selection Joslyn Cannon (OF) and Mija Carlson earned honorable mention. Then sophomore Jessica Filkin also earned second team honors but gone to graduation is first team selection Keely Honas (OF) and second team selection Daleyna King (P). Dragone is committed to play college softball at DII Harding after hitting .590 with 35 stolen bases.

Ken Cravens starts year 15 as head coach at ELLSWORTH and will try to build off last season’s 12-10 campaign. The Bearcats will be relying on leadership from its returning players that include seniors Nicole Haase (OF) and Natalie Rolfs (SS), juniors Ryan Tenbrink (2B) and Greta Klein (3B), and sophomores Peyton Conrad (OF), Emma Moore (P), Paityn Tenbrink (1B), Kenna Haas (C) and Lexi West (C).

“We are returning a nucleus of great young players and are excited to see some new faces,” said Cravens, who has a 135-131 overall record during his time at Ellsworth. “We expect to gain ground in the tough NCAA League and make a postseason run with this group.”

Despite an 8-13 record last season, EUREKA coach Scott Miller saw improvement over the course of the year. Now Miller, who begins his 15th season with the Tornadoes, is hoping that translates into even more success this spring. Four players are back including Tayler Palmer, Gracie Walden, Ryleigh Smaley and Alyssa Gore.

“I feel that we improved a great deal last season, and I am looking forward to the strides we can make this season,” Miller said.

After falling one win short of a trip to state last season, GALENA hopes to take that next step this spring. The Bulldogs, led by fourthyear coach Jacoby Martin, are coming off a 14-9 campaign that included a regional runner-up finish. Six starters are back from last year’s squad — seniors Maddie Cole (P/IF), Raylynn Downey (OF), Grace Ryan (OF) and Myka Danley (IF), as well as juniors Mia Sarwinski (IF/OF) and Blayze McNemar (outfield/pitcher).

“We have a good group of hardworking girls, and I’m anxious to see them compete for a regional championship and state championship,” Martin said.

It has been a step-by-step progression for HALSTEAD as it tries to build its way towards a winning season. Although last year’s 7-14 record still has room for improvement, fourth-year coach Eileen Vlamis believes she has the pieces in play for a successful 2022 campaign.

“I’m really excited for this season, and so are the girls,” said Vlamis, who has an 11-29 overall record in the program. “We are returning all but two starters and have several incoming freshmen that will be able to step up and fill those roles. We’ve been steadily improving over the past few years and look to continue that improvement and shock some teams in our league.”

Returning for the Dragons are seniors Payton Divine (3B), Abby Church (C/OF), Lauren Cardwell (OF) and Jayden Logan (OF), juniors Briley Whitmer (OF) and Emma Boese (P/IF) and sophomores Mya Morris (pitcher/utility) and Rylee Carmichael (P/2B).

Divine had a team-best .554 batting average last season with four home runs, 29 RBIs and 35 runs scored. Also hitting .400 or better were Morris (.426) and Cardwell (.400).

Alyssa Kroeker begins her first season as head coach of HILLSBORO after the Trojans went 13-9 last season. Five starters are back for HHS, including two seniors — Reece Hefley (IF/

OF) and Skylre Stucky (P). Hefley had a .438 batting average last season with two home runs, 33 RBIs and 29 runs scored. Stuck recorded a 5-4 record in the circle with a 5.29 ERA, while also hitting .357 at the plate with 27 RBIs. Also returning for the Trojans are juniors Kori Arnold at pitcher/third base, Delany Lucero at second base and Keeley Brewer in the outfield. Arnold was 8-5 pitching with a 4.16 ERA, while also hitting .380.

Blending a group of experienced players with youth will be the key to success for JEFFERSON WEST this season after finishing 11-10 a year ago. Chad Jackson begins his 10th season in the program as he has an overall record of 109-62 to date. In the circle, the Tigers will be led by senior pitcher Kierstyn Sutton, who had a 3.82 ERA last season. She is one of six starters back this season including seniors Mallory Young (SS) and Rachel Cloud (outfield/ third base), junior Lanie Becker (pitcher/utility) and sophomores Audrey Coates (2B) and Rees Brown (OF). Young hit .507 with 20 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

“We will have a lot of young returning starters with a lot of good experience plus a few upperclassmen with good talent,” Jackson said. “Pitching will feature a mix of experience and youth as well.

Chemistry will have a lot to do with team success this season.”

Coming up short of state with a regional runner-up finish, KINGMAN will be looking to take that next step this season after a 17-6 campaign a year ago. Ross Bruggeman is 71-19 in six seasons and there’s no reason to believe that success won’t continue this spring with the return of six starters from last year’s squad.

Leading the way will be a group of five seniors that include Alex Schreiner (pitcher/utility), Aly Hageman (SS), Emma Parsons (3B), Megan Hensley (C) and Kayla Belt (OF). Schreiner, who signed with Newman University, hit .426 last season with four home runs, 32 runs scored and 31 RBIs. She also had a 7-3 record and one save with a 2.86 ERA in the circle. A Butler Community College signee, Hageman had a .403 batting average with eight triples, three homers, 42 runs and 24 RBIs. Also returning is sophomore outfielder Laney Wood, who had a .449 batting average last season.

“We return a veteran team with six starters returning,” Bruggeman said. “All six of our losses were to state qualifiers last year, including three losses to Cheney, the eventual 3A state champ. All five seniors have been starters since they were sophomores, so they have been in many competitive, drama-filled games.”

LAKIN is a work in progress for head coach Melissa Conrady, who enters her fifth season with a 22-45 mark. The Broncs are coming off an 8-12 campaign. Leading the way this season will be senior Isabella Ortiz at outfield/pitcher. She had a .383 batting average a year ago with 12 RBIs. Three juniors are back, including Teagan Bachman at pitcher/first base, and Sara Wright and Brooke Groth in the outfield. Bachman was a .609 hitter with 18 RBIs, while Wright finished at .523 with 23 RBIs and Groth at .417.

“This season will be a rebuilding season as we graduated a few seniors that really helped us out,” Conrady said.

In his first season at LARNED, Jordan Haney knows it will be a process to build the LHS program. LHS will rely on six returning players from last year’s squad — Kiana Meyer (C/SS), Trinity Woods (2B), Annie Cox (OF), Camryn Ettleman (1B), Emma Thompson (SS/3B) and Hannah Norris (DP).

“We’ve got a young team with lots of room for improvement,” Haney said. “Looking to build off of last year’s experience and focus on small successes.”

Eight players return at MINNEAPOLIS following last year’s 6-15 campaign. Addie Billinger starts her third season as coach of the Lions. Leading the way for MHS is a group of five seniors that includes pitcher, catcher, outfielder and shortstop Cameron Cleveland, who had a .468 batting average and .806 slugging percentage with five home runs last season. Megan Atkinson, a catcher and pitcher, broke the school record for doubles with eight and had a .559 batting average. Also in that senior class are Koda Cabana (shortstop/catcher/outfield), Priscilla Adams (OF) and Cheyenne Piper (2B). Other returning players include sophomores Myka Deronnet at third base/outfield, Shelby Davidson at first base and Raven Young in the outfield.

“We are coming back to the season

Page 57 with a real hunger,” Billinger said. “Our seniors are ready to lead their teams to new heights.”

In her first season at OSAGE CITY, head coach Carly Spicer will be looking to build off the team’s success from a 14-7 campaign.

Returning to the lineup this season will be Trinity Mullins at second base, Callie Lane (SS), Gracey Smith (pitcher/outfield), Olivia Phillip (3B), Ashlyn McCoy (OF), Grace Croucher (OF), Savannah Hamman (OF) and Cassandra Hamblin (1B).

“We are looking forward to having a great season,” Spicer said.

Ryan Becker has five players back form last year’s squad as he enters his fourth season at PLAINVILLE/STOCKTON. That group includes juniors Corrine Hahn (P) and Raleigh Harmon (OF), as well as sophomores Brûlee Horting (SS), Jolene Johnson (3B) and Sara Whitney (OF).

“We have a good pitcher and some young fielders to surround her which should make us competitive,” Becker said.

During Brian Mitchell’s 27 seasons as head coach of RIVERTON, he has led the Rams to four state championships (2009 in 4A, and 2010, 2016 and 2017 in 3A) and more than 400 career wins. That’s why it was a bit of a shock last season as his squad struggled to a 4-17 record.

Don’t expect the Rams to stay down for long, though, as they welcome back a young but more experienced group of players this season. Back in the lineup will be seniors Courtney Ross (2B) and Payton Porter (3B), junior Morgan Compton (OF) and sophomores Chloe Parker (C), Kirstyn Busby (pitcher/outfield), Elizabeth Wells (P/1B), Kayla Greer (SS) and Alivia Parker (OF).

“We will still be very young at a lot of positions, but with the return of eight or more players with experience gained from 2021 season, we are looking at 2022 as a year of improvement,” said Mitchell, who has a career mark of 420-152 with the Rams.

A solid group of eight returning players will lead ROSSVILLE this season following last year’s 19-4 finish as John Nitsch enters his second season as head coach. In the circle, Rossville will rely on junior Brinley Dyche, who went 8-2 with a 3.27 ERA last season.

She also played center field and was a .471 hitter at the plate with 32 hits, one home run, 18 RBIs and 15 runs scored. The Bulldawgs have just one other returning upperclassman in senior Caylee Douglas, who plays at shortstop (.383 BA, 23H, 2HR, 9RBI, 33R).

From there, the remaining players returning are all sophomores, including catcher Kinsey Perine, right fielder Emma Mitchell, left fielder Nagos Hale, outfielder Ryan Leathers, first baseman Kinley Porter and second baseman Kiera Barber.

“I think we should have a very successful season,” Nitsch said.

“We are going to have to find some leadership.”

Struggling to just two wins all of last season, there is plenty of room for improvement at ROYAL VALLEY. Samantha Swank begins her second season as head coach of the Panthers after a 2-19 campaign. Swank will be looking towards all of her returning starters to step up their play this season. That includes seniors Karlie Albright at catcher/outfield (.333 BA, 22H, 6 RBI) and Breauna Jewell at pitcher/outfield); juniors Andrea Clements at catcher/third base (.326 BA 14H, 8 RBI) and Kennedy Bryan at shortstop (.308 BA, 20H, 12RBI); and sophomores Josie Hefner at second base (10H, 3RBI) and Mackenzie Schmidt at first base/third base (17H, 8RBI).

“We have a great group of hard working girls that love the game and come every day ready to perform,” Swank said. “I am very excited to see what they can do this season.”

Coming off a 16-win season a year ago, there is plenty of excitement for head coach Kate James as she takes over the lead at

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 RUSSELL/VICTORIA. The Broncos posted a 16-4 overall record a year ago. Although James has some holes to fill in the lineup, she has some experience coming back in seniors Belle Walton (OF/2B/ UT), Kayla Noller (OF) and Kassi Weber (SS/2B/3B/OF), as well as junior Brooklyn Nowak (P/1B). Nowak was a .408 hitter for the Broncos at the plate last season with 35 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

She also had a 3.06 ERA in the circle.

“The RHS Lady Broncos got a taste of a successful and winning season last year, so they are ready to compete and defend their previous season record,” James said.

After a 9-12 campaign, head coach Clayton Tennal is looking for improvements at SABETHA as he begins his second season with the program. The Bluejays definitely have talent returning with six starters back in the lineup. That includes senior outfielders Hadley Argabright (.370, 17H, 3RBI, 13R) and Kennedy Mitchell (.348, 16H, 11RBI, 11R). Sophomore Laura Edelman is the top returning hitter at .484 with eight home runs, 30 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

Junior Mikenna Haverkamp also produced with a .479 batting average, 18 RBIs and 17 runs. Rounding out the returning players are juniors Trinity Detweiler at catcher and Katelyn Poe at pitcher.

“We are trying to build the program,” Tennal said.

Pioneer League runner-up SANTA FE TRAIL will be looking to build off its 12-10 record from a year ago. Brenda Dahl starts her seventh season with the Chargers after posting an overall record of 51-51. Dahl expects big contributions from four key returning players, led by sophomore pitcher/third base Kaelee Washington.

A .463 hitter at the plate, Washington was the team’s top pitcher last season, recording a 2.95 ERA with 113 Ks en route to six wins in the circle. Also returning are senior shortstop Jaycee Long, along with senior outfielder Kayla Hamm and junior pitcher Jessica Hamm. Long is the top returning hitter for the Chargers with a .493 batting average, five home runs, 31 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

“We are very excited about the 2022 season,” Dahl said. “All our pitching is returning, and I look for Kaelee Washington to be a force on the mound in her sophomore season.”

Posting a school record for wins a year ago, there is plenty of excitement surround SCOTT CITY entering the 2022 campaign.

The Beavers went 20-3 last season and look to remain a threat this season under Erin Myers, who begins her seventh season in the program (80-42). SC has eight starters back this season with plenty of experience in the lineup including seniors Amber Latta (SS), Tori Ford (C), Rhiley Stoppel (left field) and Melany Duff (3B), as well as juniors Hannah Tucker (CF) and MacKayla Miller (1B) and sophomores Cheyenne Cramer (P) and Malorie Cupp (utility).

Latta had a big year at the plate last season, hitting .608 with 48 hits, two homers, 17 RBIs and 52 runs scored. She also recorded a team-high 26 stolen bases. All eight returning starters batted over .400 at the plate last season. In addition to a .605 batting average, Cramer had a 3.61 ERA in the circle. Meanwhile, Tucker and Ford both produced five home runs each.

“These same players broke the school record for the most wins in a season,” Myers said. “With eight starters returning, they are anxious to get another crack at being regional champs.”

Year 23 is starting for head coach Chris McClure at SMOKY VALLEY, where the Vikings are coming off a 15-8 campaign last season. McClure has an overall record of 230-212 during his tenure with the SVHS program. Smoky Valley has seven starters back in the lineup this season, led by all-state and All-Central Kansas League first baseman Madi Tolle. The senior had a .500 batting average last season and 40 hits — including 11 doubles and 10 home

runs — with 35 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Also back for the Vikings are seniors Catherine Odell (3B) and Riley Ahlstedt, juniors Karee Adam at pitcher and Maggie Ryals at pitcher/third base and sophomores Maliyah Koster at shortstop and Ava Broxterman at second base. Adam, who was second team All-CKL, finished 11-4 in the circle with a 4.39 ERA and 69 Ks. Koster was also second team All-CKL with a .425 average, eight doubles, two triples and two homers, while Broxterman earned honorable mention all-league with a .391 average.

“We will need to replace our catcher and entire outfield, but we return a lot of talent and experience,” McClure said.

With a year of experience under its belt, SOUTHEAST OF SALINE, under the direction of 16th-year head coach Pesha Ptacek, returns a solid core of players from a 16-6 squad. The Trojans have just one returning senior in outfielder Morgan Albrecht.

The remaining nine returners are all underclassmen, including juniors Carly Commerford at pitcher/second base, Savannah Sutton at infield/outfield and Chase Gilpin at third base, as well as sophomores Maddie Harris at catcher/first base, Brookelyn Adams at second base/outfield, Brielle Ptacek at shortstop, Lexi Jacobson at pitcher/outfield, Jayci Burgardt in the outfield and Bryna Baird at pitcher/designated player.

“We were very young last year and are returning the bulk of our roster,” Ptacek said. “We plan to build on that foundation.”

After struggling through a 3-14 campaign a year ago, SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS is looking to be more competitive this spring with the return of several key players. JR Mendoza is back for his 12th season as head coach, leading the Mustangs to a 114-110 overall record. Back this season are seniors Morgan McDaniel (P/IF) and Fiona Friesen (C/IF), as well as juniors Roxy Stone (P/IF), Tanya Garcia (IF) and Harley Norris (IF/OF) and sophomores Emma Stanfield (P/IF), Allison Sanchez (C/OF) and Reese Roberts (OF). McDaniel returns after hitting .521 with 30 hits, 20 runs scored, 16 RBIs and 10 doubles. Stone also had a .458 average with 26 hits and 25 RBIs. “We are looking to improve on last year’s record,” Mendoza said.

“With Morgan and Roxy back pitching, we should be able to compete and the experience gained last season is valuable.”

Bringing a season group of athletes to the field this season, SYLVAN-LUCAS-LINCOLN is looking to build off last year’s 13-8 campaign. The Mustangs are once again under the direction of head coach Linda Haring, who enters her 25th year in the program. Overall, Haring has a career record of 237-235 with the Mustangs. Returning this season will be seniors Dawson O’Bannon (C) and Tana Hayworth (C/1B), juniors Sophie Pancost (P/2B), Goldie Dohe (P/2B), Keeli Knobbe (1B), Clara Griffiths (3B), Adin Hulett (OF) and Kaylee Johnson (2B) and sophomores Emma Finkenbinder (OF), Elsie Finkenbinder (OF) and Madalyn Dobrinski (3B).

“These girls have played together for the past six years, so they are a unified group,” Haring said.

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Page 58 “We have three returning pitchers coupled with two senior catchers, so those positions will be strong. Offensively, we are quick and will utilize our short game more this year.”

A year of experience under its belt should be key to TMP as eight starters return from last year’s 10-11 team. Melissa Schoepf begins year number eight in the program with a 93-65 overall record. Of the eight returning starters, only one of them is a senior in first baseman Jessica Herrman. The rest are all underclassmen, including juniors Madison Augustine (P), Jaci VonLintel (SS), Hannah Garcia (OF), Alexa Ryersee (OF), Sophia Allen (OF) and Karli Komarek (DP) as well as sophomore Halle Drilling (2B).

“We are looking to rebound after a season of injuries and illnesses,” Schoepf said. “We are hoping with full strength and an incoming class to build a solid offense and defense.”

Eight starters return for head coach Tamalei Rice and WELLSVILLE following last year’s 10-11 record.

Back for the Eagles this season are Jayden Hull (P/1B), Lindsay Witt (OF), Kacey Sanderson (3B), Rhenn Beckley (2B), Grace Farrar (OF), Mazzi Przybylo (OF), Ava Taylor (P/1B/SS) and Shelby Harter (P/1B).

“We have a lot of returners this year and should have a very successful season,” said Rice, who begins her third season in the program. “Our two seniors are already committed to play at the college level, and I think they’ll be great leaders this season.”

Coming off a program-best 14-6 mark a year ago, there is plenty of optimism surrounding the new softball season at WEST FRANKLIN. Coach Kayla Jehle, who enters her eighth season, welcomes back four starters from that squad. That includes seniors Lena Walter at pitcher/utility and Allison Swank in the outfield.

Walter was a .367 hitter with four homers, 24 RBIs and 24 runs scored at the plate, while also posting a 2.45 ERA in the circle. Also back are juniors Lanee Leach at third base/utility and Katie Ecord at catcher/utility. Leach batted .344.

“After finishing last year with the best record in school history, we are looking to sustain the high level of play we saw last season,” said Jehle, who has a 47-72 record during her time with West Franklin. “We graduated two really good players from last season but expect our underclassman to fit in nicely to the program. Our two seniors, Lena Walter and Allison Swank, are ready to lead our program to another successful season.”

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third-year coach Amanda Fleener. Feikert, a junior, returns at the catcher position, while Jones is back for her sophomore campaign at shortstop and outfield. They will be joined in the lineup by senior pitcher/shortstop Emalea Warden, senior outfielder Melina Pena, junior third base Natalie Dale, junior infielder Tori Maris and sophomore utility player Molly Murphy.

“I anticipate this will be another strong season for the Red Ace softball team,” Fleener said.

“We are returning all but one senior starter from last year’s season. We have a strong starting pitcher and several prospects for the number two and number three arm.”

A winning season could be in the cards for CANTON-GALVA with the return of nine players from last year’s 8-10 squad. Reann Buchanan begins her second season as coach. Back this season are Gracie Kidd (catcher/third base), Taygen O’Hara (1B), Nicole Miller (outfield), Brecken Pearson (pitcher/shortstop), Emma Herrera (second base/outfield), Brinley Becker (outfield), Jordan Friesen (pitcher/outfield), Kinsey Dawes (outfield/third base) and Brooke Stephan (second base/outfield).

“I think my team has a great chance of getting some wins this season with as many returners as we have,” Buchanan said.

After finishing in a tie for second in the league a year ago, CENTRAL of BURDEN should be a serious contender for a league title this season with the return of six starters. Bruce Hafenstein begins his seventh season with the Lady Raiders, compiling an overall record of 64-65 at CHS. His squad is coming off a 16-6 record last season. Leading the way for Central will be twotime all-league third baseman Emma Garrison, as well as all-league performers Morgan Cook at catcher and Emily Long in left field. Garrison was a .279 hitter last season with four doubles, two triples and two home runs. Cook finished with a .362 average with five doubles, two triples, three homers and a team-high 25 RBIs. Long led the team with six homers and 43 runs scored. Also returning for the Lady Raiders are pitcher Haven Wunderlich, shortstop Mallory Bergeron and right fielder Maddie Brogan.

“I am really looking forward to a senior-led team,” Hafenstein said.

Returning for her fourth year at INMAN, Bre Ryan will be looking for players to step up after the Teutons went 5-14 last season. IHS returns seven players including seniors Lexi Milne (IF) and Emily Markley (outfield), juniors Alyssa Johnson (outfield), Emma Brown (pitcher) and Joee Hurley (outfield) and sophomores Kambrey Woods (IF) and Savannah Smith (IF).

