Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Kansas

Volume 2 | 2020

PREGAME SPRING EDITION

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

FOR THE CLASS OF 2020!

When I heard the news the spring sports season in Kansas was cancelled due to an abundance of caution related to the spread of the coronavirus I sat on my couch in disbelief. I was a few days from wrapping up the layout plan for our second annual Spring Preview and making plans for printing and distribution. Now, there was no season to preview.

I had big goals for this issue. Our usual slate of features and previews for sure, but also our first coverage of cross country and volleyball in print featuring postseason recaps of two sports we’ve long planned to include in our pages.

After spending a few days figuring out what to do, I remember being troubled by the stories of the basketball players who didn’t get the chance to finish their state JOHN BAETZ tournament run, or spring athletes who would miss an entire season, especially PUBLISHER those in the Class of 2020, whose high school athletic careers were suddenly over.

I kept thinking, “What will their memories of 2020 be like?”

That’s when it hit me, Kansas Pregame can help to provide some positive memories of what, for many athletes, their parents and coaches, was a rather traumatic end to an otherwise normal school year.

And, the 2020 Spring Edition was born.

Now, in these pages, not only can Kansas baseball, softball and track athletes take a “what might have been” look at the spring sports season, but athletes from the other sports we cover - basketball, cross country, football, volleyball and wrestling - can take a look back at the memories of 2020 in a keepsake publication that will provide memories for years to come.

The move pushed our release date back significantly, but added nearly three times the content to what was previously the smallest of our three magazines.

I’m very proud of what we’ve done here and there are numerous people who deserve credit for making this publication possible, not the least of which are the numerous advertisers who invested in our product during frightening economic times.

To keep some perspective, let’s remember that the athletes in the Class of 2020 are, in most cases, not confronted with the challenges of our frontline health care workers or emergency services personnel who are battling to protect us from the spread of the coronavirus, but, let’s also not minimize the importance of sports to the most dedicated of high school student-athlete.

To those dedicated student-athletes in the Class of 2020, this special Spring Edition is for you!

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Pregame Spring Edition, Kansas Pregame Winter Edition and KansasPregame.com Layout and Design: Becky Rathbun Ad Design: Becky Rathbun; Kayla Kvacik, Kvacik Graphics Contributing writers: Harold Bechard, Huey Counts, Chance Liebau, Brett Marshall, Gallagher Martin, Conor Nicholl *Photographers: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography; Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com *Dozens of amateur and professional photographers contributed to the Spring Yearbook, it is impossible to recognize them all here, but individual photos feature credit.

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 2, June 1, 2020

The 2020 Kansas Pregame Spring Edition cover was photographed at the new Sharp Performance location in downtown Salina. For more about Sharp Performance, including gym locations, hours and services offered visit www.sharp-performance.com.

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

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

WHAT’S INSIDE 3 Supporting Cast 5 Hometown Proud 9 Spring Spotlight 17 Youth Movement 25 Baseball “Previews” 32 Softball “Previews” 37 Track “Previews” 51 Spring Yearbook Begins For more coverage of Kansas high school sports on the Web find Kansas Pregame on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit our Website at

KansasPregame.com

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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NEX-TECH WIRELESS SUPPORTING CAST: SPRING 2020 Norton Wrestling

Kansas Pregame and Nex-Tech Wireless continue to recognize those behind the scenes helping area sports teams achieve success. Check out the Spring Supporting Cast below and for more about Nex-Tech Wireless visit www.nex-techwireless.com.

Jerry Darling, Norton Wrestling

Norton resident Jerry Darling never had a child wrestle for Norton High School, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the biggest supporters of the powerhouse program in northwest Kansas. According to Norton wrestling head coach Bill Johnson, Darling is unwavering in his support for not only wrestling, but all Norton High School athletics.

“Wrestling is his favorite, but he supports all the kids,” Johnson said. “He loves the kids, and he loves seeing them succeed.”

JERRY DARLING At last year’s Norton wrestling team banquet, the team wanted SUPER FAN, NORTON to honor Darling and named an award after him: The Jerry Darling Wrestling Fan of the Year Award. The award goes to the biggest fan of the program, with the one exception being the winner cannot currently have a child competing on the team.

“We have a good following for our wrestling team,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of people following us who didn’t have kids on the team. I got with Jerry and we created the fan of the year award.”

Johnson just completed his 29th season as head wrestling coach at Norton, and he says Darling has been a supporter of the program for over 20 years.

Darling does more than attend home matches. One of the things that impresses Johnson Courtesy Photo

Jamie Remsberg, Newton Flyers Track Club

USD #253

Jamie and Tad Remsberg have a good working dynamic that is based on an agreement - Jamie handles the administrative aspect while Tad does the coaching.

“I’m more behind the scenes,” Jamie said. “The parents know not to talk to Tad about the registration process and to instead come to me.”

Together, the wife and husband run the Newton Flyers Track Club, which helps feed into the Newton High School track and JAMIE REMSBERG NEWTON FLYERS TRACK, NEWTON field program - a program that has won three of the last four state championships on the girls side.

“It feels like a large family because a lot of those girls were Flyers when they started track,” Jamie said.

Jamie and Tad took over the Newton Flyers when their oldest son, now a junior in college, was around eight. Jamie said they became owners because nobody else wanted to.

“Tad and I had a discussion after our kids were done competing whether or not to keep it going,” Jamie said. “It’s actually been a really great thing to keep it rolling as a way to give back to the community.”

Tad is the head coach of the Newton High Track and Field teams - one of the top programs in the state. He credits his wife for the program’s success.

“My wife Jamie is also the backbone of our summer track program. She does all the hard work to keep that team going,” Tad said. “I get to do the easy part and just coach. Newton Flyers track wouldn’t still be around without her. Much of our high school success comes from

Curtis Simons, Athletic Director, Emporia

Emporia High School athletic director Curtis Simons is heavily involved behind the scenes to make sure sporting events run smoothly.

On Friday night home football games during the fall, Simons is all over the place making sure everything goes as planned.

“When you have a home game, you can’t just show up and play,” Simons said. “Away games are a bit easier - you just show up and supervise.”

During a home football game, Simons responsibilities include, but CURTIS SIMONS AD, EMPORIA are not limited to, coordinating with Emporia State University, paying referees, locking the gates, turning on and off the lights, and making sure everybody has towels and water.

most about Darling is his willingness to travel any distance to support the wrestling team.

In the past, the Norton wrestling has travelled out of state to Colorado and Nebraska for post-season tournaments. When Darling made the trip to the Mile High Tournament of Champions in the early 2000s, it made quite the impression on Johnson.

“My oldest son is 35, a 2003 graduate, when he was a sophomore we made our first trip to Denver to the Mile High Tournament of Champions, which has now turned into the Rocky Mountain Nationals, and Jerry accompanied us to that. Probably the first time I realized he was dedicated enough to travel that far just to watch these kids,” Johnson said.

Norton High School wrestling assistant coach Billy Broeckelman is a 2011 graduate of the school and became a coach during the 2018-2019 season. Seeing Darling’s support as a competitor and now as a coach has caused Broeckelman to gain a greater appreciation for Darling’s contributions.

“I remember as a kid he was always there,” Broeckelman said. “As a kid, you talk to him and he talks to you, but as an adult you really grow to respect the man because you realize he doesn’t have any reason to come and watch other than he wants to.”

Broeckelman echoes Johnson’s thoughts about Darling’s importance to the program.

“Jerry is an invaluable part of this program. He helps with traditions, kids know he will always be there. You just don’t see it anymore - someone who wants to support something that strong,” Broeckelman said.

Gallgher Martin athletes that started on our youth team.”

Jamie and Tad met at Emporia State University in the late 80s or early 90s. Jamie, who has lived in Newton her whole life outside of college, played softball for the Hornets her junior and senior years, and played at Hutchinson Community College as an underclassman.

Her senior year, Emporia State finished third in the nation.

“It was a great way to end our season and my softball career,” Jamie said.

Jamie was a standout in basketball, as well as softball, in high school.

“Softball and basketball were both big parts of my life,” Jamie said. “I chose softball over basketball in college because I had a bad knee injury. Basketball was my first love, softball was what I was good at.”

Together, Jamie and Tad have three children. Kadin, the oldest, is a junior on the Air Force football team. This past season, Kadin rushed for 1,050 yards and eight TDs for the Falcons.

Maggie, the middle child, does multiple events at at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. In high school, Maggie collected 16 total state medals and won individual state championships in the 100 meter hurdles as a junior and the 300 hurdles as a senior. She was also member of the 4x400 state championship relay as a freshman and was part of the gold medal winning 4x100 relay team as a senior.

Jamie and Tad’s youngest child, Jonah, will be a junior at Newton High School next season.

Due to COVID-19, Jamie and Tad made the decision to keep the Newton Flyers Track Club closed for the indefinite future. Jamie said she never realized how much she and her husband were invested in sports until sports were taken away.

“Our socialization is watching sports,” Jamie said. “Watching our kids compete, watching the high school kids compete. . . we’re missing all of it.”

Gallgher Martin “Home games require a lot of responsibilities,” Simons said. “I have a student manager who helps me out.”

Simons, originally from Scott City, has served as athletic director at EHS for seven years. From 1993-2004, Simons was the head wrestling coach and an assistant volleyball coach at Emporia.

One of his favorite moments in his time as athletic director includes hosting the first-annual Centennial League Girls Wrestling Championship last year..

“One of our girls came from behind and pinned her opponent in the third period of the last match which allowed us to win league as a team by one point,” Simons said.

Another fond moment came in 2016 when the Emporia boys won the Class 5-1A State Bowling Championship. Braden Schuler won the individual championship and bowled a 300-game in the process.

“The other kids fed off it, and it was awesome,” Simons said.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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Courtesy Photo

In 2017 when Shawne Heights left the Centennial League for the United Kansas Conference, that left a hole in Emporia’s football schedule for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Simons reached out to Kansas City, Kansas-area schools who had corresponding open weeks, but they decided to play opponents in Missouri.

“To be honest, that was kind of frustrating,” Simons said. “I called KSHSAA and told them I didn’t think that was right.”

Simons reached out to schools in Oklahoma and Nebraska without much luck. In July of 2018, Simons met the athletic director of Legends High School (Colorado) and the two teams had an open spot to fill.

The distance from Emporia to Parker, Colorado is nearly eight hours. After going back and forth on where the game would be played, Simons called Scott City athletic director Randy Huck to see if the two teams could play there in the middle.

In 2018, Emporia hosted Legends at Scott City High School. In 2019, it was Legends’ turn to

Don Steffens, Announcer

There aren’t many things Don Steffens is more passionate about than track and field and cross country. Whether he is writing, spectating, managing, or announcing - which is what he is known best for - Steffens enjoys what he does.

“I love the whole package,” Steffens said. “I’ve been infatuated with track and field since I was a sophomore in high school. I like keeping statistics, I like watching it, I like announcing it, I like writing stories about it. . .

“There is no aspect of it that I do not enjoy.”

DON STEFFENS ANNOUNCER, ?

Steffens is an iconic voice in state cross country and track and field in Kansas. In 1974, Steffens announced his first state cross country meet. The following spring in 1975, Steffens announced his first state track and field meet.

For the past 45 years, Steffens has been a staple of consistency in the cross country and track and field community.

Steffens, 74, hasn’t missed a state meet since beginning, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“I hope to be announcing the state meet until the day I die,” Steffens said. “This year would have been 46 in a row. I’m sure I’ll hit 50, that’s kind of my goal. Right now I’m healthy, and I’m enjoying every moment of it.”

Steffens is a graduate of Wichita East High School where his love for cross country and track and field blossomed. Steffens served as a manager under legendary head coach Bob Timmons, who passed away in August of 2015.

host Emporia at the same spot.

Legends won two competitie games by a combined 10 points. Simons said it was a great atmosphere considering the situation.

“They have a great environment and great stadium,” Simons said. “It was nice to go home and see some friends and family who still live in Scott City.”

With the cancellation of spring sports due to COVID-19, Simons says he misses the kids more than anything.

“It’s been a depressing spring,” Simons said.

Emporia football head coach Corby Milleson is grateful for Simons’ contributions and knows it will be hard to replace him when he decides to retire.

“As far as football goes, Curtis goes out of his way to make sure that we have everything we need,” Milleson said. “He builds relationships with players in every program, and makes decisions based on the best thing for kids.”

Gallgher Martin In the summer of 1974, Steffens met McPherson-native Carol Swenson. The following fall, the two became the first announcers at the state cross country meet.

“Nobody had ever announced a state cross country meet until we did it,” Steffens said. “It’s really fun because we get to talk about athletes that don’t get a lot of attention throughout the years. The parents love to listen to it, and coaches get a kick out of it, too. We feel like it really does affect the athletes.”

Steffens has seen everything there is to see at the state meets, and yet he says he sees something new every year.

When Steffens recalls his favorite moments, watching Jim Ryun become the first high school runner to run a sub four-minute mile comes to mind.

However, it is not his favorite.

Steffens has three children: Billy, Suzanne, and Kem. When Suzanne qualified for state in the high jump, and the whole Steffens family was there in attendance.

“That’s the most fun i ever had at a state track meet,” Steffens said. “Our son Billy was working with the timing crews, our younger son Kem was in the press box handing out results, my brother Jim was running the clock, and my wife Charlotte was sitting with all four grandparents. The whole family was there. It was just an amazing day.”

Right now, Steffens is missing his first state track and field meet due to the cancellation of spring sports from COVID-19. When sports do resume, Steffens will be excited to get to the action.

“I used to go to about three track meets a week,” Steffens said. “Needless to say, I’m missing it all.”

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Hometown PROUD

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 4

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

All Hometown Proud features by Gallagher Martin

Minneapolis High ALEX KUDER School’s Alexander KudMinneapolis er missed out on his senior year of track, but he has not run his last race.

Kuder will run cross country and track and field at Emporia State University starting in spring of 2021.

Kuder runs the 1600 meter and the 3200 meter during track season.

Last year, Kuder was sixth at the North Central Activities Association League Championship in the 1600.

Kuder was not going to get the chance to qualify for the state track meet regardless of the cancellation of spring sports from the coronavirus because of another responsibility.

On December 30 of last year, Kuder joined the Army National Guard. On May 20, Kuder was scheduled to leave for basic training, so he would have missed out on regionals and state even if they were held as scheduled. His commitment to the guard will push his attendance at Emporia State back to next spring as well.

Kuder is also a standout cross country runner, and his fouryear improvement was significant.

As a freshman on the Minneapolis cross country team, Kuder ran a 25:47. Fast forward to his senior year and Kuder has a personal record of 17:34.

Kuder medaled at every meet during his senior year of cross country, led by third-place finish at the Ellsworth Invitational and a sixth-place finish at Beloit where he PR’d at 17:37.

At regionals in Norton, Kuder finished 13th and was the fifth individual runner which qualified him for state. At the state meet in Lawrence, Kuder finished his high school cross country career with a personal-record time of 17:34.2, which was good enough for 23rd.

In the classroom, Kuder was a member of the Minneapolis High Honor Roll, for students with GPA’s greater than 3.5.

Kandy Konstable

Lincoln’s Zach Obermueller emphasized the ZACH OBERMUELLER Lincoln student in student-athlete.

As a 2020 Governor’s Scholar, he is in the academic top one percent of Kansas high school seniors. He also earned The Vance Gourley Memorial Scholarship, which emphasizes academic excellence in combination with participation in extracurricular activities for LHS students.

Obermueller played football, basketball and baseball at Lincoln. Maintaining a busy athletic schedule while finding success in the classroom took a lot of hard work, but Obermueller credits the support around him for keeping him balanced.

“There’s a lot of late nights working on homework and studying for tests after practice,” Obermueller said. “I am fortunate to have parents that supported me in both athletics and academics, so in a way, for me, acing a tough test was celebrated as much as a win on the field. This support definitely pushed me to always do my best in the classroom.”

In basketball, Obermueller earned All-Northern Plains League honorable mention his senior year and was a three-year starter for the Leopards.

“I can’t say enough about his growth as a player and person,” Lincoln boys basketball head coach Joe Biggs said.

Obermueller’s efforts in the classroom did not go unnoticed by his athletic coaches.

“Throughout the years there is not one time that I was worried about Zach’s grades as he has always been an outstanding student,” Biggs said. “This is also what made him a good leader.

You like to have leaders that you can count on to make the right decisions.”

Obermueller was also a multi-year starter in football and baseball, but his final season of spring sports was cut short due to COVID-19.

“Spring sports were always one of my favorite times of the year; the long bus rides were some of my favorite memories,” Obermueller said. “When the news hit that school was switching over to online for the rest of the year due to Covid-19, I was crushed thinking of all the moments I was missing out on.”

It’s the little things Obermueller will miss most from high school.

“I think I miss lunch time the most - not for the food (even though Lincoln has some amazing lunch ladies), but for all the laughs I had with my friends,” Obermueller said.

This fall, Obermueller plans to attend KU as a pre-pharmacy student.

Becky Rathbun

Rayna Schmidt

Southern Cloud High School’s Makenna Com- MAKENNA COMSTOCK Southern Cloud stock used determination in the face of adversity.

Due to injuries, Comstock had never played the first game of a basketball season until her senior year. She was determined to have a healthy and successful senior season of basketball.

“She used that as motivation on the court, which led her to a great senior season,” Southern Cloud head coach Ryan Perkins said. “She played hard and was a key component to the team.”

Comstock earned honorable mention All-Northern Plains League her senior season on the court for the Class 1A school system in north central Kansas with attendance centers in Glasco, Delphos and Miltonvale. In the classroom, Comstock maintained a 3.5 GPA and was the Salutatorian - the student who ranks second highest in a graduating class.

“She took her academics seriously,” Perkins said. “She even took numerous college credits to set her up to further her education. Just like with basketball, she showed up everyday ready to work.”

Comstock said maintaining a high GPA while excelling on the basketball court took a lot of hard work and dedication.

“There were lots of ups and downs, but I set high standards for myself and pushed myself to achieve them,” Comstock said. “I had many people there to help me reach my goals.”

Comstock was a leader for the Southern Cloud girls basketball team on and off the court. The team chemistry the Warriors had can be greatly attributed to Comstock.

“She has a fun personality. Her teammates looked up to her,” Perkins said. “Her leadership and friendship with her teammates led to a bond between everyone.”

Comstock has participated in track in the past, running sprints, hurdles and long jumping, and says the track season is what she missed out on the most due to cancellation of most spring activities due to fears surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

“I missed the chance to be with my track family and to reach my goals of the season,” Comstock said. “I did not get a chance to say goodbye to the faculty and my friends.”

Comstock plans on attending Cloud County Community College next year and is undecided on a major.

Thanks to Citizens State Bank & Trust Company in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Delphos, Glasco and Minneapolis for sponsoring feature coverage of Hometown Proud Student-Athletes from central Kansas.

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Page 5

Ellsworth High School’s Jaide Talbott was set for a big spring on the softball diamond.

Last season, Talbott helped lead Ellsworth to a 13-7 record while earning honorable mention All-North Central Activities Association honors. Ellsworth reached the regional finals and was one win away from JAIDE TALBOTT the state tournament.

Ellsworth Talbott was one of three Bearcats who earned all-league honors last season.

The team chemistry and talent was evident last year in Ellsworth.

“My spring sport - softball - and my team had an amazing connection with each other through the years,” Talbott said.

“It’s a team win or lose you’re proud to say you’re a part of.”

Ellsworth softball head coach Ken Cravens describes Talbott as flexible - she can play in the outfield and infield, and even behind the plate as a catcher.

“It was very disappointing we lost her for her senior year, we had a good group of seniors that we lost and we brought back a lot of nice pieces,” Cravens said. “For her in particular, she was going to get the opportunity to play a few positions.

With the size of our program, sometimes kids have to pick up a new position. She was very excited to do it, too.”

The Ellsworth basketball team did not have much success in the win column, finishing 5-15 overall, but Talbott still stood out and earned first team All-NCAA honors last season.

“She’s tough-nosed, a hard worker, and has a competitive spirit. Sometimes it’s not easy to dig that out of some people,” Cravens, who also coaches the girls basketball team, said.

Talbott applied that commitment in the classroom as well, earning her a spot on Ellsworth’s High Honor Roll (GPA 3.876 or above), and she emphasized that earning all-league athletic honors while maintaining a high GPA is no easy task.

“It takes dedication,” Talbott said. “Late night road trips after games then getting yourself up early to go in and get extra help from teachers.”

Cravens teaches many science classes at Ellsworth High School, and had Talbott as an advisor her senior year.

“She’s a terrific student, all-As kind of student,” Cravens said. “A real hard worker in the classroom.”

Talbott will attend Barton Community College next year to continue her softball career.

“I’m excited to see where she’ll fit in at the next level,” Cravens said. “She’s a strong kid with a good arm and hot bat.”

Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

Kris Heinze

Lincoln senior Carson Walter was a three-sport CARSON WALTER Lincoln athlete and an A-student in the classroom.

Walter said balancing her athletic responsibilities with academic ones takes a lot of discipline.

“My time management transitioned between school, sports, and finding time to enjoy everything along the way,” Walter said. “It wasn’t easy, but it is worth the hard work.”

In volleyball, Walter was a big reason why Lincoln enjoyed one of its best seasons of all time last fall. The Leopards won 25 games last year and a regional title.

Walter was the lone Leopard to earn First Team All-Northern Plains League honors last season. She also earned third team all-league honors in 2018 as a junior.

In basketball, Walter earned second team All-NPL honors last season and third team honors as a junior.

According to Lincoln girls basketball head coach Steve Crist, Walter was an essential player to the team which did not always show up in box scores.

“She did a lot of little things that didn’t always show up in the stats but we always knew we would get great effort from Carson,” Crist said.

Crist also knew he would always get a great game on the boards from Walter.

“Carson Walter was one of the most consistent rebounders we have had in our basketball program,” Walter said. “Rebounding is all about hard work and determination and that gives you a pretty good picture of Carson.”

In the spring, Walter participates in track and field and throws the javelin. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Walter was a member of the USD 298 A Honor Roll and was one of two students who earned The Vance Gourley Memorial Scholarship, which emphasizes academic excellence in combination with participation in extracurricular activities for Lincoln High School students.

Like many seniors, the cancellation of spring activities was hard on Walter.

“I miss the experiences I never got to enjoy,” Walter said.

“The relationships with my friends and coaches, the ability to compete one last time for my school, and the last moments with my class before we all went our separate ways.”

The suddenness of the whole situation was especially hard to accept for Walter.

“The difference is knowing that it is your last school lunch or knowing this is your last bus ride than to look back and realize you didn’t appreciate that it was your last school lunch or bus ride,” Walter said.

Walter plans to attend Kansas State University and major in business next year.

Minneapolis High School’s Zoie Shupe was a standout on the basketball court, the track, and in the classroom.

As a basketball player, Shupe earned first team All-North Central Activities Association honors. She also excelled on the track and comes from a family of athletes with long ties to Minneapolis as both ZOIE SHUPE accomplished high school Minneapolis athletes and respected Lion coaches.

But Zoie takes the most pride in her ability to perform in the classroom, while playing sports at an all-league level. Shupe earned reognition on the school’s High Honor Roll, was student-council co-president, earned the Citizenship Award and was a member of the National Honor Society, “Before I started high school, I knew I wanted my academics to be one of my main priorities along with my growth as an athlete,” Shupe said. “It took a lot of organizing my time, setting small goals, and a support system.”

Shupe credits the help she’s received for her ability to excel in academics and athletics.

“I wouldn’t have achieved both a high GPA and been an allleague athlete if it wasn’t for my friends, family, coaches, teachers, and my love for athletics. I owe everything to God for blessing me with the community and abilities that He did.”

Shupe was a state qualifier in multiple events on the track, and excels in the 100, 200, 400 and 800. Shupe was looking forward to finishing high school on a high note on and off the track, but the remainder of the school year across Kansas was cancelled in mid-March amid fears surrounding the possible spread of the coronavirus.

“Above everything else, I missed the memories,” Shupe said.

“Whether it was bonding through a grueling practice, cracking jokes with my teammates and coaches, or building a relationship with my competitors. I was really looking forward to having a good season to finish out my high school career.”

In collge she plans to follow in the footsteps of her older sister, Lindsay, and run track for Fort Hays State University. Lindsay also played basketball for the Tigers.

Shupe will run sprints and be a multi-event athlete on the FHSU track team, while majoring in special education in the process.

“I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me at Hays,” Shupe said. “I feel very blessed and thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity.”

Reagan Smith/Minneapolis Yearbook

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Thanks to Citizens State Bank & Trust Company in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Delphos, Glasco and Minneapolis for making this feature coverage possible. Find more Hometown Proud features on pages 126 and 127.

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ARIE’AUNA CHILDRESS In early March, 18 of the state’s top baseball, softball and track athletes gathered at Sharp Performance in downtown Salina for the second annual spring cover shoot. These athletes, all members of the Class of 2020, were preparing for what would’ve been their final season of high school sports.

But then, the season was lost to the coronavirus. The features that follow, which were written prior to the cancellation of the season, are a look at what might have been for these standout athletes.

Arie’Auna Childress, Lawrence Free State Lawrence Free State senior Arie’Auna Childress started with middle school track. She mainly did the sprinting events.

“I wasn’t a very good jumper,” she said. “I just jumped for fun.”

In eighth grade, Childress’ coach recommended she try the triple jump at the one meet the event was offered. Childress had virtually zero knowledge of the event and not many girls were in the triple jump.

“She’s like maybe if I tried this, maybe I would like it, maybe I will be good at it,” she said.

Childress stayed after practice for 30 minutes, watched a video and then practiced. Childress, with a smile, said she “almost broke my ankle.”

“Then going into the meet the next day I just watched some of the jumpers, so I tried doing what they did,” Childress said.

Childress has emerged as one of Kansas’ top jumpers, notably in the triple jump. A Pittsburg State University track commit, Childress is just 5-foot-4, much shorter than the majority of her competition. She set the school record in triple as a freshman.

She took seventh in the triple at 6A state in ’17, and runner-up in ’18. Last year, Childress went 40 feet, 6 inches at regionals in the triple. She also jumped 40-9 to win the prestigious KU Relays by nearly three feet earlier in the

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spring. It marked the third longest triple jump in Kansas annals, according to track historian Carol Swenson.

Entering the 2019 season, just eight girls had cleared 40 feet in the triple in state annals. At state, she was again second in the triple and finished fourth in the long jump.

Childress has improved with not “overwhelming myself” and “worrying about other people.” At meets, she tended to psych herself out when she saw a competitor that was six feet or even 5-9. As well, she became distracted by large crowds.

“It tends to get the adrenaline rolling,” she said.

Childress’ mindset improved after she messaged Tori Franklin, a 5-8 triple jumper. Franklin competed at Michigan State and broke the school record in the triple jump. She finished ninth in the triple at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar. Childress asked Franklin how she gets into the zone. Franklin told her to pretend it’s “just you” and it’s “your runway.”

“You are owning it, and I was just like, ‘You know what, I will just think like that,’” Childress said.

Last spring, Childress surprised herself when she cleared 40 feet in the triple. This year, Childress has looked to continue to follow Franklin’s advice. She is likely the 6A preseason favorite in both the long and the triple. Childress is the only one of the top-5 in 6A back in the long jump. In the triple, the first and third-place finishers were also seniors in 2019.

“I just pretend no one’s there, so it’s just been helping a lot,” she said.

Conor Nicholl Karma Fields, Frontenac In 2016, Frontenac captured the Class 4A, Division II softball state title with alumna Cassie Rhuems (Buche). It marked the first softball title in school history. Frontenac was

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the No. 7 seed. Rhuems was eight months pregnant. Her staff included her father, Francis, and Scott Fields. Scott’s daughter, Kennedi, was the key pitcher. Scott’s younger daughter, Karma, watched the Raiders capture the crown. She and other fans followed superstitions, including sitting in the same spot and wearing the same clothes.

In 2019, Rhuems was pregnant again. She texted her team and told them, “I did my part.”

“Now it’s our turn to do our part,” Karma said.

This time, Karma was the ace pitcher. Francis and Scott remained on the staff. Frontenac was the No. 8 seed for the 3A state tournament.

“All season, everything’s lining up just how it was, and then we got the rain delay, and that’s how it was the last time they won state,” Karma said.

Multiple state tournaments were postponed days because of rain. Frontenac played 3A in Emporia. In the first round, the Raiders defeated top-seeded Cheney, 6-0. The following day, Frontenac beat St. Marys, 3-0, on May 24. However, Frontenac couldn’t face Silver Lake in the finals until May 27. Frontenac loaded the bus three different times before the game kept getting postponed.

“Everyday, we would come and we would hit, and we would practice, and we were just ready to go play and win a state championship,” she said.

In the finals, Frontenac beat defending champion Silver Lake, 7-5. Fields said Frontenac’s defense, a team trademark, “ultimately won the game.”

“Intense back and forth game the whole time,” Fields said.

Rhuems, who enjoyed a collegiate softball career at Pittsburg State, has also had success as Frontenac’s head

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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RBI. In the title, Fields finished with two doubles and three triples. Frontenac had a 20-6 record.

“Really weird, all the coincidences,” Fields said between the two state title runs.

Kennedi, currently a student at Purdue University, was always a pitcher. She helped Karma, normally an outfielder, learn pitches, including fastball, change, screwball and curveball. Scott Fields has coached Karma since a very young age. Scott is also Frontenac’s girls’ basketball coach. Karma is a two-time all-state basketball player as well.

volleyball coach. She is known for her energy. After Frontenac won softball, an exuberant Rhuems, seven months pregnant, dashed across the field.

“She’s amazing,” Fields said. “Like she has all the heart and effort as much as we have. She is always our biggest fan. She is always there cheering us on.”

Fields earned the wins in all three state games. Overall, she finished 14-4 with a 2.05 earned-run average. At the plate, Fields carried a .484 average with 36 runs scored and 56

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JAYCEE GINTER/ANIYA HOLT This winter, Frontenac didn’t lose to a Kansas team and advanced to the 3A final four before the state tournament was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns. Last fall, Fields was second on the team in kills as Frontenac went 38-7 and qualified for state volleyball. Fields recently committed to play softball at Crowder College, a junior college in Neosho, Mo. “Labette and Fort Scott also reached out to me along with some other NAIA and JUCOs,” Fields said. “I chose Crowder because they have a successful program and I felt very welcomed when I visited. Also, they play a very full and tough schedule which I liked.”

This spring, Frontenac is expected to return everyone except its first baseman. Leadoff hitter Heather Arnett is back after earning all-state honors at infield. Second baseman Bailey Rhuems, who just started playing in high school, and Morgen Hipfl were both honorable mention all-state picks.

Frontenac has five seniors. Anna Hogard is back after she missed all season with a broken finger. Frontenac is expected to have strong tests in the CNC league including Baxter Springs, Riverton and Colgan, the defending 2-1A champs.

“We have a really very difficult league, and this year, I think it’s going to be even more difficult,” Fields said. “But I think playing these games really prepares us for when we go to state, and we see teams that we don’t see, so we know how to fight through tough competition. We know how to fight through when we are down, and we know how to play those games.”

Conor Nicholl Gabe Garber, Sabetha Gabe Garber has nothing left to prove on the football field or the baseball diamond. He was not merely a part of two state football and two state baseball championships, he was a leader on both teams.

In the 2017 state championship, Garber had the game-winning interception to seal a 7-6 win over Marysville. The next season, Garber had the game-winning two-point conversion to defeat Pratt 43-42.

While Sabetha went 6-3 last fall and fell in the first round of the 3A playoffs, Garber went out with a bang on both sides of the ball his senior season.

Garber added to a long list of high school sports accolades with All-State recognition from both the Topeka CapitalJournal and the Wichita Eagle and a Top 11 selection by the Kansas Football Coaches Association.

Last fall, Garber rushed for 19 touchdowns and 788 yards while throwing for nine more scores and adding 1,103 yards passing. Defensively, Garber finished with 113 tackles.

For his career, Garber tallied 52 rushing touchdowns and 23 passing TDs to go along with over 4,800 combined passing and rushing yards. He displayed similar dominance on defense with at least 110 tackles in each of his final three high school seasons, with 384 career tackles and seven career interceptions.

On the diamond, Garber maintained a .552 batting average

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ABBY GORDON

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

SAM HANKINS

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during the 2018 baseball season with 48 hits and 34 RBIs, earning him All-State recognition from multiple media outlets and helping the Bluejays to a 3A state baseball title in just their second season of high school baseball.

But that’s not all, Garber struck out the final batter for the final out to clinch the 2019 3A championship to deliver backto-back titles. As a junior he batted .405.

The Bluejays capped off a 21-3 season last year with a 10-4 win over Rock Creek in the state championship game.

In 2018, Sabetha went 23-3 and defeated Thomas MorePrep 10-5 in the championship.

“The feeling of winning state definitely never gets old,” Garber said. “It’s one of those feelings that you can’t really describe in words. It’s incredible because it’s one of the best feelings in the world, and you can’t beat it.”

Primarily an outfielder for most of his high school career, Garber expects to play all over the diamond this season, including on the mound.

Garber pitched in the final inning of last year’s championship, but beyond that he has not pitched much in his career.

“That was a fun time,” Garber said.

When asked where he wants to improve the most this season, Garber responded with pitching. “The team is going to need me to pitch this year,” Garber said.

As of right now, Garber has a fastball that reaches the mid to high 80s, and a curveball that he’s been tinkering with since his freshman year.

“I overhear pitching coaches talking with other pitchers, and I kind of practice what I hear,” Garber said. “I haven’t had many chances to practice it on the mound, but hopefully this year that changes.”

This fall, Garber is headed to KU to play football.

After pleasant talks with Kansas director of high school relations Dirk Wedd, the former Lawrence High head coach, Garber believes he will transition to safety at the next level.

“He’s basically been the one guy who has been talking to me and walking me through the process. He’s been very supportive and has believed in me,” Garber said.

Garber said he plans on majoring in Kinesiology at KU. GM Jaycee Ginter/Aniya Holt, Shawnee Heights In 2018, Shawnee Heights defeated Bishop Carroll, 11-0, to win the 5A state championship. Last May 3, SH met BC in a doubleheader. Shawnee Heights lost to Bishop Carroll, 5-3, in the first game and ended its 66-game winning streak. In the second game, SH bested Carroll, 10-1.

“It really opened my eyes when we lost,” pitcher Jaycee Ginter said.

Later in May, the Thunderbirds and Carroll again met up for the 5A state title. Carroll has won 13 all-time titles, including five in a row from ’11-15, both tied for state marks.

“We love it,” T-bird senior Aniya Holt said. “We have waited the whole season for it, and every time we play them, we just get excited. Because we know that they are going to bring it, and they are gunning for us every time we play them.”

In the state finals, Shawnee Heights captured its third consecutive crown with a 12-1 victory in six innings. Holt delivered three hits, including a big three-run homer. The game was scoreless after two innings. Holt noticed the Thunderbirds’ lacked energy in the dugout. Holt tried to spark her teammates and exonerated them to stand up and cheer.

In the third, Holt broke open the game with a three-run shot after a single and an error.

“I just had to get something going,” Holt said.

Ginter pitched a three-hitter and earned the victory. SH finished 22-1.

“Made us want to work so much harder and get the win,” Ginter said of the BC loss.

Ginter, a three-sport athlete, finished 14-0 with a 0.80 earned-run average, along with 117 strikeouts in 70 innings.

In the state opener, Ginter struck out 15 batters with a 10-0 win versus Lansing. Holt delivered a .585 average with 14 homers and 48 RBI. Ginter, a left-handed batter and right-handed pitcher, is 32-0 in her softball career. She has grown up around softball her entire life. Her mom, Cory, played softball at Washburn, and her dad, Brian, competed at Kansas State in track.

“They have taught me how to push myself to the limits at all times, and don’t really give up no matter what,” Ginter said of her parents.

Holt had originally committed to KU as an eighth grader for then-coach Megan Smith. In July 2018, Smith went to Marshall. Jennifer McFalls took over in August 2018. Holt de-committed from the Jayhawks. However, many of the DI schools were out of money for its 2020 class.

Eastern Illinois announced the hiring of Tara Archibald as its new softball coach on Aug. 5, 2019. In a tournament last fall, Archibald saw one of the girls on Holt’s team. She reached out to Holt, too. Archibald invited Holt on a visit. Holt committed to Eastern Illinois on Oct. 30. Holt has hit over .500 all three seasons with 30 career homers. Holt plays third base for SH and projects as a corner infielder/outfielder for EIU. “I automatically loved it,” Holt said. “It felt like a home away from home immediately.”

Conor Nicholl Abby Gordon, Garden Plain Garden Plain senior Abby Gordon is a three-sport standout.

She helped GP win state volleyball in 2018, state basketball in ’18 and ‘19 and earn runner-up in state softball last spring.

Gordon had 201 kills on the volleyball squad. In basketball, Gordon was a 2A Player of the Year finalist and led the ’19 team in scoring at 12.2 points a game.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

“Our community has such high expectations for us,” she said. “Our coaches do. Our school does, and as girls, we have that.”

Gordon, though, emerged as a high-level Division I talent at catcher. The 6-footer has played behind the plate since the catcher on her 12-and-under travel team left, and the squad didn’t have one.

“I just kind of got thrown in the mix, and I loved it,” Gordon said. “It’s stuck ever since.”

Gordon credited her three coaches: Chuck Schrader at Andale-Garden Plain softball, and Wichita Mustangs travel coaches Mark Griggs and Keith Eck. “Behind the plate I’m very vocal,” Gordon said. “I like to form a very tight bond and good relationship with all my pitchers, and then I think that’s very important. Of course, my height really helps me, and then I think my arm is pretty good.”

Griggs is long known for helping Wichitaarea players sign with Division I colleges. His daughter, Emily, had a terrific career at LSU. Last season, Griggs helped A-GP’s Macie Eck sign with Notre Dame.

“He’s put so many people at so many good schools, and I have always believed in him, and he has always helped me so much,” Gordon said. “Him and Coach Keith.”

Gordon committed to Arkansas Sept. 29, the last commit in the Razorback class.

“Right when I stepped on campus, I knew it was going to be my future home,” she said.

Gordon also had interest from Illinois, Pittsburgh, UNO and Mississippi State.

“It all came along with coach Mark,” Gordon said. “Because I have grown really close with him, and he’s always said to me just believe in me, trust in me, and he said, ‘If you put in the work and work hard for me, I will put you in a school that you want to be in.’ And I have just really bought into what he’s said, and just trusted him that it was going to happen.”

In her junior club season, Gordon delivered five triples, 15 homers and 19 doubles and a .925 fielding percentage.

“She rounded the class out perfectly,” Arkansas coach Courtney Deifel said in a signing day release. “She is a solid catcher that is an excellent receiver. She has a calm and commanding presence on the field and an incredible rapport with her pitchers.

Offensively, Abby swings with a ton of power.

She will make our pitching staff better and will compete to be on the field immediately.”

Andale-Garden Plain, two rivals that are both part of USD 267 Renwick school district, have formed a longtime co-op in softball with state titles in ’08, ’10, ’11 and ’12. A-GP qualified for state in ’17 and ’18, and finished second to Augusta with a 23-2 mark in ‘19.

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Macie Eck was the only senior on last year’s team. After she signed with Arkansas, Gordon made what she labeled a “very hard choice” and elected not to play volleyball or basketball with Garden Plain.

Gordon believed she had “a lot to improve.”

Everyday after school, she went to workouts in Wichita and preferred to focus fully on softball preparation.

“I knew my goal,” she said. “I want to be the best prepared.”

CN Sam Hankins, Manhattan Three-time javelin state champion Sam Hankins of Manhattan High School is not only the best in the state, but one of the very best in the entire nation.

Last May, Hankins recorded a throw of 220 feet, 2 inches at the Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls, South Dakota - the longest throw by a high school male athlete at the time.

Hankins has dominated the Kansas high school competition since his freshman year, and not much is expected to change entering his senior season.

That’s not to say Hankins hasn’t been pushed in high school. As a freshman, Hankins defeated Lawrence’s Hunter Krom at state on the final throw. Krom led at 204-02. On Hankins’ final attempt, he threw 204-10 to capture his first state championship.

Hankins won the javelin state championship as a sophomore with a throw of 212-01, which helped Manhattan capture the 6A State Championship as a team.

“I feel like most of the pressure was on me my freshman year and my sophomore year,” Hankins said. “Now I’m hoping to get through my last year: stay safe, stay healthy, and get to college.”

Hankins is hopeful Manhattan can win its second team championship in three years.

“This year I feel like we have a really good chance of winning it,” Hankins said. “We’re healthy, we look strong, we’ve all been working out and we’ve all been working out individually and as a group. We feel fairly confident we can do something well this year.”

Hankins was the cream of the crop last year, winning his third straight javelin title with a throw of 206-09. Blue Valley West’s Luke Ralston was a distant second at 196-03.

Hankins does not measure his success with state championships. He knows he can always one-up his current personal record.

“I just know I can always get better,” Hankins said. “I’m going to keep going and going until I feel like I can’t beat myself.”

Hankins has Olympic aspirations and has his eyes set on the 2024 games. Before then, he will take his talents to Texas A&M and compete for legendary head coach Pat Henry, who

boasts 36 national team championships, including nine for the Aggies.

“When I got there, I felt like I was a part of a family. I didn’t feel like I was just another athlete,” Hankins said. “I felt welcomed, and I really felt like they could guide me through life, and that this was the right path to take.”

Gallagher Martin Alexandra Hart, Rolla Zeta Greene is currently a science teacher at Sandhills Public School in Dunning, Neb. Before Nebraska, Greene served as a track coach in Rolla, located in southwest Kansas.

Greene started Rolla’s Alexandra Hart in the high jump.

“She changed my life,” Hart said.

Greene, one of several people Hart credited for her success, serves as a middle school track coach in Nebraska. Hart’s mother, Dawn, is the high school English teacher at Rolla. Dawn films her daughter jumping and sends it to Green, who offers advice.

“Even though she’s in Nebraska, she always has my back, and we are always FaceTiming and figuring out what I need to do better,” Alex said.

The work helped Hart deliver an impressive showing at the Class 1A state track meet.

Known for her clear mind, she finished fifth in the 100-meter hurdles (16.01), won the high jump (5-2), finished second in the long jump (17-1) and runner-up in the triple jump (360.25). In the long and triple, Hart was second to Frankfort’s Emilee Ebert and Hanover’s Macy Doebele, who currently play basketball for K-State and Washburn, respectively.

“My coaches ask me to help other high jumpers, and I don’t know how to do it,” Hart said. “I don’t know what I do. I just do it, so I can’t really tell you exactly how it works.”

Hart holds all four school records in the three jumps and the 100 hurdles. From 2000-18, Rolla’s only individual state track champion was Katie Murray’s high jump in ’14-15. Hart is often compared to Murray.

“They say we look like sisters,” Hart said.

Hart, who has cleared 5-9 in the high jump, is one of Kansas’ top track athletes at one of its smallest schools. As of May 6, 2019, she is one inch outside of the all-time top-20 list in Sunflower State history, according to Kansas track historian Carol Swenson.

Rolla lists an enrollment of 46 students in the latest KSHSAA figures and rank in the bottom 30 in Kansas for student body. Hart has signed with Fort Hays State’s track team where she’ll compete in the heptathlon and triple jump.

Hart’s senior class has three girls, including a foreign exchange student who lives with her family, and four boys. As of early March,

the entire senior class had booked a trip together to South Padre and San Antonio.

“I love them,” Hart said. “I absolutely adore every single one of them. … They are all my brothers and my sisters. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

Hart’s older sister, currently an Emporia State student, was born in Arkansas. Hart was born in Mississippi. The family moved to Rolla when Alexandra was in preschool. Hart has long done the high and triple jumps, her favorite events.

As a freshman, Hart was second in the high jump at 5-6. She took sixth in the triple, eighth in the 100 hurdles and tenth in the long jump.

As a sophomore, she helped Rolla to a ninthplace showing in the 400 relay. That year, she also took runner-up in the high jump.

She cleared 5-6, though again finished second on misses to Linn’s Shelby Ohlde. Hart earned fifth in the triple and 100 hurdles. Last year, Hart elected to go back to the long jump.

Hart didn’t expect to reach state in the long jump, but won regionals with a leap of 18-3.

Additionally, Hart credited Rolla’s facilities, along with coach Jon Schnable and assistant Cassie Thrall. Notably, Thrall has helped with hurdles. While many 1A schools don’t have adequate facilities or even jumping pits, Rolla normally hosts multiple track meets a spring.

“We think we have the nicest facilities around,” she said.

Last May, sophomore Alec Langley also qualified for the boys’ 100, which helped Hart. As a freshman, she was the lone Rolla qualifier.

“I went into state pretty confident, because I’ve had such a good season,” Hart said. “My coaches were really helpful, so it really helped to have a good environment around me.” CN Jackson Hartley/Tanner Leslie, Campus Last year’s Campus baseball team won the program’s first state championship since 1991, and returning seniors Jackson Hartley and Tanner Leslie were key reasons why.

It’s been a long journey for Hartley and Leslie. They went 6-16 as freshmen. As sophomores, Campus went 16-6 and reached the state semifinals. One year later, the Colts were 6A Champs.

“It’s really special to me because it was the same group of guys,” Hartley said. “We finally bought in. There was no selfishness on the team at all.”

Campus defeated Lawrence Free State 3-2 in extra innings on a walk-off hit from Austin Warkins. With runners on first and second, Warkins sent a hard-hit ball to right field for the game-winning RBI in the ninth.

It all happened quickly according to Leslie, who was on first base.

“It all happened in flashes,” Leslie said. “The

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

ALEXANDRA HART

JACKSON HARTLEY & TANNER LESLIE

thing I remember the most is the intensity.”

Campus went into the state tournament as the No. 1 seed with a 20-2 record, but Leslie said the team felt like the underdog in the championship game. The Colts faced Free State in front of a raucous crowd at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence.

“Coming from where we came from our freshmen year to where we are now, it was crazy,” Leslie said. “Free State had an entire student section, we had mostly our parents. The loudness of the crowd kind of got to us, and we were pretty pumped up.”

Hartley remembers feeling no pressure in the state championship game, thanks to calming words from head coach Bryan Clasen.

“Coach told us we were there to have fun. Baseball was going to happen, but it wasn’t a business trip,” Hartley said.

“That really calmed us down.”

Hartley started on the mound for Campus in the 2018 semifinal game against eventual state champions Blue Valley. The Colts were blanked, 7-0, and Hartley knew he had work to do.

“That was really my first big game pitching in the spotlight,” Hartley said.

Fast forward a year, and Hartley received the start in the 2019 semifinal game against Mill Valley.

“I told myself I can’t lose another semifinal game,” Hartley said. “Going into the game there wasn’t really any pressure. I knew I was good enough to get the job done.”

Hartley also credits his infield, who he said turned eight double plays en route to a 3-1 Campus win.

Leslie was dangerous on the mound and at the plate. As a batter, Leslie hit .479 with three homers and 23 RBIs. As a pitcher, Leslie went 8-1 and posted a 2.66 ERA. Leslie was also a productive baserunner, scoring 37 runs and stealing 12 bases.

Along with earning Player of the Year honors in 6A from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches, Leslie was a member of the Wichita Eagle’s All-Metro Team and a second-team all-state selection by prepbaseballreport.com.

Hartley was a dominant pitcher and hitter as well. Hartley hit .392 with three homes runs and 21 RBIs. As a pitcher, Hartley went undefeated at 9-0 and posted a 2.80 ERA. Hartley also recorded seven stolen bases and scored 18 runs on the base paths.

The KABC selected Hartley as a first-team all-state utility player, and a second-team all-state pitcher. The Wichita Eagle also added Hartley to its All-Metro Team and prepbaseballreport.com listed Hartley as a second-team all-state selection at pitcher.

Hartley plans to attend Iowa Western this fall. IWCC won national championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Along with top-notch facilities, IWCC head coach Marc Rardin was a big factor in Hartley’s decision.

“I went up and took a visit and immediately fell in love with it. The facilities are off the charts - they’re nicer than most

D-1’s,” Hartley said. “Coach Rardin knows what it takes to win. Overall, the biggest thing that sold it for me on the spot was that Coach Rardin is more about bringing in the families because he doesn’t like troublemakers in the program. He has very strict rules because you’re there to play baseball, not to party or anything like that.”

Leslie is staying near home to play for Butler Community College in El Dorado. Leslie anticipates pitching and playing centerfield at BCC. Butler was the first school to show interest in Leslie, and recruited him the hardest.

“Coach Gus Strunk, he’s an assistant coach, he came to almost every single one of my summer league tournaments.

That put it over the top for me,” Leslie said. “It showed that they really wanted me, so I decided I wanted to come.” GM Darrien Holloway, Osborne Even though he suffered an injury every year, Osborne senior Darrien Holloway has a strong case as the most accomplished three-sport Bulldog boy athlete in school history.

Holloway battled health issues as a freshman, sophomore and senior in the football playoffs and fought a hamstring concern as a junior.

“Pretty tough kid,” Osborne football coach Steve Tiernan said. “And he loves to play football, and he wanted to play football.”

Holloway delivered a rare back-to-back double when he captured the 110- and 300-meter hurdle state crowns at Class 1A in ’18 and ’19. He also finished fourth in the 100 meter dash as a sophomore.

Osborne basketball finished a collective 83-9 in the last four years and spent most of this winter ranked first in Class 1A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Holloway earned second team all-league.

Osborne reached state in ’16, ’17, ’18 and ’19, the first time in school annals the Bulldog boys reached state more than two years in a row. As well, Osborne earned third place in 1A in ’19, the third-best finish in school annals.

The state streak ended this February when the Bulldogs suffered their first loss the season in a shocking upset to Logan in the regional semifinals.

Holloway, a Butler County Community College football signee, has continued the Bulldogs great football success since the program switched to 8-Man in ’10.

The Bulldogs have won three state titles (’13, ’16, ’19) and finished second in ’18. Notably, Osborne is known for speed and offensive playmakers.

Osborne broke and then re-set the 8-Man record for single season scoring offense. Holloway is the only Bulldog to participate in three state title games.

Osborne finished 46-4 in his career. He rushed for 4,335 yards, collected 5,739 all-purpose yards and combined for

DARRIEN HOLLOWAY

S P R I N G S P OT LIGHT

103 total TDs, including 98 offensive. He also delivered 198 tackles and seven interceptions.

Holloway’s numbers are on par with other Bulldog greats.

Kenton Ubelaker (’14) and Cullen Grabast (’17) are Osborne’s only Shrine Bowl players since 1977. Ubelaker, who played at Fort Hays, had 4,252 offensive yards, 5,554 all-purpose yards and 78 total scores. Grabast, a McPherson College football player, recorded 5,955 all-purpose yards and 94 total scores.

Damon Schurr rushed for 3,799 yards, had 5,336 all-purpose yards and 87 scores. Denton Schurr tallied 4,077 rushing, 5,547 all-purpose and 88 TDs. This past fall, Holloway delivered two fine performances in his last two football games. After a Round of 16 playoff win against Sylvan-Lucas, Holloway had posted a Twitter message saying he was out for the season with a foot injury.

The diagnosis was four to six weeks.

Holloway missed the quarterfinals. He worked after practice for eight to 10 days for 30 minutes to an hour with Dr. Aaron Geist, an Osborne assistant coach, Bulldog alum and physical therapist.

He returned for the semifinals against Hutchinson Central Christian and rushed 29 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns and added 12 tackles. It marked his best single game rushing performance since his freshman year. In the 34-26 win over Axtell in the championship, Holloway was in noticeable pain, though rushed for 130 yards and a pair of scores. All of Osborne’s yards came on the ground.

“If it was a regular season game or even playoff game, I probably would have come out of the game,” Holloway said.

“But it was my last game.”

Conor Nicholl Jace Kaminska, Caney Valley Caney Valley senior right-hander Jace Kaminska set or tied two state records in 2019. He allowed zero earned runs in 32 innings. As well, Kaminska struck out 29 straight batters in a three-game winning streak. Kaminska paid little attention to the marks. He focused on outs. The strikeout run lasted nearly a month because of rainouts.

“I didn’t think about it too much,” Kaminska said. “It just lasted a long time.”

Additionally, he batted .511 with two homers and 17 RBI and posted a 4-0 record in nine appearances. Kaminska worked a pair of perfect games and saved three contests for a 12-5 squad.

Kaminska earned Gatorade Player of the Year and signed with Wichita State.

However, CV fell short of a state trip with an 8-0 regional loss to Girard. This year, Kaminska would like to win Gatorade again, and most importantly, earn a trip to state.

“Playoffs, it’s all about the team, the Jimmys and Joes that

JACE KAMINSKA

win the games,” he said. “You have got to respect that.”

Kaminska, one of just two juniors on the roster last year, is expected to lead an inexperienced team. Outside of him, no returning player hit better than .238 in ’19. His dad, Mike, is again CV’s head coach. In the summer, Kaminska played on major conference fields in big showcase tournaments.

In May 2019, Eric Wedge, a former Shocker and past MLB manager, took over as WSU’s head coach. Kaminska had long committed to the Shockers. A few colleges contacted Kaminska’s summer coach about his interest in other programs, though Kaminska stayed with WSU and signed Nov. 13.

“It was really cool, just like a relief when you sign it, all that pressure, it’s gone,” he said.

Kaminska has substantially gained strength and bulked to 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. On Feb. 9, he hit 90 to 91 mile per hour at the Sports in Kansas Showcase. He had a 98 mile per hour exit velocity off the tee. Kaminska was pleased with his results.

Conor Nicholl Drake LaRoche, Fort Scott Dave LaRoche pitched for five teams in a Major League Baseball career that spanned from 1970-83. He twice earned all-star bids and finished with a 65-58 record and 3.53 earned-run average in his career.

LaRoche is famous for his slow-moving eephus pitch, known as “La Lob.” Dave most recently served as a pitching coach for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a minor league affiliate for the Marlins, and has coached for many seasons in the majors.

He had four sons, three of whom played professional baseball and two in the majors. All four boys played at Fort Scott High School.

Adam played 12 MLB seasons, while Andy was in the pros for six years. Adam was a 1998 graduate of Fort Scott. Their uncle, Dave Regan, who passed away in 2002, was Fort Scott’s high school coach and started the program in 1990.

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DRAKE LAROCHE

Regan is highly respected. The sportsmanship award at the season-opening boys’ basketball Willard (Mo.) Classic is named after Regan and a statue of Regan stands at the FSHS baseball complex.

After high school, Adam played for his father for a year at Fort Scott Community College. In the pros, Adam won a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove and hit 33 homers in 2012. He hit 255 HRs and drove in nearly 900 runs in his career.

Adam came back to Fort Scott after his playing career ended with wife Jennifer and children, Drake and Montana, the latter a Fort Scott High School junior and an excellent volleyball player.

Drake traveled the country with his dad during the MLB seasons and even had his own jersey and locker with the Chicago White Sox. Notably, Drake learned “there’s more to life than just baseball” from his dad.

“Not only helps my life overall, it helps my game as well,” Drake said. “I am going out there more relaxed, and not worried about things as much.”

Currently, Adam serves as an assistant coach at Fort Scott High School for head coach Josh Regan, Dave Regan’s son.

The two best friends played together on the ’98 FS team that finished as state runner-up.

Josh has coached Fort Scott since 2012 with his Tiger baseball “non-negotiables” – hard work, toughness, max effort, class and “ballplayer look feel act.”

In 2015, the $2 million Dave Regan Stadium and LaRoche Baseball Complex opened with its 1,200 seats, indoor batting cage and clubhouse. The grass sections can swell the crowds to 3,500.

“It’s such a blessing to be able to not only have the indoor facilities there,” Drake said. “But also just that turf so on rainy days we can still get out and practice when most of the schools around us are doing nothing but sucking the water off their field. It’s really nice.”

Last season, Drake earned first team all-state Class 4A as

Photos by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

VICTORIA MAXTON

a pitcher for a team that went 22-2. Fort Scott earned the No. 1 seed at the state tournament and finished with a final four showing. Drake served as the team’s ace and was a huge part of the team’s heart.

“No matter who we were going against, we knew we were going to win before the game, and I think that’s one thing that will carry into this year,” Drake said.

Drake believes he throws in the mid to low 80s, though hasn’t focused on individual statistics or his radar gun readings. He learned a lot from his grandfather, Dave, and carries that onto the field as he continues the family legacy.

“Kind of that old mentality is definitely I think pushed me to where I am at now,” Drake said.

Conor Nicholl Victoria Maxton, Salina South There was a time when Victoria Maxton was making big bouncing, sharp-cutting moves in gymnastics.

She enjoyed it and she was pretty good.

But gymnastics can wear on a body and there always is some pain and soreness.

Heading into her first year of high school, Maxton chose to jump headfirst into an athletic endeavor that included a fear element. And it’s proven to be a big leap in Saline County girls pole vaulting.

Now a senior at Salina South High, she is a reigning Class 5A state champion, a school-record holder and will take her talents to Kansas State University in the fall.

But first there is the matter of defending her state title that she won last spring, clearing 11-foot on her third and final attempt at Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium.

“I was really thinking 11-0 or 11-6 would definitely get me in the top two,” she said, with her top competition being defending champion Taylor Linn of Bishop Carroll. “That is what I was most nervous about, knowing that both of us were so close.

“And then after I cleared 11-0 and she went after me and missed, I was in complete shock. I ran over to (coach JD)

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Garber and gave him this huge hug.”

With the gold tucked away, event officials gave her the opportunity to name her height. She had them raise the bar to 11-7, which would have topped her PR and school record by an inch, but her adrenaline was understandably shot and she would end up having to settle for the 5A championship.

She trained hard in the off-season, making trips to the acclaimed Tailwind Pole Vault Club in Jamestown, Kan. And she decided to drop long jumping from her event list after one season, so she could focus more on not only pole vault, but also high jump.

“I wasn’t too bad at long jump, I placed at a couple meets,” she said, “but it was a lot to balance out, especially with all three events being at the same time.”

Maxton also has state pole vault medals from her sophomore year (fourth) and junior year (third). While she obviously wants to drop a second gold medal into the pile, a secondary goal is qualifying for the big show in high jump.

MATTI PRICE

“I don’t feel as much stress in the high jump, but I still put pressure on myself to get that PR,” she said. “I’ve been high jumping since seventh grade. People know me as a pole vaulter so it is nice to have another event that is a little more relaxing. I’ve jumped 5-0 both my sophomore and junior years and I would like to clear 5-2, I think that should get me to state.”

From a young age, the athletic Maxton has been heavily involved in all types of sports and has been a fixture for multiple seasons on South’s volleyball, basketball and track squads. She also played softball when she was young and competed in vault, floor exercise, balance beam and uneven parallel bars until she was 14.

“I practiced gymnastics every day for three to four hours,” she said. “It was really physically demanding on my body.

Even now, being out of it for three years, my body has pains from all those years.”

Another former gymnast turned pole vaulter, Salina Central grad and standout Hailie Turner, passed Maxton’s name along to Garber, who coaches pole vault for both Salina public schools. She was intrigued and went to a camp prior to her freshman season.

She immediately fell in love with the sport and on the second day of camp she jumped 7-3. By the time track season rolled around, she was clearing 9-6 at practice, which at that time was South’s school record.

Maxton crushed the mark in the opener, going 9-11.75.

After a sophomore season that saw her up her lifetime best from 10-6 to 11-6, Maxton has the best mark of all returning competitors in 5A, a full foot better than her nearest competitor, and good for fourth among girls in all classes.

“I would like to clear 12-6 this year,” she said. “My junior year I PR’d by a foot so if I could PR by another foot again my senior year, that would be great.”

Huey Counts Brady Palen, Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton Dave Dubbert and Byron Palen were born on the same day and each attended Tipton Catholic. Dave and his wife, Jeri, have four children, all whom enjoyed outstanding athletic careers at St. John’s Catholic School in Beloit. Their second-oldest, Davis, was a four-sport standout, earned 13 high school letters and thrice collected individual state track titles, twice in the high jump. Davis currently competes in multi-events at Wichita State University.

In ’17, Davis and Byron’s son, Brady, finished 1-2 respectively in the 1A high jump with marks of 6-foot-6 and 6-4.

Palen has used Dubbert as a role model. He learned work ethic and motivation to work hard in practice. Additionally, Dubbert provided some connections in the high jump field.

As a sophomore, Palen took third in 1A high jump at 6-4.

Almena-Northern Valley’s Caden Bach won with a leap of 6-6.

“That really motivated me to work hard in the offseason, and it showed when state track came around,” Palen said.

Last spring, Palen went 6-10.5, his all-time best, and easily captured state. Bach finished third. Palen earned ninth in the long jump. As well, Palen earned sixth at state sand greens golf in ’18 and was 11th last year. Like Dubbert, the 6-foot-3, 155-pound Palen plays football and basketball, too.

This winter, Palen averaged 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and two blocks for the 20-win Blujays. He tallied 765 career points. On Nov. 19, he signed to join Dubbert on the WSU track team. Additionally, 2018 BSJT graduate David Lutgen runs at K-State, which provides one of the state’s smallest schools with three recent Division I athletes.

Palen has long loved jumping, farming and golf. In the summer, Palen worked on dunking in the driveaway. He had his first dunk without a dribble a week before his 14th birthday.

“That’s all I would do,” he said.

This winter, he bought four bucket calves.

“It’s fun having somebody happy to see you in the morning jumping around,” he said.

Palen only jumps three months a year, though plays golf year round. During the spring seasons, he first attended golf practice, which lasted around 45 minutes. Then, he started track workouts at 5 p.m. Palen has a chance to win state titles in high jump and sand greens golf.

The BSJ track team is in a good position for a 1A team crown as well.

Conor Nicholl Matti Price, Riverton Riverton senior Matti Price said she has a “love/hate relationship” with the 400-meter dash.

“Every single time, I get so nervous,” she said. “I am like,

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

‘I know how bad it’s going to hurt.’ It’s going to hurt so bad. I am like, ‘Why do I do this event?’ But then crossing that finish line, you are like, ‘That’s why I do it.’ I love it, and I hate it at the same time, but it’s really rewarding, it’s probably the most rewarding event for me.”

Last year, Price admitted the “nerves were pretty high” entering the 3A state track meet at Cessna Stadium. For the first time in the 100-plus year history, the competition lasted three days because of continued weather delays.

“The night before, the nerves was crazy,” Price said. “I couldn’t focus. I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Like thinking of all the horrible things that as an athlete we think about.”

However, Price won two golds and a silver in the sprints.

“It ended up really good for me, and it was so much fun,” Price said.

As a freshman, Price ran the 400 and 800 and didn’t have any sprints. She didn’t even use spikes or blocks. Her coach switched her to sprints as a sophomore. “(One) and two definitely helped me a lot for the four, but then I started noticing my junior year like ‘Oh I am actually pretty good at this event,’” Price said. “I am not just using them for help for another event. I am actually doing good. I am qualifying and I am like placing.”

As a sophomore, Price qualified in the 100, though did not reach finals after she posted 12.97 in the prelims. Nemaha Central’s Alleigh Kramer eventually took third. Price was sixth in 200, and second in the 400 with times of 26.70 and 58.72.

Last spring, Price entered with a regional time of 12.44. In the finals, she ran 12.39 and defeated Kramer by .04 for the title. Price and her coach were both shocked she won.

“Nobody was expecting me to win that,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting really to be in the top-three. I was like, I just want to get back up on the podium, because it’s an amazing feeling up there.”

In the 200, Price finished second to Kramer. Before the 400, Price listened to the commentators, who believed she would win by three seconds. Price didn’t think it was possible. Earlier in the spring, she ran 57.7 at the Pitt State meet. The mark then led the state, which also shocked Price.

In the finals, Price again set a school record in 56.74 – and won by 3.02 seconds. Price challenged the 3A state mark of 56.37 set by Minneapolis’ Linda Shea in 1991. A Pittsburg State track signee, Price holds school records in the 100, 200 and 400. The previous Riverton marks stood for 42 years.

“The best feeling ever when I finally got them,” she said. CN Emma Ruddle, McPherson While the items resting atop her brief-to-do list she is bringing into her final track season may seem a tad lofty to some, Emma Ruddle states them in a matter-of-fact fashion.

Not that there is anything matter-of-fact about the way she approaches her specialty events – the 100-meter high hurdles and 100-meter dash – since she showcases strength, elegance and precision whenever she races.

Although success was a constant throughout her ninth and 10th grade seasons, her work a year ago as a junior proved to

GRACE THOMPSON

be as notable despite not resulting in quite as much bling.

Competing much of the season with tight calves and against stronger competition as McPherson bumped up to Class 5A from 4A, Ruddle won a second straight 100 high hurdles title and was runner-up in the 100 at the Kansas Track and Field Championships. She also anchored the school’s second-place 4x100 relay, which clocked a school-best 49.36.

Along the way she established a personal best in her specialty, the hurdles (school-record 14.15) and 100 (12.17).

“I always have had tight calves,” she said, “and during the track season I had shin splints a lot.”

After track, Ruddle and her sore legs jumped into her favorite sport, basketball. She had already verbally committed to Fort Hays and was ready to enjoy a final summer season.

The pain in her calves not only carried over from track, she could tell it was getting worse. “All summer my calves would get really, really tight and it hurt really, really bad.”

She finally decided to visit a doctor before her final high school basketball season began. The doctor’s determination was compartment syndrome, a condition that occurs when the pressure within a muscle builds to the point that blood flow is restricted and cannot supply muscles and nerves with oxygen.

“The only way to fix it is surgery and I was worried about how long I would be out,” she said. “They said I would miss six weeks and I thought, ‘OK, I will be back for postseason’.”

She was indeed back on the floor as McPherson began its post-season basketball run.

“It feels good, there is no pain like it used to be. It’s a little sore at times in front where my incisions are, but overall I’m doing pretty well, thank goodness.”

But Ruddle and her teammates suffered another setback when the state tournament was cancelled just prior to the semifinals amid coronavirus fears.

“It really sucked knowing that this was my last year and I didn’t get to finish it. My team and I had been through so much this season but we always kept our focus on one thing and that was winning state.”

The determined Ruddle usually accomplishes what she sets out to do. She has her college basketball future set, now it is all about closing out her track career on a positive note.

“My big goals aren’t really to break state records,” said Ruddle, who has the top returning 5A times in her solo events.

“I don’t focus on that stuff, it’s more about personally trying to get faster and break my own records.

“So I’m going to go out, try to be better and win a state championship, which is obviously a goal.”

Ruddle has come a long way from her early days when track was just something to pass the time between putting up shots, but she did know from the first youth meet she attended as a fifth grader that she wanted to excel at hurdles.

“I think it’s because it’s not just a straight run, you get to do something while you’re running,” she said. “I was never really a jumper (in track) but I have a little bit of bounce, so getting to run and jump worked.”

As a freshman at state, she placed fourth in the 100 (12.66)

and claimed a silver medal in the hurdles (14.39), finishing behind senior and three-time state champion Jewell Bolden.

In her follow-up appearance as a sophomore, a season in which she did not lose a single hurdles race, she scooped up two individual golds, first winning the hurdles (14.36, breaking a 35-year-old school record) and then the 100 (12.37).

“My first state championship was crazy,” she said as she thought back. “I remember coming across the finish line just smiling, I was so excited. And then, for a second, I was so overjoyed I almost started crying. It was super exciting. Every single one I have I’m super grateful for, but I don’t think any can compare to that first one.”

Huey Counts Grace Thompson, Sedgwick Sedgwick senior Grace Thompson had a state track meet to remember in 2019. Thompson brought home four medals, including gold medals in the discus and shot put.

In addition to her success as a thrower, Thompson is also a state-medalist sprinter. In 2019, she finished second in the 100 meter dash and sixth in the 200 meter.

“I remember feeling relief that all my hard work from the summer paid off,” Thompson said.

Last year, the state meet had numerous rain delays and took three days to complete. Thompson remembers trying to stay loose both mentally and physically.

“I ran my 100, then I had a long delay. Then I had discus, then I ran my 200. I got on the podium, then went and threw shot,” Thompson said. “It all happened in one day, so I was pretty tired. It was a mental battle. You can’t control what the weather will be like, but you can control your focus.”

For her career, Thompson amassed nine state medals from her freshman through junior seasons.

“All the technique changes I’ve made over the years have really paid off,” Thompson said. “The summer heading into my junior year I was throwing six to seven days a week for about an hour or two a day.”

Unfortunately, Thompson’s unique blend of speed and power will not be on display this season. Thompson tore her ACL during basketball practice in early December right before the season. Although she is ahead of schedule in her rehabilitation, Thompson will miss the entire track and field season.

“My sixth month appointment will determine how much longer I need to rehab and when I’ll be ready to go,” Thompson said.

“I had surgery Dec. 31st and my appointment will be right around the time of state track.”

Thompson is one of the top multi-sport athletes in the state.

She earned all-league honors in volleyball all four years, and in basketball she tallied 746 career points. Thompson was on pace to reach 1,000 career points before her injury.

The Sedgwick girls basketball team missed their three-time all-league point guard. The Cardinals finished the year 6-14 and were bounced in the opening round of sub-state.

The track and field team will miss Thompson, too, but she will do her best to make an impact from the sidelines.

“It’s been really hard to watch basketball games, so I keep stats to keep myself side tracked,” Thompson said. “I’m trying to be supportive any way I can.”

Thompson’s father, Jonathan, is the throwing coach for Sedgwick. Thompson aspires to be a coach some day.