Brown hit .386, with 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored last season.

“This year will prove to be challenging for us,” Ryan said. “We have a small incoming freshman class, and our numbers are down this year compared to years past. It will be a test of our mental toughness this season, but I know the girls I’ve got are up to the challenge.”

In his first season as head coach, Jim Jones will be looking to turn around a LEBO/ WAVERLY squad that went 5-13 last season.

The Lady Wolfdogs return just two starters in

2-1A Softball Photo by Everett Royer

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle the first round were Ell-Saline, Jayhawk-Linn, A 6-0 victory over Burlingame in the Class 2-1A Marion and Spearville. championship game at Pratt gave Pittsburg-St. Senior leadership will be key for the Jayhawks Mary’s Colgan its third state softball champi- of JAYHAWK-LINN in 2022 with the return of onship in school history. The Panthers capped four players that have started all four years of off a 22-3 season with a second straight title, high school. That’s a huge advantage for head also capturing the crown in 2019. In fact, had coach Kris Holt, who starts year number seven it not been for the canceled 2020 season due in the program. The Jayhawks, who finished to COVID, SMC could be on a three-year run 22-2 last season, will be led by all-state catchas title holders heading into the 2022 campaign. er Jude Kerr. Also returning will be Marissa Entering her fourth year in the program, head Baldwin (2B), Jayden Willard (pitcher/third coach Annie Dellasega has been through quite base) and outfielder Rachel Brownback. a run in her first few seasons, posting a 43-5 “We are looking to be competitive in each record, but ST. MARY’S COLGAN lost sever- game, improving as the season goes and finishal key figures from last year’s championship ing on a positive note,” Holt said. squad, including graduated Sports in Kansas SPEARVILLE, which had its season come to 2-1A Player of the Year Kaitlin Crossland and DI a close with a first-round loss to eventual chamsoftball commits – and twins – Allie and Ashley pion Colgan, concluded last season with a 22-2 Marietta, who opted not to play school softball mark. Head coach David Friess, now in his sixth their senior year after signing with St. Louis year, has six players back that will provide great University last November. Even so, the team leadership for the team on and off the field. should remain near the top of the CNC and Two seniors are back in the lineup, includcould once again be a 2-1A contender. ing Taelor Rucker at third base and Reneau Dellasega has four starters back in the lineup Ratzlaff in the outfield. Ratzlaff was a .362 hitter for the Panthers, including seniors Emily Imhof with three triples, 18 RBIs and 36 runs scored. and Gabi Radell in the outfield and Lauren Tucker hit .288 at the plate with 14 RBIs and Yaghmour at second base. Also returning is 26 runs. Four juniors also return this season — junior Anna Westhof at third base.

Cameron Offerle at shortstop, Taylen Stout at “I am looking forward to this season,” outfield/first base, Kara Brakey at catcher and Dellasega said. “We have a great group of kids Tessa Kuker in the outfield. Offerle is the top reready to play. We will be a young team, but hun- turning hitter at .447, with 17 RBIs and 24 runs gry for another successful season.” scored. Stout also hit .400.

One team that could definitely be in the mix “This year will be a rebuilding/reloading year,” for the state title in 2-1A is last year’s runner-up, said Friess, who has a 60-20 overall record as BURLINGAME. The Bearcats, under the direc- coach of the Lady Lancers. “We have a solid tion of seventh-year coach Creighton Winters, core of young ladies who gained tons of expewent 22-4 a year ago and have five starters rience last season. We graduated both of our back in the lineup from that squad. Leading the pitchers from the last four years and will be relyway is junior pitcher/first base Alexandra Cook, ing on junior Tawney Krominga to shoulder most who was a .446 hitter with 33 hits, four home of the load. She missed her freshman year to runs and 33 RBIs. In the circle, she had a 13-2 COVID and last year to a knee injury.” record with a 1.79 ERA and 121 Ks. Also back After posting just two wins last season, are seniors Kenna Masters at second base, EFFINGHAM-ATCHISON COUNTY will look Daelyn Winters at shortstop and Emma Tyson to establish a winning attitude with the return in center field, as well as junior Gracie Simmons of seven starters. Third-year coach Courtney at catcher. Tyson was a .442 hitter with 39 runs Kasson led the Tigers to a 2-17 mark a year scored, while Masters batted .414 with 27 RBIs ago, but welcomes back senior Ashtyn Jolly and 30 runs and Winters was .408 with 35 runs (P/1B), juniors Natalie Navinskey (2B) and Emili scored and 17 stolen bases.

Postma (C/IF) and sophomores Ellie Speer “We return a really solid nucleus,” Winters (outfield), Avery Sutley (1B), Josie Sutley (3B) said. “As long as some younger girls step up, and Lauren Courter (catcher/third base). we will have a really solid season.”

“We are looking forward to reaching and surMISSION VALLEY captured third place last passing our goals as a team through continued year with a 10-0 victory over BELLE PLAINE in mental and physical growth,” Kasson said. the consolation game of the 2-1A state tournaWith the return of all-state players Halie ment. The Vikings closed out the season with a Feikert and Sydnie Jones, BUCKLIN/SOUTH 24-2 record, while the Dragons were 20-6.

CENTRAL should have another solid season Other teams qualifying for state but losing in after posting a 16-7 record a year ago for now

LAUREN YAGHMOUR St. Mary’s Colgan

senior left fielder Abby Peek and junior shortstop Brooklyn Jones, but those two are productive. Peek was a .465 hitter last season with 17 RBIs, 27 runs scored and 21 stolen bases.

Jones finished with a .404 batting average with four homers, 22 RBIs and 17 runs.

“We’ll be young, probably starting six underclassmen and three to four being freshmen,” Jones said. “We’ve got several experienced and good teams that made it pretty far around the area, so our goal is to compete as close as possible with them.”

Six starters return for head coach Michelle Womacks and her LEON-BLUESTEM squad this season following an 18-4 campaign a year ago. Overall, the Lions have six starters back in this year’s lineup.

“We are looking forward to seeing what a year of experience might do for our younger players from last year,” said Womacks, who has a 10329 overall record as she begins her seventh season with the program.

Brent Clark will be in his first season as head coach at LITTLE RIVER. He previously spent two years at Wilson.

“I know the team really struggled last year,” Clark said. “We will start fresh, work on getting fundamentally better and use this year as a rebuilding year.”

MEDICINE LODGE has six starters back for coach Taylor Theis following a 13-9 campaign.

Back in the lineup are seniors Rachel Fischer (1B) and Rylee Jacobson (outfield), junior Alexa Etheridge (outfield) and sophomores Jhayla Alojacin (pitcher), Karsyn Jacobson (shortstop) and Mindy Wells (outfield).

Kaitlin LaMar, entering her fourth season, is looking to build a winning program for ONAGA after the Buffaloes capped off an 8-13 campaign a year ago. Although the squad still has plenty of youth, it will be looking towards eight players with experience to provide leadership. That includes seniors Harley Smith at shortstop/pitcher and Kenzie Schwartz at shortstop/third base, juniors Emma Kolterman at first base, and Julia Byers and Brooklyn Boren in the outfield, and sophomores Hayden Kuhlman at second base, and Kylie Venneberg and Kailee Dorsey in the outfield. Leading the way for the Buffaloes is Smith, who was a .419 hitter a year ago with 11 RBIs and 26 runs scored. Kolterman was a .407 batter with 13 RBIs and 17 runs. Schwartz

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 batted .383 with 17 RBIs and 10 runs scored. includes seniors Zoey Hayes at pitcher and “We have a very young team this year, which Tynigha Ewing at center field, junior Cadence is encouraging when building a program,” Brune at catcher and sophomore Halle Studer LaMar said. at shortstop. Studer hit .530 last season with 35 Following an 18-5 season, OSKALOOSA hits, four homers, 18 RBIs and 37 runs scored. will have plenty of holes to fill in its lineup un“It will be a building season with girls put in der second-year head coach Allison Flinn. The new positions and asked to fill different roles on Lady Bears have just two starters back this sea- the team,” Parman said. son — Allison King (.333 BA, 17 RBI, 2 HR, 22 Graduation took a toll once again for SACRED R) at third base and Mya King (.312, 1 HR, 9 HEART with the loss of five seniors from last RBI, 17 R) in the outfield. year’s 12-11 squad. Although the Knights still REMINGTON has seven starters back in have some experience coming back, it will its lineup from last year’s 10-10 squad. The be a learning experience for head coach Bob Broncos are once again led by Lyn Lawler, who Martin’s team as he begins his second seaenters year seven in the program with a com- son. Martin returns senior pitcher/outfielder bined record of 63-51. Returning for Remington Emilee Blythe, junior catcher/second base are Addy Mueller at pitcher, Emily Wedel at Kiera Cochran, senior first base/outfield Ellie shortstop/center field, Alli Willour at second Woodall, sophomore shortstop Maegan Torrey base, Gabby Emmon as utility player, Payton and third base/outfielder Avery Eschleman.

Thunberg in left field, Missy Hays in center field Blythe is the top returning hitter, finishing last and Karoline Johnson as catcher/utility player. season at .423 with four homers, 20 RBIs and A year of experience should pay off for 28 runs scored. She also had a 1.63 ERA in the REPUBLIC COUNTY with the return of nearly circle with 107 strikeouts in 60 innings of work. all its starters from last year’s 5-15 squad. Mike “Having lost five senior starters two years in a Skocny, who begins his second season with the row, we will be relying on several players with Buffaloes, has a solid group of players back less varsity experience,” Martin said. in the lineup, led by Julia Blazek at pitcher/inPitching will be a concern for SEDAN heading field, Nicole Popelka at shortstop/catcher, Bree into the season after struggling in the circle last Maldonado at catcher/shortstop and Hattie year during an 8-11 campaign. Blue Devil coach Brzon in the outfield. Popelka batted .531 with Mick Holt, who enters his second season, will 16 stolen bases. Blazek finished with a .396 av- be looking for individuals to step up in that area. erage while recording 93 strikeouts in the circle. Experience is key for SHS as it returns a total “We are returning all starters except one lost of seven starters from last year’s squad that to graduation,” Skocny said. took fourth place in the final Walter Johnson Entering her second season as head coach, League standings. Sedan has no returning Kristina Parman still has work to do in building seniors but will rely on a group that includes jua winning program after RIVERSIDE went 6-15 niors Madison Holt (infield/pitcher), Melody Holt last year. Although the Cyclones are still young (outfield), Jacie Cummings (infield/pitcher) and this season, they do have four players back that Ashley Kunath (C/IF), as well as sophomores were a key factor for the squad last year. That Haley Sellers (IF), Pacey Sellers (outfield/pitch-

er) and Sophia Rios (IF). Cummings, an AllWJL selection, is the top returning player after hitting .464 with three doubles, four homers and a team-high in RBIs. “I’m very excited and optimistic about this season as we return seven starters,” Holt said.

Growing pains are expected for SOUTH HAVEN/CALDWELL following last year’s 1-17 campaign. First-year head coach Ciara Wiley has just two players with experience in the lineup. The Cardinals return junior shortstop/pitcher Jacelyn Brown, who hit .438 and scored 14 runs, as well as sophomore catcher/shortstop Adley Mayo, who finished with a .379 batting average with five RBIs and 11 runs.

Trisha Norris has four returning starters to the ST. PAUL lineup this season as she begins her third season as head coach. Back for the Indians will be seniors Emerald StruthersO’Brien at catcher, Jordyn Mitchell at shortstop, Alex O’Hara in right field and Haleigh O’Brien at second base.

“With four returning seniors, the leadership is definitely there,” Norris said. “The girls improved so much toward the end of the season last year. Things look good this year.”

Expectations are higher for TROY this spring as it returns nine key figures from last year’s 15-4 season. Kyle McConaughey, who begins his fifth season in the program, has a 23-36 overall record. Of course, the coach is hoping last year was the start of a winning tradition in coming years at Troy with experience a key on the field. Leading the way for the Trojans is junior pitcher/shortstop Paityn Engemann, who was a .660 batter at the plate with three home runs and 28 runs scored. She also had a 1.73 ERA with 78 strikeouts in the circle. Also returning for Troy are seniors Avery Euler (pitcher/ shortstop), Paige Hinds (2B), Jacey Moore

Page 60 (1B), Reagan Hill (center field), Claire Winder (3B) and Emma McConaughey (C), as well as juniors Devena Benitz (outfield) and Cayley Grable (outfield/pitcher) “We have high expectations for an experienced group that had an exceptional season last year,” McConaughey said.

In his second season at UNIONTOWN, head coach Wilie Hathaway has seven returning starters from an Eagles squad that went 10-10.

“We are looking for much improvement,” Hathaway said. “We have several freshmen coming up that will help and get playing time.”

WABAUNSEE and third-year head coach Joe Dee Tarbutton welcome back eight starters to this year’s squad. The 2022 version of the Chargers will include Kara Hafenstine at shortstop, Kaeyln Conrad pitcher/utility player, Madi Havenstein third base, Annie Wright catcher/ outfield, Hadlee Diepenbrock outfield, Paxton Meyer catcher/shortstop, Ava Meinhart pitcher/ second base and Hannah Seivers utility player.

“We have a very strong junior and senior class and a good nucleus of returning starters,” said Tarbutton, who has a 167-54 overall record as a head coach.

WEST ELK finished 6-15 last season, which included a sixth-place finish in the final Walter Johnson League standings. That is back-toback six-win campaigns for the Patriots, who had also gone 6-14 in 2019 before COVID wiped out the 2020 season. Sherri Patteson will once again be in charge of WEHS. Last year, the squad had three players earn WJL honors in Lydia Woods, Harlee Town and Karly Kill.

Woods and Town were named all-league, while Kill was honorable mention.

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The Salthawk men took second at regionals and get back one of the best hurdlers in the state in Stephfon Hunter (110h, 2nd, 15.0; 300h, 2nd, 40.55). Pole vaulters Landyn Dickson (junior) and Trent Collum (senior) also return.

LIBERAL returns their full state qualifying 4x400 (14th, 4:26.65) consisting of junior Hallie West, senior Emma Evans, junior Rylie Hallman and sophomore Elle Hatcher, as well as three members from their 4x800 (10:27.77) with West, Hatcher and sophomore Daniela Cerda.

Hallman qualified in the 400 (14th) and long jump (8th, 16-2) as well. Senior Bree Horyna also returns after qualifying in the shot (9th, 33-9), discus (9th, 101-10), and javelin (15th) a year ago.

The boys return three qualifiers in junior Chris Robeldo (HJ, 16th), senior Easton Zapien (JAV, 16th), and senior Aldo Avolos (SP, 16th).

MANHATTAN gets back two qualifiers from their girls team that took ninth in state (26) last year in senior Teuila Ilalio (SP, 2nd) and Gili Johnson (LJ, TJ, 400M, 4x400).

The men’s program, meanwhile, is coming off it’s second 6A track title in three seasons after scoring 66.5 points at Cessna as a team last May. Though a few key pieces have graduated, coach Kory Cool gets back senior Ben Mosier (800m, 5th, 1:56), junior Tanner Dowling (400m, 9th, 50.0) and sophomore Charles Morgan (300h, 10th, 42.0). All three athletes were also important members of various relay teams.

“We are a younger squad than in the past few years,” Cool said. “I am excited to see new leaders emerge and fill in the gaps.”

OLATHE EAST girls return members of last year’s 4x800 (3rd, 9:36.49) and 4x100 (4th, 50.44). Sophomore Damiya Richards was one of the top freshman sprinters in the state last year, qualifying in both the 100, 200, and as a member of the 4x4.

The boys return seniors Raphael Gichuhi (110h, 8th, 15.57) and Jack Robertson (300H, 7th, 41.82), along with junior pole vaulter Andrew Kirby (3rd, 14-00), as well as members from last year’s eighth place 4x800 (8:16.09).

Defending state champs OLATHE NORTH (87.33) return one of the best female sprinters in the state in junior Ka’Liyah McGinnis, who took second at state in both the 100 (12.1) and 200 (25.12), as well as their top distance runner in sophomore Anjali Hocker Singh who returns off a 6A 3200 title (10:33.91), and silver medals in both the 1600 (4:59.39) and 800 (2:19.22), and recently earned recognition as the Gatorade Girls Cross Country Player of the Year after winning her second 6A title in as many tries last fall. Other qualifiers returning are seniors Tynee Legget (400m, 13th, 1:03.1), Kaylee Tobaben (3200m, 3rd, 10:53.53; 1600m, 5th, 5:09.86), Lexie Dockstader (3200m, 8th, 11:45.33), and Ashlyn Alloway (HJ, 8th, 5-0). Senior Saniya Simmons, a standout long jumper and one leg of the state champion 400 meter relay team, could also return, if she’s healthy following the Eagles’ state basketball tournament run.

The boys also performed admirably, finishing sixth at Wichita (37.50). Returning qualifiers include seniors Jacob Parrish (400, 2nd, 51.0), Paul Rowden (HJ, 3rd, 6-2), Tristan Madden (TJ, 9th, 40-8.75) and junior Josh Parrish (110h, 3rd, 15.05; LJ, 7th, 21-4).

“Our goal is simply to keep getting better than we used to be,” coach Levi Huseman said. “We bring back a lot of kids who will work hard and do everything they can to perform well. Looking forward to seeing what that translates to as we

6A Track Photo by Huey Counts

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer place sixth in the 400 as a freshman last seaBLUE VALLEY gets two state qualifiers back son and 10th in the 800, while then sophomore from their women’s squad, with senior Tori Madelyn Carpenter qualified for state in the Wingrove returning after a fourth place finish in 1600 and 3200. Hurdles were a strength for the the 3200 meter run (10:56.76), and sophomore Campus boys last year with then juniors Garrett Ainsley Hileman taking seventh in the pole vault Denning and Andrew Howard putting up strong with a 9-6 vault as a freshman. performances in both the 110s and 300s and Head coach Jonathon Jost’s boys squad, Denning bringing home the gold in the 300 hurmeanwhile, took second at state (54 points) dles in a time of 40.26. after winning their regional, coming just 12.5 DERBY graduated sprinter Aneesa Abdulpoints from their first state title since 1999. Two Hame who finished second in 6A in the 400, state qualifiers return with junior sprinter Alec seventh in the 100 and just missed the finals in Swarens taking fourth in the 100 meter dash the 200. Non-seniors Kathryn Hazen and Vivan (10.90) and third in the 200 (22.50), as well as Kalb were qualifiers in the 3200 and Maycee senior Hayden Essex placing fifth in the triple Bell and Chloe Igo qualified hurdle events. The jump with a leap of 42 feet, 3.5 inches.

Derby boys had no state placers last season.

“On the Boys side we are looking to build DODGE CITY women’s track got a gold medal upon the best finish in school history at the at regionals followed by a 13th place finish at state meet,” Jost said. “We have a strong group state last season. The Red Demons don’t have of sprinters and jumpers returning and look to any state placers coming back, but do return have continued success. On the girls side, we senior state qualifiers Kya Edwards (100h, are excited to get some girls back from injury 200m, 4x100, 4x400), Serenity Larson (3200m, and look to build from our veteran distance 4x800), Mataya Clark (TJ) and junior Alex Gere group and have a deep and young sprint group.” (400m, 4x100, 4x400).

BLUE VALLEY NORTH’s girls return senior The men took fifth at regionals and return their Natalie Jones – who finished seventh in the 400 lone state placer in senior Christian Erives after (1:00.95) – and junior Ella Shafer as members he took second in the discus last year (142), of last season’s 4x100 team that took sixth at while also qualifying in the shot put (44-9.5).

Cessna (50.68). Shafer (11th, 26.88), along with Seniors Santonio Turner (DISC), Tyler Cox sophomore Allison Kneller (14th, 27.41), qual- (LJ), Marin Marquez (1600m, 3200m) and junior ified for state in the 200 meter dash, as well. Vincent Ortiz (JP) also return after qualifying.

Sophomore Anna Bundy took 13th in the pole FREE STATE finished third at women’s revault (8-6), and sophomore Janelle Green 13th gionals in 2021 and return junior high jumper in the high jump (4-8).

Reese Hulcher (7th, 5-2) and junior defending North’s guys took second at their regional 6A state champ javelin thrower Aubrey Duncan and seventh at state last year with a number of (142-10) as their lone state qualifiers. non-senior qualifiers returning with experience The boys took second at regionals followed this spring. At Cessna, senior Kernan Bundy by a 10th place state finish (31). Senior Ben took second in the high jump (6-4) and ninth Shryock is in line to defend state titles in the in the long jump (20-2), senior Henry Martin 3200 (9:15) and the 4x800 (7:54), while also (Northwest Missouri State QB commit) threw returning in the 1600 (7th, 4:26). Senior Jack the javelin 176-8 and earned silver, junior Keathley-Helms was also a member of the Trenton Sandler took sixth in the 800 with a time championship 4x800 team, as well as the sixth of 1:58.33, and junior sprinter Alonzo Morgan place 4x400 team (3:30) and third in the open took seventh in the 100 (10.98). The Mustangs 800 (1:57). Juniors Emmett Jones and Michael also had a number of state qualifiers finishing off Romito were also members of last season’s of the podium, including senior Patrick Tryban in 4x400 team. pole vault (9th, 11-6), Cole Stratton in the 800 GARDEN CITY returns just one state-qualifier (13th, 2:01.01) and Garrett Parish in the 110 from a girls team that finished second at their hurdles (13th, 16.43). regionals. Senior Kristin Roth qualified in three “Looking forward to coaching so many stu- events, taking seventh in the triple jump (34dent-athletes with many all-state returners who 2.5), 16th in the long jump (15-1.5), and 16th have been with the program for many years in the 100 hurdles after falling during prelims. now,” head coach Mark Fancher said. “We The guys managed a fourth place finish at have a large group of athletes who play multi- regionals and return a deep group of qualifiers ple sports and have won state championships including seniors Zane Burns (JAV, 12th), Terrell in other sports that will benefit from track and Elliott (SP, 7th), Tertullian Nyamakope (TJ, 11th), field as well as a very large freshmen class. On Keelyn Beasley (HJ, 14th), Brandon Springston the boys side we are hoping to capitalize on (110h, 10th), and junior Devin Chappel (3200, the momentum from last year at the state meet 11th; 1600, 14th). and on the girls side we are hoping to qualify GARDNER-EDGERTON got third place team more athletes in more events and use the lack finishes from both their boys and girls but saw of points scored at last year’s state meet as mo- heavy graduation losses, most notably quadrutivation this year.” ple gold medal winner Kendra Wait (100m, PV, Two state-qualifying seniors return for BLUE LJ, SP), distance runner Quenton Walion (800m VALLEY WEST after Olivia Bakker took third in 2nd; 1600m 3rd) and sprinter Ethan Reynolds the 800 (2:20) and the 1600 (5:05) at state and (100m, 3rd; 200m 7th), but did see two non-seLindsey DeWitt was fourth in high jump (5-4). niors place in the top 10 in the men’s javelin The boys took second at regionals and eighth throw – Carson Sander (fourth) and Carson at state and bring back senior defending state Chafee (tenth). champ in the pole vault Evan Schmidt, who The HUTCHINSON women took third in their cleared 15 feet at state as a junior. Senior regional and sent a good-sized group to state.

Brooks Lowe also returns after taking third in the Returning qualifiers from that group include javelin (172). Lowe just won the first state title seniors Sarah Schwartz (LJ, 3rd, 17-7), Chloe in BV West wrestling history and plans to play Inskeep (1600m, 3200m), Breaisha McGraw football and compete in track at Emporia State. (200m), Liberty Limon (HJ, 8th, 5-0; TJ), and CAMPUS saw BreAna Garrett-Tillemans sophomore Azariah Dawes (LJ, 9th, 16-1.5).

BEN SHRYOCK Lawrence Free State

get into this season.”

OLATHE NORTHWEST gets back all their points from last year’s girls team that finished 10th at state (25). Sophomore Olivia Cooper took third in both the 100 hurdles (15.17) and 300 hurdles (47.93), while sophomore Kendall Yarnell took second in the discus (130), sophomore Jillian Huckabey took 13th in the javelin (107-3) and junior Adrienne Locke-Garcia took fourth in the shot (38-3).

After an eighth place finish at state in 2021 (34), the lone returning men’s qualifier for the Raven boys is senior Bret Beard, who took fourth in the 800 clocked at 1:57.32.

OLATHE SOUTH gets back three qualifiers including senior Sydney Peck (100m, 16th, 13.20), senior Jada Pippins (LJ, 7th, 16-06), and junior Kaitlyn Ostroszko (HJ, 6th, 5-02).

The Falcons boys team finished fifth at state (38.50), just one point ahead of rival Olathe North. Returning from that group are juniors Austin Allen (110H, 6th, 15.45), Jordan Allen (SP, 16th; DISC, 2nd, 170-5) and senior Matthew Tolman (3200m, 9th, 9:48.71).

OLATHE WEST’s girls took second at state with 73 team points last year and have a ton of ability back for 2022. Senior Kennedi Cline had an incredible showing at state, winning gold in the 200 (24.79), 400 (57.90), 4x400 (4:03.58) and silver in the 4x100 (49.32). Other qualifiers returning are senior Destiny Lassiter (400m, 10th, 62.06), sophomore Kate Miller (800m, 4th, 2:21.29; 1600m, 6th, 5:13.38; 4x800, 1st, 9:22.95), sophomore Bree Newport (800m, 5th, 2:22.65; 4x800, 1st, 9:22.95) and sophomore Addie Cline (DISC, 11th, 94-4; SP, 4th, 3811.25). The Owls return a majority of their relay teams as well.

The Owls men return seniors Aidan Reyna (1600m, 5th, 4:23; 3200m, 4th, 9:24) and Tyler Jones (HJ, 10th, 5-10).

The SHAWNEE MISSION EAST girls finished fifth (46) at state last year and return two of the state’s best in seniors Grace Meyer (800m, 1st, 2:19.22; 1600m, 4th, 5:09.20) and Tess Roman (HJ, 2nd, 5-4; LJ, 6th, 16-11; TJ, 4th, 35-1).

The men’s team returns junior Wyatt Haughton (3200m, 3rd, 9:22.4; 1600m, 6th, 4:25.16; 800m, 1:58.78; 4x800, 4th, 8:08.30), junior Trace Huston (SP, 3rd, 52-11), and senior Jack Muller (JAV, 8th, 152-8).

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH returns a big group of qualifiers including Kirsten Womack (100m, 12th, 12.58; SP, 16th, 40-10; DISC, 3rd, 136-5), Arianna Manuel (100m, 13th, 12.55), Maude Kilmer (200m, 15th, 12.55), Chloe Cox (JAV, 8th, 123), Hannah Gibson (3200m, 6th, 11:15.03; 1600m, 9th, 5:14.75) and Raegan Sibert (DISC, 12th, continued on 63

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 er in 2022. Along with her are 4x800 state qualifiers (16th, 10:26.11) senior Katie Robinson, junior Jenna Knight and sophomore Emmalee Foya. Foya also qualified in the 3200 (16th, 10:33.53).

Senior James Andrewjeski (4x400, 9th, 3:32.38) is the lone returning qualifier for the men.

DE SOTO returns all four members of their state qualifying girls 4x800 (8th, 10:01.44) team with senior Katelyn Gress, senior Katherine Beyer, junior Sophie Landrum, and sophomore Hope Marriott all back.

The Wildcat boys took seventh at state last year (39) and get back senior four-event qualifier Tyler Schultze (110h, 9th, 15.99; 300h, 9th, Leavenworth 41.8; LJ, 14th, 19-00.5; 4x400, 2nd, 3:26.29).

The EMPORIA girls graduated Kaitlyn Ayer

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer and Trinity Ervin, but had one non-senior qualiANDOVER starts this season with new head fier in now-junior Elizabeth Willhit (1600m, 7th, coach Jordon Regehr at the helm. On the girls 5:24.6; 3200m, 12th, 12:17.48). side, Regehr has one of the state’s top hurFor the guys, Treyson True, Zachary Jackson, dlers in sophomore McKinlee Walker (100h, Josiah Huber and Daniel Knapp graduated 2nd, 15.13), as well as junior Sydney Anderson after making it to state last year. Juniors Fred (800m, 4th, 2:22.41; 4x800, 3rd, 9:49), along Jackson (400m, 12th, 52.43; 4x400, 13th), with fellow 4x800 members senior Lauren Kyle Obermeyer (110h, 6th, 15.46; 300h, 12th, McNeil and junior Jayda Kelly.

43.19), Derrick Keys (4x100, 13th), as well as Future University of Kansas decathlete Tayton sophomores Blake Spellman (4x400, 13th) and Klein is the biggest name back from last year’s Cooper Rech (4x400, 13th) were non-senior third place men’s team after taking state in long qualifiers for the Spartans. jump (21-8.5), and finishing fifth in the 100 GODDARD has no returning qualifiers on (10.97) and sixth in the 200 (22.46). Klein was the girls’ side, while the guys bring back senior also a member of Andover’s fourth place 4x100 Zane Pepperd (110h, DQ, 14.86).

(43.75) with junior Xadrian Cabajal (100m, GREAT BEND graduated qualifiers Olivia 12th, 11.32). Senior Max Middleton (300h, 6th, Rugan, Candice Smith and Lexi Deines this 40.46) is the last of the individual qualifiers, but past May but also had a strong, young group two members – junior Kaden Hauck and senior of non-senior qualifiers on the girls side inCarter Champlin – of last season’s fourth place cluding, now-seniors Emma Loomis (800m, 4x400 (3:27.24) are back, as well as Hauck, 14th, 2:34.12; 1600m, 9th, 5:25.14; 4x800, Carter and senior John Hippisley from their 10th, 10:09.45), Hannah Loomis (4x800, 10th, state championship 4x800 (1st, 8:05.27).

10:09.45), Emilia Diaz (1600m, 9th, 5:25.14; ANDOVER CENTRAL girls were second at 3200, 9th, 11:50.47), Taryn Warren (SP, 2nd, their regional before going on to take sixth at 36-08.25; DISC, 9th, 108-11), junior Eliana state (37 points). Top returning qualifiers inBeckham (800m, 11th, 2:26.75; 4x400, 10th, clude seniors Brittany Harshaw (HJ, 3rd, 5-4; 4:13.59; 4x800, 10th, 10:09.45), junior Kyndall 400m, 10th, 1:01.51), Jenna Lambertz (100h, Blessing (JAV, 8th, 112-08), and sophomores 9th, 16.33), Julianna Garretson (JAV, 15th, 99Addy Nicholson (3200m, 14th, 12:24.99), 09), junior Reagan Housley (PV, 8th, 9-6), and Mersadie Spray (100h, 15th, 16.35; 300h, 9th, sophomore Izzy Cole (LJ, 12th, 15-5; TJ, 9th, 48.47; 4x400, 10th, 4:13.59), McKenzie Premer 34-2.75).

(100h, 5th, 15.6; 300h, 2nd 47.52; 4x400, 10th, The Central boys also placed sixth in state 4:13.59), Daizy Gomez (400m, 15th, 1:05.44; and return state champion pole vaulter Ashton 4x400, 10th, 4:13.59) and Macy Nactigal (JAV, Barkdull (1st, 14-0), who also took second in 4th, 117-03) the 400 (50.11) and seventh in the 100 (11.00).

For the guys, they graduated relay members Senior Brock Stupka (110h, 7th, 15.47; TJ, 5th, Jaime Arellanes and Matthew Huslig, but also 42-8), senior Drew Daniels (SP, 5th, 48-8) sophqualified now-juniors Cayden Scheuerman omore Owen Lang (300h, 3rd, 39.33) are also (200m, 15th, 24.55; 4x800, 16th, 10:20.21), back for the Jaguars.

Oliver Dominguez (400m, 11th, 52.27; 4x400, ARKANSAS CITY qualified one athlete for 11th, 3:35.78; TJ, 8th, 42-02.5), Kaiden Esfeld state last year with senior Lance Blubaugh, who (800m, 11th, 2:01.74; 1600m, 8th, 4:30.72; is coming off of fourth place discus (170-9) and 3200m, 5th, 9:38.73), Madison Regehr (110h, third place javelin (168-00) finishes.

12th, 17.2; 4x400, 11th, 3:35.78), Braylon BASEHOR-LINWOOD has three women’s Council (4x800, 16th, 10:20.21), Matthew qualifiers back in junior Olivia Vanderweid Moeder (JAV, 16th, 113-8) and sophomore (DISC, 8th, 109-07; JAV, 16th, 99-7), and sophKaden Deines (4x800, 16th, 10:20.21). omores Brenna Lynn (JAV, 14th, 102-1) and The HAYS women get back a deep group of Raina Christenson (100h, 14, 16.71). qualifiers including 75 percent of their 4x800 The boys bring back junior Ty Ruud (HJ, 3rd, (14th, 10:22.85) and 4x100 (DQ, 50.88).

6-2) and senior Trevor Mcbride (HJ, T7th, 6-0; Members also qualified for other events and 400m, 15th, 53.54). include sophomore Brenlynn Albers (4x800), The BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST girls took junior Avery Winter (4x800), junior Amelia fifth in state last season (38), but return just a Jaeger (4x800; 800m, 13th, 2:29.47), senior portion of last season’s 15th place 4x800 team.

Landri Dotts (4x100), senior Brooklyn Lewallen Brenden Duncan (800m, 5th, 15:59.48) is the (4x100; 100h, 13th, 16.62; 300h, 13th, 49.65), lone returner for the men. and sophomore Lillian McGrath (4x100; 200m, Defending junior state discus champ Mariyah 15th, 26.95).

Noel (129-6) is BONNER SPRINGS’ top returnThe men’s team, meanwhile, is coming off

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

5A Track

DHAKIYA BLAKE

of a regional championship and fourth place finish at state (56). The Indians lose one of the state’s fastest sprinters in Oklahoma football signee Jaren Kanak, who graduated early and moved to Norman, but senior Jordan Dale (HJ, 2nd, 6-4), sophomore Malik Bah (4x100, 3rd, 43.67; 100m, 13th, 11.19), junior Bryce Salmans (4x100, 3rd, 43.67; JAV, 9th, 150-04), senior Gavin Meyers (300h, 16th, 44.98), senior Ty Adams (110h, 11th, 16.78), junior Kyreese Groen (LJ, 12th, 21-1; TJ, 13th, 40-7.5), and junior Grayson Walburn (DISC, 10th, 131-5) all return after trips to Cessna last season.

“Young team on both sides, lost lots of experience from last season,” head coach Tony Crough said. “Good young talent on both sides.”

KAPAUN girls took second at state (55) a year ago and bring back a deep group of qualifiers in junior Sophia Gimino (JAV, 1st, 128-5; 300h, 14th, 49.72), senior Teagan Brennan (DISC, 5th, 113-9; 4x800, 1st, 9:38.37), senior Kelsey Bruening (800m, 3rd, 2:21.58), junior Lillian Harris (100m, 5th, 11.38; 200m, 7th, 25.88), junior Jaquelyn Ackerman (400m, 11th, 1:01.8), and junior Addie Curtis (1600m, 12th, 5:39.44; 3200m, 4th, 11:22.02).

The boys also had a good showing as a team last year, taking second in regionals and fifth at state (46). A few of the top throwers in the state return in seniors Will Doolittle (DISC, 1st, 179-8; SP, 2nd, 54-1), Isaac Schmitz (DISC, 3rd, 1721), and Luke Porter (JAV, 6th, 154-10). Senior Henry Thengvall (800m, 3rd, 1:58.32; 4x800, 4th, 8:08) is the lone running event qualifier returning and should challenge for an 800m title in 2022.

KC-SUMNER returns one state qualifier from both squads in senior JaNae McKelvy (100h, 3rd, 16.39; 300h, 15th, 49.73).

LEAVENWORTH took fourth as a team at state last season (40) with team speed that could be best described as incendiary. Senior state champion Dhakiya Blake (100m, 3rd, 12.16; 200m, 3rd, 25.33; 400m, 1st, 56.72; 4x400, 11th, 4:14.55) finished behind two seniors in both the 100m and 200m, one being teammate Wynter Ramos, now at Missouri State. Returning alongside Blake are senior Brandi Gardner (TJ, 14th, 31-8.25; 4x100, DQ, 48.89; 4x400, 11th, 4:14.55) and Courtney Thompson (4x100, DQ, 48.89).

The boys finished 10th (24.5) and return senior Michael Mejia (400m, 9th, 51.67; 4x400, 3rd, 3:27.17), junior Isaac Ativie (TJ, 15th, 388.75), and junior Genesis Bethea (HJ, T7th, 6-00).

MAIZE graduated qualifiers Lillian Diaz and Margarette Salsbury this past spring, but also qualified now-seniors Ryan Bender (200m, 16th, 26.96) and Zoie Ecord (800m, 2nd, 2:21.4; 1600m, 2nd, 5:04.98; 9th at state XC).

The guys graduated one of the best hurdlers and high jumpers in the state in Jacob Hanna (University of Illinois-Springfield basketball) as well as qualifiers Kaden Dohlman and Jonathon Nichols. Junior Bryce Cohoon (200m, 6th, 22.64; 4x400, DNF) is the team’s top non-senior qualifier from last season, accompanied by 4x400 teammates Roman Chandler and McKinley Jones.

MAIZE SOUTH’s girls finished seventh in state last season and get back a few key members of that group including Kaylee Brown (SP, 4th, 36-6.5), senior Kieran Burke (DISC, 6th, 113-6; SP, 8th, 34-6.25), sophomore CeCe Young (JAV, 13th, 103-9), and senior Britton Kelly (800m, 9th, 2:24.97).

Page 62 The men return seniors William Schaeffer (800m, 4th, 1:58.69; 4x800, 7th, 8:16.4), Vaughn Decker (3200m, 12th, 9:51.54; 4x800, 7th, 8:16.4), Blake McCormick (JAV, 11th, 1421; DISC, 8th, 153-01), and sophomore Daniel Vitztum (4x800, 7th, 8:16.4).

MILL VALLEY had an excellent showing at state track by both programs last year with the girls coming in third (53) and the boys winning the 5A state title (74).

Non-senior individual place-winners on the girls team included seniors Katie Schwartzkopf (3200m, 5th, 11:24.85; state XC champ), Quincy Hubert (100h, 3rd, 15.48; 300h, 1st, 45.96), Reese Johnston (100h, 8th, 15.8; 300h, 6th, 47.22), junior Jayde Dewitte (LJ, 7th, 161.5) and sophomore Annaliese Strack (JAV, 5th, 116-7). Schwartzkopf, Hubert and Johnston also all qualified in relays.

Junior Nen Matlock (400m, 1st, 49.01; 800m, 1st, 1:57.31) stole the show for the boys last season, but was followed not too far behind by teammate Chase Schieber (800m, 5th, 1:59.47). Meanwhile, sophomores Angesom Vega (3200m, 9th, 9:42.28), Jackson Lawler (PV, 9th, 11-6), and senior Adrian Dimond (LJ, 6th, 20-10.5) also had strong showings last season as non-seniors.

NEWTON finished fourth at their regional meet last season and get back state qualifiers including senior Natlia Varpness (100m, 15th, 13.06), senior Madelynn Hamm (4x400, 16th, 4:22.64), junior Olivia Antonowich (400, 14th, 1:04.98; 4x400, 16th, 4:22.64), junior Jaymie Murry (4x400, 16th, 4:22.64), junior Gracie Hendrickson (4x400, 16th, 4:22.64) and sophomore Carly Anderson (SP, 16th, 29-08).

The boys managed a gold medal at their regional and bring back senior 5A state javelin champ Kenyon Forest (175-5; 4x100, 11th, 45.28), his fellow seniors Santiago Castillo (400m, 13th, 52.63), Simon Hodge (800m, 13th, 2:02.82; 4x800, 9th, 8:23.12), Kaden Anderson (1600m, 15th, 4:54.19), Alexander Barnett (3200m, 16th, 10:59.10), Ben Crawford (4x100, 1st, 45.28) and juniors Simon Secor (4x800, 9th, 8:23.12) and Curt Claussen (4x100, 11th, 45.28).

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS returns one of the fastest sprinters in the country in junior Jeremiah Smith, who won the 100 (10.52), the 200 (22.16) and the 110 meter hurdles (15.04) to score 30 of the T-birds’ 38 team points.

The ST. JAMES ACADEMY girls sent three relays to state last year with a fifth place 4x100 (50.24), fifth place 4x400 (4:09.02), and a sixth place 4x800 (9:55.26). Some returning members of those relays qualified in other events as well and include senior Ella Jett (400m, 8th, 1:00.51; 4x400, 4x800), senior Mia Staley (300h, 11th, 49.11; 4x100; 4x400), junior Libby Hornick (4x400), and sophomores Leah Phelps (4x100) and Kate Blaesing (4x800).

The Thunder men also sent three relays and, after their eight place team finish (38), get back seniors Terry Irvine (3200m, 10th, 9:48.32; 4x800, 3rd, 8:07.19), Eli Moore (3200m, 13th, 9:58.38), Gannon Hall (300h, 13th, 43.21), as well as juniors John Niesen (400m, 3rd, 50.16; 4x400, 1st, 3:25.83; 4x100, 5th, 43.80), Joel Bichelmeyer (HJ, 13th, 5-10), Jackson House (JAV, 15th, 131-10) and John Jacobson (4x400, 1st, 3:25.83; 4x800, 3rd, 8:07.19).

Only being outdone by 2A Garden Plain winning dual boys and girls state championships last season, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS saw their boys come three points short of tying

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 state champs Mill Valley, 74-71, while the girls (8:43.85) crew return as all juniors, including breezed past second place Kapaun 92-55.

Zach Tibbits, Cooper Affholder, Isaac French Although a speedy senior class headlined by and William Griffith (800m, 12th, 2:02.56), now-University of Arkansas sprinter Grace Allen as well as half of their 14th place 4x400 was lost to graduation, a number of girls state team (3:37.01) with Fidel Torres and Joey qualifiers return in senior Alexis Huddin (800m, Schremmer both returning as seniors. Senior 7th, 2:23.92; 4x800, 5th, 9:51.25; 4x400, 6th, high jumper Alex Shea (16th, 5-8) rounds out 4:09.69), junior Betsy Goodenow (800m, the list of Mustang qualifiers.