“We can butt heads sometimes, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized it’s a blessing to be able to go throw whenever I want and watch film at home with my dad,” Thompson said. “I’ve been watching our basketball coach a lot because I want to get into coaching.”

Thompson will attend Kansas State in the fall on a track and field scholarship. While she is unsure what events she will do at the next level, she is excited to get started.

“K-State has my major, and it’s in state which was very important to me,” Thompson said. “I really like the throwing coach, too. He really knows what he’s talking about. They care about their athletes outside of sports, which was very important to me.

“Plus, K-State football games are always fun to go to.”

Gallagher Martin

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 Photos by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography

YOUTH movement Page 17

In early March, 14 of the state’s top young baseball, softball and track athletes gathered at Sharp Performance in downtown Salina for the second annual “Youth Movement” feature photo shoot. The spring sports season, perhaps more than any other, is influenced by the youngest of high school athletes. Freshman and sophomores often play pivotal roles on varsity baseball and softball teams and track and field athletes compete against measurements as much as opponents.

Though now experienced veterans, these athletes got their start early in high school and were looking to achieve even more success as sophomores and juniors.

But then, the season was lost to the coronavirus. The features that follow, which were written prior to the cancellation of the season, are a look at what might have been for these standout athletes.

Dhakiya Blake/Wynter Ramos, Leavenworth Wynter Ramos and Dhakiya Blake were big reasons the Leavenworth girls track and field team took second place in 6A at the KSHSAA Track & Field Championships last year.

The Pioneers were second behind Lawrence in the standings. Leavenworth has firepower this season thanks to Blake and Ramos, but the Pioneers will be looking for others to step up in order to compete for a team championship.

“We’re work horses,” Ramos said. “It’s cool to be the face of the team.”

Blake made an immediate impact last season as a freshman. She won gold in the 400 meter dash (56.92 seconds) and silver in the 200 meter dash (25.0). Blake had the second-fastest time in the 100 meter dash in the preliminaries, but a false start in the finals cost her the chance for another medal.

Last year as a sophomore, Ramos captured bronze in both the 400 meter dash (58.62) and the 200 meter dash (25.38), and took fifth in the 100 meter dash (12.32).

Blake says she prefers the 400 over the 100 and 200, while Ramos says her favorites are the 100 and 200.

The duo joined forces with teammates Maddy Walter-Sher-

retts and Saniyah Hammonds to win the state championship in the 4x400 in a time of 3:59.74.

In the 100, 200 and 400, Blake and Ramos may be each other’s biggest competitors, but also may be each other’s biggest supporters.

“Most people try to make us out as enemies like we’re out to get each other, but it’s not like that. We push each other to be better,” Ramos said. “I know I wouldn’t run the times that I run if it wasn’t for her.”

Neither Blake nor Ramos expected to have the immediate success they have had.

“It kind of just happened,” Blake said.

“It’s crazy to me because I see all these people who are really good at sports, and I never thought we’d have the potential to get there as well,” Ramos said.

Blake started track in sixth grade and is the cousin of former olympian Melvin Lister.

“He was most definitely an inspiration,” Blake said. “Usain Bolt is another person who has inspired me because of his work ethic.”

Ramos’ father ran track in high school and a bit in college, while her older brother, Guy, is a freshman at Emporia State.

Wynter and Guy were teammates at LHS for two years.

“We always ran together, and we were also on the same club team for a little bit,” Ramos said.

In the summer, Ramos and Blake travel together and planned to compete at New Balance Nationals representing Team Kansas.

“We don’t want to go just for fun. We’re going there to hopefully win,” Ramos said.

When Blake was around 12 or 13, she contemplated quitting track.

“I wanted to quit because it was too hard,” Blake said.

“Then I realized I could do this.”

Ramos remembers Blake nearly quitting, and now the two can look back on it with a smile and a laugh.

“Everybody was like ‘Oh, Dhakiya is so good,’ and then she didn’t go to practice,” Ramos said. “It was during the summer and her excuse was she wanted to have fun during the summer. I was so mad. How can you be so good and not show up to practice?”

“I had no free time,” Blake said.

The life of a track athlete is extremely time consuming, according to both Blake and Ramos.

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Wynter Ramos

Dhakiya Blake

DHAKIYA BLAKE WYNTER RAMOS

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

“It’s still pretty hectic. I’ve gotten better at managing my time, but it’s still hard,” Blake said.

In her final two years of competition, Ramos says she wants to improve her technique the most.

“The races I’m doing now are more technique over speed,” Ramos said. “I’m trying to put it all together. If I can do that, it will help me a lot.”

For Blake, she wants to fire out of the blocks quicker.

“I feel like as soon as I get my starting down, my game will take off just like that,” Blake said.

Gallagher Martin Tegan Cain, Ellis Ellis junior Tegan Cain communicates often with former Railer Easton Smith, a three-sport standout. The two frequently play catch in the offseason and during spring break.

At Ellis, Smith started at quarterback for three years, scored 974 career points in basketball and enjoyed a superb baseball career. Listed at 6-foot-4, 185 pounds as a senior, Smith batted .578 with 37 RBI in 2017.

As well, Smith posted an 8-0 record and 0.16 earned-run average and collected classification pitcher of the year.

Ellis has historically posted strong baseball seasons, though ’17 ranks as the best in school annals. The Railroaders finished 20-1 and lost 8-5 to Bluestem in the 2-1A championship game.

Cain’s dad, Brent, coached the team. Tegan sat in the dugout throughout the season, including at the end.

“The feeling of heartbreak,” Cain said. “I wasn’t even on the team, and it was just awful.”

Smith has since added 30 pounds. He pitched two years at Barton County Community College and helped the Cougars reach the junior college World Series for the first time. As a sophomore, he worked 76 innings and posted a 5-2 mark with 3.17 earned-run average.

He transferred to NCAA Division I University of Nebraska-Omaha for this spring. In four appearances, Smith was 2-1 with a 2.65 earned-run average for the 10-4 Mavericks before the season was shut down because of the coronavirus. On Feb. 29, Smith worked five innings in a victory against Chicago State. On that day, Smith texted with Cain. Smith told Cain he believed Ellis could win state baseball this year.

“He says, ‘You need to finish what we started,” Cain said.

“And I thought that was awesome.”

In the last two years, Ellis has posted 11-6 and 15-4 records, though has not made state in either spring. In ’18, Cain batted .444 with six extra base hits, including a team-best four triples.

He posted a 4-1 record in 23.1 innings.

Last year, Cain led Ellis with a .508 average, including 13 extra-base hits. He had three homers, 31 RBI and posted an 8-1 record and 1.98 ERA. Ellis graduated just two seniors. Among other key players, the Railroaders were expected to return senior Carter Bollig,

TEGAN CAIN

junior Konnor Pfeifer, and sophomore Tyson Jimenez.

Tegan, an only child, has enjoyed playing for his dad. Ellis baseball has increased numbers, including 22 last year and 19 this spring.

“My dad’s the closest thing that I have to a brother, and it’s awesome,” Cain said. “We just go out to the field whenever, and he pushes me, and treats me like a brother.”

Cain moved from Wamego to Ellis in fifth grade when his mom took a bank job. In sixth grade, he played with a Hays team that included Dylan Dreiling. Currently an HHS sophomore, Dreiling has committed to Tennessee.

Cain loved the team.

“We dominated, we were phenomenal, great group of kids, honestly,” Cain said.

Then, Cain joined a Kansas City area travel squad for seventh grade. He has continued to play summer ball for a K.C. team that has had games on multiple collegiate fields, including KU, Washburn and Missouri Southern. Cain was especially excited for this spring.

Ellis had ordered new uniforms and has a JV team, rare for a 2-1A team.

“He gets along with kids really well,” Cain said of his dad.

“He talks. He’s really funny. He’s kind of a younger mindset.

He kind of connects with kids like that, kids like me.”

CN Kaitlin Crossland, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan Pittsburg-Colgan softball finished with a 5-21 record in 2017, though qualified for state, upset top-seeded Sedan in the 2-1A first round and took fourth. In ’18, Colgan did not qualify for state with a 6-14 record.

Many of the key Panthers play multiple sports, including Kaitlin Crossland and then-seniors Kate Radell and Sophia Piccini. In the fall of ’18, Colgan was in a strong position for its first volleyball title and was undefeated entering the 2A final four. The Panthers eventually took fourth at 43-2. Crossland and Radell combined for 390 kills, and Piccini was the team’s starting libero.

Last spring, Crossland, Radell and Piccini were part of eight returning starters for the Panther softball team.

“Being able to spend everyday with the girls is just really good for the team chemistry,” Crossland said.

Colgan continued to build on softball and volleyball and delivered a big turnaround with first-year coach Annie Dellasega, a former assistant. The Panthers won the challenging CNC, emerged from a wide-open Class 2-1A, and captured state with a 24-2 record. Colgan only split with Frontenac, the eventual 3A champion, and Riverton, which captured 3A in ’17 and is a perennial power.

“We all play each other, and we are all great competition for each other, so heading into the postseason, those games where we are playing super small schools, it’s a lot easier,” Crossland said. “Because you have had competition, and you have been in those hard games before.”

At state, Colgan defeated Sacred Heart, 17-0, in three

KAITLIN CROSSLAND

innings, Jayhawk-Linn, 14-0, in four innings and beat Oskaloosa, 10-7, in the finals. Colgan won its five playoff games by a total score of 68-12. The state field didn’t have Chase County, Alma-Wabaunsee or Udall. All three teams finished in the top-four in ’18. Wabaunsee was the defending state titlist, and Chase County had won five 2-1A crowns, all since ’12.

“We didn’t think of anything but winning,” Crossland said.

“We went in there confident. We knew we could win, and so we just put our minds to it, and we just did it.”

Colgan earned a bevy of postseason honors. Crossland was named first team all-state by the coaches. She went 16-1 with 103 strikeouts. She carried a .462 average with four homers, including a grand slam in the state championship, with 37 RBI. Dellasega was 2-1A Coach of the Year by Sports in Kansas.

“We are just all around pretty solid, and we have a lot of heart and desire to win, and we are very competitive with each other, too,” she said.

Colgan’s five seniors were all four-year starters, including second team all-state from Piccini and honorable mention allstate for Radell. Crossland credited her teammates, especially their defense. Radell started at first, Piccini at shortstop.

“Takes a lot of the stress off me whenever I am in the circle, and our hitting is really good,” Crossland said. “A lot of the girls in the offseason have been hitting in the cages, just working on their swings. And playing a little bit of fall ball - some of the girls do.”

Crossland has worked on her pitching since she was about 10 years old. Cara Russell is her longtime local pitching coach. Russell, from Pittsburg, played collegiately at Seward County Community College and Friends University.

As a senior, Russell was first team all-KCAC on a 35-14 squad that advanced to the 2011 national tournament. Friends finished 29-12 her junior year.

Crossland throws fastball, changeup, screw ball and had worked on the rise ball for more than a year. Crossland called learning the rise “difficult,” an opinion echoed by many softball pitchers. Crossland occasionally practiced the form at home.

“Sometimes you just have to walk around with your elbow inside out just to get used to it, but yeah, it takes a lot of work for that pitch especially, just because it’s so much different,” she said.

Conor Nicholl Dylan Dreiling, Hays Hays High sophomore Dylan Dreiling has been involved with HHS baseball and the Hays Larks summer collegiate team his entire life. His grandfather, Frank Leo, served as Hays High baseball coach for 39 years. Leo retired last spring after 576 victories. Leo still remains the Larks manager and plans to enter his 38th year this summer.

As a youngster, Dreiling spent long hours around the teams,

YOUTH movement

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DYLAN DREILING

Photos by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 including among the many children who throw and run the bases after Larks games. Leo and his wife Barb have three grown daughters. Their eldest, Lindsey, is Dylan’s mother.

Lindsey and her husband, Doug, have four children, and Dylan is the oldest. Most of all, Dylan learned hard work and leadership from his grandfather.

“People are going to feed off me by watching me play and watching me practice,” Dylan said.

Dreiling, a 6-foot, 185-pound left-hander, mainly plays outfield and pitches. His all-time favorite Lark is Cody Gougler.

Dreiling wears No. 33 in honor of Gougler, who was a fouryear starter at Southeastern Louisiana. Gougler is currently the Associate Athletic Director for Resource Development at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Gougler notably played with the Larks in 2010-11. Known for his charismatic personality and leadership skills, Gougler then earned a sports marketing internship with the Fort Hays athletic department.

“He was confident in himself, so I just kind of fed off that,” Dreiling said.

Dreiling, who verbally committed to Tennessee before his high school career started, started as a freshman for Hays High last spring and helped the Indians to a 20-2 record.

He hit a grand slam in the first inning against Newton in the regional final, one of his career highlights.

Dreiling earned Class 5A honorable mention all-state by Sports in Kansas.

“It was really cool, just getting to play for my grandpa,” Dreiling said. “He has obviously taught me a lot about baseball. It was fun playing for him.”

On Feb. 29, Dreiling posted a max fastball of 82 miles per hour, according to Prep Baseball Report. He also worked a curveball and changeup. Dreiling recorded 6.94 seconds in the 60, and a batting Exit Velocity of 94.

In his eighth-grade year, Dreiling played with a Kansas City team in a fall tournament. A parent had an older son who was on the Tri-State Arsenal Scout Team, a program based out of New Jersey that has players from all over the country, including North Carolina, Oklahoma, Michigan, West Virginia and Florida.

The parent had the coach email Dreiling to see if he was interested. Dreiling was on Tri-State in summer 2018 and played in multiple tournaments for the 14-and-under squad.

The team finished 17-4. The squad won a Georgia tournament and played on multiple Division I fields, including Duke and North Carolina.

“Another one of my favorite memories,” Dreiling said of the Georgia tournament.

Dreiling, also Hays High’s starting quarterback last fall, plans to join an improved baseball program at the University of Tennessee after high school.

The Volunteers ended a 14-year NCAA tournament drought in 2019 and finished this spring No. 20 in the country with a 15-2 record before the season was cancelled because of the

coronavirus.

Coach Tony Vitello finished his third spring as Tennessee’s head coach. Vitello is the son of Greg Vitello, who coached primarily baseball and soccer for 47 years at De Smet High School in St. Louis and is in the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

Tony previously was one of the nation’s top recruiters at Missouri, TCU and Arkansas, including the country’s top-ranked class in 2014.

“A lot of my choice was based on the head coach,” Dreiling said. “He’s the second-best recruiting coordinator in the country. His second year was last year. This is his third year at Tennessee. Just signed a 5-year, 3.5 million dollar contract, so that was my main choice, and then another one was I like underdog teams. Like I don’t want to go to the best team. I want to go make a team good.”

Conor Nicholl Maguire Estill, Haven Maguire Estill says the Haven Wildcat softball team is hungry to reach the state tournament this season.

Haven had qualified for state five years in a row, including three straight semifinal appearances, before the streak was snapped last year.

“Haven’s had a state tradition and we lost that tradition last year,” Estill said. “We were not happy with that.”

Before last year’s 13-4 season in which the Wildcats lost to Kingman in the regional championship, Haven had won at least 20 games every year since 2015. In 2014, the Wildcats won 19 games.

“We want a high-winning record, and we want to continue the tradition of making state,” Estill said prior to the cancellation of the season. “Mainly, our focus is ourselves, and how we can improve our games to compete with other teams.”

In a down year by Haven’s lofty standards, the Wildcats were still Central Kansas League Champions.

“Everybody is coming after us,” Estill said. “We have to maintain a high-level of play.”

MAGUIRE ESTILL

Estill, a junior, has been dominant since her freshman year. As a freshman, Estill went 18-1 on the mound with 115 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA. In year two with 26 less innings, Estill struck out 71 batters with an ERA of 1.37. She was a unanimous First Team All-Central Kansas League selection both years. Estill was a second team all-3A pitcher by the coaches last season.

In her first two years combined, Estill has struck out 186 batters while only allowing 110 hits.

Estill says she has “a whole spectrum” of pitches, but her favorite pitch is the rise ball.

“I like going up and down more than side to side,” Estill said.

“The last year and a half I have spent time trying to perfect the rise ball.”

Estill is just as imposing with a bat in her hands.

As a freshman, she maintained a .608 batting average with five home runs and 61 RBIs. Last year, she set a career high with eight home runs and a 1.819 OPS. In 43 career games, Estill has 38 extra-base hits, 30 walks and has only struck out three times.

“I hit better when there are people on,” Estill said. “It’s not about home runs. It’s about making contact to get them in.

Home runs come from contact.”

Outside of school ball, Estill plays for Tulsa Elite based out of Wichita. The high-level competition she sees there has helped make her into the player she is today.

“I’ve played against Division I athletes who were committed, I played against an OU pitcher, one girl went to KU. I get to see all these people I’ve played against in the past two and a half years start to commit, and it’s really fun to see.”

When Estill has success against these players, she knows she is capable of reaching her dreams of playing in college.

“It makes me more confident. I see them and I know I can compete at that level,” Estill said.

Playing softball in college is definitely a goal for Estill.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

“I’m very open in my recruitment right now,” Estill said. “I have a couple offers, but I’m going to play my game and see how it goes.”

Gallagher Martin Katelyn Fairchild, Andale Considering Katelyn Fairchild is only a junior, the Andale javelin record should be written in pencil. Last April at the KU Relays in Lawrence, Fairchild set the school record with a throw of 150-3.5. Fairchild needed an epic launch to win the meet, as second-place finisher Madison Lueger of Centralia was close behind at 149-5.25.

Fairchild said that was the best-feeling throw of her career.

“That one felt good,” Fairchild said.

Fairchild broke her personal record at the state meet with a throw of 156-11. She won gold by nearly 20 feet.

Fairchild’s biggest competition came from teammate Samantha Marx, who finished at 138-7. However, her state-winning throw did not feel as good coming out of her hand compared to the one at Kansas Relays. “It didn’t feel very good, but I knew that it went far,” Fairchild said. “I knew it was a PR, and the feeling of getting a PR is great.”

“You can tell by the way it flies and by the way it picks up. I think the wind picked it up a little bit.”

Fairchild’s throw helped Andale win its third straight 4A state track and field championship on the girls side.

“Everybody got their job done,” Fairchild said. “Everyone doing their part was amazing.”

Andale swept state championships at Cessna Stadium in 2019 as the boys won as well.

“Everyday at practice we were counting down the days to state, and we were all working for a state championship,” Fairchild said. “The fact that we could share the feeling of winning a state championship with the boys was amazing.”

By the time she graduates high school, Fairchild wants to be the best to have ever done it at the high school level. She has her eyes set on the national record set by Madison Wiltrout of Pennsylvania at 182-8.

“I think within the next two years I can get it,” Fairchild said “I know it’s a big goal, but I just want to do the best I can.”

She will be the favorite to win the javelin the next year, and she is only going to get better.

“I can improve the most with just bringing everything together,” Fairchild said. “I want to get more consistent and comfortable, and I want to make myself stronger.”

Fairchild has picked up the sport quickly, throwing the javelin for just over two years. She joined the team midway through her freshman year, and by her sophomore year she won a state championship. At her first meet in high school, Fairchild threw 123-6. “We didn’t have javelin in middle school, but I did do track,” Fairchild said.

Fairchild comes from an athletic family where she is the second to youngest. Her younger sister, McKenzie, also is learning to throw javelin. “I love helping her. She will ask for help, and I feel capable of helping her,” Fairchild said. “Seeing her get better honestly makes me feel better.”

TY GERETY

Fairchild has six siblings. The oldest is 30 and the youngest is a freshman in high school. All of the Fairchilds were standout athletes and Andale graduates.

“Having an athletic family has shaped me to the person I am.

Everything is a competition,” Fairchild said. “I’m always being pushed, and everyone is always rooting for each other.” GM Tyler Gerety, Nemaha Central Seneca-Nemaha Central junior Tyler Gerety saw how his father, Dan, and older brother, Austin, enjoyed baseball. When he was eight, Tyler decided to make baseball his top sport.

Even though the family lives just outside of Seneca, Tyler eventually joined The Barn Baseball Academy out of Manhattan, a 130-mile round trip.

“I just really loved baseball,” Tyler said. “It just stood out to me. It’s more fun.”

This spring, Austin worked 8.1 innings with a 3.24 earnedrun average for Barton County Community College before the season was shut down because of coronavirus concerns.

Last October, Tyler committed to KU. The right-handed Gerety is 5-foot-11, 180 pounds and runs 6.79 seconds in the 60-yard dash, according to Prep Baseball Report.

He also posted 4.15 seconds in home to first and had an impressive 90 mile an hour exit velocity. As a sophomore, Gerety hit .329 with 26 RBI on a 15-6 team. Last year, NC finished 12-8. Kansas was the first college to reach out to him. Gerety said he had interest after he played “really well” in tournaments in Oklahoma and Georgia. Gerety was named to one of the two 2019 Kansas Select squads.

“I just really like everything they do there,” Gerety said.

“They have great coaches. Coaches have a lot of energy. Just felt like at home there.”

Additionally, Gerety was a key piece of Nemaha Central’s football jump from 5-4 to 11-2 and a surprising Class 2A state championship last fall.

NC’s Warren Seitz earned KFBCA 2A Coach of the Year honors. After Week 1, the Thunder coaching staff decided to switch the offense to primarily three-receiver sets.

NC wanted to get more touches for senior Bryce Uphaus and Gerety, the team’s fastest player. Gerety was used in the slot. He did not have a catch in ’18. Last fall, he finished with 27 carries for 199 yards and a pair of scores, along with 28 catches for 558 yards and six TDs. He led the team in receiving yards. That included four catches for a career-high 93 yards and a score in a 19-0 state final win versus Norton.

“I have never really run it before in our system,” Seitz said last fall. “But when we just looked at the players that we had, our philosophy is always get the best 11 on the field, and so that’s where it came from. And we knew that Tyler was one of the best 11, and Bryce also.”

Brooke Hammond, Garden Plain The success Brooke Hammond has in high school sports has been more than plentiful in her first year and a half at Garden Plain High.

There have been team championships, including one each in

BROOKE HAMMOND

basketball, volleyball and track as a ninth-grader for the Owls.

The volleyball team placed third at state last fall to kick start her sophomore season.

She is an outstanding athlete, no question.

Without a doubt, though, it is track where she has made her biggest schoolgirl splash.

There have been plenty of gold medals, including one each in Class 2A at the Kansas State Track and Field Championships in the 100, 200 and as anchor on Garden Plain’s school-record setting 4x100 team last spring.

It all added up to her being named to the Wichita Eagle’s All-Metro Girls Track Team along with securing an invitation-only seat at the Topeka Capital-Journal’s Best of Kansas Preps awards ceremony.

Though Hammond was outstanding right from the minute she took to the track – she didn’t lose a single open event in seventh or eighth grade – she got faster. Her leg speed improved, her block starts became more efficient and she took her competitiveness to another level.

“It is still unbelievable,” the seemingly always bubbly athlete said. “I just knew I was going to try my hardest, but I had no idea how things would turn out.

“As the year went on, I thought I could medal, but I wasn’t expecting first.”

She collected her gold with a 12.48 in the 100, a personal-best 26.05 in the 200 and joined with Claire Clark, Macy Catlin and Nicole Puetz in the relay’s school-record clocking of 50.05.

Her points helped propel Garden Plain past Bennington for its first girls state title since 2013, its sixth overall. With a ton of talent returning and some gifted incoming freshmen, the Owls are in a position to repeat.

This time, though, Hammond knows she won’t be able to sneak up on anybody, not after a stellar rookie season that has ranked timewise in 2A behind just Plainville senior Aubree Dewey in the short sprints.

“I’m just going to go out like I did last year and just run,” she said prior to the cancellation of the season, shrugging.

Once the powerfully built 16-year-old steps into the blocks, her strategy in the 100 and 200 is simple. Real simple.

“Just go, just get out and go. I have a bunch of stuff going through my mind when I’m in the blocks, but once I’m running it is just go as hard as you can. Just go.”

One change from a year ago she’d like to make is swapping out the open 400, where she was ninth at state, for a spot in a 4x400 relay.

“I really want to do that,” she said. “Coach is thinking about it, he said we will see how it goes. I did the 4x4 in middle school. And I’m fine being in the middle or at the end. I like continued on page 23

YOUTH movement

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 22

KIOWA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HOME TO THE 2019 1A KANSAS STATE GIRLS TRACK CHAMPIONS!

Photo by Pam Rhodes

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

The Kiowa County Lady Maverick track team capped the weather-delayed 2019 KSHSAA Track & Field Championships winning the 1A team title!

In a thrilling finish, Kiowa County’s Sabrina Thomas got a clutch win in the class 1A girls discus on Sunday morning. Her 10 points lifted her team - the pre-meet favorite - into a tie with Lincoln for first place. Kiowa County then completed the comeback when its 4 X 400 relay team won that event, providing the winning margin in a 69-59 win.

The 4X400 relay team was made up of 2019 graduate Casey Erickson, now sophomore Addisyn Heinson, now junior Cameron Erickson and 2020 graduate Kellie Rhodes.

The Mavericks took advantage of strong performances in throwing events, sprints and relays to overcome a packed field of 1A teams.

Sabrina Thomas, a 2020 graduate, won the 1A girls discuss throw, finished sixth in the girls javelin throw and was fifth in the girls shot put, but she was just one of the many strong performers for the Mavericks.

Heinson also had success in the 400-meter dash, finishing fourth, just two spots ahead of Rhodes who finished sixth. But possibly her biggest successes came in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, both of which she took second in.

In the 4X800-meter relay, 2019 graduate Hailey Shaffer joined up with both Cameron and Casey Erickson, as well as fellow 2019 graduate Regan Rhodes, forming a relay team that finished third.

In the 4X100-meter relay, the Mavericks got an 11th-place finish from the relay team consisting of Rhodes, now junior Gracie Gray, and 2019 graduates Brecken VandenHoek and Hannah Melton.

The Mavericks also had success in the jumps. VandenHoek took 11th in the triple jump, Casey Erickson took fifth in the girls long jump and Melton took second in pole vault.

It was a memorable finish for the Mavericks, your 2019 1A State Champions! *Article contributed by Shelton Burch/Kiowa County Signal and PatMelgares/Kansas Mile Split

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

continued from page 21

being in a position where I just chase people.”

Hammond, though, grew up as the one being chased. Her father, Kevin, heads Garden Plain’s long-running youth track program on which his daughter blitzed the sprint fields from the time she was 6 years old.

When she was in sixth grade, he signed her up for her first open 400 race. She was petrified.

“My dad kept saying ‘you got this, you know how to run it, just do your best’,” she recalled.

Not surprisingly, she won, but said, “I was dying, I felt like I was dying.”

With personal bests of 12.29 in the 100 and 26.05 in the 200, Garden Plain’s school records of 12.1 and 25.7 are well within her reach.

“I need to work on my start, I think it is horrible,” she said. “I always talk to people about what I can do better and people tell me it is really good, but I feel like I stand up way too quick.”

Once she gets that start smoothed out, Hammond will really be able to go. Just go.

Huey Counts Addi Heinson, Kiowa County Travis Powell is from Minneola and took over as Greensburg-Kiowa County’s athletic director in 2008. Powell has served in multiple roles, including currently principal and head track coach. Powell collected 2012 2A track coach of the year when Heather Melton won two events in the 100 hurdles and high jump, and Chelsea Oberle earned runner-up in the triple jump. Six athletes qualified in ’12, none of them seniors.

His son, Trever, who now coaches in Bucklin, recorded more than 6,000 all-purpose yards, for the KCHS football team.

Last spring, the Kiowa Co. girls captured the SPIAA title for a ninth straight year. At the league meet, Addi Heinson, then a freshman, set the school mark in the 200-meter dash in 26.29 seconds.

“He’s just an outstanding coach,” Heinson said, a statement echoed by many athletes over the years, including Kellie Rhodes, a key junior last winter. “He just pushes you to be the best version of yourself, so I really like that about him.”

Last spring, Heinson helped Kiowa County capture the Class 1A track championship with 69 points, 10 ahead of runner-up Lincoln and 21 in front of third-place Centralia.

Heinson finished second in the 100 (12.53) and the 200 in 25.94, which lowered her school mark. She was behind Moundridge senior Jamya O’Quinn in both events.

“Before we were all warming up or whatever, she didn’t talk to anyone,” Heinson said of O’Quinn. “She focused on what she was focusing on, and I was trying to make friends, because I was scared, but I always knew that she was ready to go and run, and she did.”

She also took fourth in the 400 in 1:00.57 and ran on the 1,600-meter relay team with Cameron and Casey Erickson and Rhodes, who has signed to run at NAIA Concordia (Neb.) The relay was state’s final event. KC knew it needed to place and would win the team championship.

BELLE PETERS

“We’ve got a shot at this, we’ve got a shot,” Heinson said of the team’s mindset entering the race.

The Mavericks ran 4:05.92 to win the event and the team title. The year prior, the Mavericks took third in 2A with 39 points, and finished 11th in the 1,600 relay at 4:19.35. The relay and overall crown continued an improvement for Kiowa County, which has primarily been a 2A school. After a fifthplace showing in ’14, Kiowa County earned 19th, 13th, fourth and third the next four years.

Heinson, who moved to Greensburg in second grade, has always “been kind of fast.” In sixth grade, Heinson missed out on her 400 event. Instead, the coaches had her run with the eighth graders. Heinson said she “was so scared” but won the event. Her fastest 400 in junior high was 59.2 seconds.

“I have just been pushing throughout,” she said.

In 2019, she posted a personal best of 12.18 seconds in the 100 at the regional meet, according to her Athletic.net page.

She also ran 59.90 in the 400 at the league track meet. The 1,600 relay ran 4:25.36 at the season-opening Great Bend meet on April 5, and then posted 4:12.58 at regionals before the big improvement at state.

The Ericksons, Rhodes and Heinson ran on the relay all year. Rhodes also finished sixth at state in the 400. The 3,200 relay, with both Ericksons, was third, and Hannah Melton finished second in the pole vault. Casey Erickson was fifth in the long jump. Sabrina Thomas won the discus, was fifth in the shot put and sixth in the javelin, leaving the Mavericks poised as a contender to repeat in 1A. Conor Nicholl Belle Peters, Smoky Valley Belle Peters already has a pair of state medals from past Kansas Track and Field Championships.

She holds the Class 3A state meet record that was achieved last summer just 70 minutes from her home turf in Lindsborg.

And she literally divides what is a limited amount of time vaulting with three other events. Impressive, to say the least.

As a youngster, Peters was a talented gymnast, an activity she began when she was 3-years-old. Her gym had previously turned out state medalist pole vaulters in Salina Central’s Taylor Swanson and Halie Turner.

In fifth grade, at the urging of her mother, Robyn, Peters attended a camp at Tailwind Pole Vault Club in Jamestown.

After a couple quick lessons, she vaulted 6-foot-6.

“I rode with Halie up to the first camp not knowing anything,” Peters, a junior at Smoky Valley High, said. “I was never really nervous, probably from having been a gymnast and (instructor Mark Breault) is really good with beginners and younger kids and made me real comfortable with it.”

Competing in middle school, she was rarely tested at school meets as she regularly cleared 11-0. She faced much tougher competition during summer track, but still came away with a silver medal in the 15-16 division at 2017 USATF National Junior Olympics.

To hit great heights, a pole vaulter must be fearless. This is an event in which people have been seriously injured, even killed. It takes a daredevil to even attempt it, using a pole that

ALYSIA WAGNER

bends to swing upside down and propel yourself more than a dozen feet off the ground.

“My gymnastics background is obviously a huge help,” she said. “If I have the choice to put my kids in gymnastics, I definitely would in a heartbeat. The mental strength and physical strength it gives a kid is incredible.”

Her toughness has paid off in her career. She has reached Wichita and the state championships her first two years, placing fourth in 4A as a ninth grader behind three seniors, and then breaking through with her 12-8 vault a year ago in claiming 3A gold and demolishing the field.

Overshadowed by her stature in the pole vault community, is Peters’ ability in a number of other disciplines. She was second in the 100 hurdles (15.3) and sixth in both the 100 (12.62) and long jump (16-0) at the 2019 state meet. During the regular season, she also ran on the school’s 4x100 relay.

“If I could do six events in a meet, I would,” she said. “I just love competing. I obviously put most of my focus on the vault, but it is good for me to go to another event to get my mind off the vault, so I don’t stress so much.”

Her competitiveness has also made her something of a beast in the weight room where Peters holds all the girls powerlifting school records in the 140-pound division: bench press (150), squat (285), clean (215), hang snatch (150) and clean and jerk (185).

She not only takes part in the school’s conditioning class, she gets an extra lift after school at every opportunity. Through it all she still maintains a 4.0 grade point average.

“But I’m not a real organized person,” she said, laughing. “I get my homework done when I get it done. I’m probably most organized when it comes to my weightlifting.”

Peters has received plenty of attention from college recruiters, most of whom have suggested she change her approach from pushing to carrying the pole. The thought process is that it will increase her speed down the runway.

Last summer she added an arm swing to her approach, whereas she used to grip the pole with two hands, and believes that has helped, but Peters is reluctant to switch.

“I’ve had officials at meets tell me ‘you should be carrying the pole’ and I feel like that is disrespectful to me,” she said.

“It is very discouraging. It’s a tough decision to make and if I could practice more, maybe I’d consider it.

“I do know I’m pretty fast pushing the pole, I’m not sure how much faster I could get carrying it. So for now I’m going to keep pushing it and find other ways to improve.” Huey Counts Alysia Wagner, K.C. Christian K.C. Christian junior Alysia Wagner had posted multiple all-state finishes in Class 2A entering the 2019 state track and field meet. Wagner, though, had never beaten WaKeeney-Trego’s Helen Giefer, who signed with Kansas State.

In 2017, Wagner finished 19th at state cross country in 21

YOUTH movement

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YOUTH YOUTH movement

minutes, 36.3 seconds and collected one of the last two state medals. Giefer earned third in 19:43.2. In ’18 state track, Wagner was 11th in the 800 in 2:34.93, fifth in the 1,600 at 5:29.48 and sixth in the 3,200 with 12:06.29.

Wagner displayed a strong kick and posted 1:25 for her last lap, her second-fastest split of the event’s eight laps. Giefer earned second in the 1,600 and easily won the 3,200, more than 17 seconds ahead of the field.

In ’18 state cross country, Wagner made a big improvement to 20:20.5. She took state runner-up to Giefer, who ran 19:29.

The pair matched up again in the 3,200 at state last spring.

Wagner and Giefer each finished at least 29 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The pair were virtually equal entering the final lap. Then, Wagner believed she could run faster and had some energy left. She started her kick earlier and posted a 1:18, her fastest lap of the race. Giefer finished in 1:30.

Wagner ran a career-best 11:31.49, and Giefer had 11:44.38.

“I knew that if I was going to win, I would have to have a really big PR,” Wagner said. “So I decided that I was just going to stick right behind her for most of the race.”

Wagner earned second in the 1,600 in 5:22.83 to Giefer, though lowered her own school record. In the 800, Wagner was also fifth at 2:25.70. KC Christian scored 26 team points, including a fifth-place finish from Molly Miller in the long jump.

“I really just enjoy seeing everything that I can accomplish, and I just enjoy being with my team, going to practice and just working hard,” Wagner said.

Wagner’s longtime goal is to be a journalist. She would like to go to New York and travel. Wagner enjoys writing about events and news and learning about others through interviews and stories. She has written several stories for “Pawprint,” the KCC news site. Wagner has looked into multiple strong academic schools in the northeast.

In eighth grade, Wagner and her friend elected to dual sport and try cross country for the first time. In ninth grade, Wagner started in track for the first time. Wagner likes the work ethic and team camaraderie that comes with distance running. She called the discipline “really painful” and “really addictive.”

“Then I ended up liking it a lot more than all my other sports I did, so in high school, I just started to stick with that,” she said.

Conor Nicholl Brooks Whaley, Rock Creek St. George-Rock Creek junior Brooks Whaley gave significant credit for his success to Mustang head coach Shane Sieben and RC’s roster. Sieben, a Manhattan graduate, played on the 1998 state title team at Manhattan.

He served as an assistant at Manhattan, Rock Creek and Junction City. Sieben is entering his sixth year this spring. He has a 100-15 career record with Rock Creek. Sieben has also served as an assistant with summer collegiate baseball in Junction City. In ’06-07, Sieben traveled internationally to Italy and Curacao on USAAI baseball teams.

“Coach Sieben is just such a great coach, and having such great leadership from seniors every year,” Whaley said. “We lose big classes of seniors and just reload with new underclassmen that just carry the torch.”

The Mustangs have reached six consecutive state tournaments, the last five under Sieben. In ’14, Rock Creek went 20-6 and finished second in 3A. The following spring, the team won 4A-II with a 22-2 mark. The team set a school record for wins and earned the school’s first baseball state title.

In the last three seasons, Rock Creek finished 16-5, 21-1 and 20-3. Last spring, the Mustangs were the No. 1 seed and finished 22-4. RC fell, 10-4, to two-time defending champion Sabetha in the final. The Mustangs had a high number of returners for 2020. Whaley was all-state 3A outfield. Infielder Mason Sturdy collected all-state as a sophomore in ’19.

“Our expectations are to win state this year,” Whaley said before the season.

BROOKS WHALEY

The right-handed Whaley, who plays for the well-known Barn Baseball Academy in Manhattan, also pitches. He mainly throws fastball, curve and change. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound Whaley has posted 4.09 seconds from home to first and a throwing velocity from the outfield of 81 miles per hour, according to Prep Baseball Report.

“Mixing spots, that’s what I like to do,” he said.

Whaley likes to watch Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed ace Clayton Kershaw. An eight-time all-star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, Kershaw has remained effective despite his average fastball velocity dropping from 93.6 miles per hour to 90.2 from 2015 to ’19, according to baseball analytics site FanGraphs.

Whaley has loved to watch Kershaw pitch inside.

“I definitely like going there, because nobody likes to hit it there anymore,” Whaley said. “Everybody works on hitting the outside pitch. If you can do both, it makes it that much harder to hit.”

Whaley showed a strong glove in the outfield, too. Aidan Lee was pitching against Wellsville in the state tournament semifinals. Whaley made his favorite play of the year when he tracked down a ball deep in the gap. Rock Creek eventually won 4-0.

“First step is huge,” Whaley said of playing the outfield. CN Tyus Wilson, Sterling Sterling’s Tyus Wilson achieved breakout high school track and field success as a freshman when he cleared 7-feet in the high jump.

“Once I cleared 7-feet it was kind of a blur,” Wilson said.

“Everybody was going wild.

I was pretty happy about it, and then I went to state two weeks later and only jumped 6-6. It was kind of a humbling moment for me.”

Wilson has been making noise in high jump since before high school.

“When I was 10 I won the national AAU high jump meet, and I broke a high jump record there for the age group,” Wilson said. “That’s when I found out I might be decent at the sport. After that point, I took it a little more seriously, and I thought I might be able to do something with it.”

Wilson’s love for track and

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

TYUS WILSON

field started even before age 10. Both of his parents were high jumpers and basketball players at Sterling College, where they met.

“I’ve been doing track since I was really little. Both of my parents inspired me to do it,” Wilson said. “My mom used to be the track coach at Sterling College. When the team would be practicing high jump, I’d be sitting there on the box and falling onto the mat and just having fun. That’s kind of the earliest memories that I have.”

Wilson said his mom was a 5-10 high jumper and his dad cleared 6-10.

“My parents were definitely an influence on how I got started,” Wilson said. “I’m very glad for it.”

Wilson has always been on the taller side. It wasn’t until high school when he began to hover above 6-foot. Now a junior, Wilson stands at 6-6.

“I’m probably still growing a little bit,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s height and explosive hops make him a dominant

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continued from page 24 basketball player. In the high jump, however, it has its positives and negatives.

“To some extent my height helps me,” Wilson said. “Ideally, you want to find a stopping point for growing so that you can focus on getting your muscles prepared and not inconsistent.”

Wilson is the reigning Class 2A State High Jump Champion. His winning jump last year came at 6-10. His 6-6 jump in 2018 won Class 3A. Wilson was the favorite to win the high jump again this year.

“There’s always the expectation when you’ve done something that you can do it

with a 1.63 ERA, 36 strikeouts and seven walks.

Michael Uhler (2-1) also returns, along with shortstop Colter Maldonado.

WASHBURN RURAL reached the state semifinals before losing a 6-5 decision to Free State.

The Junior Blues ended the season with an 18-6 record and return a pair of second-team allstaters in Logan Redeker and Shawn Marquis.

Redeker posted a 5-0 record on the mound with a 1.48 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 23 innings. Marquis played the outfield, hitting .386 with 32 hits.

Also returning for Rural is catcher-1B Brady Peterson (.369, 24 hits), infielder Davan Brady (.250), pitcher Alex Blum (18 Ks, 30 IP) and pitcher-OF Cooper Carlgren (3-0, 17 Ks, 16 IP).

DERBY (11-10) qualified for the state tournament before dropping a first-round game to Campus. Five starters return from that team, but the Panthers will have to rebuild their pitching staff.

“We are going to be very young on the mound with lots of potential,” coach Todd Olmstead said.

Grant Adler, a senior, will lead the pitching staff and also play outfield. Adler batted .435 with 27 hits. He also had 67 strikeouts and a 1.17 ERA on the mound. Junior second baseman Kade Snodgrass batted .405 last year, and junior catcher Luke Stewart .328. Junior outfielders Reid Liston (.286) and Coleson Syring (.293) also return.

OLATHE NORTHWEST has some reloading to do. The Braves qualified for the state tournament last year before losing in the first round to Mill Valley to finish with a 17-6 record. Two starters return - senior shortstop Brevon Lee (.306) and junior catcher (DH last year) Bryce Johnson. (.317).

OLATHE EAST was a state qualifier last season before dropping a 2-0 decision to Free State in the first round. Grant Strong, a junior, returns after being selected first-team all-state outfielder and second-team all-state as a pitcher. Strong batted .382 with 29 hits and also posted a 4-2 record on the mound with 51 Ks and a 1.21 ERA. Also back for the Hawks is SS Caleb Peterson (.309) and pitcher Blake Anderson (3 SV, 46 Ks).

“Senior Jackson Blake and sophomore Austin Berggren look to add depth to the pitching staff,” coach Blake Iles said before the season.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST returns seven starters, including first-team all-state outfielder Matt Miller. Also back are seniors Dash Goldfston (P), Ryan Callahan (SS), Jake Dolesh (C), Eastin White (2B), Ben Barron (3B) and sophomore Mikey Pauley (DH).

After back-to-back state championships - 2017 and ‘18 - BLUE VALLEY fell just short of the

again,” Wilson said. “There is some pretty good competition out there. There are three or four juniors who jumped 6-8, so it will be fun to compete against them.”

Wilson said he does not feel any pressure to repeat.

“Right now I’m just trying to have fun with the sport,” Wilson said. “I know there will be colleges trying to recruit me, and I don’t want to let that affect my performance. I’m always trying to improve while continuing to have fun with it.”

Wilson broke his previous record of 7-feet during an indoor meet last fall.

“I cleared seven and a quarter at Wichita State,” Wilson said.

Gallagher Martin

state tournament last year, but still finished with a 14-8 record. Four players, who started as sophomores, return for the Tigers.

Carson Liggett was 2-2 as a pitcher with a 2.70 ERA, while outfielder Chase Jans hit .375 and was named first-team All-EKL. First baseman Jack Tinberg was named first-team all-state after hitting .429, and outfielder Tate Gillen batted .366 and was second-team all-league.

BLUE VALLEY NORTH returns five starters from last year’s 7-15 team - seniors Ryan Picollo (OF-INF), Weston Womack (P), Matt Brimacombe (INF) and juniors Noah Young (P-INF) and Landon Reeves (IB-P).

BLUE VALLEY WEST welcomes back four starters and two pitchers from last year’s 12-9 team - seniors Andrew Pendergast (C), Logan Rosner (SS), Will Hudler (OF), Garrett Stoll (P), Connor Carson (P) and junior Scott Riddle (2B).

Hudler was named second-team all-state.

DODGE CITY was dealt a blow when junior catcher/first baseman Alden Knedler went down with a knee injury in the final football game last fall. Knedler hit .379 last year for DC. The other returning starter is junior Erubiel Duron, who catches, pitches and plays outfield.

He was 2-1 on the mound with a 2.93 ERA and also batted .333.

GARDNER-EDGERTON finished last season with a 14-7 record and three starters return from that team - senior Dayvin Johnson and juniors Hayden Dyer and Ty Wood. Johnson was a firstteam all-state outfielder for the Trailblazers.

“We have a good group of players returning this season,” coach Cory Schrack said.

HUTCHINSON’S 6-14 season ended last year with an 11-10 nine-inning loss in the regional tournament to eventual state runner-up Lawrence Free State. Five position players return, including second-team all-state second baseman Carter Booe, who hit .304 last year.

Also back for the Salthawks are senior catcher Kaden Goldsmith, who hit .370; senior outfielder-pitcher Ryan Cherry (2-3); senior outfielder Taybin Smith, sophomore Kinser Newquist and junior pitcher Bennett Turner (2-3).

JUNCTION CITY fell one game short of reaching the state tournament last year. Five starters return from that 14-7 team, including junior outfielder Andrew Khoury, who batted .435 and was named second-team all-state.

Other returners are middle infielder JoJo Nieves (.340), junior infielder/outfielder Russell Wilkey (.408), junior first baseman Bodie Tillman (.385) and pitcher/infielder Trevor Laughlin. (.320).

LAWRENCE was 16-5 last year, but lost in the sub-state finals. Six position starters and one pitcher return. Junior outfielder Devin Neal - a KU football and baseball commit - leads the way after earning second-team all-state honors.

Joining him are seniors Aiden Bannister (P-IB), Ryan Lauts (C) and Jake Miller (P); juniors Carlos Vasquez (SS) and Cole Mondi (OF) and sophomore Grant Cleavinger (P).

LIBERAL has five starters back from an 11-10

Page 25

6A Baseball

Photo by Bruce McPhail

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame Pitching was the name of the game at last year’s Class 6A state tournament in Lawrence.

No team scored more than six runs in any of the seven games played at Hoglund Stadium.

The CAMPUS Colts scored only 11 runs in 23 innings, but allowed just four to go 3-0 in the tournament. The Colts’ 3-2 nine-inning victory over Lawrence Free State gave the school its first-ever state baseball championship. The title was the first in 6A by a Wichita-area school since 2011.

Campus lost eight seniors from that 23-2 squad, but two of the returners are among the state’s best - seniors Tanner Leslie and Jackson Hartley.

Leslie was named the Class 6A Player of the Year and was first-team All-6A as a pitcher and outfielder. He batted .479 with 37 runs scored, 23 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. On the mound, he was 8-1 with a 2.66 earned run average.

Hartley, a pitcher and catcher, was named second-team all-state in 6A. He batted .392 with 29 hits and 21 RBIs. He was perfect on the mound with a 9-0 record and 2.80 ERA. The Colts also return two other pitchers who won five games between them - seniors Austin Warkins (2-0) and T.J. Waits (3-0). Warkins, also a first baseman, batted .375 last season, while Waits carried a 2.00 ERA. “We return eight kids who were on the state championship team,” head coach Bryan Clasen said prior to the season. “We have some holes to fill, but we return a lot of talent as well.”

Despite losing 6A Pitcher of the Year, Ethan Bradford, to graduation, the FREE STATE Firebirds still boast a deep and talented pitching staff as they look to build off last year’s 21-4 record and runner-up finish.

Senior right-hander Camden Karlin was 6-1 on the mound with a 1.46 earned run average, 38 strikeouts and just five walks. He also catches for the Firebirds and was named first-team all-state.

Also returning on the pitching staff is righthander David Stuart, who posted a 5-1 record

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team, including senior Braxton Hyde, who has committed to Butler Co.; senior outfielder Syris Dunlap, a Fort Hays football commit and senior pitcher James Armstrong, a NOC-Enid commit.

Hyde, a P/1B/OF, was 5-4 last year with 59 strikeouts and a 1.86 ERA in 52 innings. Dunlap hitt .288 last year and had 20 stolen bases. Armstrong was 4-2 on the mound last year.

Also returning for the Redskins are senior infielder Elijah McCarter (.344, 22 hits) and junior infielder/pitcher Kye Purdy.

MANHATTAN returns six starters from a 13-7 team and will be led by the pitching duo of Dayne Aschenbrenner and Cade Perkins.

Aschenbrenner, who also catches, plays third and outfield, hit .350 last year, scored 20 runs and had a 2-0 record (0.96 ERA) on the mound.

Perkins had a 4-1 record with 34 strikeouts.

Also returning for the Indians are Braden Dinkel (.351), Tyce Hoover (.388), Aidan Proctor (.309) at shortstop and Dom Huber (.361, plus 1-1 on the mound).

“Last year we were young, and this year we will be young again,” coach Don Hess said.

OLATHE NORTH finished 8-13 last year and return 10 lettermen - Quinn Diggs (OF), Tyler Simms (OF), Dale Stout (OF-P), Jackson Sarver (OF-P), Davin Pollard (INF), Jacob Dillon (INF-P), Nyle Banks (INF), Braedyn Myer (P), Jackson Eaton (P) and Aidan Thompson (C-INF).

OLATHE SOUTH features one of the state’s top players in senior catcher Jake English, who signed to play at KU next season. English batted .429 last year with 27 hits and 22 RBIs. He threw out nine of 15 runners attempting to steal and had just five passed balls in 106 innings.

Joining English as returning starters from last year’s 12-10 team are senior pitcher Maverick Hanna (2-2, 3.18 ERA) and junior pitcher/infielder Brady Beverman (.339).

OLATHE WEST will try to turn around a trend that saw it lose seven one-run games last season and finish with an 8-13 record.

West returns seven position players and several pitchers from that team. Five of those returnees

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5A Baseball

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CHASE TORKELSON Basehor-Linwood

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame As if the Seaman Vikings didn’t have enough incentive to win a third consecutive Class 5A state baseball championship this spring, their head coach has given them a little more.

This season will be the final one for Seaman’s

Page 26 highly-successful head coach Steve Bushnell, who has led the Vikings to 18 state appearances, nine Class 5A state championships and four runner-up finishes in 21 seasons.

Bushnell was approved in February to become Seaman High School’s new athletic director in the 2020-21 school year. He will coach the two-time defending state-champion baseball team this spring before stepping down to concentrate on his administrative duties.

Bushnell will have plenty of talent to work with in his final baseball season at the Topeka school.

Six starters - three of them pitchers - return from a 20-5 team that rolled over St. Thomas Aquinas, 13-1, in the state title game last spring in Wichita.

Hunter Hesseltine, a senior pitcher-first baseman, was 5-0 with an 0.90 earned run average and was named KABC first-team all-state. He has signed to play at Barton Community College.

Senior second baseman Griffin Stuewe was also named first-team all-state and will play at Cloud County. He batted .544 with 43 hits and 25 runs scored. Kolby Dougan, another Cloud County signee, was 5-1 on the mound last season with an 0.51 earned run average. He was named second team all-state.

Also back for the Vikings are senior pitcher Blaine Jepson (2-3, 2.62 ERA, Washburn signee), senior catcher Brayden Vawter (KCKCC signee) and junior INF-OF Cole Askew (.311 BA).

“Competition for several positions will be key,” said Bushnell, who is 401-103 at the school.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS returns the 5A Player of the Year in junior third baseman Kendall Diggs, who hit .559 last season, with 38 hits, 29 runs scored and 41 RBIs to earn first team all-state.

Two second-team all-state selections - junior second baseman Blake Anderson and senior shortstop Nick Goodwin - also return for the Saints, who were 21-4 last year. Anderson hit .410 with 32 hits and 29 runs scored, while Goodwin batted .387 with 29 hits and 36 RBIs. Also returning for Aquinas are senior catcher Hunter Moffett (.375 BA), junior first baseman Ivan Brethowr (.302 BA) and senior pitcher Matt Barr (5-1, 2.01 ERA).

“We have good upperclass leadership, and the offense should be good and lead the team,” coach Lorne Parks said.

BISHOP CARROLL’s unbeatean season ended in the state semifinals against Seaman last year. The Golden Eagles graduated five players who earned all-state honors from that 23-1 team.

But, the cupboard is not bare in Wichita. Jorey Faber, a junior left-hander, earned second-team all-state honors last year with a 9-0 record on the mound. He finished with 44 strikeouts in 36 innings and posted a 1.36 earned run average.

Also returning for Carroll are senior infielder Seger Holman (.367 BA, 21 hits), junior catcher/ infielder Aiden Neidens (.381 BA, 20 hits) and senior first baseman Ethan McMillian (.302 BA).

ST. JAMES ACADEMY will have to replace 5A Pitcher of the Year Daniel Trehey as well as

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all-state selection Hunter Cashero. The Thunder, who were 13-10 last year, lost a 6-5 decision to Aquinas in the state semis.

The Thunder do return senior pitcher Max Charlton, honorable mention all-state last year.

ARKANSAS CITY, the 4A state champion in 2018, nearly pulled off a big upset in the first round of the 5A tournament last year, but lost a 1-0 decision to eventual champion Seaman.

Two starters return from the Bulldogs’ 13-9 team - juniors Owen Bucher and Haden O’Toole. Both are pitchers and middle infielders. Bucher hit .400 last year and had a 2.58 earned run average in 19 innings on the mound. O’Toole was 3-3 with a 1.99 ERA and batted .364.

Also returning for the Bulldogs are two outfield lettermen - junior Walker Moulton and sophomore Lucas Barnes.

SALINA SOUTH could be a real darkhorse in 5A. The Cougars finished 10-11 a year ago, but just missed pulling a major upset in the opening round of the 5A state tournament, losing to then unbeaten Bishop Carroll, 3-2, in nine innings.

South returns six starters, including pitcher/ third baseman Caden Long, who was named second-team all-state. Long batted .444 with 32 hits. He was also was 4-4 on the mound with a 2.95 earned run average.

Also returning for the Cougars are outfielder Drew Baird (.359 BA, 23 runs scored), second baseman Charlie Baird (.281 BA), outfielder Caleb Copeland (.269 BA), catcher Jonas Baughman and shortstop Jovan Suarez.

GREAT BEND qualified for the state tournament with a 10-10 record after upsetting Wichita Northwest and unbeaten rival Hays in regional play before losing to Aquinas in the first round of state. The Panthers return all of their infield starters and three of their top four pitchers.

“We are going to lean on our senior experience to lead the team this year,” coach Randy Beck said prior to the season.

Alex Schremmer returns after hitting .373 and carrying a 3.15 ERA on the mound. He also plays shortstop. Colin Hall, a senior pitcher/catcher, was 3-3, with a 3.27 ERA. Senior first baseman Eddie Bujanda batted .370, while senior second baseman Riley Smith batted .271. Joey Soupiset, a senior third baseman/pitcher, was 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA and batted .259.

PITTSBURG qualified for the state tournament, but was knocked off by St. James in the opening round and finished with a 17-5 record. The Purple

Dragons lost three all-state players to graduation, but do return pitcher Caden Bressler, a second-team all-state selection.

ANDOVER returns four starters from last year 11-10 team - pitcher/infielder Jaxson Hurt, pitcher/outfielder Trey Conard, outfielder Eli Fahnestock and catcher Ashton Ngo. Hurt batted .333 and was 2-2 on the mound; Conrad pitched 20 innings; Fahnestock batted .400 and Ngo was a .290 hitter.

“We have a lot of experience returning this year,” coach Chris Weidert said.

ANDOVER CENTRAL finished 10-12 last year and return nine lettermen from that team - seniors Beau Dare (1B-P), Dax Strobel (OF), Eric Goodrum (INF), Jake Taylor (INF), Trey DeGarmo (INF-P), Tristen Saunders (OF-P) and juniors Easton Elliot (INF-P), Matt Buffington (C) and Alex Ronk (INF-C).

BASEHOR-LINWOOD is eyeing a big year after going 10-10 last season. Three of the team’s top returnees are senior pitcher Chase Torkelson, junior outfielder/pitcher Chandler Miller and sophomore catcher Carter Bergman.

Torkelson, who was named second team allstate, pitched 59 innings last season, striking out 75 batters and finishing with a 2.49 ERA. Miller, an honorable-mention all-state pick, batted .393 with 24 hits, while Bergman hit .322.

“My first freshman class is now seniors. We have another solid number of returning starters, but the whole varsity is now kids who play yearround,” head coach Andrew See said.

It could also be a big year for De SOTO, which posted a 12-10 record last season, but returns everyone. Six of those returnees for the Wildcats are seniors - catcher Colby Morton, first baseman Luke Millman (.431 BA, 28 hits), second baseman Dylan Nimrod (.375 BA), left fielder Dallas Williams (.279 BA), outfielder/DH Reece Hoover and pitcher Aaron Mackey (2-2). Millman was an honorable mention all-state selection.

Six juniors also return - catcher Quinn Brownell (.273 BA), third baseman/pitcher Weston Madden (1-3, 3.18 ERA), shortstop Zack Willis, center fielder Jackson Miller (.288 BA), right fielder Austin Rosetta (.339 BA) and outfielder/DH Gavin Williams (.294 BA).

“We have everyone back from last season, but need to improve,” coach Joel Thaemert said.

EMPORIA returns six seniors who have been starting since they were sophomores. One of

continued on page 29

Page 27

Wildcats return a solid group of veterans.

The PRATT Greenbacks were a game away from the state tournament, thanks to a pair of first-team all-state seniors in OF Travis Theis and P Kaden Evert.

Third-year head coach Ron Hill returns four starters from a 14-5 squad last season: P-DH AJ Arsendorf, C Hunter Huber, SS Blake Coss, and OF Kaiser Pelland.

Will Rosenow is one of the top pitchers in the state, and he is hoping to lead CLAY CENTER to the state tournament in his senior season.

Despite graduating key seniors, the Tigers could be one of the favorites in the NCKL. Along with Rosenow (1.33 ERA, 66 Ks, 31 IP), Clay Center brings back 1B Logan McDonald (.318), his brother C/P Keegan McDonald (.350, 0.41 ERA), and IF Jake Ferguson (.325).

CHAPMAN has 10 players back with starting experience for a team that went 5-14, including seniors P/SS Chance Liebau, P/UTIL Noah Riegel, OF Wyatt Steppe, C Zach Ferris, junior INF David Schoby, sophomores P/1B/C Torin Cavanaugh, INF/P Cam Liebau and OF Eli Riegel.

Chance Liebau earned All-NCKL honorable mention and plans to play collegiately at Kansas Wesleyan after hitting .295 last season. Cavanaugh hit .320 and Noah Riegel hit .277 with a homer and 12 RBIs. IOLA has some big shoes to fill after falling just short of the state tournament with a 14-2 record last season, but coach Mark Percy says expectations remain high.

“We were disappointed in the way our season ended last year, and are looking to make a deep run in 2020,” Percy said.

The Mustangs will be attempting to replace the 4A Pitcher of the Year, Derek Bycroft, but they have a few key pieces back. Outfielder Calvin Delich (.533 BA) was first-team all-state as a junior, and 1B Brady Wiggin (.500, 25 RBI) was honorable mention.

One of the most well-rounded teams in 4A this year might be AUGUSTA. Coming off a 13-9 campaign last season, the Orioles are looking to reach the state tournament in 2020. Augusta returns seven starters from last year’s team, including a pair of college signees in SS-P Jaren Jackson (Butler) and C Gavin Payne (Tabor). Augusta finished just a game short of the state tournament last year but could be one of the most improved teams in 4A with three seniors and seven returning starters. Augusta also returns P-UTIL Ryan Andrews (.340), P Xander Roberts (3.30 ERA), UTIL Austin Gray (.395), IF-P Eli Wilcox (.212), UTIL Tyler Kohls (.273).

The TOPEKA-HAYDEN Wildcats were very competitive in the Centennial League, despite being the only 4A school in the league. The Wildcats return eight starters from an 11-10 squad a year ago, including five seniors. Junior OF Hunter Vondemkamp (.304 BA) was honorable mention all-state last year, and will be looking to build off that in 2020. Led by Vondekamp, the Wildcats return IF-P Andrew Schmidtlein (2-4, .383 BA), P Trent Moran (3-1 3.19 ERA), P Noah Schneider

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(3-2 3.28 ERA), IF-P Skyler Specht (3.5 ERA, .286 BA), OF Cade Pavlik (.280 BA), and IF Noah Vondemkamp (.304 BA).

Coming off of a 5-13 season, INDEPENDENCE head coach Marcus Lanning expects good competition from his team, with just four returning starters. With just two seniors, Lanning expects some growing pains from his inexperienced squad. Returning for the Bulldogs is 1B-P Ryan Leiker (.367 BA, 3.30 ERA), SS Davis Merrick (.367), 3B Brayden Collier (.264 BA), and OF Wyatt Chism (.133 BA).

Following a 5-13 year in 2019, the LOUISBURG Wildcats are looking to first year head coach Kade Larson to turn the program around.

With five returning starters, Larson believes that the Wildcats are an “up-and-coming” team in the Frontier League. Led by P-OF Madden Rutherford, C Matt Madison, P-OF Andrew Krause, P-IF Brandon Doles, OF-P AJ Drew, the Wildcats will look to get back on track this season.

One of the most experienced teams returning in 4A might be OTTAWA. With four returning seniors, including second team all-stater OF Daidren Aho, the Cyclones could be a top team in 4A this year after finishing 12-11 and one game shy of the state tournament in 2019. Head coach Shawn Hermann loves his players’ versatility, which is always key to a state tournament run.

First year RUSSELL/VICTORIA coach Allan Penka takes over for Brady Ruggels who spent the last four as head coach.

Penka welcomes back only two full-time starters in Kirk Huser and Rhett Pospichal with Kaden Rome, Aiden Rohr and Andrew Roth also returning with varsity experience.

A familiar face will be leading WAMEGO this season. Entering his first year as the baseball head coach, Weston Moody is also the head coach of the Red Raider football team.

Moody says that the Red Raiders are “hungry to compete at a high level this season” after going just 5-13 a year ago. Led by SS-P Adler Pierson, OF-P Brad Sackrider, IF-P Ryan Erickson, IF Aaron Matthews, and C-P Colyer Brummet, the Red Raiders will look to compete in a tough NCKL. WELLINGTON will look to their experienced pitching staff to lead them in 2020. With three senior pitchers returning (Gage Cunningham, Silas Popplewell, Cade Fairbanks), the Crusaders will look to build off of a 10-12 season. Coach Jeff Frazee hopes to pair that experienced staff with stiff competition for starting spots around them.

Another team with a lot of returning experience is WINFIELD. The Vikings return ten seniors

4A Baseball Photo by Chris Stewart/ Junction City Daily Union

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Chance Liebau, For Kansas Pregame The 2019 4A state baseball tournament was a thriller, especially for the victorious NICKERSON Panthers. After their perfect 2018 season was cut short by upset-minded Anderson County, the Panthers came into 2019 hungry.

Nickerson ran through everything in their path during the regular season, but postseason play produced multiple close games. The Panthers fought tooth and nail to get back to state, defeating Wamego 8-6 and Circle 6-5 in regional play.

In the state tournament the Panthers went on to win three straight games by a single run, including the state championship against Buhler.

The Panthers will be tasked with replacing a very senior-heavy class, led by KABC 4A Player of the Year Carson Cornelius and three other all-staters.

Class 4A will not be short on talent though. Eight of the KABC first team all-state members return.

Included in that group is BUHLER’s Bradley Neill, who was first team all-state as a freshman. After finishing runner-up a season ago, the Crusaders return seven first or second-team All-League players and second team all-staters Taiden Hawkinson (P), Ryan Henderson (3B) and Briggam McCurdy (OF).

FORT SCOTT entered the 4A state tournament as the top-seed but were eliminated by Buhler in the second round. The Tigers dropped their season opener to 5A Pittsburg but never looked back rattling off 22 straight wins before falling to Buhler and finishing the season third at state.

Last season’s KABC 4A Coach of the Year, Josh Regan, believes that despite losing four seniors from last year’s squad, the Tigers have some players that “are ready to step into a bigger role and we have the potential to surprise some people this year.”

Fort Scott returns three first-team all-state players from 2019; senior IF/P Drake LaRoche, junior C Ivan Witt, senior IF/P/C Brody Bowles.

One of the biggest surprises of the state tournament was MULVANE. After finishing the regular season just 7-11, the Wildcats ripped off two wins in their sub-state and then defeated the #2 seed, Wichita Trinity, in the state tournament. Their Cinderella run fell a run short against Nickerson and Mulvane finished the season 10-12, but have several building blocks heading into 2020.

Entering his second season, coach Steve Nelson is looking for improvement at the plate. “We have to be much more productive at the plate if we hope to have any success,” Nelson said.

Bringing back six starters from a state run doesn’t hurt. Led by OF Gage Gerlach (.433), the

CHANCE LIEBAU Chapman Photo by Phil Frigon

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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from last year’s team. Entering his fourth year at Winfield, Shawn Bennett’s squad has improved their win total every year, and they are hoping to improve even more after going 10-10 last season.

Of the Vikings’ returning starters, they bring back two all-state players (2nd-team P Conner Woods and HM SS KC Crandall) and four more players that garnered all-AVCTL honors (OF Ethan Owen, 1B Jake Kauffman, OF Nolan Foust, P Gabe Heger). Winfield could be dangerous in a highly competitive AVCTL. Other underclassmen earning first team allstate honors from the KABC last season: ANDERSON COUNTY’s Porter Richards (2B), BALDWIN/BISHOP SEABURY’s Connor Quick (3B) and PAOLA’s Caden Marcum (OF), a Tennessee baseball commit in the Class of 2022.

Marcum was one of eight starters back for a Paola team that went 9-10 last year. Five of them were seniors, including catcher Evan Peuser, who hit .404 with 19 hits and 13 RBIs, and infielder Creigh Markovich who hit .375 with 21 hits, 15 RBIs, and scored 15 runs.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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3A Baseball

SPENCER DAVIDSON Minneapolis

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Chance Liebau & Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame The SABETHA Blue Jays are going to have to clear out some room for all of the hardware they have brought in over the past three years. The Sabetha class of 2020 currently has four state championship rings, two each in football and baseball, and the Blue Jays could very well challenge for another on the diamond this year. Sabetha returns five players named to the 2019 KABC all-state team, including first-team members P-3B Braden Argabright and OF-P Gabe Garber.

After dropping from 4A-II to 3A, the ROCK CREEK Mustangs had no trouble continuing their winning tradition. After being swept by Riley County in the regular season, the Mustangs topped them in sub-state to reach state. Rock Creek rode a dominant pitching staff all the way to the state championship game, but fell short to Sabetha. While the Mustangs graduated a strong senior class, their junior class, led by OF-P Brooks Whaley and SS-P Mason Sturdy, is ready to step into a big role.

One of the biggest surprises of the 2019 baseball season was MINNEAPOLIS. Just one year removed from a 9-12 campaign, the Lions finished tied for third in 3A with a 20-4 record, thanks to one of 3A’s best pitching staffs. Minneapolis surrendered just 97 runs last season.

The Lions will be led by 2B-SS Trent Moeckel, who hit .439 with 43 runs scored and 16 stolen bases, which earned him honorable mention allstate as a sophomore. Head coach Tyler Konrade says that he is excited to see how last year’s experience and leadership translates to 2020 for the Lions. The Lions return five other starters; OF

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Page 28 Cade Thomas (.348 BA), C-P Cooper Thompson son and welcome back a pair of studs at the plate (.333 BA, 2.13 ERA), OF Kaden Griffin (.375 BA, in junior catcher/outfielder Bo Dilliner and senior 39 RBI), 1B-P Spencer Davidson (.478 BA, 2 HR, shortstop Tanner Spencer. Dilliner (.441 avg, 26 H, 2 HR, 23 RBIs, 18 R, 8 SB) and Spencer (.413 6-1), SS-P Nolan White (.379 BA, 1.42 ERA).

Fresh off of a trip to the state tournament, avg, 26 H, 10 RBIs, 28 R, 12 BB, 17 SB) were set CHENEY will have some big shoes to fill for 2020. to lead the way. Junior pitcher Tyler Denny will The Cardinals graduated four all-CPL players and likely get more time. In 23 innings pitched, Denny a pair of all-staters, UTIL Dawson Winter and P posted a 1.52 ERA, nine Ks, and was 3-0.

In total, Anderson County was set to return sevKauy Kuhn. The Cardinals will look to replace the 84 innings from both Winter and Kuhn with a pair en starters, and only Spencer was a senior.

Coming off of a successful 12-10 campaign in of bullpen arms from last season; Harrison Voth 2019, CHERRYVALE could be even better in and Zac Block - both had sub-2.00 ERAs. The Cardinals will need them to step into bigger 2020. The Chargers return six starters, but will be roles if they want to return to the state tournament without P-1B Kolbyn Hooper after suffering a brothis year. OF Trent Reitmeyer was the only fresh- ken arm during basketball. The Chargers return man all-stater in 3A (.492 BA, 21 RBI, 16 steals). SS-P Gavin Hooper, IF Zaine Latz, OF-P Landon FRONTENAC had a great 2019 campaign, fin- Bennett, P-C Chet Linn, and 3B Caiden Heit. The ishing 20-0 in the regular season before falling in Chargers played multiple freshmen last season, sub-state to Baxter Springs. The Raiders have to and coach Scott John is hoping they can continue replace two all-state players in Cooper Cleland to develop in his third season with Cherryvale.