8th, 2:24.31; 4x800, 5th, 9:51.25; 4x400, 6th, “We will have a younger team this year along 4:09.69), senior Jadyn Befort (4x400, 6th, with some upperclassmen,” head coach Rick 4:09.69; 4x100, 3rd, 50.02), junior Aislinn Hyder O’Neil said. “Our goal this year is to fill every (PV, 7th, 10-6) and sophomore Lilly Mauk event and compete in every event. The ex(4x800, 5th, 9:51.25). pectation is to try and score in each event all The boys bring back two of the state’s best season. Our Boys and Girls have been working distance runners in seniors Logan Seger really hard in the offseason condition programs (1600m, 1st, 4:22.64; 3200m, 2nd, 9:09.07; to be able to compete this track season. Should 800m, 8th, 1:59.79) and Ashton Higgerson be a great track season.”

(1600m, 2nd, 4:23.69; 800m, 9th, 2:00.01), as SALINA SOUTH sophomore Aunisty McNeal well as seniors Preston May (200m, 7th place, has her young career off to a great start after 22.9; LJ, 4th, 21-2; TJ, 14th, 40-4; 4x100, 2nd, qualifying in the shot put (15th, 32-5) and taking 43.55), MJ Overstreet (4x100, 2nd, 43.55), third in the javelin (119-9) at 5A state last seaFrank Curran (4x800, 2nd, 8:05.94) and junior son. Senior Grace Allen (1600m, 14th, 5:51.89) Alex Waldie (4x800, 2nd, 8:05.94). also returns after a trip to state.

“We are very excited for the upcoming seaThe Cougar men’s squad brings back junior son,” head coach Justin Wrigley said. “The Seth Robben (110h, 13th, 17.01; 300h, 15th, girls are the defending state champions but we 44.15), senior Kayson Dietz (SP, 12th, 44-3), graduated some seniors that broke five school and senior Brandt Cox (LJ, 11th, 19-8.5). records last year. We do return a solid nucleus “We are excited to continue to see sustained but we’ll need to build up some depth and find growth and participation in our program over new ways to score points. The boys are very the past several years,” head coach Justin hungry to compete for a title after coming so Ebert said. “As a program, we will be led by an close last year.” incredible group of senior leaders this season SALINA CENTRAL gets back last year’s and are looking forward to having them see entire women’s 12th place 4x100 (50.97) team success on and off the track.” that included senior Chaliscia Samilton, junior SEAMAN gets back state qualifiers in junior Mykayla Cunningham (HJ, 12th, 4-10; LJ, 8th, Bethany Druse (800m, 5th, 2:22.96; 1600m, 15-10), sophomore Callen Hall, and sophomore 5th, 5:19.89; 4x400, 15th, 4:21.78), sophomore Elle Denning (400m, 6th, 59.7), as well as soph- Taylin Stallbaumer (100h, 7th, 15.67; 300h, omore Anna Hogeland (PV, 10th, 9-6).

8th, 47.73; 4x400, 15th, 4:21.78), junior Anna On the boys side, last year’s 11th place 4x800 Domann (DISC, 13th, 88-9), senior Gabby

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Page 63 8th, 12.53; 200m, 9th, 26.04; 400m, 13th, 1:02.63; 4x100, 6th, 50.33), a transfer from Topeka West. Juniors Malayah Henderson and Ala’Jah Brooks were also members of the sixth place 4x4 team last year.

Junior Tre Richardson (200m, 4th, 22.37; TJ, 3rd, 45-5), a dual-sport athlete who also plays baseball and is one of the top football and basketball players for the Scots, will lead the way on the track, while Topeka West transfer Tyrell Reed (100m, 3rd, 10.74) adds another sprinter after a third place finish in the 100.

6A Track & Field/from page 61 107-3).

Senior Jordan Upton is the lone men’s qualifier (400m, 7th, 52.27).

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST gets three members of their fourth place 4x400 team back in senior Brooke Williams, and sophomores Kali Lester and Haileigh Campion (4:08.84).

Senior Huston Rotich (110h, 15th, 16.11) is the lone returning qualifier for the boys.

TOPEKA HIGH returns no state qualifiers from last year’s team.

“We were very young last year, consisting of mostly freshmen,” coach Michael Canacari said. “We want to continue to work hard and see where we are at the end of the season.”

WASHBURN RURAL girls return their entire fifth place 4x800 (9:51) and three-quarters of their fourth place 4x400 team (4:10), as well as a number of state qualifiers in individual events, including junior Maddie Carter (800m, 2:23, 6th), senior Khloi Bird (800, 2:30, 13th), sophomore Jada Ingram (HJ, 5th, 5-2; 400, 9th, 1:01.21) and sophomore Raegan Petersen (DISC, 10th, 98-5).

After a fourth place team finish in 2021 (40.50) senior Zach Sulzen is the only returning qualifier for the men after placing fifth in discus (1533) and 10th in shot put (48-3.5).

WICHITA EAST gets back a nice group after finishing seventh at state last year. Headlining the four upperclassmen is senior Kennadie Jinkins (100m, 4th, 12.38; 200m, 25.7, 2nd, 300h, 46.68, 1st), with seniors Eva McKinzie (3200m,14th, 12:16.15), Akeir Scales (HJ, 5-0, 11th) and junior Kayci Hockman (PV, NH).

The boys took first at their regional, but had less success at state finishing 18th. Returners from that group include seniors Travon Manuel (100m, 8th, 11.04; 200m, 8th, 22.79), Tobi Osunsamni (100m, 4th, 10.85), Daniel Zoller (3200m, 14th, 10:20.79), junior Augustin Au (1600m, 15th, 4:42.91) and sophomore Ryan Son (800m 14th, 2:01.17).

Sophomore Karynne David (100m, 5th, 12.46;

200m, 4th, 25.72) had an impressive showing at Cessna for WICHITA HEIGHTS, and returns with fellow qualifiers senior Jordan Bell (SP, 355, 8th) and junior Zoe Williams (PV, 5th, 9-6).

Junior John Randle Jr. (LJ,13th, 19-2.5) is the lone returning men’s qualifier for the Falcons.

Junior Taryn St. Clair won gold at state for WICHITA NORTH last season, clearing 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump. North also returns senior Nayelly Rosales (1600m, 16th, 5:51.22), junior Riannon St. Clair (HJ, 16th, NH), and sophomore Alexa Ornelas (800m, 14th, 2:31.77).

Rosales and Ornelas also qualified in the 4x800 (16th, 10:52.43), along with senior Bilhah Benji.

North’s men’s program returns no qualifiers.

WICHITA NORTHWEST’s girls were led by Zionne Williams eighth place finish in the 100 (12.88) as a sophomore and freshman Adryana Shelby’s fourth place in the 300 hurdles (48.17) while the boys graduated state fifth place finishers Julius Bolden (LJ) and Mason Ross (SP).

The men and women’s programs return one state qualifier each for WICHITA SOUTH. Serenity Jackson (100m, 6th, 12.57; 200m, 5th, 25.83) for the girls and Dameion Beaver (4x400, 1st, 3:28.14) for the boys.

WICHITA SOUTHEAST graduated Deanna Miller, 6A’s third place finisher in the 100, but current senior Deslyne Cooper was eighth in the 200. Miller and Cooper were also on the ninth place 4x100 team along with then freshman Nyree Walker and then junior Tamiyah Pittman. For the boys, then junior Marquan Culley just missed making the finals in the 200 and qualified in the 400.

WICHITA WEST returns three qualifiers with sophomore Druzzla Johnson (SP, 11th, 328; DISC, 13th, 91-3) for the girls and senior Eunicio Vazquez (200m, 12th, 23.12) for the men. Vazquez also qualified in the 4x100 (13th, 45.10) along with sophomore Ma’leek Dye. WYANDOTTE had only one qualifier from both teams in sophomore Cyan Walker who took 13th in the 200 (26.95) and 10th in the long jump (17-00.5) as a freshman.

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Grace (800m, 16th, 2:44.78; 4x400, 15th, 4:21.78) and senior Lauren Stuewe (HJ, 15th, 4-6).

SPRING HILL’s Lady Broncos took ninth in state (30) last year and return four qualifiers from that team including seniors Vienna Lahner (1600m, 4th, 5:14.6; 800m, 12th, 2:27.46), Kaylee Oakes (DISC, DNS, 106-8), Kenzie Rios (SP, 12th, 31-4), and sophomore Kate Penhallow (3200m, 11th, 12:07.33).

TOPEKA-HIGHLAND PARK welcomes in sophomore state qualifier Victoria Reed (100m,

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Matt Seiler (300h), Nick Schwab (4x100), junior Cody Parthemer (4x100) and sophomore Gage Prosser (LJ).

ATCHISON doesn’t return a state qualifier, but first year head coach Gabe Younger feels good about his upcoming group.

“We will be a young team that is centered around building power in the weight room and getting a feel for how each athlete can best utilize their innate athletic strengths.”

Senior Kyra Carrell (SP, 4th, 32-5) is AUGUSTA’s lone state qualifier for the women’s program. The men are led by senior, HAYLEY TROTTER and returning state champ Sawyer Schmidt Clearwater (1600m, 1st, 4:23; 3200m, 1st, 9:37) and junior state qualifier Thomas Johnson (110h, 12th, 16.27; 300h, 15th, 45.43).

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BALDWIN returns zero qualifiers on the guys The ABILENE Cowgirls return state qualifiers Eden Bathurst (3200m, 6th, 12:38.76) side, but the girls return a strong group from and Amara Johnson (HJ, 13th, 4-10) as well their team that finished seventh at Cessna last as three of their seventh place 4x400 team May including senior Izza Harvey (400m, 7th, (4:18.36) that included senior Sammy Stout, 62.38), senior Dianna Messick (800m, 5th, junior Chloe Rock and junior Amara Johnson. 2:24.58), sophomore Lily Brecheisen (800m, Stout, Bathurst and Rock were also members 11th, 2:30.69), senior Riley Smith (1600m, 5th, 5:36.32), senior Jana Landreth (1600m, 7th, of last year’s 6th place 4x800 team.

They Cowboys bring back senior Lucas 5:43.31; 300h, 15th, 51.55), sophomore Bailey DeDonder (200m, 5th, 22.81), sophomore Smith (3200m, 12th, 13:19.39) and senior Judah Bowell (110h, 13th, 16.32), and all of Emily Taylor (DISC, 8th, 103-02).

BUHLER had a strong group of non-setheir fifth place 4x800 relay from last year - junior Dayton Wuthrow, junior Triston Cottone, nior qualifiers on the girls side in now-juniors Lindsay Warner (3200m), Caylin Seely (100m, Grant Waite, and senior Nathan Hartman.

Both the ANDALE girls and boys had fantas- 3rd, 15.14; 300h, 6th, 48.16), Kyla Ward (LJ), tic seasons in 2021, the women easily placing and sophomore Alycea McCoy (LJ, TJ) and first (137.5 point) and the men second (73) at Sophia Rose (JAV).

The boys, meanwhile, took second in state the 4A state meet.

For the girls, they return one of the highest (53) with an extremely young group that includmedal counts in the state with athletes like ju- ed seniors Cameron Campbell (100m, 2nd, nior McKenzie Fairchild (DISC, 1st, 140-0; JAV, 11.03; 200m, 7th, 22.98; 4x100, 3rd, 43.76; 2nd, 159-2; SP, 2nd, 40-6), senior Annabeth 4x400), Diante Campbell (100m, 3rd, 11.08; Baalman (PV, 1st, 11-0), senior Mary Meyer 200m, 6th, 22.91; 4x100, 3rd, 43.76; 4x400), (PV, T-3rd, 10-6), senior Cal Kerschen (100h, Hayden Keller (800m; 1600m; 4x800, 1st, 2nd, 15.14; 4x100, 1st, 49.89), junior Lexi 8:16.29), Tanner Lindahl (800m; 1600m, 4th, Horsch (HJ, 5th, 5-0), junior Claire Rowland 4:32.98; 3200m, 2nd, 9:44.93; 4x800, 1st, (PV, T-3rd, 10-6), junior Maddie Schrandt 8:16.29), Cooper Taylor (4x400; JAV), Brayden (400m, 3rd, 1:00.28) and sophomore Grace Dressman (4x800, 1st, 8:16.29), Tanner Rowland (100h, 5th, 16.29; TJ, 7th, 34-8.5). Tustian (PV), Wesley Miller (SP), junior Jayce Other returning qualifiers include sophomore Spencer (PV), junior Spencer Hines (800m; Betsy Reichenberger (200m, 4x100, 4x400), 4x100, 3rd, 43.76; 4x400; 4x800, 1st, 8:16.29), junior Camryn Winter (100m, 4x100, 4x400), and sophomores Cameron Yutzy (3200m), sophomores Piper Camp (100h, 8th, 17.46), Tavian Gilliam (HJ), and Tanner Tustian (PV).

Senior Maddy Hughes (100m, 9th, 12.83; Eva Priester (100m) and Abi Wegerer (4x800) 200m, 14th, 27.18) is the lone returning qualand senior Kelli Wegerer (4x800).

The boys also return a deep group of plac- ifier for CHANUTE on the women’s side after ers in junior Riley Marx (DISC, 1st, 150-3; their fifth place regional finish last year.

Meanwhile, the men placed fourth at state JAV, 1st, 194-7), senior Nathan Seck (LJ, 2nd, 21-9; 400m, 7th, 51.41, 4x400), senior Nick (50) last season and bring back seniors Quentin Winter (800m, 3rd, 2:01.83; 4x400), juniors Harris (100m, 6th, 11.28), Kolten LaCrone Jack Kraus (SP, 2nd, 52-5.75), Beau Kerschen (DISC, 4th, 142-1), Bryce Bingham (300h, 5th, (SP, 3rd, 52-1.75) and Noah Bruce (SP, 5th, 41.02), as well as junior state champ Rawley 50-7.75). Other qualifiers include seniors Chard (200m, 1st, 22.51; 400m, 2nd, 49.64) Easton Lander (HJ), Ivan Lies (100m, 4x100), and his fellow juniors Eric Erbe (200m, 11th,

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4A Track

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23.35), and Dagen Dean (200m, 12th, 23.35).

CHAPMAN gets back a deep group from last year’s fourth place team of state qualifiers, including senior Sophia Cavanagh (HJ, T2nd, 5-4), junior Maya Kirkpatrick (TJ, 2nd, 35-11; LJ, 5th, 16-07; 100h, 4th, 16.31; 300h, 13th, 50.99), senior Shannon Anderson (300h, 9th, 49.46) and sophomores Elyssa Frieze (1600m, 2nd, 5:07.38; 800m, 3rd, 2:24.11), Tanith Elliott (DISC) and Marie Meuli (DISC). The Irish will miss Taylor Briggs, now running at Iowa State after dominating the 1600 and 3200 meter runs for three of four track seasons in high school, with the fourth lost to COVID. The boys bring back 9th place 4x400 (3:34.6) members junior Nick Anderson and senior Trevor Mead.

The CIRCLE women took 10th at state (22) last season and bring back sophomore Brighton Humig (LJ, 14th, 16-11; 4x100, 5th, 51.38) as their only individual event qualifier, they also return members of the 4x100 and 9th place 4x800 team (10:52.61).

The men return junior Tyrus Smith (100m, 9th, 11.38; 200m, 2nd 22.66), senior Ian Hunter (3200m, 8th, 10:12.44), and members of last year’s 4x100 team (11th, 45.27).

CLAY CENTER qualified junior Hailee Bent (PV, JAV) for state last year as well as young 4x100 and 4x800 teams.

On the guys side, senior Lane Musselman (400m) and junior Grant Smith (1600m) both qualified a season ago as well.

CLEARWATER returns three state qualifiers from last year’s 10th place squad, including junior state champ Hayley Trotter (800m, 1st, 2:18.84; 1600m, 3rd, 5:08.13; 4x4, 3rd) senior Laurel Streit (4x4, 3rd), and sophomore Electra Aimes (3200m, 15th).

The men finished eighth (29) in state last year and also had three state qualifiers in seniors Trent Hastings (JAV, 6th, 167-3), Mason Seiter (4x4, 2nd; 4x8, 16th), and Brett Gibbs (DISC, 10th, 127-0).

CONCORDIA has two girls state qualifiers back, junior Jaida Koester (LJ) and sophomore Carlie Carlgren (100m).

On the men’s side, seniors Tyler Hobrock (HJ, 8th, 5-10; DISC), Toby Wahlmeier (200m), Aidan Poore (PV) and junior Alec Francis (LJ) all return after state appearances. Wahlmeier, Poore, Francis, and senior Keyan Miller return from last year’s 10th place 4x100 team (45.27).

EUDORA’s women’s squad brings back a stockpile of state qualifiers after taking third (56) last season in seniors Stella Whalen (4x800, 2nd, 10:06.48; 4x100, 8th, 51.43; 4x400, 5th, 4:17.38; 300h, 4th, 47.49), Maya Pattison (4x100, 8th, 51.43; 4x400, 5th, 4:17.38; 100m, 6th), Sophia Ewy (4x100, 8th, 51.43; 4x400, 5th, 4:17.38), Makenna Longacre (100h, 7th, 16.51), Mackenzie Mayer (4x800, 2nd, 10:06.48; 3200m, 5th, 12:31.10; JAV, 9th, 123-0), juniors Phoebe Fletcher (4x800, 2nd, 10:06.48; 800m, 4th, 2:24.4; 1600m, 6th, 5:41.9), Alyssa Chapman (PV, T6th, 10-0), Sophia Sanchez (DISC, 9th, 103-0), Josie Pickett (LJ, 16th, 15-00.25; TJ, 10th, 33-11.5) and sophomores Sydney Owens (4x800, 2nd, 10:06.48; 3200m, 3rd, 12:11.8; 1600m, 4th, 5:31.16; 800m, 8th, 2:28.05) and Madison Karten (4x100, 8th, 51.43).

Adding to the shared success and potential for this season, the Cardinal men finished fifth in state (46.50) and return seniors Kurtis McCormick (PV, 6th, 13-0), Silas Etter (4x100,

Page 64 4th, 43.97; 4x400, 4th, 3:29.41; 4th, 100m, 12th, 11.46), Tyler Neis (SP, 9th, 47-00.75), Jaren Bennet (DISC, 11th, 126-10), juniors Octavius Lyles (4x400, 4th, 3:29.41), Logan Schmidt (PV, 3rd, 13-6), Jaiden Bender (HJ, 7th, 6-0; 4x100, 4th, 43.97; 100m, 10th, 11.39; 200m, 9th, 23.3), Conor Dunback (JAV, 7th, 162-4), and sophomores Adrion Seals (4x100, 4th, 43.97), Kole Manley (PV, T4th, 13-0), Matthew Magette (HJ, 12th, 5-10), and Zachary Arnold (1600m, 9th, 4:42.49; 3200m, 10th, 10:16.31).

The FORT SCOTT girls return sophomore Mesa Casper (3200m) and junior Courtney Shelton (200m) as their lone returning state qualifiers. For the boys, senior Robert Kemmerer and sophomore Chase Hyer both qualified in the high jump.

HOLTON has no shortage of state qualifiers back from their girls squad that finished third at regionals last season. Sophomore Piper Robinson (PV, 5th, 10-6; 4x800) has the highest finish of all returning state qualifiers and returns alongside seniors Amariah Allen (TJ, 14th, 30-3.5), Macey Gross (HJ, T14th, 4-6; 100h, 14th, 17.73; 300h; 16th, 52.96), Jayana Carlson (100h, 15th, 22.78) and junior Darcee Ashcraft (DISC, 7th, 104-05; SP, 9th, 33-5.75).

The Wildcat men return juniors Ashton Schrick (800m, 12th, 2:08) and Matt Lierz (DISC, 15th, 114-3), as well as members from last season 10th place 4x800 (8:50.69) and 13th in the 4x400 (3:36.58).

Junior Jesse Taylor is the lone state qualifier for IOLA after he took 12th in the 3200m (10:27.06) last May. LABETTE COUNTY brings back a senior laden group of qualifiers on the women’s side in Ava Alloway (PV, 12th, 8-0; 800m, 14th, 2:31.7), Abby Pegues (PV, 13th, 7-06), Jasmine Perez (400m, 11th, 1:03.81) and Lauren Forbes (TJ, 13th, 32-06).

The boys have two seniors back after trips to state with Alex Meister (3200m, 5th, 10:11.44; 1600m, 7th, 4:41.22) and Russell McCarty (110h, 8th, 16.09).

The LOUISBURG women took fifth at state (43) last year and return one of 4A’s best athletes in senior Delaney Wright (200m, 1st, 25.54; 400m, 1st, 58.3; LJ, 1st, 18-02.25), as well as senior Corrina McMullen (DISC, 4th, 113-01), and Emma Vohs (400m, 6th, 1:02.09).

The Wildcat men won their second state title - the other being in 2011 - and get back a lot of those points in 2022. Seniors Tommy Koontz (110h, 1st, 14.97; 330h, 2nd, 39.9; 4x100, 2nd; 4x4, 3rd), Jaden Vohs (1600m, 6th, 4:36; 800m, 6th, 2:03; 4x800, 3rd), Hayden Ross (4x800, 3rd), juniors Nate Apple (110h, 15th, 17.52), Mason Dobbins (110h, 3rd, 15.24; HJ, 5th, 6-01), Ethan Ptacek (400m, 8th, 51.51; 4x100, 2nd; 4x400, 3rd), Nathan Vincent (JAV, 4th, 176-10), Isaiah Whitley (LJ, 16th, 17-9), and sophomore Caden Caplinger (PV, 8th, 1206) all return after qualifying for state in 2021 McPHERSON graduated a big senior class last season, but had a good-sized group of non-seniors make an impact on relays at state last season for the men and womens teams.

“We are going to be pretty thin in terms of athletes out this season,” coach Jace Pavlovich said. “What we do have out are quality athletes, but cannot afford any injuries.”

MULVANE gets back senior Amber Hansen (400m, 14th, 1:04.79) as their lone individual qualifier. Hansen was also a member of a 14th

Scott (110h, 300h), Levi Gunn (SP, DISC), and Brennan Vagher (4x100, 7th, 44.12), junior Evan Cortez (4x100, 7th, 44.12) and sophomores Danzel Mendez (4x800) and Braysen Salinas (4x800).

WAMEGO returns a pair of individual qualifiers for the girls in senior Charlee Lind (3200m, 7th, 12:48.67) and junior Alexis Holloway (TJ, 15th, 29-06.25), as well as a 14th place 4x800 relay with Lind, junior Grace Morenz, senior Adaline Fulmer, and senior Carolina Donahue and a 14th place 4x400 team with Donahue, junior Addison Denney and junior Sarah Jones.

Emery Wolfe (3200m, 4th, 10:08.1) returns as the lone individual qualifier for the boys, while senior Jake Fritz, junior Jonathon Cutting and junior Mason Herzog are back from the sixth place 4x400 (3:33.43), along with Fritz, Herzog, junior Daryn Baldwin and junior Hagan Johnson from their 15th place 4x100 (46.11).

WELLINGTON’s girls took eighth at state (26) and get back junior state champ Annalisa

PROUD

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 place 4x400 (4:30.96) and fifth place 4x800 The guys lone individual qualifier last season (10:15.70), and return alongside junior Reagan was senior Mason Melcher (DISC, 7th, 134-2).

Spark and senior Delaney Hamm after their ROSE HILL took second at their regional as fourth member, Campbell Williams, graduated. a team and return a young group of state qualThree senior individual qualifiers return for ifiers in juniors Kate Dare (100m, 4th; 200m, the men in Chase Nash (DISC, 6th, 137-3), 7th), Mahalee Billhimer (400m, 16th), as well Christian Baltzley (300h, 11th, 42.79), and as sophomores Lanie Page (HJ, 11th), Alexa Jacob Duncan (400m, 12th, 52.58), along Marshall (3200m, 8th; 1600m, 12th), and Elliot with all of their 13th place 4x800 (8:53.49) in Harod (1600m, 14th).

Duncan, as well as senior Victor Salazar, junior The Rocket men get back senior Chance Chris Dietrich and sophomore Matt Eggleston.

Hanning (SP), senior Carter Wagner (TJ, 6th; Many of PAOLA’s 70 points by last year’s LJ, 15th; HJ, 3rd), junior Dylan Henry (HJ, 15th) women’s state runner-up team return. Seniors and junior Teagan Cobb (110h, 6th) as memMackenqie Kuehl (JAV, 5th; DISC, 6th) and bers from last year’s seventh place team.

Kylee Slyter (300h, 7th), juniors Maddie Pitzer TONGANOXIE gets two individual state qual(300h, 3rd), Maggie Kauk (LJ, 2nd, 17-8.25; ifiers back for both the women and men, with TJ, 5th, 33-3.75), Hope Bishop (HJ), Lauden senior Emma Sunderland (HJ, T9th, 4-10) and Wilson (4x800, 4th; 4x400, 2nd), and soph- sophomore Lillian Pruitt (PV, 10th, 8-0) and juomores Hazel Downum (3200m; 4x800, 4th; nior Eli Gilmore (1600m, 5th, 4:33) and sopho4x400, 2nd), Taryn Marcum (LJ) and Jade more Isaiah Holthaus (300h, 8th, 41.79).

Meade (SP, 5th).

The TOPEKA-HAYDEN women have two Seniors Caden Rhamy (SP, 5th) and James qualifiers back in senior Jadyn Paige Falley (SP, Earlywine (PV, 4th) return for the Panther men, 8th, 33-9.75) and Natalie Hillebert (400m, 4th, along with qualifiers, senior Tanner Petillo 60.76) along with the 14th place 4x100 team (800m) and sophomores Gavin Trent (3200m) (52.06) of Hillebert, junior Sarah Schmidt and and Sam Johnson (PV). sophomore Reagan Huscher, and a 13th place PARSONS has two individual qualifiers back 4x400 (4:26.48) including Hillebert, as well as in Kinsey Baldwin (1600m, 10th, 5:54) and seniors Riley Schmidtlein and Megan Carr. sophomore Iniya Hinman (TJ, 8th, 34-6.25).

Junior state champion Jake Muller (300h, 1st, Junior Briona Patterson also returns after quali- 39.92; 110h, 10th, 15.92) is the top returner on fying in the 4x100 along with Hinman. the boys side. The Wildcats also return qualifiThe guys return three qualifiers in juniors ers in seniors Tanner Newkirk (800m, 1600m, Marion Ryan (HJ, 13th, 5-10; TJ, 8th, 41-10.5), 3200m, injury scratch), Sean McConnell (DISC, Jessie Jones (TJ, 3rd, 42-11.25), and Isiah 16th, 113-11), Ryan Rochford (4x400, 5th, Tyson (SP, 6th, 48-11).

3:31.38), Nick Padilla (4x800, 7th, 8:45.69), Sophomore Kyra Nippert (1600m, 15th, and juniors JC Cummings (JAV, 13th, 143-01) 5:56.68) is the only state qualifier back for the and Ethan Florence (4x100, 45.6).

ROCK CREEK ladies, while sophomore Jose ULYSSES gets back three junior state qualifiPrado (300h, 9th, 42.63) returns for the boys. ers for the girls in Zoey Stein (400m; 4x400m) PRATT qualified a few girls for state in senior and Naomi Vagher (200m; 4x400; 4x100, 7th, Daisy Herrman (400), junior Jadyn Thompson 51.42) and Cami Kenny (4x100, 7th, 51.42).

(PV) and sophomore Allie Hoeme (1600).

The men return six qualifiers in seniors Ben

Page 65 Cullens (100h, 1st, 14.39; 300h, 1st, 45.05; 4x100, 4th, 51.37), along with her 4x1 teammates, seniors Ali Zeka and Mercedes Glover, and junior Kamrynn Reichenberger. Sophomore Isabelle Cullens (TJ, 16th, 33-7) and Zeka (LJ, 8th, 16-5.5) also qualified in individual events.

The guys return two qualifiers in senior Dylan Dickinson (400m, 14th, 52.67) and sophomore Morice Ayers (HJ,16th, 5-08).

WINFIELD has back a strong group of female state qualifiers that include junior Mason Peters (DISC), sophomore Kinsey McCauley (HJ, 8th, 4-10), junior Kayli Myers (1600m, 9th, 5:53.5; 3200m, 4th, 12:22.61), and junior GraceLynn Benavides (800m, 12th, 2:31.02). Benavides and Myers were also members of last year’s third place 4x800 team (10:13.64) along with sophomores Lauryn Turner and Brooke Brogan.

Junior Corban Priest (3200m, 9th, 10:12.62) is the lone state qualifier coming back for the men.

Supporter of Concordia Panther Athletics

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 “I’m excited to see the progress of Wade Morgan, Dalton Hilyard and Joe Martin,” Sayahnejad said. “All three have had great seasons in the fall and winter. On the girls side

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The BELOIT girls have one state qualifier in Dylann and Brianna have put in a lot of work to senior Jaci Carter (DISC, 7th, 111-5) from last get ready for this season.”

EASTON-PLEASANT RIDGE returns one year’s team that finished seventh at regionals.

Senior state champion Brennon Walker (JAV, female qualifier in sophomore Autumn Sass 1st, 184-1; TJ, 300h) is back from for a boys (800m, 16th, 2:39.72).

“We will be a very young team, full of enthuteam that finished 10th (22 points) at state, along with junior Grady Seyfert (SP, 3rd, 52- siasm and a taste for hard work,” head coach 9.75; DISC, 5th, 150-10), and junior Wyatt Glenda Connelly said.

The ELLSWORTH girls bring back no qualiBroeckelman (800m, 7th, 2:04.38).

Senior Karlie Whitworth (100h, 7th; 300h, fiers from state last season, but sophomores 7th; 200m, 13th), senior MJ Huff (1600m, 16th; Josh Rodriguez (400) and Riley Stone (400, 3200m, 16th) and junior Lillyan Gerow (3200m, 4x100) both return for the Bearcat men.

Both Teams are made up of young athletes, 13th) return as the BURLINGTON girls individual state qualifiers. The Wildcats also return trying to build depth on both squads, according junior Justyce King, senior Cadence Doebele, to head coach Nick Rodriguez.

“Just taking some time to get the program junior Gabby Lyons and sophomore Layla Price from a 13th place 4x100, and King, Doebele, where I want it to be,” Rodriguez said. “I do see Lyons, and Whitworth from a 12th place 4x400. some good things from our kids if they come in The boys bring back seniors Ty Anderson focused, willing to work each day and improve (100m, 4th, 10.87; TJ, 4th, 42-6; LJ, 6th, 21- on getting better with each workout and meet.”

EUREKA’s women finished second at state 2), Thomas Unruh (PV, 3rd, 13-6), Tyler Kirby (300h, 13th), and Jayme Wagner (TJ, 12th; (43) last year and return many of those points 4x400, 11th). Sophomores Cameron Stadel and in senior Brookyln Ptacek (HJ, 2nd, 5-4; 4x100, Zane Hoback are back from the 11th place 4x4. 2nd, 50.1; 200m, 11th, 27.55), senior Abby The CHAPARRAL girls finished tied for third Singhateh (SP, 2nd, 40-4.25) and sophomore in state (33) last year, but graduated one of their Ashley Singhateh (100m, 2nd, 12.46; 100h, 4th, top scorers in Sophie Francis, leaving senior 15.13; 300h, 3rd, 45.58; 4x100, 2nd, 50.1).

FRONTENAC’s girls qualified in the 4x800 state champ Matte Swartz (HJ, 1st, 5-6) as the with a group including sophomore Maggie lone returning qualifier.

The Roadrunners get back Junior Jack Payne, senior Lydia Pyle, junior Grace Jones, as well as now graduated Gracen Hipfl.

Francis (300h, 11th, 42.32) on the men’s side.

COLBY loses one of the state’s top distance Meanwhile, the boys qualified in all three rerunners in Lara Murdock (Pitt State), but get lays with their best finish eighth in the 4x400 back a few members of last year’s team that (3:35.41) with senior Brady Stanley, senior Coy finished tied for third at state (33), including se- Medlin and sophomore Jacob Holt, while the nior Brooklynn Jones (JAV, 4th, 134-10), senior 4x100 came in ninth (44.82) with sophomoreLakin Denny (HJ, 15th, 4-6), as well as senior Tallon Bonine, senior Ryan Hite, as well as Holt Laurel Cates, junior Cydney Brown and soph- and Stanley. The 4x800 came in 14th (9:01.21) omore Kathie Chavez from last year’s seventh and consisted of Stanley and Medlin. The Now graduated Ty Gates and Easton King were both place 4x8 (10:20.8) and 4x4 (4:14.45) teams.

The guys, meanwhile, return three qualifiers in members of the 4x100 and 4x400 as well.

The men’s program returns no state qualifiers. senior Ian Rosales (SP, 7th, 51-0.5), junior Tate GIRARD has a big group back from last year’s Murdock (PV, 8th, 12-6), and sophomore Taden team that finished ninth at state (21) after a Fikan (3200, 16th, 10:45).

COLUMBUS junior Montana Ohmart (1600m, regional championship. Those include junior 3rd, 5:27.88) and senior Trey Laurance (800, Gracie Peterson (100m,11th; 200m, 9th; LJ, 11th, 2:05) both return as state qualifiers, 2nd; 4x100, 8th), sophomore Claire Stevens Ohmart for the girls and Laurance for the boys. (800m, 12th; 4x800, 15th), senior Kinley Smith The COUNCIL GROVE ladies return one (LJ, 10th; TJ, 6th), senior Serenia Short (4x100, qualifier in junior Jordyn Picolet (800m, 13th; 8th; 4x400, 11th), junior Ranie Paulin (4x100, 8th; 4x400, 11th), sophomore Ainsley Norton 1600m, 8th; 3200m, 8th).

Sophomore Lakoddah Downes (3200m, 4th; (PV, 8th; 4x100, 8th; 4x400, 11th), senior Hailey 1600m, 7th) returns for the men along with, Orender (4x400, 11th; 4x800, 15th), senior juniors Ahmed Mansaray, Jace Goodman, and Olivia Cullen (DISC, 4th; SP, 6th; JAV, 12th), sophomore Regan Poland (4x800, 15th) and Ethan Burton from the state 4x100 team.

DOUGLASS doesn’t return any state qual- junior Johanna Walker (4x800).

The guys, meanwhile, took second at state ifiers for the men or women, but second year Bulldog head coach Kelley Sayahnejad (19th (55) and return junior state champ Aiden

3A Track

Damman (400m, 1st, 50.31), junior Gavin Doubrava (800m, 2nd, 2:01.25), sophomore Aiden Troike (110h, 16th), and senior Gage Davenport (HJ, 14th), but will miss the points of standout distance runner Cormick Logue.

GOODLAND returns just one qualifier from both teams in junior Lindsey Cure (100h, 9th, 16.18; 300h, 8th, 48.4).

The HALSTEAD girls get back a number of qualifiers, including junior Kaleigh O’Brien (400m, 10th, 1:03.57; 800m, 4th, 2:24.73; 4x400, 8th, 4:16.27; 4x800, 2nd, 9:59.39), sophomore Dominnique Schutte (1600m, 5th, 5:29.77; 4x400, 8th, 4:16.27; 4x800, 2nd, 9:59.39), and senior Elena Flask (4x800, 2nd, 9:59.39. For the boys, senior Korbin Black (SP, 11th, 48-3; DISC, 7th, 144-9) returns.

Seniors Reese Roper (LJ, 5th, 16-11.25) and Taylor Hoskinson (1600m, 4th, 5:29.41) were HAVEN’s lone qualifiers a year ago.

HESSTON returns five women qualifiers from last season’s team that finished fourth at regionals, including senior state champ Caryn Yoder (100m, 1st, 12.32; 4x100, 16th, 51.17), senior Emily Friesen (100m, 4th, 12.57; TJ, 11th, 33-0.75; 4x100, 16th, 51.17), senior Sydney Ronan (4x100, 16th, 51.17), junior Kailey Herbst (4x100, 16th, 51.17), and junior Anna Humphreys (JAV, 10th, 99-0).

The Swather boys get back six qualifiers in seniors Cason Richardson (4x400, 1st, 3:30.72; DISC, 11th, 136-0), Ayden Summers (1600m, 10th, 4:46.74; 4x800, 8th, 8:34.07), Max Werner (4x400, 1st, 3:30.72, 4x800, 8th, 8:34.07), Ryan Eilert (4x800, 8th, 8:34.07), and juniors Cavan Fuqua (4x400, 1st, 3:30.72) and Tyler Rewerts (4x400, 1st, 3:30.72).

Senior Nicole Ruda (SP, 9th, 34-3.5; DISC, 15th, 95-4) is the HOLCOMB girls lone returning qualifier.

The boys return two individual qualifiers from a team that took second at regionals and sixth at state (28) last season including senior Braxton Sizemore (1600m, 9th, 4:46.24) and sophomore Damon Mesa (100m, 15th, 11.55).

KINGMAN returns three qualifiers from last year’s girls team in senior Kayla Belt (400m, 8th), junior Marissa Deweese (200m, 6th), and sophomore Mary Pearce (3200m, 11th).

The guys return junior Avery Albright (800m, 4th, 2:03.37).

LAKIN junior Anna Van Der Knaap is the Lady Broncs only individual qualifier back (HJ, 10th), with Josiah Ortiz and Grace Osteberg also returning as Van Der Knaap’s state qualifying 4x400 teammates.

Seniors Brady Hendrix (200, 5th; 4x100, 6th; 4x400, 6th), Servando Gonzalez (200m, 9th; 4x100, 6th; 4x400), Tyler Tarpley (300h, 10th; 4x100; 4x400) and junior Lawson Beymer (1600m, 3rd; 800, 12th) return for the guys.

LARNED has one of 3A’s best triple jump-

Photo by Jessica Sprecker

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Page 66 ers in junior Jayme Hagerman (TJ, 2nd, 382.5; 100m, 13.0; 4x100). Also returning for the Indians are junior Savannah Smith (200m, 16th, 28.15; 4x100), sophomore Jaidyn Pinkston (4x100) and sophomore Cadee Upson (SP, 35-1).

Senior Fernando Herrera (LJ, 16th, 18-10.5) returns as the men’s only state qualifier.

LYONS doesn’t return any qualifiers on the girls side, while the guys return one in senior Carl Clark (LJ, 12th, 19-7.25; HJ, 9th, 6-0).

“This being my first year as the head coach, I’m excited for the season and to be leading the program,” head coach Cody Bowers said.

“But it all starts with the athletes that we have. I think we have a lot of potential to do some great things this year and I think I have a good group that will lay the foundation for us to build a great track program at Lyons High School.”

MARYSVILLE returns relay members including senior Eva Peschel (4x400, 3rd, 4:07.65; 4x100, 3rd, 50.48), senior Taylor Meyer (4x100, 3rd, 50.48), junior Bella Lott (4x400, 3rd, 4:07.65) and junior Brynn O’Neil (4x400, 3rd, 4:07.65; 4x100, 3rd, 50.48), who also took fourth at state in the 200 (26.48) and is the team’s only returning individual qualifier.

Junior Peyton Smith (SP, 10th, 48-10.5; DISC, 2nd, 151-10), junior Rhett Williams (JAV, 4th, 170-2) and junior Sander Zutterman (110h, 5th, 15.92) return for the Bulldog mens.

Junior Alayna Cossaart (3200m, 5th, 12:17.05) is MINNEAPOLIS’ only returning girls state qualifier after her strong sophomore performance last season, while sophomore Ryan Parks (800m, 2:05) is after a strong showing in the half-mile last year.

“I am hoping that we have several new additions to the roster this year,” coach Linda Smith said. “The freshman class has some potential to contribute right away.”

NEMAHA CENTRAL gets one state qualifier back on the women’s side with sophomore Hailey Nordhus (400m, 3rd, 59.94) coming off a strong freshman performance.

The men return senior Dylan Lortscher (HJ, 2nd, 6-2) and Gavin Cain (TJ, 13th, 39-5.5) from last year’s team that finished ninth at state (28).

After moving down from 4A to 3A this season, NICKERSON junior Ava Jones (HJ, 1st, 5-4; PV, T6th, 10-0; JAV, 11th, 115-03) and senior Dylan Huggard (300h, 12th, 42.94) return as the lone qualifiers for both Panther squads.

The boys graduated high jump champ Brayden

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Page 67 TMP has two qualifiers back for the girls with seniors Kassidi Yost (HJ, 4th, 5-0) and Emilee Lane (800m, 8th, 2:27.95).

The guys, meanwhile, took seventh at state (24) last May and return senior state champ Jace Wentling (LJ, 23-5.5, 1st; TJ, 3rd, 43-0.75) and junior Kade Harris (LJ, 13th, 19-6.5).

WEST FRANKLIN gets back a deep group from last year’s third place regional team.

Returning qualifiers include seniors Hannah Voth (LJ, 12th, 14-7), Jenna Walters (SP, 14th, 31-6.75), Lily Judd (4x400, 14th, 4:21.73), juniors Nevaeh Jordan (200m, 15th, 23.71), Emma Bailey (1600m, 11th, 5:45.69; 3200m, 7th, 12:21.11; PV, 14th, 8-0; 4x400, 14th), and sophomores Hope Crabtree (300h, 13th, 49.67; 4x400, 14th, 4:21.73) and Katie Cameron (800m, 14th, 2:38.24; 4x400, 14th, 4:21.73).

Junior Kyle Haner (3200m, 14th, 10:51.68) is the lone returning qualifier for the men.

WICHITA COLLEGIATE had no qualifiers for the girls, but the men bring back a good-sized group that finished second at regionals last

Photo by Everett Royer

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Miller and long jump champ Philippe Manga.

Kennedy Holstein (800, 5th, 2:25.22; 4x4, NORTON returns three qualifiers from last 6th; 4x8, 5th), Alli Patton (4x4, 6th; 4x8, 5th), year’s girls team that finished third at regionals Ella Rumford (4x8, 5th; HJ, 14th, 4-8), Clare in juniors Erika Miller (HJ, 10th, 4-10), Jaelyn Hawkins (4x8, 5th), Alivia Noll (PV, 7th, 9-6), Rumback (300h, 6th, 46.93) and sophomore Madison Westergard (DISC, 14th, 101-2), and MacKenzie Clydesdale (TJ, 16th, 31-0.75; juniors Priscilla Peregrino (100h, 12th, 16.47; 1600m, 7th, 5:35.90).