After losing just a pair of seniors from a 12-6 and Cade Chastain, but coach Bill Sullivan beteam, CIMARRON is ready to take the next step lieves they have the talent to compete.

The Raiders welcome back seven starters in- in just the third year of CHS baseball.

Head coach Chuck Dirks believes that the Blue cluding: P-CF Jake Beckmann (.452 BA, 1.68 ERA, 54-13 K-BB), C Alex Johnson (.464 BA), Jays are ready to make a run. Honorable menOF Kyle Kubler (.327 BA), UTIL Ryan Raio (.377 tion all-state 1B Gustavo Cabrera and OF Bryan BA), 3B Caleb Hemby (16 RBI), OF Brett Cleland Chavez will lead the way.

COLBY welcomes back just three starters from (.375 BA), 1B Cade Bridwell (.333 BA).

Speaking of BAXTER SPRINGS, the consis- a 12-10 team and graduated three all-state playtent winner in southeast Kansas returns all-state ers. The Eagles do welcome back second team third baseman Brant Morris and an all-conference all-state P-SS Mason Wright (Sr., .300, 20 H, 10 catcher and shortstop in Riley Bush and Caleb RBIs, 15 SB, 26 R, 0.96 ERA, 7-2).

The CONCORDIA Panthers return seven startArnal respectively from a team that went 18-5 last year and saw veteran coach Chris Mercer re- ers, including six juniors, from a 15-6 team, and cord both his 100th win as head coach at Baxter could be poised for a strong two-year run. AllSprings and the 400th of his career. He recorded state juniors Chas Carlgren (.517 BA, .655 SLG, nearly 300 of those at Miami, Oklahoma prior to 30 H, 25 RBIs) and Chase Parker (.340 BA, 15 taking the reins at Baxter Springs six years ago. RBI, .517 OBP, 39IP, 1.79 ERA, 6-2, 61 Ks) lead Two teams that also fell just short of reach- the way for the Panthers. Also back are Gavin ing the state tournament are MARYSVILLE Thomas (.483 BA, 27 RBIs, 28 H, .641 OBP), and CANEY VALLEY. One thing both of these Hunter Schroeder (.397 BA, 21 RBIs, 15 SB, 25 schools have in common; great pitching. Caney H), Jacob Williams (.316 BA, 18 SB, .500 OBP), Valley returns the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Wyatt Trost (.279 BA, .575 OBP) and Nick VignYear in Jace Kaminska, who finished 2019 allow- ery (.259 BA, 11 SBs, .471 OBP).

COUNCIL GROVE won just four games last ing just five hits over 32 IP. Even more impressive; he did not allow an earned run all year and season but return five starters including three sethrew two perfect games. Caney Valley will look to niors. Senior P-IF Jeric Heath hit .380 with 19 hits and senior OF Ashton Nelson hit .370 with 20 hits. get over the hump after finishing 12-5.

With just one senior out DOUGLASS coach Storm Slupianek for Marysville is one of the state’s top all-around athletes; Slupianek was a Brad Reynolds says that 2020’s team will “lay a Topeka Capital-Journal all-state honorable men- foundation for the coming years”. Helping with tion linebacker, as well as being one of the top that will be sophomore catcher Brady Roberts, wrestlers in the state. He can also play a little 6A Baseball/continued from page 25 baseball; Slupianek did not allow an earned run in have signed with junior colleges - Willie Ponce 2019 and batted .327 on his way to being named (SS-P, Cloud County), Jon Jenkins (RF, Hutchinfirst-team all-state as a pitcher. son), Jaidan Quinn (1B-P, Wabash Valley), Alex Marysville has improved on the diamond, and Dilley (UT-P, Allenj County) and P.J. Alvarez (OFcould be a sleeper coming into 2020 with nine re3B, Coffeyville). turning starters from a 13-4 team. Including SlupiAlso returning for West are Ryan Sauter (3B-P), anek, the Bulldogs were returning six seniors with three juniors also back and each providing double Alex Birge (C), Ethan Sanders (OF), Conner Dedigit RBIs in 2019: Ayden Price IF/C/P (.327, .414 long (CF), Cade Smith (2B-OF), Brennan Connell OBP, 16 RBIs 12 R), Caden Brinegar OF/P (.321, (P), Andrew Evans (P) and Nathan Rouse (DH).

“We have several returning starters back from a .449, 13 RBIs, 16 R, 13 BB) and Ben Kirkland 2B team that played an excellent schedule and lost (.239, .463, 13 RBIs, 20 R, 15 BB).

ANDERSON COUNTY finished 13-6 last sea- seven one run games,” coach Rick Sabath said.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST won 14 games last Lindsey Creek Feeders, LLC season, but must reload. The team’s top returnee is senior outfielder John Weedman, who hit .333 1444 Mulberry Road with three home runs and 22 runs scored.

Minneapolis, KS 67467 “We will be a young team in terms of returning Perry Owens, Manager innings, but with high expectations of younger ocfi@nckcn.com contributing players,” coach Will Gorden said.

Office: 785-392-2184 • Cell: 620-874-1078 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH expects to im-

who hit .404 for a 3-17 team last season.

Entering his first year as a head coach, FREDONIA’s David Nelson is ready for his Yellow Jackets to hit the field. After going 10-5 a year ago, Fredonia could be dangerous this season with a strong junior class. Returning for the Yellow Jackets is P-UTIL John Dutton, P-C-1B Ian Houchin, UTIL Colton Applehans, IF-P Connor Oneal, and his brother OF Brayden Oneal.

GALENA coach Ken Cook returns four starters from an 11-8 team: Logan Henderson, 1B/P, Sr., Nick Sarwinski, LF/P, Sr., AJ Holmes, CF, Jr., Austin Sturgis, 3B, Jr., Brett Sarwinski, SS, So. HALSTEAD will look to P/SS/2B Dawson Driskill (.365, 0.97 ERA, 3-3, 30 IP, 45 Ks, Sr.) and seven other returners to improve on a 5-13 record.

After an 11-9 season, HESSTON was set to return seven starters in 2020. Brady Cox (.333, 17 H, 1 HR, 13 RBIs, 12 SB, 18 R, 4.02 ERA, 34 K, 2-2) was perhaps the team’s top returner. Austin Griffin (.250, 14 H, 17 RBIs, 19 R, 15 SB, 3.31 ERA 15K, 3-1) provides key pitching depth. Of Hesston’s seven returning starters, five Swathers recorded double-digit RBIs last season.

The HIAWATHA Red Hawks were 8-11 in 2019, but return eight starters, including four seniors, led by pitcher Michael Moreno (51 Ks, 2.50 ERA) and shortstop Andrew Lierz (.371, 23 H).

After finishing 4-17 last season, HOLCOMB is hoping new head coach Jarrod King can get the Longhorns back on track. Holcomb is just a year removed from a 14-7 campaign.

Tanner Rindels guided HUGOTON to the 3A State Tournament in his first season as head coach last year. Hugoton went 14-9 and lost to Minneapolis, 14-1, in the first round. The Eagles return seven starters from last year’s team: Seniors, Ivan Valles SS, Michael Mendoza 3B, Ryland Bennett OF; Juniors, Jayce Korf P, Sawyer Harper CF, Chay Burnett 1B, Andres Salinas C. LYONS/STERLING went 4-15 last season, and were led by a pair of talented freshmen. Outfielder/pitcher Dawson Stover led the team in hitting last season, while Brian Bernhardt started every game behind the plate. The team also welcomes back their top pitcher in senior Carlos Valerio.

NEMAHA CENTRAL finished two wins shy of the state tournament and ended 2019 with a 12-8 record in coach Terry Stueve’s eighth year with the program. The Thunder welcome back six starters including its top pitcher Landen Bak-

continued on page 31

prove from last year’s 1-19 season with five returning starters - senior catcher Graham Doering, senior outfielder Taylor Brown, junior utility player Jadin Cullin, sophomore infielder Jordan Black and outfielder-pitcher Tanner Wigginton.

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST was 10-11 last year and returns eight players from that team - seniors Jordan Linderer (P-1B), Conner Simons (1B-C), Tommy Hochard (P-INF), Noah Hugeback (INF), Evan Borberg (C-P), Ty Lindenman (OF), and juniors Ty Blecha (P-OF) and Landen Lutrell (OF).

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH welcomes back five starters from last year’s team, including three members of its pitching staff, Miles McKenna was 2-4 on the mound as a freshman and Jackson Rupp 2-2 as a sophomore. Josh Gray, a senior, also threw 11 innings.

Also returning for South are senior catcher Daniel Bebee (.333) and senior shoprtstop Drew

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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6A Baseball/continued from page 28

son. Matt Adams, a junior DH-catcher, hit .356.

Other Vikings who played on the varsity level were seniors Aiden Springer (2B), Ruben Anderson (P-1B), Robert Beason (INF), Mikey Williamson (LF); juniors Gavin Peterson (RF), Josh Holmes (OF), Dakto Duran (C) and sophomore Drew Lippold (SS).

“We return a lot of players who have varsity experience,” coach Todd Reed said.

WICHITA EAST returns four position players and a pair of pitchers from last year’s 10-10 team.

Senior outfielder Nickendre Stiger earned second-team All-GWAL honors with a .333 batting average. Junior shortstop Ben Waliczek also hit .333 and was an honorable mention selection.

Other starters/lettermen returning include se-

niors Isaiah Sulzman (UT) and Dorian Lane (P), junior Jackson Foster (P-3B) and sophomore Eli Kuttler (OF).

WICHITA NORTH returns just one full-time starter from last year’s 7-12 team - senior first baseman Connor Chamberlain, who hit .282 for the season. “We will be young and inexperienced at the varsity level,” coach Randy Griffitts said.

There’s only one way to go for WICHITA SOUTH and that is up. The Titans were 1-19 a year ago and return four starters from that team - Joel Townsley, (2B-SS-P), Zack Trenkamp (2B-SS-CF), Jose Limon (2B-P) and Spencer Reynolds (1B-P).

WICHITA SOUTHEAST was also looking for a much better season. The Buffaloes were 1-18

last season and return five starters - seniors Elliot Nottingham (P-OF) and Chris Lawson (OF-P), juniors Jakobi Livingston (C) and Cade Little (SS-P) and sophomore Simon Nottingham (3B-P).

“The upcoming season shows some promise,” coach Andrew Piña said prior to spring cancellations.

WYANDOTTE will be replacing seven seniors off last year’s 6-12 team. Returning for the Bulldogs are senior Rashad Graves (OF-P) and sophomore Manny Villalpando (UT).

“Many of the new varsity players have been with the program since they were freshman and have had a big impact on the JV team,” coach Patrick Groepper said.

5A Baseball/continued from page 26

student athletes,” Bayhsinger said.

KANSAS CITY WASHINGTON finished 7-11 last season and returns six players from that team - senior outfielder/catcher Dominic Jacobs (.523 BA, 22 hits), senior shortstop/pitcher Manuel Chavez (.385 BA), senior second baseman Willie Fields (.314 BA), catcher/second baseman John Herzig (.243 BA), junior utility player Zach Bryant (.348 BA) and second baseman Edgar Valles-Acosta (.400 BA).

“I think we have a really good returning core of players and will be over .500 this season and compete for a league title,” said head coach Alex Armbrust prior to the season.

KAPAUN MT. CARMEL returns seven starters and several key reserves from last year’s 9-13 team that won seven straight games at the end of the season to reach the regional finals.

Returning for the Crusaders are OF/P Andrew Gimino (.308 BA), SS Tiger Jones (.323 BA), P/3B Jacob Steffen (.283 BA), 2B Jackson Bezdek, OF Brandon Burr (.318 BA), 1B Alex Rocha and C Keenan Nguyen.

The LANSING Lions are looking for a big year.

Five starters and five additional lettermen return from a 14-6 team that lost to eventual champion Seaman in the regional finals.

The five returning starters are senior Tyler Akin (1B-P), juniors Peyton Basler (SS), Jacxk Knutson (OF-P), Cameron Ernzen (OF-P) and sophomore Bryce Turner (3B-P). Akin batted .333 last year, while Basley hit .439, scored 23 runs, stole 17 bases and was named honorable mention all-state. Turner was named first team all-league after hitting .361 as a freshman and driving in 24 runs. Ernzen batted .432 and Knutson .290.

“Our program has taken strides over the last couple years and our upperclassmen have been a big part of that growth and development,” coach Michael Basler said.

The Lions received a big boost with the transfer of outfielder Caleb Trout from El Paso,Texas.

Trout is a senior and has committed to KCKCC. LEAVENWORTH has several returning lettermen from last year’s 6-14 team - seniors Michael Pegg (INF-P), Eric Harding (P-INF), Ja’Hawn Byrd (OF), Davin Bailey (IF-P) and Jackson Nicodemus (P); junior J.W. Hickman (OF-C), and sophomores Devon Bruning (INF-C-P) and Wesley Redelberger (INF-OF-C). Byrd was second-team all-state as a sophomore in 2018.

“The experience these guys bring to the field, coupled with the talent of a few underclassman, should see us rebound from a disappointing 2019 season,” coach Justin Bode said.

The MAIZE Eagles must replace most of their infield and their two top pitchers from last year’s 12-9 team. Returning for the Eagles are seniors Camden Jurgensen (INF, .250 BA), Creighton Kelley (OF, .278 BA), Caleb Hicks (P, 3-2, 3.41 ERA) and juniors Scott Adams (OF, .271 BA) and Brock McCullough (OF).

“We have players to select from who should help our team for the upcoming season,” veteran coach Rocky Helm said.

Helm has led the Eagles to state championships in 2003, ‘05, ‘11, ‘17 and runner-up finishes in 2000, ‘06, ‘10 and ‘14 with 16 total state tournament appearances since taking over as head coach in 1999.

MAIZE SOUTH reached the regional finals last year and finished the season with a 13-9 record. The Mavericks return seven players from that team - seniors Tysaac Noland (C), Dakota Harding (INF, .257 BA), Dylan Epke (3B-P, 1-0, 3.06 ERA), and juniors Jayce Meyer (P, 1-1, 3.55 ERA), Jake Johnson (OF, .250), Harper Kennedy (UT, .250) and Colin Shields (1B).

McPHERSON will feature a very young team this season, with just four seniors and one junior on its roster. The Bullpups were 7-12 last year.

Senior catcher Spencer Whitfield and senior second baseman Jakob Feil have been three-year starters for MHS and will be counted to pitch and catch important innings this spring.

Also returning for the Bullpups are senior first baseman Kourtney Craig, junior first baseman/ pitcher Dylan Rinker, sophomore outfielder Tytin Goebel and sophomore pitcher Aiden Hoover.

“We will rely on our youth more than ever,” said coach Heath Gerstner.

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS was 17-5 last year but lost in the regional finals. The Thunderbirds could improve on that record this spring with seven starters returning for head coach Ryan Schmidt.

Four seniors are back for the T-Birds - shortstop Dawson Durkes (.373 BA, 25 hits), first baseman Shaun Gomez (.359 BA, 23 hits), catcher Jaden Zimmerman (.366 BA) and outfielder Ethan Haufler (.340 BA).

Also returning for Shawnee Heights are three juniors - third baseman Andrew Rantz (.404, 33 chances. 0 errors), pitcher Chase Carson (3-0, 2.19 ERA, 25 K) and outfielder Max Orton.

The SPRING HILL Broncos were 12-6 overall last year and champions of the Frontier League.

Five starters return from that team, including two players - seniors Corbyn Meyers and Colby Stewart - who hit over .400.

Meyers, a catcher, hit .463 last year with 25

hits, while Stewart batted .433 with 26 hits. Also returning for the Broncos are three more seniors outfielder Zade Barker (.354 BA, 19 runs), pitcher Bear Gardner (5-1, 2.05 ERA) and outfielder/ pitcher Alex Johnson (1-2, 2 saves, .306 BA).

“We have a lot of returning starters from last year’s league championship team,” coach Will Meier said.

SUMNER ACADEMY will look to build on last year’s 8-7 record with eight lettermen returning.

The Sabres will be young, with three of those players juniors and three more sophomores.

Returning for the Sabres are seniors Alex Matienzo (CF) and Brian Juarez (OF, .321 BA); juniors Xavier Hochard (1B, 17 RBI), Dominic Dixon (C) and Alberto Quezada (OF, .343 BA), and sophomores Antonio Dunn (SS, .442 BA, 19 hits), Sidney Harris (INF, .258 BA) and Juan Corral (OF).

TOPEKA WEST struggled through a tough season last year, but six starters return for the Chargers - seniors Nolan Elder (OF-P), Bryson Bitler (OF-P), Jae’Din Irby (OF-C) and juniors Tristan Speaker (INF-P), Kai Gillis (INF-P) and Aaron Lira (1B-P).

“We return a good nucleus from last year’s team,” coach John Tetuan said.

WICHITA HEIGHTS welcomes back eight lettermen from last year’s 7-12 team - seniors Jaden Langston (3B-P), Austin Campbell (INF-POF) and Austin Russell (P-INF-OF); juniors Dylan Depperschmidt (3B-P-OF, .267 BA) and Joshua Sanders (OF, 15 runs), and sophomores Conner Tate (INF-OF-P), Blane Kelly (P-SS, 2-0, 20 K) and Gaige Oakley (P-1B-C, .315 BA).

WICHITA NORTHWEST will also look to improve on last year’s 10-7 record. The Grizzlies return four starters from that team - junior pitcher/second baseman Brendon Green (4-2, 2.23 ERA), sophomore infielder Dallen Dundas (.333 BA, 15 runs), junior outfielder/catcher Kaleb Coleman and junior outfielder Daniel Kim. The Grizzlies lone senior, Jack Wiens, joined the team after transferring from Andover Central where he missed his junior year of baseball due to the mid-year transfer. Wiens was one of 5A’s top linebackers last fall and committed to play football at Emporia State this fall.

“Our team will look a little different this year as we will be starting some juniors who have not had a lot of varsity playing time to date because of depth,” coach Chris Lambert said before the season.

Woodley (.279).

“I think we have some returners who have worked extremely hard this off-season and are ready to compete in the always tough Sunflower League,” coach Mitch Wiles said.

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST could be on the cusp of a strong season. The Vikings were 13-8 last season and return several of their key players, including Matthew Olson, who has signed with Pittsburg State, and Trevor McCollum, who has signed with Washburn.

Olson, a center fielder-pitcher, hit .368 last year and was 3-3 on the mound. McCollum, a third baseman-pitcher, was hitting .429 after three games before being injured and lost for the sea-

those is centerfielder/catcher Beau Baumgardner, who was all-state last year while hitting .475, with 25 runs scored and 16 stolen bases.

Also returning from last year’s 11-8 team are seniors Cade Kohlmeier (.339 BA, 2-2), outfielder John Miller (.313 BA), infielder/pitcher Riley Wagner (.373 BA, 3-1, 3.90 ERA), infielder/outfielder/ pitcher Skyler Beatty (2-1, 3.88 ERA), infielder/ pitcher Skyler Douglas (.281 BA) and junior infielder/pitcher Kadyn Williams (.383 BA, 21 runs).

“We are very excited about our group for this season,” coach Anthony Markowitz said.

Baumgardner and Kohlmeier have committed to play baseball at Barton County next season.

Miller has been offered by Baker to play outfield.

The GODDARD Lions were 16-6 last season, just missing a trip to state. The Lions hope that changes this spring with eight starters - six of them who pitch - returning for coach Jim Foltz.

Koby Burnett is one of five seniors returning after earning second-team all-state honors last year as a first baseman. Burnett hit .476 on 30 hits and was also 3-1 on the mound with a 3.85 ERA. He is joined by fellow seniors Cole Gordon (OF-P, .262 BA, 2-1, 3.76 ERA), Kaeden Hoefer (CF, .340 BA, 21 runs), Blake Mitchell (3B-P, .397 BA, 25 hits) and Kade Schulz (SS-P, .286 BA, 1-0, 1.00 ERA).

Three juniors also return for the Lions - Jaden Wiley (IF-P, .271), Jacob Shope (IF-P, 2-1, 3.78 ERA) and Kyler Semrad (OF, .346 BA, 4 3B).

“It’s a hard working group of young men who have expectations,” Foltz said.

Dustin Dreher replaces long-time coach Frank Leo at HAYS. The Indians were 20-1 last season before losing to Great Bend in regional play.

Hays lost six seniors from that team, but return starters at center field, first base, right field, second base and catcher. The catcher is senior Brock Lummus, who was selected honorable mention all-state last year.

“We will have a young pitching staff after losing four senior pitchers from last year, but have several sophomores and juniors ready to step in and carry the load of innings,” Dreher said before the season.

KC TURNER will be looking to improve last year’s 3-17 record under first-year coach Kellen Baysinger. The Golden Bears return seniors Ryan Bailes (P), Jesus Carter (2B), Cody Grasmick (C), Josh Brailer (1B), Jalen Nelson (UT), juniors Nathan Deckard (SS), Richard Tomlinson (3B) and sophomore Brett Langley (OF).

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to assist these

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Courtesy Photo

2-1A Baseball

GARRETT HALL Photo by Sarah Crumrine

Elkhart

NOLAN CRUMRINE Photo by Sarah Crumrine

Sedgwick

KALE SCHROEDER Sedgwick

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame It’s impossible to improve upon a perfect season, but ELKHART coach David Aranda will do his level best to put the Wildcats in position to make another deep run in 2-1A in 2020. The Wildcats completed their dream 2019 season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Marion (20-2) to finish a perfect 22-0 en route to the school’s second state title. It had been 17 seasons between state crowns for the southwest Kansas school,

Page 30 and it came just one season after another southwest Kansas school, Spearville, claimed the title in 2018. Aranda is 86-38 in his six seasons and graduated most starters, but the key starter he has returning is a dandy, that being senior Garrett Hall. All he did in 2019 for Aranda was win all 10 decisions while compiling a 1.71 ERA with 59 Ks. “We have several returning players who have started off and on the past couple of seasons, so they’re going to have to step up,” Aranda said.

When not pitching, Hall compiled a .354 batting average with 26 RBIs, 12 steals and 19 runs coming from 23 hits. Two outfield returners include Chace O’Hair, a senior who batted .385 with 24 RBIs, 19 steals, 29 runs and 4 triples, and Kalub Lee, another senior, who hit .341 with 13 RBIs, 15 runs scored and 10 steals. Two infielders are back, Emmanuel Moreno and Jaxon Hastings.

Both hit above .300 while catcher/DH/infielder Lance Addington hit .320 with 2 HRs and 10 RBIs. MARION has appeared in the last three final fours at the state tourney, with a third-place finish in Class 3A in 2018, and a runner-up finish in 3A to Wichita Independent in 2017.

“This year’s team will lack some depth as compared to previous years, but returns some key offensive contributors,” coach Roger Schroeder, entering his 10th season with a 159-46 record, said. “Developing a couple of underclassmen will be key to how successful we will be.”

His key returners include 3B/P Luke Lanning (.394/24 H/28 R/24 RBIs/7 2B/3 3B); second baseman Cooper Carpenter (.391/27 H/26 R/28 RBIs/7 2B); and pitcher Jaxton Tracy (5-0/2.05 ERA/30.2 IP/44 Ks). All three are seniors. His other returners include catcher Hunter Helmer, infielder Seth Lanning and P/OF Braeden Mercer.

If any coach in 2-1A can evaluate his upcoming team’s season prospectus, Doug Mabry would be a good choice. The veteran SEDGWICK mentor enters his 13th season at the helm with a glossy 160-60 won-loss record. The 2019 season was one of those seasons to remember, but also for what might have been. After knocking off a talented Ellis team in the Great Bend regional, the Cardinals suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to sixth-seeded Rossville after entering the state tournament as the No. 3 seed with a 15-2 record.

Finishing 15-3 isn’t anything to sneeze at, but Mabry knows his team was oh-so close to making more noise at the state tourney. The good news is that Mabry returns six starters, including firstteam all-leage and second team all-state players Nolan Crumrine and Kale Schroeder. Crumrine, a junior pitcher, compiled a 5-2 record and a 2.13 ERA. In 42.2 innings pitched, Crumrine’s control was stellar, with 63 strikeouts and only 9 walks.

Schroeder, along with fellow senior Mason Lacey (2nd team HOA) will be fourth-year starters.

Schroeder, an outfielder, batted .396 with 4 doubles, 3 triples and 1 home run while compiling a .667 slugging percentage and a .618 on-base percentage. The speedster had 25 stolen bases.

Lacey, a catcher/IF, hit .314 and had a .478 OBP. Three other starters return to give Mabry a solid core to begin the season. Sophomore infielder

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Lance Hoffsommer (2nd team HOA) batted .500 in 42 plate appearances while junior outfielder Henry Burns produced a .400 batting average with 5 extra base hits and a .509 slugging percentage. Sophomore Austin Jarjo, an infielder, is the other returning starter.

“This year’s team will be talented, but young,” Mabry said.

ROSSVILLE took fourth in the state tourney in 2019, going 16-9, and coach Eammon Bradley, entering his third season, returns a good portion of his starters. Among the best is junior outfielder/ pitcher Bo Reeves (.400 BA/28 H/21 RBIs) while compiling a 5-2 record on the mound in 38.1 innings, together with an 0.73 ERA and 68 strikeouts. Sophomore Mcgwyre Leathers (C/3B) had a splendid freshman season with .386 BA/32 H/25 RBIs. His top two relievers also return in senior Eddie Brockamp and sophomore Corey Catron.

KANSAS CITY-CHRISTIAN was another state entry in 2019, losing to Marion by a 5-2 count in the quarterfinals. Coach Jared Barker returns only four starters, but is optimistic about his incoming freshman class.

“We will be young, but we have a lot of talent at the freshman level, who will find their way onto the field this season,” Barker said.

His key returners include senior P/3B/1B Chase Hill; DH/C/OF Noah Buresh; C/P/OF Ian Price and 1B Logan Carnes.

OLATHE-HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (13-7) also made state in 2019, losing a 10-inning, 5-4, heartbreaker to Humboldt in the quarterfinals. Coach Bart Briley lost two college-bound players in Austin Hamm and Isaac Burrell but does return P/OF Alex Liebelt; P/1B Trey Moran, SS Andy Robinson, and outfielders Ben Vasey and Garrin Rose.

“We have some freshmen that may be able to impact this year, so a good goal would be a return trip to Great Bend,” Briley said.

There were a couple of teams that were upset in sub-state play that enjoyed outstanding seasons.

Perhaps the toughest was MISSION VALLEY, which finished 21-2 and lost in the sub-state finals. The Vikings return a strong nucleus of players and coach Justin Duncan (153-86) is looking forward to a re-tooled squad. Among his top returners are senior Chris Hough (3B/P) who hit .480 and also was 2-0 in just 20 innings pitched.

Sophomore Carter Phillips (OF/P) showed his versatility by hitting .373 with 19 RBIs and 30 runs scored while also compiling a 5-1 record on the mound and 2 saves with a 2.85 ERA and 72 strikeouts in just 34.1 innings. Dayton and Dawson Logan were big at the plate, hitting .379 and

.349 and combined for 51 runs scored and 32 RBIs. Junior 1B Jack Mills hit .340 with 16 RBIs. Soph. pitcher Keaton Marcotte went 2-0 with 1 save, and 42 strikeouts in just 21.2 innings.

“We have quite a few guys back that made huge contributions to last year’s team,” Duncan said.

ARMA-NORTHEAST went 13-3 last year with Shane Wade at the helm. His top returners include senior P/IF Matt Cashero and sophomores Braden Broyes (P/IF) and Rylen Keidel (IF).

BELLE PLAINE’s Dragons went 11-6 last year and got upset in the first round of sub-state.

Coach Ryan Jenkins has a youthful group this season. His top returners are 1B Tim Bible (.283) and Nick Wells (P/3B) who hit .400 and also went 3-2 on the mound with a 1.93 ERA in 28.2 innings.

The BLUESTEM Lions struggled last year despite being competitive and coach Grant Bachura has a strong returning roster following a 4-12 record. His top two veterans include seniors Luke Simon (P/1B), who hit .383 with 11 RBIs and Nick Laidler (P/IF), who hit .360 with 12 RBIs. Both saw limited duty on the mound and will be expected to take up some of the slack.

BUCKLIN/SOUTH CENTRAL combined for its first season of baseball in 2019, going 12-9 and coach Kyle Feikert’s team went 12-9. With most of his lineup returning, he sees an improved record as a realistic goal. He returns nine players who saw starting duty at one time or another, led by a quartet of seniors – Chayde Snyder (SS/P), Zabien Green (OF), Gabe Ellis (1B) and Jared Moore (OF). The CEDAR VALE/DEXTER Spartans entered the sub-state as the No. 1 seed of the Bluestem site, but were toppled in the semifinals by Wichita Independent, thus ending a strong year with a 17-4 record. Coach Luke Wachter welcomes back a strong cast, including senior pitcher Devin Catlin who was 7-0 and also hit .462. Another senior, Arik Artherton (P/IF) hit .450. Entering his eighth season at 92-60, Wachter also returns players at first base, catcher, DH, outfield and an infield position.

The CREST Lancers were 6-9 a season ago, but coach Roland Weir’s team has several standouts returning. All-league pick Zach Beckmon (Sr./1B) hit .452 with 19 RBIs while junior Stratton McGhee (IF/OF) hit .345 with 13 runs scored.

Jr. Tyson Hermreck (IF/P) hit .368. DONIPHAN WEST struggled to a 1-17 record, but Jeff Spiker welcomes back several hard-hitting batters, led by soph. Trent Spiker, who batted .550 with 19 RBIs. Rodger Groves hit .444, Broc Leatherman hit at a .421 clip. Creed Parsons was next at .400 and Kole Franken at .353. ELLINWOOD’s Eagles

Elkhart High School, home to the 2019 2-1A State Baseball Champions!

Elkhart Booster Club

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 31

are still in their early years of the program (4th season), and coach Trevor Bieberle will look to see improvement on the 3-14 season from 2019.

David Hammek (P/OF) is his top returner after hitting .395 with 17 hits and 15 stolen bases.

In his first few seasons, Brent Cain has established ELLIS as one of the top 2-1A programs in Kansas by compiling a 61-16 record. The Railers were 15-4 a year, losing to Sedgwick in the sub-state finals. Cain returns senior Carter Bollig (IF/P), who hit .383 with 29 runs scored and went 6-1 on the mound with 1 save and 43 strikeouts along with six other starters. ERIE will have a new coach in James Leonard this year and it will be his challenge to improve on last year’s 6-13 record. He will count on returners Matt Vail (P/C), Dawson Lehman (P/C/SS), Tyler Wimp (OF), Brett Tromsness (OF) and Tyler Duling (1B/2B).

The FLINTHILLS Mustangs were one game away from making the state tourney, losing to Wichita Independent in the sub-state title game.

They went 15-7 and coach Erik Sorum has six key players returning. Two of those hit above .500 – Kedryn Morse (OF/P) at .518 and Jack Donnere (2B) right at .500. They combined for 45 RBIs and are joined by 3B Jesse Town, who hit .422 with 13 RBIs and 29 runs scored.

“We have a great core defense and offense back, but have to replace a lot of starting pitcher,” Sorum said. “A lot of our younger kids got some good experience, so we will count on them to step up and take charge on the mound.”

INMAN’s Teutons posted a 10-8 record en route to a sub-state semifinal appearance in 2019 and coach Matt Mikulecky welcomes back eight players with plenty of experience and success. Senior Connor Brown (P/OF) hit .509 with 23 RBIs, and junior Carter Brown hit .450 with 25 RBIs and 25 runs scored. Three other players hit above the .300 mark and soph. pitcher Kyler Konrade went 4-1 with a .312 ERA and 33 strikeouts in just 24 innings pitched. MEDICINE LODGE struggled to a 6-15 record and coach Joe Dohrmann will be looking to Kirk Fisher (IF), Tallyn Taylor (SS/P), Theron Wedel (OF/P), Chance Winter (IF/P) and Tavin Allen (IF/OF) for leadership.

Jason Konrade’s LEBO/WAVERLY Wildcats

went 8-9 in his first season and is looking for improvement in year number two. Six returning starters are the reason for optimism, including senior P/CF Avery Peek, who hit .417 with 25 runs scored and also posted a 4-4 mark on the mound.

Senior Kaden Schroeder (OF) hit .395 with 16 RBIs and 16 runs scored. Sophomore Kyle Reese (C/IF) hit .375 with 24 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Junior Konner Keifer had a 1.75 ERA with 3 saves. The LINCOLN-SYLVAN LUCAS Leopards had a tough 2019 going 2-14. New coach Ryan Hageman will look for veterans Jesse Spear (OF), Dalton Cooper (C/P/3B) and Jaxson Heenan (SS/P) for leadership. Also returning is sophomore OF/P Alex Hernandez.

Despite a solid 14-4 record, LITTLE RIVER came up short in its sub-state, losing to Ellis in the semis under veteran coach Terry Renken (148104). The Redskins will be looking for a pair of returning all-staters to lead the way in juniors Graham Stephens (IF/P) and Jayden Garrison (IF/P).

Also back is four-year letterman Brayden Sears (IN/C) and three-year letter winner Cadence Birdson (OF). Kaden Schafer (So./1B) made strides in his freshman season. MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY finished 2-10 in Dirk Canon’s first year.

He returns a pitcher Wyatt Lingenfelter, catcher Cole Lacey, 3B Chisholm Woodson, OF’s Braden Reed, and Koby Vanderpool.

MARANATHA ACADEMY posted a 13-6 record a year ago, finishing as a sub-state runner-up.

Coach Bryan Burdette has five seniors, one junior and two sophomores returning. OF/C/P Nate Burdette tops the list after hitting .540 with 34 RBIs. Logan Gourley and Drew Utech each hit .373 with 22 RBIs and Utech posted a 3-0 record on the mound and Gourley went 4-2. Soph. Rex Robinette hit .318 with 21 RBIs. The MOUNDRIDGE Wildcats went 8-11 in 2019 and coach Jared Kaufman has five solid returners in C Wyatt Falco, P/SS Collin Kohl, P/SS Cross Lintecum, 3B Jon Schlosser and 2B Corbin Unruh. The 2020 varsity season will be the first for ONAGA as they only played JV in 2019. Coach Ryan Noel has four players from that squad to count on, led by P/ IF Josh Marten and C Tommy Kaberline.

OXFORD struggled to a 1-17 record a year ago,

and coach Kyle Green will look for improvement with his top returners including LOH/CF Andrew Hills, C/RHP Hunter Norland, LF/RHP Ty Carter and 1B Colby Shepherd. REPUBLIC COUNTY failed to win a game in 15 outings in 2019 but coach Faron Kraft has eight returners to count on for improvement. The only senior in the group is IF Dan Rieke while Kyler Havel (OF/C) and Curtis Hansen (OF) are two juniors who could lead.

The RIVERSIDE Cyclones posted a 4-11 mark in 2019, and returns a nucleus of seven players led by senior 2B Bradley Libel. Three other infielders also return as do two outfielders, four pitchers and a catcher from that cast. SATANTA-MOSCOW’s cooperative team went 10-8 last year, but were eliminated early in sub-state play.

Tim Dusin’s seventh season at the school will see the Indians/Wildcats welcomes back Isaac Clift (.478/15RBI), Angel Manriquez (.415/22 hits), Clementer Rojo (IF/OF/P) with a .612 average and 28 stolen bases, Liam Lynch (.467 with 20 hits and Gerardo Garcia with a .500 average and 20 RBIs. The ST. PAUL Indians were winless in 16 games last year, so there’s only one way to go. The Tribe will be looking for leadership from returners Easton Dent (C/P), Chandler Bradsahw (1B/P), Chase Bradshaw (CF/P), Wilson Smith (1B/DH), Austin O’Hara (P), Payton Norris (3B/P) and Mason Winter (OF/1B).

ST. MARY’S COLGAN made an uncharacteristic early exit from the 2019 postseason play, falling in the first round of sub-state and finishing at .500, 11-11. Veteran coach Mike Watt is entering his 35th year (610-178) as head coach.

“We graduated a strong senior class and I’m excited to see who’s going to step up and become our leaders this spring,” said Watt, who has guided the Panthers to 15 Class 2-1A state titles.

If they are to improve this season, the Panthers big guns will come from seniors Mac Bigg (1B/P), Gavin Glover (P) and Andrew Lomshek (OF) along with juniors Blaise Dawson (OF/P), Caleb Hamilton (IF/P), Janko Kalan (IF/P) and second team all-league catcher Kannon Keller.

SUBLETTE’s Larks, who finished 11-9 a year ago, will be looking for improvement as they begin the 2020 season. Coach Lyle Befort’s top two

returners are Albie Perez (SS/P) and Reese Garetson (C/P). Despite an impressive 14-7 season record, UNIONTOWN exited the regional tourney early with a loss to St. Mary’s Colgan. Coach William Hathaway welcomes returners Jake Harvey (SS/P), Cade Goodridge (OF/P), Hunter Schuaf (C), Zach Franklin (3B) and Drew Holt (2B/OF).

VALLEY FALLS entered its sub-state a year ago as the top seed with a 14-2 record, but after winning its opener, lost to KC-Christian in the semis to end its season. Shed no tears, though, for coach Cameron Hall, who returns the bulk of his hard-hitting Dragons. Junior Gage Burdiek was the leading hitter at .500 while also posting a 3-0 record on the mound with 27 strikeouts in just 14 innings. Four seniors who all hit .373 and above also are back, including Drew Pickerell (OF/P), who hit .422 with 17 RBIs. He also went 2-0 on the mound while Tyler Lockhart batted .373 with 17 RBIs and a 2-0 mound mark. Lucas Welborn batted .386 with 4 HRs and 26 RBIs and a 2-0 record on the mound. The fourth senior tops the group in Diego Cervantez, who hit .410 with 2 HRs and a team-high 27 RBIs, going 4-2 on the mound with 35 Ks. Junior Cooper Jepson also had a strong season, hitting .404 with 22 RBIs. YATES CENTER posted a 12-8 record and was eliminated in the sub-state semifinals. The Wildcats will be under the direction of new coach Rick Hurst, who inherits a squad with 17 players who saw playing time a year ago. The seniors leading the way are Caden Graham, Connor Griffith, Jaymond Rice, Asher Sievers, Joey Smith and Tytan Smoot. CENTRAL HEIGHTS’ Vikings struggled in 2019 under veteran coach Jason Brown (17th season, 196-171), going 4-14. Brown, though, has nine players with varsity experience returning. Three of those are seniors in Austin Coffman (P/IF), Jon Fox (DH) and Tim Smith (OF). Five juniors and a sophomore give Brown a lot to work with for this season and beyond. The Bears of OSKALOOSA posted a solid 13-7 record last season, and coach Rod Stottlemire (16th season, 166-126) returns seven players. Among the top returners is senior Peyton Hamm, an outfielder who hit .429. The other top offensive threat is DH Justin Miller, who hit .346 as a freshman.

3A Baseball/continued from page 28

back with some good young arms,” Houk said.

The PRAIRIE VIEW Buffaloes lost two all-state players from 2019’s 9-9 season, but head coach Joe Cullor is “extremely excited to see who steps up to replace them.” Gradey Gregg will lead the way for the Buffs after batting .426 with 25 doubles. Other returning starters include Justin Scott (.396 BA, 20 RBI), Chase Bloodgood (.368 BA), and Hunter Minden (.368 BA).

RILEY COUNTY finished one win away from reaching the state tournament and ended its season with an 18-5 record in 2019. The Falcons return nine starters including all-state Garrett Harmison. Riley County has won two straight Mid-East League Championships.

Danny Weaver has spent the past 20 seasons as head coach at RIVERTON and has amassed a career record of 253-184. Riverton returned just to starters: senior Bryce Johnson (P/SS, .369 BA , 1.81 ERA, 41 Ks) and junior Domanick Rooks (1B/P, .383 BA, 4.39 ERA, 29 K’s). Weaver said his team is ready to move on from last year’s 6-15 record and compete daily.

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE enjoyed a 14-5 season but failed to reach the regional championship. In Mike Garretson’s 18th season at SES,

the Trojans return seven position players and four pitchers. Of all 11 returning starters, Southeast of Saline has just one senior, Seth Eklund.

Eli Harris, Bryant Banks, Evan Nickelson and Jayton Mathis provide quality pitching while catcher Jaxson Gebhart (.483, 9 XBH, 28 RBIs) and Nickelson (.400, 11 RBIs, .550 OBP) provide a pair of potent bats.

After a 2-15 season last year, SMOKY VALLEY was set to return eight starters. Junior Brandon Malm hit .373 with seven doubles as a sophomore. Smoky Valley head coach Troy Miller, who was entering his 21st season with the program, noted left-handed freshman pitcher Kade Blanchat as a potential impact player.

CJ Marple is the new head coach at ST. MARYS. The Bears went 4-12 last season and were set to return several key players, including: Will Homan IF/P/C, Danny Moylan OF, Isiah Holz OF, Brandon Brase, IF/P and Tristan McCann, P. Led by one of the state’s top coaches, Alan Cunningham, don’t count out SILVER LAKE. After a 13-7 season a year ago, Cunningham says there will be fierce competition to replace six graduated starters. Entering his 30th year with the Eagles, Cunningham is looking to OF Daigan

Kruger, P-IF Cody Hay, and P Connor Pruyser to lead a young Silver Lake squad.

In just the third year of high school baseball SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS coach Lane Albert believes the Mustangs will be able to make big strides this upcoming season. He returns 15 players with experience from an 0-19 team.

WELLSVILLE went 18-5 and marched all the way to the Class 3A state semis in 2019. Coach Bryan Kindle has an 82-29 career record but graduated seven starters from their third-place team. Senior Luke Richards (C/P/IF, .400, 22 H, 6 2B, 11 RBIs, 17 R, 8 BB, 4 SO) has committed to Ottawa to play baseball and is joined by junior Jackson Showalter (.456, 31 H, 8 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBIs, 27 R, 19 BB, 2.49 ERA, 33.2 IP, 50 Ks).

WEST FRANKLIN enjoyed a 12-6 season last year and welcome back four starters. Junior Nathan Hower hit .396 with 13 RBIs, and 19 runs scored and joins seniors Philip Swank (.296, 8 RBI, 16 R) and Tanner Gould (.310, 7 RBI, 17 R).

WICHITA COLLEGIATE will look to their youth movement to continue last season’s success, after finishing 10-8. Led by all-state catcher Connor Allen (.500 BA), the Spartans return six starters.

er (2.25 ERA, 4-0) and its top hitter Tyler Gerety (.420, 29 H, 22 RBI, 25 R, 9 SB), both juniors.

Beau Schultz has been tasked with turning around the NEODESHA baseball program. In 2019, Neodesha went 2-18. Schultz has head coaching experience at the junior college level, but not the high school level.

“I’m a new coach at the high school level and have never seen any of these teams play,” Schultz said. “We will be working on getting better everyday and developing the right mentality.”

OSAGE CITY welcomes head coach Mitch Foote who will look to four returning starters to improve on last year’s 5-10 record: C-P Dawson Butler (.333 BA, 4.20 ERA), SS Cole Testerman (.250 BA), 1B-P Ethan Green (.273 BA), and 1B Wyatt Littrell (.323 BA).

After going 4-12 in Austin Chisam’s first year as head coach at OSAWATOMIE, the Trojans are set to return four senior starters this season.

After a 5-11 season, PERRY-LECOMPTON will count on six returning starters to improve on that number. Kent Houk, who has been the Kaw coach for 11 seasons, was optimistic heading into the season. “We have good experience coming

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Photo by Bruce McPhail

6A Softball

MILLYZIENT McCLURE Liberal

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Lawrence Free State has won back-to-back 6A softball titles. Free State has enjoyed two terrific springs from junior pitcher Tatum Clopton, the 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year for all classes.

Clopton has committed to Oklahoma State.

Free State finished 23-2 and defeated Washburn Rural, 1-0, in the final. It marked Rural’s first loss (23-1). FS did not allow a run at state with a 6-0 win against Olathe Northwest in the quarters, and 1-0 win over Olathe North in the semis.

Derby (19-3) and Olathe North (18-6) were in the final four. Other state qualifiers were Blue Valley (16-7), Mill Valley (20-3) and Topeka (16-4).

LAWRENCE FREE STATE delivered a 23-2 record and has 11th-year coach Lee Ice, who is 134-90-1. FS opened the year No. 21 in MaxPreps’ Xcellent top-25 national teams. Free State’s two consecutive titles mark the first softball crowns for the city of Lawrence since 1977.

Outfielder Haley Lockwood-Peterson is the only returning senior starter. Clopton, SS Sara Roszak and catcher/first baseman Georgia Rea are returning junior starters. Three sophomores are returning starters: 2B/OF Jasmin Brixius, P/3B Maci Miles and P/DP Kay Lee Richardson.

Clopton posted a 16-1 record with a 0.52 ERA and had a 212/15 strikeout to walk rate in 107 innings. Clopton also hit .357 with 30 runs scored, a .541 on-base percentage and a .679 slugging percentage. She is ranked as the No. 11 recruit in the Class of 2021 by Softball America.

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Page 32 At state, Clopton struck out 30 in three games.

Overall, she had 11 shutouts and five perfect games, tying Oskaloosa’s Haidyn Bassett who recorded five perfect games in 2016, according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Clopton, Rea and Roszak were all first team allstate by the Kansas coaches. Roszak has committed to Kansas.

“Coming off back-to-back state championships this year’s team will be the hunted,” Ice said. “The Sunflower League is the toughest league in the state, evident by nine out of the last eleven 6A state champs coming from the league.”

WASHBURN RURAL is 19-6 and 23-1 in the first two springs with coach Tricia Vogel. Rural returns all-around athlete Kasey Hamilton, a first team all-state senior left-handed pitcher from the Kansas coaches. Junior pitcher/infielder Olivia Bruno collected first team all-state utility/DP. Both Hamilton and Bruno have committed to Kansas softball and were also first team all-state in ‘18.

Hamilton earned Topeka Player of the Year. Junior infielder Kayden Smith returns.

OLATHE NORTH has a high number of accomplished seniors. First baseman Jordan Farmer has signed with Park University. Second baseman Savannah Bray will play at Baker University.

Jayme Dean was a first team all-state pitcher by the Kansas coaches. She threw a perfect game in the 2-0 win versus Mill Valley at state. Senior center fielder Hailey Hatfield will play at Minnesota-Crookston. ON was 52-20 the last three years.

MILL VALLEY coach Jessica DeWild is entering her fifth year with a 69-26 mark. Senior pitcher/first baseman Lauren Florez hit .487 with 18 extra-base hits, including three homers and 30 RBIs. She posted a 13-1 record, 2.03 ERA, along with 71 Ks in 100 IP and signed with Pitt. State.

Senior catcher Jessica Garcia hit .449 with five homers and 29 RBIs and was first team all-state by the Kansas coaches. Junior shortstop Ava Bredwell hit .458 with 18 extra-base hits, along with three homers and 26 RBIs. Senior third baseman Paige Oliver batted .446 with 22 RBIs. Junior outfielder Callie Shryock hit .438 with seven RBIs. Junior outfielder Ellie Tribble hit .320 with 21 RBIs, and senior infielder Kylie Conner batted .317 with two homers and 21 RBIs. BLUE VALLEY has new coach Jennifer Stock.

“We have a great group of talented girls, we lost two key pitchers last year and will be looking to fill that hole this year,” Stock said.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST finished 13-9, and coach Kim White is in her 20th year. Senior catcher Julia Breidenthal batted .243 with 11 RBI. Senior outfielder Claire Koettker hit .394 with 23 RBI. Senior outfielder Lauren Lee batted .323, and senior outfielder Beth Shniderson drove in 12 runs. Senior CaiLyn Nye batted .286. Junior third baseman Olivia Shin hit .413 with 17 RBI. “How the younger players step in and fill key roles will be important to our success,” White said.

CAMPUS finished 15-7 and has fourth-year coach Doug Stanley. Three seniors are returning starters: pitcher/first baseman Kelie Stanley, second baseman Faith Bannister and outfielder Lakin Hixson. Two juniors are back: pitcher/outfielder Sophie Martin and third baseman/outfielder Jaden Cain. Shortstop Alexis Thomas is the lone sophomore returning starter.

“I think we will compete with everyone we face, last season taught us how to fight and we learned

you are never out of a game,” coach Stanley said.

DERBY won ACVTL Division I and is 251-105 under 17th-year coach Christy Weve. The Panthers have reached state nine straight years.

Junior pitcher/utility Paige Paxton hit .420 with a 14-2 record and 2.08 ERA. Senior first baseman Halle Rico hit .464. Paxton has committed to Butler Community College. Junior second baseman Gabby Martin batted .432, while junior third baseman Amber Howe hit .411. Senior outfielder Mariah Wheeler batted .425 with 38 RBIs. Senior DP/utility Alexis Enslinger hit .457.

“We return a strong core of players along with looking to fill some positions,” Weve said.

GARDEN CITY finished 14-4 and is 115-37 with seventh-year coach Trina Moquett. She is 19382 in her career. Senior pitcher/middle infielder Yazmin Vargas batted .456 with two homers, 12 RBI, 11 steals and 24 runs scored. She posted a 4-2 mark with 48 strikeouts. Vargas has committed to Missouri Southern.

As a sophomore, Vargas broke single season school records for hits, triples, average and runs scored, according to the Garden City Telegram.

Senior third baseman Kelbi Richter batted .358 with six triples and 19 RBI. Richter is headed to Garden City CC volleyball. Junior pitcher/utility Gisselle Gutierrez hit .243 and delivered a 4-0 mark and 2.33 ERA. Junior IF/OF Abby Parr is back, too. GC graduated six seniors.

“We are looking to fill the holes with talented youth,” Moquett said. “This group has talent but will lack experience.”

GARDNER-EDGERTON went 10-11 with 12thyear coach Joanne Calvin. Two returning starters are seniors: pitcher/outfielder Lauren Lundy and outfielder Kailani Donham. Pitcher/first baseman Emma Crouch is the only junior returning starter.

Three sophomores are returning starters: third baseman Erin Michael, outfielder Katie Thompson, and infielder/outfielder Makenna Trout.

“We are young and talented,” Calvin said. “We will compete! We had several players last year that could play on the field.”

JUNCTION CITY was 4-17, and HUTCHINSON finished 4-15. Hutchinson returns senior utility Teegan Krol and senior outfielders Peyton Allen and Giselle Graciano. Junior outfielder Lexi Kendell is back, along with sophomores Riley Lusk (P/OF), third baseman Kacin Regeier (3B), and Kyler Smith (2B).

“We’ve made some strides the last couple of years and have strong pitching behind Riley Lusk,” Hutchinson coach Clayton Evans said.

“We return several starters and look forward to seeing if some returners from our JV team or freshman can step up and fill some spots for us.”

LIBERAL posted a 12-9 mark in the first season under Tom McClure after he came from Hugoton, a four-win improvement from ‘18. Senior first baseman Reagan Watt batted .345 with a homer and eight RBI. Senior catcher/third baseman Lacie Lanning batted .321 with a homer and 28 RBI. Junior pitcher/catcher Millyzient McClure hit .393 with 38 steals, along with a 2-2 mark and 2.93 ERA. Three juniors also return: Nohemi Gomez, Ren Wyatt and Logan Dodge.

“We had a good season last year and should use it as a foundation to build on. We have a strong core that is returning and got work over the summer and have some consistency in coaching that hasn’t been here in a while,” coach McClure

said. “As long as we have good buy in from the team and good support, then we should be able to take the next step and start competing in league and post season play.”

In its first two seasons of the school existence, OLATHE WEST posted 16-6 and 15-7 records.

OW returns three starters, all seniors: senior catcher Lindy Milkowski, infielder Haley Garnett and utility NaLeah Garry.

“We’re excited about the season, as a third year program tons of growth continues to happen,” coach Ashley Olerich said. “Girls learn how to play together and are constantly getting better.

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH went 4-17 in the first year with coach Sue Williams. Five starters are back: catcher/corner infielder Gretchen Schultz, first/second baseman Anna Leverson, third baseman Taylor Burns, pitcher/outfielder Marleigh Sikes and outfielder Maddie Schulte.

TOPEKA HIGH posted a 16-4 record in the first spring with coach Shane Miles. Junior catcher Zoe Caryl batted .640 with two homers and 30 RBIs. Sophomore infielder Nijaree Canady - one of the state’s top basketball players - batted .441 with four homers and 24 RBIs, along with a 10-3 record and 3.41 ERA and 139 strikeouts. Sophomore Amiah Cain hit .298. Three juniors: infielders Tatum Wilson (.369) and Zoie Kincade and outfielder Mia Kelly are also returning starters.

“We look to keep building from a very successful season from last year,” Miles said. “We have a strong nucleus of girls coming back from last year’s state tournament team. There are some positions that we need to fill from the recent graduating seniors. There will be some young girls competing for spots. I am looking forward to building of our success from last year.”

WICHITA HEIGHTS finished 8-12 and Laykyn Lindsay is in her first year as head coach. Two seniors are returning starters: Corine Robletto and Megan Kephart (.472, 22 runs scored). Three juniors are returning starters: Kortney Medley (.414), Carmen Mealman (.562) and Lindsay Dewitt. Four sophomores are returning starters: sophomore Annie Kealey (.612 average, 5 HR, 27 RBI), along with Olivia Anderson (.400), Savannah Maddox (.393), and Destiny Cleckler (.368).

“We have a mix of talent coming out,” Lindsay said. “We have some potential but we are building for the future.”

WICHITA NORTH won 22 games in the first four seasons with coach Julie Huffmier, and then improved to 11-8 last year. She is 188-167 in her career. Four seniors are returning starters: outfielders Valeria Carrizalez (18 steals) and Sadie Millard, infielder Nevaeh Carrion (.333) and second baseman/pitcher MacKenzie Clark.

Three juniors return as starters: pitcher/shortstop Allison Johnson, third baseman Dakotah DeFehr (.349, 18 RBI) and outfielder Heaven Salinas. Johnson hit .596 with a homer and 21 RBI, along with a 10-6 record and 4.12 ERA. Sophomore catcher Micaela Cruz hit .292 with 12 stolen bases, and sophomore first baseman Leslie Retana batted .316.

“We are returning many key players from last year’s team and we should be able to improve on last year’s record,” Huffmier said.

Senior SS Kinley Poynter hit .442 with 32 runs scored. Senior OF/IF Jessie Ornelas batted .391 with two HR and 18 RBI. Senior Lynsey Van Metre and IF Anahi Nunez also return.

“We will need to have some underclassmen step in and contribute,” Smith said. “The AVCTL II is one of the toughest leagues around.”

MAIZE SOUTH has first-year coach Darcie Wilson. Senior P/IF Carley Sterneker had a 7-1 record and 2.78 ERA with 45 Ks. She hit .419 with two HR and 19 RBI and committed to Hutch CC. Sophomore catcher Emma Edwards was second team all-state by the Kansas coaches after she hit .345 with four HR and 20 RBI. Senior IF Kaydyn Davidson batted .247 with 16 RBI. Junior IF Riley Kennedy hit .267, while senior OF Leah Self hit .290. Senior IF Kylee Yocum also hit two HR. MAIZE coach Jenny Meirowsky has enjoyed longtime success with a 249-69 record entering her 15th year. Maize went 13-9 last season. Senior OF Sophia Buzard committed to KU. She hit .550 with four HR, 19 RBI and 43 runs scored and was first team all-state by the Kansas coaches.

Senior SS McKensy Glass has signed with Emporia State. She carried a .425 average with a homer, 22 RBI and six sacrifices. Sophomore catcher Chloe Bartlett batted .382 with two HR and 29 RBI. Junior P/1B Riley Wertz hit .362 with five HR and 31 RBI, along with a 2.46 ERA and 124 Ks. “I am looking forward to continuing to build the program,” Meirowsky said.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST qualified for state with an 18-5 record, and 10th year coach Shari Schaake has a 107-95 record. Senior third baseman Sophie Mayhugh hit .347 with 22 RBI. Senior OF Casey Mills hit .333. Junior utility Gretta Sailer carried a .333 average. Soph. P/OF Sophie Brickman batted .302 with 16 RBI. “We graduated a powerful class of seniors last year and are looking to our younger players to fill the shoes,” coach Schaake said.

ANDOVER posted a 4-18 mark in the first season under Amisha Daniels. Second baseman/ OF Mandalyn Aikens is the only returning senior starter. Sophomore 3B/U Kylie Forney hit .469 with five HR and 17 RBI. Junior P/U Tess Eubank hit .310, struck out 125 batters and earned all four of the team’s wins. Returning junior starters are: C/OF Millie Pryor, OF Jayden Chambers and first baseman Kate Ralston (.333). Sophomore SS Bailey Way had eight steals and a .286 average, though missed part of the season with injury.

“We will be focusing on building on last year’s growth,” Daniels said.

ARKANSAS CITY has posted 16-5 and 12-10 records in the first two springs with coach Angie Ruyle. AC has multiple collegiate signees on a senior-heavy roster. Senior pitcher Menley Westhoff has signed with DI UTEP. She hit .394 with 30 runs scored and struck out 85 from the circle. Senior utility Espy Daniels has signed with Neosho CC and hit .423 with 13 steals last year.

Senior OF Maggie Musson has signed with Cowley CC after she hit .409. Junior pitcher Hadley Colquhoun delivered a 3.67 ERA. Two seniors are back from injury: utility Alexis Boone and second baseman Braylee Ruyle.

Boone has signed with Butler CC and hit .354 with five HR and 21 RBI. Ruyle has signed with Friends University and hit .316 with 12 steals.

Third baseman Erin Hull and IF/OF Lauren Camp are returning senior starters, and sophomore Cady Dickey is back at catcher.

BASEHOR-LINWOOD’s Susan Mayberry has

delivered a 330-160 record in 23 seasons, and posted a 14-8 record, a six-win improvement.

“We have two seniors, a core group of sophomores, and upcoming freshman who we think are excited to take on the challenge of varsity competition,” Mayberry said.

EISENHOWER was 15-7 and is 29-16 for coach Amber Brunswig. Senior OF Emma Furnish signed with Emporia St. and was second team allstate. She hit .446 with 29 hits, a HR and 13 RBI. Multiple players earned all-conference honors. Senior catcher Talley Colle hit .281. Senior pitcher Lindsay Dexter had a 4-1 record and 4.33 ERA. Junior pitcher Allyson Montgomery was 6-5 with a 3.90 ERA. Soph. C/OF Alexis Mastin hit .488 with four HR. Soph. IF/DH Calli McConnell hit .451 with five HR and 42 RBI. Soph. second baseman Hannah Weber hit .333.

EMPORIA enjoyed a strong season with a state appearance. In the first eight years of the Troy Chapman era, the Spartans were 45-123. Emporia reached state for the first time in 14 years.

The Spartans defeated Basehor-Linwood, 6-2, in nine innings in the regional title. Emporia lost just one senior, second team all-state pitcher Brynn Riley, who played for Cloud County this spring.

First baseman Drue Davis hit .310 with 16 RBI. P/2B Gracie Gilpin hit .328 with nine steals. SS Mya Chapman hit .328 with 19 runs scored. Third baseman Paige Thomas hit .431 with six HR and 29 RBI. Thomas was second team all-state utility.

Catcher Payten Redeker hit .405 with two HR and 18 RBI and was also second team all-state. OF Kaylee Thomas batted .397, and other returning starters were P/OF Rylea Harris, and OFs Maddyn Stewart and Elleana Bennett.

K.C. HARMON, with coach Alma Hall, is in its second year as an established team, though played as a J.V. squad last season. Harmon returned senior Silvia Gutierrez, juniors Nathalie Salazar and Xoch De Lara, along with sophomores Aileen Cornejo and Taylor NcNeil.

HAYS HIGH posted an 8-9 record with fifth-year coach Erin Wagner. Senior P/U Macee Altman hit .364, while senior third baseman Madelyn Waddell batted .404. Senior second baseman Cassidy Prough (.410 BA), senior first baseman Reanna Harman and sophomore OF McKinley Wamser are returning starters. LANSING achieved a 14-7 mark and has first-year coach Taylor Elliott.

LEAVENWORTH went 8-12. Sophomore P/SS Kaylee McLain batted .338 with 11 extra-base hits. Sophomore OF Gwyn Gebert (.304 average), senior catcher Breanna Brown and third baseman Baylee Crotzer are returning starters.

McPHERSON finished 4-15 with sixth-year coach Danica Fitzmorris. Catcher Arianna Potter is the only returning senior starter after she was HM all-league. Potter has signed with Northern Oklahoma College. Junior SS Taylor Casebeer was also honorable mention and can play short, third and center and hit .275. Three juniors are back: P/IF Hailey Henson, OF Jacie Myers, and IF Hope Wehrman. Two sophomores are returning starters: P/SS Brette Doile and first baseman Camren Pelzel. PITTSBURG coach Bob Stackhouse has posted 9-12 and 7-14 records in his first two seasons. The Purple Dragons are expected to start six to seven sophomores. Senior Jenna Broyles won five games. Sophomore Sydney Linahan hit .379. Sophomore Hannah Gray batted .325. Cheyanne Hunt hit .348 with two HR. SALINA CENTRAL went 4-16 and has firstyear coach Alyssa Waldron. SALINA SOUTH

Page 33

5A Softball Photo by Beverly Nowak

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame On May 3, Shawnee Heights had its 66-game winning streak end in a doubleheader split versus Bishop Carroll. BC beat Heights, 5-3. SH won the second contest, 10-1, and improved to 17-1. The teams again matched up in the state title. In ’18, Shawnee Heights beat Carroll, 11-0, in the finals.

Last year, SH defeated Carroll, 12-1. Shawnee Heights finished 22-1, and BC was 22-3. The Thunderbirds have won three straight 5A state crowns. Before then, Topeka Seaman won in ’16.

Carroll captured every title from ’11-15.

This season, SH and Carroll were again considered the elite squads. Additionally, Maize South (19-5) and Goddard (16-4) are traditional powers who also earned final four appearances in ’19.

Other state qualifiers were Lansing (14-8), Blue Valley Southwest (18-5), Emporia (15-7) and Wichita Northwest (17-6).

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS coach Tara Griffith is 47-1 in her first two seasons. Seniors Jaycee Ginter and Aniya Holt return. Ginter, a Washburn signee, hit .415 with two HR and 23 RBI. She also was 14-0 with a 0.80 ERA in 70 innings and hasn’t lost a game in her high school career. Holt, a third baseman headed to Eastern Illinois, carried a .423 average with 14 HR and 48 RBI. Both players scored 35 runs. Senior catcher Kam Wells hit .333 with three HR and 17 RBI. Senior OF Alexis Dial is coming back from injury. Dial has signed with Emporia State. Two IFs/OFs also return: Ady Burghart and Abbey Schulte. Burghart hit .426, and Schulte batted .348. They combined for a HR, 29 RBI, six steals and 41 runs scored. Ginter and Holt were all-state by the Kansas coaches.

BISHOP CARROLL coach Steve Harshberger has delivered a 135-9 mark in seven seasons.

Pitcher Reagan Smith, a first team all-state 5A pick by the Kansas coaches, is the only senior starter back. Smith posted a 1.47 ERA. She signed with DII Maryville University in St. Louis.

Junior OF Emma Green hit .256 with 14 RBI. Junior middle IF Gabby Eck hit .606 with 27 RBI and collected second team all-state honors. Sophomore catcher Eve Morris batted .417. Sophomore second baseman Kendall Forbes carried a .474 average. Soph. P/1B Kadence Brewster hit .440.

“We graduated a very talented senior class this year but are very excited about the young and motivated athletes coming in,” Harshberger said.

Rita Smith has coached GODDARD for 19 years and enjoyed great success. Notably, the Lions went 19-3, 20-3 and 16-6 in ’15, ’16 and ’18, respectively, and qualified for state in each year, losing in the first round each time. Last season, Goddard broke through with a final four showing.

The Lions return both pitchers from ’19.

The Lions have six returning starters overall.

Senior pitcher Sydni Williams has a 5-2 record and hit .423 with two HR and 32 RBI. She has signed with Cowley County softball. Junior pitcher Kendal LeGrand had a 1.80 ERA in 73 innings and hit .351. LeGrand was second team all-state.

KYLIE FORNEY

Andover

was 17-6 and has new coach Brea Campbell.

Five senior starters return: OFs Mataya Copes and Chloe Andrewson, SS Abby Miller, C Kati Rivera, and P/1B Peyton Froome. Junior pitcher Jenna Henderson, and soph. second baseman Lainey Howard are also back. Henderson has committed to DI Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

TOPEKA SEAMAN went 11-11 and earned a regional runner-up as part of the Centennial League that qualified four teams for state. Coach Jay Monhollon is 157-36. Three seniors are returning starters: P/U Kenzie Boyd, second baseman Nyah Brown and catcher/OF Ella Caudill.

Boyd hit .500 with four doubles. Brown hit .462 with 10 extra base hits, including two HR and 18 RBI. Brown signed with Johnson County CC. Caudill batted .404 with eight steals. Two juniors are returning starters: corner IF Calle Dempewolf and C/P/3B Hanna Addington. Dempewolf batted .449 with seven doubles, and Addington carried a .347 average. Soph. SS Emma Smith hit .453 with eight doubles and 17 steals. Soph. Skylar Duncan posted an 8-4 record with a 4.14 ERA. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS finished 10-11 and has second-year coach Mila Ellsworth. Aquinas graduated zero players. Kari Holtzrichter earned first team all-state utility and Easton Head earned second team all-state infield. Stevie Meade was also second team all-state outfield. SUMNER ACADEMY finished 8-12 with coach Marc Oropeza, a six-win improvement after a 2-18 mark in ’18. Sumner does not have any returning senior starters. Three juniors are returning starters: P/ IF Isabella Oropeza, OF Jadyn Bond, IF Larisa Guerrero, and sophomore OF Alesia McLear.

TOPEKA WEST finished 13-8 and improved to 49-59 with sixth-year coach Lori Zook. West has five senior returning starters: first baseman Kate Howard, center fielder Kaity Shima, P/OFs Laura Quigley and Sam Smith, third baseman Emma Ramberg. Howard hit .571 with one homer and 37 RBI. Shima batted .468 and scored 33 runs and has signed with Bethel College. Quigley batted .362, while Smith hit .353. Ramberg batted .310. Sophomore SS Whitley Benson hit .297, while sophomore second baseman Manaia Isaia batted .282 with eight steals.

VALLEY CENTER had a rare down season with a 4-17 mark under coach Corey Jones, who is 186-124. VC returns three starters: P/1B Emma Anderson, second baseman Eliza Grady and SS Cheyenne Blackwood. WICHITA NORTHWEST has enjoyed consistent success with seventh-year coach Cody Stucky (104-32), including a 17-6 mark last spring. Third baseman Josie Deckinger is the only senior starter back. She hit .493. Junior pitcher Hannah Joynt hit .353. Soph.

OF Laci Dryden hit .435 and soph. P/1B Caiya Stucky batted .544 with a .732 OBP.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Photo by Laura Stow

4A Softball

BRIONA WOODS

Photo by Laura Stow

Clearwater

MADISON SIMONEAU Clearwater

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Last season, Augusta and Andale-Garden Plain were the clear top-two teams in Class 4A. The teams split a pair of regular season meetings.

Those marked the squad’s only losses until the state finale. Then, Augusta defeated Andale, 5-2.

Augusta went 24-1, and Andale-Garden Plain finished 23-2. The squads had the consensus top-two players in the class. Augusta featured pitcher Gracie Johnston, who signed with Missouri State. Andale-GP had outfielder Macie Eck, the team’s lone senior. She headed to Notre Dame.

Both players were first team all-state.

Clay Center/Wakefield edged Rose Hill, 2-1, in 10 innings for third place. CC finished 21-2, and Rose Hill was 17-8. The other state qualifiers were Louisburg (8-15), Eudora (15-6), Anderson County (12-8, now 3A) and Paola (16-7).

This season, ANDALE-GARDEN PLAIN was especially loaded for fourth-year coach Chuck Schrader. He is 58-13 in his career with A-GP and is 207-77 overall. A-GP has reached the tournament three straight springs. Four players selected first team all-state by the Kansas coaches return: senior pitcher Rachel Choate, senior catcher Abby Gordon, senior shortstop Madison Grimes and junior second baseman Kyla Eck.

Page 34 Choate, who signed with Newman softball, posted a 14-1 record and 0.81 ERA. She struck out 96 batters and recorded three saves. Gordon is headed to Arkansas after she hit .394 with seven HR and 30 RBI. Grimes hit .461 with two HR, 28 RBI and 21 steals and signed with Hutch CC. Eck hit .550 with three HR, 24 RBI and 27 steals.

Junior outfielder Anna Berblinger hit .394 with 31 runs scored. Senior Morgan Bruna, the 4A Volleyball Player of the Year, collected a .431 average with four HR and 21 RBI. Junior first baseman Ashton Winter batted .424 with a homer and 24 RBI. Junior outfielder Kylie Horsch batted .355 with two homers and 17 RBI. Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Mude posted a 9-1 record with 3.86 ERA. Rhett Mallon takes over AUGUSTA softball after he previously helped with wrestling and football. Augusta has won five softball titles, all since 2000. The Orioles return two players, both seniors, selected first team all-state by the Kansas coaches: catcher/utility Sophie Johnston and C/1B Allie Ebenkamp. Johnston hit .483 with two HR and 15 RBI. Ebenkamp hit .548 with four HR and 27 RBI. Senior P/3B Marti Merz hit .413 with two HR and 18 RBI. Catcher/utility Cheyenne Poulman batted .360. Junior SS Jadyn Jackson batted .387 with four HR and 21 RBI. Junior Payton Haskell hit .444, and junior outfielder Ashlyn Bowen batted .346 with nine RBI. In ’19, HOLTON had one senior who was a regular player the previous spring for longtime coach John William Deitrich and had another final four team, this time in 3A. Holton was fourth in 4A-II in ’18. Holton has moved back to 4A this year.

Senior left fielder Jewel Lutz hit .486 with 13 extra base hits, including five HR. Sophomore Gracie Gallagher batted .471 with nine extra base hits.

Junior catcher Grace Utz carried a .470 average with 11 extra base hits. All three players drove in 20 runs. Senior shortstop Bailey Flewelling enjoyed a huge season with a .466 average with 21 extra base hits, including eight homers and 33 RBI. She has signed with Emporia State.

In the circle, Gallagher was 12-3 with a 2.20 ERA in 82.2 innings, and Lutz delivered a 7-0 mark and 4.03 ERA. Flewelling and Lutz were second team all-state by the Kansas coaches at infield and outfield, respectively.

Senior third Kinleigh Rhodd batted .384 with four doubles. Senior center fielder Savy Booth hit .400. Senior right fielder Addie Degenhardt hit .429, while senior DP Paige Crouch carried a .346 average. Junior second baseman Ally Beard batted .382.

Deitrich, in his 13th year at Holton, is 186-74.

He is 425-165 in his career.

CLAY CENTER 6-foot senior pitcher Clara Edwards earned first team all-state 4A by the state’s coaches. She has committed to University of South Dakota. PAOLA coach Sherry Ball has posted 20-4 and 16-7 marks in her first two years. Three senior starters are back: outfielder Aubrey Weatherbie, pitcher Kierstan Wietze, and shortstop Madison Bryant. As well, junior outfielder Alexis Chapman and sophomore catcher Kate Ediger also return. Poala also won the Frontier League title. Wietzke had signed to play at Highland Community College. She posted a 16-6 record, including a no-hitter, along with a 3.08 ERA. She had 123 strikeouts against 29 walks in 106 innings. As well, Weatherbie batted .465, while Ediger hit .339. Ediger also posted 80 putouts

without a single error and threw out four runners attempting to steal second, according to the Miami County Republic.

PRATT coach Mike Forshee has coached 15 seasons. The traditional power Greenbacks went 15-4 last winter. Junior pitcher/second baseman Erin Jackson was 4A first team all-state DP/utility from the Kansas coaches after she hit .449 and posted a 5-1 record. Junior pitcher Kami Theis posted a 10-2 record and 3.73 ERA. Junior outfielder Payton Woody hit .320. Sophomore outfielder/center fielder Lexi Walker batted .475 with 15 RBI. Sophomore pitcher/first baseman Livia Swift hit .472, and junior outfielder Brooklynn Humble batted .400 with two homers.

EUDORA coach Bill Finucane is entering his sixth season with a 67-37 career record and has coached more than 20 years. The Cardinals had four all-state selections by the Kansas coaches last year and returns two: senior first baseman Sierra Smith and sophomore center fielder Harper Schreiner. Smith is back-to-back first team all-state, while Schreiner collected second team.

Smith hit .508 with 27 RBI. Schreiner batted .373.

Senior second baseman Lydia Brown batted .333 with .479 on-base percentage.

Junior 3B/U Jayla Pierce is also back. Sophomores Emma Durr (OF/INF) and Sadie Walker are also returning starters. Durr hit .370 with a .514 on-base percentage. Walker posted a 1.40 ERA. Eudora graduated second team all-state pitcher Kyla Etter, who had a solid year for Johnson County Community College this spring. She finished as the program’s leader in strikeouts (320) and was second in victories (36), innings pitched (288) and ERA (1.64). She also is third all-time in slugging at .678.

ABILENE was 7-13. Eighth-year coach LouAna Taplin stands at 61-87. Taplin said Abilene is “incredibly young” with the loss of five seniors, four-year letter winners. Abilene’s highest returning average is .250. BALDWIN is 9-12 and eighth-year coach Chad Scoby has won 80 career games. Baldwin captured the 4A-II state title two years ago. Senior first baseman Lindsey Toot hit .520 with 11 doubles. Senior pitcher Shelby Jones posted a 6-6 record. Junior right fielder Brooklyn Chase hit .318. Junior catcher/center fielder Emma Grossoehme batted .281 with 14 steals. Sophomore second baseman Zoey LaTessa batted .444 in just nine games because of injury. Sophomore pitcher/left fielder Ella Scoby batted .333 and went 2-2 in the circle.

BUHLER coach Kimberly Cottam took over the Crusader program this season. CLEARWATER won 11 games in the first two years under coach Tyler Hampton, and then posted a 14-8 mark last spring. The Indians return everybody, and Hampton expects the team to “be very competitive” this year. Junior pitcher Macie McCray batted .464, along with a 7-3 mark and 3.74 ERA. Junior pitcher Kyndall Clevenger hit .369 and posted a 7-5 record and 4.03 ERA. First baseman Madison Simoneau and second baseman Bella Willis are the lone returning senior starters with .423 and .308 averages, respectively. Simoneau also hit five homers with 29 RBIs. The junior class has a high number of returners: outfielders Briona Woods (.507 average) and Chloe Middleton (.409), catcher Makenzie Haslett (.340) and shortstop Ireland Cotton. Clearwater had two sophomore starters with third baseman

Kayleigh Herdman (.286 average) and Hayley Gerberding (.440). Woods was first team all-state and Middleton was second team all-state by the Kansas coaches. Woods hit seven homers with 32 RBI and scored 35 runs. Middleton also drove in 19 runs and scored 20.

FORT SCOTT went 14-7 and had new coach Danny Renfro this year. TONGANOXIE finished 14-6 and is 85-59 with eighth-year coach Stephanie Wittman.

TOPEKA HAYDEN third-year coach Carvel Reynoldson posted a 15-6 record last season.

Senior pitcher BreAnna Droge had .400 with four homers and 25 RBI. Senior catcher Sydney Hillmer posted a .419 mark with three homers and 22 RBI. Sophomore first baseman Carly Stuke batted .432 with seven homers and 36 RBI and was first team all-state by the Kansas coaches.

Second baseman Bailey Thompson hit .255, while third baseman Rosie Anguiano batted .342 with four homers and 17 RBI. Outfielders Lauren Cook (.278 average) and Sarah Clemmons (.318 average, .483 on-base) and DH Lauren Vanderslice (.351) also return.

IOLA went 6-13 last year and fifth-year coach Chris Weide is 32-50 in his career. Iola lost 1-0 at Eudora in the regional. Iola hit under .300 as a team, though junior catcher Lauryn Holloway led the team with a .343 average. Senior shortstop Kelsey Morrison batted .267 with two homers.

Senior left fielder Nissa Fountain hit .288 with six doubles. Senior center fielder Sadrie Overall, and junior right fielder Becca Sprague also return.

In the circle, junior Jenna Miller and sophomore Reece Murry had on-base percentages against of .204 and .221, respectively. Murry struck out 97 and averaged more than a strikeout per inning.

“We have a mixture of youth and experience that could take us a long way,” Weide said. “Defense and pitching will be our strength.”

LOUISBURG first-year coach Nick Chapman takes over a program that went 8-12. MULVANE was 0-20, and NICKERSON finished 4-15.

WAMEGO posted a 6-14 mark in the first year under Luke Meyer in ’19. Senior outfielder Caitlin Donahue hit .349 with 10 steals and earned all-league outfield. Junior second baseman Toree Hoobler hit .520 with 18 steals and posted honorable mention all-state. Junior Halley Asbury was honorable mention all-league with a 1.48 ERA. Junior Alexis Billings hit .324.

Three sophomores also return with P/DH Delaney Campbell (.413), first baseman Ryann Anderson (.360, 11 steals), and sophomore shortstop Paige Donnelly (.395). Anderson was honorable mention all-league.

“Returning majority of last year’s team and adding some talented freshman looking to build off how we finished the season last year,” Meyer said.

WELLINGTON coach T.D. Buck enters his ninth season. The Crusaders posted a 7-13 record, though graduated a pair of Division I players with Jacelyn Buck and Brooke McCorkle. Wellington returns five starters: SS Rylee Rusk, catcher McKenna Jones and the outfield trio of Lexi Clift, Kaitlyn Hain and Lexi Saffell. ““Returning starters need to replace a good senior class that left,” coach Buck said. “Will have several young players that fit into the lineup.

Pitching is always a must.”

SMOKE in the

Spring

Page 35

continued on page 49

NEW DATE

KAYLYN DISBROW

Anderson County

BROOKE BRAWNER

Haven

CAMRYN COMPTON

Riverton

DARBY ODLE

Beloit

Family. Friends.

Community.

rescheduled for

October 30-31 Ryan Disbrow, Agent 504 W. Redbud Garnett, KS 66032 Bus: 620-431-2680 www.ryandisbrow.com

We’re all in this together.

State Farm has a long tradition of being there.

That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Anderson County High School. ®

Here to help life go right.

®

www.facebook.com/smokeinthespring For more information contact:

Corey Linton – 785-806-8911 or rec@osagecity.com

3A Softball Photo by Kevin Gaines/ Anderson County Review

and posted a 3-1 pitching mark. Sophomore right fielder Courtney Ross is also a returning starter.

Overall, eight starters returned.

CHENEY was the No. 1 seed at the 3A state tournament and finished 22-2 after the first round loss to Frontenac. Junior outfielder Kylee Scheer was first team all-state outfield. Scheer is a threesport all-state athlete and has signed with Emporia State basketball.

ANDERSON COUNTY finished with 12 wins in the first year under coach Doug Archer and lost 1-0 to 4A state champions Augusta in the first round of the 4A state tournament. Junior pitcher Alison Brown was all league and second team 4A all-state by the Kansas coaches. Junior first baseman Cali Foltz was all-league and second team all-state, also from the Kansas coaches.

She hit .415 with five homers and 19 RBI with 24 runs scored.

Junior shortstop Kaylyn Disbrow hit .403 and is second team all-league. Junior outfielder Elizabeth Pedrow hit .293, while junior outfielder Madison Stevens batted .258. Junior DH Carsyn Crane, and junior catcher Rayna Jasper were also returning starters.

Courtney Kasson took over an ATCHISON COUNTY squad with a 1-18 record last spring.

BAXTER SPRINGS coach Tim Yeargain is 5544 in six years. Baxter went 11-8 last season.

Three senior starters are back: infielder Dalainy Anderson, infielder/DP Jenna Lawson and catcher Ashlyn Potter. Baxter has a pair of returning juniors: outfielder Kennedy Krokroskia and infielder Allie Fry. Baxter Springs has three sophomores that started in ’19: pitcher Halle Panter, infielder Emmalee Williams and IF/OF Cassidy Pena.

BELOIT coach Tyler Odle had a 17-3 mark in his first year. Senior P/U Darby Odle had a huge year and was second team all-state utility. She has a career ERA of 2.02. Odle hit .461 with 19 runs, 25 RBI and posted an 8-2 record and 2.59 ERA. Senior third baseman Jess Meier hit .527 with 17 extra-base hits, 38 runs scored, 22 RBI, 14 steals and 50 fielding assists. Senior pitcher/ first baseman Madalyn Johnson hit .290 with an 8-1 record and 2.33 ERA. Senior pitcher/utility Paige Goddard hit .438 with three homers and 19 RBI, though was hurt in ’19 and couldn’t pitch. Senior shortstop Jaimie Drum was the team’s leadoff hitter with a .315 average, .493 on-base percentage, six doubles and eight steals. Junior second baseman Jenna

Photo by Dedria Ashworth

Sophomore shortstop Heather Arnett hit .533 with a .633 on-base percentage with 50 runs scored and 38 steals. Rhuems and Arnett were both first team all-state by the Kansas coaches.

Senior second baseman Bailey Rhuems hit .301 with 15 RBI. Junior third baseman Raven Warren hit .253, junior outfielder Morgen Hipfl hit .316 with 19 runs and 15 stolen bases. Senior outfielder Jayden Wilderman stole 12 bases, while junior catcher Kate Walrod and senior outfielder Bria Ginavan are returning starters.

“We are coming off a great run last season and look to continue to build on that,” Rhuems said.

KINGMAN fourth-year coach Ross Bruggeman is 54-13, including 20-4 and a state appearance in ’19. Kingman, which co-ops with Norwich, lost 6-1 to St. Marys in the first round of state. Kingman returns three all-state players: senior pitcher/ outfielder Carlie Kelley, sophomore second baseman Alex Schreiner and soph. SS Aly Hageman.

Kelley hit .440 with 25 runs scored, along with a 12-3 mark and 1.94 ERA and two saves. Schreiner hit .563 with three homers, 34 RBI and was first team all-state by the Kansas coaches.

Hageman hit .400 with two homers and 26 RBI and was second team all-state from the Kansas coaches. Junior P/OF Janelle Belt hit .357, along with a 7-2 record and 2.40 ERA in the circle. Junior center fielder Anna Livingston carried a .293 average with two homers and 16 RBI. RIVERTON coach Brian Mitchell stands at 416135 after 25 years with a 15-8 mark. Riverton won 3A state in ’16 and ’17 and lost in the title game in ‘18. Senior shortstop Camryn Compton batted .613 with 46 hits, 10 homers, 43 RBI and 11 steals. Compton was first team all-state infield by the Kansas coaches, is one of the state’s top players, and has signed with Wichita State.

In three seasons, Compton hit .552 with 21 homers and 113 RBI, according to the Joplin Globe. Last year, Riverton lost 5-4 to eventual titlist Frontenac in the regional championship.

Compton, a 4.0 student, is the third sister in her family to sign to play collegiate softball.

Senior center fielder Zoey Mitchell hit .446 with 13 steals, and posted a 4-0 record and 2.84 ERA. Senior left fielder Mia Moss hit .250. Senior P/1B Jayden Phillips batted .239 and posted an 8-7 record in the circle. Senior second baseman Madison Strup batted .235.

Senior catcher Danielle Weaver, who will play basketball at Neosho CC, batted .446 and caught five runners stealing. Junior third baseman/pitcher Kenzie Houser hit .440 with seven homers

File Photo

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose high school year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Last year, Frontenac became a rare No. 8 seed to win a state championship. The Raiders finished 20-6 with alumnus Cassie Rhuems and Scott Fields as head and assistant coach, respectively.

Scott’s daughter, Karma Fields, was one of the top basketball and softball players in Kansas and recently announced her commitment to play softball at Crowder College, a JUCO in Neosho, Mo. Frontenac defeated Cheney, 6-0, and then beat St. Marys, 3-0. The tournament was postponed four days before Frontenac defeated Silver Lake, 7-5. Silver Lake went 21-5. St. Marys (20-4) and Holton (20-3) were the other final four teams.

Frontenac and Silver Lake were again loaded for 2020. SILVER LAKE has a pair of Division I players with outfielder Lexi Cobb and catcher Daryn Lamprecht. Cobb has signed with North Texas, Lamprecht with Northern Iowa. Silver Lake coach Nick Hamilton, an assistant from ’1318, took over as head coach last year and paced the Eagles to a 21-5 mark. SL won state in ’18.

Cobb and Lamprecht are multiple time first team all-state picks.

Last year, Cobb hit .451 with 32 runs scored.

Lamprecht delivered a .395 average with five homers and 39 RBI. Senior outfielder Amber Martinek and senior third baseman Taylor Burkhardt (.433 average) were also returning starters. Junior shortstop Elle Hogle led the team .483 average and 39 runs scored and was second team all-state by the Kansas coaches. Abby Pressgrove, who signed with Benedictine softball, did graduate after a first team all-state season when she went 20-3 with a 1.59 earned-run average.

Rhuems has led FRONTENAC to a pair of state titles and is 198-74, including a 20-6 mark last year. The Raiders returned eight of nine starters for 2020. Karma Fields hit .484 with a .519 onbase percentage and .905 slugging. Fields also had seven homers and 56 RBI, along with 46 hits.

She also posted a 14-4 record, 2.04 ERA, .986 fielding percentage and 15 steals.

Photo by Stephanie Meier

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

1801073

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

AUTYMN SCHREINER

Photo by Everett Royer

2-1A Softball

ALEXIS HAFENSTINE Photo by Becky Rathbun

Wabaunsee

BRECKEN OBERMUELLER Photo by Aden Morris

Sylvan-Lucas/Lincoln

EMMA MORRIS

Republic County

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Pittsburg-Colgan quadrupled its win total from 2018 en route to a 24-2 season and Class 2-1A state championship in 2019. Colgan won its three state games 17-0, 14-0 and 10-7 and returned several key standouts, including one of 2-1A’s top players in Kaitlin Crossland.

Oskaloosa took second with a 23-3 record, while Hutch Trinity (17-8) was third and Jayhawk-Linn (20-4) fourth. It marked the first state softball trophy in school history for Trinity.

Additionally, Spearville (19-3) and Bluestem (15-5) were state qualifiers that lost in the first round. Notably Spearville returned the bulk of its roster from ’19, a group that featured senior Taige Kliesen, junior Alissa Heskamp, the team’s leading hitters with .571 and .541 averages, respectively. Spearville graduated just three players and returned junior pitchers Stephanie Miller (10-2, 2.15 ERA) and Elle Weber (9-1, 4.23 ERA).

ALMA-WABAUNSEE, the state titlist in ’18, was expected to contend for the crown in ’19, but lost in regionals. Wabaunsee returns pitcher Autymn Schreiner, a Washburn softball signee, and utility player Alexis Hafenstine, an Allen Co. CC commit in both volleyball and softball. The seniors earned multiple all-state honors throughout high school. Senior utility player Megan Strait is also a returning starter. Three junior returning starters are back: SS Reagan Kelley, OF Ryleigh Jones and P/OF Jordan Magette. Two sophs. starters return: 2B/3B Kara Hafenstine and DH/U Madison Havenstien. Last year, Alexis Hafenstine hit .522, while Schreiner batted .500, according to MaxPreps. They combined for six HR. Kara Hafenstine hit .377 with five HR. Overall, Wabaunsee hit 18 HR. On the mound, Magette posted a 6-2 record and 3.07 ERA. Schreiner was 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA. New coach Joe Dee Tarbutton was a Washburn asst. and previously led St. Marys softball to three straight state championships.

BELLE PLAINE went 5-12 and lost to Chaparral in the first round of regionals. Coach Brian Seba is 34-44 after five seasons. Junior catcher Cheyenne Cooper posted a .463 average and .569 on-base percentage with 13 RBI and 16 runs scored. Senior OF Hunter Hain had a .256 average with 11 RBI and 19 runs scored. Infielder/pitcher Raven McPherson hit .489 with 23 hits, 10 RBI and 17 runs scored. She also posted a 3-3 record and 3.50 ERA. Cooper, Hain and McPherson have earned all-conference honorable mention honors in the past. Junior Tori Lujan was first team all-conference as a freshman but played just eight games last year because of a knee injury. She carried a .520 average with 13 hits, 14 RBI and nine runs scored.

REPUBLIC COUNTY posted another solid season with a 16-6 record and welcome new coach Joni Sheets. RC returns a number of senior starters: C Sydney Lewellyn, P/1B Kansas Cole, SS Emma Morris and OFs Alexus Skocny, Annabel Wheeler and Skylar Weatherhead. BLUESTEM Coach Michelle Womacks (85-25 in six years) has consistently built a solid program that went 20-6 and took third two years ago. Bluestem brings back pitcher Delaney Blakesley, catcher Andrea Harlan, first baseman Danielle Winn, second baseman Delaney Beaver and OFs Abbi Hill, Megan Rierson and Olivia Ogle.

Amy Fleener started the co-op program between BUCKLIN/COLDWATER-SOUTH CENTRAL last year. The program finished 9-10 in its first season. B/SC has five returning starters: seniors OF Ashley Mazerak, senior OF Arionne Servis and senior infielder Sorel Peterson, along with soph. pitcher Maci Kirk and soph. utility Emalea Worden.

Creighton Winters led BURLINGAME to a 12-8 mark and regional crown in his fifth season as coach. Junior pitcher Graci Masters delivered a .526 BA with 17 RBI. She also posted a 12-8 record with 4.25 ERA and 93 Ks. Soph. Daelyn Winters hit .500 with a HR and 16 RBI, along with 19 steals and 24 runs. Junior third baseman Megan Giffin batted .358 with two HR and 20 RBIs. Soph. Emma Tyson batted .359 with 14 RBI and 18 runs scored. Soph. Kenna Masters hit .370.

Junior left fielder Katie Shaffer hit .367.

BURDEN-CENTRAL posted a 3-17 record under fifth-year coach Bruce Hafenstein. Burden’s returning starters were soph. third baseman Emma Garrison, soph. pitcher/first baseman Haven Wunderlick, junior C/CF Cerena Cady, soph.

catcher Morgan Cook, and soph. Rickie Hilario.

CHASE COUNTY finished 14-6 with just one returning senior who had more than 11 at-bats on the roster. Junior Brylee Potter was first team all-state, while senior catcher Laken Vandergrift and senior infielder Makenzie Higgs were second team. Higgs batted .514 with nine doubles, nine triples and six HR. Potter batted .431 with 14 doubles. Vandegrift hit .462 with nine extra base hits.

Junior Audrey Tubach was 13-4 with a 1.36 ERA. ELKHART was 17-5 for John Flanagan. Senior P/IF Whitlee La Rue was the Hi-Plains League POY. La Rue hit .406 with a .488 OBP and .594 slugging with 31 RBI. She also went 9-3 with a 2.31 ERA in the circle. Junior SS Chevelle Ralstin hit .410 with 37 runs scored and 40 RBI. Junior IF Regan Nave hit .354 with a .516 OBP. ELLSWORTH finished 13-8 with sub-state runner-up.

Coach Ken Cravens stands at 123-121 after 13 seasons. Pitcher/OF Brenna Pruitt and infielder Jaide Talbott are the only returning senior starters. Junior infielder/pitcher Lizzy Hipp, soph. OF Nicole Haase and soph. infielder Natalie Rolfs are also returning starters.

FLINTHILLS was regional runner-up with a 1310 mark and return all starters at all positions.

They lost just two seniors who were part-time starters at first base and OF. JAYHAWK-LINN coach Kris Holt has won 118 career games after a 20-3 mark last season. First baseman Aubrey Nation is the only senior returning starter. Soph. returning starters are: catcher Jude Kerr, P/2B Marissa Baldwin, P/U Jayden Willard and OF Rachel Brownback. Three juniors return: SS Jenna Holt, P/3B Emilie Nation, and OF Jaimah Lohman.

LITTLE RIVER posted a 5-12 record and coach Wayne McBride enters his third year as coach at LR. Senior P/SS Emma McBride, junior P/3B Bella DeBaere, junior C/2B Anna Birdsong, soph. OF Amaya Sneath, junior OF Bailey Hodgson, and junior OF Morgan Bottom are returning starters.

LYNDON coach Sami Jo Peine posted a 4-17 record in her first year. Senior SS Marah Bingham was a solid fielder in ’19. Senior IF/U Vivian Stanley had a .408 BA with 12 RBI. Senior catcher Kylie Vanwinkle hit .360. Soph. OF/C Addy Easter batted .585. Junior third baseman Presley Doles hit .478. MEDICINE LODGE has new coach Taylor Theis. ML returning starters are first baseman Aaliyah Armstrong, C Rietta Thomas, OF Danielle Bedwell, OF Grace Bedwell and OF Jaycee Patton. MISSION VALLEY had a 16-7 season and was regional runner-up in ’19.

Lisa Braun has posted a 160-30 mark in nine years with OSKALOOSA and returned multiple key players from a state runner-up squad. Junior SS Regan Curry hit .685 with eight HR, 44 RBI and 51 runs scored. Junior second baseman Reese Curry hit .483 with three HR and 20 RBI and 42 runs scored. Junior catcher Sophia Rockhold hit .465 with three HR and 29 RBI with 19 steals and 40 runs scored. Junior pitcher Ellie Stember finished 11-2 with 3.47 ERA with 78 strikeouts.

Junior pitcher Asa Kesinger went 8-1 with a 4.41 ERA. Junior OF Briana VanHoutan hit .313 with 14 RBI. Rockhold, Stember and Regan Curry

Page 36 were all-state and Reese Curry was second team.

REMINGTON posted a 15-5 record, though lost in the ninth inning in regionals. Coach Lyn Lawler started the program and has a 54-43 career mark.

Three senior starters are back: SS Cassi Wedel, P/2B Madison Hamilton and center fielder Lizzy Sweatland. As well, junior P/1B Rianna Lawler, and soph. left fielder Emily Wedel are also back.

CENTRAL HEIGHTS went through an 0-19 season. First/second baseman Shelbie Miller is the only returning senior starter. As well, two juniors are returning starters: C/1B Dakota Pendleton and 1B/3B Reagan Lee. Four starting sophs return: C/OF Cameron Peel, 3B/OF Elise Platt, OF Grace Wilson and IF Rylee McCurry. RIVERSIDE posted a 10-9 mark in coach Kristina Bliley’s first year with the program. “We should return as a competitive team with a strong set of starters returning,” Bliley said.

Longtime football coach Mick Holt was expected to take over SEDAN softball this year. Two senior starters are back: 3B/C Maddie Signer and OF/P Hailey Wood. Three junior starters are back: SS Caitlin Williams, IF/C Madison Myers, and IF/P Hailey Bierle. Soph. 3B/OF Caitlyn Sherman also returned. Holt was looking forward “to a fun season” and working hard on fundamentals.

SOUTH HAVEN coach Twaila Wiley has a 42-21 career record, including a 15-8 mark last year.

Senior catcher Brittney Byers is the only returning starter. SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY had an 0-15 mark last spring in its first year. Senior pitcher Lindsay Torrens is a returning starter, along with Sadie Pearson, Taylor and Emma Cole, Regan Darbyshire and Kiernan Breshears.

PITTSBURG-ST. MARY’s COLGAN posted a 24-2 record and the state championship behind a big turnaround. The Panthers return four starters for coach Annie Dellasega: senior OF Taylor Wixson, junior P/2B Kaitlin Crossland, and sophs.

Allison Marietta (C/OF) and Ashley Marietta (OF).

SYLVAN-LUCAS/LINCOLN had a three-win improvement from 10-10 to 13-9. Coach Linda Haring is 224-227 in her 24th year. P/IF Brecken Obermueller had 23 hits and 23 steals. OF/ SS Cadence Nondorf had 14 steals. Catcher/OF Tana Hayworth, and catcher/third baseman Dawson O’Bannon (20 steals) were also returning starters. S-L graduated six starters and freshmen were expected to fill most of the spots.

“However, the freshman group is very talented and have been playing softball together for several years, so they will be ready to step on the field and be competitive,” coach Haring said.

HUTCHINSON TRINITY coach Joe Palacioz is 79-30, including the 17-8 mark and third-place showing last spring. Four senior starters are back: second baseman Maddy Strecker, first baseman Meg Friday, SS/C Ryleigh Clifton and OF Abby Palacioz. As well, junior OF Hayley Hughes and soph. IF/OF Riley Wells are also returning starters. Trinity needs to replace pitcher, catcher and third baseman. First team all-state pitcher Jordan Galliher went on to have a big year with HCC. UDALL posted a 15-6 mark and lost in the recontinued on page 39

1809 N St • Belleville, KS • 785-527-2226 www.cunninghamtelephoneandcable.com

That young girls team will be led by a pair of junior javelin throwers, Alyx Glessner and Taylor Claussen, who return after finishing 8th (122-02) and 12th (112-07) respectively at state.

BLUE VALLEY NORTH’s Mark Fancher enters his fourth season as head coach and his Mustang teams were 13th in the team standings in 2019.

Fancher, though, returns a premier field event performer in senior Lexy Farrington, who was first in the javelin at 143-05 (season best 146-04) and fifth in the discus (117-11). The Lady Mustangs also have four runners returning who comprised part of three medal-winning relay teams. On the boys’ side, junior Andrew Orr was runner-up in the high jump, clearing 6-4.

CAMPUS’ COLTS begin a new era under coach Brett Marrs, and the team’s strength will be in distance races and relays while he returns three boys and two girls who competed in the state meet in 2019. DERBY will look to Derion Hubbard (300 hurdles), Conner Robinette (javelin) and relay runners Corey Akins and DeShawn Wright, along with Hubbard, to anchor the boys squad.

The Lady Panthers have a good amount of returning state qualifiers in Aneesa Abdul-Hameed (100, 200, 400, 4x100), Vivian Kalb (1600, 3200, 4x800), Chloe Igo (300 hurdles, 4x100), Serenity Jackson and Jada Hopson (4x100), Kinley Fagar (discus) and the 4x800 team of Abigail Monoghan, Greta McEntire, Kaylee Curtis and Bridget McAdams. Abdul-Hameed was second in the 400 (57.58).

DODGE CITY’S boys and girls claimed Western Athletic Conference titles in 2019, placed second in their 6A regional, but the girls managed just a ninth place finish while the boys finished well down the list. But the Red Demons return a solid core on both sides.

On the girls side, Kisa Unruh was fifth in the javelin (127-00), Audrey Phelps eighth in the 300 hurdles (48.09), Hadley Williams was sixth in the 100 hurdles (16.04) and return half of the fourth-place 4x400-meter relay team (4:04.26).

For the boys, Josh Harshberger was eighth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.63) while the 4x100 relay was eighth.

LAWRENCE-FREE STATE will be looking for another strong effort from senior Arie’Auna Childress, who took second in the triple jump (3906.75) and fourth in the long jump (17-03.75).

Laila Robinson was fourth in the high jump. On the boys side, Charlie Johnson was sixth in the 3,200-meters while returners Ja’Brandion Douglas and Tyler Bowden will look for two new baton mates in the 4x100 where they placed fifth a year ago. GARDEN CITY will have a young group according to third-year coach Brian Hill. Among his top returners are junior Trey Nuzum in the discus (8th, 148-06), junior Josh Janas in the pole vault (12-06) and senior Jeremy Garcia in the 400-meters (9th, 51.13). Junior Julie Calzonetti was the lone top 10 finisher for the Lady Buffaloes, taking ninth in the high jump at 5-00.

HUTCHINSON’s Salthawks have just three boys with state experience in junior Jalen Barlow in the 300-hurdles, Noah Cole in the 1600 and 3200 and Ezekial Seamster in the 100 and 200.

The Salthawks lost standout hurdler Tayezhan Crough when he transferred to Gardner-Edgerton last summer for his senior year of high school.

The Lady Salthawks have Liberty Limon in the high jump (8th, 5-02), sophomores Stella Foster and Jenna Ramsey in the 1600 and 3200-meters, and Eleecya Birney, fourth in the 400 (58.2 secs.).

The once glory days of the LIBERAL Redskins dominating 5A are a distant memory, and now competing in 6A, coaches Trace Haskell (boys) and Marcus Calleja (girls) are looking to build the Redskins again into a state contender.

This year’s group will be led on the girls side by senior Katie Horyna (800, 4x4, 4x8), Audrey Gilmore (800, 4x4, 4x8), Reece Hay (4x8), Hallee Payton (4x8) and Grace Crossman and Emma Evans in the 4x400 relay. Josh Arafol (400, 4x4, 4x8), Alex Lopez (4x4, 4x8, 800), Malcolm Wiltshire (high jump, 4x400), Hunter Hatcher (4x4) and Syris Dunlap (long jump, sprints) will all be heavily relied upon for the boys.

Chris McAfee, now in his fourth year as head coach at MILL VALLEY, has built the Jaguars into a state contender, and the 2020 team might be his best yet. After fourth-place finishes in both boys and girls team standings, McAfee has a plethora of returners from the state meet.

Sophomore-to-be Katie Jo Schwartzkopf placed fifth in the 3,200-meters, but all four runners who placed ahead of her graduated so she will be one of the favorites after an 11:29.58 time at state.

There are 11 other Lady Jaguars back who competed at state, with four of them earning top eight finishes: Molly Ricker, 800 (5th, 2:19.09) Emree Zars, 300 hurdles (6th, 47.3), Quincy Hubert, 300 hurdles (7th, 47.5) and Tyler Smith, discus (8th, 113-04). MV’s winning 4x800 relay team will return three of the four runners in Morgan Koca, Schwartzkopf and Molly Ricker. The Jags also return three of their 4x400 relay team.

The boys return qualifiers Nico Gatapia, 400 (7th, 51.2), Jack Terry, 3200, (11th, 10:04), Leif Campbell, 300 hurdles, (3rd, 40.5) and Anthony Runk, high jump, (5-10). The Jags also expect improvement from distance runners Nick Schmidt, John Lehan, Cameron Goad and Nathan Greenfield and sprinters Ty Reishus and Tyler Green.

OLATHE NORTH coach Levi Huseman will look to junior Kaiya McKie for a big year after placing third in the 100-meter hurdles (15.62). Senior Zoey Schillinger was sixth in the 800 (2:19.32) and sophomore Lexie Dockstader was seventh in the 3,200 (11:33.26). For the Eagle boys, seniors Caleb Nelson and Georger Hiebert took fifth and seventh in the javelin, and junior Layton Patillo was fifth in the long jump (20-09.75).

OLATHE NW has no returning qualifiers from last year’s sixth-place boys and third-place girls teams, but coach Mike Stephens believes he has multiple boys and girls who can compete at a very high level. “All of our relay teams should be strong,” Stephens said.

His top returning boys include Bret Beard in the 800 (1:58.0) and Jack Beard (4:33) and Logan Read (4:34) in the 1,600.

Among the top girls will be Lydia McGlocklin in the 800 and 1600 (2:23, 5:15), Bre Geary in the 100 (12.66) and Amelia Horton in the 400 (1:00.67). The Ravens will miss the services of standout girls Maddie Righter and Jaleesa Washington who graduated after outstanding individual performances at state. Righter won the high jump (5-08) and was second in the 100 hurdles (15.21) while McWashington brought home gold in the 300 hurdles (45.79) and the long jump (18-03) and was third in the triple jump (39-03.5).

OLATHE WEST’s Owls will have a mixed group with the boys losing many seniors a year ago while the Lady Owls return the bulk of their state qualifiers from 2019.

The girls’ 4x400 relay had a season best of

Page 37

6A Track Photo by Huey Counts

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame G-E scored 64 points to squeak past Blue Valley-West’s 61 points with Manhattan another nearly 10 points back at 51.5 in the boys division.

The Lady Lions, meanwhile, rolled up 84 points to easily out-point Leavenworth at 62 and Olathe Northwest at 60.

LAWRENCE HIGH’s girls will be looking for a repeat and have a great deal of depth to accomplish that goal. Coach Jack Hood, beginning his 15th year as head coach at LHS, welcomes back senior Asjah Harris, who was a double-gold winner in the 200-meters (24.98) and ran legs on the winning 4x100-meter (48.52) and third-place 4x400-meter (4:00.88) relays. She also placed fourth in the 100-meters at 12.27. Bella Kirkwood is another quality returner having placed seventh in the 100 (12.34), fifth in the 200 (25.85), sixth in the long jump (17-01) and was on the 4x100-relay. Amaya Harris, a junior, took second in the javelin with a state throw of 129-11, but had a season best toss of 138-09.

“We are excited about the kids that are returning,” Hood said. “They should help mentor our freshman and sophomore classes.” On the boys side, the Lions top returners are sprinters Graham Hough and Dre Bridges, who placed fifth and eighth in the 100-meters (10.92 and 10.98).

GARDNER-EDGERTON’s boys lost a good chunk of their top performers from the 2019 state title team, but do return senior Teven McKelvey, who placed third in the triple jump at 44-10.50.

Meanwhile, the Lady Trailblazers have one of the top performers in the 2019 state meet returning in junior Kendra Wait. She took first in the 6A 100 (12.04), fourth in the 200 (25.67), and showing her multiple talents was second in the pole vault (11-06) and first in the shot put (39-06.75).

Teammate Kylie Moorehouse was fifth in the 400 in 58.73 seconds.

BLUE VALLEY’s boys and girls both placed 11th in the team standings a year ago. The Tigers top returner on the boys side is junior pole vaulter Dylan Arnold, who cleared 13-06.

The Lady Tigers will look to Julia Pettijohn, a senior who placed fourth in the pole vault at 1000, Victoria Wingrove, a sophomore, who placed sixth in the 3,200-meters (11:32.19), and juniors Jasmine Klinge in the 400 (10th, 1:00.40) and Elle Hempy in the 100 (10th, 12.50).

MANHATTAN’s boys would appear to be primed for a run at the 6A title this spring. Returning for coach Kory Cool will be gold medalists Sam Hankins in the javelin (224-06), Darius O’Connell in the shot put (53-06.75), and Daniel Harkin in the 3,200-meters (9:30).

O’Connell and Harkin are juniors and Hankins a senior. Three other returners placed among the top five in their respective events.

“Our three individual state champions all return,” Cool said. “That was a first for our school.

I’d expect some middle distance and sprint guys to step up.”

JALEEL MONTGOMERY Wichita West

4:07 and the 4x100 clocked a 49.16, both good for second at regionals, but the relays fell off those times at state and finished 10th and fifth respectively.

Joe Placek is back for his senior year after he took third in the javelin with a throw of 191-00 and is joined by 110 hurdle qualifier Baccio Reinerio and 3/4 of the qualifying 4x800 team.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST’s Lancers hope to compete for high honors in both boys and girls divisions this season. Eight boys were medal winners in 2019, but only a few of those return, led by Jack Slaughter in the 400 (6th). Eleanor Hlobik was a fourth-place medalist in the 800-meters (2:18.02) and is the top returning girl after the 1-23 finishers all graduated. SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH will have limited experience, but also with an eye on some talented underclassmen to begin the Raiders’ spring track and field season.

Sophomore Kirsten Womack placed fourth in the discus (118-06) and 10th in the shot put (36-08) in her freshman debut season. Max Close, a junior, was 12th in the boys shot put (46-11.50).

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST will have a few key returners leb by senior Kierra Prim who took 8th in the 100 (12.46) and 6th in the 200 (25.86). Junior Jasmine Patterson was sixth in the 400-meters (59.34). For the boys, C.J. Callaghan is the top returner after 13th place finishes in both the discus (140-02) and shot put (45-07).

TOPEKA HIGH suffered relay losses to graduation, but the Trojans return one of the top sprinters continued on page 39

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Photo by Huey Counts

5A Track

HANNAH ROBINSON Photo by Huey Counts

St. James Academy

SARAH MURROW Photo by Huey Counts

St. James Academy

TREYSON TRUE Photo by Huey Counts

Emporia

ZOIE ECORD Maize

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame The St. James Academy girls return athletes who won three individual state titles and four runner-up medals. But, the state title could be easily be a toss-up with the Leavenworth Pioneers dropping from Class 6A to 5A this season. Head

coach Rob Marriott’s girls scored 62 points last year at the 6A meet to finish second to Lawrence, and return multiple top performers from that team.

But, ST. JAMES won’t give it up without a fight.

The Thunder, who have finished on the podium for six straight years, return arguably the best group of middle distance runners in the state in Sarah Murrow, Hannah Robinson and Katherine Moore. Murrow was a two-time state champion (1,600, 3,200) and finished second in the 800 to Robinson, who also placed second in the 400 and was a member of the fourth-place 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. Moore, meanwhile, finished second in the 1,600 and third in the 400 and 800, and was a member of the 4x400 team.

Other members of last year’s 4x400 relay team were senior Catherine Strong and soph. Ella Jett. Joining Robinson as returning members of the 4x800 team are senior Ali Yunger, junior Lily Meyers and Jett. Also back are three members of the state qualifying 4x100 relay team - Lindsay Russell, Gabrielle Taylor, and Sophie Clayton.

Russell also placed fifth in the 200 and seventh in the 100; Taylor was a state qualifier in the 200 and Jett in the 400. Mia Staley was a state qualifier in the 300 hurdles as a freshman.

Mary O’Connor (distance), Abbie Mauer (high jump), Marea Wortmann (javelin) and Hannah Wallin (jumps) will provide valuable depth.

“Our girls team is led by a tremendously talented group of seniors and anchored by many strong underclassmen,” said head coach Greg Bomhoff.

LEAVENWORTH will be ready for the challenge. Wynter Ramos was a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team along with returnees Dhakiya Blake, Maddy Walter-Sheretts and Konya Halle. Ramos also finished third in the 200 and 400, and fifth in the 100. Blake, meanwhile, won the 400, was second in the 200, but was disqualified in the 100.

Walter-Sherretts qualified for the 800 and ran on the sixth-place 4x800 relay team with Halle, Kate Havner and Chloe Manner. Colbie Fairley was a state champion in the discus and placed seventh in the shot put.

BISHOP CARROLL and ST. THOMAS AQUINAS are two more schools who could be in the running for team honors in the girls’ division.

Carroll was second to St. James last year, while Aquinas placed fifth.

Carroll qualified 18 athletes for the state meet last year and only five were seniors. Adrie Nordhus and Christian Sponsel were sixth and eighth, respectively, in the 300 hurdles and the Golden Eagles had four underclassmen running on the fifth-place 4x800 relay team. Avril Maughan was sixth in the high jump. Hope Jackson also returns after finishing second in the 3,200 and fifth in the 800 last year as a freshman.

Aquinas juniors Paris Bond and Caroline Bien are expected to score in multiple events this season. Bond was third in the high jump, seventh in the triple jump and eighth in the pole vault last year at state. Bien was fifth in the high jump and also qualified in the long jump. Adrienne Pascuzzi (javelin) and Katie Venteicher (pole vault) were state qualifiers.

Aquinas head coach Justin Wrigley will be looking for more points on the track this season from Claire Cox (400), Michael Befort (400), Alexis Huddin (800, 1,600), Ellie Ward (3200), Gracie Allen (100), Na’Taya Maddox (100) and Allison Strathman, who was fifth at the state cross country meet, but didn’t participate in track last

year because of iron deficiency. Ava Martin (high jump), Jadyn Befort (long jump), Lydia Micek (triple jump) and Allen (long jump) will provide depth in the field events.

“We have numerous girls who can contribute to build great depth in all three relays and we hope to have a rejuvenated distance and middle distance squad that can pack some punch across many events,” Wrigley said.

In addition to Murrow, Class 5A also returns two other two-time individual champs - Faith Turner of PITTSBURG (long jump, triple jump) and Emily Fuhr of DeSoto (shot put, discus). McPHERSON’s Emma Ruddle returns after winning the 100 hurdles and finishing second in the 100. Also back is Pittsburg’s Laken Robinson, the state champ in the high jump.

BISHOP CARROLL’S boys used their depth to win a third state title in six years last spring and the boys’ team race looks wide open in 2020.

Brian Simon cleared 15-9 last year to win the 5A pole vault and returns this season. Justin Powell will be one of 5A’s top hurdlers after finishing sixth in both the highs and lows as a junior. The Golden Eagles also return three members of their fifthplace 4x100 relay team.

In addition to Simon, other returning state champions for the boys include senior Davion Gardenhire of SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (200), junior Elijah Mosley of WICHITA HEIGHTS (400) and senior Terry Robinson of LANSING (800). Gardenhire was also second in the 100, Mosley third in the 800 and Robinson fourth in the 1,600.

The DeSOTO boys were second behind Carroll.

Carson Sturdy, a junior, returns after qualifying in the 3,200 and senior Chase Culver (800) is also back. Other underclassmen were Samuel Hashhagen, Hayden Henderson, Braden Hudelson and Henry Rodusek.

The ANDOVER boys finished third in the team race last season behind Bishop Carroll and DeSoto and more success is expected this fall. Ryan Kinnane, a senior, leads the way after placing second in the 1,600, fifth in the 3,200 and 10th in the 800 at state. Kinnane’s teammate, Sam McDavitt, was second in the 800 and Austin Henry seventh in the triple jump. Jared McDavitt also qualified for state in the 400.

The Trojans should be especially strong in the relays. Three members of the state champion 4x800 team - Kinnane, Sam McDavitt and Cole Spencer - are back. Austin Henry, Jared McDavitt and Tayton Klein return from the fourth-place 4x400 team, and Peyton Henry, Dashawn Blick and Ethan Richardson return for the state-qualifying 4x100 squad.

The Trojan girls got a fifth-place finish by senior Ladia DiLollo last year in the 100 hurdles. Isabel McNulty (hurdles), Ellie Braynock (800) and Alexis Wentz (discus) were also qualifiers.

“We are returning many experienced athletes on both the boys and girls teams who are eager to build on the team successes we’ve started to see the past couple seasons,” said first-year head coach Justin Hill.

Brittany Harshaw of ANDOVER CENTRAL placed seventh in the 400 as a freshman last year, while teammates Julianna Garretson (javelin) and Ally Harris (long jump) were also state qualifiers as freshmen. The Jaguars will be looking for points from Shana Le in the discus, Aniyah Bethea in the sprints and relays, Mackenzie Scheidel in the hurdles and relays and Kinzington Kelley in the middle distances and relays.

Page 38 Ashton Barkdull qualified for the state meet in the long jump for the ACHS boys, while Brett Schoenhofer (1600, 3,200) and Kale Flores, (800, 1600) will be counted on for productive seasons.

“We have a good number of newcomers, freshmen and upperclassmen, to the program that are going to be able to step in and make an impact right away,” first-year coach Aren Coppoc said.

ARKANSAS CITY will be looking to Brock Merz (hurdles), Chase Mathews (middle distance), Lance Blubaugh (throws) and Max Shannon (throws) to lead the way this spring. For the girls, senior Spirit Frazier will be a force in the sprints, while Amelia Onelio, Hadlea Shaw, Lydia Watanabe and Breanna Zapata all return to form a strong 4x800 team.

“We have a lot of experience coming back on the girls’ team,” coach Matt Kmiec said.

BASEHOR-LINWOOD has two girls returning who won medals last year - Jenna Zydlo in the high jump (4th) and Lucy Lally in the shot put (7th). Ellis Dusselier was a state qualifier in the high jump, while Trevor McBride qualified for the Bobcat boys in the high school.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST features one of the state’s top distance runners in Christian Buehler, who is the only boy, in all classes, to be ranked in the Top 10 for returning times in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200. Buehler placed fourth in the 800 last year and was a member of the thirdplace 4x800 relay team. C.J. Kneisler and Adam Marshall also return from that relay.

The Timberwolve girls should be strong with several top-flight returnees. Gigi Loffredo was third in the 3,200 last year and was on the second-place 4x800 relay team. Also back from that team are Brinn Wilson and McKenna Polus. Emily Ervin, who was a state champion in the 200 two years ago, returns as does Lauren Heck (3rd, 100 hurdles; 5th 300 hurdles) and Amiah Simmons (5th, 100 hurdles, 2018).

“We return a lot of point scorers from last season and will also get two girls back, who had injuries last year and were state placers for us in 2018,” coach Brittany Smith said.

Kim Whetstone of BONNER SPRINGS earned medals in the long jump and triple jump last year at state with a pair of sixth-place finishes. She also qualified in the 100. Sailor Herron was a state qualifier in the 800 and 1,600.

Bryce Krone qualified for the state meet in the javelin (8th), discus and shot put last spring.

Jadon Robinson and Armani Washington were also members of the 4x100 relay team.

The Braves will be looking to gain points from many other athletes as well - Mykael White (1600, 3200), Jacob Deichert (1600), Jaylon Elmore (long jump), Johnathan Tapia, (javelin) and Cortland Hervey (high jump) for the boys, and Reese Bacon (discus), Avery Hill (hurdles), Amonee McCullough (100), Reyven McDonald (shot put) and Paige Nobles (3200) for the girls.

“We had a strong finish to last season with several surprise qualifiers for the state meet,” coach Kyle Razak said.

Nine of the 11 girls who qualified for state for DeSOTO were underclassmen, including twotime state champion Emily Fuhr in the shot put and discus. The other underclassmen were Morgan Wickizer, Justine Wheeler, Lilyan Rodriguez, LaMayah Ricks, Makenna Julian, Lane Hileman, Hayleigh Henderson and Katelyn Gress.

GODDARD returns two athletes who medaled last year at state. Malachi Mullens, a junior,

Matt Pickrell, Agent 785-392-5300

Peterson (discus) were state qualifiers.

For the Railer boys, Eli Blaufuss was fourth in the 400, Kenyon Forest seventh in the javelin, Malicai Coleman fifth in the long jump, while Elijah Edwards was a member of the state-qualifying 4x800 team.

“We graduated very strong classes on both the boys and girls teams,” coach Tad Remsberg said.

“Our young athletes will need to continually improve for our teams to be as competitive as we are accustomed to.”

The ST. JAMES ACADEMY boys have five state qualifiers returning - Aidan Jones in the 400, Dylan Feist in the 110 hurdles, Will Sydzyik, who finished seventh in the high jump, and Tristan Torres, who ran on the sixth-place 4x800 team. Jack Gossman was on the 4x400 team with Jones and Sydzyik. Ryan Wornall (javelin), Tristan Torres (1,600) and Zach Wurtenberger (400) also return.

“Our boys team has an excellent mix of veteran leadership and young talent that we hope will help our program develop into a perennial power in 5A,” coach Greg Bomhoff said.

The AQUINAS boys will be anticipating the return of junior Tommy Hazen, who was the state’s top distance runner last year (4:24.0 -1,600, 9:24.0 - 3,200) before a torn plantar fascia injury during the state 3,200 run, ended his hopes for a gold medal in that event and sidelined him for the 1,600 as well.

The Saints are loaded in those two events. Aiden Higgerson finished sixth in the 1,600 and seventh in the 3,200 last year. Logan Seger, Ashton Higgerson and Nolan Mauk also run those events and gives Aquinas as much quality depth as any team in the state. Michael McNamara will also be counted on for points in the discus, football standout Tank Young is running track for the first time and three-sport standout Isaiah Gavin will contribute in the long sprints and relays.

SALINA CENTRAL’S Reagan Geihsler is expected to be one of the top throwers in Class 5A this spring after second-place finishes in both the girls’ discus and javelin last year at state. Elizabeth Collins was a seventh-place finisher in the pole vault, while Peyton Griffin, Brianna Torres and Cora White were members of the eighthplace 4x800 relay team. Trista Stevenson will score points in the jumps, Harlee Long in the javelin, Madison Freeman in the shot put, and freshman Mikayla Cunningham will be a strong addition to the sprint corps.

For the Mustang boys, Cade Lopez (pole vault), Israel Torres (javelin), Matthew Glen (shot put), Angle Luna (shot put), Mykell Williams (discus), Stoughton Wintholz (distance), Brandon Falcon (800), William Griffith (800), Kyson Harmison (distance), Inavion Lewis (100-200) and Isaac French (800) should score points.

SALINA SOUTH has a returning state champion in Victoria Maxton, who took home the gold medal in the girls’ pole vault last spring. Lauren Raubenstine was also a state qualifier in the long jump. Haylee LeFort (3,200) and Kaylee Lovett (800) are expected to be point-producers.

On the boys’ side, A.J. Johnson was eighth in the triple jump last year at state and Brandt Cox qualified for the 100. Cox will also be looked upon to score points in the 200 and long jump, with Colin Schreiber (high jump), Que Hill (200-400), Kayson Dietz (shot put-discus) and Jace Varela (high jump) likewise in their events.

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS features one of the state’s top sprinters in senior Davion Garden-

hire, who brought home the state title in the 200 (21.91) and finished second in the 100 (10.56).

Aiden Hicks and Chase Eklund were fourth and sixth in the javelin. Logan Golder and Jack Arnold are solid in the 400.

For the T-Bird girls, Shelby Butterfield was third in the long jump and fourth in the 300 hurdles at state. Kylie Phillips placed seventh in the 3,200.

Abi Ostensen (200), Cara Lowe (100), Kali Henry (400) and Katelyn Thomas (hurdles) will be counted on for points.

“I think with good leadership our girls and boys teams should be better than a year ago,” coach Brad Nicks said.

SPRING HILL’S Izzy Williams is expected to be one of 5A’s top sprinters again this season after placing second in the 200 and fifth in the 100 last year, Alli Frank qualified in the long jump, triple jump and high jump as a sophomore. Meredith Todd qualified in the shot put and discus, while Kenzie Ross qualified for the shot put. Olivia Amos (100, relays), Emily Dowd (200, relays) and Vienna Lahner (800, 1,600) are also back.

SCHLAGLE’s Camille Evans is one of the top sprinters in 5A and returns after placing seventh in the 200 (26.74) and 10th in the 100 (12.86).

The seniors is also one of 3/4 of the returning seventh place 4x100 relay along with junior A’Niya Suttington and soph. Kennedye Walker. For the boys, senior Kendall Brewer was looking to improve on his fourth place state finish in the 100 (10.9) and sixth place finish in the 200 (22.59).

Kyun Jackson was a state qualifier for SUMNER ACADEMY in the triple jump at state. Coach Geoffrey Wright is also expecting big things from Kelvin Bell in the 1,600 and 3,200. The Sabres are looking to get points from Austin Frazier (100, 200, 400), Rickey Brown (100, 200, 400), Dakota Austin (100, javelin), Andy Briston (200, 400), Malachi Moore (long jump) and Chris Gray (hurdles). “We have a great returning group of young men,” Wright said.

WICHITA NORTHWEST will be looking for its relay teams to produce points this season. The Grizzlies had all three qualify for state last year.

Two members from the second-place 4x100 are

2-1A Softball/continued from page 36 gional semis. Coach Jack Kistler has coached two decades with Udall and has posted 400 career wins. He won state titles in ’06 and ’11 and was fourth in ’18. Second baseman Lizzy Tharp is the only senior returning starter. Four juniors are back: junior Emma Enderud, C Aubrey Eilers, SS Anna Otis and OF Savannah Rebold.

UNIONTOWN had a 14-4 overall record, 13-3 in league action. Coach Paula Coyan has served 13 seasons. Two senior starters return: SS Sivannah McAnulty and pitcher Breleigh Harris. As well, two juniors: third baseman Karleigh Schoenberger and OF/SS Bri Stokes. Soph.s OFs/catcher Alie Fuhrman and Camryn Davis are also returning starters.

YATES CENTER coach Abbie Collins (61-41) helped the ‘Cats post a 14-6 mark last spring.

Senior pitcher/SS Madelynn Collins hit .516 with an ERA with just over 2.00. Senior pitcher/catcher Taylor Jacobs hit .425. Madelynn Collins was second team all-state by the Kansas coaches.

Soph. pitcher/third baseman Morgan Collins hit .416. Senior OF Julia Day hit .389. Soph. second baseman/OF Hannah Jones hit .345. Soph. OF Allie Chrisman batted .320, and senior OF Kyra Griffith hit .294.

Page 39

Photo by Huey Counts

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 placed sixth in the boys’ triple jump, while senior Kade Hackerott was third in the girls’ javelin and fifth in the shot put.

The Lions will be looking for points from the following athletes - Soren Carr (jumps), Zane Peppard (hurdles), Cam’Ron Moses (jumps), Fenton Brozek (sprints), Rhett Brown (throws), Ruben Ortiz (throws), Wyatt Carr (sprints), Isaac Gray (vault), Taygen Bantz (vault) and Cody Foos (sprints) for the boys, and Skylar Rhodes (middle distance), Kinsey Logan (middle distance), Leah Marti (sprints) and Aubriana Gonzalez (sprints) for the girls.

Gavin Meyers of HAYS finished third in the javelin last year as a freshman, while Tucker Veach is back for his junior year after placing sixth in the pole vault. DaVontai Robinson (300 hurdles), Roy Moroni (high jump) and Kyler Beckman (triple jump) return as state qualifiers. On the girls side, Brooklyn Schaffer placed seventh in the 300 hurdles as a junior and sophomore Landri Dotts qualified in the 3,200.

“We will be young and inexperienced, but talented,” head coach Tony Crough said.

The LANSING Lions are looking for a strong season from their boys after a fourth-place finish at state. T.J. Robinson was a state champion last year in the 800, was fourth in the 1,600 and also ran a leg on the seventh-place 4x400 relay team.

Malik Benson, Liam Neidig and Alax Mack also return from that relay.

Benson was also fifth in the 100, third in the long jump and a member of the seventh-place 4x100 team. Heidig placed fifth in the 800, eighth in the 1,600 and was a member of the state-qualifying 4x800 team. Bryson Raymond and Charles Wood were also members of the 4x100 team, while Alex Mack, Matthew Stephen and Kenneth Howell ran on the 4x800 team. Richie Patrick qualified in the high jump.

On the girls’ side, Zaiylah Bronson qualified for the 100 and ran on the eighth-place 4x100 team with Lexi Wardlow. Reece Baker (pole vault), Alyssa Batista (javelin) and Grayce Martin (shot put) were also state qualifiers. Allison Muzzy, Olivia Van Der Werff, Kamryn Farris and Cora Reed ran on the 4x800 relay team, and Kamilah Tanner was also a state qualifier.

“The boys have a good returning corps on the track, especially the mid-distances,” coach Dylan Brown said.

Last year’s third-place finish in the team race by the NEWTON girls ended a string of three consecutive team titles. The Railers also saw a talented senior class graduate, led by state champions Kalli Anderson and Maggie Remsberg, Returning for the Railers are juniors Alexis Valle and Mariah Nicholson, who joined Anderson and Remsberg on the first-place 4x100 relay team.

Asha Regier is also back after finishing seventh in the high jump.

Lindsey Antonowich and Olivia Adams were members of the seventh-place 4x800 team; Madelynn Hamm was on the seventh-place 4x400 team and the trio of Savannah Garcia (triple jump), Hayley Loewen (triple jump) and Enyisha

AJ JOHNSON

Salina South

back, along with three from the 4x400 team and two from the 4x800 squad. Kaleb Coleman and Julius Bolden, a pair of juniors, are back after qualifying in the 100 and long jump last year, respectively. Depth will be helped by the return of Mason Ross (throws), Brayden Rohr (middle distance) and Kyler Gilbert (pole vault).

Leading the returnees for the NW girls is senior Blair Sebastian, who was third in the triple jump at state. Everyone returns from the state-qualifying 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. Also back are qualifiers Joy Stanton (400), Skye Kroskey (1,600) and Aaliyah Shelby (shot put). Maycee James could be a point-scorer in the pole vault this.

“We lost some big points to graduation, but we still have a strong core group of kids on both sides,” head coach Ron Russell said.

6A Track/continued from page 37

in Kansas in senior Donyel Evans, who was third in the 100 (10.87) and is the top returner in that event in 6A. He also ran on the 4x100-meter relay unit and that group returns all four runners.

WICHITA SOUTH’s Titans will look for steady improvement with the return of senior Hollie Stewart, third in the discus (120-10), eighth in the shot put (36-04.75) and ninth in the javelin (119-02).

On the boys side, while the Titans will miss the graduation of standout sprinter Deron Dudley, they do have state returners in Trey Sowersby in the discus (10th, 144-00), Raziel Patton in the 800 (2:04.83) and a pair of 4x100 relay runners that placed third (42.78).

WYANDOTTE’s returners are thin, but three of the four boys on the state-placing 4x100 are back after a seventh-place finish (43.86).

Among the other top underclassmen from 2019 who return on the boys side are Jaleel Montgomery from Wichita West, third in the 200 (22.31) and state champion in the 100-meter hurdles (14.17), state champion David Brown of Blue Valley West in the 400 (48.86); Justyn France of Olathe South in the 1600 (5th, 4:30.51); Joel Goering of Topeka-Washburn Rural in the pole vault (3rd, 13-06); Luke Ralston of Blue Valley West, second in the javelin (196-03); Hezekiah Newman of Olathe East in the 110-meter hurdles (3rd, 15.04); and two relay teams from Blue Valley West and Olathe East who placed first and second (3:22.64 and 3:23.84) and return three of the four sprinters.

Class 6A girls also have plenty of state placers back for the 2020 season. Among those are 100-meter runner-up Lajada Owens of Wichita West (12.16) and Danielle Winslow of Olathe South (300 hurdles, 3rd, 45.98; 2nd, high jump, 5-06).

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Photo by Huey Counts

4A Track

CORMICK LOGUE Photo by Huey Counts

Girard

TAYLOR BRIGGS Chapman

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame Andale didn’t just win a pair of Class 4A track and field state titles last year; the Indians overwhelmed the competition.

The Andale girls piled up a whopping 41 more points than runner-up Kansas City-Piper and the boys tallied up 12 more points than Piper, which

Page 40 finished with two second-place trophies.

And the Indians did it with quality and quantity.

Andale qualified more athletes to the state meet than any other school in any class - 43 to be exact - 21 boys and 22 girls. Ten of those 21 boys who return this season won 13 medals, while 10 of the 22 girls who return took home 18 medals.

The ANDALE boys feature a deep field events team. They return the top two vaulters in 4A in Ty McPhail (1st) and Braden Meyer (2nd). Joe Spexarth also returns after finishing seventh in the pole vault. Easton Hunter finished fifth in the high and triple jumps, and joined returning teammate Scotti Easter on the fifth-place 4x400 relay.

The entire 4x800 relay team - Dawson Chavez, Connor Hennes, Isaac Kuhn and Zach Winter returns after placing fourth last year. Hennes was also a member of the fifth-place 4x400 team. Carson Fair finished fourth in the discus, Creighton Camp was a state qualifier in the shot put and Brayden Gorges a qualifier in the 110 hurdles.

The Indians will also look to junior Nathan Seck for points in the 400 and long jump.

The Andale girls are also very deep in the field events. Katelyn Fairchild, a junior, won the state title last year in the javelin and finished third in the shot put and discus. Her younger sister, McKenzie, is expected to be one of the top throwers in the state as a freshman.

Ellee Eck is back after placing third in the 300 hurdles and fifth in the 100. She also was a member of the second-place 4x100 relay team along with returnees McKenna Gray, Jenna Jarmer and Cali Kerschen and the third-place 4x400 team with Lainee Eck, Gray and Jarmer. The Indians also return everyone from its state-qualifying 4x800 team - Michele Gage, Kennedy Hennes, Anastasia Meyer and Caitlin Murray.

There’s more. Jayden Cates and Aspen Liby return after placing 2-3 in the pole vault, Samantha Marx placed second in the javelin and Murray finished seventh in the triple jump. Gray placed eighth in the 200, while Trisha Doll (javelin), Lainee Eck (300 hurdles) and Kerschen (100 hurdles) were also state qualifiers in individual events.

Andale’s girls aren’t the only program with returning talent, far from it. The quality of talent returning in the 4A girls’ division is second to none, in any class. Seven of the top eight finishers at last year’s state meet are back in the 200, 3,200 and 300 hurdles, while six of the top eight return in the 100, 400, 800 and 1,600.

PIPER will be strong contenders for the podium after two second-place finishes last year.

For the boys, senior David Holmes leads the

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way after placing second in the 400, seventh in the 100 and running a leg on the first-place 4x100 relay team. He was also a member of the ninthplace 4x400 squad. Brandon Snell, a junior, is also a returning member of the 4x100 team.

Owen Roellchen, a senior, finished fourth in the 3,200 and sixth in the 1,600, while LaJames White was a state qualifier in the long jump, triple jump and a member of the 4x400 team.

For the girls, three members of the 4x100 team that set a state record return - senior Ayreona Carter, junior Evelyn Vazquez and junior Kinley Brown. Carter also finished second in the high jump and fourth in the 100.

Vazquez placed third in both the 100 and 200, while Brown was third in the 400 and fourth in the 200. Aliya Webb, a junior, was a state qualifier in the 300 hurdles.

PAOLA finished third in the boys’ team race last year at state and the Panthers will be looking to make another run at the podium with eight athletes returning from that team.

Ryan Wokutch, a senior, won three medals last year by finishing second in the 200 and fourth as a member of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.

He was also a state qualifier in the 100. Joining Wokutch on those relay teams were returnees Evan Phillips (4x100, 4x400) and Connor Hasz (4x100), who also was eighth in the long jump.

Darian Hudgeons returns after placing third in the 3,200 and fifth in the 1,600 as a sophomore, while Lamont Hill finished fourth in the triple jump.

Preston Martin was sixth in the pole vault, while Aaron Maxwell was a state qualifier in the 800 and Rowan West in the shot put and discus.

Seven girls return with state experience. Shelby Ratner was fourth in the 100 hurdles and joined Sophie Jones on the 4x400 relay. Jones was also a member of the 4x100 team with Hailey Schlup, who was fourth in the triple jump. McKenzie Gagnebin returns after placing fifth in the shot put, while Mackenzie Kuehl was seventh in the javelin. Kassidy Blann and Morgan Clark were state qualifiers in the pole vault and high jump.

The CIRCLE girls are expected to make a serious bid for a spot at the team podium this season at the state meet. The T-Birds finished fifth in the team race and return a load of talent.

Kimalee Cook is the top returner after she won the 100 and 200 state titles as a sophomore and also ran legs on the third-place 4x100 relay team and the sixth-place 4x400 squad. Grace Jacobs ran on the 4x100 team and was also a state qualifier in the 100 hurdles, while Emma Willour was a qualifier in the 1,600 and 3,200, and was also a member of the state-qualifying 4x800 relay team.

Kayli Duncan finished seventh in the high jump and was a member of the 4x400 team, while Rebekah Choriego was a state qualifier in the 800 and was a member of the 4x800 team, along with returnees Bethany Choriego and Katie Webb.

The ABILENE girls return five athletes who competed in the state meet last spring - Beth Holmes (300 hurdles, 4x400, 4x800), Savannah Stout (4x400, 4x800), Bailey Rock (4x400, 4x800), Shiann Olberding (pole vault) and MaKenna McGivney (pole vault). Allison Liby (javelin) and Skyleigh Pflaster (pole vault) also return to provide depth in the field events.

Christian Radabaugh was the lone non-senior to compete on the state qualifying 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams for the AHS boys. Nathan Hartman and Austin Mather are also returning

qualifiers and will run middle distances this season. Triston Stover and Jonathan Ritchie will compete in hurdles, Matt Davis in jumps, Grant Heintz in jumps and javelin and Aaron Geissinger in the relays. Freshman Grant Waite, a qualifier in cross country, could emerge as a distance runner.

ATCHISON returns two athletes who were state qualifiers - Divante Herrig-Brittian in the boys’ triple Jump and Adalynn Collins in the girls’ 1,600 and 3,200. Collins finished sixth in the 3,200 last year as a junior.

AUGUSTA features one of the state’s top young runners in soph. Sawyer Schmidt, who finished second in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200 last year. Brice Helton finished seventh in the 3,200 and was a state qualifier in the 1,600. Zach Davidson placed seventh in the discus and Blake Brundege was a state qualifier in the high jump.

Sophie Stevens was a state qualifier in the 400.

The BALDWIN girls finished fourth in the 4A team race last year and return seniors Josie Boyle (400) and Anna Burnett (300 hurdles), who finished seventh in each of their events. Ambrynn Stewart was a state qualifier in the 800 and Savannah Arreola likewise in the triple jump.

The Bulldog boys have juniors Hudson Allen and Grady McCune returning with state experience. Allen was a state qualifier in the 3,200 and McCune the same in the 800.

BISHOP MIEGE’s Carson Key finished second in the triple jump and Jake Ryan eighth in the high jump last spring at state. Trey Ausler was a state qualifier in the hurdles, while Danny Jackson will look to score points in the jumps this season.

For the Miege girls, who placed third in the 4A team race, Sarah Perrico finished second in the long jump and eighth in the high jump, while the relay teams placed fourth (4x800, two returnees), sixth (4x100, three returnees) and eighth (4x400, three returnees). Merrin O’Connor and Emajin McCallup were also state qualifiers and will be used in the jumps and sprints, respectively.

BUHLER returns 3/4ths of its third-place 4x100 relay team - Cameron Campbell, Diante Campbell and Isaac Leshore - while Gibson Fisher was seventh in the high jump and Hayden Keller eighth in the 1,600. Ethan Graham is expected to score points in the horizontal jumps.

On the girls’ side, Leah Bentley had a busy state meet, finishing third in the 800 and fifth in the 1,600 in addition to running legs of the second-place 4x800 relay and state-qualifying 4x400 relay. Joining her on the 4x800 team were underclassmen Leah Bentley and Iris Rees, who was also a member of the 4x400 team.

Hayley Engelland was second in the triple jump and also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team. Carly Allan was a memebr of the 4x100 team and also a state qualifier in the 100 hurdles. Grace Whisler was a state qualifier in the pole vault and Aiden White and Blythe Adkins were members of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, respectively.

The CHAPMAN girls feature Class 4A’s best distance runner in Taylor Briggs, who is a fourtime individual state champion in the 1,600 (2018, ‘19) and 3,200 (2018, ‘19). Briggs, a junior, was also a member of the Irish’s state champion 4x800 relay team as a freshman.

Also returning for Chapman is senior McKenna Kirkpatrick, who was a state champion in the triple jump last year and a member of the 4x800 relay team in 2018. Peyton Suther is also back after finishing sixth in the javelin, while Macy Bliss

(shot put, discus), Shannon Anderson (300, hurdles, 4x100) and Marie Meuli (4x100) also return.

For the Irish boys, senior Kel Stroud returns as a qualifier in the discus and junior Eli Winder was a member of the third-place 4x800 relay team.

Ryan Derry of CIRCLE returns to defend his state title in the 800. He also ran a leg on the fifth-place 4x800 relay team. Eli Jacobson placed fifth in the 800, 10th in the 1,600 and was on the 4x800 team. Tyler Bixenman and Axl Linsner round out the returnees from the 4x800 relay.