300h, 14th, 49.97) and Tara Rose (JAV, 93-1).

The guys return one qualifier in junior state The guys finished fifth in state and get back champion Dean Clark (TJ, 1st, 44-10.25). senior Carson Faurot (PV, 12th, 12-0), senior OSAGE CITY doesn’t bring any qualifiers Efren Tarango (4x400, 5th; 4x800, 7th), junior back on their women’s team, but the men return Jace Thomas (4x400, 5th; 4x800, 7th) ,and junior Landon Boss (SP, 13th, 46-1.5; DISC, sophomores Brendan Bailey (3200m, 9th, 3rd, 151-07; JAV, 2nd, 169-3) and senior Jayce 10:13.5) and Collin McDaniel (PV, 14th,12-0).

Brenner (1600m, 8th, 4:39; 800m, DNF-INJ).

SILVER LAKE returns junior Mariah Farmer Senior Avery Dempsey (JAV, 11th, 98-7) re- (1600m, 9th, 5:42) and sophomore Ava turns for the OSAWATOMIE girls after contribut- Rottinghaus (400m, 11th, 1:03.35) as state ing to their 2021 regional championship squad a qualifiers from a second place regional team. year ago. No qualifiers return for the men.

The boys get back three individual qualifiers PHILLIPSBURG junior Heather Schemper from a team that finished fourth at state includwas the 400 meter state champ last season ing seniors Brogan Renfro (100m, 5th, 11.02; (59.18) and she teamed with junior Taryn TJ, 2nd, 44-1.5; 200m, 4th, 22.27; 4x100, 8th, Sides, senior Abby Babcock and graduated Ava 44.69), Carson Johnson (110h, 7th, 16.18; Schemper in the fourth place 400 meter relay 300h, 3rd, 40.72; 4x100, 8th, 44.69; 4x400, and second place 1600 meter relay. Babcock 10th, 3:37.29) and Cameron TenEyck (1600m, was also a qualifier in the high jump.

14th, 4:51.36; 3200m, 7th, 10:10.32; 4x800, The Panthers’ only non-senior qualifier for the 3rd, 8:24.77). The Eagles also return junior boys was Trace Hancett who was third in the Kamryn Kaniper (4x400, 10th, 3:37.29; 4x800, javelin last year as a freshman.

3rd, 8:24.77), senior Kale Ferehe (4x400, 10th, After a seventh place team finish last season, 3:37.29; 4x800, 3rd, 8:24.77), junior Mason senior Hailey Sharp (3200m, 12th, 12:49.95) is Brokaw (4x4, 10th, 3:37.29; 4x8, 3rd, 8:24.77) RILEY COUNTY’s lone individual qualifier back. and senior Connor Adams (4x1, 8th, 44.69).

The guys bring back seniors AJ Wilane (HJ, Coming off an eighth place finish last year, 11th, 6-0) and TJ Bessmer (800m, 10th, 2:05) SOUTHEAST OF SALINE brings back a couple after both qualified for state a season ago. of the strongest distance runners in the state in “We are looking forward to the upcoming sea- seniors Jentrie Alderson (1600m, 1st, 5:11.59; son,” coach Jesse Woodward said. “We have a 3200m, 1st, 11:13.06, Pitt State commit) and solid core of seniors and a good group of un- Ashley Prochazka (1600m, 13th, 5:50.46; derclassmen.”

3200m, 3rd, 12:04.87).

RIVERTON’s girls return two state qualifiers in The Trojans get back a few important pieces junior Jacy Thomasson (200m, 7th, 27.1) and from last season’s state championship men’s sophomore Alivia Parker (400m, 12th, 1:03.55). squad as well, including senior state champs Senior Derek Larison (JAV, 8th, 154-8) re- Dylan Sprecker (800m, 1st, 1:55.34; 1600m, turns for the boys along with 16th place 4x800 1st, 4:17.74; 4x800, 1st, 8:12.87; 4x400, 2nd, members (9:11.4) senior Tyler Haywood, junior 3:31.04; Pitt State commit) and Chase Poague Michael Shepard and sophomore Dillon Legget. (110h, 1st, 14.93; 300h, 1st, 39.38; 4x400, 2nd, ROYAL VALLEY returns one qualifier be- 3:31.04; 4x100, 10th, 44.89, Pitt State commit). tween both teams in senior Samantha Neuner Juniors Nakari Morrical-Palmer (400m, 8th, (JAV, 16th, 85-11).

52.86; 4x400, 2nd, 3:31.04; 4x100, 10th, 44.89), “Our boys team will be our strength and are Damion Jackson (3200m, 8th, 10:10.77), and looking for our first league title since 2013,” Drake Augustine (4x800, 1st, 8:12.87) also rehead coach Tom Broxterman said. “We are turn after qualifying last year and injured sprinter hoping to build our numbers to be able to be Michael Murray’s 100 and long jump should be competitive on the girls side.” among the best in the state.

RUSSELL graduated one of the best jumpers “I am excited for this season on both the boys in the state in Renee’ Nichol (LJ, 1st, 17-3.25; and girls side because we have a lot of returning TJ, 4th, 35-0), their lone female qualifier. The talent and some freshmen that will contribute to Bronco men qualified junior state high jump helping make the teams better,” coach Wade champ Jace Peerman (6-4), junior Brayden Caselman said.

Strobeland (HJ, 15th, 5-8), and senior Jesse SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS returns juWhitmer (100m, 6th, 11.02). nior Ozia Trujillo (1600m, 6th, 5:29.79; 4x800, SCOTT CITY’s girls took ninth at state and 8th) as the Mustangs only qualifier from either get back a deep group of qualifiers in seniors squad.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 ACADEMY will likely be in the hunt with the return of several state qualifiers. Seven girls are back for the Warriors, including three in individual events — Sophie Dugger (pole vault), Sally Wine (discus) and Lillie Veer (javelin), along with several returning legs of relays, with Dugger, Katherine Harms and Kessa Case in the 4x100, Veer and Flora Morgan in the 4x400, and Teagan Smith, Veer and Morgan in the 4x800. The boys also return four athletes in Andrew Harder in the 1600 and 3200, Eli Nord in the 3200, Tokiwa Armstrong in the 400 and Devin Busenitz in the 4x400.

“We should have a solid team and be competCHESNEY PETERSON itive in a number of events this year again,” said head coach Lewis Wiebe.

Stanton County Three members of last year’s fifth place boys

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle 4x800 team are back for first-year head coach Garden Plain’s boys and girls captured team Marty Wendel and ELL-SALINE. The Cardinals state titles in 2021. The Garden Plain girls more welcome back senior Garrett Phelps, junior than doubled up the field with 108 points, well Aiden Brockway and sophomore Carson Fouard. ahead of runner-up Stanton County at 48. Valley Although the girls have no returning qualifiers, Heights came in third place in the final girls stand- they will be looking for a strong performance from ings with 44. The GPHS boys finished the state Keala Wilson in both the 400 and 800.

CENTRAL HEIGHTS has three state qualifiers meet with 73 points to take the top spot ahead back from last year. Senior Taryn Compton comof KC-Christian at 44 and Oakley in third at 37.

With five state qualifiers back on the girls side, peted in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles. Also including defending state champion Lauren on the girls side, senior Lily Meyer is back after Schutter in the long jump, ALMA-WABAUNSEE competing in the 800 at state. One boy returns has high hopes this spring season. The Chargers from a state-qualifying season as junior Carson are under the direction of head coach Roger Wood was a member of the 4x800 relay.

“We had several graduates who we very solid Alderman, who begins his 17th season with the program. Schutter (an Illinois State volleyball athletes for their high school careers which will signee) returns for her senior season after quali- definitely be difficult to replace,” said third year fying for state in four different events. In addition coach Troy Prosser. “But we have a very strong to taking first place in the long jump, she was group of younger runners and new faces who will fourth in the triple jump and eighth in the 100 me- hopefully take on the challenge to fill those roles ter dash. She was also a member of the 4x100 and set themselves up for successful seasons.”

Now in his 16th year as head coach at relay along with Madison Schurle, Sienna Jones and Sophia Castillo. Jones also qualified indi- CONWAY SPRINGS, Brent Martens has just two vidually in the triple jump, while junior Rebekah returning qualifiers from last year’s squad. for the Stuhlsatz qualified in the 1600 meter. The boys girls, returning are senior Kenzie Wenke, who also have two qualifiers back — junior Eli Oliver in was seventh in the high jump, as well as sophboth the 4x400 and 4x800 relays and sophomore omore Grace Bender in the pole vault. Although there are no returning qualifiers on for the boys, Wyatt Wurtz in the 4x800.

Coach Brian Sixbury is optimistic about this Martens welcomes back senior Lance Pauly, who season at ATCHISON COUNTY COMMUNITY will be a threat in the triple jump.

“The girls team has a number of returners who with the return of state discus runner-up Keegan Lott, who is back for his senior campaign after performed very well,” Martens said. “The boys will qualifying for two events a year ago. He also took look to improve on performances from last year.”

ELLIS girls finished seventh in the state with jusixth in the shot put. Another two-time qualifier returning is junior Bricen Lee in the 110 and 300 niors Emily Eck (400m, 2nd, 1:01.48; 4x100, 8th, hurdles. They are joined by junior Haden Forbes 52.73; 4x400, 5th, 4:18.43) and Madelyn Russell (1600m, 8th, 5:40.35; 3200m, 6th, 11:54.90; in the 800 (6th). No girls qualifiers return.

With the return of four-time qualifiers Trista 4x800, 3rd, 10:14.31) as their top two qualifiers.

Watson and Kolbie Bartlett, BENNINGTON Sophomore Kylee Pfeifer, junior Makenna Kohl, could be an exciting team to watch after a fourth- junior Haley Cromwell, and senior Lakyn Fischer place finish in 2A girls last season. Watson and also qualified in relays for the Railroaders. With Bartlett were members of the 4x100 and 4x400 the graduation of fifth place high jumper Jacy relay teams that finished runner-up last season. Fischer, junior Rex Johnson (JAV, 8th, 157-8) is Watson also qualified individually in the 100 and their lone non-senior qualifier from last season.

One state qualifier returns for coach Yessenia 200, while Bartlett completed in the 400 and the 4x800. Also back from the 4x800 quad are Ashlyn Gonzales and ELKHART, now in her second Harbaugh and Tambryn Watson. Returning for year. Nakaela O’Hair is that qualifier after comthe boys are junior Trey Huelsman in the pole peting at state in a pair of events — the girls’ pole vault (5th), as well as Eli Lawson and Gavin vault (7th, 8-6) and 300 hurdles.

“Both boys and girls teams will have standout Rupright in the 4x800 relay.

“The kids we have coming out are a great group athletes,” Gonzales said. “A few athletes just to be around,” said Bulldogs head coach Rena needed a taste of what the regional/state meet Mick. “They work hard, and it makes it fun to see felt like to push them for the next season.”

Defending Class 2A boys and girls champion them accomplish a goal.”

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2A Track

direction of coach Eric Rockers. The girls return multi-time state champion Brooke Hammond for her senior campaign. A year ago, Hammond took gold medals in the 100 (12.22), 200 (25.41) and 400 (1:00.79). She was also a member of the state champion 4x100 (49.97) relay team — joining junior Ryleigh Stuhlsatz and sophomore Haidyn Thompson. Thompson was state runner-up in the 100 and 200 last season. Other state-qualifying girls for the Owls include junior Celia Puetz in the 100 and 300 hurdles and 400, junior Sydney Puetz in the 1600, senior Sophie Smith in the triple jump and senior Naomi Dooley in the discus. Sydney and Celia Puetz also return to the fourth place 4x400.

“The girls team has a lot of state experience returning and look forward to having a successful season,” Rockers said. “This group of girls is talented, hard working and are really fun to coach.”

The Garden Plain boys return four individuals from its state championship squad, including a pair of runner-up performers in senior Will Tice in the javelin and junior Luke Hillman in the shot put.

Tice is also a member of the 4x800 relay team — joining junior Noah McGregor and junior Trevis Wasinger — that took fourth at state.

“The boys graduated a lot from last year’s championship team but still have some great leaders to lead a young squad this season,” said boys’ coach Andrew Bergkamp.

Davanne Schaffer returns as the only state qualifier for HERINGTON. Schaffer qualified for state in a pair of girls’ events last year in the 1600 and 3200. There are no returning state qualifiers on the boys side for head coach J.B. Pritchard, who is in his eighth year with the program.

“I think our girls will continue to be competitive, and we will be a lot more competitive on the boys side this year,” Pritchard said.

Two state qualifiers return for HILL CITY this season as Scott Schultz takes over as head coach of the Ringneck program. Returning this season are a pair of juniors, including Peyton Bates for the boys and Caelyn Pimlott for the girls. Bates qualified for state in the discus, while Pimlott earned a spot at state in the high jump.

“We had a lot of youth last year on the track,” Schultz said. “We are hoping we can gain from last year’s experience.”

Nate Hein returns as a senior to defend his 2A pole vault championship for HILLSBORO, which is under the direction of first-year coach Demetrius Cox. Hein took the gold medal in the pole vault last season with a mark of 13-6. He is also a member of the 4x100 state-qualifying team along with juniors Nicholas Cunningham and Pedro Nieto. Also back for the boys is junior Wenxi Funk, who took second in the 400 meter wheelchair race and third in the 100 meter.

Seven Trojan girls are back after qualifying for state. That includes junior D’myia Cox in the triple jump. Cox is also part of the state-qualifying 400 meter relay team with senior Samantha Saunders and sophomore Ashley Peters. The seventh

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Page 68 place 4x800 relay returns four runners in senior Emersyn Funk, junior Ainsley Duell and sophomores Moriah Jost and Trudy Hein.

“As a first year head coach, I am very excited to see these young ladies and guys compete,” Cox said. “We have a great group of young ladies and guys that will be very competitive in all events and, if they are really challenge themselves and develop faith within themselves and their individual abilities, will lead to our overall team success.”

Although there are just five returning state qualifiers, there is plenty of depth in those individuals, as HOXIE tries to make some noise at the state level this season. Coach Lichelle Barr, now in her eighth season, led the boys to a regional runner-up and fourth-place finish at state. Three individuals are back for the boys, including state champion Tucker Baalman in both the 200 and 400 wheelchair events. Ryan Shaw qualified in the long jump, while also participating on both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays. Kane Epp was also a member of that 4x800 relay team.

For the girls, Hayley Jacobs is back after being a part of last year’s 4x800 2A championship team.

She also competed in the 4x400 – along with fellow returner Grayce Schieferecke – as well as individually in the 400 meter dash.

INMAN gets back three qualifiers for the girls in sophomores Madelyn Brunk (800m, 7th; 4x400, 6th) and Madilyn Heflin (100h, 6th; 4x400, 6th), as well as senior Willow Quillen (SP, 14th).

The Teutonic men are in good order as well with seniors Kendyn Blank (4x100, 3rd; 4x400, 5th), Dawson Mannebach (4x100, 3rd; 4x400, 5th), Jace Doerksen (300h, 8th), juniors Harrison Brunk (4x100, 3rd; 4x400, 5th), Eli Brunk (300h, 6th), and sophomores Tanner Heckel (LJ, 6th; TJ, 5th; 4x100, 3rd; 4x400, 5th). “(This year) looks to be an exciting season for both the guys and girls,” coach Lance Sawyer said. “We return a lot of talent that competed really well in the state track meet last season.”

JACKSON HEIGHTS returns eighth athletes with state experience from a year ago. Leading the way for the Cobras will be senior Daniel Little, who finished top four or better in the 1A 800, 1600 and 3200. He was also a member of the 4x400 relay team, along with senior Wyatt Bacon and juniors Devin Mock and Alex Browning. Also back for the boys are senior Ian Anderson in the 110 hurdles and sophomore Nate Linck in the 1600 and 3200. The girls welcome back senior Annie Allen in the 3200 and junior Kanyon Olberding in the triple jump – where she was the 1A champ - and 200.

“We have some great returning athletes and some young athletes coming in,” said head coach Denise Visocsky, who begins her second season in the program. “So it will be exciting to see what we can put together.”

With a solid group of athletes with state experience, JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH will be looking to make some noise this spring. The boys and girls both captured regional titles last season,

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 and the girls tied for eighth at state. The Chargers niors in Jolie Hielscher and Brayden Marcotte. have plenty of state experience with the boys as Hielscher qualified for state in the girls 100 and they return six qualifiers, including two-time indi- 200, while Marcotte ran in the boys 3200. vidual qualifiers in senior Lawrence Pollard (110h, “We are looking forward to this track season 300h), senior Ryan Feldkamp (shot put, discus) with the returners we have,” Whittaker said. and sophomore Isaac Kane (400, high jump).

Now in his 34th season as head coach at Also back are senior Cole Burk in the 110 hurdles MARION, Grant Thierolf will be thin in experience and senior Caleb Worthington in the pole vault. heading into the new season. The Warriors have Feldkamp will also compete in the 4x100 relay, just one returning state qualifier from the boys in as well as the 4x400 with Kane, Worthington and junior Chance Shults, who took 12th in the pole Ethan Noll. Three from the 4x800 also return in vault with a mark of 10-6. There are no returning Noll, Worthington and Kane. state qualifiers for girls.

“This could be a very competitive season for us, “We look forward to the year and will look for with many returning who have competed at the our young athletes to step forward and compete state level, and a good amount of talent coming at the varsity level,” Thierolf said. up from our freshmen and sophomores,” said fifth MEDICINE LODGE returns two individuals with year JCN boys’ coach Spencer Wilson. experience in sophomore Branden Fischer in the The girls return six state qualifiers, including boys 3200 and junior Josey Austin in the girls senior state champion Adie Manville in the high 400. The Indians are coached by Judd Dohrmann jump. Also back are senior Tera Wistuba in the on the boys side and Kami Hahn for the girls high jump and javelin, sophomore Clara Johnson MISSION VALLEY has a total of three returnn the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and triple jump, ing qualifiers from last year’s squad for firstsophomore Jordyn Renk in the 800, sophomore year head coach Kevin Vanderbilt. Leading the Sydney Myers in the 3200 and sophomore Eve way will be AJ Rubio, who took fourth place in Smith in the high jump. the 3200 and also competed in the 1600. Also “We lost some very good athletes to graduation back for the Vikings will be Jon Grame, a sevbut do have some help coming in with a good enth-place performer in the shot put. One girl also freshman class,” said girls coach Richard Leakey, returns, Emma Slade, in the discus. who begins his seventh season at JCN. “This being my first season here at Mission After finishing as the regional runner-up on the Valley as the head coach, I have high expecgirls side, LEON-BLUESTEM will rely heavily on tations for our returning student athletes,” state qualifier Cadence Williamson to lead the Vanderbilt said. “I believe we will have more kids way this season. Williamson, a sophomore, took reach their full potential and qualify for state than seventh place in the 300 hurdles and also com- Mission Valley has had in the past.” peted at state in the 100 meter dash. She was Returning all four from its state champion boys also a member of state-qualifying 4x100 and 4x100 relay team, MOUNDRIDGE has expecta4x800 relay teams. The 4x100 relay took fifth at tion to reach the podium once again this season. state. The boys also return one state qualifier as Brian Holloway, now in his 13th year with the senior Eyan Knipp took third place in the triple program, welcomes back all of that state chamjump and fifth in the 300 hurdles last season. pion squad, as well as the 4x400 and 4x800 relay Second-year head coach Josh Whittaker has teams that took third place at state last season. two individuals returning that competed at state There are no girls state qualifiers returning. a year ago for LYNDON. Back are a pair of ju“Our boys have a real shot at placing high on

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the team podium this year,” Holloway said. “We return all the relays and add in some talented sprinters and distance kids.”

School-record holder Kristen Stover is back for NEODESHA in the discus this season after the sophomore took third place in 2A last season with a mark of 118-7. She is the only returning state qualifier for head coach Jennifer Davis.

“I’m excited to see how our team does this season,” said Davis, who has six years of experience at NHS. “It should be interesting to see who goes out and what type of team we will have.”

Mackenzie Jackson is the lone returning state qualifier for NORTHEAST-ARMA as Piper Richardson begins her 30th season as head coach. Jackson, a junior, took sixth place in the shot put last year at state while also competing in the discus. There are no returning state qualifiers on the boys side.

“We will be young with new athletes joining the team,” Richardson said. “MaKenzie will return on the girls side and should be very strong for us in the throws.”

First-year coach Jerritt Curtis will be looking for athletes to fill in key roles for NORTHERN HEIGHTS this season. The Wildcats have no returning state qualifiers.

“Many injuries have limited some of the returning athletes who may have been able to compete well at regionals,” Curtis said.

Led by the return of state runner-up Liberty Booker in the girls shot put, OAKLEY has plenty of experience back. Booker is back for her senior campaign and should be a contender for a state title in the shot put. Also returning are junior Jaelle Johnson in the 100 and 300 hurdles. The 4x400 relay team and 4x800 relay squad both return three of their four runners. There are no state qualifiers back on the boys side.