Cole Bixler-Large had a busy and successful state meet last year for the CLEARWATER Indians. He finished third in the 800 and 1,600 runs, and also ran legs on the second-place 4x800 and sixth-place 4x400 relay teams. Joining him on the 4x800 team were returnees Zach Trotter and Drake Beatty, while Tanner Cash and Brett Noland return from the 4x400 team. Trace Tjaden finished fifth in the javelin for the Indians and soph. Mason Seiter will be counted on to score points in the middle distance races.

The Clearwater girls feature state qualifiers Bethany McGuire and Laurel Streit in the 400.

Carlee Lill was a qualifier in the triple jump and senior Sadie Baird will look to score in the sprints.

Riley Hiebert of EUDORA will be gunning for a state title after finishing second in the girls’ 3,200 last year. Hiebert also was seventh in the 1,600.

Mia Manley placed fourth in the pole vault, Keagan Shockley sixth in the 100 and Chloe Thakker sixth in the high jump.

On the boys’ side, four state qualifiers return Kale Breedlove in the high jump, Cody Loganbill in the 3,200, Daniel Grosdidier in the 400 and Colby Lawhorn in the 400.

Page 41 The GIRARD Trojans moved up from Class 3A to 4A this season. Cormick Logue finished second in the 3A 3,200 and sixth in the 1,600 last year. Trenton Smith and Michael Clugston were members of the state-qualifying 4x800 team, while Quin O’Rand and Durbie McReynolds were part of the 4x400 team. McReynolds also qualified for the pole vault. Hunter Ulbrich placed seventh at state cross country last fall and should be in contention for a state medal in the 3,200.

On the girls’ side, Serenai Short and Gracie Stover return after running on the fifth-place 4x100 relay team last year. Both were also members of the 4x400 relay team, along with returnee Kenzie Coester. Short and Coester were also state qualifiers in the 200 and high jump, respectively, as were Emma Kerr in the pole vault. Olivia Cullen returns after placing seventh in the shot put.

The HAYDEN boys feature one of the state’s top young runners in Tanner Newkirk, who finished second in the 3,200 and fourth in the 1,600 last year as a freshman. Jack Konrade was third in the long jump, while Javion Lee (long jump) and Will DeVader (javelin) were state qualifiers.

Lee was also one of four underclassmen on the 4x100 relay team, along with Luis Martinez, Quinn Alexander and Jordan Rainer.

For the girls, Kyra Bauer returns after a successful junior season. Bauer placed second in the 400, sixth in the long jump, seventh in the 100 and ran a leg on the state-qualifying 4x400 team, along with Miranda Hillebert, Natalie Folger and Megan Carr. Folger, Carr and Hillebert, along with Macy Smith, will run sprints for the Wildcats, while Gwyn Arnold and Heather Thummel are throwers.

Elysia Kunkler of IOLA returns for the Mustangs

after placing second in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the long jump last year at state. Christine Helman finished seventh in the shot put, while Ella Taylor was a state qualifier in the pole vault and triple jump, and Rachel Bycroft the same in the 3,200.

Jack Adams, a junior, placed ninth in the boys’ 3,200 for Iola.

Ben Wiedenmann and Justin Collins return for LOUISBURG after being part of last year’s state champion 4x400 relay team as sophomores. The two also ran on the fifth-place 4x100 team for the Wildcats, along with Charlie Koontz.

Luke Faulkner, a junior, placed fourth in the pole vault last year. He is joined by state qualifiers Tommy Koontz (300 hurdles), Michael Waldron (javelin), Trent Martin (pole vault), Anthony Davis (1,600) and Ryan Rogers (1,600). Hayden Feikert (long jump) and Will Finestead (triple jump).

Delaney Wright returns for the Wildcats after a strong freshman season that saw her finish fourth in the 400, seventh in the 200 and eighth in the long jump at the girls’ state meet. Alyse Moore placed fourth in the javelin, Carlee Gassman was fourth in the 300 hurdles and Sydney Keagle was a state qualifier in the 100 hurdles.

Campbell Williams, Kaydran Russell and Josie Russell of MULVANE were members of the state-qualifying 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams last year. Josie Russell placed fifth and Williams 10th in the 800. Anna Moon, who placed eighth in the 1,600 and qualified in the 800, was also a member of the 4x8 team. Amber Hansen ran a leg on the 4x400 team and Addy Whistler pole vaulted.

For the Mulvane boys, big things are expected from Cole Diffenbaugh in the sprints. He placed fourth in the 100 at state and qualified for the 200.

He and C.J. Johnson were members of the sixthplace 4x100 relay team. Johnson will be counted on to score points once again in the sprints, jumps and relays, and Jaxen Young will be the team’s leader in the throws. Chase Milledge also returns after qualifying for state in the pole vault.

Every one of last year’s state qualifiers for OTTAWA are back, including junior Summer Spigle, who brought home a state title in the girls’ 400 and finished sixth in the 200. Jaine Johnson placed sixth in the discus and Theresa Bruna was a qualifier in the shot put.

For the boys, Jayson Brown placed fifth in the shot put, Josiah Jahn was eighth in the 3,200 and Ryan Jensen a qualifier in the javelin.

PRATT features one of the 4A’s top girls in junior Sian Helfrich, who was the state champion in the 300 hurdles last year and fifth in the 200.

ROSE HILL has four qualifiers returning for the boys - Drew Leck (1,600), Colton McGrew (discus), Colby Heinze (javelin) and Chance Hanning (shot put). The girls featured two very young relay teams at state last year. Jenna McCulloch was a member of both the 4x100 and 4x800 teams and Hailey Thrush ran a leg on the 4x100 team in addition to placing eighth in the triple jump. Mallory Exley was a member of the 4x100 team, while Maddie Bryant, Mia Kuehn and Alexia Struble ran the 4x800. Faith Exley was a qualifier in the 100

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as was Aubrie Thomison in the 100 hurdles.

TONGANOXIE features one of the state’s top throwers in senior Cole Sample, who threw the shot nearly 62 feet last year during the regular season and then won 5A state in the event. Sample also finished third in the discus. Dallas Bond qualified for the 100 hurdles and Dylan Graham and Jakob Edholm ran on the state-qualifying 4x800 relay. Tongy also expects to get points from Merkaia Khanthaboury, who qualifed for state in the high jump, as well as Emma Sunderland in the high jump and Khanthaboury in the triple jump.

The ULYSSES Tigers have three athletes returning who competed at the state meet. Maurice Ochoa placed eighth in the triple jump, while Eduardo Mendoza competed in the pole vault and Edgar Soto in the 100. Other top returnees are Koy Kenny (shot put, discus), Garret Winner (distance), Marcos Martinez (distance), Aaron Galindo (sprints) and Wyatt Harland (sprints).

Halle Nagel (sprints, long jump) and Taia Valasco (shot, discus) are top returners for the girls.

The WAMEGO Red Raiders are coming off successful seasons after the boys finished sixth in the team race last year at state, and the girls placed eighth. Former Olympian (1996) Steve Fritz takes over as the head coach.

Returning for the boys are Brady Blanka, who was eighth in the javelin; Caleb Shea, eighth in the 800 and Jack Watson, a state qualifier in the 400. Other top returnees are Trystan Harris (discus), Taybor Vetter (long jump, 100), Eli Artzer (1,600) and Jacob White (1,600, 3,200).

For the girls, Tabitha Vetter was a qualifier in the javelin, as were Maci Beachler in the long jump and Adeline Fulmer in the 3,200.

The WELLINGTON boys return three athletes who competed in the state track meet last year, including junior Gavin York, who finished eighth in the 100 hurdles and ninth in the 300 hurdles.

Christian Buckman placed ninth in the 400 and Tyler Brown was a qualifier in the 3,200.

Elise LeGrand finished fourth in the pole vault for the Crusaders and was also a qualifier in the 100 hurdles.

The WINFIELD boys finished seventh at the state meet last year. The Vikings have eighth athletes returning who competed at state. Camilo Tarin, a senior who finished seventh in the 800, was also a member of the 4x400 and 4x800 teams. He was joined on the 4x400 team by returnees Ty Biby and Justin Nguyen. Returning from the 4x800 team are Michael Vargas and Albert Compala.

LaBrue, a junior, also placed sixth in the 3,200 and seventh in the 1,600.Reese Venable (high jump) and Garrett Smith (pole vault) were also state qualifiers.

Returning state qualifiers for the girls are Rhea Anderson, who placed sixth in the 300 hurdles and Jessa Burris who competed in the javelin.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

3A Track

Photo by Everett Royer / KSportsImages.com

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame The 2019 track and field season proved to be one for the memory books for the CHENEY Cardi-

CLARA BARTLETT

Photo by Huey Counts

Cimarron

CLARE HAWKINS Photo by Huey Counts

Scott City

ELISE KAISER Photo by Everett Royer

Hesston

nals as their girls team garnered a Class 3A state team title and the boys took third-place honors behind a deep and talented Scott City team and runner-up Smoky Valley. Coach Rich Simmons, beginning his 11th season, has a wealth of returners. On the boys side, Riley Petz is the leader of this group, having captured first in the 300 hurdles (39.43), third in the 110 hurdles (15.33) and ran a leg on the eighth place 4x100 and fourth place 4x400 meter relay teams. Junior Elijah Judd was fourth in the 200 (22.88) and also ran legs on the 4x1 and 4x4 relays. Braden Black took seventh in the javelin (154-02) and Luke Grace was eighth in the high jump (6-00). For the Cheney girls, Maddy Amsink captured second in the high jump (5-2) while Mollie Reno was sixth in the 3200 (12:27) and fifth in the 1600 (5:35.00). Three members of the 4x8 relay team also return.

SCOTT CITY, meanwhile, may have difficulty piling up as many points as they did in 2019, rolling up 101 to more than double runner-up Smoky Valley’s 50 points. But veteran coach Jim Turner does not have a bare cupboard. The Beavers welcome back a bevy of state medalists as well as depth on their three relay teams (3 of 4 in each of the 4x1, 4x4 and 4x8). The 4x4 of Kaden Wren, Isaac Tarango and Brandon Winderlin were part of a state 3A record baton time of 3:22.72, breaking a record set in 1996. Tarango was seventh in the 200 (23.15), Winderlin was fifth in the 400 (50.85), Wren second in the 400 (50.47) and fourth in the 800 (2:00.07). Loren Faurot and Hunter Yager went 3-4 in the pole vault with leaps of 14-00 and 13-06. The Lady Beavers, meanwhile, also made some noise at state, placing sixth as a team. Emily Weathers was fifth in the 400 (1:00.48), Clare Hawkins second and sixth in the 3200 (12:00.24) and 1600 (5:35.67) while Paige Vulgamore took sixth in the pole vault at 10-6. Weathers, Brynn McCormick and Kennedy Holstein return to the runner-up 4x400 (4:06.32) relay team, while Piper Wasinger may join Megan Vance and Hawkins on the third place 4x800.

“It’s always exciting to see how the kids mature,” Turner said.

ANDERSON COUNTY, which drops from 4A to 3A this year, has coach Mike Sibley entering his 21st year at the helm of the Bulldogs track program and will look to seniors Morgan Hall-Kropf (10th, 3200) and Dallas Higgenbotham (8th, discus) to lead the boys side while junior Abby Reid is back from a third-place finish in the Class 4A 100 hurdles (15.99) and runner-up in the 300 hurdles (45.98). She also was seventh in the pole vault. MaKenzie Kuerser (junior) was ninth in long jump and Autumn Ewert (senior) returns from placing 11th in the long jump.

BELOIT usually find ways to be competitive at the state meet behind veteran coach Ryan Isbell

(13th year). On the boys side, Hudson Gray was on the 4x400 relay team as well as taking ninth in the triple jump (41-10.25). Creighton Johnson was third in the discus (164-00) and 12th in the shot put (45-00.25). Vincent Palen medaled in the triple jump (7th, 42-00) but didn’t medal in the two hurdle races. For the Lady Trojans, Hayley Burks finished seventh in both the 1,600 (5:36.88) and 3,200 (12:28.26). Caleigh Hewitt was ninth in the pole vault (9-06).

The BURLINGTON Wildcats have few returners from the state meet a year ago none placed.

Seth Jarvis (10:34) is the top boys returner in the 3,200 while Carlee Broyes and Karlie Whitworth return in the pole vault and 100 hurdles.

CANEY VALLEY’S boys finished 10th in the team standings and didn’t graduate any of the state placers/qualifiers. Eryk Kyser took third in the long jump (20-11.75) and seventh in the 400 (51.26); Saje Cowell was eighth in the 300 (41.57) and ninth in the 110-meter hurdles (16.17) while Trey Richey was fifth in the long jump (2006.50) and eighth in the triple jump (41-11.75).

The 4x400 relay team placed third in 3:29.99.

CIMARRON returns junior Seth Ridenour (5th, 100, 11.13) and senior Payton Marshall (6th, long jump, 20-05) while sophomore Jacee Wilson headlines the girls roster after a runner-up in the triple jump (37-01) and fourth in the long jump (16-03). Senior Clara Bartlett was second in the 800 (2:24.24) and then teamed up with Macy Fugitt and two since graduated teammates to win the 4x800 meter relay (10:00.01).

COLBY’ will welcome back state qualifier Calvin Stapp in the boys 100 (10th, 11.33) and 200 (12th, 23.40). Aaron Kurth was third in the shot put (50-04). Two relay teams return two and three runners off state-placers for the Eagles. The Lady Eagles return gold-medal winning 3,200-meter runner in Lara Murdock (11:56.38) and the 4x800 relay team and return three of four girls from the fourth-place 4x800 relay squad.

CONCORDIA will be under new coach Jordan Echer, but doesn’t return any individual state placers. Underclassmen will play a big role for Echer and his emphasis will be on relay teams with his sprint corps. The girls do return two pieces of fourth place 4x100 relay team in juniors Zoe Bechard and Sierra Gropp and sophomore Keyan Miller was expected to challenge for a spot at state in sprints after he finished fifth in the 100 and 200 at the league meet as a freshman.

DOUGLASS will be young under veteran coach Rodney Wasson. The boys didn’t have any qualifiers in 2019, and the girls return qualifiers Kendall Coombes in the 3200 and Karsen Dunham in the triple jump. GOODLAND didn’t have any state qualifiers in 2019, but coach Jay Stout is hopeful that he will have between three

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Page 42 and six who will improve and reach Wichita.

HALSTEAD’S Dragons return just Isaac Radke from a state title 4x800 relay team and he also ran on a 4x400 baton unit that was 10th. The Dragons placed seventh as a team. Senior Aric Propst was sixth in the shot put (47-05.75, season best of 50-00.50). Harley Lang had a season best discus throw of 124-08 but managed just 104 at state, leaving her 12th for the girls. Parker Schroeder finished 15th in the girls 1600, after entering with the third best time in the field.

HAVEN’s girls, 10th in the team standings in 2019, have the 800 meter state champ returning in Faith Paramore who won in 2:22.99. She was also fifth in the javelin at 125-11. Senior Taylor Hoskinson took fourth in the 1600 (5:34.57) and competed in the 800 but did not place (2:29.62).

Nick Arnold qualified in the 110 hurdles. HIAWATHA will be under the guidance of 10th year coach Ben Kettler. His top boys returner is junior Justin Hodge in the 1600 (7th, 4:37.13) and the 3200 (3rd, 9:51.40). Three qualifiers are back on the girls side for Kettler, including junior distance runner Kate Madsen (13th, 3200, 13:20.83; 12th, 1600, 5:52.44). Junior Claire Geiger is back after a seventh place medal in the 100 hurdles (16.23) while Emma Bigham was a qualifier in the 400.

HOISINGTON lost both a premier boys and girls state medalist to graduation and had some injuries in winter sports that will preclude others from competing in track. The top Cardinal boys will be senior Wyatt Pedigo who anchored the 4x100 meter relay team (10th, 44.95). He will be joined by returners Cade Mason and Chase Robinson, both juniors on that baton unit. If healthy, all four of the Redbirds’ 4x8 relay runners return (14th, 8:50.48). Senior Bailey Sanders is back following a fifth-place finish in the 100 hurdles (16.01) and 11th in the 300 hurdles (49.37).

The 2019 state track meet didn’t match up with HOLCOMB’s normal performances, but mainly due to the absence of standout sprinter Isaiah Armstrong, who was among the state’s fastest sprinters at 48.4 in the 400 and 22.12 in the 200 but was injured in the regional meet and unable to compete at state. He has signed with Wichita State for the 2020-21 school year. Edgar Ramirez cleared 12-06 in the pole vault. On the girls side, Nicole Ruda placed 13th in the javelin (113-08).

Kaitlyn Amos will be the Lady Longhorns’ best hurdler, Teryn Teeter in the discus and javelin, Darien Mader in the long jump and 100-meters and Madi Ruda in the 100 and 200.

The HUGOTON lost state runner-up Jacob Eckert to graduation, but sophomore Ashton Burrows competed in the 300 hurdles but did not medal.

The Lady Eagles do not return any state placers.

HUMBOLDT’s sent two relays and a sprinter to the 2019 state for boys, and two relay teams and

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Page 43 also ran on the fourth-place 4x800 baton unit in 8:20.51. For the Lady Monarchs, Jenna Romme, Kassidi Yost and Makinsey Schlautman went 3-46 in the high jump, all clearing 5-00 with places dependant upon misses. Abby Rueschhoff was ninth in the triple jump (34-08.25) and Sasha Wasinger was 13th in the shot put (34-02.75).

Grace Pope and Emilee Lane return from the seventh-place 4x800 relay team (10:16.76) while MK Dwyer and Yost are back from the 12th place 4x400 (4:14.68). WEST FRANKLIN managed just one state qualifier in the boys, Philip Swank, who placed 13th in the long jump (19-04.25) and 15th in the 200-meters (23.70). The girls, meanwhile, saw Bailey Leach finish second in the 800 (2:24.14). The top five state finishers from 2019 all return in this event. Brooke Flory placed sixth in the shot put (36-04.50) and Lily Judd was 11th in the 400 (1:03.21).

Among other top returners from the 2019 girls state are Sophie Francis of Chaparral, who was third in the 200 (26.09), fourth in the 100 hurdles (15.77) and runner-up in the 300s (45.49). Emma Schwinn of Pleasant Ridge was third in the 300 hurdles (47.55). Chaparral’s Mattelyn Wartz took first in the high jump at 5-04 and Cherryvale’s Mariah Monroy returns after winning the triple jump at 37-02.25. Boys top returners include Bryce Clements of Jeff West in the 800 (3rd, 1:59.38) while Connor Hall of Norton is back after placing fourth in the 1,600 (4:36.05). Rock Creek’s Nolan Churchman placed second in the high jump at 6-04.

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Morgan Harvey is back for her junior year after placing fifth in the triple jump (35-08.25, personal best of 36-10.50). She also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay that placed eighth (51.17). Ivy Fink qualified for the state in high jump and placed 13th at 4-08 after a season best 4-10.

Mike Wilhelm begins his tenure as the head coach at RUSSELL, and the Broncos will be counting on the improvement of boys sprinter Jesse Whitmer, who placed 14th at 11.57, but had a season best of 11.15. The girls side is bright with the return of state long jump champion junior Renee’ Nichol, who soared 17-06 and had a season best of 17-08.50. She also placed third in the triple jump at 35-10.50 with a season best leap of 36-00.50. The SANTA FE TRAIL Chargers made some noise at the 2019 boys championship, finishing fourth in the team standings. The leader of the returning pack is sophomore Brett Schwartz, who captured gold in his freshman season in the discus with a heave of 171-00 after a season best mark of 175-01. Senior returner Evan Dean was ninth in the shot put at 46-01.75. In the running events, Draven Schallock was sixth in the 100 (11.17) while Ryan McClain Weekley placed 11th in the 100 (11.41) and 14th in the 200 (23.57).

Top Lady Chargers returning include senior Marrit Mead in the 100 (4th, 12.47) and 200 (10th, 27.03), Taylir Hedrick in the high jump (15th, 4-08) and Addie Hinteweger, 10th in the discus.

The 2019 season was a bit on the lean side for the SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS Mustangs, as Wyatt Packard was the lone state placer, finishing fifth in the pole vault at 13-06 and then 16th in the 100-meters (11.59). There were no Lady Mustangs competing at the state meet. Among other top prospects are Fabian Nava in the boys long jump, Marcus Amerin in the discus and Hever Mercado in the javelin. For the girls, Yesenia Trejo has her sights on improved time in the 800. The ST. MARYS Bears will have a small, but talented group of returners from success at the state meet, on the boys side leading the way is senior Tristin McCann, who was fourth in the 400 (50.79), ninth in the 200 (23.25) and ran a leg on the 4x400 relay team that placed fifth in 3:31.09 and has three returners. Isiah Holz also placed sixth in the long jump (20-04.50). On the girls side, the Lady Bears return 3/4 of their seventh place 4x100 (51.01) and ninth-place 4x400 (4:13.34) relays. Bailey Wichman was sixth in the high jump (5-00), Jayla Johnson 13th in the 300 hurdles (53.50) while Jaylee Hurd took eighth in the long jump (15-11) and 12th in the 100-meters (12.90).

Three relay returners will be the strength for the THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN Monarch boys this season as Blayne Riedel, Lucas Lang and Lance Lang return from the seventh-place 4x400 (3:31.53) while Riedel and Lucas Lang

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Holcomb

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of the team’s 4x400 relay runners are also back.

Weather was the big story of the 2019 state track meet, and it was the NEMAHA CENTRAL Thunder’s girls who created the biggest storm in Class 3A with 72 points to easily outdistance runner-up Cheney. Coach Jon Thomas enters his 30th season as the head coach. Seven different girls in 13 events are back from that state title squad, with senior Alleigh Kramer leading the way. Kramer won the 200-meters (25.84), took second in the 100-meters (12.43), was third in the long jump (16-09.50) and ran a leg on the sixthplace 4x100 meter relay team. Hannah Scott took second in the javelin (134-08 and eighth in the shot put (35-05.50) while Hannah Meyer was 13th in the discus (101-00). Hannah Macke was third in the javelin (130-03) and ninth in the 800-meters (2:26.43) while also running on the 4x100 baton unit. Rachel Gudenkauf and Heather Suther comprise the remainder of that 4x100 relay team. For the boys, the Thunder’s top returner is junior thrower Nathan Deters, who was fourth in the shot put (49-06.75) and seventh in the discus (145-05). Dylan Schultejans and Gavin Duryea were half of the team’s 4x100 relay team.

OSAGE CITY had a number of state qualifiers but few medalists. Back are qualifiers Shane Orender (800), Adam Delekta (800), Walker Stromgren (400), Jayce Brenner (1600), 4x800 (3rd). For the Lady Indians, Isabella Melgren made it in the 1600 (5:47.00), Britney Wilkins in the long jump (15-06), the 4x800 relay took eighth (10:20.00) and the 4x400 was 13th (4:14.00).

The RILEY COUNTY Falcons will field a strong girls team with the return of thrower Ames Burton, who placed second in both the discus (136-11) and shot put (40-07). The junior will be joined by another junior returner in javelin thrower Jessi Brummett (6th, 125-10) and 3200-meters runner Hailey Sharp (10th, 12:57.58). Senior Deon Barnes (shot put) is the lone boy qualifier back.

While there are no RIVERTON boys state qualifiers returning in 2020, the story couldn’t be any different for the Lady Rams. Coach Blake Arehart does have one of the state’s premier sprinters back in now senior Mattie Price. All she did in her junior season was capture gold in the 100-meters (12.39), was runner-up in the 200 to Nemaha Central’s Alleigh Kramer (25.98) and then ripped off a 56.74 to capture the 400-meter gold medal.

Emma Scantlin tossed the javelin 108-07 in her junior year and returns as does Kalyb Allen in the 300 hurdles on the boys side after a 42.5 effort in his junior season. ROYAL VALLEY will be looking for an improved finish throughout the 2020 season. Coach David Boucher, in his fourth season, welcomes back senior Gavin Cumpton, who placed fifth in the state 110-meter hurdles (15.85, personal best of 15.79). In the girls division,

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Scott City

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 one competitor on the girls side, but none of those groups medaled. Among the top returners are Isiah Coronado in the 100 and 400 while Drake Harrington and Drew Wilhite ran on relay teams for the boys. For the girls, Jailynn Goforth competed in the high jump while Jessica Myers, Zoey Wilson and Emma Johnson comprised three-fourths of two relay teams and return.

Bradley Payne begins his first year as the KINGMAN head track coach and will be looking for a new group to progress during the season. Returners from state track are few, including Hayden Albright in the 400 meters (9th, 51.78) along with Seth Krehbiel on the 4x800 relay team that placed sixth. LAKIN move up to 3A from 2A, and will have a strong nucleus of state qualifiers. The Broncos’ 4x100 relay team took third (44.78) and returns three off that unit. The 4x400 relay team was fifth (3:32.76) and welcomes back all four as does the ninth-place 4x800 team (8:45.14). The Lady Broncs don’t have any state qualifiers back.

LARNED have just a few returning state entrants with the boys being represented by Brock Skelton in the triple jump (5th, 43-03) and long jump (8th, 21-11). Brayden Lothman was 14th in the 1600 meters (4:42.00). Makayla Leiker was the lone medalist for the Lady Indians, clearing 5-02 to take sixth in the high jump.

There’s no way for SMOKY VALLEY coach Jay Myers to replace sprinter Tim Lambert, but the Vikings coach will do his best to fill the gaps with a large group of competitors. Lambert broke Jordy Nelson’s 16-year 100-meter dash record of 10.63 with a time of 10.55 and then just missed the 200-meter record by Nelson (21.64) when he clocked a 21.97. The Vikings were second in the boys team chase at state while the girls were third. Top returners for the boys include Andrew Peters in the pole vault (12-06), who also ran on the first place 4x100 relay. Ryan Heline, Stephen Peterson and Garrett Huffman comprised threefourths of the 4x800 relay team. The Lady Vikings will rely on junior Belle Peters who is back after setting a new state meet record of 12-08 in the pole vault. She was sixth in the 100 (12.62), second in the 100 hurdles (15.33) and sixth in the long jump (16-00) as well. The 4x8 relay team returns intact after placing fifth while the fifth place 4x4 unit returns all four. Kerington Haxton was sixth in the 300 hurdles (48.44), Gracie Lambert fourth in the 800 (2:24.64) and Abby Rose was third in the 400 (1:00.38).

State runner-up Garron Champoux is the top MARYSVILLE returner in 2020. He tossed the javelin 167-08 to place second. The ‘Dogs return Alex White, who was a state qualifier in the 100 and 400-meters. For the Lady Bulldogs, Sydney Grauer (1600, 5:46), Sami Bartels (throws) and Eva Peschel (jumps) all were state qualifiers. Two

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Russell

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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Plainville

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Bennington

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Marion

SHELDON WHALEN Wichita County

In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of 2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame GARDEN PLAIN’s girls captured the 2019

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2A Track

Class 2A state team championship in Wichita, and the Lady Owls return key pieces, most notably double-gold medalist Brooke Hammond, who captured the 100- and 200-meter dashes with times of 12.48 and 26.05 in her freshman season.

She was ninth in the 400 (1:04.15), but also ran on the champion 4x100 relay team that posted a 50.05 mark. The Owls also welcome back state champ Allison Catlin, who won the 100-meter hurdles in 15.78, and was fifth in the 300 hurdles (48.04). Three of the four runners from the state runner-up 4x400 relay team (4:09.90) also are back for coach Eric Rockers. But the cupboard is not just filled with those two elite athletes. Sophie Smith was sixth in the triple jump (34-05), Christia Rose Gorges took third in the pole vault (9-06). The Owls have the majority of their relay teams intact from last year as well. It’s a little less set on the boys side as they return Jack Haukap, seventh in shot put (48-09), Tyler Dreiling, fifth in discus (147-06), Arden Rex, fifth in the javelin (170-00) and Tanner Rockers, qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles (16.1).

BENNINGTON finished 14.5 points behind the Lady Owls in the team chase a year ago, and the Lady Bulldogs have their own set of stellar returners. Senior Chloe Stanley won the 300-meter hurdles in 46.76 seconds and the 4x400 relay won its race in 4:07.65 and return three of the four runners while also returning all four runners from the runner-up 4x100-meter baton unit. Their star-studded relays also will have three of four returners in the gold-medal winning 4x800-meter relay after posting a 10:05.53 a year ago to win by nearly 15 seconds. The Bulldog boys have a premier sprinter in senior Javon Allen, who was third in the 100 (11.24) and second in the 200 (22.97).

LEON-BLUESTEM was a distant third in the 2A girls’ team standings, finishing with 33 points, well back of Bennington. Among the top returners are junior Torrance Lovesee, who was third in the triple jump (35-11), third in the long jump (16-02.50) and third in the discus (123-11) while also competing in the shot put. Emma Young was a state qualifier in the pole vault. Kayleigh Bruce was 12th in the 800-meters (2:38.85).

CANTON-GALVA had three boys compete at state, but none finished in the top eight. Kinser Colgin went 41-05 in the triple jump for 10th, Tyson Struber no-heighted in the high jump and Morgan Becker was 13th in the 3,200-meters in 10:50.52. On the girls’ side, Tia Moddelmog took eighth in both the 100 hurdles (18.65 after a 16.65 prelim.) and the triple jump (33-11).

Jonathan Wright will be the top returner to the CONWAY SPRINGS Cardinals and coach Brent Martens after placing third in the triple jump at 4308 and taking fifth in the high jump (6-0). Collin Koester placed seventh in the javelin (157-08). Allyson Lange is the lone girl back from state after a 13th place finish in the 800 (2:38.85). The ELLIS Railers will be under the mentorship of veteran coach Jack Wolf, entering his 24th season. The Lady Railers were fifth in the team standings and return top-notch middle distance runner Grace Eck, who was second In the 800 in 2:19.91 and

the 4x400-meter relay team was sixth in 4:18.14 and returns intact. Jake Eck was the lone scoring Ellis boy, placing second in the pole vault at 13-00. Mason Swenson and Jacy Fischer were qualifiers in the triple jump and high jump.

If history is any indication, it is only a matter of time before ELLSWORTH will be among the top team competitors in 2A. Nick Rodriguez, who guided Hugoton’s track and cross country teams to numerous individual and state team titles over two-plus decades, enters his second season as the coach of the Bearcats. On the boys side, Rodriguez will look for returning state qualifiers to improve their marks, including junior Luke Sharp in the 100 (5th, 11.35), senior Luke Dunn in the javelin (4th, 164-06), and qualifiers Kash Tranichek in the 110-meter hurdles and Eryk Andalon in the pole vault. He had been counting on senior Shaylee Leiker to lead the girls’ squad, but she is recovering from injury. Leiker placed fifth in the 100 (12.82) and was third in the 400 (1:00.31). Senior Lakyn Tenbrink was seventh in the high jump (5-00) and the 4x400 relay team of Leiker, Tenbrink, Kenzie Stroeder and Savannah Hellebust hope for a chance to improve on their seventh-place finish at state (4:19.83).

If the 2019 season is a precursor for 2020, ERIE will be looking to take a step forward. The boys had no qualifiers for the state meet while Ashlynn Aikins was the top girls’ performer, placing fifth in the 100 hurdles and seventh in the triple jump but graduated last spring. HILLSBORO’S boys just narrowly missed a state 2A team championship in 2019, falling one point shy of tying Stanton County for the title. Many of the Trojan point-winners graduated, but coach Dennis Boldt returns a bevy of state qualifiers. The top returner is sophomore pole vaulter Nate Hein, who captured gold with a leap of 13-00. Junior Carson Linnens placed fourth in the triple jump (43-07), with seven other returners qualifying but not placing. Two runners on the 4x800 relay also are back, so there is plenty of optimism for the Trojans. For the Lady Trojans, senior Addie Berens is back after placing fourth in the javelin (123-03), Jessica Saunders was fourth in the shot put (37-08.25), sixth in the discus (116-05) and 14th in the javelin (102-01).

All four of the 4x100 team are back (Berens, Mallory Ediger, Iris Klein, Samantha Saunders).

For HOXIE, coach Lichelle Baar, in her fourth season, will look to state qualifiers on the boys side in Gavin Tremblay (4x8 relay, 8:31.55) and Harlan Obioha, 10th in the discus (129-10) for leadership. On the girls’ team, Emily Diercks had the top finish at the 2019 state meet, placing third in the 3,200 (12:13.65). Addison Campbell placed seventh in the long jump (16-01.75) and the 4x800-meter relay team returns intact from a runner-up finish at 10:22.17 (Diercks, Macy Schamberger, Baylee McKenna, Ayleen Dimas).

JACKSON HEIGHTS, under the tutelage of Brad Alley, in his fifth season, will return a solid group of state performers from 2019. Sophomore Daniel Little was fourth in the 800 (2:02.61) and sixth in the 1,600 (4:38.17) despite just being a freshman.

Sophomore Jason Bosley took sixth in the high

Page 44 jump (6-00) as a freshman, too. Cooper Williams and Taylor Wamego were non-placers in the long jump and shot put. The girls team will have a solid group of relay runners after placing fourth in the 4x800 (10:24.28), fifth in the 4x400 (4:18.12) and ninth in the 4x100 (52.77).

JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH’s girls took eighth place in the 2A team standings in 2019, but coach Richard Leakey returns a strong contingent of medal winners. Gold medalist Adie Manville won the high jump at 5-02 in her freshman debut season. Two runners return from the 4x800 fifth-place team and three are back from the fifth-place 4x400 and fourth-place 4x100 baton units. Seven non-medal state qualifiers provide some impressive depth for the Chargers in eight events. The Charger boys, however, did not return any state qualifiers for 2020. KANSAS CITY-CHRISTIAN’s girls’ team placed 10th overall with 26 points, but will welcome back elite distance runner Alysia Wagner, who claimed a gold medal in the 3,200 (11:31.49) and a silver medal in the 1,600 (5:22.83). The boys’ team returns a few state qualifiers but no medal winners. LYNDON will welcome the return of Ethan Edington on the boys’ side in the sprints and jumps. Abigail Criqui was 15th in the triple jump and had a season best mark of 32-06.

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY challenged for top honors in 2A boys in 2019, finishing third with 41 points. The Eagles’ top returner for the boys is senior Jason Friesen, who took third in both the shot put (52-02.5) and discus (15305). For the Lady Eagles, Addy Pelham leads the returners after taking third in the high jump at 5-02. One returner who missed 2019 with injury is Brock West, an all-state football player. A 10thplace team finish for the MARION girls was a solid performance in 2019, but coach Grant Thierolf is looking for a big step forward as he returns a strong group of medal winners. The top returner is gold medalist junior Annie Baliel in the pole vault (10-06) and junior Heidi Grimmett, who was fifth in the 1,600 (5:28.81) and seventh in the 800 (2:26.18). In addition to Baliel and Grimmett running on state-placing relay teams, the Lady Warriors also return sophomore Maria Stuchlik to the baton units. Burton Harshman is the lone state qualifier back for the boys from the 4x100 relay.

There is but a short list for the MEDICINE LODGE Indians team for 2020 that competed in 2019 at the state meet. Senior Cason Liebst is the lone returner on the boys’ team, placing eighth in the triple jump (42-03.75) and finishing 16th in the long jump (17-10). There are no returning qualifiers for coach Kami Dahlberg. For the past dozen years, the MOUNDRIDGE Lady Wildcats have put a 4x100-meter relay team on the podium.

That streak may come to an end, said veteran coach Brian Holloway, as he has just one returner from that squad that placed fifth in 51.68 seconds.

The ‘Cats move up from 1A to 2A, after placing in a tie for sixth in the team standings in 2019.

Emma Green is that one relay returner, and the junior also produced medal winning efforts in the 100-hurdles (4th, 15.77) and 300-hurdles (8th,

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The TREGO Golden Eagles have several state-caliber athletes back. Hunter Price was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.64) and Cooper Desormiers was 11th in the 300 hurdles (42.83) and 12th in the 110-hurdles in the prelims (16.38). Wyndom Giefer took ninth in the 1,600 (4:44.64) and 3,200 (10:31.83). For the girls, senior Sybil Giefer returns after placing fourth in the 3,200 (12:18.89) while Lili Shubert was eighth in pole vault (9-00). Giefer and Libby Frost return from the 10th place 4x800 relay team (10:43.86) Danielle Howard will be the top returning performer for UNIONTOWN. She medaled in three events and just missed in a fourth at the 2019 state meet. Howard took third in the 300 hurdles (47.18), seventh in the 100 (12.90), eighth in the 200 (27.14) and 10th in the long jump (15-05.25).

The VALLEY HEIGHTS Lady Mustangs were successful in 2019, placing eighth in the team standings behind a combination of both track and field medal winners. Sam Vermeten took sixth in the 800 (2:26.05) and was sixth in the 1,600-meters (5:32.77) while Emma Yungeberg captured gold in the javelin with a throw of 129-11, was seventh in the shot put (36-10.75) and eighth in the discus (110-0). Maddy Vermetten took seventh in the discus at 115-02. Sam Vermetten,

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Bennington

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Bennington

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Maddy Vermetten, Catherine Toerber and Abigail Steinfort all return from the bronze medal 4x800 relay team (10:23.27). Jake Yungeberg is the lone state qualifier returning for the boys (16th, discus, 122-05). WEST ELK’S Devin Loudermilk had one of the state’s best high jumps, clearing 6-08, but could not overtake Sterling’s Tyus Wilson, who cleared 6-10 to win the 2A gold in 2019.

Nic Moreno returns after a 12th place finish in the long jump. For the girls’ team, there are several state qualifiers who did not medal. That group includes Allie Caughron (100 hurdles), Ashley Cookson (100, 200), Megan McClendon (800) along with that group comprising portions of two different state entry relay teams.

LEOTI-WICHITA COUNTY’s Sheldon Whalen established himself as one of the top small-class hurdlers in 2019, placing first in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 39.80 and then taking third in the 110-meter race in 15.47 seconds. He took eighth in the 200-meters (23.76). Tristen Porter claimed a third-place finish in the pole vault at 12-06 and returns for his sophomore season.

The 4x400-relay team that placed sixth (3:34.88) returns intact with Whalen, Jesse Gardner, Gabe Hernandez and Myles Conard. The Lady Indians don’t have any state competitors returning, but do have sophomores Amelia Koehn in the shot put and discus and Allison Wiggs in the 400 as top prospects. WICHITA-INDEPENDENT will be relying on mostly underclassmen. Only Malina Wagner, entering her senior season, competed at the state meet for either the girls or boys squads and took 10th in the discus at 108-05 after having a fifth seeded mark of 121-02. At YATES CENTER, the returners from the state meet are at zero, following Hadley Splechter’s graduation after winning both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs, but no other boys or girls competed at state as underclassmen.

In the big picture of Class 2A for other top returning state finishers, SEDGWICK’s Grace Thompson would have been one of the Kansas track scene’s top returning athletes if a knee injury just prior to the start of basketball season wouldn’t have ended her high school sports career. All she did in her junior season was take gold medals in the shot put (39-02) and discus (13104) while displaying her myriad of talents by taking second in the 100-meters (12.59). WABAUNSEE’s Lauren Schutter took gold in the triple jump (36-04) and silver in the long jump (16-06.50).

Kate Dawson of JAYHAWK-LINN won the 800 in a time of 2:19.52 and was second to Wagner in the 1,600 (5:25.96). REPUBLIC COUNTY’s Emily Jensik will be chasing Stanley of Bennington in the 300 hurdles after taking silver in 47.03 seconds. Madelyn Hernandez was runner-up to Catlin of Garden Plain in the 100-meter hurdles in 15.90. Aysa Benally of OLATHE-HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY was third in the 200-meters (26.29). Among the other top boys’ returners are ROSSVILLE junior Woodrow Rezac, second in the 100-meters (11.20) and fourth in the 200 (23.26). Trystin Myers of ATCHISON COUNTY COMMUNITY who won the 110-meter hurdles in 15.27 and was second behind Whalen of Wichita County in the 300-meter hurdles (40.30). His teammate, Tucker Smith, ran to a sixth place finish in the 400 (52.25) and should content for a title with the top five finishers all graduated last spring.

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Page 45 hurdles, hit the seventh hurdle and didn’t make the finals. He did go on to place third in the 300 hurdles but now has graduated. Only Hunter Newcomb (12th, 10-06) in the pole vault and sophomore Matthew Martinie (16th, 25.06) return as state entrants. There are no returning qualifiers from the girls, but an incoming freshman class appears to be talented, said Lancer coach Nick Cheney. Travis Callaway enters his second year as the SPEARVILLE coach, and he will have only a couple of state returners. Carson Rich took 11th place in the shot put at 43-05.50, and was 12th in the discus at 131-09. For the Lady Lancers, Ehlaina Hartman was eighth in the jav. (124-08).

ST. MARY’S COLGAN has several returning state placers. For the Panther boys, Doug Brown and Brice Wood, returning juniors, were half of the eighth-place 4x100-meter relay team (45.83) while Stuart O’Brien and Layne Maple comprised half of the 14th place 4x800 relay team (8:53.17).

Grace Carson will be among the leading hurdlers after taking fourth in the 300’s (47.77) while the relay teams all return some or the majority of runners that competed a year ago. That group includes Mary Grace Goetting (4x8), Paris Taylor (4x1) and Lauren Yaghmour (4x8 and 4x1).

While the STERLING Lady Black Bears were competing at a high level for team standings, eventually finishing fourth, it was then sophomore high jump sensation Tyus Wilson for the boys who created all the excitement as he claimed the 2A title at 6-10, just ahead of Devin Loudermilk of West Elk, who was second at 6-08. During the winter indoor season, Wilson has cleared 7-00.25. Alan Anderson was ninth at the state meet in the 100. For the Lady Bears, Alaina Madden tied for third in the pole vault at 9-06. Junior Kayla Morris was sixth in the 100-meter hurdles (17.02) and eighth in the 300 hurdles (49.06).

JERSEY KAISER

Plainville

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 49.37). Sophomore Caleb Samlund took 10th in the 800 last season with a time of 2:04.09.

The OAKLEY Plainsmen have a solid group of state competitors returning. Ethan Abell was seventh in the 100 (11.39), Cody Zimmerman was 11th in the 800 (2:06), Ellis Slack was 12th in the javelin (140-09) and the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams will return three and two legs after placing fourth in the 4x400 (3:30.47) and winning the 4x800 (8:23.00). The girls also have a strong group of returners. Danielle Allison took eighth in the 800 (2:26) and seventh in the 1600 (5:36) while Jordyn Lowrie was sixth in the high jump (5-00). Liberty Booker (34-08) and Andelyn Johnson (101-04) were non-medalists in the shot put and discus. The 4x400 relay team that was ninth returns intact. OSKALOOSA had little to show for the 2019 state meet, but the girls do return state qualifier, non-medalist Jaycee Johnson in the 100 (12th, 13.17) and 200 (16th, 28.54).

PLAINVILLE’S girls were a solid seventh in the 2A team standings in 2019, scoring 27.5 points.

A false start by Aubree Dewey in the 100-meter finals likely took additional points off the board.

She was the gold medal winner in the 400 with a blistering 58.31 to win by more than a second and then took fifth in the 200 (26.52). Senior Jersey Kaiser was fourth in the 100 hurdles (16.31) and sixth in the 300 hurdles (48.11). Junior Brooklyn Staab took eighth in the high jump (5-00) but was just two inches away from the top spot of 5-02.

She also placed fourth in the discus with a throw of 123-10). Senior Jared Casey has his sights set on a gold medal in the shot put after taking silver in 2019 and missing the top spot by just 4.5 inches with a throw of 54-04. Another senior, Cody Crawford, took sixth in the long jump at 19-08.75.

The REMINGTON Broncos welcome back several state qualifiers, with a few medalists on both the boys and girls side of the track and field events. Senior Asher Brown took sixth in the 3,200 (10:18.46) and was 11th in the 1,600 (4:47.36). Senior Paul Fasnacht was 15th in the 200 (24.58) and junior Toby Lewis was 16th in the 400 (54.04). For the Lady Broncos, sophomore Lucy Brown garnered eighth-place with a time of 12:51.20 in the 3,200 and was 14th in the 1,600 (5:55.21). Sophomore Cora Thiel was 13th in the 400 (1:05.24) and junior Audrey Van Zelfden was 14th in the 3,200 (13:33.62).

SMITH CENTER track coach Mike Rogers knows all about success at the state track meet, having been one of the elite sprinters in Class 3A back in the 1980s. Now in his 28th season as a Redmen track coach, Rogers has also helped athletes to multiple team and individual titles.

The boys squad finished fifth in the team chase last year. On the boys side that includes Jacob Conrad, who was seventh in the 110-meter hurdles (15.82) and 10th in the 300 hurdles (42.32, prelim mark of 41.68). Joel Montgomery was 11th in the triple jump (41-03). The relay teams of 4x100 (2nd), 4x400 (1st) and 4x800 (6th), will have some re-tooling with the loss of three, two and one runners to graduation. On the girls’ side, Rogers hopes to see improvement from state pole vault runner-up Bree Frieling (10-06) who also took 11th in the long jump (15-05). Ashlyn Long was 12th in the pole vault (8-00) and the sixth-place 4x800 relay team returns Emma Enochs, Gracie Enochs and Frieling.

SOUTHEAST-CHEROKEE had a rough experience in 2019 when senior Jaret Brumback, who had the state’s fastest mark in the 110-meter

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 46

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1A Track

COLLIN OSWALT

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Central Christian

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Northern Valley

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In mid-March Kansas Pregame’s 2020 Spring Preview was nearing completion. Then, the spring sports season, like so many events and activities across the country, was lost to efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The preview that follows, written prior to the cancellation of the season, is a look at what might have been for spring athletes from across Kansas, especially those athletes from the Class of

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2020 whose senior year ended much earlier than anticipated.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Last year, the Kiowa County girls, led by freshman Addi Heinson, thrower Sabrina Thomas, Casey and Cameron Erickson and Kellie Rhodes, won the 1A state meet with coach Travis Powell.

KC had consistently been a strong team in 2A. The Mavericks moved down to 1A in ’19 and won their first track title. The Mavericks had 69 points, 10 ahead of Lincoln. Centralia earned third with 48 points, while Frankfort and Berean Academy tied for fourth with 37. Frankfort returned three of its four runners from its 400 relay who set a 1A state record in 50.44.

Moundridge, Rolla and Northern Valley all tied for sixth with 30. Hanover was ninth at 29, and Kinsley tenth with 27.

The top 1A girls for 2020 included Heinson and Rhodes, along with Rolla senior Alexandra Hart, who would have had a strong chance for four individual titles. Hart is the defending titlist in the high jump and was arguably the state’s best high jumper for all classes. Hart was first in the high jump (5 feet, 2 inches), second in the long jump (17-1), second in the triple jump (36-0.25) and fifth in the 100 hurdles (16.01).

As well, Norwich returned Tori Poe, who has signed with Fort Hays for track. Poe finished third in the 100 and 200. Lincoln junior Jaycee Vath was fourth in the 800, won the 1,600 (5:23.81) and the 3,200 (11:27.53) and ran a leg on the 3,200 relay that won in 10:03.22.

For the boys, Northern Valley won the crown with 55.5 points in the last competition for 43rdyear coach Chuck Fessenden. He announced his retirement after serving as NV’s head football, boys’ basketball and track coach for decades. It marked NV boys’ first track crowns since ’86-87.

Hanover took second with 48 points, while Osborne was third at 38. Olpe finished fourth at 37, with Berean Academy fifth at 34. Wallace County took sixth with 32, followed by Hutchinson Central Christian (30), Clifton-Clyde (28), Centralia (25) and Udall (24).

Northern Valley returns senior Ivan Varela, a key scorer at the state meet. Varela was in his first season after he transferred from Southern Valley, Neb. He took seventh in the 100 (11.38), fourth in the 200 (23.11), second in the 400 (50.44) and ran the anchor on the 1,600 relay that won in 3:29.96. Varela posted 50.5 seconds on the anchor to edge St. Francis for gold.

In addition to Varela, 1A has Beloit St. John’s Brady Palen, Osborne’s Darrien Holloway, Axtell’s Quinn Buessing, and Hutchinson Central Christian’s Collin Oswalt. Palen has signed with Wichita State track. He won the high jump in 6-10.5, was ninth in the long jump (19-10.25) and

“Macy and Marissa Winters both had very good seasons in the throws last year so hopefully they will continue to improve had add some points for us in the throws,” Crist said.

Fourth-year OSBORNE coach Nate Brown guided the Bulldog boys to a second-place finish at regional and third at state. The girls also took fifth at regional and 12th at state. In addition to Holloway, senior Cameron Delaney earned fourth in the 3,200 and eighth in the 1,600. Junior Reagan Bales took fifth in the 800 and second in the 1,600. Sophomore Mason Schurr was ninth in the 100. On the girls’ side, senior Rhyann Brown was fourth in javelin and eighth in shot put. Coach Brown was expecting strong seasons from Rylan Cline-Hackerott in sprints and relays, and Tierra Conway in distance.

BEREAN ACADEMY coach Lewis Wiebe is in his 28th season. The Warrior boys won the regional and took fifth at state. The girls were second in the regional and tied for fourth at state.

In the 3,200 boys, junior Drew Janzen finished seventh and sophomore Eli Nord was a state qualifier. Juniors Trey Topham and Gavin Tucker were state qualifiers in the 1,600. Senior David Entz took second in the 110 hurdles (14.99) and third in the 300 hurdles (41.3). Senior Zach Dugger was fifth in the 400 in 52.13. Junior Micah Busenitz also qualified in the pole vault.

For the girls, senior Brooke Wiebe was second in the 800, seventh in the 400 relay, sixth in the 1,600 relay and second in the 3,200 relay. Senior Ashtyn Matzek qualified in the 3,200. Junior Sonya Zimmerman was seventh in the 800. Junior Miranda Wiebe ran on the 400 relay and 1,600 relay. Junior Sophie Duggar qualified in the pole vault. Junior Erin Mullins qualified in the long jump. Soph. Teagan Smith ran on the 1,600 relay.

“We should have good relays and a number of good individual events,” coach Wiebe said.

BURLINGAME seventh-year coach Jeff Slater had a 19th place finish at state from the boys.

The Bearcat boys return three from the 1,600 relay that finished fourth: junior Austin Tyson, and seniors Cole Thomas and Jordan Briggs. All three also ran on the 3,200 relay that qualified for state.

Junior Emmy Punches qualified for state in the 1,600. All four runners – Punches, and sophomores Brooke Lewis, McKrae Masters and Daelyn Winters - from the 3,200 relay are back that ran 10:33.23 for a school record at regional.

Winters also qualified in the high jump.

BUCKLIN senior Talon Estes is one of the state’s top high jumpers and an Army West Point commit to high jump. Estes was second to Palen in 1A last season with a jump of 6-6. He missed his attempts at 6-8. Estes has goals to obtain a degree in engineering and graduate as an officer from the United States Military Academy

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led a deep group of returning Blujay state medalists. Holloway won the 110 hurdles (14.91) and the 300 hurdles (40.08). He swept both events as a junior. Buessing, a Highland CC football signing, was seventh in the 800 (2:01.85), ninth in the 1,600 (4:44.12) and second in the 3,200 (10:07.78). Oswalt won the 1,600 (4:29.91) and the 3,200 (9:53.80). The 3,200 relay with Oswalt placed third in 8:35.76.

KIOWA COUNTY girls won league, regional and state. KC girls have captured four straight regional crowns and nine consecutive SPIAA titles. Heinson finished second in the 100 (12.53) and 200 (25.94), along with fourth in the 400 (1:00.57). She ran on the 1,600 relay team which won in 4:05.92. Rhodes, who will run at NAIA Concordia (Neb.), took sixth in the 400 and was on the 1,600 relay. Thomas, a senior this spring, won the discus in 122 feet, was fifth in the shot put and sixth in javelin. Junior Madi Yost also returns after she qualified in the 3,200. Cameron Erickson ran on the 1,600 relay and the 3,200 relay which earned third.

The Maverick boys also had a solid regional finish with a tie for third place. Junior Luke Balland is a returning state qualifier in the pole vault. Kiowa County was expecting junior Gracie Gray to emerge in the 100, 200 and 400 relay.

For the boys, coach Powell believed senior Cooper Zenger (javelin), junior James Brack (400) and sophomore Caydan Pore (200) would have played a key role. All of them would have ran on the 400 relay, and Brack would have competed on the 1,600 relay.

LINCOLN’s Steve Crist has coached nearly 20 years with the Leopards. The girls took second at regionals and second at state. Lincoln graduated Aubry Donley, now running at NAIA Friends University. Donley was second in the 400, won the 800 and was on the 3,200 relay that captured a title. In addition to Vath, sophomores Raegen Stewart and Shelbie Ford return. Stewart was fifth in the 3,200 in 12:23.73, and Ford was seventh in 12:35.10. All three joined Donley on the 3,200 relay. For the boys, junior Tyler Good ran on the 400 relay that finished fifth.

Good has posted personal bests of 11.4 in the 100, 24 seconds in the 200 and long jumped 20 feet, 7 inches. Senior Preston Howard had posted 44.98 in the 300 hurdles. He was also on the school record-breaking 4x100 relay, along with Good and junior Landon O’Hare. Both Good and O’Hare could qualify in individual events and the former baseball player Zach Obermueller, a senior, was expected to replace Sam Huehl on the relay. Coach Crist was expecting senior twins Macy and Marissa Winters to play a key role in the discus and Carson Walter was hoping to challenge for a state berth in the javelin.

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in the discus (153-11). On the girls’ side, sophomore Reese Farrow qualified in the high jump.

“We have a good core of athletes returning that competed at regionals and state,” McMillian said.

ROCK HILLS has first-year coach Colby Hamel.

Junior Seth Pennell finished eighth in the 400.

“I am excited to build numbers, excitement, and work ethic,” Hamel said. “We will be young with a lot of potential to grow over the years.”

Even though MACKSVILLE doesn’t have a track - other than two lanes of asphalt about 40 yards long to practice starts - and they get bussed 18 miles to Lewis two days a week to practice on an actual track, the Mustangs do have a number of state contenders. Senior Brooke Smith is back after a fifth place finish in the high jump and sophomore Abigail Ibarra returns after a 13th place finish in the 1600. Freshman Madison Butler placed 12th at state cross country last fall and should be a contender in the distance races.

For the boys, junior Cleven Huggins is back after an 11th place finish in the 300 hurdles and senior Harley Blaske, who plans to hurdle and play football at McPherson College, will try to overcome a sophomore year injury and a pair of junior year falls that kept him from state. He was the league champ in the 300s as a junior.

Garrett Daugherty is in his third season with MEADE. Senior Greyson Haynes took fourth in the pole vault at 12 feet. Junior high jumper Vance Shewey was third at 6-4. Sophomore Torren Haynes also qualified in the 800. Sophomore Kylin Rudzik qualified in the 300 hurdles.

Kurt Grafel has coached NATOMA for 10 years.

Junior Carly Chrisler qualified in the 100 and 200, and sophomore Ashton Lund finished eighth in the 3,200. “We return both girls that qualified for state last year and state cross country this year,” Grafel said. Patrick Younger is in his 15th year at NESS CITY. The boys finished ninth at regionals, and the girls took third. Senior Wyatt Rupp was sixth in the 200 and qualified in the 100. Senior Rylee Starr qualified in the javelin. Starr, junior Cynthia Guzman, and sophomores Taylor Starr, Zoe Seib, Caidyn Horton and Kennedy Liggett were part of all three relays that qualified for state.

OTIS-BISON coach Travis Starr is in his 15th year with the Cougars. Sophomore Jayce Kohls qualified in the long jump.

“We do not have a lot of returning state track qualifiers back, but I think we will have a hard-working group that will compete and improve throughout the season,” Starr said.

PAWNEE HEIGHTS has 19th year coach Rick Carlson. Junior Jaden Carlson took seventh

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Page 47 prior two seasons.

Freshman Breanna Rath would be key in both hurdle races and horizontal jumps. Smith said freshman Jazline Manriquez would have been looked to score in the distance races. Wade Rush, Austin Patmon, and Roberto Loya should lead the boys team. GP boys earned league runner-up last year.

HOPE coach Adam Sobba is in his fourth season. Senior Holly Brockmeier, one of the state’s top multi-sport athletes in volleyball, powerlifting and track, was fifth in javelin and sixth in the shot put. Junior Amber Brockmeier qualified in the pole vault, her first year of doing the event.

Meghan Brockmeier was expected to have a key ‘20 season in the jumps, and narrowly missed out qualifying for state in the ‘19 long and high jump. Cami Jacobson was expected to be a key factor in the 100, 200 and 300 hurdles.

Hope will look to win the Wheat State League for the third year in a row. Holly Brockmeier has placed all three years in the shot put and placed in javelin the last two seasons.

Chris Delimont had served 10 years as an assistant to Jon Webster at La CROSSE. Webster became principal this school year, and Delimont is in his first season as head track coach. The boys finished sixth at regional.

Senior Kaden Depperschmidt qualified for state in the 200. Senior Keldon Day reached state in the 400. All four Leopards are back from the 400 relay that finished third in 45.21: Depperschmidt, Day, senior Hunter Morgan and sophomore Colby Stull. The quartet also qualified for state in the 1,600 relay.

La Crosse doesn’t have any returning girls who reached state. However, several Leopards were expected to contend for a state qualifying berth this spring: sophomore Danielle Wagner (1,600), senior Patricia Weber (shot put/discus), sophomore Allie Seltman (discus), and senior Kassie Pechanec (discus).

“Our senior leadership this year will be key to having a successful season,” Delimont said.

LOGAN coach Lynette Ehm is in her second year. The Trojans had no returning state qualifiers, though junior Ian Sparks (shot put) and sophomore Dylan Van Laeys (javelin) are expected to be key for Logan. For the girls, senior Camryn Greving (shot put/javelin) and sophomore Abby Graham (triple jump) were key.

MADISON coach Alex McMillian has coached four seasons. The boys finished in sixth at regionals, and the girls were eighth. Junior Kelton Buettner qualified in four events. He finished third in the 110 hurdles (15.3), eighth in the high jump (6-0), 10th in triple jump (40-8) and 13th in the long jump (20-5). Senior Nasun Wasson qualified in the 100. Sophomore Casey Helm took seventh

REAGAN BALES

Osborne

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 at West Point. Talon’s father, Brad, is the head football coach at Bucklin and continues to rebuild the previously downtrodden Red Aces program.

After winning two or less games in each of his first three season as head coach Brad has helped Bucklin to four wins in each of the last two seasons and increased total scoring from 206 points in 2018 to 338 last fall.

COLONY CREST’s Zach Mason has coached five years. Senior Elka Billings finished fifth in the 800 (2:28.96), and sophomore Ursala Billings was ninth in the 3,200 (13:12.69). Crest was expecting key seasons from junior Jacquez Coleman (LJ, TJ), junior Stratton McGhee (LJ), and junior Kobey Miller (Jav/800). Skyler Allen is in first season of coaching at DONIPHAN WEST. Sophomore Elle Williams finished eighth in the 800 at 2:29.35.

FRANKFORT coach Tom Schroeder has coached 22 years with the Wildcats. The boys finished seventh at the regional. The girls were third at the regional and fourth at state. Senior Garret Dalinghaus qualified in the 110 hurdles, pole vault and 400 relay. Armstrong and Olson ran on the 400 relay. On the girls’ side, three runners from the state record 400 relay return: senior Grace Dressman, junior Lydia Loiseau, and junior Mariah Broxterman. The Wildcats will miss anchor Emilee Ebert, who has gone on to play basketball at Kansas State. As well, Dressman took sixth in the 100 hurdles (15.95) and qualified in the 300 hurdles. Junior Maggie Armstrong took third in the pole vault in 9-6. Loiseau reached state in the 100. Broxterman, Kennen Brandt and Laney Yausi all took seventh in the 3,200 relay.

GOESSEL coach Curtis Guhr is in his 13th year with the track program. The Bluebirds’ key newcomers were Jerah Schmidt and Elyse Boden in distance. Boden was ninth in state cross country.

Goessel was expected to return eight letter winners on both the boys’ and girls’ sides.

GOLDEN PLAINS’ 21st year coach Travis Smith led the girls to a third-place finish at the regional. Twin junior sisters: Ashley and Brooke Stoll were expected to lead the Bulldogs. Ashley took sixth in the 400 and finished second in the 1,600 relay and sixth in the 400 relay. Brooke qualified in the 800 and also ran on the 400 relay.

Mabel Lugo, a strong volleyball and basketball player, hurt her knee in volleyball and missed all of basketball. She qualified in the 400 and ran on the 400 relay and 1,600 relay.

Golden Plains also expected key seasons from Austin Patmon in the 100 and 200, Wade Rush in the throws, Roberto Loya in distance, and Kassie Miller in throws. Ashley is a two-time state placer in the 400, 400 relay and 1,600 relay. Brooke is a two-time state qualifier in the 800, and also a member of the relay teams that have placed the

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in the long jump (16-2.75) and sixth in the 800 (2:29.23). Two other Tigers placed fifth in their events at regionals.

“The boys team has potential with a combination of older and younger athletes that learned a lot last year,” coach Carlson said.

John Crist has served 31 years at his alma mater, the first 27 as asst. and the last four as QUINTER head coach. “Our teams will be very young for both girls and boys but with lots of potential,” Crist said. SATANTA’s Janie Lutz has served 10 years as asst. and 10 as head coach.

Junior Sicely Jackson has posted a solid career, including seventh in the 100 (12.96), seventh in

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qualified in the 300 hurdles.

Emily Purdy is in her sixth year with TROY. Troy senior Morgan Masters was third in the long jump last season, second two years ago and qualified in the 200. Senior Cassidy Rosenberger qualified in the 300 hurdles. “We have a handful of upperclassmen returning that have has 1-2 years participation at state and are ready to return back this year again,” Purdy said. Tina Clausen is in her second year at UDALL. Senior Brayden Sadler qualified in the 200, and Sadler and senior Trevor Whiteman qualified on the 1,600 relay.

WALLACE COUNTY boys’ coach Virgil Fischer in his 40th year, and girls’ coach Christy Hammer is in her fourth. WC graduated Trever Medina, the 800 champion, third in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump. As well, Trevor Fischer took third in the 1,600 and the 3,200.

Senior Haylee Hennick was fourth in the discus with a state throw of 121, though had one of the state’s longest throws during the season at 130.

The 400 and 1,600 relays also qualified. Senior Aubrey Kuhlman qualified in the 100 and 300 hurdles and the long jump. The girls won the regional and graduated one senior from ’19.

Junior Tori Springsteel was eighth in the javelin and qualified in the discus. On the boys, senior Lakin Perry qualified in the 100.

WESTERN PLAINS coach Joe Spangler is in his first season. “We are starting a new program,” Spangler said. “We look to build our boys’ and girls’ teams and be competitive in years to come.”

WHEATLAND-GRINNELL coach Todd Flinn enters his third year as the head boys’ and girls’ coach. All the state returners come from the girls, none placed: junior Kirsten Schroeder (shot put), sophomore Anna Godek (triple jump) and sophomore Isabella Ostmeyer (pole vault).

“We return nearly all athletes from the 2019 teams, including a large group of talented under-

GOOD LUCK

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 the 200 (26.62) and third in the 400 (59.68). Junior Darvin Puerto qualified in the 3,200.

SOUTH BARBER coach Steve Roberts has coached the Chieftains for 16 seasons. Junior Emilio Perez qualified in the triple jump, and sophomore Grace Cantrell qualified in the 800 and 3,200 relay. James McMillan has coached 34 years with SOUTH GRAY track. Junior Ethan Salmans was fourth in the 110 hurdles. The 400 relay also qualified. Sophomore Brady Deges was fourth in the pole vault. Sophomore Carly Croft qualified in the 100, and senior Lia Granados qualified in the 3,200. All four runners – Christy Wiebe, Lia Granados, Attison Clark and Elizabeth Thiessen – are back from the 3,200 state qualifying relay. Junior Debbie Peters qualified in the javelin. “We will be well improved,” McMillan said.

SOUTHERN CLOUD coach Ryan Perkins in his first year. Perkins expected 27 kids out for track including top returners Morgan Coleman (hurdler) Nevyn Gold and Dusty Mason (distance) and Tea Kennedy (throws).

Grant Deneke is in his second season as head coach of both programs at ST. JOHN’S-BELOIT. BSJ has consistently churned out Division I talent, especially to Wichita State. In addition to Brady Palen, all three other runners (senior Braden Dameron, junior Blake Perez, junior Brayden Perez) are back from the 400 relay that took eighth. Senior Brandon Bates finished fourth in the 800 (2:01.21), fifth in the 1,600 (4:38.33) and sixth in the 3,200 (10:32.83). Dameron qualified in the 400. Caleb Eilert is back after an injury.

Two years ago, he was a state medalist in the 1,600, 3,200 and 3,200 relay. Junior Lauryn Dubbert finished ninth in the javelin (123-2) and fourth in the pole vault (9-0). BSJ boys returned seven state medalists and did not lose any to graduation. SYLVAN-LUCAS coach Ryan Batchman has coached 27 seasons. Senior Beau Batchman

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“Several athletes and relay teams just missed

Page 48 qualifying for state in 2019, and with another year of growth, conditioning, and experience, I expect them all to be even better this season.”

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3A Softball/continued from page 35 Loomis hit .297 with nine RBI. Senior right fielder Shea Larson posted an .833 fielding percentage.

BURLINGTON coach Dave Watkins is 56-8 with the Wildcats. Burlington went 18-1 last spring with the only loss a 5-2 regional defeat to Silver Lake. Pitcher/utility Myka Watkins hit .401 with four homers, along with a 1.38 ERA and 81 strikeouts in the circle. Shortstop Grace Hess posted a .393 average and two homers. Center fielder Kaiti Mefford hit .412 with five homers.

Third baseman Abby Finlayson hit .289. Watkins collected second team all-state from Kansas coaches in ’19.

CANEY VALLEY softball finished 11-7. Sophomore P/3B Kam Kaminska hit .596 with five homers. Senior DP Kiersten Spencer batted .444. Senior catcher Cassidy Anderson hit .270.

Senior outfielder Bailey Price carried a .400 average. Seniors Lilly Reed, Renee Grant and Mariah Clopp also return as utility players. Senior Kimy Salazar is back as a returning infielder.

COLUMBUS finished 11-10. Senior Gracie Sullivan has committed to Wichita State as a catcher. She had an excellent junior year with a .381 average, two HR and 17 RBI and a caught stealing rate of 71.4 percent. Senior pitcher/outfielder Charley Ryker posted a .414 average with two HR, 26 RBI and a 2.48 ERA. Junior SS Paige Zahm hit .439 with 11 doubles. Soph. P/OF Lily Mooney has a .256 average with a 2.32 ERA. Soph. OF Lexy Stone carried a .366 average.

EUREKA posted a 5-10 record with longtime coach Scott Miller. The Tornadoes have no returning starters who are seniors. Junior pitcher Ava Perrier, soph. catcher Gracie Walden, soph. first baseman Madeline Nichols and soph. SS Ryleigh Smalley are the returning starters.

GALENA’s Jacoby Martin is in his third year and has a 12-8 record. Senior outfielder Kyndra Clifford hit .450 with 18 hits and 12 RBI. Pitcher/ infielder Briley Krouse batted .351 with 20 hits.

Riley McNemar collected a .534 average with an .879 slugging, along with three homers and

Page 49 23 RBI. Taehler Watkins delivered a remarkable .667 average with three homers and 22 RBI. Maddy Cole batted .464 with a .500 OBP. HALSTEAD posted a 4-15 record. Halstead returned zero seniors who started in ’19. Senior pitcher/first baseman Bailey Goodman is a returning starter, though was injured last season.

Junior utility Brittley Day hit .300. Junior 2B/OF Hailey Kelley is a returning starter.

Four sophomores are returning starters: C/SS Payton Divine (.302 BA), C/OF Abby Church (.383), and OF Lauren Cardwell are back. Sophomore pitcher Addy Mueller hit .333 and posted a 3-7 mark. Halstead returned seven starters, five underclassmen and two pitchers from last year.”

HAVEN went 13-4 with a regional runner-up showing with Darin Ashworth. He is 200-62 in 13 years with the Wildcats. Haven had made state five straight years, and then lost in the bottom of the seventh to Kingman in the regional final, but won the Central Kansas League.

Junior pitcher/infielder Maguire Estill was named second team all-state by the Kansas coaches at pitcher. She also carried a .537 average with eight homers and 35 RBI. Junior pitcher/ infielder Brooke Brawner carried a .462 average with 15 doubles. In the circle, Estill posted an 8-3 record and 1.48 earned-run average.

Several senior returning starters were: catcher/infielder Kaylie Kincaid, center fielder Kylie Hefling and catcher Sierra Green. Other junior returning starters were infielder Lexi Smith and outfielder Carlee Arnold, and sophomore first baseman Amie Yoder. Estill and Brawner are a combined 35-6 the last two seasons. Hefling was first team all-state by the Kansas coaches in ’19.

Both Estill and Hefling were also all-state in ’18.

“Going to need some young first and second year players to grow up fast and contribute in the field and at the plate – neither offense nor the defense was up to par last year,” Ashworth said.

HESSTON finished 1-20 and fifth-year coach Alyssa Kroeker has posted 14 wins in five years.

HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS was region-

al runner-up with a 17-4 mark for coach Gary Boxberger. He has coached seven years and posted a 92-57 record. Sophomore Kassidy Nixon was second team all-state outfield by the Kansas coaches. She hit .627 with three homers and 26 RBI, along with a 6-0 average and 3.24 ERA. Senior Taylor Boxberger delivered a .380 average, along with an 11-4 record and 2.03 ERA. Soph. first baseman Gracie Aylward batted .439 with a HR and 26 RBI. Senior second baseman Jenna Urban hit .377 with a homer and 25 RBI. Junior Keeley Wolf hit .406 with 22 runs scored.

Sophomore outfielder Kadence Urban hit .415 with two homers and 23 RBI. Jefferson West had a 13-9 mark and Chad Jackson is 98-52 in seven years. Pitcher/first basemen Grace Garrett posted a 2.23 ERA, and Kara Davis hit .278 with a 4.62 ERA. Shortstop Riley Buss hit .395. Third baseman Mallory Young batted .423 with 29 RBI, while outfielder Olivia Davis hit .388 with 20 RBI. Lakin was 11-11, and Lyons went 10-10. Lyons coach Marlin Clark is 192-165 after 17 years.

LAKIN returned senior first baseman Rylie Bemis, soph. pitcher/middle infield Izzy Ortiz, junior catcher/shortstop Jaya Esquibel and junior catcher/third baseman Talyn Beltran. Lakin was expected to have one senior this season, although was expected to have a strong freshman class.

LYONS returned one senior starter in outfielder Daci Stover. Two juniors were also back: infielder Emily Robl and pitcher/outfielder Brianna Russell. Four sophomores were returning starters: infielder Kayleigh Arriola, infielder/pitcher Dylann Procopio, infielder Mallory Seidel and outfielder Lizeth Valenzuela.

Lyons was expected to have all returning starters filled, except a pitcher and a catcher, though two sophomores were working on pitching.

MINNEAPOLIS went 3-12, and former assistant coach Addie Billinger is now head coach.

OSAGE CITY finished 16-4. Coach Tammy Serna is 256-161 in 19 years. OS has a high number of key returning seniors. Senior third baseman Jordan Sage hit .392 with 14 RBI last

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season. Senior second baseman Leslie Hultgren batted .409 with a homer and 17 RBI. Senior pitcher/outfielder Kate Heiserman carried a .333 average. Senior catcher/outfielder Taylor Lamb batted .273. Junior pitcher Hayden Serna batted .411 with three homers and 31 RBI. She went 15-4 with a 2.06 ERA and 138 strikeouts. Junior outfielder Taylin Kirkpatrick batted .517 with seven homers and 32 RBI. ROCK CREEK has been a consistent winner under Jeri Brummett. She has 256-181 mark in 20 years, though RC went 6-13 last spring. However, the Mustangs return eight starters, including two seniors: catcher/utility Sydney Montgomery and pitcher/utility Miranda Tegtmeier. A pair of juniors, infielder Jenna Weers and outfielder Kierra Mosby are also back. Four sophomores are returning starters: Sophia Haverkamp (P/U), Grace Gehl (OF/U), and two infielders: Brooklynn McCormick and Brooklyn Goehring.

“We have a quality group incoming freshman that should strengthen our program,” Brummet said.

ROYAL VALLEY went 16-5, and Corey Katzer is 84-22 in six years. Shortstop/center fielder McKenzie Ogden hit .613 with three homers and 25 RBI. She was first team all-state Utility/DP. Shortstop/left fielder Cassidy Parks batted .333.

Second baseman Hadley Gregory hit .298. Third baseman Jenna Elmer batted .450 with three HR and 26 RBI. Outfielder Maddie Saia hit .319.

Pitcher/DP Mae Joslin carried a .364 average, along with a 9-3 record in 61 innings. Infielder/DP Mya Ogden batted .556. Abbigail Harding was also one of the leading pitchers with a 5-1 mark.

“I have a great group of kids with a lot of experience coming back,” Katzer said. “Almost every position is returning with experience. We also have some very young talent who is coming up this year that will contribute from the beginning.”

SABETHA finished 6-11. Four senior starters return: third baseman Mahalie Allen, shortstop Maggie Hughes, outfielder Sofia Kuenzie and pitcher Rachel Kramer. All the seniors have been with the program since it started four years ago.

SANTA FE TRAIL went 6-13 and returned just four starters from last season, including two seniors: shortstop Marritt Mead (.524 average, 20 steals) and outfielder Alyssa Barrington. As well, juniors Courtney Stone (1B) and Kierra Lira (P/ OF) are also back. Sophomore P/OF Jaycee Long hit .452 with a pair of homers.

TMP went 13-9, and seventh-year coach Melissa Schoepf has an 83-54 record. Junior pitcher Kyleigh Allen batted .421 and struck out 109 batters. Junior catcher Sophia Coulter hit .387. Junior third baseman Emilee Augustine batted .433 with three HR. Senior OF Katie Hale hit .297.

Senior outfielder MK Dwyer batted .415, and sophomore infielder Jessica Herrman is back.

Overall, TMP returned six starting positions, including Augustine, the team hitting leader and starter since her freshman year. TMP was expected to have nine freshmen, which is a high number for the Monarchs.

WEST FRANKLIN had a 5-12 mark. Sixth-year coach Kayla Jehle believed the 2020 team “will be as talented as we’ve ever been.” Two key starters return. Sophomore pitcher/shortstop Lena Walter batted .426 with two HR and 14 RBI and struck out 79 batters. Junior C/U Nevaeh Scott hit .375 with two HR and 19 RBI.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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2019-2020

A Season to remember Jared Weinman Photography

Courtesy Photo

The March cancellation of spring sports left us struggling to decide what to do with our Second Annual Spring Preview.

After a few days of consideration, it occurred to us that the Class of 2020 deserved to have their special memories chronicled for years to come, especially considering the year was cut short.

While social media platforms and websites provide near instant gratification for the sports fan, Kansas Pregame’s high-quality magazines preserve cherished sports memories for years to come. In addition to the “what might have been look” at the spring season in the first 49 pages of this publication, the remainder of the 2020 Spring Edition chronicles the seasons that were for basketball, cross country, football, volleyball and wrestling in our first ever Spring Yearbook.

To the members of the Class of 2020, coaches and families, this special Spring Edition is for you!

SPRING YEARBOOK

Photo by Shannon Meier

Wrestling photos by Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Basketball

53

Cross Country

79

Football

89

Volleyball

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Wrestling

117

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Gallagher Martin, F or Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

6A BOYS The Haysville-Campus boys basketball team could not be touched throughout the regular season and sub-state.

Campus, seeking its first state title in program history, opened the state tournament with a 16-point win over eight-seed Manhattan.

Campus finished the year 23-0 with signature wins throughout the season. Not only did the Colts sweep their AVCTL Division I schedule, they also picked up a 64-59 overtime win over 4A power Bishop Miege in the championship game of the 77th Annual Tournament of Champions in Dodge City.

Against Manhattan, Campus rode junior Sterling Gaston-Chapman to the finish line. The 6-5 shooting guard finished with 26 points and six rebounds as Campus never trailed.

Gaston-Chapman has recently garnered the attention of Division I scouts. As of mid-May, Gaston-Chapman has offers from SMU, Coastal Carolina, Tulsa and Wichita State.

The Colts were far from a one-man team. Sterling’s older brother, Steele, was also a vital part of the team, as were Shawn Warrior, Thomas King and Keither Florence.

Against Manhattan, Warrior finished with 14 points while King was one point away from a double-double.

The older Chapman plans to play his college ball at Southwestern College in Winfield while King and Warrior are headed to Barton Community College in Great Bend. Florence will play his senior year as part of the newly established Colorado Prep.

The Colts were scheduled to face Blue Valley North in the semifinals of the 6A tournament. North, the four seed with a 20-3 record, had won 14 of its last 15 games entering the semifinals.

Two of North’s three losses came to three-time defending state champions Blue Valley Northwest while the other loss came to Raytown South of Missouri.

BVN defeated Lawrence in the four-five matchup, 72-66.

The Mustangs led by 11 at halftime, but the Lions stormed back to take a one-point lead late in the fourth. North responded with a 7-0 run to put the game away.

Junior Nikko Taylor led BVN with 20 points, while Lawrence junior Zeke Mayo led all scorers with 28 points.

In the other semifinal game, No. 7 Olathe South was scheduled to face No. 3 Blue Valley Northwest. With all the hype surrounding Campus, BVNW may have felt like it had something to prove.

Campus was top-ranked in 6A, but the Huskies had captured three straight state championships and five state titles

6A

Page 53

STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS:

BLUE VALLEY NORTH BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST CAMPUS OLATHE SOUTH this past decade.

BVNW started the season 1-2 - both losses were against out-of-state competition - before winning 20 straight games, including a 55-48 win over Lawrence Free State in the quarterfinals.

Led by legendary head coach Ed Fritz, Blue Valley Northwest will return four starters next year, including all-state selections Jack Chapman and Alston Mason.

Both Chapman, a 6-7 guard who averaged over 20 points a game last season, and Mason, a 6-1 guard who averaged 18 points a game, have offers from UMKC. Olathe South pulled off the upset, defeating second-seed KC Harmon in the quarterfinals, 50-43. The game was close from start to finish, but Olathe South held a five-point advantage in the fourth quarter to edge out a win.

KC Harmon was the No. 1 seed in 6A East and finished with a 20-3 record, while South finished with a 17-6 mark.

6A GIRLS Class 6A on the girls side had no shortage of talented teams who could have won it all.

The favorites were undefeated Topeka High and Liberal, who finished the season with a combined 46-0 record.

Topeka, which dismissed Olathe North in the quarterfinals 79-55, averaged an incredible 72 points per game. Sophomore Nijaree Canady and freshman Kiki Smith combined to average about 49 points a game, while Canady averaged 10 rebounds a game throughout the year.

Topeka only played two games that were within single digits - a nine-point win over Topeka-Seaman and a seven-point win over Washburn Rural. After finishing second in 6A last year behind Washburn Rural and making the semifinals this year, Topeka will return nearly all of its production next year.

Liberal entered the state tournament as the No. 1 seed for the second year in a row. After being bounced in the quarterfi-

GIRLS SEMIFINALISTS: DERBY LIBERAL OLATHE EAST TOPEKA

nals last year, Liberal advanced to the semifinals this season with a 41-33 win over Olathe South.

Liberal will lose senior star power next year with the graduations of Machia Mullens and Katie Horyna, who combined to average 26 points a game, and will welcome new coach Brandi Fowler after Carter Kruger stepped away from coaching following the season. Against Olathe South, Mullens scored 20 of Liberal’s 41 points.

Liberal finished a two-year stretch with a 45-1 record.

Kruger went 96-18 in six seasons as head coach for the Lady Redskins.

Two of the quarterfinal games went down to the wire. The four-five matchup was as good as advertised as Derby outlasted Shawnee Mission Northwest in double overtime, 44-39.

Despite 14 points and 14 rebounds from 6-3 post Kennedy Taylor, SMNW was not able to overcome a strong defensive effort by the Panthers, who held the Cougars scoreless in the second overtime.

Derby finished third at state last year with a 23-1 record and won it all with a 23-1 record in 2018. The Panthers were scheduled to face Liberal in the semifinals and finished with a 21-2 record.

In the three-six matchup, Olathe East upset Wichita Heights, 49-48.

Heights began the year 19-0 before losing sophomore standout Zyanna Walker to a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons dropped the season finale against Bishop Carroll, but after a sub-state championship, Heights ran into Olathe East, which finished the year with an 18-5 record.

East only had two losses on the year to in-state competition - Olathe South and Olathe West. After finishing 18-5 as a state qualifier last year, Olathe East has now gone a combined 36-10 the past two seasons.

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6A BASKETBALL KBCA

LAWRENCE

Jack Chapman

BV NORTHWEST

SCHOOL

CAMPUS

HEIGHT GRADE 5’10” 6’1” 6’2” 6’7” 6’4”

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

6’4” 6’0” Topeka-Washburn Rural 6’2” Olathe West 6’2” Blue Valley Northwest 6’1”

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION: Nick Arensberg Shawnee Mission East 6’1” Nick Bonner Derby 6’2” Owen Braxmeyer Manhattan 6’0” Brandon Eckles Olathe South 6’6” Walzel Evans JC Harmon 5’11” Markell Hood Blue Valley Northwest 6’6” DK Middleton Lawrence Free State 6’3” Isaac Patterson Blue Valley North 6’4” Mayson Quartlebaum Lawrence 6’6” Aiden Shaw Blue Valley 6’8” KT Raimey Olathe North 6’3” O’mar Stanley Blue Valley West 6’8” DJ Stubblefield Olathe South 5’11” King Sutton Topeka High 6’6” Shawn Warrior Haysville-Campus 6’4” Fontaine Williams, Jr. Wichita East 6’1” Jabari Brickhouse Blue Valley West 5’11”

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

SECOND TEAM: Jack Sheplak Steele Chapman Joe Berry Cougar Downing Alston Mason

Elizabeth Souder

Sterling Chapman

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Jackie Johnson Lonell Lane Zeke Mayo Jack Chapman Sterling Chapman

BLUE VALLEY NORTH MUSTANGS

JC HARMON

Keith Kreeger/BVNWSports.com

Lawrence Journal-World

Zeke Mayo

Lonell Lane

2020 State Semifinalists

Brian Turrel/Wyandotte Daily News

Jackie Johnson

WICHITA SOUTHEAST

Page 54

Channel 60

All-State First Team

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Wichita Southeast JC Harmon Lawrence Blue Valley NW Haysville-Campus Blue Valley North Haysville-Campus

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST HUSKIES

CAMPUS COLTS

OLATHE SOUTH FALCONS

PEC Sports

Travis Mounts/Times-Sentinel Newspapers

PEC Sports

6A BASKETBALL KBCA Page 55

NiJaree Canady

Nathan Alspaw/Derby Informer

TOPEKA HIGH TROJANS

Kiki Smith

TOPEKA HIGH

Kennedy Taylor

SHAWEE MISSION NW

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 Kaden Classen

PLAYER FIRST TEAM: NiJaree Canady Lele Love Machia Mullens Kiki Smith Kennedy Taylor

Kaleb Stoppel

Craig Streever

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

GRADE

Topeka High Olathe North Liberal Topeka High

6’0” 6’1” 6’0” 5’7” Shawee Mission Northwest 6’2”

So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr.

Liberal Olathe East

5’9” 5’11” Shawnee Mission West 5’11” Derby 5’9” Wichita Heights 5’10”

Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So.

Honorable Mention: Maryn Archer Derby 5’8” Addy Brown Derby 6’2” Lauren Cassaday Blue Valley North 5’10” Bailey Collar Olathe West 5’7” Sania Copeland Olathe North 5’9” Zanaa Cordis Manhattan 6’3” Kasey Hamilton Washburn Rural 5’8” Mackenzie Hart Olathe West 5’8” Taylor Jameson Wichita Heights 5’5” Caely Kesten Free State 5’8” Jazzy Klinge Blue Valley 5’9” Kierra Prim Shawnee Mission West 5’8” Laniah Randle Wichita Heights 5’11” Mary Reiber Olathe Northwest 5’5” Kisa Unruh Dodge City 5’7” Dani Winslow Olathe South 6’1”

Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

SECOND TEAM: Katie Horyna Molly Kaemmer S’Mya Nichols Sydney Nilles Zyanna Walker

OLATHE EAST HAWKS

OLATHE NORTH

Craig Streever

Machia Mullens LIBERAL

LIBERAL REDSKINS

Lele Love

TOPEKA HIGH

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

DERBY PANTHERS

All-State First Team

Shawn Haley

Craig Streever

2020 State Semifinalists

J. Bigelow Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

5A BOYS The Andover boys were enjoying a dream season before the cancellation of the Class 5A State Tournament at William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium in Emporia.

The Trojans opened their season with a statement win at McPherson, remained unbeaten through the regular season and sub-state, and continued their momentum all the way to the state semifinals. At 23-0, Andover appeared to be the favorite to win the 5A State Tournament.

But if the quarterfinals were any indication, Andover was not going to be handed a state title.

Andover’s undefeated season nearly ended in the quarterfinals as the Trojans barely escaped eight-seed Blue Valley Southwest. Despite a 9-13 record, Southwest was not intimidated by the undefeated Trojans.

Behind 21 points and six rebounds from star Jack Johnson, Andover survived a scare from Southwest, 60-59.

The Trojans were set to face Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the semifinals. Kapaun, the fifth seed with a 17-6 record, defeated De Soto in the quarterfinals, 49-42.

Kapaun was playing some of its best basketball toward the end of the season. Including their quarterfinal win against De Soto, Kapaun had won eight of their last 10 games heading into their matchup with Andover, a team they lost to 54-52 early in the regular season.

Perhaps the team with the best chance of toppling Andover was Basehor-Linwood, who boasted state-tournament experience. Basehor-Linwood, the No. 2 seed, was 21-2 at the end of the season, and was the only team in the semifinals who qualified for state the prior year.

The Bobcats were runner-up in 5A last year to Andover Central. Basehor-Linwood got its revenge a year later, defeating Andover Central in the quarterfinals, 76-72.

Andover Central, the defending state champions, upset undefeated Bishop Carroll in the sub-state championship.

Senior Connor Younger and sophomore Jordan Brown each scored 29 points to lead Basehor-Linwood into the semifinals.

The Bobcats finished with a combined 42-5 record the past two seasons.

Additionally, Basehor-Linwood had not lost since Jan. 4. On Jan 25. Basehor-Linwood delivered defending 4A champions Kansas City Piper their only loss of the season.

The Bobcats were set to face Hays, the sixth seed, in the semifinals. Hays finished its season with a 17-6 season under first-year head coach Alex Hutchins.

Hays overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat Topeka Highland-Park in the 5A quarterfinals, 46-43. Carson Kieffer led

5A

Page 57

STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS: ANDOVER BASEHOR-LINWOOD HAYS HIGH KAPAUN

Hays with a career-high 19 points.

Hays was making its first appearance in the state semifinals since 2014.

5A GIRLS Was 2020 the year the Aquinas dynasty would be denied a state championship?

The clear consensus around the state in 5A girls basketball was that McPherson and St. Thomas Aquinas were the top two teams.

McPherson and Aquinas finished the season ranked first and second in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings. Aquinas, the four-time defending 5A State Champions, opened the season ranked No. 1, but McPherson claimed the top spot midway through the year, with Aquinas right behind the Bullpups at No. 2.

In a rematch of last year’s state semifinals won by Aquinas, the Bullpups and Saints were set for a highly-anticipated rematch in this year’s semifinals.

But the winner of McPherson-Aquinas was not guaranteed a state championship. The combined record of the four teams left was 83-9; Andover Central and Topeka Seaman each had at least 20 wins.

But the semifinal between the top-seeded Bullpups and fourth-seeded Saints was sure to be a much talked about game.

McPherson’s lone loss of the season came in the championship game of the Mid America Classic in McPherson to Class 6A Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Over the course of the season, the Bullpups picked up signature wins at Andover Central, Derby and KC-Piper - all on the road - and swept their AVCTL Division III schedule.

In the quarterfinals against Basehor-Linwood, McPherson

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GIRLS SEMIFINALISTS: BASEHOR-LINWOOD MCPHERSON ST. THOMAS AQUINAS TOPEKA SEAMAN

won 59-44 for its 22nd win of the season.

For the second year in a row, Aquinas opened the state tournament with a quarterfinal win over Maize South, this year in 62-35 fashion. The Saints ended their season with a 19-4 record; zero of Aquinas’ four losses came to 5A schools.

The other semifinal game in 5A was highly anticipated in its own respect.

Andover Central, who hadn’t lost since Dec. 10 in overtime against McPherson, edged De Soto in the quarters, 61-52.

The Jaguars ended their season with a 22-1 record.

Against De Soto, the Jaguars hit 11 3-pointers for the win.

Three Jaguars reached double figure scoring, led by 14 from Bailey Wilborn.

Topeka Seaman outlasted Maize 54-44 behind 20 points and 12 rebounds from Camryn Turner - both game highs.

Turner, a junior, was one of top players in the tournament.

Turner led Seaman in points, rebounds, assists, and steals on the season.

The Vikings were making their second straight trip to the state tournament after falling to McPherson in last year’s quarterfinals.

The 5A girls classification will be as star-studded as any next season with Andover Central’s Brittany Harshaw (2022), Aquinas’ Beatrice Culliton (2022), McPherson’s Grace Pyle (2021) and Seamen’s Turner (2021) all back.

All four were first team all-state by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

Culliton specifically has seen her recruiting interest blossom this offseason securing scholarship offers from Division I programs LSU, Oklahoma, Missouri and UMKC.

5A BASKETBALL KBCA Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 58

2020 State Semifinalists

Jack Johnson ANDOVER

Tanner Mans

BISHOP CARROLL

ANDOVER TROJANS

Charles Chaney/Butler County Times-Gazette

Jordan Vincent

GODDARD-EISENHOWER

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 SCHOOL

Courtesy Photo

Cory Davila BASEHOR-LINWOOD

Sarah Bullinger

Matt Neibling/Butler County Times-Gazette

ANDOVER CENTRAL

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Xavier Bell

Janet Fleske

All-State First Team

PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Xavier Bell Cory Davila Jack Johnson Tanner Mans Jordan Vincent

HEIGHT GRADE

Andover Central 6’3” Basehor-Linwood 6’7” Andover 6’1” Bishop Carroll 6’6” Goddard-Eisenhower 6’2”

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

SECOND TEAM: Jordan Brown Blake Danitschek Gavyn Elkamil Alex Littlejohn Charles Snyder

Basehor-Linwood Kapaun Mt. Carmel Pittsburg Bishop Carroll Emporia

6’4” 6’5” 6’4” 6’4” 6’5”

So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION: Trevion Alexander Topeka West 6’1” Nate Barnhart DeSoto 6’8” Elijah Brooks Topeka West 6’2” Jacob Byrne Valley Center 6’0” Javon Grant Pittsburg 5’11” Harper Jonas Andover 6’5” Keeshawn Mason St. Thomas Aquinas 6’8” Jack Moellers St. James Academy 6’2” Kenyon Myers Leavenworth 6’4” CJ Powell Highland Park 6’0” Trey Reid Maize South 6’0” Dylan Ruder Hays 6’9” Alex Schremmer Great Bend 6’1” Jerome Washington Andover Central 6’5” Connor Younger Basehor-Linwood 6’0”

Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

BASEHOR-LINWOOD BOBCATS

Greathouse Photography

HAYS HIGH INDIANS

KAPAUN MT. CARMEL CRUSADERS

Christin Nunnery

Johnny Myers

5A BASKETBALL KBCA Page 59

Beatrice Culliton

BLHS Athletics

Brittany Harshaw

Grace Pyle

ANDOVER CENTRAL

De Soto Athletics

AQUINAS

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

BASEHOR-LINWOOD BOBCATS

MCPHERSON

MCPHERSON BULLPUPS

Kendall Shaw

PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Beatrice Culliton Brittany Harshaw Grace Pyle Mackenzie Shupe Camryn Turner

Michele Gress

Mackenzie Shupe DE SOTO

Camryn Turner SEAMAN

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 SCHOOL

HEIGHT

GRADE

Aquinas Andover Central McPherson De Soto Seaman

6’3” 6’0” 5’10” 5’8” 5’11”

So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Goddard Aquinas Maize Salina Central Maize South

5’11” 5’9 5’10” 5’5” 5’11”

Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr.

Honorable Mention: Kassidy Beam McPherson 5’7” Chloe Carter Seaman 5’10” Alli Franks Spring Hill 6’0” Kyla Frencers Maize 5’6” Adell Gore Basehor-Linwood 5’6” Lucy Lally Basehor-Linwood 5’11” Katelyn Ostronic De Soto 5’11” Amiah Simmons Blue Valley SW 5’9” Brooke Sullivan Goddard 5’6” Bailey Wilborn Andover Central 5’7”

Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

SECOND TEAM: Kade Hackerott Molly Hartnet Sydney Holmes Aubri Kierscht Katie Wagner

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SAINTS

All-State First Team

Evert Nelson/Topeka Capital-Journal

Courtesy Photo

2020 State Semifinalists

Charles Chaney/Butler County Times-Gazette

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

TOPEKA SEAMAN VIKINGS

Aubree Gustin

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 60

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

4A BOYS Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina was robbed of a monster showdown in the Class 4A State Semifinals between Kansas City Piper and Bishop Miege.

Piper entered the semifinals with a 22-1 record and as defending state champions. The Pirates were fresh off a 71-52 victory over Buhler the night prior in which four Pirates reached double digit scoring.

Piper began the year 11-0 before falling to eventual 5A semifinalist Basehor-Linwood, 68-65, in the Bobcat Classic, hosted by Basehor-Linwood. The defending state champions responded with another 11-game winning streak that was snapped by the cancellation of the season.

Bishop Miege, who took a 19-4 record into the semifinals, nearly did not make it out of the quarterfinals. The Stags were in a dogfight with sixth-seed Andale and had to overcome a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.

Down 42-28, Miege trimmed its deficit to five entering the fourth, and won the fourth quarter by a 24-15 margin. Miege sophomore Mark Mitchell - a five-star prospect according to 247Sports composite rankings - led Miege with 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting.

Andale’s Easton Hunter led all scorers with 26 points on 9 of 11 shooting including 5 of 6 from beyond the 3-point arc.

The potential Piper-Miege showdown would have been studded with talent, even outside of Mitchell. Piper junior Tamar Bates, who has since transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season, has numerous major offers, including Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Missouri, Alabama and more.

In the quarterfinals against Buhler, Bates finished with 17 points on 80 percent shooting from the field. The Pirates received 18 points from Ty Shelley, 14 points from Christian Arndt, and 10 from Dilyn Taylor-Cantu.

Arndt matched the entire Buhler team with 19 rebounds.

At the top of the bracket, eight-seed Rose Hill upset topseed Parsons behind a 32-point performance from Rocket senior Koby Campbell. Parsons, who entered state with a 21-1 record, was without all-state point guard Dariq Williams, who suffered a knee injury during sub-state.

Rose Hill trailed 34-22 at the half, but outscored Parsons by nine in the third and seven in the fourth. Campbell, who also had 11 rebounds, scored 16 points in each half.

Ezekiel Lyons led Parsons with 26 points.

Rose Hill was set to face Augusta in the semifinals. The Orioles were making their second straight trip to the state semifinals after placing second to Piper (86-53) in 4A last

4A

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STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS: AUGUSTA BISHOP MIEGE KC PIPER ROSE HILL year.

Augusta defeated Rose Hill 58-55 on Feb. 4.

The Orioles beat Ottawa 53-41 in the quarterfinals behind a balanced scoring attack. Augusta managed just three points in the first quarter, but fought back to tie the game at 18 at halftime and went on a 17-2 run mid-way through the third before closing the game on a 13-0 run to advance.

4A GIRLS The Bishop Miege girls basketball program has won five state championships since 2014 including last year’s 4A state title.

The Stags looked prime to win their sixth state title in seven years in 2020 before the state tournament was cancelled.

In order to reach the state title, the Stags would have had to pass a formidable test against Nickerson in the semifinals.

Going up against Miege is a tall task, especially with 6-1 guard Payton Verhulst leading the way. Verhulst, a junior, earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors for Kansas.

Verhulst is also an international star at the U16 level, as she led the USA Basketball Women’s U16 National Team to a gold medal last summer in Puerto Aysen, Chile at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship; Verhulst was named the MVP of the tournament.

Verhulst, a Louisville commit, is a five-star prospect and is the eighth-ranked prospect in her class according to ESPN. Ashton Verhulst, Payton’s older sister, is a 6-2 forward who will play at the University of Central Florida next season.

The towering sister duo was too much for most teams to overcome, including Chapman in the quarterfinals. The Verhulst sisters combined for 22 points, while Emajin McCallop scored 20 by herself to lead the Stags past Chapman, 60-45.

Nickerson would have needed an excellent performance to

Parsons Par sons H i g h

H i g h

S c h o o l

S c h o o l

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3030 Morton, Parsons, Kansas 67357 | Phone: 620-421-3660 | Fax: 620-423-8816 | p h s . v i k i n g n e t . n e t Parsons High School, the Home of the Vikings, is a center of academic excellence in Southeast Kansas. We educate for life, offering a variety of premier Career and Technical Education

GIRLS SEMIFINALISTS: BISHOP MIEGE CLAY CENTER KC PIPER NICKERSON defeat Miege, but the Panthers have size and talent as well.

Freshman Ava Jones and senior Morgan Stout both stand over 6-feet tall and were playing great basketball at the end of the season.

Nickerson, the top seed in 4A West, took care of Buhler in the quarterfinals, 61-36. Stout scored 23 points and had eight rebounds while Jones pitched in 10 points and eight rebounds.

The other semifinal game matched seventh-seed Clay Center against second-seed Kansas City Piper.

Although Piper lost 2019 standout Ryan Cobbins to North Dakota State, the Pirates were primed for another title game appearance. After finishing second in 4A last year to Miege, the Pirates entered the 2020 state tournament with a 20-2 record.

Piper defeated Baldwin in the quarterfinals, 63-48; Piper’s Grace Banes led all scorers with 20 points.

Piper has now gone a combined 45-3 the past two seasons.

Thanks to a defense that allowed 33.36 points per game, Eudora earned the top seed in 4A East with a 20-2 record.

However, Clay Center was able to score 47 against the Cardinals in the quarterfinals to pick up a five-point win.

The game was close for most of the night, but the Tigers won the third quarter by a 14-7 margin which was key. Clay Center’s Clara Edwards led all scorers with 25 points on 8 of 12 shooting, while also finishing with eight rebounds.

Eudora’s Reagan Hiebert did all she could, finishing with 22 points.

4A BASKETBALL KBCA

Jaren Jackson AUGUSTA

Mark Mitchell BISHOP MIEGE

Easton Hunter

SCHOOL KC Piper Andale Augusta Bishop Miege Parsons

SECOND TEAM: Max Alexander Koby Cambell Zach Davidson DaQuan Johnson Kobe Johnson

Buhler Rose Hill Augusta Parsons Ottawa

HONORABLE MENTION: Trey Abasolo Mulvane Chistian Arndt KC Piper Travis Beetch Abilene Harrison Braudis Bishop Miege Tanner Hecht Wamego CJ Horton Fort Scott Cal Leonard Iola Jaden McGrath Independence Ezekiel Lyons Parsons Tyren Shelley KC Piper Lance Walker Ulysses

Brice Helton

Dariq Williams PARSONS

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Tamar Bates Easton Hunter Jaren Jackson Mark Mitchell Dariq Williams

AUGUSTA ORIOLES

ANDALE

Courtesy Photo

Savannah Athy/Augustan Yearbook

KC PIPER

2020 State Semifinalists

Jim Ast

Tamar Bates

Page 62

Sean Frye/Parson Sun

All-State First Team

Brian Turrel/Wyandotte Daily News

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

HEIGHT GRADE 6’4” 6’3” 6’1” 6’8” 5”11”

Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

6’0” 6’2” 6’8” 6’0” 6’5”

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

6’1” 6’5” 6’3” 6’1” 6’4” 6’5” 6’3” 5’10” 5’11” 6’4” 6’4”

Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca. com.

BISHOP MIEGE STAGS

KC PIPER PIRATES

ROSE HILL ROCKETS

Courtesy Photo

Brian Turrel/Wyandotte Daily News

Beverly Leete/Butler County Times-Gazette

4A BASKETBALL KBCA Page 63

Clara Edwards

Courtesy Photo

KC PIPER PIRATES

NICKERSON PANTHERS

EUDORA

Courtesy Photo

Evelyn Vazquez KC PIPER

CLAY CENTER TIGERS

Harper Schreiner

CLAY CENTER

Brian Turrel/Wyandotte Daily News

BISHOP MIEGE STAGS

All-State First Team

Payton Verhulst

Bob Hunter

Phil Frigon

2020 State Semifinalists

Raymond Forstater/Eudora Times

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Ava Jones

BISHOP MIEGE

NICKERSON

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 Phil Frigon

Shane Stout

Bob Hunter

PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Clara Edwards Harper Schreiner Evelyn Vazquez Payton Verhulst Ava Jones

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

GRADE

Clay Center Eudora KC Piper Bishop Miege Nickerson

6’0” 5’7” 5’5” 6’2” 6’2”

Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr.

SECOND TEAM: Mckenna Kirkpatrick Chapman Kori Babcock Chanute Ali Vigil KC Piper Ashton Verhulst Bishop Miege Morgan Stout Nickerson

5’10” 5’6 5’11” 6’1” 6’2”

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Honorable Mention: Maggie Knoblauch Andale Mckenzie Fairchild Andale Anna Burnett Baldwin Josie Boyle Baldwin Alyvia Owens Buhler Carli Carlson Clearwater Ashlynn Bledsoe Chapman Mallory Cowman Circle Kimalee Cook Circle Saydee Tanking Holton Madison Ontjes Nickerson Josie Mclean Nickerson Aubri Alexander Wamego Emily Randall Winfield Ali Zeka Wellington

5’3” 5’11 5’8” 5’10” 5’10” 5’7” 5’10” 6’2” 5’6” 5’8 5’6 5’6 5’4” 5’7” 5’8”

Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 64

HUGOTON LADY EAGLE BASKETBALL THE TRADITION CONTINUES

2017 3A Champs (26-0), 2015 4A-II Champs (22-2), 2016 4A-II 3rd Place (23-2), 2018 4A-II 3rd Place (17-8), 2014 4A-II Qualifier (19-4)

2019-2020 Results Overall Record: 15-6 GWAC Record: 8-2 Great Western Activities Conference Champions* Ballard Classic Tournament Champions (Springfield, Colo.)

Sterling Invitational Tournament Champions

GIANNA VOS, Freshman

Prep Hoops KS 9th ranked player in the Class of 2023 Plays for Gameball

Photo by Jason Dale

Photo by Kaden Classen

LADY EAGLE CLASS OF 2023 SPOTLIGHT, 32-0 IN JUNIOR HIGH, KEY TO 2019-2020 VARSITY SUCCESS

Photo by Rene Wilson/Sterling Bulletin

*Tied with Colby

Photo by Jason Dale

MIKYN HAMLIN, Freshman

Prep Hoops KS 7th ranked player in the Class of 2023 Plays for Wheat State Elite

SUMMYA ADIGUN, Freshman

Prep Hoops KS 33rd ranked player in the Class of 2023 Plays for Western Kansas Elite

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

3A BOYS The top-half of the Class 3A boys’ semifinal bracket featured a pair of big surprises in No. 8 seed St. Marys (14-10) and No. 4 seed Galena (19-5). The bottom half had favorites Wichita Collegiate and Beloit, both 21-3.

The St. Marys Bears, coached by former Kansas State standout Will Spradling, delivered an upset-filled run through sub-state with wins against Riley County (16-4), Rock Creek (20-2) and Royal Valley (21-2). In the state quarterfinal, St. Marys accomplished the feat again with a 49-44 win versus Haven. The Wildcats were 21-3.

Galena went to the final four for the first time in school history. The Bulldogs were picked sixth out of seven teams in their own league in the preseason. Galena had an eight-win improvement behind senior center Logan Henderson, sophomore Brett Sarwinski and freshman Tyler Little.

Collegiate featured sophomore shooting guard Gradey Dick, a four-star recruit with offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor, among others. Dick delivered 20 points a contest and transferred to Wichita Sunrise Christian Academy, a basketball development program known for producing multiple Division I players, after the season.

Beloit, the 2019 3A runner-up to Girard, had seniors for its top-five scorers. Senior Vincent Palen was again one of the state’s top players with 16 points, three boards and three assists a game. Senior Carson Cox was one of 3A’s top 3-point shooters.

3A GIRLS The last official KSHSAA sporting event before coronavirus halted sports came in the Class 3A state quarterfinals

3A

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STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS: BELOIT GALENA ST. MARYS WICHITA COLLEGIATE

between the Halstead and Scott City girls. The game was scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. Halstead was in the girls’ state tournament for the first time. Halstead coach Derek Schutte did not let his team know the rest of the tournament was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns.

Halstead eventually pulled off a 45-41 double-overtime win versus Scott City. Halstead trailed the majority of regulation and the game was tied at 33 entering overtime. Scott City led 41-38 in the second overtime before Halstead scored the game’s final seven points. Halstead’s Karenna Gerber, a 1,000-point career scorer, finished with eight blocks, including a key one in double overtime.

In one of the top moments of the tourney, Schutte came into the locker room. He shouted and celebrated with the girls, who still didn’t know the semifinals and finals were cancelled.

The girls found out shortly thereafter the tournament was ended. Halstead finished 21-3.

Nemaha Central coach Hadden Hiltgen led the Thunder to

SA LEGAL

GIRLS SEMIFINALISTS: CHENEY FRONTENAC HALSTEAD NEMAHA CENTRAL

a 24-0 record including a 45-35 opening round victory over Osage City. The Thunder has now won more than 20 games in each of the past four seasons. Standout Alleigh Kramer signed with Benedictine for basketball.

Scott City coach Sarah McCormick, who led the Beavers to four straight state berths, resigned shortly after the season to move back to Cheney, her alma mater. McCormick’s daughter, Brynn, was one of Kansas’ best sophomores.

As well, Cheney (21-3) defeated Phillipsburg, 66-53, in the quarterfinals. In the other quarterfinal, Frontenac (22-2) beat Jeff. West, 42-40, in OT. Cheney, who had all but 14 points from non-seniors during the year, received 23.9 points, five rebounds and 3.7 steals a contest from junior Kylie Scheer.

Frontenac, paced by head coach Scott Fields, his senior daughter Karma Fields, and sophomore Heather Arnett, had a plus-13 wins improvement from ’18-19.

Phillipsburg, led by freshman Taryn Sides, reached the state tournament for the first time in school history.

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3A BASKETBALL KBCA

COLUMBUS

Caden Hurla

Wyatt Carmichael

ST. MARYS

SCHOOL

Sharon Sahlfeld, The Beloit Call

Chance Sanger LARNED

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Gradey Dick Wyatt Carmichael Patrick Cassidy Caden Hurla Chance Sanger

BELOIT TROJANS

HAVEN

Crystal Hurla

Traci Spear/Columbus News-Report

Patrick Cassidy

2020 State Semifinalists

Kristy Ehart

Gradey Dick

WICHITA COLLEGIATE

Page 66

Janet Fleske Photography

All-State First Team

Pete Iseman Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

HEIGHT GRADE

Wichita Collegiate Haven Columbus St. Marys Larned

6’5” 6’4” 6’ 5’9” 6’

So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

SECOND TEAM: Brant Morris Baxter Springs Trey McClure Lyons Nahcs Wahwassuck Royal Valley Vincent Palen Beloit Dawson Zenger Rock Creek

6’3” 6’1” 6’4” 5’10” 5’11”

Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION: Mason Haxton Hoisington Cason Richardson Hesston Brett Sarwinski Galena Gabe Garber Sabetha Camdyn Melchiori Caney Valley Jackson Stoppel Holcomb Garrett Harmison Riley County Brady Klotz Royal Valley Carson Jacobs Hays - TMP Koen Hula Council Grove Jack Caudle Maur Hill Prep Andrew Leonard Nemaha Central

6’ 6’1” 5’10” 5’11” 6’1” 6’ 6’2” 6’4” 6’8” 6’3” 6’4” 6’

Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

GALENA BULLDOGS

ST. MARYS BEARS

WICHITA COLLEGIATE SPARTANS

Courtesy Photo

Crystal Hurla

Pete Iseman Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 67

FRONTENAC Booster Club

Proudly supporting Frontenac High School students and athletes!

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3A BASKETBALL KBCA

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 69

2020 State Semifinalists

Faith Paramore

Karenna Gerber HALSTEAD

FRONTENAC RAIDERS

Alleigh Kramer

NEMAHA CENTRAL

Emily Weathers

SCOTT COMMUNITY

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 Susan Hogard

PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Faith Paramore Kylee Scheer Karenna Gerber Alleigh Kramer Emily Weathers

Dianna Schutte

SCHOOL

HEIGHT GRADE

Haven 5’11” Cheney 5’8” Halstead 6’2” Nemaha Central 5’10” Scott Community 5’10”

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

Hesston Wellsville Osage City Trinity Academy Philipsburg

5’10” 5’7” 5’4” 6’0” 5’7”

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr.

Honorable Mention: Sara Yutzy Haven 5’11” Mikyn Hamlin Hugoton 5’8” Chazni Ptacek Eureka 5’8” Sami Bartels Marysville 5’10” Sara Thomson Riley County 5’4” Brynn McCormick Scott Community 5’7” Jill Stephens Colby 5’10” Hallie Vaughn Colby 5’7” Taighe Weeter Goodland 5’7” Addysin Scarrow Galena 5’6” Karma Fields Frontenac 5’5” Rayna Jasper Anderson County 5’5” Mia Sarwinski Galena 5’3”

Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr.

SECOND TEAM: Elise Kaiser Demi Aamold Hayden Serna Austin Broadie Taryn Sides

HALSTEAD DRAGONS

Kylee Scheer CHENEY

NCHS Yearbook

HAVEN

Marcia Matthies

Jean Nance

Halstead Yearbook

CHENEY CARDINALS

Jean Nance

Kristy Ehart

All-State First Team

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Conor Nicholl, for Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

2A BOYS In the 2019 state quarterfinals, Bishop Seabury lost, 63-61, to Ness City when NC hit a pair of buzzer-beaters, the first to send the game to overtime, and the second to win the contest. Ness City went on to capture the state crown.

This winter, Seabury was ranked No. 1 in 2A all winter and looked to reach the first state title game in school history.

Third-year coach Jonathan Raney had played and coached at Fort Hays, served as the head men’s coach at Labette County CC and a high school assistant at Barstow (Mo.). He labeled ’19-20 Seabury one of the most unselfish, most competitive, hardest working and highest character squads he’d ever been around. This year, Seabury capped its season with a 72-45 win versus Valley Heights in the state quarterfinals.

The Seahawks set school records for wins in a single season (22), most wins in a row (15), average margin of victory (plus-32 per game), points per contest (71.2) and total points scored (1,711). Seabury went 22-2 and was featured on ESPN personality Scott Van Pelt’s Sports Center in recognition of standout teams/seniors from across the country.

Cobe Green played in just two games as a junior because of a medical condition that required heart surgery. He averaged 11 points and four rebounds a game and will play at Baker. Junior Zach Bloch delivered 17.7 points a game despite battling injury. He has DI interest from Nebraska-Omaha, among others. Sophomore post Juju Ramirez has earned attention from Wichita State after 15.9 points and 9.3 boards a game.

Garden Plain (19-5) was set to face Seabury in the semifinals. No. 8 seed Hillsboro (15-9) defeated top-seeded Pratt-Skyline, 57-51, handing the T-birds just their seond loss of the season (21-2). As well, Sterling (20-4) advanced to the semifinals behind Tyus Wilson, a 7-foot high jumper.

2A

Page 71

STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS: BISHOP SEABURY GARDEN PLAIN HILLSBORO STERLING

2A GIRLS The 2A girls’ semifinalists came from four different parts of the state: Valley Heights in the northeast, WaKeeney-Trego in the northwest, Spearville in southwest, and Garden Plain in the Wichita area. Trego and Spearville returned at least 80 percent of its scoring from ’19, while Valley Heights had six players back who started at some point the year prior.

Additionally, Spearville’s Ehlaina Hartman, Trego’s Lili Shubert and Valley Heights’ Sam Vermetten all went over 1,000 career points. Hartman signed with Emporia State basketball and earned all-state honors as well as 2A volleyball player of the year honors. Shubert will be a senior this fall.

Both Trego and Garden Plain reached the 2A semifinals in ’19, but did not play each other. Garden Plain captured the 3A title in ’18 and 2A in ’19. GP lost its top-three scorers off the ’19 squad and coach Kody Kasselman retooled around seniors Kennedy Horacek and Natasha Dooley, juniors Madysen Zoglman and Alli Puetz and soph. Brooke Hammond.

The Owls went 19-5 and defeated Sterling in the state quar-

GIRLS SEMIFINALISTS: GARDEN PLAIN SPEARVILLE TREGO VALLEY HEIGHTS

terfinals, a rematch of the ’19 state title. Garden Plain allowed 66 points per 100 possessions in ’19-20, much better than its state team which allowed 73 points per 100 possessions.

Horacek led GP with 10.3 points per contest.

Trego, paced by coach Donnie Shubert and its trademark pack-line defense, set a bevy of school records en route to a 23-1 mark. Trego had the most wins, the most regular season victories, longest win streak and fewest points allowed per game in Golden Eagle annals. Trego allowed just 30 points a contest, which shattered the record of 35.2 points per game allowed the year before.

Trego allowed 52 points per 100 possessions, Spearville 53. However, Garden Plain and Trego were more deliberate at 54 and 56 possessions a contest. Spearville, known for its uptempo offense, delivered 63 possessions a game and had multiple blowout wins versus quality teams, including 77-52 at Elkhart in the sub-state title game, and 55-41 versus Colgan in the first round of state. Spearville was 24-0, and Valley Heights finished 22-2.

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Brian Rios

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SECOND TEAM: Cody Beardsley Tyler Dreiling Cameron Heiman Stavian Jones Tyus Wilson

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All-State First Team

Lawrence Journal-World

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

6’2” 6’4” 5’10” 5’9” 6’6”

Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION: Britton Dutton Ellinwood 6’ Zach Eck Ellis 6’1” Sam Fisher Pratt-Skyline 5’10” Steve Fisher Pratt-Skyline 5’8” Brady Frickey Ellis 5’11” Cobe Green Bishop Seabury 6’ Lucas Hammeke Hutch-Trinity 6’ David Hammeke Ellinwood 6’2” Tate Herrenbruck Salina-Sacred Heart 5’10” Austin Hilton Belle Plaine 6’1” Devin Loudermilk West Elk 6’3” Matt Pauly Garden Plain 5’9” Charlie Russell Trego Community 6’4” Theron Wedel Medicine Lodge 6’1” Matthew Vail Erie 6’2”

Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr So. So. Sr.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

GARDEN PLAIN OWLS

HILLSBORO TROJANS

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2A BASKETBALL KBCA Page 73

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SPEARVILLE

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PLAINVILLE

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GARDEN PLAIN OWLS

TREGO COMMUNITY

SPEARVILLE LANCERS

VALLEY HEIGHTS MUSTANGS

Samantha Vermetten VALLEY HEIGHTS

Josie Weishaar JEFF CO. NORTH

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

PLAYER SCHOOL HEIGHT GRADE FIRST TEAM: Aubree Dewey Plainville 5’8” Sr. Ehlaina Hartman Spearville 6’ Sr. Lili Shubert Trego Community 5’8” Jr. Samantha Vermetten Valley Heights 5’8” Sr. Josie Weishaar Jefferson Co. North 5’9” Sr. SECOND TEAM: Kylie Dohl Kennedy Horacek Kara Koester Madelyn Koop Kylee Massey

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All-State First Team

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2020 State Semifinalists

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Mandie Kinderknecht

VHS Yearbook

Jackson Heights 5’8” Garden Plain 5’5” Conway Springs 5’10” West Elk 5’10” Northern Heights 6’

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

Honorable Mention: Kali Briar Sterling 5’8” Laeh Dean Wichita-Independent 5’8” Alexis Hansen Republic County 5’4” Makinzie Higgs Chase County 5’9” Danielle Howard Uniontown 5’8” Haley Hughes Hutch-Trinity 5’9” Jordan Lowrie Oakley 5’9” Megan McLendon West Elk 5’7” Tia Moodlemog Canton-Galva 5’8” Chevelle Ralstin Elkhart 5’9” Autymn Schreinder Wabaunsee 5’8” Emma Toerber Valley Heights 5’9” Teegan Werth Hillsboro 5’8”

So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

*KBCA All-State teams were chosen by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. For more information on the KBCA visit www.kansaskbca.com.

T E C H N I C A L E D U C AT I O N

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

By Conor Nicholl, for Kansas Pregame The 2020 KSHSAA state basketball tournament was cut short following the quarterfinals amid fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. Find a recap of the quarterfinal action below and a look at the KBCA All-State teams and photos of all eight semifinalists on the pages that follow.

1A BOYS Around 9 p.m. on March 12, St. John coach Clint Kinnamon stood at the end of the walkway that led from the court to the locker rooms and watched the unfortunate scene unfurl.

The day prior, Kinnamon’s Tigers easily defeated Frankfort, 59-38, in the Class 1A state quarterfinals at United Wireless Arena. SJ would have faced Little River in the semifinals.

Both teams were 23-3.

The teams, located 67 miles apart on US-281 and US-56, featured St. John 6-foot-7 senior Tanner Halling and Little River junior Jayden Garrison. Halling recorded 17 points, nine rebounds and six blocks per contest.

LR had reached state for the first time in 20 years and opened with a 65-46 win versus St. Francis. Garrison averaged 23 points a game and joined Halling on the KBCA All-State first team.

St. John and Little River were expected to play in the semifinals March 13 in possibly the de facto state championship game. In the bracket’s top half, No. 8 seed Stockton (15-11) upset previously undefeated Berean Academy, 38-33.

The Tigers would face Coldwater-South Central (21-5) in the other semifinals. SC was at state for the first time since the consolidation of Protection and Coldwater and had lost to St. John in the regular season.

However, the highly anticipated St. John/Little River match-up never occurred – and neither did any of the state semifinals from the other venues.

March 12 was the four girls’ state quarterfinals contests.

At 8:42 p.m., Central Plains’ girls were sitting in the stands – roughly 40 feet from the walkway – and immediately started crying once they found out the tournament was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns. Boys’ players had come to UWA to get on the court after Otis-Bison/Hanover, the final girls’ game, had finished. However, once the news broke, they sat against the wall near the locker room, sobbing as O-B/Hanover continued to play.

Kinnamon, in his 19th year at St. John, and one of the state’s most successful coaches, watched the scene: the boys and girls crying, the game, suddenly much less meaningful in terms of state championship qualifying, still playing.

Kinnamon, who recently announced his acceptance of an offer to become the new head coach at Wichita East, stood next to the walkway for a period of time.

While many players voiced displeasure on social media after the cancellation, Kinnamon was one of the few coaches who posted on Twitter in the immediate aftermath.

“Very proud of this group,” Kinnamon wrote. “Not just in

1A

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STATE BASKETBALL 2020

BOYS SEMIFINALISTS: LITTLE RIVER SOUTH CENTRAL ST. JOHNS STOCKTON

what they’ve accomplished on the court, but also how they represent our community. #sjhoops.”

1A GIRLS Kansas men’s basketball cancelled its Big 12 tournament game around noon on March 12. A few hours later, the NBA suspended operations because of coronavirus. However, KSHSAA elected to continue state tournament play that afternoon, including the Class 1A girls’ quarterfinals from Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena.

The first game yielded an 18-point fourth quarter comeback in a 48-46 win by Centralia against Cunningham. In the second contest, Olpe controlled Norwich, 59-43. Among others, longtime Olpe assistant Carolyn Davis and Central Plains standout sophomore Kassidy Nixon were focused more on the tournament than the coronavirus related cancellations.

In the third game, Central Plains rolled over Ingalls, 93-47, and moved to 26-0. The Oilers bumped their state record winning streak to 136 games. Senior point guard Emily Ryan, an Iowa State commit, became the third player in state history to clear 3,000 career points. She finished with 20 points, six steals, five rebounds and five assists. The four seniors – all starters - exited the game with 3 minutes, 8 seconds left in the third, and Central Plains ahead 71-18.

It marked the last game for Ryan. After the contest, Central Plains was sitting in the stands watching Otis-Bison/Hanover.

At 8:42 p.m., CP learned KSHSAA cancelled the rest of the tournament because of the coronavirus. Jeremy Holaday, the KSHSAA assistant executive director, was on site in Dodge City. On March 12, state officials, including the governor’s office, delivered a “state of emergency” for Kansas.

“Obviously there’s a lot of outside influences when stuff like this takes place,” Holaday said.

Central Plains players quickly become emotional. Ryan and

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her teammates prepared to exit UWA around 9 p.m.

Ryan and Central Plains set a bevy of state records, according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. She holds marks for career field goal percentage (73.8), single season field goal percentage (79.6), steals (599) and tied for career free throw percentage (90.5). Ryan said her favorite memory involved playing with her teammates.

In the final game of the night, Hanover beat Otis-Bison, 41-36 at 9:40 p.m. UWA followed with an official in-house announcement. Hanover coach Chris Beikmann gave senior Tianna Lohse, a four-year player and eventual Cloud County basketball signee, a big hug on the court after the win. Lohse, like Ryan, was in tears.

“Just a lot of disappointment,” Ryan said. “We’ve put a lot into the season, and into our high school careers, and we had no idea that this was the end, and now it’s here, and it’s really hard.”

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ST. JOHN

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Devan McEwen LEBO

SOUTH CENTRAL TIMBERWOLVES

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BEREAN ACADEMY

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 PLAYER SCHOOL HEIGHT GRADE FIRST TEAM: Jayden Garrison Little River 6’1” Jr. Tanner Halling St. John 6’7” Sr. Devan McEwen Lebo 6’3” Jr. Aaron Skidmore South Gray 6’1” Jr. Chase Wiebe Berean Academy 6’0” Jr. SECOND TEAM: Owen Alexander Quinn Buessing Brayden Sadler Vance Shewey Steele Wolters

South Central Axtell Udall Meade Osborne

THIRD TEAM: Adam Albertini Xavier Frazier Kamble Haverkamp Brady Palen Drew Stutesman

St. Paul South Central Centralia Beloit-St John’s/Tipton Madison

5’7” 6’4” 6’0” 6’3” 6’2”

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

Honorable Mention: Brody Barr Taylor Cable Brady Deges Avery Gatzemeyer Grant Gillum Ethan Hildebrand Kobe Hoover Kaden Ott Marshall Woolf Cooper Zenger

Blue Valley-Randolph 6’4” Ness City 6’1” South Gray 5’7” Valley Falls 6’1” Meade 6’2” Stafford 6’5” Washington County 5’8” Lebo 6’5” St. John 6’1” Kiowa County 5’10”

Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

6’4” 6’1” 5’10” 6’4” 5’10”

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

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All-State First Team

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

HANOVER

KBCA ALL-STATE TEAM 2020 PLAYER FIRST TEAM: Emily Ryan Lauryn Dubbert Macy Smith Madeleine Wiltse Tianna Lohse

SCHOOL

HEIGHT GRADE

Central Plains 5’9” Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton 5’6” Olpe 5’4” Otis-Bison 6’2” Hanover 5’10”

CENTRALIA PANTHERS

Holly Haufler

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

SECOND TEAM: Addison Crites Brennan Kirchhoff Marley Heins Morgan Kramer Morgan Myers

Central Plains Thunder Ridge Olpe Centralia Cunningham

THIRD TEAM: Brooklynn Zoeller Hannah Reidy Kassidy Nixon Kennen Bradt Megan Foster

Blue Valley-Randolph Rural Vista Central Plains Frankfort Waverly

5’7” 5’7” 5’8” 5’9” 5’5”

Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

Honorable Mention: Ashley Stoll Bailey Darbyshire Brooke Wiebe Christy Wiebe Delaney Rugan Emily Green Josena Frame Josie Ibarra Kassie Miller Kelsey Hett Kennedy Becker Mallory Callihan Nelah Davis Sara McWilliams Trinity Lutters

Golden Plains 5’8” Hartford 5’9” Berean Academy 5’6” South Gray 5’10” Central Plains 5’6” Stafford 5’6” Kinsley 5’5” Hutch-Central Christian 5’7” Golden Plains 5’6” Centre 5’7” Centralia 5’11” Clifton-Clyde 5’9” Olpe 5’7” Waverly 5’10” Osborne 5’4”

Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr.

5’11” Sr. 5’3” Sr. 5’7” Jr. 5’7” Sr. 5’6” Jr.

HANOVER WILDCATS

OLPE EAGLES

Dan Thalmann/Washington County News

Maureen Smith

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

CROSS COUNTRY

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame Take a look back at the 2019 State Cross Country Championships with Gallagher Martin.

6A Boys: Washburn Rural placed two runners in the top 10 helping the Junior Blues to capture the 6A state title at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.

The Blues scored 86 points to win state over Olathe South, who scored 99 points. Mill Valley, whose girls’ squad won the 6A title, rounded out the top three with 111 points.

Washburn Rural was led by senior Caleb Wright’s sixth-place finish. Wright, a Baker University commit, ran the 5K course in 16:16.0. Senior Rylan Brown, who will run XC at Emporia State next year, was not too far behind in eighth place at 16:20.5.

The Blues received top-30 performances from senior Jordan Tremblay (24th, 16:36.6) and junior Arrik White (28th, 16:41.1) as well. Sophomore Alexander Holmes rounded out the top five for Washburn Rural by taking 51st at 17:06.7.

Senior Wyatt Allen and sophomore Spencer Haddock also competed for the state-champion Blues.

Olathe South finished a not-too-distant second despite no finishers in the top 10. In fact, Olathe South’s top runner was senior Jacob Berezoski who placed 19th at 16:34.1.

However, the Falcons placed four total runners in the top 30.

Sophomore Matthew Tolman was 23rd at 16:36.6, senior Kaleb Santisteban placed 25th at 16:37.4, and sophomore Rhys Allen took 27th at 16:40.4. Senior Justyn France rounded out the Olathe South top-five in 45th place at 16:57.4.

Individually, three runners ran the course in under 16 minutes, and a fourth came within .7 seconds of doing the same.

Manhattan junior Daniel Harkin won state with a time of 15:25.3 and was the only runner to average a sub-five minute mile at 4:57.5. Harkin was the runner-up to Asher Molina in 2018 and was seventh as a freshman in 2017.

Olathe Northwest junior Logan Read finished as state runner-up with a time of 15:58.1. Wichita North junior Michael Iyali (15:58.5), Lawrence Free State senior Charles Johnson (16:00.7), and Mill Valley senior Darius Hightower (16:09.9) rounded out the top five. Iyali was third for the second year in a row.

6A Girls: Two top-four finishers propelled the Mill Valley girls to their second straight 6A state championship.

Mill Valley won its first state title in program history in 2018, and won state title No. 2 one year later. The Jaguars scored 53 points, while Olathe West (76) and Olathe North (81) rounded out the top three.

Sophomore Katie Jo Schwartzkopf led Mill Valley with a second-place finish, covering the 5K course in 18:41.2.

Schwartzkopf won state last year as a freshman, but placed second this year to fellow sophomore Tori Wingrove of Blue Valley at 18:24.7.

Mill Valley senior Morgan Koca joined Schwartzkopf in the top five with a fourth-place finish at 18:56.9. Junior Molly Ricker gave the Jaguars a third top-15 finisher at 15th with a time of 19:35.3. Senior Jenna Walker (19:52.6) and junior Josie Taylor (19:54.7) rounded out the Mill Valley top five by placing 24th and 25th respectively.

Olathe West placed three runners in the top 15 en route to taking second. The future of the program looks bright for the Owls. Freshman Aubree Blackman placed third with a time of 18:53.7, sophomore Ava Wardlaw took eighth with a time of 19:07.2, and freshman Charis Robinson was 13th at 19:29.8.

Another Olathe West freshman, Paige Baker, placed 45th at 20:34, and junior Jenna Mullen was 34th at 20:16.5.

Individually, eight of the top 10 finishers were underclassmen.

Koca and Olathe North’s Sarah Whitaker (9th, 19:12.0) were the only seniors, the rest of the top 10 consisted of five sophomores and three freshmen.

5A Boys: Led by three top-10 finishes, the St. Thomas Aquinas boys won their sixth straight state championship dating

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STATE CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS CHAMPIONS:

6A: WASHBURN RURAL 5A: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 4A: BUHLER 3A: SOUTHEAST OF SALINE 2A: STANTON COUNTY 1A: BEREAN ACADEMY back to 2014. The boys now have 10 state championships in program history, with the earliest coming in 1994.

Senior Aiden Higgerson led the Saints with a third-place finish at 16:11.8. Higgerson was joined in the top 10 by sophomore, and younger brother, Ashton Higgerson (7th, 16:22.8) and sophomore Logan Seger (9th, 16:30.7).

Aquinas placed its top five runners all in the top 30, as sophomore Connor Klocke placed 26th at 17:02.0 and senior Nolan Mauk placed 28th at 17:03.2.

Junior Aidan Grantham (43rd, 17:20.8) and senior Brady Hall (66th, 17:43.0) were the reserves for the Saints.

Aquinas scored 59 points which was more than enough to secure a state title over Maize South, who finished with 99 points.

Andover rounded out the top three with 129 points.

Individually, Andover senior Ryan Kinnane, an Auburn commit, won state with a time of 15:48.4. Kinnane ran the only sub-16 race, as silver medalist Treyson True of Emporia finished at 16:08.7.

Higgerson placed third, while Bishop Carroll sophomore Carson McEachern (16:13.2) and Maize South senior Trey Rios (16:17.0) rounded out the top five.

5A Girls: The St. James Academy girls cross country team captured its second state championship in three years last fall.

St. James battled injuries in 2019, but the Thunder still boasted two of the top runners in the state. Led by seniors Katie Moore and Sarah Murrow, St. James won 5A with 73 points. Blue Valley Southwest made it close, scoring 82 points, with three top-10 runners, and Maize South rounded out the top three with 94 points.

Moore, an Iowa commit, finished second with a time of 18:41.1. She was joined by Murrow, an Iowa State commit, in the top 10. Murrow placed eighth at 19:22.7.

As if it wasn’t impressive enough to have two DI commits on a team, St. James boasted a third - Hannah Robinson (Kansas) but she missed the state meet due to an injury.

The Thunder flexed its depth with a pair of underclassmen.

Freshman Grace Heeb placed 23rd at 20:14.0, and sophomore Christine Znidarsic placed 25th at 20:20.1.

Junior Lily Myers rounded out the St. James top five with a 35th-place finish and a time of 20:40.5.

Blue Valley Southwest certainly had the fire power at the top to compete with St. James. Senior McKenna Polus placed fourth for the Timberwolves with a time of 18:58.5. She was followed by junior Gigi Loffredo’s sixth-place finish at 19:08.3, and junior Brinn Wilson’s ninth-place finish at 19:32.4.

Placing three runners in the top nine is a solid way to guarantee state hardware. The Timberwolves rounded out their top five with contributions from sophomore Nicole Giam (37th, 20:45.1) and junior Blake Holland (21:03.1).

Individually, Bishop Carroll sophomore Hope Jackson won state with a time of 18:17.9. Jackson was the only runner to average less than six minutes per mile at 5:53.0.

Moore finished second, while Maize South’s Alexa Rios (18:52.6), Polus, and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Allison Strathman (19:02.5) rounded out the top five.

4A Boys: The Buhler boys captured their second straight

GIRLS CHAMPIONS:

6A: MILL VALLEY 5A: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 4A: BUHLER 3A: NORTON 2A: STANTON COUNTY 1A: DONIPHAN WEST Class 4A State Championship in 2019, and the Crusaders are looking strong for next season as well. All seven Crusaders who competed at state last year will be back in 2020.

Scoring 95 points, Buhler outlasted second-place Wamego’s 107 points, while Tonganoxie and Winfield tied for third place with 108 points.

Tonganoxie owned the tiebreaker thanks to their reserve runners. Tonganoxie’s reserves were both freshmen - Benjamin Farrar finished 62nd and Brandon Wilson placed 81st.

Sophomore Tanner Lindahl was the top placer for Buhler in third at 16:45.82. Lindahl was Buhler’s only individual medalist, but BHS did place its top five runners in the top 40.

Junior Cordel Hendrickson took 28th at 17:47.64. The freshmen duo of Spencer Hines and Wyatt Bunce finished .23 seconds apart at 32nd and 33rd respectively. Sophomore Brayden Dressman rounded out the Buhler top five in 38th at 17:54.44, while junior Colton Lohrentz (59th, 18:26.03) and sophomore Hayden Keller (85th,19:18.24) also competed.

The top five finishers were all non-seniors, headlined by junior state champion Cormick Logue of Girard. Logue, the younger brother of four-time Big 12 champion Cailie Logue of Iowa State, won state with a time of 16:13.3. Topeka Hayden sophomore Tanner Newkirk was runner up with a time of 16:26.11.

Lindahl claimed third and was followed by Winfield junior Criag LaBrue and Tonganoxie freshman Eli Gilmore.

4A Girls: The Buhler girls captured the 4A State Championship and denied Baldwin a three-peat in the process.

Buhler scored 60 points for first while Baldwin scored 74 points and settled for second. Eudora was a close third, finishing with 76 points.

Buhler did not place any runners in the top 10, but did place all runners in the top 30. Senior Emma Willison led the Crusaders with an 11th-place finish at 20:12.43. Junior Leah Bentley was not too far behind, placing 13th at 20:33.22.

Junior Amaleigh Mattison secured Buhler’s third top-20 finish by taking 20th at 20:45.39. Senior Daycee DeWindt was 22nd at 20:56.63, while freshman Lindsay Warner rounded out the Buhler top five by taking 29th at 21:28.68.

Baldwin won state in 2017 and 2018 before taking second in 2019. Sophomore Riley Smith led the Bulldogs with a sixth-place finish at 19:49.9. Sophomore Jana Landreth was Baldwin’s second-highest finisher at 21st place in 20:51.53.

Junior Ambrynn Stewart (25th, 21:07.54) and senior Josephine Boyle (28th, 21:18.86) also finished in the top 30.

Eudora finished two points out of second place. Senior twins Riley and Reagan Hiebert gave the Cardinals two top-10 finishes with Riley fifth in 19:46.11 and Reagan 10th in 20:09.16.

Freshman Phoebe Fletcher will give Eudora a strong runner moving forward. Fletcher placed 18th at 20:39.51. Eudora’s next highest placer was junior Melia Martin in 41st place.

Individually, Chapman junior Taylor Briggs won state with a 19:00.5 time. Briggs won state by over 30 seconds, as Kansas City Piper freshman Grace Hanson placed second in 19:31.01.

Louisburg senior Trinity Moore (19:39.86), Fort Scott senior Macayla McClure (19:46.05) and Hiebert round out the top five.

continued on page 88

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Hannah Burks

Hayley Burks

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

HANNAH & HAYLEY BURKS

By Huey Counts, For Kansas Pregame Twin sisters Hannah and Hayley Burks had the first weekend of November highlighted on their calendar for more than four months. Not wanting to jinx themselves ahead of the 3A State Cross Country Championships that weekend, they woke up every morning, put in their miles and ran one 5K at a time.

Their focus paid off.

Racing at the beautiful Rim Rock Park course in Lawrence, the Beloit seniors finished second and third, respectively.

Hannah was second in 19 minutes, 33.9 seconds, while Hayley overtook defending champion Lexi Kats of Norton down the stretch for third with a PR of 19:47. It was the fourth consecutive season that both collected state medals and was their best collective effort since Hannah won gold and Hayley silver in the fall of 2017.

“Hayley and I always tell each other our goals and what we think we can do,” Hannah said, “but our main focus in all of our races is to run for God and give it our best.

“People always ask if we plan out who wins each race, but we don’t. We run to the best of our ability and see where it takes us.”

For the first six months of 2019, the sisters weren’t sure there would be a last high school cross country go-round, let alone one that had both reaching all-state status.

In late January of last year, Hannah started her day with an

easy 7-mile run and afterward went to her baby-sitting job.

While there, she was dancing with a 3-year-old, but while shaking her groove thing she felt a pop in her right hip.

The following morning, Hannah said when she couldn’t lift her right leg, she thought, “what the heck?“ She tried to ease back into her training, but after a few failed attempts at running, she realized that she didn’t have just a sore muscle; she was injured.

After visits to different physical therapists and doctors and collecting various opinions, one therapist determined her hip was misaligned and popped it back into place. She began rehabbing, but was still not able to run without pain until July.

That meant no track season for Hannah, no opportunity to defend the 3,200 title she had won with a personal best time of 11:43.65. Even tougher to swallow, was not being able to run with her twin and best friend, Hayley.

The Burks have had the luxury of having a built-in running buddy all of their lives, but they also have a robust competitive streak because of it. It’s part of what makes them such gritty performers.

“We do everything workout-wise together,” Hayley said. “I push her, she pushes me. We both really enjoy being around each other, we’re best friends, best competitors, we’re really blessed to have each other.

“It was really hard for both of us, especially my sister. But she was always there and if I needed anything I could talk to her about it. She supported me all the time.”

In early March five of the state’s top cross country runners from the Class of 2020 gathered at Kansas Weselyan University to talk about their success in high school and their plans for the future. Their features, brought to you by Kansas Wesleyan University Athletics, appear on pages 80 and 81.

For more about the athletic and academic opportunities available at Kansas Weselyan University visit www.kwu.edu or find them on social media.

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

KYLER KANIPER

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame Silver Lake’s Kyler Kaniper hasn’t been running cross country long, but he’s picked the sport up quickly. Kaniper finished his brief high school cross country career with a second-place finish at the 3A State Meet last November. The senior helped lead Silver Lake to a second-place finish as a team, finishing nine points behind state champions Southeast of Saline.

State became a two-team race, as Norton was a distant third.

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BELOIT HIGH SCHOOL

The 2019 state track meet came and went without Hannah, who had held out hope that just maybe she’d be ready by regionals, but Hayley’s solo act went well as she placed seventh in both the 1,600 (5:36.88, PR) and 3,200 (12:28.26) Less than two months later, Hannah was able to run without pain and the dynamic duo began training for their final assault on the 3A distance field.

They went back and forth much of the season, before Hannah topped Hayley on consecutive weekends, first at the Ellsworth Invitational and then the 3A Regional at Norton.

Going into the state meet, the sisters knew they had their work cut out for them in a field that included the returning champ in Kats and Southeast of Saline’s Jentrie Alderson, a transfer from Salina South with the fastest time in 3A. “Going in, knowing the competition, the plan was just to do the same things we’ve done all season,” Hayley said, “try hard, pace ourselves and don’t go out too fast - which I’ve done in the past - and enjoy every second.”

Alderson took a commanding lead early, leaving the Burks and Kats jockeying for the next three spots. With about 1,000 meters left, Hannah made her move, leaving the other two running side by side for about the next 300 meters. Then Hayley pulled away to grab the third-place behind her sister.

“We knew Jentrie was a really good competitor and if I would have tried to stay up with her the likelihood of me finishing (second) would have been less,” said Hannah, who trailed the winner by 53 seconds. “I still tried to, but it wasn’t like I was on her tail or anything.”

Hayley battled Kats nearly the entire race and knew she’d have to dig deep down the final stretch.

“You hit that point where you cannot be satisfied,” she said.

“Lexi is really good, but I can’t just be satisfied, I have to reach for that next place.”

The next place for cross country will be at Fort Hays State, where Kats will become one of the twins’ teammates. There was never any doubt the sisters would continue being teammates at the collegiate level.

“We wanted to go together ever since we were little, she’s my lifelong friend,” said Hannah, adding with a laugh, “and I know who I’m dorming with so I don’t have to worry about whether she cleans up or not.”

SILVER LAKE HIGH SCHOOL

Kaniper saved his best performance for last. At state, Kaniper ran a personal record of 16:39.9.

“Going into state, we really wanted to win as a team,” Kaniper said. “It was us and Southeast of Saline. We each had a guy that we were close to, and we each had a guy that we had to beat. I didn’t end up beating Dylan Sprecker because he ended up winning and I took second, but they also had two other guys step up in the top five, and I had to make sure I beat them, too.”

Kaniper did not start running cross country until his junior year. As a junior, Kaniper played football on Friday’s and only ran cross country when he had the time on weekends.

“The only other distance running I had done was in junior high when I did the 800,” Kaniper said. “Halfway through my sophomore year I did the 800 again.”

Kaniper credits his teammates on the 3200 meter relay in track for his interest in cross country.

“We were basically like brothers,” Kaniper said. “We still are after cross country season. We’re really, really close friends.”

While still playing football as a senior, Kaniper began to put more effort into cross country. His senior year, Kaniper says he only missed one or two cross country meets.

“I realized how much more I liked cross country, so I decid-

ed to do that a little more than I did the year before.”

Kaniper made an immediate impact in cross country. At his first career meet, Kaniper medaled at Rim Rock.

“I think I ended up getting 14th place,” Kaniper recalled.

Kaniper made significant improvement in just two seasons.

“I have definitely gotten a lot faster,” Kaniper said. “I feel like I’m stronger and more confident when I’m running. I barely made all-state as a junior, and then this year I was competing for a state title.”

Earning all-state in his first season was eye opening.

“I felt like I was pretty good, and I was only going to keep working and see how much better I could get,” Kaniper said.

“I remember my first time running sub-17 minutes was at Rim Rock my senior year, that’s when I realized I can get even better.”

On the football field, Kaniper helped guide Silver Lake to an undefeated regular season and earned all-league honors as a d-back. The Eagles fell to Riley County, 14-7, in the playoffs.

At the college level, Kaniper wants to run cross country over football, and plans to do so at Washburn.

“I’m very happy with how my cross country career ended in high school, and I’m going to continue in college,” Kaniper said.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

RYAN KINNANE

ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame Ryan Kinnane played multiple sports at Andover High School. As a freshman, he didn’t know cross country would be his best.

“I didn’t think I would make it this far, honestly,” Kinnane said at the Kansas Pregame photo shoot in March.

As a junior, Kinnane developed Division I aspirations.

“Between my sophomore and junior years I improved the most. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a runner,” Kinnane said. “I was deciding between being a runner and baseball, and that’s when I realized I was better at running.”

Kinnane credits his practice with former teammate Asher Moen - now a member of Wichita State’s cross country team - for his improvement.

“He is a big reason I started running a lot more,” Kinnane said.

Kinnane capped off his high school career with an individual state championship at the 5A state meet last November. At 15:48.4, Kinnane won with ease. Emporia’s Treyson True

KATIE MOORE Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Page 81

ST. JAMES ACADEMY

with a team win, which is the best thing that could have happened.”

Overall, Moore says it has been a privilege to compete for St. James Academy.

“I’ve been super blessed with the opportunity to have great coaches and great teammates who want to work hard,” Moore said. “I think the overall culture of the team has contributed to our continued success over the past few years.”

Moore is one of three seniors on the St. James girls cross country who will continue their athletic careers at the Division I level.

Moore will attend the University of Iowa next year.

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame When Katie Moore first started cross country in sixth grade, she described the experience as “painful.”

But for some reason, she continued to run.

“I remember I was really competitive, and I just wanted to run as fast as I could,” Moore said.

Moore’s competitiveness drove her to new heights once she entered high school. She finished her senior season with a second-place finish at the 5A State Cross Country Meet.

As a team, St. James won the state championship.

“It was a little bit of a rough season with some upper-classmen injuries, but it was great that we got it pulled together

finished second covering the 5K course in 16:08.7.

As a team, Andover finished third in 5A. Andover finished top three at state in all four years of Kinnane’s career.

Although a state title eluded Andover during that stretch, Kinnane can look back at his high school career with satisfaction.

“We were hoping to win. We never quite got there, but we had some really good years,” Kinnane said.

Kinnane is headed to Auburn next year to continue his cross country career. Multiple factors influenced his decision, including the fact his father is an Auburn graduate.

“My family is from Alabama, my dad went to Auburn, and I’ve always been an Auburn fan,” Kinnane said. “When I took a visit there, I loved it.”

Kinnane also plans on becoming a pilot, which is a program Auburn offers.

“I also considered Central Missouri and Embry-Riddle in Florida because they both have good flight programs,” Kinnane said.

In early March five of the state’s top cross country runners from the Class of 2020 gathered at Kansas Weselyan University to talk about their success in high school and their plans for the future. Their features, brought to you by Kansas Wesleyan University Athletics, appear on pages 80 and 81.

For more about the athletic and academic opportunities available at Kansas Weselyan University visit www.kwu.edu or find them on social media.

“I really liked how structured the program was,” Moore said.

“It was really similar to St. James. Everyone wants to be there and wants to make the team culture the best it can be.”

Teammate Sarah Murrow is going to Iowa State. While the two Iowa schools are not in the same conference, it is likely they will see each other at non-conference meets.

“It’s a friendly rivalry, of course,” Moore said. “It will be fun seeing her at meets and wishing her luck. We’ll always want the best for each other.”

Hannah Robinson is the third St. James senior going Division I. Robinson will see Moore in the Big 12 at Kansas.

Moore says the senior class trio is a close group, and they are always pushing each other to be better.

“We’ve been very close, and our ability to push each other has brought us together in a special way,” Moore said. “It’s really cool that we can all train together and be each other’s biggest competitors as well as our biggest supporters.”

In track and field, St. James won its second state championship in program history last year. In Moore’s first two seasons, the team finished as state runner-up.

“It was a great feeling to win state,” Moore said. “We wanted to pull together for our coach [Greg Bomhoff], who has been wanting it the past few years. It was kind of a weird meet.

With rain delays it extended into Sunday which was super weird, but it was a great feeling to see everyone work so hard to contribute to an overall victory.”

ST. JAMES ACADEMY

JARAD M. WAITE, O.D. 202 NW 15th St, Abilene, KS 67410

sjathunder.org

(785)263-2020

www.familyeyecareofabilene.com

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 82

6A CROSS COUNTRY

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS CHAMPION: WASHBURN RURAL

BOYS RUNNER-UP: OLATHE SOUTH

MANHATTAN

OLATHE NORTHWEST

Michael Iyali

Kimberly Hewitt

Logan Read

Brian Geary

Daniel Harkin

Alycia Jiskra

Courtesy Photo

WICHITA NORTH

Courtesy Photo

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Daniel Harkin Logan Read Michael Iyali Charles Johnson Darius Hightower Caleb Wright Bramwel Kosgei Rylan Brown Ryan Schmideskamp Ethan Sharp

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Manhattan Olathe Northwest Wichita North Lawrence Free State Mill Valley Washburn Rural Olathe North Washburn Rural Olathe East Lawrence Free State

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: OLATHE WEST

GIRLS CHAMPION: MILL VALLEY

BLUE VALLEY

MILL VALLEY

Aubree Blackman OLATHE WEST

Josh Umphrey

Josh Umphrey

Katie Jo Schwartzkopf

Debbie Greenfield

Sandi Dobbles

Missy Walker

Tori Wingrove

15:25.3 15:58.1 15:58.5 16:00.7 16:09.9 16:16.0 16:19.9 16:20.5 16:21.7 16:22.3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tori Wingrove Katie Jo Schwartzkopf Aubree Blackman Morgan Koca Hannah Gibson Alexis Dockstader Kaylee Tobaben Ava Wardlaw Sarah Whitaker Paige Mullen

So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr.

Blue Valley Mill Valley Olathe West Mill Valley SM South Olathe North Olathe North Olathe West Olathe North SM Northwest

18:24.7 18:41.2 18:53.7 18:56.9 19:00.7 19:04.2 19:06.6 19:07.2 19:12.0 19:12.1

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 83

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS CHAMPION: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

5A CROSS COUNTRY BOYS RUNNER-UP: MAIZE SOUTH

Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr.

Andover Emporia St. Thomas Aquinas Bishop Carroll Maize South Goddard St. Thomas Aquinas Lansing St. Thomas De Soto

15:48.4 16:08.7 16:11.8 16:13.2 16:17.0 16:17.3 16:22.8 16:23.1 16:30.7 16:33.8

Ryan Kinnane ANDOVER

Treyson True

Alycia Jiskra/Kansas MileSplit

Ryan Kinnane Treyson True Aiden Higgerson Carson McEachern Trey Rios Austin Fullerton Ashton Higgerson Liam Neidig Logan Seger Carson Sturdy

Huey Counts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Amy Decker

Ronald Kinnane

Carol Higgerson

EMPORIA

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: BV SOUTHWEST

GIRLS CHAMPION: ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Bishop Carroll St. James Academy Maize South BV Southwest St. Thomas Aquinas BV Southwest Kapaun St. James Academy BV Southwest Maize

18:17.9 18:48.1 18:52.6 18:58.5 19:02.5 19:08.3 19:22.0 19:22.7 19:32.4 19:39.3

Hope Jackson

BISHOP CARROLL

Katie Moore ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Huey Counts

So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So.

Huey Counts

Hope Jackson Katie Moore Alexa Rios McKenna Polus Allison Strathman Gigi Loffredo Addie Curtis Sarah Murrow Brinn Wilson Zoie Ecord

Courtesy Photo

Huey Counts

Rod Murrow

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Aiden Higgerson

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Alexa Rios

MAIZE SOUTH

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

4A CROSS COUNTRY BOYS CHAMPION: BUHLER

Page 84

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS RUNNER-UP: WAMEGO

GIRARD

TOPEKA HAYDEN

Tanner Lindahl

Dan and Kelley Whisler

Tanner Newkirk

Kevin Newkirk

Cormick Logue

Huey Counts

Dan and Kelley Whisler

BUHLER

GIRLS CHAMPION: BUHLER

Annie Wolfe

1 Cormick Logue 2 Tanner Newkirk 3 Tanner Lindahl 4 Craig LaBrue 5 Eli Gilmore 6 Owen Roellchen 7 Hunter Ulbrich 8 Jaret Pfizenmaier 9 Cole Bixler-Large 10 Brice Helton

Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Girard Topeka Hayden Buhler Winfield Tonganoxie KC Piper Girard Clay Center Clearwater Augusta

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: BALDWIN

CHAPMAN

KC PIPER

Trinity Moore LOUISBURG

Baldwin Cross Country Facebook

Andy Brown/Louisburg Sports Zone

Grace Hanson

Alex Walters/KS Milesplit

Huey Counts

Missy Walker

Taylor Briggs

16:13.30 16:26.11 16:45.82 16:51.35 16:54.66 16:54.73 16:55.94 17:00.44 17:07.96 17:08.21

1 Taylor Briggs 2 Grace Hanson

3 Trinity Moore 4 Macayla McClure 5 Riley Hiebert

6 Riley Smith 7 Grace Meyer 8 Adalynn Collins 9 Addie Hoeme

10 Reagan Hiebert

Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Sr.

Chapman KC Piper Louisburg Fort Scott Eudora Baldwin Bishop Miege Atchison Pratt

Eudora

19:00.05 19:31.01 19:39.86 19:46.05 19:46.11 19:49.90 19:51.37 20:07.25 20:07.27 20:09.16

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 85

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS CHAMPION: SE OF SALINE

3A CROSS COUNTRY BOYS RUNNER-UP: SILVER LAKE

So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

Southeast of Saline Silver Lake Norton Community Southeast of Saline Southeast of Saline Smoky Valley Scott Community Colby Silver Lake Norton Community

16:31.5 16:39.9 16:40.1 16:40.2 16:43.5 16:44.0 16:51.6 17:00.6 17:02.3 17:07.5

Dylan Sprecker

SILVER LAKE

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE

GIRLS CHAMPION: NORTON

Kyler Kaniper

Fig Millan

Dylan Sprecker Kyler Kaniper Connor Hall Dominic Jackson Luke Gleason Ryan Heline Eric Frances Ryan Voss Cameron TenEyck Ricky King

Jessica Sprecker

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Courtesy Photo

Jessica Sprecker

Jessica Sprecker

NORTON

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: SE OF SALINE

Southeast of Saline Beloit Beloit Norton Cimarron Silver Lake Columbus Southwestern Heights West Franklin Southeast of Saline

18:50.3 19:33.9 19:47.4 19:59.0 19.51:2 20:26.2 20:26.8 20:28.0 20:37.1 20:44.3

Jentrie Alderson

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE

Hannah Burks BELOIT

Jessica Sprecker

So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

Jessica Sprecker

Jentrie Alderson Hannah Burks Hayley Burks Lexi Kats Clara Bartlett Mariah Farmer Montana Ohmart Ozia Trujillo Emma Bailey Ashley Prochazka

Jessica Sprecker

Jessica Sprecker

Jessica Sprecker

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Connor Hall

Hayley Burks BELOIT

2A CROSS COUNTRY Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

BOYS CHAMPION: STANTON COUNTY

Page 86

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS RUNNER-UP: CENTRAL HEIGHTS

BISHOP SEABURY

Nicholas Martisko

Jay Parsons

Trevor Pentlin

JEFF COUNTY NORTH

Alexander Walters/KS Milesplit

Henry Nelson

Courtesy Photo

Merwyn Snowbarger

INMAN

Rockers Photography

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GIRLS CHAMPION: STANTON COUNTY

Henry Nelson Trevor Pentlin Nicholas Martisko Daniel Little Isaiah Barrera Chayse McCullough Asher Brown Morgan Becker Tyler Stevenson Samuel Pyle

Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.

Bishop Seabury Jeff County North Inman Jackson Heights Stanton County Plainville Remington Canton-Galva Central Heights Ellis

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: BENNINGTON

ELLINWOOD

Madelyn Russell ELLIS

Sybil Giefer

TREGO COMMUNITY

Ashlyn Harbaugh

Shannon Meier

Shannon Meier

Merwyn Snowbarger

Erin Hammeke

16:36.09 17:02.30 17:06.70 17:06.89 17:09.00 17:18.04 17:24.13 17:25.19 17:30.59 17:30.72

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Erin Hammeke Madelyn Russell Sybil Giefer Suzanne Farnham Alysia Wagner Oona Nelson Kate Dawson Ashlyn Harbaugh Emily Diercks Heidi Grimmett

Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. So.

Ellinwood Ellis Trego Community Stanton County KC Christian Bishop Seabury Jayhawk Linn Bennington Hoxie Marion

19:12.28 19:20.48 19:37.76 19:39.61 19:56.70 20:05.26 20:11.56 20:11.96 20:27.16 20:44.44

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

1A CROSS COUNTRY Page 87

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

BOYS CHAMPION: BEREAN ACADEMY

BOYS RUNNER-UP: AXTELL

Beloit-St. John’s Catholic Hutch-Central Christian Osborne Wakefield Olpe Axtell Osborne St. John Berean Academy La Crosse

16:22.97 16:49.49 17:03.58 17:11.12 17:11.38 17:19.03 17:21.57 17:37.59 17:50.15 17:50.38

Caleb Eilert

BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S

Collin Oswalt

Robin Bales

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Huey Counts

1 Caleb Eilert 2 Collin Oswalt 3 Cameron Delaney 4 Dalton Murray 5 Nolan Redeker 6 Quinn Buessing 7 Reagan Bales 8 AJ Miller 9 Andrew Janzen 10 Blake Pierce

Amy Smith

The Beloit Call

Berean Academy Athletics

GIRLS RUNNER-UP: BEREAN ACADEMY

GIRLS CHAMPION: DONIPHAN WEST

19:11.33 19:48.14 20:10.50 20:32.79 20:37.10 21:04.35 21:20.45 21:24.43 21:25.10 21:26.45

Jaycee Vath LINCOLN

Madison Sutterfield MEADE

Shannon Meier

Lincoln Meade Olpe Doniphan West Berean Academy Washington County Centralia Beloit-St. John’s Goessel Central Plains

Shannon Meier

Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr.

Berean Academy Athletics

Shannon Meier

Chris Lackey

1 Jaycee Vath 2 Madison Sutterfield 3 Macy Smith 4 Elle Williams 5 Brooke Wiebe 6 Natalie Roepke 7 Olivia Kuckelman 8 Jane Letourneau 9 Elyse Boden 10 Hannah Redetzue

Cameron Delaney OSBORNE

HUTCH-CEN. CHRISTIAN

Macy Smith OLPE

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 from page 79 3A Boys: Southeast of Saline was dominant at state, placing three runners in the top five, but Silver Lake did everything in its power to keep up.

In the end, Southeast of Saline won its second straight state championship by a ninepoint margin over Silver Lake. Norton, who placed third, was 73 points away from state runner-up Silver Lake at 117.

All seven Southeast of Saline runners who competed at state in 2019 will be back next year, including sophomore state champion Dylan Sprecker. Sprecker, who placed 18th at state as a freshman, won the 2019 race with a time of 16:31.5.

Junior Dominic Jackson finished three-tenths of a second from second place, but ended up taking fourth at 16:40.2. State runner up Kyler Kaniper of Silver Lake finished at 16:39.9, and bronze medalist Connor Hall of Norton was a very close third at 16:40.1.

Junior Luke Gleason gave the Trojans their third top-five finish by taking fifth with a time of 16:43.5. Southeast of Saline freshman Damion Jackson also aided the cause, taking 13th at 17:12.4. Junior Andrew Hanson gave the Trojans five runners in the top 30 with a 26thplace finish at 17:36.9.

Silver Lake put up a formidable fight, led by Kaniper’s silver medal. The Eagles placed five runners in the top 20, but the SES firepower at the top was too much to overcome.

Silver Lake sophomore Cameron TanEyck placed ninth at 17:02.3, freshman Kamryn Kaniper was 18th at 17:22.4, and freshman Mason Brokaw finished 20th at 17:28.4.

3A Girls: The Norton girls prevented Southeast of Saline from sweeping the state championships. Norton scored 75 points to top Southeast of Saline’s 93 points, while Southwestern Heights claimed third with 96 points.

Norton was led by senior Lexi Kats’ fourthplace finish at 19:50. Junior Hannah Bailey also finished in the top 20 for the Bluejays, taking 19th at 20:59.6.

Freshman Jaelyn Rumback was on the verge of a top-20 finish, but settled for 21st (21:04.7).

Sophomore Catherine Hall gave Norton its fourth top-30 finish in 26th place, and senior Dianna Douglas placed 42nd at 22:04.7.

Southeast of Saline placed two runners in the top 10, including state champion Jentrie Alderson. Alderson, a sophomore, won state with ease, finishing at 18:50.3. Alderson was the only runner who ran a sub-19 minute race.

Southeast of Saline freshman Ashley Prochazka finished 10th at 20:44.3. The Trojans could not match the depth of Norton, however, as their next highest placer was sophomore Mallorie Pearson at 30th.

Four of the top five individual placers were seniors, with Alderson the lone exception. Runners who finished sixth through 10th, however, were all freshmen.

2A Boys: It was a banner year for the Johnson-Stanton County cross country program.

Both the boys and girls captured the state championship in Class 2A. The boys scored 40 points to edge Central Heights’ 48 points. Class 2A on the boys side became a two-team race, as Kansas City Christian was a distant third at 122 points.

Page 88 Stanton County senior Isaiah Barrera led his team at state, finishing fifth with a time of 17:09. Sophomore Spencer Schmidt finished just outside the top 10 at 11th with a time of 17:30.76. Senior Jarreth Carrasco also aided the SC cause by finishing 14th at 17:42.59.

Sophomores Colton Adams and Ryan Wenman were separated by about four seconds, and went back to back at 25th and 26th respectively. Sophomore Uziel Carrasco placed 30th, as all five Trojans placed in the top 30.

Senior Arnoldo Mendoza and placed 63rd as a reserve for Stanton County.

State runner-up Central Heights also placed five runners in the top 30, including three runners in the top 20. Senior Tyler Stevenson led the way with a ninth-place finish at 17:30.59.

Senior Alex Cannady and junior Luke Cotter finished within about four seconds of each other, taking 18th and 20th place respectively.

Junior David Craft finished 23rd at 18:16.53, and senior Mason McCurry placed 27th.

Individually, Bishop Seabury senior Henry Nelson was the runaway state champion.

He capped off his high school career with a gold medal and a time of 16:36.09 - over 25 seconds faster than state runner up Trevor Pentlin of Jefferson County North. Pentlin, a junior, finished at 17:02.3. Inman’s Nicholas Martisko, Jackson Heights’ Daniel Little, and Barrera rounded out the top five.

2A Girls: Like the boys, the Johnson-Stanton County girls reigned supreme in Class 2A. Stanton County scored 80 points which was 26 less than state runner-up Bennington. Central Heights scored 110 for third, edging fourthplace finisher Rossville by five points.

Stanton County was led by freshman Suzanne Farnham’s fourth-place finish at 19:39.61. Farnham was one of three freshmen who finished in the top six, and one of four freshmen in the top 11 of state.

Junior Peyton Peterson finished the second highest of all Trojans, taking 15th place at 21:11.05. The Trojans placed three runners in the top 20 as junior Yessenia Ornelas took 19th place at 21:28.82.

Stanton County experienced a bit of a drop off outside their top three runners, but freshman Chesney Peterson (41st, 22:28.89) and junior Jordyn Tucker (49th, 22:51.68) did enough to help the team secure a state title.

Senior Caelyn Cook (55th, 23:22.51) and junior Jania Don Juan (59th, 23:47.57) also competed for the Trojans.

Bennington did not have the firepower to keep up, but did receive top-15 finishes from sophomore Ashlyn Harbaugh (8th, 20:11.96) and junior Peyton Piepho (13th, 21:09.78).

The race for an individual state championship between Ellinwood junior Erin Hammeke and Ellis freshman Madelyn Russell was decided by about eight seconds. Hammeke won gold with a time of 19:12.28, while Russell captured silver with a time of 19:20.48.

Trego Community senior Sybil Giefer

finished third with a time of 19:37.76, Farnham finished fourth, and KC Christian junior Alysia Wagner rounded out the top five with a time of 19:56.70.

Bishop Seabury freshman Oona Nelson, the younger sister of state champion Henry Nelson, was sixth at 20:05.26.

1A Boys: Berean Academy placed three runners in the top 20 en route to the Class 1A Boys State Cross Country Championship.

Berean Academy tallied 49 points to edge Axtell who scored 54 points. Beloit-St. John’s, led by state champion Caleb Eilert, tied with Osborne for third place with 62 points apiece.

Berean junior Andrew Janzen led the team with a ninth-place finish at 17.50.15. Janzen edged La Crosse’s Blake Pierce, who took 10th place at just .23 second behind Janzen.

Berean also received fire power from sophomore Eli Nord and junior Gavin Tucker. Nord finished 15th at 18:05.02, while Tucker took 17th place at 18:09.33.

Junior Trey Topham (34th, 18:46.70) and senior Seth Langenberg (38th, 19:02.63) rounded out the lineup, while junior Samuel Snook (39th, 19:06.04) and freshman Parker Stucky (78th, 21:16.86) served as reserves.

Axtell proved to be a formidable opponent for Berean. Senior Quinn Buessing capped off his cross country career with a sixth-place finish at 17:19.03 to lead the Eagles.

Buessing, a standout football, basketball, track and cross country athlete, took fourth place at state cross country as a junior and 11th place as a sophomore.

Fellow senior Clark Werner helped the Eagles to some hardware by taking 14th at 18:03.67. Senior Simon Scmitz (29th, 18:41.06), junior Mitchell Buessing (36th, 18:59.78), and senior Derek Buessing (61st, 19:58.67) rounded out the Axtell lineup. Junior Justin Ronnebaum (77th, 21:15.42) and George Volle (79th, 22:01.3) also competed.

Individually, Eilert won gold for Beloit-St. John’s by nearly 27 seconds. Eilert crossed the finish line at 16:22.97. Second-place finisher Collin Oswalt of Central Christian ran 16:49.49.

There was a slight pause after Oswalt, but action at the finish line picked back up starting with third-place finisher senior Cameron Delaney of Osborne at 17:03.58. Osborne was the only team with two top-10 finishers as junior Reagan Bales took seventh at 17:21.57.

1A Girls: Lincoln junior Jaycee Vath won her

second consecutive individual state championship, but it was not enough to help the Leopards repeat as Class 1A State Champions.

The race for a state championship was close, and Lincoln finished four points away from going back-to-back. Doniphan West won the championship with 62 points, Berean Academy finished second at 63 points, and Lincoln rounded out the top three at 66 points.

Sophomore Elle Williams was one of six Doniphan West underclassmen who competed at the state tournament. Williams led the Mustangs with a fourth-place finish at 20:32.79.

Williams was the only top-10 finisher for DW, but freshman Chloe Clevenger did finish 11th at 21:29.56. Freshman Claire Cole was not too far behind, taking 16th at 21:41.44.

The Mustangs did not have another finisher until freshman Lily Clark and sophomore Emma Albers placed 63rd and 65th respectively. Freshman Alyson Gobin also competed for Doniphan West and placed 67th.

Berean Academy came within one point of sweeping the state championship with the boys.

Senior Brooke Wiebe led the Warriors with a fifth-place finish at 20:37.1. Wiebe was the only Warrior in the top-20. Junior Sonya Zimmerman (22:26.84) and senior Ashtyn Matzek (22:51.98) placed 24th and 27th respectively.

Berean has a promising future with freshman Tayana Nord (51st, 24:11.54), freshman Kessa Case (57th, 24:39.18), sophomore Katherine Harms (58th, 24:39.54), and freshman Reagan Matzek (71st, 26:58.32) all seeing state experience as underclassmen.

Lincoln placed three runners in the top 31, but the graduation of Aubry Donley last spring state hurt their chances at a second straight state title.

The Leopards should be in good position to challenge for a top three finish again the fall. In addition to Vath, sophomore Raegan Stewart took 15th at 21:38.41, while sophomore Shelbie Ford placed 31st at 23:06.7. Sophomore Alex Biggs finished 59th at 24:46.38.

Vath ran away with the state championship with a time of 19:11.33. Meade’s Madison Sutterfield, a freshman, placed second with a time of 19:48.14.

Vath and Sutterfield were the only two runners who broke the 20-minute mark. Thirdplace finisher Macy Smith, a junior from Olpe, finished in a time of 20:10.5.

Congratulations LHS Cross County on your 2019 1A Girls State Cross Country Third Place Finish to go along with your 2018 1A State

Championship. A salute to junior Jaycee Vath on her second consecutive 1A individual State Championship

and to Steve Crist for earning Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year honors.

Photo by Shannon Meier

www.usd298.com

Berean Booster Club, proudly Committed to create a safe and positive learning environment, partnering supporting our student athletes with the community to invest in student and staff growth by promoting through a Christ-centered education! accountability and critical thinking skills to prepare for the 21st century.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

FOOTBALL

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STATE FOOTBALL 2019

Class 6A: Derby 63, Olathe North 26 Class 6A had several singular talents, including Lawrence Free State lineman Turner Corcoran and Topeka running back Ky Thomas, who signed with Nebraska and Minnesota, respectively, and were the top-two 2020 Kansas recruits.

Thomas rushed for 3,009 yards in 2019, sixth-most in a single season all-time in Kansas. He finished with 7,703 career yards, second-most in state annals. As well, Olathe North’s Arland Bruce IV accounted for 48 TDs and rushed for 2,487 yards.

Bruce, in the Class of 2021, committed to Iowa in late April.

However, individual stars were again no match for the Derby dynasty. The Panthers finished 13-0 and outscored teams, 701155, easily the best 6A scoring offense and defense.

Derby defeated Wichita West, 49-13, in the Round of 16. After Manhattan beat Lawrence Free State, the Panthers knocked out Manhattan, 56-0, in the quarterfinals. For the semifinals, Derby bested Topeka, 63-35. Topeka went 10-2 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1973.

In the finals, Derby dispatched Olathe North, 63-26. The Panthers set 6A title game records for points and total yards (674).

Under 15th-year head coach Brandon Clark, Derby has won 26 straight contests, and state crowns in ’13, ’15-16, and ’1819. Derby also took second in ’17. This Derby squad had the most points of any of Clark’s state title teams.

Lineman Alex Conn signed with Nebraska. D-lineman Tyler Dorsey and center Kevin Washington earned top 11 honors. QB Grant Adler was again injured, but 2021 QB Lem Wash stepped in and emerged as one of the top players in Kansas.

CN Class 5A: Mill Valley 40, Wichita Northwest 31 In 2016, Mill Valley played in the highly challenging Eastern Kansas League. MV lost four straight in midseason and stood at 3-4. The Jaguars then won six straight contests and earned a state title with a 9-4 record, a historically rare achievement of winning a state title with fewer than 10 wins.

Last season, the Jaguars opened 1-3 with three EKL losses, all by seven points apiece. That included a 28-21 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas. Then, Mill Valley won nine straight, including an 18-7 win at De Soto (10-1) in the state quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, MV held off Aquinas, 34-31, in OT, also a 10-1 squad. In the finals, the Jags beat its third straight team with a perfect record, outscoring Wichita NW (12-1), 40-31.

The game was tied at 31 with just over nine minutes left. MV put together a 93-yard drive highlighted by a 60-yard run from Tyler Green, a Dartmouth football signee.

In the semifinals, Northwest bested Maize, 80-42, and had state records for single game total yards (891) and first downs (43). NW QB Reagan Jones, a Missouri Western signee, accounted for 1,683 passing, 1,728 rushing and 39 total scores.

Led by coach Joel Applebee, the Jaguars won their third title in five years. MV had a three-win improvement from ’18 and allowed just 17 points per game. In late season, Applebee said he believed MV was led by its defense. D-lineman Ethan Kremer tallied 54 tackles, including a team-high 17.5 for loss.

“Ultimately, I believe our defense is really what’s carried us this year,” Applebee said. “They’ve done just a great job of putting our offense in great field positions, creating the turnovers they have, and coach (Drew) Hudgins is just one of the best coaches that I have ever been around.”

Conor Nicholl Class 4A: Bishop Miege 68, Andover Central, 7 The Bishop Miege reign of terror continued in 2019 as the Stags captured their sixth straight state title, tying the state record with Hutchinson for most consecutive title game wins.

Miege faced no resistance in the 2019 4A State Playoffs, outscoring opponents 294-60, including a dominant 68-7 victory over Andover Central in the championship. In the title game, Miege took the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, led 49-0 at halftime, and took a 62-0 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Bishop Miege senior class left a legacy of success. Eight seniors signed to play college football, including Daniel Jackson

(Minnesota), Rishi Rattan (Tulane), Brian Burns (Harvard), Mason Weber (Princeton), and Max VanMeter (So. Dakota State).

The Stags went 11-2 in 2019 with their only losses coming to Eastern Kansas League rivals St. James and Aquinas.

State runner-up Andover Central also concluded with an 11-2 season under new head coach Derek Tuttle, picking up wins over Circle, Augusta, Buhler, and McPherson en route to the finals. In the semifinals against McPherson, Andover Central picked up a 7-0 road win without an offensive score. A blocked punt returned for a TD was the game’s only score, as Central was held to 83 total yards and four first downs on offense.

McPherson had three trips inside the Central red zone, including first-and-goal from the 3 on the Bullpups’ final possession.

The Jaguars’ defense made a defining stand at the end of the game, denying McPherson a touchdown on four attempts.

McPherson was 11-0 entering the semifinals and was seeking its first state championship appearance in program history.

McPherson has now lost in the state semifinals three consecutive seasons.

Fellow semifinalist Paola also entered the semifinals 11-0 before succumbing to Miege. Paola played Miege closer than any other team throughout the playoffs, despite losing by 34 points.

Class 3A: Andale 35, Perry-Lecompton 7 In 2019, Class 3A football belonged to Andale High School.

Andale captured its fourth state title in program history without much resistance from the opposition, going 13-0 on the year and beating Perry-Lecompton, 35-7, in the championship.

The Indians were led by a defense that allowed just 7.3 points per game and pitched four shutouts. Against the Kaws, the D allowed 192 yards and held a shutout into the fourth quarter.

The Andale offense proved formidable as well, averaging 49.7 points per contest. While the defense never allowed more than 22 points in a game, the offense never scored fewer than 29.

In an Oct. 25 win against Cheney, Andale played its closest game of the season, escaping 29-22. When the two teams met again in the semifinals, Andale won decisively, 55-20.

The 3A State Championship game between Andale and Perry-Lecompton was likely a bit closer than the four-score result, but the Kaws were playing catch-up for most of the game.

Andale’s Eli Rowland scored a 72-yard rushing TD on the game’s opening play. The Indians added a late touchdown in the second quarter and tacked on another score in the third before adding two TDs in the fourth.

The Kaws’ lone score came off a 21-yard TD pass from QB William Welch to receiver Grant Roush in the fourth quarter.

P-L, who was seeking its first state championship in program history, finished the season with a 9-4 record. After starting the season 1-2 with losses to Holton and Sabetha, the Kaws rattled off wins in eight of their next nine games and had a six-game winning streak entering the state championship.

The Kaws lose four key players to graduation, but return Welch who threw for 2,316 yards and 27 TDs as a junior.

In the second round of the playoffs, the Kaws avenged a 14-7 Week 2 loss to Holton with a 35-21 win on Nov. 8. The following week in the quarterfinals, Perry-Lecompton handed Prairie View its first and only loss of the season, 30-6.

In the semis, the Kaws held off Topeka Hayden for the second time on the season with a 35-27 win. The two teams also faced off against each other on Oct. 18, with P-L winning 21-20 in OT. Topeka Hayden finished the season 0-2 against Perry-Lecompton and 10-0 against the rest of its schedule.

GM Class 2A: Nemaha Central 19, Norton 0 Nemaha Central ninth-year coach Warren Seitz made a pair of major scheme changes last season. NC’s defense switched to a three-front entering the fall. Seitz said the team lacked some down linemen, though “had a lot of linebacker types.”

After a 13-6 Week 1 loss to Sabetha, the Thunder elected to change the offense to primarily three-receiver sets. NC wanted more touches for senior Bryce Uphaus and junior Tyler Gerety,

STATE CHAMPIONS

CLASS 6A: DERBY CLASS 5A: MILL VALLEY CLASS 4A: BISHOP MIEGE CLASS 3A: ANDALE CLASS 2A: NEMAHA CENTRAL CLASS 1A: CENTRALIA 8-MAN I: CANTON-GALVA 8-MAN II: OSBORNE 6-MAN: MOSCOW the team’s fastest player. Gerety did not have a catch in ’18, though led the team with 558 receiving yards in ’19.

NC opened 1-2, and then won 10 straight, including 29-21 vs. Rossville in OT in the Round of 16, 44-28 vs. Humboldt in quarterfinals and 39-14 vs. Riley County in the semifinals. The Thunder earned a 19-0 win over Norton for the title.

Both teams were outside the top-5 in major polls throughout the season and 2A was the most surprising classification.

In ’18, NC was 5-4, and Norton 4-5. Both squads had a sizable defensive improvement. The Thunder permitted 21.9 points per game, Norton 29.8 in ’18. Last year, NC was at 14.6, Norton 17.9. NC was especially effective against passing teams, including Rossville, St. Marys, Maur Hill and Norton.

Norton, which suffered a rash of injuries in ’18, was much healthier last fall. The Bluejays finished 9-4, including a thrilling 10-8 state semifinal win against previously undefeated Hoisington. In districts, Norton lost to Hoisington, 38-7. Norton reached the state finale for the first time in 30 years.

In the final, NC scored first in the final two minutes of the first half when Gerety caught a 38-yard TD pass. NC also tallied 12 points in the fourth quarter. Seitz earned KFBCA all-class Coach of the Year.

Class 1A: Centralia 18, Smith Center 14 Two-time defending champion Smith Center was the favorite throughout the 2019 season. However, the classification turned out to be rather balanced. In the western semifinal, Smith Center defeated rival Plainville, 20-19. In the eastern quarterfinals, Centralia held off Olpe, 22-20. In the eastern semifinals, Centralia rolled over Jackson Heights, 44-6. Jackson Heights had its furthest advancement since 1983.

Centralia and Smith Center had not faced each other since the 2-1A state title in 2009. Centralia won 20-12 in OT to end the Redmen’s state record 79-game win streak. This time, Centralia scored with just under a minute left to beat Smith Center, 18-14, snapping Smith Center’s 22-game winning streak.

SC battled injuries throughout the year, notably to Jaden Atwood, the team’s leading rusher with 1,635 yards. He missed the state finale. Centralia had a superlative state performance and season from senior Kamble Haverkamp. He scored on fourth and goal from the 2-yard line with 55 seconds left.

Centralia (12-1) also converted a 4th-and-11 on the drive.

Haverkamp delivered 104 rushing yards and three scores.

For the season, he rushed 246 times for 2,385 yards and 35 scores. In his career, he delivered 4,730 yards and 66 TDs – all school records. It was the third state football title for Centralia coach Larry Glatczak.

Conor Nicholl 8-Man, Division I: Canton-Galva 66, St. Francis 36 Canton-Galva and St. Francis were on a collision course to the 8-Man I State Championship from the start of the playoffs.

Although Canton-Galva had to go through two undefeated teams - South Central in the quarterfinals and Madison in the semifinals - to reach the state championship, the Eagles won every playoff game by at least 26 points.

continued on page 92

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KFBCA 6A ALL-STATE TEAM Adam Suderman/Derby Informer

6A FOOTBALL

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 from page 89 St. Francis looked even more dominant in the postseason, picking up a 50-0 win over Hodgeman County in the quarterfinals, and a 46-point win over Wichita County in the semis.

When the two teams met in the state championship, they did so with identical 12-0 records.

Each team was led by their star senior quarterback - Brady Dinkel for St. Francis and Landon Everett for Canton-Galva.

Dinkel and Everett were also leaders for their teams on the defensive side of the ball at defensive back.

Everett suffered a shoulder injury late in the first half in the semifinal game against Madison which caused him to miss the second half with no contact the ensuing week of practice. Everett was a game-time decision, but got the start the following Saturday at Fischer Field in Newton.

In what would set-up the greatest comeback in state finals history, Dinkel and St. Francis jumped out to a 36-0 lead in the first half thanks to five Canton-Galva turnovers. While Everett and the rest of the Eagle offense looked rattled for much of the first two quarters of the game, they came to life just before the half scoring 14 points in the final 1:39 of the second quarter to gain a dash of momentum heading into halftime.

“I give all the credit to our coaches,” standout sophomore

receiver Tyson Struber said. “There at halftime, we had a little bit of momentum going into half, but our coaches told us that we are just as good of a football team as they are, and we are just as physical, just as big.”

Canton-Galva carried the momentum to the second half. The defense pitched a shutout in the final two quarters, and the Eagles’ offense scored 52 points en route to a 66-36 win. Playing with the injury to his throwing shoulder, Everett threw for 197 yards and three TDs and rushed for 148 yards and four TDs. The 102 combined points tied the second-most in state 8-man history.

Everett credited confidence and conditioning for the rally.

“We still believed,” Everett told The Newton Kansan. “We’re a second-half team.”

Struber had a huge game, catching eight passes for 188 yards - which broke Layne Bieberle’s 8-Man I title game yardage record - and three TDs. Struber and teammate Brandon Huff each had a game-high 10 tackles.

Gallagher Martin 8-Man, Division II: Osborne 34, Axtell 26 Early in 2019, Osborne coach Steve Tiernan installed the two-front defense, a scheme designed to be effective against passing teams the Bulldogs might see in the playoffs.

Tiernan said it marked the first time in his 19-year coaching

Page 92 career his team worked on a defense throughout the season and didn’t know when it might be used.

Osborne didn’t incorporate the look until the 8-Man, Division II state championship game against an Axtell team led by standout quarterback Quinn Buessing.

Buessing, an eventual Shrine Bowl selection, threw for 7,978 yards and 134 passing touchdowns in his career. Buessing set the eight-man career record for completion percentage (64.4), according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Axtell defeated Hanover twice during the fall. That included a regular season victory that halted Hanover’s win streak at 43 games, an eightman record, and in the semifinals.

Osborne’s defense pressured Buessing, and Osborne delivered a 34-26 victory at Newton’s Fischer Field. Buessing finished 13 of 25 passing for 135 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. On a day with 25-plus mile per hour winds, Buessing had his lowest completion percentage in a game since Oct. 26, 2017. “The wind probably helped us out a little bit,” Tiernan said. “But our guys, they bought into what we were doing, and they did a good job of running it.”

Osborne provided the final points on a 14-play, 69-yard drive that took much of the fourth quarter. All of Osborne’s yards in continued on page 105

MILL VALLEY JAGUAR FOOTBALL Kansas Class 5A State Champions 2015 • 2016 • 2019

Sub-State Champs: 2015, 2016, 2019 Sectional Champs: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 Regional Champs: 2008, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 District Champs: 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Conference Champs: 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Visit www.mvjaguar.com for Summer Camp sign-up and the Jaguars on the Green golf tournament.

Consider a KFBCA Membership!

Coaching Clinic • All-State Selection • Message Board • Initiative Promotion

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The Kansas Football Coaches Association All-State teams consist of seniors nominated and voted on by KFBCA member coaches.

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STATE RUNNER-UP: ANDOVER CENTRAL JAGUARS

KS FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION 4A ALL-STATE TEAM

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Beloit

Jan Lindhorst

Creighton Johnson

Tiffany Canaan Photography

FOOTBALL 2019

Page 95

KFBCA 3A ALL-STATE TEAM Stephanie Meier Photographry

3A FOOTBALL

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Parsons

Beloit

Dilan Schweer

Topeka Hayden

Marysville

Prairie View

Brant Chance

Easton Hunter Andale

Hunter Yager

Cade Pavlik

Halstead

Mac Brand

Marcia Matthies

Andale

Topeka Hayden

Ryan Rodriguez

Caleb Vandegrift Scott City

Scott City

Frontenac

The Kansas Football Coaches Association All-State teams consist of seniors nominated and voted on by KFBCA member coaches.

Andrew Schmidtlein

Lance Reid

Storm Slupianek

Kyle Grunert Photography

Jody Bloodgood

Prairie View

Scotti Easter

Susan Kendall Photography

220 195 225 180 180 190 190 195 180 150 170 175 185 141

Carson Cox

Chase Bloodgood

Andale

Dylan Schmidt Andale

Lance Reid

5’7” 6’ 5’10” 5’10” 6’ 5’10” 6’ 5’11” 6’2” 5’10” 6’2” 6’ 6’2“ 5’7”

Cheney

Marcia Matthies

L L L L LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB PUNTER KICKER COACH

Zane Smith

Kyle Grunert Photography

250 260 215 240 280 180 195 190 185 165 170 170

MHS Yearbook

6’ 6’2” 6’ 6’ 6’4” 5’11” 6’ 5’10” 5’11 6’1” 5’10” 6’

Jeff Frazell Photography

Cheney Prairie View Topeka Hayden Scott City Beloit Marysville Scott City Andale Prairie View Frontenac Topeka Hayden Andale Andale Halstead Andale

L L L L L QB RB RB RB WR TE WR

Stephanie Meier Photography

Beloit Marysville Andale Collegiate Chapman Sabetha Marysville Halstead Prairie View Cheney Wamego Parsons

POSITION HT WT

Jody Bloodgood

SCHOOL

Michele Beckmann

KS FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION 3A ALL-STATE TEAM

NAME OFFENSE: Creighton Johnson Lucas Dankenbring Carson Fair Conner Allen Kel Stroud Gabe Garber Atreyau Hornbeak Scott Grider Hunter Boone Riley Petz Taybor Vetter Dariq Williams DEFENSE: Zane Smith Chase Bloodgood Andrew Schmidtlein Caleb Vandegrift Carson Cox Storm Slupianek Hunter Yager Mac Brand Dilan Schweer Brant Chance Cade Pavlik Scotti Easter Easton Hunter Ryan Rodriguez Dylan Schmidt

Lance Reid

STATE RUNNER-UP: PERRY-LECOMPTON KAWS

Tiffany Canaan Photography

Courtesy Photo

BENSON

Proud supporters of area schools and athletes!

ACCOUNTING Specializing in small business and farm accounting

Joel Benson, CPA Mary Benson, CPA Office: (785)827-3157 1911 S. Ohio Fax: (785)827-3159 Salina, KS 67401 jmbensoncpa@yahoo.com

www.pizzahut.com

NEMAHA CENTRAL BOOSTER CLUB

promoting excellence in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.

Saluting the Class Cling of 2020!

2X3 Window

Our thoughts are with all of you during this time.

SBS

The Stampede

INSURANCE AGENCY Auto Home Farm Life Commercial Crop www.sbsins.com

#getBETTER

Seneca * Sabetha * Hiawatha * Onaga ULYSSES, KS KS *SYRACUSE, Axtell * Auburn, NEKS KS GOODLAND, KS WHEELER, KS COLBY, KSBern OAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS

2718 Oklahoma 1100 Ave. US-50 TollOklahoma | Free: (620) 800-356-3460 384-7421 | West 620-356-3460 1104 West Hwy 1104 24USWest |785-332-2124 Hwy Free:24 785-890-7575 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Kansas | 56 Toll Ave. 800-832-2124 785-332-2124 785-332-2124 2718 West 2718 West Ave. | Toll Free: Ave. 800-356-3460 | Free: 620-356-3460 | 620-356-3460 405 Kansas W.| Toll Horton 405 Ave. W. |Horton Toll Free: Ave. 800-532-6529 | Toll 785-462-3391 | 785-890-7575 785-462-3391 3670 Hwy 3670 40 |West US877-320-4020 Toll|Hwy Free: 40 800-209-4001 | E785-672-3272 | |785-672-3272 Hwy Hwy | |Toll 56 Free: West 800-464-2691 | |620-675-2691 | 620-675-2691 West Oklahoma 725 Ave. Rd| Toll 12 |Free: (620) 800-356-3460 492-6836 | Oklahoma 620-356-3460 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Free: Ave. 800-832-2124 | 785-332-2124 | 2718

3X8 Banner

GARDEN CITY, KS KS SCOTT CITY, KS GARDEN CITY, KS Tigers!

ULYSSES, LEOTI, KS KS MONTEZUMA, ULYSSES, KS SUBLETTE, KS HUGOTON, KS ELKHART, Good LuckKS Cowboys!

Good Luck Indians!

Good Luck Tigers!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Luck Plainsmen!

Good Luck Larks!

Good Luck Trojans!

Good Luck Good Luck Cougars!

Good Luck Bulldogs!

Tigers!

2611 West Jones 2611 West Ave. |Jones Toll 501 Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 620-275-4114 | 620-275-4114 807 Hwy807800-464-2691 83|North TollEast Hwy Free:Hwy 83| 800-779-7244 | 51620-872-7244 | 51620-872-7244 West Jones 2611322-5007 Ave. |Jones Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 56620-275-4114 | | 620-275-4114 2718 West Oklahoma 232 Ave. Hwy | 2611 Toll 96 Free: 800-356-3460 | West 620-356-3460 2718 West Oklahoma E.| 620-544-4351 TEXCOCO Ave. | Toll STREET Free: |800-356-3460 (620) 322-5010| 620-356-3460 Hwy 56Toll Hwy Toll Free: West 620-675-2691 620-675-2691 843 843 East | TollHwy Free: 800-544-9833 | 620-544-4351 364East US Hwy 56 364 | US|Toll(620) Hwy Free: 56West 800-445-5917 | 620-697-2182 | |North 620-697-2182

Good LuckGood Buffaloes!

Good Beavers!

Good LuckLuck Indians!

Good LuckTigers!

Rebels!

Good Luck Longhorns!

Good Luck Tigers!

Luck Good Luck Luck Indians!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Wildcats!

The Stampede

Proud to support our area schools and student-athletes!

Wheeler, KS 685 Kansas Ave. (785)332-2124

Leoti, KS 232 East Hwy 96 (620)322-5007

Colby, KS 405 W. Horton Ave. (785)462-3391

Oakley, KS 3670 US Hwy 40 (785)672-3272

Syracuse, KS 1100 US 50 (620)384-7421

Goodland, KS 1104 West Hwy 24 (785)890-7575

Hugoton, KS 843 East Hwy 51 (620)544-4351

Elkhart, KS 364 US Hwy 56 (620)697-2182

Montezuma, KS 501 E. Texcoco St. (620)322-5010

Ulysses, KS 2718 W. Oklahoma Ave. (620)356-3460

Sublette, KS Hwy 56 West (620)675-2691

Dodge City, KS 11311 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.

(620)227-2165

Scott City, KS Garden City, KS 807 North Hwy 83 (620)872-7244 2611 West Jones Ave. (620)275-4114

#getBETTER

Johnson, KS 725 E. Rd 12 (620)492-6836

2A FOOTBALL

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Rossville

Wagers Photography

Kaleb Badura

Avery Brewer Hoisington

Payton Marshall

Chaparral

Derek Livingston

Thomas Phillips TaylorBeeman

Karen Schroeder Photography Fran Reitz Courtesy Photo

Kody Davoren

Fran Reitz

Brandon Vacura

Fig Millan/Bluejay Athletics

Derek Livingston Everett Royer/ksportsimages.com Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo Fig Millan/Bluejay Athletics

STATE RUNNER-UP: NORTON BLUEJAYS

Norton

Cimarron

Kooper Kastens

Andrew Leonard

Karen Schroeder Photography

Abe Siebenmorgen

Nemaha Central

Maur Hill-Mount Academy

Scott Sansom/Norton Telegram

Avrey Brockenickey Riley County

Warren Seitz Nemaha Central

Courtesy Photo

Lakin

Bryce Uphaus

Deon Barnes

Rossville

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Kayden Christiansen

Wyatt Pedigo

Norton

Hoisington

Courtesy Photo

Cimarron

Judson Wiltfong

Fran Reitz

Nemaha Central

Daniele Moshier

David Harman

Brad Schmitz Nemaha Central

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Norton

Zaine Lantz

FOOTBALL 2019

STATE CHAMPIONS: NEMAHA CENTRAL THUNDER

Riley County

Cherryvale

Fran Reitz

Luke Wahlmeier

Nick Hibbard Fredonia

Fig Millan/Bluejay Athletics

Atchinson County

Conor Haviland

Riley Philbern

Page 97

Hoisington

Humboldt

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Tucker Smith

Joshua Hull Humboldt

Brian Nelson Photography

Riley County

Dawson Martin Conway Springs

Courtesy Photo

Kameron Brown

Hadley Panzer Lakin

Karen Schroeder Photography

Norton

Joey Bahr

Kade Melvin

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

KFBCA 2A ALL-STATE TEAM

KS FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION 2A ALL-STATE TEAM NAME OFFENSE: Kade Melvin Hadley Panzer Dawson Martin Riley Philbern Kameron Brown Joshua Hull Conor Haviland Deon Barnes Tucker Smith Nick Hibbard Zaine Lantz Andrew Leonard Luke Wahlmeier DEFENSE: Brad Schmitz Judson Wiltfong Kody Davoren David Harman Wyatt Pedigo Bryce Uphaus Brandon Vacura Kayden Christiansen Abe Siebenmorgen Payton Marshall Avrey Brockenickey Kaleb Badura Avery Brewer Kooper Kastens Warren Seitz

SCHOOL

Norton Lakin Conway Springs Hoisington Riley County Humboldt Humboldt Riley County Atchinson County Fredonia Cherryvale Nemaha Central Norton

POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT QB OL OL OL OL OL RB RB RB TE WR WR Kicker

6’ 6’4” 6’ 6’3” 6’ 6’6” 6’1” 5’8” 6’ 5’11” 5’8” 5’11” 5’10”

180 295 280 275 270 270 185 175 180 175 150 155 175

Nemaha Central DL Norton DL Rossville DL Cimarron DL Hoisington LB Nemaha Central LB Norton LB Lakin LB Maur Hill-Mount Academy LB Cimarron DB Riley County DB Rossville DB Hoisington DB Chaparral Punter Nemaha Central COACH

5’11” 6’5” 6’1” 5’9” 6’ 6’1” 6’2” 5’9” 6’5” 5’11” 5’9” 5’9” 5’8” 6’2”

275 220 235 245 200 185 180 185 230 170 180 150 140 175

Home Matters.

We’re doing our part to ensure Kansas students can afford an amazing private college experience close to home.

This $60,000, four-year scholarship ($15,000 per year) is available to any new Kansas Wesleyan student from Kansas beginning in Fall 2020!

www.kwu.edu/adastra

KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 100 E. CLAFLIN AVE., SALINA, KS 67401 (785) 833-4305 | WWW.KWU.EDU

N

I H S R L A L E! O H AB C S IL A W E AV

HAVERKAMP CONSTRUCTION New Construction, Remodeling, Additions, Concrete Finishing www.haverkampconstruction.com

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We do things a bit differently, and that’s the way we like it!

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INSURANCE AGENCY Auto Home Farm Life Commercial Crop www.sbsins.com Seneca * Sabetha * Hiawatha * Onaga Bern * Axtell * Auburn, NE

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P

Chace O’Hair Elkhart

Hunter Hein-Jones

Jaden Atwood

Ellis Slack

Patterson Photography

Julie Kuhlmann Photography

Lyndon

Smith Center

Hillsboro

Mathew Anschutz

Jared Casey

Everett Royer/ksportsimages.com

Jordan Finnesy Plainville

Elkhart Yearbook

La Crosse

Smith Center

Plainville

Oakley

Sawyer Kramer

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Courtesy Photo

Brock Brown

Brell Speis

Julie Kuhlmann Photography

Smith Center

Marysville Advocate

STATE CHAMPIONS: CENTRALIA PANTHERS

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Joel Montgomery

Rhonda Abell

St. Mary’s Colgan

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Jonathan Goetting

Karrie Rathbone

FOOTBALL 2019

Page 99

KFBCA 1A ALL-STATE TEAM

Sicily Stahl

1A FOOTBALL

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Ell-Saline

L L L L L QB RB RB RB WR WR WR Utility Kicker

6’3” 6’1” 5’11” 5’11” 5’7” 6’1” 6’ 6’ 6’ 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 5’11” 5’11”

215 180 190 188 233 180 160 225 175 180 180 130 187 180

St. Mary’s Colgan Smith Center Smith Center Republic County Plainville Ell-Saline Hillsboro La Crosse Smith Center Ell-Saline Plainville St. Mary’s Colgan Plainville

L L L L LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB COACH

6’3” 6’1” 6’ 6’3” 6’ 5’10” 5’9” 5’11” 6’ 5’8” 6’1” 6’

215 180 160 275 225 175 170 171 160 130 180 180

The Kansas Football Coaches Association All-State teams consist of seniors nominated and voted on by KFBCA member coaches.

Michal Showalter La Crosse

Republic County

Trenton Colby Smith Center

Luke Parks Ell-Saline

Andrew Lomshek St. Mary’s Colgan

Caleb Potucek

Karrie Rathbone

Eyann Zimmerman

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Logan Budy

Jefferson County North

Hillsboro

Grant Stephenson Plainville

Candace Rachel/Plainville Times

St. Mary’s Colgan Smith Center Smith Center Lyndon La Crosse Plainville Smith Center Plainville Elkhart Hillsboro Oakley Ell-Saline Jefferson County North Oakley

Lori Ann Spachek

POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT

Courtesy Photo

SCHOOL

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

KS FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION 1A ALL-STATE TEAM

NAME OFFENSE: Jonathan Goetting Joel Montgomery Brell Speis Mathew Anschutz Brock Brown Jordan Finnesy Jaden Atwood Jared Casey Chace O’Hair Hunter Hein-Jones Ellis Slack Sawyer Kramer Logan Budy Ellis Slack DEFENSE: Jonathan Goetting Joel Montgomery Jaden Atwood Eyann Zimmerman Jared Casey Luke Parks Caleb Potucek Michal Showalter Trenton Colby Sawyer Kramer Jordan Finnesy Andrew Lomshek Grant Stephenson

Rachelle Feldkamp

STATE RUNNER-UP: SMITH CENTER REDMEN

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Julie Kuhlmann Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 100

CANTON-GALVA BOOSTER CLUB

Proudly supporting and celebrating our student-athletes!

GO EAGLES!

Cornerstone Real Estate, LLC Sondra S. Bracelin, Broker

109 W. Washington PO Box 665 St. Francis, KS 67756

G & L Health Mart Pharmacy 207 S Penn Avenue, Ness City, KS 67560 • (785) 798-2897 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm, Saturday: 8:30am-12:30pm

sondrab@eaglecom.net

785-332-3041 • 785-332-2325 • 785-332-4257 www.cornerstonerealestatellc.com

Proud to support all Madison Bulldog students and athletes!

Congratulations Class of 2020!

WELL SERVICE INC.

CATTLE COMPANY

1006 SW Blvd • Madison, KS

620-437-2595

Proud supporters of the Ness City Eagles!

Bulldog Supply HARDWARE • LUMBER • OILFIELD SUPPLIES

210 N Main. • Attica, KS 620-254-7540 ULYSSES, KS KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, WHEELER, KS KS COLBY, KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS

2718 Oklahoma 1100 Ave. US-50 TollOklahoma | Free: (620) 800-356-3460 384-7421 | West 620-356-3460 1104 West Hwy 1104 24USWest |785-332-2124 Hwy Free:24 785-890-7575 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Kansas | 56 Toll Ave. 800-832-2124 785-332-2124 785-332-2124 2718 West 2718 West Ave. | Toll Free: Ave. 800-356-3460 | Free: 620-356-3460 | 620-356-3460 405 Kansas W.| Toll Horton 405 Ave. W. |Horton Toll Free: Ave. 800-532-6529 | Toll 785-462-3391 | 785-890-7575 785-462-3391 3670 Hwy 3670 40 |West US877-320-4020 Toll|Hwy Free: 40 800-209-4001 | E785-672-3272 | |785-672-3272 Hwy Hwy | |Toll 56 Free: West 800-464-2691 | |620-675-2691 | 620-675-2691 West Oklahoma 725 Ave. Rd| Toll 12 |Free: (620) 800-356-3460 492-6836 | Oklahoma 620-356-3460 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Free: Ave. 800-832-2124 | 785-332-2124 | 2718 GARDEN CITY, KS KS SCOTT CITY, KS GARDEN CITY, KS Tigers!

ULYSSES, LEOTI, KS KS MONTEZUMA, ULYSSES, KS SUBLETTE, KS HUGOTON, KS ELKHART, Good LuckKS Cowboys!

Good Luck Indians!

Good Luck Tigers!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Luck Plainsmen!

Good Luck Larks!

Good Luck Trojans!

Good Luck Good Luck Cougars!

Good Luck Bulldogs!

Tigers!

2611 West Jones 2611 West Ave. |Jones Toll 501 Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 620-275-4114 | 620-275-4114 807 Hwy807800-464-2691 83|North TollEast Hwy Free:Hwy 83| 800-779-7244 | 51620-872-7244 | 51620-872-7244 West Jones 2611322-5007 Ave. |Jones Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 56620-275-4114 | | 620-275-4114 2718 West Oklahoma 232 Ave. Hwy | 2611 Toll 96 Free: 800-356-3460 | West 620-356-3460 2718 West Oklahoma E.| 620-544-4351 TEXCOCO Ave. | Toll STREET Free: |800-356-3460 (620) 322-5010| 620-356-3460 Hwy 56Toll Hwy Toll Free: West 620-675-2691 620-675-2691 843 843 East | TollHwy Free: 800-544-9833 | 620-544-4351 364East US Hwy 56 364 | US|Toll(620) Hwy Free: 56West 800-445-5917 | 620-697-2182 | |North 620-697-2182

Good LuckGood Buffaloes!

Good Beavers!

Good LuckLuck Indians!

Good LuckTigers!

Rebels!

Good Luck Longhorns!

Good Luck Tigers!

Luck Good Luck Luck Indians!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Wildcats!

Proud to support our area schools and student-athletes!

Wheeler, KS 685 Kansas Ave. (785)332-2124

Leoti, KS 232 East Hwy 96 (620)322-5007

Colby, KS 405 W. Horton Ave. (785)462-3391

Oakley, KS 3670 US Hwy 40 (785)672-3272

Syracuse, KS 1100 US 50 (620)384-7421

Goodland, KS 1104 West Hwy 24 (785)890-7575

Hugoton, KS 843 East Hwy 51 (620)544-4351

Elkhart, KS 364 US Hwy 56 (620)697-2182

Montezuma, KS 501 E. Texcoco St. (620)322-5010

Ulysses, KS 2718 W. Oklahoma Ave. (620)356-3460

Sublette, KS Hwy 56 West (620)675-2691

Dodge City, KS 11311 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.

(620)227-2165

Scott City, KS Garden City, KS 807 North Hwy 83 (620)872-7244 2611 West Jones Ave. (620)275-4114

Johnson, KS 725 E. Rd 12 (620)492-6836

8-MAN DIVISION I

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 101

FOOTBALL 2019

Karrie Rathbone

Shawna Blanka

STATE CHAMPIONS: CANTON-GALVA EAGLES

Medicine Lodge, LB/RB

Solomon, NG/C

*KEMFA All-Star games were cancelled for 2020

Eli Temanson Skyline, RB/LB

Dillon Dunn

Eli Salmans

Hunter Price

Trego Community, RB

Rylie Zeller

Everett Royer/ksportsimages.com

Everett Royer/ksportsimages.com

Macksville, OL

Spearville, RB/LB

Trego Community, TE/DE

Harley Blaske

Adam Thiessen South Gray, RB/DE

Hunter Price Hudl

Courtesy Photo

St. Francis, QB/RB/S

Ness City, RB/LB

Carson Rich

Hill City, RB/WR

Bobie Loewen Davis

Shawna Blanka

Mendi Cotter

Nate Gabel

Raygan Garrison

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Dawn Flax

Joey Bahr Photography Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com Nayeli Garcia

Brady Dinkel

Dalen R. Journigan

Hodgeman County, RB/LB

Brayden Sears

Little River, DE/G/FB

Courtesy Photo

Jay Nightingale

Canton-Galva, C/NG

Aron Costillo

Wichita County, TE/LB

Colton Gatton

Everett Royer/ksportsimages.com

West Elk, DE/OL

Nicolas Moreno

Wylie Weems

Dylan Weimer Hoxie, RB/DB

Pratt-Skyline, C/G

Hoxie, LB

West Elk, RB/LB

Tina McMannis

Canton-Galva, OL/DL

Caleb Walker

KCHS Yearbook

Joey Bahr Cherie Ricke

Attica, HB/LB/DB

Lynnette Kill.

Nick Pearson

Mason Miller

Brandon Boyles

Hector Rodriguez Ness City, RB/DB

Kiowa County, WR/DB/P

Darrian Marie Photography

Brock Nelson

Deb Schroer

Bree McReynolds-Baetz Cheri Ricke Photography

Colton Potter

Marshall Ward

Gage Girk

Jerred Bieberle

Central Plains, FB/LB

South Central, WR/DB/RB

Caldwell,OL/DE

Dexter, OL/NG

Courtesy Photo

Becki Clouse

Madison, G/NG

Cason Liebst

Brock West

Cael Budke

Chase County, FB/LB

Sedan, QB/RB/LB

Marantha Christian RB/K/P

Courtesy Photo

Gordon Smith

Marantha Christian, QB/S

Sebastian Bolinger

Tayte Halderman

CHS Yearbook

Nate Burdette

Colton Fife

Madison, RB/DB

Dawn Wilcox

Bree McReynolds-Baetz

Madison, WR/RB/DB

Landon Everett Canton-Galva, QB

Tina McMannis

Nasun Wasson

Jace Wilson

Oswego, RB/DB

Gordon Smith

Gordon Smith

South Central, QB/LB

8-MAN I WEST ALL-STARS

Lynnette Kill

Chayde Snyder

Joey Bahr

Jennifer Shiew/Threads Photo

8-MAN I EAST ALL-STARS

STATE RUNNER-UP: ST. FRANCIS INDIANS

Kirk Huser

Victoria, OL/DL

Brady Helms

Moundridge, TE/DE

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 102

John Struckhoff, Agent Phone: 785-282-3892 Proud to support Frankfort schools!

TOUGH TIMES DON’T LAST. TOUGH PEOPLE DO.

1559 Pony Express Hwy • Home, KS bluevalley.net • 877.876.1228

Coomes Trucking

SBS

INSURANCE AGENCY Auto Home Farm Life Commercial Crop www.sbsins.com

1697 E 250 Ln Phillipsburg, KS 67661 785-543-2759 Seneca * Sabetha * Hiawatha * Onaga coomesinc.com ULYSSES, KS KS coomes@ruraltel.net Bern * Axtell * Auburn, NE GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, WHEELER, KS KS COLBY, KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS 2718 West Oklahoma 1100 Ave. US-50 | Toll | Free: (620) 800-356-3460 384-7421 | 620-356-3460 1104 West Hwy 1104 24USWest |785-332-2124 Hwy Free:24 785-890-7575 Kansas Ave. 685 Kansas | 56 Toll Ave. 800-832-2124 785-332-2124 785-332-2124 2718 West Oklahoma 2718685 West Ave. | Toll Free: Ave. 800-356-3460 | Free: 620-356-3460 | 620-356-3460 405 Kansas W.| Toll Horton 405 Ave. W. |Horton Toll Free: Ave. 800-532-6529 | Toll 785-462-3391 | 785-890-7575 785-462-3391 3670 Hwy 3670 40 | Oklahoma US877-320-4020 Toll|Hwy Free: 40 800-209-4001 | E785-672-3272 | 785-672-3272 Hwy West Hwy | |Toll 56 Free: West 800-464-2691 | |620-675-2691 | 620-675-2691 West 725 Ave. Rd| Toll 12 |Free: (620) 800-356-3460 492-6836 | Oklahoma 620-356-3460 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Free: Ave. 800-832-2124 | 785-332-2124 | 2718 GARDEN CITY, KS KS SCOTT CITY, KS GARDEN CITY, KS Tigers!

ULYSSES, LEOTI, KS KS MONTEZUMA, ULYSSES, KS SUBLETTE, KS HUGOTON, KS ELKHART, Good LuckKS Cowboys!

Good Luck Indians!

Good Luck Tigers!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Luck Plainsmen!

Good Luck Larks!

Good Luck Trojans!

Good Luck Good Luck Cougars!

Good Luck Bulldogs!

Tigers!

2611 West Jones 2611 West Ave. |Jones Toll 501 Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 620-275-4114 | 620-275-4114 807 Hwy807800-464-2691 83|North TollEast Hwy Free:Hwy 83| 800-779-7244 | 51620-872-7244 | 51620-872-7244 West Jones 2611322-5007 Ave. |Jones Free: Ave. 800-475-4114 | 56620-275-4114 | | 620-275-4114 2718 West Oklahoma 232 Ave. Hwy | 2611 Toll 96 Free: 800-356-3460 | West 620-356-3460 2718 West Oklahoma E.| 620-544-4351 TEXCOCO Ave. | Toll STREET Free: |800-356-3460 (620) 322-5010| 620-356-3460 Hwy 56Toll Hwy Toll Free: West 620-675-2691 620-675-2691 843 843 East | TollHwy Free: 800-544-9833 | 620-544-4351 364East US Hwy 56 364 | US|Toll(620) Hwy Free: 56West 800-445-5917 | 620-697-2182 | |North 620-697-2182

Good LuckGood Buffaloes!

Good Beavers!

Good LuckLuck Indians!

Good LuckTigers!

Rebels!

Good Luck Longhorns!

Good Luck Tigers!

Luck Good Luck Luck Indians!

Good Luck Eagles!

Good Wildcats!

Proud to support our area schools and student-athletes!