“The boys will be a very inexperienced group,”

Page 69 said Oakley coach Jason Robben, beginning year 20 in the program. “All state and most of the regional points came from seniors. We have the chance to qualify a relay or two to the state meet.

The girls will have a lot of state experience coming back. Liberty has the chance to win state in the shot. Our hurdler and mid-distance runners, Jaelle and Daysha, should have some good results this year.”

Head coach Matthew Johnson has just one state qualifier back at OSKALOOSA. The Bears welcome back senior Olivia Kilgo, who qualified in the long jump, triple jump and 100 hurdles. No boys return as state qualifiers.

Beginning her 16th year as head coach with PITTSBURG-ST. MARY’S COLGAN, Cathy Oplotnik has seven individual state qualifiers back. Leading the way is sophomore Lily Brown who took third in the triple jump, was fifth in the 100 hurdles and high jump and also qualified in the 300 hurdles. Junior Ali Scripsick also qualified individually in the triple jump, finishing in seventh place. Scripsick competed in two relays with the 4x1 and 4x4. Sophomore Gianna Constantini qualified in all three relays, while senior Katie Voss particpated in the 4x4 and 4x8. Also qualifying in relays were junior Leyna Ortega (4x8) and sophomore Isabella Piccini (4x1). The only boy to qualify for state was senior Stuart O’Brien, who took sixth in the 1600 and qualified in the 800.

“We are excited to see how both teams will compete this year,” Oplotnik said. “Not only are we bringing back a very competitive group of girls, we have a lot more girls going to participate in track this year. On the boys side, our seniors are great leaders.”

Beginning her 33rd year as head coach, PLAINVILLE will be looking for younger athletes to fill in key spots this season. The Cardinals have two qualifiers back for continued on 76

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 Back for the girls is state champion pole vaulter Tmara Lozoya (10-0) along with pole vault qualifier Ava Dark. Lozoya also qualified in the long jump and Sidney Swingle was ninth in the 3200 and 10th in the 1600.

Landry Zoeller, the defending state runner-up in the long jump, returns for BLUE VALLEYRANDOLPH girls, which tied for 10th place in 1A last season.

Zoeller finished in second place in the triple jump with a leap of 35-5.75 and also captured sixth place in the long jump at 16-2.75.

BV-Randolph also returns another qualifier in Breeanna Young, who took fourth place in both the long jump (16-3.5) and triple jump COLBY STULL (33-11.25). There are no returning boys state qualifiers.

La Crosse Quinton Cravens and Katie Jones assume the head coaching duties for the 2022 campaign.

“We have some great potential all over the board this upcoming season. We are setting team standards high this year, so we will see some growth out of everyone.”

First-year coach Trever Powell is hoping to build numbers at BUCKLIN with only one returning state qualifier from a year ago in Brooke Evans, who competed in the 3200 for the girls.

“We have been a little low on numbers in recent years,” Powell said. “We are looking to increase numbers and utilize the athleticism that we have in our school.”

Coming off a ninth-place finish in 1A girls, CEEGAN ATKINS BURLINGAME is looking for another top-10 Hanover performance this spring. Jeff Slater begins his ninth season as head coach of the Bearcats.

The girls have several returning qualifiers on

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle Kiowa County captured the Class 1A girls’ its relays. The 4x400 relay squad — that instate track championship last season, finishing cludes Daelyn Winters, Brooke Lewis, Isabella with 64 points to beat out runner-up Hodgeman Tyson and Kaylin Noonan — finished as the 1A County with 35. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton tied runner-up. The Bearcats also took fourth place Decatur Community for third place with 34, fol- in both the 4x100 (Winters, Noonan, Madison Hovestadt) and the 4x800 (Winters, Tyson, lowed by Doniphan West in fifth with 32.5.

On the boys’ side, Hanover claimed the 1A Lewis) relays. Winters also claimed fourth place team title with 55 points, just ahead of runner-up in the high jump, while Lewis (800) and Tyson Madison with 48 and third-place Osborne at 42. (400) both qualified individually. Back for the ARGONIA has no state qualifiers returning boys is Mathew Heckman in the high jump.

“We have a chance to put some really good for head coach Jon Mead, who begins his 15th season with the program and is looking for three relays together on the girls side … if we can get athletes to step up this season, including Dalton healthy,” Slater said. “Injuries and health could Morrison in the javelin, junior girl Brenna Booker play a factor in determining our team depth.”

BURRTON returns two state qualifiers from in the javelin and sophomore Heidi McCurley in last year’s squad. Senior Kirsten Dodd is back the high jump.

“I’m ready for an exciting season with several after competing in the long jump and triple jump, great returners that have the possibility of mak- while sophomore Icyanna Bailey returns in the ing a trip to state,” Mead said. “I’m also looking shot put and discus.

“We are excited for the season to start,” said forward to seeing what freshman Lakelyn Love can do in the girls high jump. She went over 5 Charger head coach Terry Bruton, who begins his 18th year with the program. “The kids have feet as an eighth grader.”

ATTICA will look to Xander Newberry to score set some lofty goals to achieve this season. The points a state after he was third in the pole vault girls have some unfinished business to finish up (12-6) and was one leg of the 10th place 4x4 … the bad taste of not performing at their best and 4x8 teams that each also return two others. on the biggest stage.”

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Defending 1A 200 meter champion Tyson Struber returns for his senior camapaign at CANTON-GALVA, which is led by seventh-year head coach Tina McMannis. The Eagles were the runner-up of the Wheat State League, bringing home seven individual league title.

Of course, the highlight of the season was Struber’s championship performance in the 200 at state, finishing in a time of 22.82 seconds. He was also fifth in the 100. Also returning for the boys are seniors Christian Darrah and Morgan Becker, who both competed in the 1600 and 3200. Becker took sixth in the 3200 in 10:12.18, while Darrah was seventh in that same race at 10:15.01. The 4x400 relay team — consisting of junior Tanner Koehn, Darrah, sophomore Lane McMannis and Struber — competed at state.

Another state qualifier for the girls was Mimi Craig, who was fourth in the shot put (35-8).

“The boys team returns all of last year’s state qualifiers and hopes to use that experience and leadership to build a successful year,” McMannis said. “The girls team is led by returning state medalist in shot put Mimi Craig.

Sophomores Emily Lance, Carley Schmidt, and Natalie Street gained experience in their hurdle and sprint races last year and are hoping to get stronger and improve this year.”

Head coach Jason Braun, who enters his 19th year, has two qualifiers returning at CENTRAL of BURDEN this season. Back for the Raiders are a pair of long-distance runners in Ben Long and Ana Voelker, who both competed in the 3200-meter run.

CENTRALIA head coach Dusty Thompson, now in his fourth year with the program, is looking for some younger athletes to step into key roles for the Panthers this season. CHS returns three state qualifiers from last year, including a pair of medalists — senior Derek Ronnebaum, third place in the pole vault (12-6), and senior Reagan Becker, third in the girls high jump (52). Also back is senior Lena Havenkamp, who qualified in the girls pole vault.

“We’ll need some underclassmen to step up this year, especially on relays to have a chance of competing,” Thompson said.

CHEYLIN sophomores Logan McCarty and Victor Hernandez return after qualifying in relays last year, but no girls are back with state experience. The Cougar coaching staff expected 12-14 boys and 7-8 girls on the team.

Tucker Uhl, last year’s runner-up in the 1A boys high jump, returns this season and is one of three state qualifiers back at COLDWATERSOUTH CENTRAL. Uhl took second place in the high jump with a leap of 6-8. He also competed in the 200-meter dash at state. SC had two girls competing at state as well, including Hadley Lohrding, seventh place in the 100 hurdles and Sierra Jellison in the javelin.

Charlies Austin returns for his second season

Page 70 as the boys’ head coach, with Kayla Snider in her 25th year with the girls.

“We are hoping to have a higher turnout of athletes this year. But even with a smaller turnout, we have some state qualifiers returning and some of the non-qualifiers for state returning who barely missed qualifying last year.”

With no returning state qualifiers, COLONYCREST will be looking for younger athletes to step into key roles this season for coach Zach Mason, who enters his seventh year in the program. Some individuals that could take steps this season for Crest include senior Lindsey Godderz in the discus and javelin, junior Brinley McGhee in the 100 hurdles and long jump, junior Ethan Godderz in the long jump and 200, junior Karter Miller in the 3200 and sophomore Mia Coleman in the girls’ 100, 200 and 400.

“We will be a younger group, but there are a few that could potentially do well,” Mason said.

Two qualifiers return for CUNNINGHAM this season for coach Eric Kerschen in Lane Halderson and Trey DeWeese. Halderson competed in the javelin, while DeWeese participated in the 800. The girls return no qualifiers.

“This year’s girls team will be a learning year,” Kerschen said. “I am excited for the young talent. The boys are strong in all grades, and we look to perform very well this season.”

Class 1A pole vault champ Max Neeley returns for DIGHTON this season. The junior won that event at the state meet with a mark of 13-6.

Hornets head coach Ken Simon, now in his 11th year, has a total of four qualifiers back. In addition to Neeley, back are senior Tomi Gall in the girls shot put, as well as juniors Hector Wilkison in the 800 and Eli Wilkinson in the javelin.

“I feel like we have a solid group of boys and girls coming back that will work hard and be competitive this the season,” Simon said.

Finishing as a regional runner-up and the fifthplace girls team in 1A, DONIPHAN WEST returns a total of seven qualifiers from last year’s squad for third-year head coach Skyler Allen.

Leading the way for Doniphan West is 800 state champ Elle Williams (2:22). The senior also competed in the 1600. Also returning for the girls is junior Claire Cole in the high jump and 100 hurdles, as well as Allie Horner in the 100.

The boys are led by multi-time state qualifier Trent Spiker, who took third place in the 400 (52.23) and qualified in the 100 and 200. Spiker was also a member of the 4x100 relay team with seniors Creighton Johnson, Michael Lackey and Kole Franken, and also plays baseball.

“The boys team has a big senior class with a lot of talent but lacks depth beyond that,” Allen said. “The girls team had a really big squad last season but will drop in numbers. We lost a key contributor with Chloe Clevenger departing to another school. We are still going to be a team with a lot of points come state, and there is a 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE Master Mech. Licensed Bonded - Insured

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 good youth movement with talented freshmen 38 points at the state meet last year. We are looking forward to see who will step up and conand sophomores gaining experience.”

A total of seven qualifiers return for tribute this year.”

HANOVER has one of the best in the state FRANKFORT as head coach Tom Schroeder enters his 33rd season with the program. The back in junior Ceegan Atkins (100h, 1st, 15.61; Wildcats are led by senior Caden Dalinghaus, 300h, 3rd, 47.77; 4x100, 3rd, 52.16; 100m, 9th, who took third place in the boys’ triple jump (42- 13.22), along with senior Michelle Zarybnicky 7). He was also a member of the 4x100 relay (800m, 7th, 2:28.86; 1600m, 5th, 5:42.27; team with Ethan Armstrong, Keller Olson and 4x400, 7th, 4:21.74), senior Allison Jueneman Cody Rogers that finished in seventh place in (4x400, 7th, 4:21.74; LJ, 7th, 15-11.25; 4x100, 45.79 seconds. Also returning is Zavier Brandt 3rd, 52.16), sophomore Tessa Lohse (4x400, in the discus. For the girls, Hattie Gros and 7th, 4:21.74), senior Avery Behrends (4x400, Emma Hardwick return for the 4x800 relay 7th, 4:21.74; 4x100, 3rd, 52.16) and junior team that took seventh place at state (10:36.7). Aliyah Sinn (SP, 16th, 31-1.25). The boys won Hardwick also competed on the state-qualifying the 1A state title (55) with a strong group including now-graduated Jacob and Colin Jueneman.

4x100 relay team.

GOESSEL has several pieces of its puzzle Non-senior qualifiers from last year include seback this season that qualified for state compe- nior Emmit Jueneman (4x400, 2nd, 33.64; LJ, tition a year ago. The Bluebirds are once again 3rd, 21-00.25; TJ, 2nd, 42-7.5), senior Phillip led by head coach Curtis Guhr, who enters Doebele (JAV, 3rd, 170-0), senior Keagan his 14th season. Back are Dylan Riley (boys Dimler (110h, 13th, 17.21) and senior Braelen 400), Caleb Burkholder (boys high jump), Riley Stallbaumer (HJ, 6th, 6-0).

Despite not having any qualifiers back this Graber (girls high jump) and Cheyenne Sawyer (girls 100 and 300 hurdles). The squad also has season, HARTFORD will be looking to some runners back from state-qualifying relays in the younger athletes to make it a successful 2022 season. The Jaguars are led by coaches boys 4x1, girls 4x4, boys 4x8 and girls 4x8.

“We are returning a good number of state Tammy Windle (15th year) and Amanda Torrens qualifiers from last year’s season,” Guhr said. (fifth year). A few individuals that will be expect“Look forward to improving on our finishes at ed to make an impact for the boys are Shayden Sull and Ali Smith in the sprints and relays, AJ regionals and state.”

Two-time state qualifier Drew Stutesman Navarro in the hurdles and relays, and Tyler leads the way for HAMILTON following the boys Stuck in the throws. Also look for production fourth-place finish in 1A a year ago. Stutesman from Brianna Sapp in the girls throws.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming seaplaced sixth in the discus with a toss of 130-6 and also competed in the shot put. Hamilton – son,” Windle said. “We have a good group of which competes with Madison during the regu- freshman to go with our upperclassmen that lar season – is led by coach Alex McMillan and should help us in relays as well as some other events.”

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head coach at HEALY, which has no returning state qualifiers this year.

Finishing as the 1A girls runner-up last season, HODGEMAN COUNTY welcomes back some key figures from that squad as it tries to make it to the top this season. Kaylee James was the state champion in the 300 hurdles, while also finishing as the runner-up in both the 100 meter dash and 100 hurdles. The Longhorns return all of their runners from the 4x100 relay that was the runner-up. Also back for the girls are Alexis Bradshaw in the 400, as well as all the runners from the 4x400 relay team.

“We return every member of the second place team from last season and are gaining some good freshmen,” said Hodgeman County coach Jason Fawcett, who enters his second season.

Kaylee Moore begins her third season as head coach at HUTCHINSON-CENTRAL CHRISTIAN. The Cougars have some individuals that will be looked upon for success for the boys, including sophomores Blake Yoder in the 1600 and 3200, and Hudson Clark in the 400.

Clark competes in the 4x100 relay along with Jack Losew and Emilio Ibarra, while the 4x400 relay also includes Losew and Ibarra.

“Most of our team will be returning this year,” Moore said. “We have lots of talent and lots to improve on. Bringing in the freshman class will add some new talent as well.”

KIOWA COUNTY could be looking at a repeat state championship for Class 1A girls with several individuals returning this season. That’s a good sign for head coach Travis Powell, who begins his 13th season in the program. The 2021 season was a banner one for the Mavericks. In addition to the team championship for the girls program, the team also won five event state titles — Addi Heinson in the 100 (12.29), 200 (25.62) and 400 (57.60), as well as the 4x100 (50.87) and 4x400 (4:15.43) relays. Heinson, a senior, was also a member of the 4x400 along with current seniors Addison Sherer and Charleigh Friesen, as well as sophomore Marley Little. Sherer, Friesen and Little were members of the 4x100 squad. Other state qualifiers for the girls included Little in the pole vault and 200, junior Liberty Gilkey in the triple jump, and senior Emma Thompson in the discus, as well as juniors Karina Martinez and Alex Redcap and sophomore Micah Edris in the 4x800. The lone boys qualifier back is senior Bo West, who took third place in the discus (143-5).

“With a bulk of our state girls team back, we obviously have our sights set on doing well again at the state meet,” Powell said. “On the boys side, I am excited about the potential we can have with our upperclassmen and how they could mesh with the young talent.”

La CROSSE captured ninth place in 1A boys last season and has several pieces of

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Page 71 that puzzle back for another run this spring for head coach Chris Delimont. The Leopards had numerous state qualifiers that are returning this season. That includes senior Cooper Barriger in the javelin, senior Haden Sherman in the triple jump and 110 high hurdles, senior Colby Stull in the 100 and 200, sophomore Tristen Wilhelm in the 100 and 400 wheelchair races, and senior Will Rues in the 800. Several of those same individuals competed in relays — Barriger, Sherman, Stull and senior Gage Burk in the 4x100, Barriger, Stull and Burk in the 4x400 and Rues and sophomore Chris Schlueter in the 4x800. For the girls, back is senior Allie Seltman in the discus.

“We look for both the boys and girls team to have strong leadership this season from our senior class,” said Delimont, who enters his 13th year with the team, the last three as head coach.

Lauren Brummet, who took third place in 1A javelin last season, returns for LAKESIDE. Jessica Cunningham begins her sixth year as head coach of the Knights program. Brummett, a junior, qualified for state in two individual events – javelin (129-2) and triple jump. She is also one of two returning members of the 4x400 relay team — joining senior Bailee Cunningham — that placed fourth with a time of 4:21.26. Also returning for the Knights are senior Reilly Smith, seventh in the girls discus (104-11), and senior Jace Schoen, fifth in the boys high jump (6-2) and seventh in the 400 (53.44).

“We have such a great group of kids,” Cunningham said. “They are hard workers. I can’t wait to see what they can do this season.”

Earning a 10th-place tie in Class 1A girls last season, LINCOLN head coach Dustin Patee, in his first season as head coach, is excited for what’s to come of his Leopards squad this season. Lincoln has four athletes with state experience from last season, including senior Joel Rees and sophomore Caleb Dotterer on the boys 4x100 relay, as well as individual performances for the girls from Raegen Stewart in the 1600 and Shelbie Ford in the 400 and 3200.

Ford was sixth in the 400 with a time of 1:02.17.

“The hopes for the season are to get more kids out for track and then improve their physical abilities throughout the season,” Patee said.

Betsy Lafferty begins her fifth season as head coach at LITTLE RIVER and has seven state qualifiers back this season, including juniors Braxton Lafferty (triple jump, javelin) and Treyton Olander (high jump), as well as sophomores Alaina Eck (triple jump, 4x100, 4x400), Ashley Stephenson (triple jump, 800, 4x100, 4x400), Aubrey Olander (300 hurdles, 4x400), Kate Ellwood (high jump, 4x100) and Kami Grasser (4x400).

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 program. The Mustangs welcome back 1A boys to the state track meet,” Lafferty said.

LOGAN has two state qualifiers back for the 400 champion Ryan Kuckelman. The sophoboys, including senior Dylan VanLaeys, who more took first place in that event with a time took sixth place in the javelin, and senior high of 51.53 seconds. He also competed in the 200. jumper Kylor Hogan. The Trojans are led by The boys also took third place in both the 4x100 head coach Lynette Ehm, who begins her fourth and 4x400 relays, with some of those legs back this season. For the girls, junior Madison Butler season with the program.

“I am excited for this year and the work dedi- returns in the 1600 and 3200 as do all four legs cation these new and returning athletes have,” of the state-qualifying 4x800 relay team.

A regional championship and runner-up finEhm said. “Having larger numbers will allow the team to be more diverse in running events ish in Class 1A boys culminated a successful along with the field events, which includes 2021 season for MADISON. Now head coach Alex McMillian looks to build on that this seasome pole vaulters this coming year.”

First-year head coach Sherri Hudson will son. The Bulldogs have a total of three state be looking for younger athletes to step up at qualifiers returning this season, including a LOST SPRINGS-CENTRE with the return of no pair for the boys. Casey Helm captured a pair state qualifiers. Two individuals Hudson looks of 1A titles in the shot put (55-4.5) and discus for improvement this season are seniors Luke (164-10), while junior Bryson Turner was a state champion in the 100 (11.44). Turner also took Hudson and Carly Denies in the triple jump.

MACKSVILLE claimed seventh place in third place in the 200 (22.83) and was sixth in Class 1A boys last season and return some the long jump (20-5.5). The girls return senior of those pieces this season for head coach Elizabeth Buchman in the discus.

“I am looking forward to this season,” Jennifer Gillespie, now in her 25th year with the

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McMillian said. “We graduated a big senior class but also return a lot of experience and points from the state meet on the boys side.”

Thad Thurston, who begins his 25th season as coach, will be relying on young athletes to step in key roles at MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY. “We are still young,” Thurston said. “We are looking for our youth to get stronger as the year goes.”

MEADE earned eighth place in 1A boys last season, and head coach Garrett Daugherty hopes to build on that this season. The Buffaloes have several state qualifiers back from last season. For the boys, the entire state champion 4x800 relay team of Anthony Godfrey, Brock Keith, Logan Keith and Torren Haynes is back after posting a first-place time of 8:22.01. Haynes also took fourth place in the 400, while Brock Keith competed in the 400, Logan Keith in the 800 and Grayden Stapleton in the 110 hurdles. The girls welcome back Kylin Rudzik, who captured fifth place in the 100 hurdles and sixth in the 300 hurdles as well as Kyra Shewey in the 800.

“We have a lot of great returners to help us have a shot at a great year at the state meet on both the boys and girls side,” said Daugherty, who enters his seventh year in the program.

In his third year as head coach, Ryan Perkins will be looking for some less experienced

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Page 72 athletes to step into key roles at SOUTHERN CLOUD. The Warriors have no returning state qualifiers, yet some individuals that could play a factor in the team’s success include Bryson Schmidt in the javelin and shot put, as well as Dusty Mason in the 110 and 300 hurdles.

“This year we are hoping to get a few more out and be able to compete at most meets,” Perkins said.

MINNEOLA has three state qualifiers back this season. The Wildcats are led by head coaches Reigo Hahn (eighth year) for the boys and Jim Nelson (12th year) for the girls.

Returning from a sixth-place finish in the pole vault is Mason Pfaff. Alex Delbert competed in the boys’ shot put, while Madi Denison participated in the girls’ shot put.

“We are looking at continuing our success this year with a pretty strong group of returners.”

Despite having no returning state qualifiers this season, NATOMA head coach Kurt Grafel is confident in his squad as he enters his 12th year with the program. The Tigers will be looking for several individuals to step up this season, including Derek George (javelin, discus) and KC Conlin (sprints) for the boys, as well as Ashton Lund (1600, 3200), Gracyn Cotterill (sprints), Raylyn Paget (throws) and Sara Lyle (long jump, 400) for the girls.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4

Page 73

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 missed qualifying in the javelin and discus and and will be looked upon to lead the Tigers this should be able to complete that goal this year. season. Alec Carlson was a two-event qualifier KC competed well last year as a sophomore, after taking fourth place in the high jump (6-2) so we are positive he will progress and have a and fifth in the triple jump (41-11.5). For the chance at state. Hampered by injury last year, girls, Olivia Hands finished in sixth place in the Ashton looks to return to state in the two dis- discus (105-10).

“We will be a smaller team compared to most, tance runs.”

NESS CITY qualified in the girls 4x100 with but we will have six to seven strong events led sophomore Monica Jordan, senior Taylor Starr, by Alec Carlson and Olivia Hands,” said 21st senior Kennedy Liggett and junior Makenzy year head coach Rick Carlson.

PEABODY-BURNS has one state qualifier Tillitson finishing 16th with a time of 55.68.

Senior Jose Guzman (400m, 10th, 53.95), back this season in Jake Partridge in the long senior Gavin Schreiber (800m, 11th, 2:10.10), jump. Brian Simmonds returns as head coach and a fifth place 4x800 consisting of Guzman, of the Warriors.

“We had a solid amount of success last seaSchreiber, and fellow senior Corbin Ross son sending two to state and having three to (8:46.01) qualified for the boys.

In her first season as head coach, Jessica four more that were right on the edge of a state Reeves will be looking for leadership from appearance,” Simmonds said. “We will be lookthree returning state qualifiers at NORTHERN ing to build off of that this spring.”

A regional champion last season on the girls VALLEY. Back for the Huskies are junior Brian Bencomo in the 400, sophomore Kenton side, PRETTY PRAIRIE has several key returnThalheim in the pole vault and sophomore Mary ing athletes from that squad this season under head coach James White II, in his sixth season.

Baird in the high jump.

“We are very excited to see what this year’s The Bulldogs welcome back each leg of their group can do,” Reeves said. “We were a very three relays in the 4x100 (Abigail White, Jorah young team last year and are still pretty young Harbaugh, Caylee Brew, Carlin Stucky), 4x400 but we think we will have a competitive group.” (White, McKenna Vogl, Harbaugh, Stucky) and Casey Myers is the lone returning state qual- 4x800 (White, Leah Detter, Joley Harbaugh, ifier for ONAGA this season. The junior com- Jorah Harbaugh). The squad also qualified in peted in a pair of state events, including the individual events, including White in the 300 110-meter high hurdles and the high jump. The hurdles, Detter in the 800, Jorah Harbaugh in the 400 and Stucky in both the 100 and 400.

Buffaloes are led by coach Justine Sperber.

“We will have contenders in multiple events The boys also have some returning qualifiers due to their hard work ethic and athleticism,” in James White III, Landon Weide and Blake Stucky from the 4x800 relay team, Stucky inSperber said.

OSBORNE claimed third place in 1A boys dividually in the 800 and pole vault, and Brock last season and finished as a regional run- Steadman in the high jump.

“We have a strong group of girls returning, led ner-up. Now head coach Steve Tiernan, who enters his seventh season with the program, is by the very athletic senior class,” White said.

QUINTER has a total of three state qualifiers hoping that translates into even more success this spring. The Bulldogs have several return- back for head coach John Crist, who begins his ing state qualifiers, including seniors Mason 29th year in the program. Returning this season Schurr (100, 200, 4x100, 4x400), Dayton Lantz is senior Eli Gruenbacher, who qualified in the (4x100, 4x400), Rylan Cline (4x100), as well as 3200, as well as 4x400 and 4x800. Sophomore juniors Graham Bales, Connor Schurr (4x100, Bradley Bogert competed at state in a pair of 4x800) and sophomores Aiden Conrad and events, the 110-meter hurdles and a fifth-place Sam Kendig (4x800). Back For the girls are se- finish in the 400. For the girls, sophomore nior Taylor Elson (4x800), juniors Trinity Lutters Kennedy Werth earned seventh place in both (triple jump, 4x800) and Brooke Befort (4x800), the pole vault and 100, while also competing in the 100 and 300 hurdles. and sophomore Gracie Riner (javelin, 4x800).

“We have a lot of returning letterwinners for “We should have good numbers in both boys and girls,” Tiernan said. “If the boys heal from all both the boys and girls teams,” Crist said. “We should be very competitive in both, and I hope the football injuries, we could be competitive.”

OTIS-BISON’s lone girl qualifier last season to compete for league titles in both.”

A regional championship and seventh place in was junior Kyra Ball (TJ, 11th, 32-1). On the guys side, Jayce Kohls (LJ, 5th, 20-5) was their 1A girls were just a few of the many highlights for REXFORD/GOLDEN PLAINS last season. lone qualifier and he graduated last May. Two qualifiers are back at PAWNEE HEIGHTS Now the squad hopes to continue that success

against this season as head coach Travis Smith returns for his 23rd year in the program.

Golden Plains returns a 1600 meter girls state champion in sophomore Emma Weiner, who also finished as the runner-up in the 3200. She was also a member of the runner-up 4x800 squad with returner Rayna Taylor, as well as on the 4x400 with junior Sidney Taylor. Also returning for the girls is junior Breanna Rath, who captured seventh place in the triple jump.

The lone state qualifier back for the boys will be senior Ethan Weiner in the 3200.

“The girls should continue to have a very competitive team with the return of Emma Weiner, who was the Class 1A state cross country champion,” Smith said. “With the return of Rayna and Sidney Taylor, Breanna Rath, seniors Kassie Miller and Morgan Wark and incoming freshman Anette Hernandez Lopez, the girls team will look to push for several events to return to state.”

Of three state qualifiers from a year ago, two will return for ROCK HILLS this season, according to new head coach Sawyer Havenstein The Grizzlies welcome back a pair of juniors.

Grant Meyers returns for the boys in the pole vault, while Lauren Whelchel competed in a pair of events in the high jump and pole vault.

“We bring back two of our three state qualifiers this year as well as a lot of young talent coming in as freshmen,” Havenstein said. “This year’s team should be a larger one than in years past with the number of students we have who are interested and excited for track and field.”

After the loss of several key individuals due to graduation, SATANTA will be looking for younger athletes to step into new roles this season. The Indians are coached by Karen

Page 74 Burrows, who is now in her 10th season with the program. Isaiah Garcia is the lone returning athlete with state experience after being part of the 4x800 relay team that captured ninth place a year ago. Also returning is junior Kacen Anthony, who placed fifth in the discus at the SPIAA League Meet.

“As most of the team graduated in 2021, this will definitely be a building year,” Burrows said.

SOLOMON’s only qualifier from last season was state champion Emma Seidl (SP, 40-00.25) who is now throwing at Iowa Central.

First-year head coach Grant Wiegers has no returning state qualifiers at ST. FRANCIS. “We will have a solid group of girls returning and only one returning boy,” Wiegers said. “We also will have a a brand new coaching staff.”

Limited in overall bodies, ST. XAVIER will be searching for individuals to step into key roles.

The Rams, with second-year coach Joshua Lichtensteiger, have no returning qualifiers.

“I think it will be very interesting,” Lichtensteiger said. “I hope my team is bigger than six kids. Three girls and three boys is what I had last year.”

Two-time state qualifier Rylan Basart is back at STOCKTON to lead the way for Clint Bedore’s squad. Bedore begins his eighth year with the Tigers. Basart, a senior, took fourth place a year ago in the javelin, while also competing in the shot put. He is joined by junior Kaelyn Means, who finished as the state runner-up in the girls discus with a toss of 115-11.

“We have several incoming freshmen that should add to the quality and depth of our team,” Bedore said. “It should be a fun year.”

SYLVAN-LUCAS does not have any returning qualifiers this season. The Mustangs will be

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 looking for leadership from Dayton Couse in the Payton LeDuc in the boys javelin and sophomore Lillee Richard in the girls pole vault. Hill shot put and Brody Batchman in the hurdles.

The TESCOTT girls had one qualifier last will also be joined in the boys 4x100 relay with year in then sophomore Mallorie Church in the Dustin Betts and Trenton Zenger.

“There is a good group of returning athletes 100 meter hurdles. The Trojan boys graduated Kayden Presnell, who qualified in the 110 and on both the boys and girls teams,” Tryon said.

300 hurdles and was fourth in the 110s, along “We will keep our goal to improve every meet with his classmate Braydon Peterson, who was and increase the size of teams that we will be 12th in the pole vault. Nathan Ehlers was the taking to state.”

WESTERN PLAINS is still a young and growonly non-senior qualifier for the boys after he finished in eighth in the 300 hurdles, just ahead ing team for head coach Joe Spangler, who enters his third season with no returning state of Presnell.

THUNDER RIDGE’s lone qualifier last year for qualifiers.

“We will be a very young and small team,” the girls was junior discus state champ Toree Slavik (117-11), while the guys sent an eighth Spangler said. “Our track program is just beplace 4x800 team (8:52.72) consisting of soph- ginning to grow with interest in our school. Last omore Mason Baker, junior Dylan Bice, junior year, we had four athletes participate. We look to have close to 10 this year.”

Jace Randall and senior Jaden Stauffer.

State placer Livia Schultz returns for her Macy Hammerschmidt, the 1A long jump champion, returns for her junior season and is senior season at WHEATLAND/GRINNELL one of three state qualifiers back for VICTORIA. after taking sixth place in the javelin last seaHead coach Amy Schoenrock begins her sixth son. Schultz is one of four returning qualifiers season with the program. Hammerschmidt won for the Thunderhawks, which includes senior the state title with a leap of 16-9.25 and also fin- Anna Godek in the triple jump, senior Isabella ished fourth in the 100 and seventh in the 200. Ostmeyer in the pole vault and junior Treven She will be joined by two seniors that qualified Humphries in the boys pole vault. The team for state last season, Melany Huser in the girls also has some pieces back from its state-quali800 and Katelyn Windholz, who finished just fying boys 4x100 relay team.

“Our boys and girls teams will both be led by a behind Hammerschmidt in the 200. The trio also makes up three legs of the 12th place 400 very talented group of returning upperclassmen that have their eyes set on league, regional meter relay team.

Seven state qualifiers return for and state championships,” said fifth-year coach WASHINGTON COUNTY and first-year head Todd Flinn. “Both squads should be among the coach Tommy Tryon. Three seniors are back, top in the area, and our boys program shapes including Hunter Hill in the 100, Evyn Finlayson up to be stronger and more diverse than it has in the girls shot put and Natalie Harlan in the ever been.”

WHITE CITY graduated all of their state qual800. Other individuals returning are junior

ifiers last May, including Cameron Capuzano (DISC), Dylan Worrell (SP), and on the girls side, Jada Lee (SP, DISC).

With no returning state qualifiers from last season, WICHITA CLASSICAL will be relying on Jordy Dolloff for leadership this season.

Dolloff will compete in the 300 hurdles for head coach Michael Bucy.

WICHITA COUNTY, which tied for fifth place in Class 2A boys a year ago, returns a pair of state qualifiers in Tristen Porter and Ciera Hernandez. Porter finished as the 2A runner-up in the pole vault (13-6) and also qualified in the triple jump. Hernandez, a sophomore, took seventh place in the 2A 400 in 1:03.05.

Page 75 be moving up and claiming spots in the varsity scene,” said Indians head coach Janee Porter, now in year 18 with the program. “They have really matured and stepped into some leadership roles for us. Our girls team is young and will begin to learn what competition really looks like. We expect to see some response to that competition with some great performances.”

Head coach Tony Brokes, who begins his 25th year, will be relying on an overall young group of athletes at WILSON this season. The Dragons have no returning state qualifiers from a year ago.

“The team will consists of mainly freshmen and sophomores,” Brokes said.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2022, Volume 4 2A Track & Field/from page 69 “We have another phenomenal group that fothe boys, including sophomore Braylon Bittel in cuses more on growth rather than accolades,” the discus and shot put, as well as junior Carter said Alex McConaghy, beginning year 14 as Cellmer in the long jump and triple jump. The girls head coach of the program. “I’m proud of how are led by seniors Abby Reif (discus) and Emma much our athletes are focusing on helping others Rudman (shot, discus), as well as juniors Gracie continue growing and then seeing themselves Kerns (LJ, TJ, relays) and Jada Rathbun (200, continue progressing as well.”

400, relays).

Class 2A girls’ runner-up STANTON COUNTY “We are going to be in the rebuilding process,” returns a solid group of qualifiers from last year’s Finnesy said. “We lost a great group of seniors.” as it tries to remain near the top of the team One state qualifier returns for PRATT-SKYLINE standings this season. The Trojans are led by for fifth-year coach Andrew Nation, Jesus Casas, triple crown winning junior Chesney Peterson, who was fourth in the long jump (20-4). There are who took the gold medal in the 800 (2:16.80), no returning state qualifiers on the girls side.

1600 (5:00.72) and 3200 (10:47.92) last season.

“We are waiting to see how the roster shapes Also returning are state runner-up junior Suzanne up,” Nation said. “We think the participation is Farnham in the pole vault (10-0), as well as segoing to increase from last season.” nior qualifier Adyson Scott in the long jump.

Arnold Schmidtberger returns for his 12th year Stanton County also has all of its runners back as head coach at SACRED HEART. The Knight from its state champion 4x400 relay (4:11.83). As shave four individual girls state qualifiers back, for the boys, senior Sam Canny qualified in both including senior Madisyn Ehrlich in the 3200, the long jump and 400, senior Spencer Schmidt sophomore Emma Roberts in the 800, soph- in the 800 and Kamryn Golub in the 3200. SC omore Gracy Dorzweiler in the 400 and soph- also qualified in the 4x8. omore Lauryn Mikkelson in the 300 hurdles.

“We should have another very competitive seaSacred Heart also returns all four runners from son for the boys and girls,” said 10th-year head its state-qualifying 4x800 team that wasfifth. No coach Andrea Jones. “We won’t have as large of state qualifiers return on the boys side. a team this year, but we have some top compet“We should have some competitive events for itors returning.” the girls team,” Schmidtberger said. “The boys Senior Danielle Howard leads the way for team is struggling to get numbers out for track.”

UNIONTOWN after qualifying for state in three A total of nine state qualifiers are back for head events. Howard took third place in the 300 hurcoach Mike Rogers and his SMITH CENTER dles, while also claiming fifth in both the 100 and squad this season as he enters his 30th year 200 meter dashes. Also qualifying on the girls in charge of the program. The majority of those side were Brooklyn Dreisbach in the 100 hurdles, qualifiers are back for the girls, including all four as well as the 4x100 relay team. Two boys qualmembers of the 4x800 relay team — Gracie ified for state — senior Korbin Miller in shot put Enochs, Camryn Hutchinson, Tallon Rentschler and senior Ian McClure in the discus. and Dakota Kattenberg. Hutchinson also comVALLEY HEIGHTS finished as the girls repeted in the javelin last season, taking fifth place gional runner-up and went on to take third place in 2A. Also returning are Gracie Kirchhoff in the overall at the Class 2A meet. The Mustangs have 100, 200 and long jump, Tinley Rentschler in the several qualifiers back this season for first-year high jump and Ashlyn Long in the pole vault. The head coach Adam Schreiner. Individual qualifiers boys welcome back Tarek Koelsch in the javelin on the girls side include Emma Yungeberg in the and Garrett Wanner in the 300 hurdles. shot put, discus and javelin, Maddy Vermetten in “We hope to build on the things that we were the discus, Taya Smith in the 400 and pole vault able to accomplish last season,” Rogers said. and Brooke Porter in the 200. The 4x400 relay There are high expectations for SOUTHEAST- team of Smith, Vermetten, Porter and Maggie CHEROKEE this season with the return of sev- Toerber return, as well as the 4x800 of Catherine eral key athletes from last year’s Three Rivers Toerber, Vermetten, Smith and Abigail Steinfort.

League boys championship team. Nick Cheney Boys qualifiers returning are Carter Beardsley in enters his seventh season as coach of the the triple jump and Trenton L’Ecuyer in the long Lancers. Leading the way will be Cullen Mutz, jump. Both Beardsley and L’Ecuyer are joined who was eighth in 2A in the 300 hurdles, while by Trayton Claycamp and Caden Parker in the also competing in the 110 hurdles. Mutz was also 4x100 relay. a member of the 4x1 team that included Matthew Sophomore Myah Mattheyer (TJ, 15th, 31-1.75) Martinie, Drake Guyman and Deric Mitchell. The was the lone non-senior WAKEENEY-TREGO girls return Aubrey Jacobs in the 1600. girl qualifier last season. The guys finished 10th STERLING girls had a strong group of qualifi- in the state with a number of non-senior qualifiers ers last season with junior Madison Ayala (100m, including James Kreigh (100m, 9th, 11.34; 4x100, 13th, 13.47; 4x1), sophomore Faith Ekart (800m, 4th, 45.27; 4x400, 2nd, 3:31.26), Gunner Wilson 4th, 2:26.72), junior Kate Rowland (100h, 8th, (TJ, 11th, 39-02; 4x100, 4th, 45.27; 4x400, 2nd, 17.7), junior Isabel Brownlee (TJ, 13th, 3-11.75), 3:31.26), Owen Day (JAV, 6th, 158-8; 4x100, 4th, senior Sadie Beagley (SP, 5th, 37-0), and senior 45.27) and Cole Feldt (4x400, 2nd, 3:31.26).

Lacey Farney (100h, 9th, 17.5; 4x1). The men Sophie Juhl returns as the only state qualifier finished 10th at Cessna, but graduated one of the back for WATHENA-RIVERSIDE this season, best high jumpers in state history in Tyus Wilson. after competing in last year’s state long jump (14Non-senior qualifiers included Joseff Hartman 3). There are no boys qualifiers returning.

(PV, 11th, 11-6) as well as seventh place 4x1 WICHITA INDEPENDENT has one state qualimembers Noah Svaty and Donivin Hopwell. fier back from last year’s squad. Joseph Ricalde ST. MARYS has some experience back this Phillips took third place at state in the 400 with a season, led by sophomore Hope Garland, who time of 52.3 seconds. There are no state qualifiqualified for state in three different events last ers back on the girls side. season, including the 100, 200 and as a member of the 4x100 relay team. In addition to Garland, sophomore Grace Smith and senior Josie Hurd also return from the 4x100 relay team. Two qualifiers are back for the boys, senior Noah Jacobson in the triple jump and junior Alex Toenjes in the 110 high hurdles. Jacobson placed sixth in the triple jump (41-7.75).

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Wentling/continued from page 32 (.220, 4.2 ERA), Bryce Conner (.283, 2.74 ERA), and sophomores Caden Morgan (.300, 2.75 ERA) and Joseph Mindrup (.167).

Wentling will be a favorite to repeat as state champ in the long jump and will compete with Dean Clark of Norton and Brogan Renfro of Silver Lake – both of whom finished ahead of him at Cessna last May – for in the triple jump.

Despite it being his strongest suit, Wentling’s leaping ability isn’t the only aspect that makes him a valuable member of the track team.

“Jace is the ultimate team guy,” Harris said.

“He has stepped in multiple times and ran the first leg of our 4X1 with little to no handoff practice. Last year at regionals we had three guys qualify for the state meet in long jump and Jace might have been more excited for the other guys than himself. Whether it’s baseball or track and field, Jace always puts the team before

Page 76 himself and will do whatever it takes for him and his teammates to have success.”

Wentling plans to bring an end to his track career after this season, despite a number of college track coaches that would be more than happy to have his services in a dual-sport setup.

“I’ve thought about it, it’s really tough to do that in college,” Wentling said. “I really have thought about that a lot, but my first love is baseball.

Even though it’s during the same season, I’ve tried to make it work with both sports, but in college I really wanted to focus on baseball and that’s what really set it apart.”

With his gaze fixed on one sport this fall, Wentling’s potential appears higher than ever.

“I think the sky’s the limit with Jace once he gets to the next level,” Breit said. “In high school, there has been a lot on his plate with all the sports, but next year he will be able to narrow all his focus strictly to baseball.”

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