Wheeler, KS 685 Kansas Ave. (785)332-2124

Leoti, KS 232 East Hwy 96 (620)322-5007

Colby, KS 405 W. Horton Ave. (785)462-3391

Oakley, KS 3670 US Hwy 40 (785)672-3272

Syracuse, KS 1100 US 50 (620)384-7421

Goodland, KS 1104 West Hwy 24 (785)890-7575

Hugoton, KS 843 East Hwy 51 (620)544-4351

Elkhart, KS 364 US Hwy 56 (620)697-2182

Montezuma, KS 501 E. Texcoco St. (620)322-5010

Ulysses, KS 2718 W. Oklahoma Ave. (620)356-3460

Sublette, KS Hwy 56 West (620)675-2691

Dodge City, KS 11311 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.

(620)227-2165

Scott City, KS Garden City, KS 807 North Hwy 83 (620)872-7244 2611 West Jones Ave. (620)275-4114

Johnson, KS 725 E. Rd 12 (620)492-6836

8-MAN DIVISION II

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 103

FOOTBALL 2019

Justin Hall Photography

Amy Smith

Linn, DL/OL/FB

Hanover, DB/T

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Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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6-MAN

FOOTBALL 2019 Jodi Staggers

STATE CHAMPIONS: MOSCOW WILDCATS

Judy Rogers

THIRD PLACE: GOLDEN PLAINS BULLDOGS from page 92 the game came on the ground, including 22 carries for 137 yards and two scores from senior running back Darrien Holloway. A key four-year player, Holloway came back from a significant toe injury suffered in the Round of 16. The performance capped a big defensive turnaround for the Bulldogs, typically known for offense. Osborne allowed 13.4 points per game in ’19 after 20.6 for a state runner-up team in ’18.

Conor Nicholl 6-Man: Moscow 52, Cheylin 6 Moscow coach Brett Harp was very pleased with his Wildcats’ quickness.

“Our team speed is amazing,” Harp said last fall. “We don’t have a slow guy on the team all the way from freshmen up, and we are pretty good hitters. We like to hit, and we just put

ourselves in position, try to be disciplined, and as long as we can do that, we seem like we can corral those fast guys and use our speed to take care of them.”

Moscow used its speed to pressure several standout 6-Man quarterbacks, including Weskan and Cheylin.

Moscow went from 4-5 in 2018, its first season of 6-Man football, to 10-0 last fall.

In a battle of two undefeated teams, Moscow beat Cheylin, 52-6, in the Wild West Bowl championship game in Dodge City. Moscow allowed just 22 points per game, down from 34 allowed a contest in ‘18.

In the title, Moscow’s pressure and speed held standout Cheylin quarterback Colton McCarty to 3 of 12 passing for 85 yards. Cheylin also rushed 24 times for 49 yards.

Darci Schields

STATE RUNNER-UP: CHEYLIN COUGARS

Front row (L-R): Colton McCarty, Cheylin; Dalton Mackley, Weskan; Jace Mackley, Weskan; Austin Snyder Moscow. Back row: Gus Krier, Ashland; Andrew Schields, Cheylin; Jackson Henbest, Pawnee Heights; Harley Weese, Golden Plains; Jaime Infante, Golden Plains; Derek George, Natoma, Adan Granillo, Moscow.

Jodi Staggers

KPREPS.COM 6-MAN ALL-STATE TEAM Moscow defeated Weskan, 30-27, in the regular season, a key turning point win for the Wildcats. In the playoff semifinals, Moscow again beat Weskan, 62-53.

Golden Plains took third after a 90-52 win versus Weskan in the third-place game.

Six-Man offered a bevy of talented players, including McCarty. As a junior, he passed for 1,152 yards and 19 scores and rushed for 2,162 yards and 38 touchdowns. Golden Plains’ Harley Weese accounted for 36 offensive touchdowns and had college interest in both football and baseball.

For Moscow, Austin Snyder cleared 1,000 rushing yards, while he forced more than 12 turnovers on defense through interceptions or fumble recoveries.

McCarty earned classification offensive

player of the year, Snyder defensive.

Harp, in his 18th season with Moscow, and Cheylin’s Chris Walden shared coach of the year.

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Goddard Wichita South Great Bend Andover Central Cheney Norton Sedgwick

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

VOLLEYBALL

Kansas Pregame planned to include postseason volleyball and cross country coverage in the 2020 Spring Edition as the first print foray into those sports even prior to the cancellation of the spring season amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus.

The sports have incredible participation and tradition in Kansas and Kansas Pregame staff is excited to include them as part of this expanded Spring Yearbook.

In early March, the six Kansas Volleyball Association Players of the Year gathered at Kansas Weselyan University to talk about their success in high school and their plans for the future.

Their features, brought to you by Kansas Wesleyan University Athletics, appear on the next three pages.

Recaps of the state tournaments, written by Conor Nicholl, start with 6A and continue on their respective classification

Page 108

STATE CHAMPIONS pages.

6A Volleyball The Class 6A state championship presented a roster dichotomy.

Blue Valley had four seniors, all highly accomplished: blocker Lindsay Lahr, outside hitter Evelyn Diederich, setter Taylor Dauernheim and Addy McAleer. Lahr signed with Missouri State, Diederich with South Dakota, McAleer with Southeast Missouri State and Dauernheim with Washburn.

The top-three and four of the top-five kill leaders were seniors. As well, three of the top-five in digs were seniors. Just 7.5 percent of the team’s kills came from freshmen.

Washburn Rural had five freshmen playing big roles, including first team all-state outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye. As well, Rural had a pair of key seniors with middle blocker Macy DeLeye, and libero Eisa

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EVELYN DIEDERICH

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame In 2018, Blue Valley volleyball finished 33-9 and advanced to the state championship against Lawrence. BV had never won a volleyball title and took the first set, 25-19. Lawrence won the next two sets, 25-14, 25-14 and won the match.

Overall, Blue Valley struggled with 27 attack errors, 15 more than Lawrence. Standout Evelyn Diederich hit -.091 with six kills and eight errors. Lindsay Lahr carried a .172 average with nine kills and four errors. Setter Taylor Dauernheim finished with 27 assists on 113 ball handling attempts.

Last year, Blue Valley opened with a 2-0 loss to Washburn Rural in a game televised in the Kansas City area. Diederich, one of two co-captains, and the seniors took the loss hard.

“That kind of set the standard for the underclassmen,” she said.

On Sept. 28, Blue Valley defeated Gardner-Edgerton in three

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Mondragon, who earned first and second team all-state, respectively. Rural returned just two varsity players from ’19. Macy signed with Drake, Mondragon with McCook (Neb.) CC. continued on page 111

BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL KVA 6A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

sets and beat Washburn Rural in two. However, on Oct. 16, G-E swept Blue Valley in a 3-0 loss on BV’s Senior Night.

“After that, it just kind of switched and our practices got a lot better, and then we knew when we got to state, we were going to have a chance to play them again,” Diederich said.

At state, Blue Valley faced G-E in the semifinals and delivered a 2-0 victory. In the finals, BV again matched up with Washburn Rural and its tall front line and talented freshmen. This time, Blue Valley won 26-24, 25-21 and went 33-8.

“We were just out for blood,” Diederich said.

Diederich and Lahr atoned for the ’18 final. The 5-foot-8 Diederich has a 35 inch vertical and can touch 10 feet, 2 inches.

She finished with 13 kills and two digs, with a .310 attack rate.

The 6-1 Lahr, a Missouri State signee and four-year starter, had 11 kills and hit an incredible .733. Dauernheim, Diederich’s only setter in club and school ball since the pair has been 10 years old, finished with 22 assists on 37 ball handling attempts.

“Lindsey is so tall, she could hit over the block and move around in different places,” Diederich said. “For me, I had to really mix up my shots, because Washburn Rural had such a big defense blocking-wise.”

The final encapsulated Diederich’s all-around game. She led BV with 405 kills (4.3 kills per set) and averaged a kill on 42 percent of swings, slightly under Lahr for team high.

Diederich had 61 aces, 22 more than any Tiger, and paced her team in digs (219). She played all six rotations, a rare combination, and led the Eastern Kansas League in kills and aces.

“I know that I am not as tall as the blockers on the other side of the net, so it’s really about me being able to read the court and read where the blockers are and where their defense is,” she said.

Colleges mainly recruited Diederich as a defensive specialist

CAROLINE CRAWFORD

CLASS 6A: BLUE VALLEY CLASS 5A: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CLASS 4A: TOPEKA HAYDEN CLASS 3A: ROYAL VALLEY CLASS 2A: WABAUNSEE CLASS 1A: CENTRAL PLAINS

because of her height. She is open to playing front or back row, though was very pleased when Division I University of South Dakota was open and “super transparent” about her hitting.

“I just wanted someone to believe that I could do it,” she said.

SD first contacted Diederich her freshman year, but Diederich looked at other schools. Then, SD reached back out at the end of her sophomore year. Diederich eventually committed.

A National Honor Society member, Diederich looks to study special education and nursing.

“Evelyn is another fiery player that people will notice,” USD coach Leanne Williamson said in a signing day release. “She is an undersized outside that plays so much bigger than she is. She is a great jumper who has no fear when she attacks and blocks. She is someone that can definitely play multiple positions for us, so it will be fun to watch her grow and see where she fits in to this team the best.”

Diederich has played with KC Power, one of the country’s top volleyball programs, since she was 10. Around 11, Diederich noticed she could jump high and started to take conditioning and weight training seriously. Blue Valley had four seniors this fall. Dauernheim has signed with Washburn. Co-captain Addy McAleer delivered 223 kills and signed with SE Missouri State.

Diederich said the team had a fanbase that included the administration and football team. Once school closed this spring because of coronavirus concerns, Diederich posted a Twitter message that included volleyball photos and in part read, “Thank you BV for the greatest four years of my life.”

“We had a really, really good support system all year,” she said. “Our fans section at our games was insane, because we really, really pushed our friends and pushed my friends’ friends to go to every game and winning it our senior year was just unreal.”

LANSING HIGH SCHOOL KVA 5A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Nebraska coach John Cook has won four national championships and has 749 career victories. In his recent book “Dream Like a Champion,” Cook noticed a trend when the Cornhuskers recruited out of state players, including Kansas and Missouri. “The majority of them have specialized in volleyball,” Cook wrote.

Senior Caroline Crawford played her first two and a half years at Liberty (Mo.) High School, just northeast of Kansas City. Liberty has an enrollment of more than 1,700 students as one of Missouri’s larger schools. Crawford committed to KU volleyball as a freshman. Her family loves the Jayhawks.

“Hate (the University of) Missouri,” Crawford said. “Hate K-State, so just kind of grew up a Jayhawk fan, and it was just like a dream come true.”

Then, Crawford transferred 34 miles west to Lansing when

her father changed jobs. Lansing is a Class 5A Kansas school with 859 students. Last fall, the 6-foot-3 Crawford capped an impressive career with 5A POY honors. She was ranked No. 22 nationally in her class by Prep Volleyball.

She competed for the U.S. Youth National team and won gold medals in Honduras and Egypt in ’18 and ’19, respectively. Crawford earned first team All-American honors from Under Armour. Crawford is known for her lateral speed, quickness and vertical jump.

“Caroline is equipped to compete at a high level right away,” KU volleyball coach Ray Bechard said in a signing day release. “She will be a physical blocker and can be a terminal attacker both in front of and behind the setter.”

Crawford, though, was never a one-sport athlete, which she called a “big part” of her success. Her dad ran track at KU, and her mom played basketball at University of the Pacific.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 109

They helped grow her competitiveness.

As well, Caroline’s brother, Caden, was a sophomore on the Lansing football team last fall and is a rising prospect who already holds scholarship offers from Nebraska and K-State.

“My parents wanted me involved in as many things as possible, and I enjoyed all of them,” she said.

Notably, Crawford finished third at the Class 5A Missouri state meet as a sophomore in the high jump. She cleared 5-foot-4 and has a career best of 5-5. Crawford planned on competing for Lansing track this spring before the season was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns.

Crawford has also played basketball and softball. She believed the different sports helped with hand-eye coordination.

Tracking a ball in softball or reading a defense in basketball has improved her volleyball.

“Just kind of helps it all correlate,” she said.

Crawford had played with Lansing coach Julie Slater in club volleyball. They already had a great relationship, and Crawford knew all of the Lansing girls, including Karli Schmidt.

She was Kansas’ 5A Player of the Year in ’18 and signed with the Jayhawks. Additionally, Lansing featured Amelia Van Der Werff, Samantha Moburg and McKinzie Weaver. They signed with Middle Tennessee, Washburn and Newman, respectively.

Crawford missed part of the ‘19 season playing in Egypt.

Crawford labeled the trip “eye-opening,” as she was around different cultures, languages and foods.

“You should be very thankful to live in the United States,” she said.

Lansing opened the season 2-4, albeit against high-level competition, including a pair of three-set losses to St. Thomas Aquinas, the eventual 5A state titlist. Lansing then won 34 straight matches. The Lions didn’t lose after Crawford

Everett Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com Royer/KSportsImages.com

MORGAN BRUNA

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Andale’s Morgan Bruna initially had Kaylie Bergkamp as a teacher. Bergkamp first taught at Andale in 2016. Bruna was not aware of Bergkamp’s past. Bergkamp’s mother is Gina Clark, the successful Garden Plain volleyball coach.

Bergkamp (nee Clark) tore her ACL and meniscus leading into her senior year of high school in 2009. She enjoyed a successful career at DIII Minnesota-Morris in volleyball and track. She earned All-American honors in the javelin. For volleyball, she was a three-time all-conference pick and twice collected conference defensive player of the year. Bergkamp is second all-time in Morris school history in digs and sixth in sets played.

Bergkamp previously served as head volleyball coach at Pratt Community College, volleyball assistant at Hutchinson Community College, and Andover Parks and Recreation Director.

Bergkamp elected to take some time away from volleyball while at Andale. She teaches Sports Entertainment and Marketing, a Career Exploration course and Senior Internship.

ANDALE HIGH SCHOOL KVA 4A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Bergkamp took over Andale volleyball before 2018 season and exuded her mom’s style. Bruna was surprised Bergkamp the coach and Bergkamp the teacher was the same person.

“I didn’t really put two and two together about how intense she was going to be, so when she came in that gym, I didn’t know where she coached, I didn’t know how good of a coach she was,” Bruna said. “And first week of practice my junior year was very shocking.”

Andale has consistently been a solid volleyball program, though Bergkamp has quickly raised the Indians to new levels with her intense love and CREW model – Changing Culture, Relentless Pursuit, Embracing the Grind and Walking the Talk.

In 2018, Andale took fourth in Class 4A with a 34-9 record.

Last year, the Indians finished as 4A runner-up with a 39-3 mark for the best finish in school history. Andale lost 25-19, 2725 to Topeka Hayden in the final. After the title, Andale’s athletic director told the team it made history.

“It was a hard loss, but hearing that made us feel a little bit better,” Bruna said.

Bruna, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter/middle blocker, earned 4A Player of the Year, and Bergkamp was classification coach of the year. Andale junior outside hitter Katelyn Fairchild and senior libero Madison Grimes were first team all-state, and setter Jenna Jarmer was honorable mention all-state.

Bruna, whose dad was a former Hanover basketball standout, also plays basketball and softball. She plans to attend Wichita State and study nursing, though not play sports.

“I was so surprised. I was really giving credit to coach Bergkamp for that, she has changed me as a player since my junior year,” Bruna said of the award.

Bruna called Bergkamp’s intensity “definitely different.” However, the coach is excellent at working with players.

“Relationships she builds with people she coaches is by far what is the game changer,” Bruna said.

Bergkamp runs her Andale program virtually the same as her mother, located in the same school district at Garden Plain. Bergkamp’s husband, William, is the head track coach, assistant football coach and social studies teacher at Garden Plain. Both Bergkamps are GP graduates. Clark has won more than 590 career matches, including state titles in ’08, ’15 and ’18 with the Owls.

At the beginning of the season, Bergkamp has a summer kickoff. Just like her mother, Bergkamp sits down with her seniors for several hours. They discuss goals and talk about life.

During the year, Andale has fun Fridays to help team bonding.

“Giving 110 percent in whatever you do, whether it’s sports, whether it’s school, like work, anything,” Bruna said. “She’s an inspiration for everybody. Everybody looks up to her.”

Bergkamp wants a squad led by the team and highly stresses leadership, passing and serving. This fall, Bruna finished second with 298 kills (3.3 per set) and led the team with a .276 hitting percentage. She was the only one of the top-five attackers who was a senior. Bruna paced Andale with 56 aces, ranked second with 44 blocks and second with 338 digs.

“People always say that I am fearless,” Bruna said. “But I think the confidence just grew over my years, and once I got to my senior year, I was like, ‘You know what, you better give it your all.’ I mean, that’s all you have left, so that’s kind of how I view my fearlessness.”

Andale lost twice in the regular season, to Bishop Carroll on Sept. 14, and Garden Plain on Oct. 19. At state, Andale defeated Louisburg, Nickerson and Holton in pool play.

Louisburg was the defending 4A runner-up, while Nickerson had Morgan Stout, who has signed with WSU volleyball. After a 2-0 win against Circle in the semifinals, Andale fell to Hayden in the championship. Andale reached every one of the goals it set in the preseason.

“She just had so much faith in us,” Bruna said.

SILVER LAKE HIGH SCHOOL KVA 3A PLAYER OF THE YEAR Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

LEXI COBB

rejoined the team until the state semifinals to Aquinas.

Lansing’s wins included a sweep of Topeka Hayden, the eventual 4A champion. In the third-place match against Goddard, Crawford finished with 12 kills and one error on 13 swings in the victory. Lansing had its best showing since ’10 and ended the season 37-5.

Slater retired after 35 years with Lansing with more than 1,000 career victories. She is second all-time in Kansas history in volleyball wins.

Her husband, Rick, has helped with middle school volleyball.

Their daughter, Sara, is on staff at Lansing volleyball. Their son, Jeff, is the well-known Burlingame head football coach.

Julie earned one of four regional coach of year honors.

Crawford had more than 275 kills and averaged a kill on 57 percent of her swings.

“It was an amazing experience,” Crawford said.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Paula Cobb (nee Martin) is from Nortonville, Kan. and graduated from Jefferson Co. North. She played volleyball and basketball at Barton CCC. At the time, Ray Bechard, now the Kansas VB coach for the last 23 years, coached at Barton.

Martin was a JUCO All-American in 1988. She marked the third All-American Bechard coached in his 35-year coaching career.

The 6-foot Martin, an outside/middle, then went to University of North Carolina. In ’89-90, she amassed 415 kills, 461 digs and 87 blocks in 217 sets. She helped UNC reach the national tournament in ’89.

Her husband, Russ, is from North Carolina. They moved to Kansas and had two children. She coached their youngest, Lexi, in volleyball from ages 10 to 14. Lexi enjoyed a remarkable career in volleyball and softball at Silver Lake.

“Skill-wise, she taught me everything I know, but she is just a really great competitor, and she taught me just everything about

the game, and about how to play it, and how to be a great person and great athlete,” Cobb said. “She is my role model.”

Lexi served as just a setter her first two years with the Eagles.

SL featured Marissa Bates, who was one of the top players in all classes. Bates finished her high school career with 1,466 kills and has played in 61 matches the last two years for Pittsburg State. About halfway through 2017, SL coach Sarah Johnson and Cobb realized the Eagles would need more hitters.

Cobb knew she was going to have to hit. She worked “really hard” on hitting in the club season of her sophomore year and in the summer before her junior season.

“Summer before my junior year was when I really kicked it in and started to hit and really improve my skills,” Cobb said.

Cobb became a multi-faceted player for a SL squad that finished 37-6 and captured the 3A volleyball title in ’18, leading her team in both kills (366) and assists (569). In the continued on page 110

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020 continued from page 109 sub-state title game, Silver Lake faced rival Royal Valley. The teams split earlier in the year. This time, SL won 25-20, 21-25, 25-16. It marked the last set the Eagles lost all fall. Cobb called the match her favorite. “It was just nitty-gritty, down, everybody playing,” Cobb said. “It was just so intense.”

Last year, Cobb nearly again led SL in both kills and assists for a 32-13 squad that eventually took third in 3A. “I have come so far as a person and as a player, and I feel so well-rounded, and I was able to help my team in a lot more ways as an all-around player,” Cobb said. “I have a lot to thank with coach Johnson and my mom having helped me.”

She finished with 388 kills, a .283 hitting percentage, and was second with 433 assists. Junior Grace Fitzgerald led with 483 assists. Cobb was also top-three in blocks and digs.

She earned 3A Player of the Year over a group that included

Trinity Academy’s Austin Broadie (Washburn commit), Royal Valley’s Ivy Fink and Morgan Harvey and Beloit’s Shea Larson.

“I didn’t know if I was going to get it or not,” Cobb said. “I mean Fink and Harvey and Larson, they are all great players, and I think every one of us deserved it. But I was ecstatic. I was happy that I got it. I worked really hard.”

Royal Valley and Silver Lake again split the two regular season meetings last fall. At state, RV won 25-23, 25-21, though Cobb finished with nine kills, 11 assists and five digs. In the semis, SL fell to Beloit in three sets, including 25-21 in the third.

“State was incredible,” Cobb said. “I think both teams had so much respect for each other, and it was just a battle. …

(RV) obviously had the better hand this year, so they deserved everything they got.”

Cobb’s senior year of softball was cancelled because of the coronavirus concerns. Silver Lake won 3A in ’18. Last year, the

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

EHLAINA HARTMAN

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Spearville’s Ehlaina Hartman earned a bevy of awards her senior year, including 2A Player of the Year by the KS Volleyball Assoc. Spearville finished state runner-up to Wabaunsee.

In basketball, Hartman, an Emporia St. signee, led 2A’s top-ranked team to a 24-0 record before the tournament was halted. The Topeka Capital-Journal named her top-5 all classes Hartman was a dual-sport athlete in the spring. She qualified for state in javelin and sprints and played softball. Hartman

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Central Plains girls are well-known for their current state record winning streak in basketball and consistent volleyball success. CP, the consolidation of Bushton-Quivira Heights and Claflin, has enjoyed a strong run in powerlifting, too.

While not a KSHSAA sanctioned sport, powerlifting meets are held throughout Kansas, generally in late winter and spring.

Every spring, the Kansas Eight-Man Football Association (KEMFA) holds an unsanctioned state powerlifting championship for the 100-plus schools that play eight-man football. There are

SPEARVILLE HIGH SCHOOL KVA 2A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

finished her basketball career with 1,379 career points.

“Hartman is just strong, big,” South Central sophomore basketball standout Sierra Jellison said. “She will take it to you.”

Outside of high school, Hartman, a 6-foot left-hander with a 32-inch vertical jump and 73-inch wingspan, had three people who had a significant athletic influence: her father Michael, club volleyball coach Chris Vargas, and Dylan Evans, founder of Wheat State Elite summer basketball.

Michael Hartman spent significant hours in the gym, long worked on her daughter’s shot and dribbling, gave tips, advice and constant encouragement.

“Mainly what I take from it is no matter what you achieve, you can always do better,” Hartman said. “…Yeah you had a good game, well now you are going to go have a better game, a great game, and he strives for mental toughness.”

Hartman is especially close with Michael, step-mom Jamie - “she has been there forever,” Ehlaina said – and her two younger half-sisters. The siblings are 10 and 9 and look up to Ehlaina. The sisters will often go to the gym together.

“They are like, ‘I just want to be like you,” Ehlaina said. “‘I want to do this like you.’”

For two years, Hartman made the 138-mile round trip on US-50 West to Garden City to work with coach Vargas and his High Performance program. Vargas has long run a successful team. Several years ago, the Southwest High Performance

ADDISON CRITES

Page 110 Eagles went 21-5 and fell to Frontenac, 7-5, in the state finals.

Because of heavy rains, the tournament started on May 23 and didn’t finish until May 27. Cobb hit .451 with 13 extra base hits.

“If I had to pick one word to describe state – frantic,” Cobb said. “I mean with the weather delays and teams going back and forth, you didn’t know who was going to win. So many momentum changes. The weather had a big role to play in it, because you would get up on one team, and then have to leave the field. It was a struggle.”

Cobb had previously committed to play softball for NCAA Division I Lamar University, located 804 miles from home.

Cobb prayed and thought about making a change. North Texas contacted her and said they needed an outfielder. Cobb has played club softball out of Texas, and three club teammates are headed to NT. The Mean Green, located in Denton, is 469 miles from Silver Lake. Cobb signed with NT in early December.

13 Gold qualified to play in the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships as one of the country’s top 48 teams. That team featured Reagan Karlin, Alli Meng, Ashlyn Swan, Kelbi Richter and his daughter, Remi.

Karlin, Richter, Remi Vargas and Meng will play volleyball at Garden City CC, Swan is heading to Colby CC. In high school, Hartman had not played back row. She played all the way around for coach Vargas. Additionally, Vargas is left-handed, and helped Hartman to hit on the right side.

Previously, she had hit just in the middle.

“He just helped a lot, mainly with footwork, and blocking, the speed, how high you need to jump or how fast you need to approach,” Hartman said.

In basketball, Hartman averaged between 14.3 and 16.2 points a game in her first three years.

The affable Evans has a passion for women’s basketball and created WSE four years ago to provide opportunities for top players in Kansas. Multiple Wheat State alum have signed with Division I and II schools. Evans’ assistance helped increase Hartman’s recruiting. In March 2019, Lebo’s boys qualified for the state tourney in Dodge City, 17 miles from Spearville.

Dylan and his wife stayed at the hotel next to United Wireless Arena, the tournament site. They met with the Hartmans for a few minutes, and invited Ehlaina to come to a tryout. Hartman

continued on page 112

CENTRAL PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL KVA 1A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

divisions for boys and girls.

QH captured the girls’ titles from ’01-02 and ’06-10. Central Plains girls earned titles in ’13, ’15-18 and took second in ’19. Last spring, two CP basketball reserves, Zoe Potter and Jennah Jeffrey, earned first and second place, respectively, in respective KEMFA weights.

Chris Steiner, Central Plains’ head football coach, leads the boys. Pat Stiles, CP’s athletic director and girls’ basketball coach, heads the girls’ lifting program. Stiles has led Oiler girls’ basketball on the current 136-game winning streak. Fivefoot-11 senior Addison Crites benefited “a lot” from Stiles and the weight room.

“I was very uncoordinated and weak my freshman year, and then Pat has really put in time and dedication to each one of us who shows up and wants to get better,” Crites said. “So I think that’s mainly what it is, is just showing up and actually trying, not just going through the motions.”

The girls normally lift in the

morning. Crites noticed her strength improve. She and the Oilers perform a lot of lateral movement and footwork exercises, including jump rope and line jumps. Stiles spent a long time with Crites on form for the Olympic clean. Crites struggled with getting underneath the bar and having her elbows “not go crazy.” Crites also took a weights class in school.

“I have gotten a lot better at clean since my freshman year,” continued on page 113

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Page 111

KVA Player of the Year: Evelyn Diederich, Blue Valley KVA Coach of the Year: Dave Johnson, Blue Valley

VOLLEYBALL 2019

WASHBURN RURAL

Macy DeLeye

Aiden Droge

Brooklyn DeLeye

Aiden Droge

Courtesy Photo

Reagan Karlin

WASHBURN RURAL

April Harmon

6A VOLLEYBALL Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

GARDEN CITY

BLUE VALLEY

Kaiti Parks OLATHE NORTH

Kendra Wait

Geoff Markos

Lindsay Lahr

Koko Cooper

Aiden Droge

Laurie Kilgore

STATE CHAMPIONS: BLUE VALLEY

GARDNER-EDGERTON

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 6A ALL-STATE TEAM

NAME SCHOOL HEIGHT POSITION CLASS FIRST TEAM: Evelyn Diederich Blue Valley 5’7” OH Sr. Brooklyn DeLeye Washburn Rural 6’1” OH Fr. Macy DeLeye Washburn Rural 6’1” MB Sr. Reagan Karlin Garden City 6’1” OH Sr. Lindsay Lahr Blue Valley 6’1” MB Sr. Kaiti Parks Olathe Northwest 6’2” MB Sr. Kendra Wait Gardner-Edgerton 5’10” S Jr. SECOND TEAM: Taylor Dauernheim Blue Valley 5’5” S Sr. Jasmine Dulan Blue Valley North 5’7” OH So. Kaitlyn Hamilton Lawrence Free State 6’0” OH Sr. Courtney Jackson Olathe Northwest 5’9” S/OH Jr. and she just brings such a different energy to the Sydney Niles Derby 5’8” S Sr. court,” Diederich said of Lahr. “She is so outgoing, so Morgan McIntire Gardner-Edgerton 5’8” OH Sr. I have loved playing with her.”

Eisa Mondragon Washburn Rural 5’5” L Sr. McAleer had seven kills, and Dauernheim finished HONORABLE MENTION: with 22 assists. Dauernheim has served as DiedSarah Bingham Shawnee Mission East 6’3” MB Jr. erich’s setter her entire career. Diederich, the player Reanne DeBose Shawnee Mission Northwest 5’11” S Jr. of the year, and Lahr were first team all-state, and Camryn Honn Blue Valley Northwest 5’8” S Sr. McAleer and Dauernheim earned second team. G-E, Addy McAleer Blue Valley 5’7” OH Sr. with Creighton commit Kendra Wait, bested Blue Jaden Ravnsborg Mill Valley 5’7” L Jr. Valley North for third. WR coach Kevin Bordewick Grace Reininga BlueSYRACUSE, Valley North 5’6” L Sr. ULYSSES, KS KS cleared 900 career victories last season.

GOODLAND, KS KS WHEELER, KS ULYSSES, COLBY, KSOAKLEY, SUBLETTE, KS Sr. JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS WHEELER, KS Ramsey Witterstaetter

Blue Valley WestKS

5’8” KS L

STATE RUNNER-UP: WASHBURN RURAL from page 108 Washburn Rural defeated Blue Valley, 2-0 in the season opener, though BV won in two sets on Sept.

28. In the state finals, BV beat Rural, 26-24, 25-21.

Blue Valley finished 33-8 and won its first state volleyball title.

In ’18, BV lost the 6A state final to Lawrence. Diederich and Lahr combined for 15 kills and 12 errors. In ’19, the duo combined for 24 kills with just four errors in the championship.

“She has just been such a fun teammate to have,

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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Jalyn Stevenson

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KVA Player of the Year: Caroline Crawford, Lansing KVA Coach of the Year: Sarah Cretors, Aquinas

Michele Gress

5A VOLLEYBALL

Page 112

SPRING HILL

VOLLEYBALL 2019

Ellie Bolton

Kathleen Straub Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Michele Gress

STATE CHAMPIONS: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SAINTS

LANSING

SEAMAN

Caroline Zabroske

Michele Gress

Camryn Turner

Topeka Capital-Journal

Karli Schmidt

Julie Slater

SJA Gameday

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 5A ALL-STATE TEAM

STATE RUNNER-UP: ST. JAMES THUNDER

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame St. Thomas Aquinas and St. James Acadmey are longtime rivals. In ’18, SJA bested Aquinas, 26-24, 20-25, 34-32 for the title. The 161 points were the most total points for a state title match in the rally scoring era, according to KSHSAA records. SJA also defeated Aquinas for the ’17 title.

This year, Aquinas and SJA split two regular season meetings. At state, the Thunder bested Aquinas, 25-19, 25-16 in pool play. However, Aquinas defeated St. James in the state title, 20-25, 25-19, 25-16.

Aquinas (34-7) won the seventh volleyball title in school annals.

SJA has played in 13 consecutive state championship matches. Lansing took third as coach Julie Slater cleared 1,000 career victories. Slater retired as

the second winningest coach in state history behind Bishop Miege’s Gwen Pike. Goddard was fourth.

In the finals, Aquinas out-hit St. James, .218 to .198. Aquinas junior Caroline Bien, a Kansas commit, delivered 14 kills with a .244 average. Four Saints had double-digit digs, including 10 by Bien.

Bien, Aquinas middle blocker Caroline Zabroske, St. James’ libero Ellie Bolton, and Lansing’s middle blocker Caroline Crawford earned All-American honors from Prep Volleyball. They were the only Kansas players named to any of PVB’s teams.

Bolton signed with Creighton, and Crawford, the classification player of the year, inked with Kansas.

Zabroske finished her career with 1,526 kills, including seven in the finals. She is the all-time kills leader in Aquinas history.

from page 110 joined a team coached by former McPherson great Katelyn Loecker. Hartman quickly earned an offer from Emporia State.

“You just never know what is going to walk through the door, what’s going to be a great addition to your program like Ehlaina was,” Evans said last November.

In volleyball, Spearville opened the season 2-2 and then won 33 straight matches entering state. Ninth-year coach Syble Thompson has led the Lancers to six state appearances, though this season was her best showing. Hartman, an outside/right side hitter, libero Alissa Heskamp and middle blocker Brianna Ede led the volleyball and basketball teams.

In the final, Spearville had two set points in the first set, but Wabaunsee won 28-26 25-19.

Hartman finished with six kills, all in the first set.

Hartman was back-to-back all-state volleyball.

Heskamp was second team all-state as a sophomore and first team all-state as a junior.

“Volleyball, it’s a lot of trust, a lot of relying on other people and that’s what our coach always preached, and that’s just kind of what we did,” Hartman said. “We put our trust in each other, and just went out there and had fun.”

After state, Hartman saw the form that listed her as first team. Hartman, though, didn’t first look at the bottom of the page where the Player and Coach of the Year awards were listed.

Hartman then saw she was the POY. “We didn’t get the win, so I was kind of bummed,” Hartman said. “Seeing that, it felt like I achieved something even though we didn’t a ring. So it was an exciting feeling. I was shocked. I was really shocked.”

NAME SCHOOL HEIGHT POSITION ClLASS FIRST TEAM: Caroline Crawford Lansing 6’2” MB Sr. Caroline Bien St. Thomas Aquinas 6’0” OH Jr. Ellie Bolton St. James Academy 5’7” L Sr. Karli Schmidt Lansing 6’1” OH Sr. Jalyn Stevenson Spring Hill 5’10” OH Jr. Camryn Turner Seaman 5’7” S/RS Jr. Caroline Zabroske St. Thomas Aquinas 6’0” MB Sr. SECOND TEAM: Anna Feldkamp St. James Academy 6’1” OH Sr. Laurel Jones Maize South 6’1” S Jr. Ella Larkin Bishop Carroll 5’10” S/OH Jr. Asha Regier Newton 5’9” OH Jr. Ellie Shank Valley Center 5’9” S/OH Sr. Kim Whetstone Bonner Springs 5’11” MB Sr. Marea Wortmann St. James Academy 5’9” S Sr. HONORABLE MENTION: Ayden Bartlett Leavenworth 5’8” S/OH Sr. Riley Daugherty Bishop Carroll 5’10” OH Jr. Erica Fava Maize South 5’9” OH Sr. Ava Martin St. Thomas Aquinas 6’0” OH So. Samantha Schnitta Blue Valley Southwest 6’1” S Sr. Rhian Swanson McPherson 6’0” OH So. Amelia Van Der Werff Lansing 6’3” MB Sr.

FOR MORE COVERAGE OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ON THE WEB FIND KANSAS PREGAME ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT KANSASPREGAME.COM!

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

VOLLEYBALL 2019

4A VOLLEYBALL Page 113

KVA Player of the Year: Morgan Bruna, Andale KVA Coach of the Year: Kaylie Bergkamp, Andale

ANDALE

CIRCLE

Madison Grimes

Lance Reid

Mallory Cowman

Shelly Nibarger

Katelyn Fairchild

Lance Reid

Hayden High School Facebook

ANDALE

NICKERSON

Keagan Shockley

Mallorie Cleveland

Dejah Miller TOPEKA HAYDEN

Courtesy Photo

Cyra Kelley

Bob Hunter

STATE CHAMPIONS: TOPEKA HAYDEN WILDCATS

EUDORA

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 4A ALL-STATE TEAM NAME SCHOOL HEIGHT POSITION CLASS FIRST TEAM: Morgan Bruna Andale 5’8” OH/MB Sr. Mallory Cowman Circle 6’2” MB Sr. Katelyn Fairchild Andale 5’9” OH Jr. Madison Grimes Andale 5’1” L Sr. Cyra Kelley Nickerson 5’7” OH Sr. Dejah Miller Topeka Hayden 5’8” OH Jr. Keagan Shockley Eudora 5’9” OH Sr. SECOND TEAM: Kenzie Cooper Wamego 5’8” OH Jr. Kayli Duncan Circle 6’1” MB Sr. Halle Jackson Topeka Hayden 6’2” MB Sr. McKenna Kirkpatrick Chapman 5’10” OH Sr. Corinna McMullen Louisburg 5’6” S So. Morgan Stout Nickerson 6’1” MB Sr. Peyton Suther Chapman 5’9” S Sr. HONORABLE MENTION: Winny Harris Atchison 6’1” MB Sr. Sydney Hillmer Topeka Hayden 5’9” OH Sr. Beth Holmes Abilene 5’8” S Sr. Jayden Jackson Augusta 5’9” S Jr. Jenna Jarmer Andale 5’7” S Sr. Shelby Reeder Circle 5’5” OH Sr. Hadley Waldren Buhler 6’0” OH/MB Jr. Crites/from page 112 Crites said. “That form was really hard for me to get down, and Pat has spent a long time with me working on that.”

The weight room helped Crites come back from a knee injury that cost her the end of sophomore basketball season. Central Plains continued the success after CP graduated a group in 2017 that included Addison’s sister,

Cassidy. She played volleyball at Hutchinson CC and was KVA 2A Player of the Year in ’16.

“It was all fun, but I think for our program my sophomore year was big, because we graduated my sister’s class, who was very successful and talented,” Addison said.

“Nobody really expected us to continue our tradition of winning, and then I obviously hurt my knee, and so I wasn’t able to continue. …

Steve Stanhope

STATE RUNNER-UP: ANDALE INDIANS

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Topeka Hayden captured Class 4A, Division II volleyball crowns in ’15, ’16 and ’17. In ’18, Class 4A returned to one class. Miege beat Louisburg for the finals, and Hayden bested Andale for third.

In ‘19, Miege and Louisburg met in the opening round of sub-state, with Louisburg upending the Stags and eventually earning a trip back to state.

In the state semifinals, Hayden defeated Louisburg, 25-14, 25-18. Andale beat Towanda-Circle in the other semifinal, 25-10, 28-26.

In the finals, Hayden defeated Andale, 25-19, 27-25. The Wildcats posted a 30-14 record under coach Jessica Farmer-Walter. Circle earned third place with a three-set win against Louisburg. Andale, with coach Kaylie Bergkamp, had the best finish in school annals at 39-3.

Hayden went 5-0 at state with just one three-set match. Nine of the set wins came by at least six

points.

In the finals, Hayden limited Andale to a .148 hitting percentage. Seniors Halle Jackson and Sydney Hillmer and junior Dejah Miller were Hayden’s top hitters. All three recorded between 254 and 287 kills in ‘19.

The 6-foot-3 Jackson, Hayden’s only player above 5-9, hit .344. Jackson and Miller were both newcomers in ’19. Jackson had transferred from Washburn Rural, Miller from Topeka High. Jackson inked with Division I North Texas, and Hillmer has signed with Pittsburg State volleyball.

It marked the last tournament for Farmer-Walter with Hayden. In April, Kathy Allen, the winningest volleyball coach in Baker University annals, came out of retirement to take over Hayden, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. Farmer-Walter resigned after five state titles and 14 state appearances in 15 seasons.

We still had talent, so not going to cower away from competition.”

Addison, though, came back to start as a junior in volleyball and earned all-league for a team that finished 26-11.

“It was scary, because that’s a lot more jumping and cuts than I was used to, but I finally learned to trust it,” Crites said.

In basketball, Crites was a key starter for an ’18-19 squad that set state records for average margin of victory and scoring defense.

Last fall, Crites, one of five returning starters for the Oilers, led CP to the Class 1A state title with a remarkable 22-25, 25-22, 26-24 championship victory against Rural Vista at

Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena. CP saved three match points in the third set and won the match’s final five points.

“I still don’t know how we won,” Crites said.

Crites, a middle blocker who played back row for the first time this fall, had a superlative performance with 19 kills and 27 digs. She earned 1A Player of the Year. Her mom, Lisa, CP’s coach, was 1A Coach of the Year. Central Plains had 80 digs and held Rural Vista to a season-low .167 hitting percentage.

Central Plains, not ranked in the top-10 entering the postseason, finished 34-11 and won its first volleyball title since 2015. Addison put her continued on page 114

Page 114

STATE CHAMPIONS: ROYAL VALLEY PANTHERS

TRINITY ACADEMY

Gary Armstrong

Austin Broadie

Barb Williamson

Courtesy Photo

KVA Player of the Year: Lexi Cobb, Silver Lake KVA Coach of the Year: Gary Armstrong, Royal Valley

Ivy Fink

ROYAL VALLEY

VOLLEYBALL 2019

Pam Weaver

3A VOLLEYBALL Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Talby Duerksen HESSTON

STATE RUNNER-UP: BELOIT TROJANS

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Entering state, Royal Valley, ranked first throughout the fall, had mixed results against Silver Lake and Nemaha Central during the regular season. In the state tournament, RV had to face Silver Lake and NC in pool play. Royal Valley defeated Silver Lake (25-23, 25-21) and Nemaha Central (23-25, 25-17, 25-18).

In the semifinals, Royal Valley beat Cheney, 2517, 25-17 and then bested Beloit, 25-19, 25-18, in the finals in Hutchinson. The Panthers, who also won the ’19 state basketball crown, became the first program in state history to win a pair of titles on Hutchinson Community College’s Sam Butterfield Court in the same year, according to KSHSAA

notes. RV finished 39-6 for coach Gary Armstrong and won the first state volleyball crown in school history.

Beloit went 42-4 and had a school record for wins.

RV’s top-three hitters were non-seniors, including junior Ivy Fink. She finished with 13 kills and a .348 average in the finals. Overall, she delivered 546 kills (5.7 per set) with a .370 hitting percentage and had 45 percent of her team’s kills.

Silver Lake beat Cheney for third. SL’s Lexi Cobb was 3A Player of the Year. Fink and senior libero McKenzie Ogden were both first team all-state.

Ogden easily led the team with 354 digs.

Royal Valley ended the season with eight straight victories.

Crites/from page 113 hands on her head as she walked off the UWA floor, still surprised that CP won the state title.

Months later, Addison has watched the match several times and picks up different things. She has signed with Barton County Community College volleyball.

“They had a couple misplays that really saved us, but I think what was important for us is that we just didn’t let anything touch the floor at that time, and we told each other that, too,” Addison said. “We said, ‘We are just going to fight for everything.’ Just go until they finally get something down on us, and fortunately they didn’t.”

As is customary, the senior players pick out the championship rings. Crites and the seniors that included all-state libero Rachel Lamatsch had a special moment – especially with the coronavirus later cancelling state basketball.

Crites had previously earned state rings as a sophomore and junior in basketball, part of CP’s record six consecutive basketball titles. She was not able to pick the ring for those teams.

This time, Crites and the volleyball seniors looked at different designs online and selected a Balfour ring. CP had gone with Jostens in the past two years for basketball rings. Crites wore the ring to thel photo shoot in Salina in March.

“I don’t like things that are really bulky, so it was kind of like the seniors’ decision, the size and everything that we wanted,” she said.

In basketball this winter, Crites earned a bevy of honors, including second team 1A all-state (top-10 player) by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. She helped CP break its state records from ’18-19. Central Plains finished 260, outscored teams by an average of 57.1 points per contest and permitted just 21.2 points per contest. Crites played strong in key games vs.

Haven and Sterling with bigger girls in the post.

Central Plains heard the state tournament was cancelled shortly after its 93-47 first-round win versus Ingalls. The Oilers led 71-18 with 3 minutes, 8 seconds left in the third quarter when Crites and the seniors were taken out of the game – her last appearance in a CP uniform.

McKenzie Ogden RURAL VALLEY

BELOIT

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 3A ALL-STATE TEAM NAME FIRST TEAM: Lexi Cobb Austin Broadie Talby Duerksen Ivy Fink Daryn Lamprecht Shea Larson McKenzie Ogden SECOND TEAM: Delaney Barnes Morgan Harvey Kristina Head Emilee Lane Jessica Meier Hanna Pearson Brooklyn Wewe HONORABLE MENTION: Chloe Conway Alleigh Kramer Lexi Lueger Celbi Richardson Abby Rose Kylee Scheer Melinna Schumann

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

POSITITION

CLASS

Silver Lake Trinity Academy Hesston Royal Valley Silver Lake Beloit Royal Valley

5’8” 6’1” 5’10” 5’9” 5’7” 6’0” 5’3”

S/OH OH OH OH OH OH L

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Baxter Springs Royal Valley Lyons Thomas More Prep Beloit Beloit Cheney

6’1” 5’8” 6’0” 5’11” 5’4” 6’1” 5’5”

OH/MB RS MB OH S/OPP MB S

Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So.

Concordia Nemaha Central Nemaha Central Hesston Smoky Valley Cheney Sabetha

5’10” 5’8” 5’9” 5’8” 6’0” 5’8” 5’9”

MB OH MB S MB OPP OH

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr.

�

ii ii i ii i ii i ii i ii ii i ii i ii i i �

USll32B: First K-12

"The Leader in Me" school district in Kansas!

Carrie Hastings

Shea Larson

SILVER LAKE

Stephanie Meier Photography

Daryn Lamprecht

Topeka Capital-Journal

Stephanie Meier Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

SPEARVILLE

2A VOLLEYBALL

WABAUNSEE

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Laurel Barber

Courtesy Photo

Alissa Heskamp

KVA Player of the Year: Ehlaina Hartman, Spearville KVA Coach of the Year: Tracy Capoun, Wabaunsee

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

VOLLEYBALL 2019

Page 115

Natasha Dooley GARDEN PLAIN

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Lauren Schutter

ST. MARY’S COLGAN

Courtesy Photo

Millie Stockard

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Sam Vermetten VALLEY HEIGHTS

WABAUNSEE

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 2A ALL-STATE TEAM NAME FIRST TEAM: Ehlaina Hartman Laurel Barber Natasha Dooley Alissa Heskamp Lauren Schutter Millie Stockard Sam Vermetten SECOND TEAM: Bree Frieling Madi Gooch Alexis Hafenstine Kennedy Horacek Torrance Lovesee Addi Pelham Lakyn Tenbrink HONORABLE MENTION: Alyssa Hunter Mya Maxwell Tallon Rentschler Carrie Roe Lili Shubert Grace Thompson Emma Toerber

SCHOOL

HEIGHT

POSITION

CLASS

6’0” 5’5” 5’10” 5’5” 6’2” 5’9” 5’9”

OPP OH OH L MB OH/S OH

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.

Smith Center 5’9” Belle Plaine 5’4” Wabaunsee 5’2” Garden Plain 5’4” Bluestem 5’10” Maranatha Christian Academy 6’1” Ellsworth 6’1”

S/OH L L L OH/MB/S OH MB

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

MB OH/S MB OH OH OH MB/RS

Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Spearville Wabaunsee Garden Plain Spearville Wabaunsee St. Mary’s Colgan Valley Heights

Belle Plaine Ellinwood Smith Center Herington Trego Community Sedgwick Valley Heights

STATE CHAMPIONS: WABAUNSEE CHARGERS

5’9” 5’7” 6’0” 5’9” 5’9” 5’5” 5’10”

Connie Heskamp

STATE RUNNER-UP: SPEARVILLE LANCERS

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Alma-Wabaunsee’s Lauren Schutter broke a bone in her foot early in the ’18 season. In the ’18 state semifinals, Madisyn Wertzberger rolled her ankle.

She was severely limited and did not record a kill in the ’18 state championship match loss against Garden Plain.

In ’19 sub-state, libero Alexis Hafenstine dove for a ball and chipped two of her front teeth. She remained in the match, though still had the chipped front teeth at state.

All three Chargers significantly contributed to the Class 2A state championship. After a state runner-up in ’18, Wabaunsee defeated Spearville 28-26, 25-19 to win the ’19 title at Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena. The Chargers, ranked first in the class all season, went 41-3, and set a school mark for victories. Wabaunsee finished 5-0 at state and won the first volleyball title in school annals. In the finals, the Chargers saved a pair of first set points.

In the second, Wabaunsee trailed 16-8 before

a 13-0 run. In the final, Wertzberger had 14 kills, Schutter five. Hafenstine delivered a team-high 19 digs. Garden Plain, the ’18 state champion finished third and Valley Heights fourth. The tournament was very close with six three-set matches and four sets that required more than the customary 25 points.

In addition to the final, Wabaunsee earned close victories versus Jefferson County North (26-24, 2519) and Spearville (29-27, 25-23) in pool play. In the semis, the Chargers beat Valley Heights, 25-14, 25-22.

For Wabaunsee, Schutter, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, and senior outside Laurel Barber were first team all-state by the KVA. Hafenstine was second team.

“Since the day after (’18), maybe even the road trip home, we were already planning for this year,” coach Tracy Capoun said. “Last year, we had a tough incident with a couple people hurt, so we wanted to come back and prove what the state’s seen us all year with being first place. We wanted to make sure that they knew it wasn’t a fluke.”

The Wabaunsee Booster Club is proud to support all Charger activities!

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

KVA Player of the Year: Addison Crites, Central Plains KVA Coach of the Year: Lisa Crites, Central Plains

VOLLEYBALL 2019

CHETOPA

Jaden Pfaff MINNEOLA

Holly Brockmeier

Joann Kahnt/Prairie Post

Samantha Blundell

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Justin Olson

Sean Frye/Parsons Sun

1A VOLLEYBALL

Page 116

RURAL VISTA

STATE CHAMPIONS: CENTRAL PLAINS OILERS

CUNNINGHAM

STATE RUNNER-UP: RURAL VISTA HEAT

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame From 2011-19, ten teams won state volleyball titles with double-digit losses. Seven belonged to Bishop Miege and Topeka Hayden, eastern private schools in the 4A/5A ranks that routinely play in bigger tournaments. In ’16, Axtell won Class 1A, Division II, and Garden Plain captured 2A in ’18.

This season, Central Plains fashioned a big turnaround and enjoyed a remarkable run to the state championship. The Oilers defeated Rural Vista, 2225, 25-22, 26-24 in the final at Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena. Central Plains saved three match points in the third set and won the match’s final five points. Senior Addison Crites had a singular performance with 19 kills and 27 digs and collected 1A Player of the Year. Central Plains, the No. 7 seed,

finished 34-11 after a 2-3 start.

“It’s kind of hard for me to believe,” Crites said.

“Because if you would have told me at the beginning of this season that we would have won state, I would have laughed.”

Rural Vista went on a 5-2 run for its 24-21 lead in the third. Then, CP sophomore Kassidy Nixon had a kill, and Rural Vista made a pair of miscues.

Lexi Oeser finished with back-to-back kills for the game-winning points. Central Plains coach Lisa Crites is Addison’s mother. Central Plains had previously won 2A volleyball state in ’15 and runner-up in ’16. Cunningham took third and Minneola fourth.

“It was very unbelievable,” Oeser said. “It just happened. We flipped a switch, and we just all clicked, and all you could see was smiles.”

Hannah Riedy RURAL VISTA

CENTRAL PLAINS

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 1A ALL-STATE TEAM NAME SCHOOL FIRST TEAM: Addison Crites Central Plains Samantha Blundell Chetopa Holly Brockmeier Rural Vista Holly DeWeese Cunningham Kassidy Nixon Central Plains Jaden Pfaff Minneola Hannah Riedy Rural Vista SECOND TEAM: Maya Bishop Olpe Jaden Boden Thunder Ridge Jaci Brinker Valley Falls Payton Girard Clifton-Clyde Rachel Lamatsch Central Plains Brooke Smith Macksville Maddie Wiltse Otis-Bison HONORABLE MENTION: Kennedy Becker Centralia Lily Boughfman Little River Kennen Brandt Frankfort Morgan Meyers Cunningham Ella Roberts Dighton Kassi Weber Victoria Alexis Zehr Burrton

HT POSITITION YEAR 5’11” 5’10” 5’9” 5’10” 5’8” 5’11” 5’9”

MB MB OH OH OH/S MB S/OH

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

5’7” 5’10” 5’9” 5’7” 5’3” 5’11” 6’1”

OH MB OH S L OH MB

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

5’9” 6’2” 5’8” 5’6” 6’0” 5’9” 5’8”

OH OH OH L S/OH/MB OH OH/S

Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr.

FOR MORE COVERAGE OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ON THE WEB FIND KANSAS PREGAME ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT KANSASPREGAME.COM!

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Kassidy Nixon

Justin Olson

Holly DeWeese

Courtesy Photo

Joann Kahnt/Prairie Post

WRESTLING Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 117

STATE WRESTLING 2020

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The 2020 wrestling season saw history made as the first ever Kansas State High Shool Activities Association Girls Wrestling Championships were held in Salina in late February. The adoption of girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport led to a boom in participation with nearly 1,000 girls competing. Washburn Rural edged out Great Bend for the first girls team championship and top ranked wrestlers like Onaga’s Morgan Mayginnes, Nickerson’s Nichole Moore and Junction City’s Elisa Robinson solidified their positions in the national rankings.

On the boys side, a pair of veteran coaches - Mill Valley’s Travis Keal and Chanute’s Andy Albright - earned their school’s first wrestling team titles in 6A and 4A respectively. State powers Goddard and Norton continued their success in classes 5A and 3-2-1A. Goddard won their sixth straight state championship and Norton won their 11th state title since 2004.

Class 6A Mill Valley coach Travis Keal has coached the Jaguars since the day the school opened in 2000-01. Keal has enjoyed a bevy of accomplishments, including four regional coach of the year awards and two coaching honors from the Kansas Wrestling Officials. MV had taken third at state in ’15 and ’16. This winter, Mill Valley added another milestone with its first team wrestling title.

Keal’s twin senior sons, Zach and Austin, provided big contributions for the Jaguars. MV earned 161.5 points, ahead of runner-up Washburn Rural’s 148. WR qualified all 14 wrestlers to Day 2.

Zach Keal, an Army West Point signee, finished 40-5 and won the 132-pound state title. That included a key tech fall victory versus Washburn Rural’s Bowan Murray in the semifinals. Austin (39-12) earned third at 145.

Tyler Green (21-6) collected the title at 195 and clinched the team championship. Green, a Dartmouth football signee, defeated Rural’s Gavin Carter, 6-4, in the finals. Carter, Rural’s top wrestler and a regional wrestler of the year, finished 40-1.

Ethan Kremer (28-2) won at 285 and captured his second straight state title. Kremer, who has multiple Division I football offers, won all his matches by fall. In addition, Eddie Hughart (36-11) took third at 106, and Brodie Scott (38-6) took second at 170.

Rural finished with two champions with 106’s Jacob Tangpricha (34-11) and 113’s Bishop Murray (34-3).

Class 5A The Class 5A team race offered little drama, but the classification had the best collection of individual talent. Goddard won its sixth straight state championship with 205 points, well ahead of Blue Valley Southwest’s 171.5. It marked the best finish in school history for BVSW. Goddard captured individual titles with Jason Henschel (35-7) at 120, Jerrdon Fisher (23-1) at 132, and Trevor Dopps (44-5) at 182. Henschel defeated Newton’s Grant Treaster, a Naval Academy signee, 1-0 in the finals. The pair split four matches this winter, including an ultimate tiebreaker win for Henschel.

Treaster defeated Henschel at regionals. Henschel has won three state titles and has signed with Pratt Community College wrestling, while Dopps is going to Oklahoma State.

At 220, St. James’ Cade Lautt beat Maize’s Kyle Haas, 3-1. Both were ranked top-10 nationally. Lautt has signed with North Carolina, and Haas, a junior this season, plans to wreslte Oklahoma State after high school. Lautt finished 43-1, Haas 27-1. Maize’s Devin Gomez (26-0) won his second straight state title.

At 170, Maize’s Duwayne Villalpando, injured last year, returned to win his second state title after an ’18 championship. Villalpando beat Blue Valley Southwest’s Seth Nitzel, 7-4. Both are headed to the University of Missouri to wrestle; Villalpando had originally committed to Nebraska, and then de-committed.

Class 4A Chanute had enjoyed a long run of wrestling success, though col-

lected its first team title this winter. The Blue Comets finished with 151 points, well ahead of runner-up Marysville’s 94. Marysville was the defending state titlist. Chanute finished with nine state medals.

Trent Clements (43-1) captured the title at 106. Kolton Misener (40-5) was second at 113, and Parker Winder (42-4) was second at 160. In a highlighted matchup at 182, Brayden Dillow (44-1) collected the title with a sudden victory in overtime in the semifinals versus KC Piper’s Branden Martin.

As well, Logan McDonald (38-10) placed fifth at 145, and his twin, Brady, finished 38-11 with a sixth-place showing at 152. The McDonalds and Winder all committed to wrestle at Neosho Community College in Chanute.

For all classes, Marysville’s Jonny Crome had possibly the most dominant statistical showing at a state tournament. Crome, 39-4 and the 145-pound champion, won his four matches by fall in :38 seconds, 1:56, :45 and 1:26. Crome, Iola’s Logan Brown and Holton’s Konnor Tannahill led the field with 30 points.

Grayson Sonntag (120) and Connor Searcy (220) captured championships for Tonganoxie with 44-2 and 44-1 records, respectively.

Paola’s Preston Martin won his fourth straight crown.

Class 3-2-1A In 2019, Norton wrestling finished fourth in Class 3-2-1A. Darius Shields, then just a freshman, took sixth at 106, and Cole Amlong was second at 170. Camdyn Unterseher and Judson Wiltfong each qualified for state. In early April, Norton suffered horrible tragedies in just a couple of days. Shields’ mother, Lori, was killed April 7. She was a well-known secretary for Eisenhower Elementary School in Norton. Her husband, Damien, was arrested for murder.

Shields immediately moved in with longtime Norton wrestling coach Bill Johnson and his wife, Joy. Shortly after, wrestler Thunder Linner died in a farming accident.

This winter, Norton was not favored entering the 2020 state wrestling tournament. However, the Bluejays won the unexpected crown with 120 points, seven ahead of favored Hoxie at Fort Hays State University. Notably, Shields effectively sealed the title with a 5-0 win versus Goodland’s D.J. Knox in the 106 pound championship match. Shields had lost by fall in the regional to Knox.

“I know she’s proud,” Shields said. “I know she’s cheering loud up there like she always did.”

Additionally, Kolton Field (120) and Amlong (170) both captured titles. Field was suspended from the team last winter, but worked his way back onto the squad in the offseason.

He was ranked sixth entering the tournament. Additionally, Unterseher and Wiltfong both took fourth at 132 and 220, respectively for first career medals. It marked the 11th state title in the Johnson era, all since ’04.

“He’s the best coach that anybody can ask for,” Amlong said.

Shields had his grandfather and aunt at 3-2-1A state. Shields’ two younger sisters have moved in with family in Kentucky. However, his grandfather wants Shields to stay in Norton – and be with his friends and wrestling.

“Love it here,” Shields said.

“It’s the community. They are always behind you. They support you through everything, a win or a loss.”

Additionally, Hoxie finished with three titlists: Drew Bell, Derek Johnson and Dylan Weimer. Hoisington’s Wyatt Pedigo won his third straight crown, and Plainville’s Jordan Finnesy and Rossville’s Zach Archer each earned a second. Republic County earned third after its first re-

STATE CHAMPIONS

CLASS 6A: MILL VALLEY CLASS 5A: GODDARD CLASS 4A: CHANUTE CLASS 3-2-1A: NORTON GIRLS: WASHBURN RURAL gional title since 1977.

Girls Paola junior Jordyn Knecht stood on the floor of the Tony Pizza’s Events Center in Salina after the inaugural KSHSAA sanctioned all-classes girls’ wrestling championship in late February. Knecht won the highlighted match, an 8-4 decision versus Marysville’s Elise Rose for the 123-pound title. Knecht, who had been nationally ranked, finished at 30-0. Rose stood No. 11 nationally.

Knecht had just taken a photo with all the individual champions.

Many were Knecht’s longtime friends, had wrestled together on Team Kansas, and are pioneers for the growth of Kansas girls’ wrestling. The state titlists included Nickerson’s Nichole Moore, Lawrence Free State’s Madyson Gray, Onaga’s Morgan Mayginnes and Junction City’s Elisa Robinson.

Moore, Mayginnes and Robinson have all been ranked nationally, including No. 1 for Robinson. Knecht called the bond “unbreakable” between Team Kansas girls.

“It’s something beautiful to see,” Knecht said.

Washburn Rural and Great Bend entered as the favorites to contend for the team title. Rural earned 84 points, while Great Bend was second at 80. Paola took third at 44 with just two wrestlers, Knecht and 116-pound runner-up Kailyn Younger. WR and Garden City were tied for the most with six wrestlers. WR junior Dajia Anderson captured a title at 235.

K.C. Piper junior Sara Lake was the first all-time champion when the finals started at 136. She finished 27-0 after a fall in 3 minutes, 37 seconds against Andover Central sophomore Xara Bacci.

The next match was arguably the best when Pratt sophomore Livia Swift defeated Mulvane’s Kammie Schanz, 3-2, at 143 pounds.

Swift believed her wrestling career was over after eighth grade and was joyful when the sport was sanctioned. Kansas had about 400 girls wrestle in ’18-19 and nearly 1,000 competed in ’19-20.

“It makes me really emotional,” Swift said. “I am probably going to cry.”

Moore, ranked first at 116 and third nationally, defeated Younger by fall in 2:27. Including her record against boys, Moore finished 38-7 and is Nickerson’s all-time winningest wrestler, boys or girls, with 129 victories. The week of state, CBS featured Moore and the growth of Kansas’ girls wrestling on the national news. Moore and Knecht earned the two regional wrestler of the year honors.

“The feeling in here is awesome,” Moore said. “It was my last high school match ever, so it’s all been very emotional. It’s been pretty great, though. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

6A

2020 STATE CHAMPIONS

WASHBURN RURAL

145: Cason Lindsey

THIRD PLACE: DODGE CITY 160: Gavin Brown

Aiden Droge

Courtesy Photo

OLATHE SOUTH

170: Malachi Karibo

DODGE CITY

182: Quentin Saunders WICHITA WEST

Wichita North Wrestling

WICHITA SOUTH

Kendall Short

152: Luke Barker

195: Tyler Green 220: Jackson Stroud 285: Ethan Kremer ULYSSES, KS KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, MILL VALLEY MILL VALLEY WHEELER, KS ULYSSES, KS COLBY, KSOAKLEY, KS WICHITA SUBLETTE, KS JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KSNORTH WHEELER, KS

Red Demon Wrestling

Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com

Kim Huck

DERBY

Hayden Barber/Wichita Eagle

GARDEN CITY

MILL VALLEY

Red Demon Wrestling

138: Jacob Holt

132: Zach Keal

David Lewis

Tylee Biera Photography

STATE RUNNER-UP: WASHBURN RURAL

126: Keegan Slyter OLATHE NORTH

MANHATTAN

Lindsay Habben

120: Easton Taylor

WASHBURN RURAL

Tribe Wrestling

PEC Sports

113: Bishop Murray

Kendall Short

106: Jacob Tangpricha

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STATE CHAMPIONS: MILL VALLEY

Page 118

Aiden Droge

6A WRESTLING

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

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5A

113: Hayden Mills

Whitney Parks

2020 STATE CHAMPIONS

STATE CHAMPIONS: GODDARD Jammie Atkins

126: Brett Umentum

Whitney Parks

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Jammie Atkins

NEWTON

120:Jason Henschel

5A WRESTLING Page 119

132: Jerrod Fisher GODDARD

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

GODDARD

Jammie Atkins

106: Nick Treaster

Aiden Droge

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

STATE RUNNER-UP: BLUE VALLEY SW

MCPHERSON

220: Cade Lautt ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Jazmyne Shannon

Sam Bartlett Jammie Atkins

182: Trevor Dopps

THIRD PLACE: MAIZE

GODDARD

285: Tony Caldwell

VC Wrestling Twitter

195: Landon Frantz

170: Duwayne Villalpando MAIZE

McPherson Wrestling

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

152: Devin Gomez MAIZE

Sam Bartlett

160: Jared Simma

145: Trig Tennant ARKANSAS CITY

Lindsay Habben

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

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138: Johnny Akin

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Reagan Smith

Kaden Griffin did a little bit of everything for Minneapolis High School on the football field, the basketball court, the baseball diamond, and in the classroom.

Although his senior year of baseball was cut short, Griffin still left a legacy of success at Minneapolis.

Griffin and Minneapolis KADEN GRIFFIN looked destined for anMinneapolis other run at the Class 3A State title. Last year, the Lions went 20-4, placed third at state, and went 9-2 in the North Central Activities Association.

Minneapolis was stacked with talent, and although the Lions graduated three seniors, they returned five players who earned All-NCAA honors and six starters.

“We have several juniors and seniors that played the majority of the innings for us last season, so I’m excited to see how that experience and leadership translates to the current season,” Minneapolis baseball head coach Tyler Konrade said before the season was cancelled.

Griffin, an outfielder, recorded 35 hits and a .375 batting average last season. Griffin also knocked in 39 RBIs while tallying 43 runs scored and one home run.

Griffin possessed a combination of speed and power, which is evident by his 14 stolen bases.

Minneapolis’ high expectations made it even tougher for Griffin to accept the cancellation of spring sports.

“Baseball is one of my favorite sports, and seeing us be that successful placing third at state last year makes it even worse that we weren’t given the chance to prove ourselves again this year,” Griffin said.

Griffin also showed off his speed and power in his other sports, specifically football. As a wide receiver, Griffin earned all-league honors despite missing two games due to a groin injury.

Even though he did not play a complete season, Griffin still led the team in receptions (20), receiving yards (450), longest reception (63), and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (2).

“He’s a big wide receiver with very good hands,” Minneapolis football head coach Tom Flax said. “He’ll catch anything thrown in his vicinity.”

Griffin also emphasized academics and earned a spot on the MHS High Honor Roll featuring students with 3.5-4.0 GPAs. “I have always made it a priority to take care of my school work before worrying about my sports,” Griffin said. “Then I put all of my focus on getting better in the sports I am involved in.”

Griffin plans to attend Kansas State University this fall and major in business management.

Cade Thomas was a CADE THOMAS big reason the MinneapMinneapolis olis High School baseball team had high expectations entering the 2020 season.

Minneapolis returned the bulk of its team that finished 20-4 and reached the semifinals of the Class 3A State Tournament last year.

Including Thomas, the Lions returned six starters who had high hopes for this year.

As an outfielder, Thomas batted .348 last year and belted 24 hits, including one home run. Thomas also recorded 26 RBIs while scoring 28 runs.

Kandy Konstable

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Sylvan-Lucas High BEAU BATCHMAN School’s Beau Batchman Sylvan-Lucas could play both sides of the football with exceptional success, and he wasn’t too shabby as a basketball player or hurdler in track as well.

In an 8-Man Division II District which featured state champions Osborne and quarterfinalists Thunder Ridge, it was Batchman who earned 8-Man Division II, District 5 Defensive MVP as a linebacker last fall. Batchman also earned all-district honors as a running back.

Batchman does a little bit of everything for the Sylvan-Lucas High School football team. In the opening round of the 8-Man Division II playoffs, Batchman rushed for 188 yards and threw for two touchdowns in a 52-8 victory over Triplains Brewster.

The previous week in a 58-8 victory over Wilson, Batchman rushed for 270 yards and six touchdowns.

Batchman, a 6-1, 180-pound athlete, earned all-state honors from several organizations last year.

Batchman also started on the Sylvan-Lucas basketball team he was named to the Tescott Tip-Off All-Tournament team as a junior - and was a Class 1A state track qualifier in the 300 meter hurdles in the spring of 2019.

He didn’t get a chance at a return trip to state thanks to the cancellation of spring sports due to fears surrounding the spread of the coronavirus.

His senior season of basketball, Batchman earned Honorable Mention All-Northern Plains League honors and helped the Mustangs to an 18-7 record and 1A regional championship.

Athletic success runs deep in Beau Batchman’s family.

Batchman’s oldest sister, Courtney was a multi-event athlete on the track team at Fort Hays State University and just graduated from nursing school last fall.

Older sister Logan, the middle sibling in the family, is a junior at Fort Hays and is a thrower on the track team.

Beau’s father, Ryan, is the track coach and long-time football assistant at Sylvan-Lucas.

Beau gets it done in the classroom as well, where he was a member of the 3.5-3.99 Honor Roll in high school.

Batchman plans to attend North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit next year thanks in part to a Career and Tech nical Education scholarship from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The scholarship is worth $4,000 and may be renewed for an additional year if Batchman maintains a satisfactory academic record.

Batchman will study Agricultural Technology.

Marissa Winters earned Third Team All-Northern MARISSA WINTERS Lincoln Plains League volleyball honors and was a multiyear varsity athlete in track and field.

In addition to her athletic success, Winters made the USD 298 Lincoln A Honor Roll.

When it comes to athletic and academic success, the two go hand in hand, according to Winters.

“Being an all-league athlete took a lot of effort and motivation.

I took advantage of the many bus rides to take control of some of my studies,” Winters said. “Like playing games, you have to have the mind that you want to win. The same goes for school work.”

Winters had the right mindset to be a standout on the court and in the classroom.

“I wanted to do well, so I motivated myself to make sure I did just that,” Winters said.

On the volleyball court, Winters helped lead Lincoln to a 25win season - the most single season wins in nearly 30 years for the Leopards - and a regional championship.

“Marissa really gained confidence in the past few years as an overall athlete and leader,” Lincoln volleyball head coach Shaylyn Walter said. “Her consistency was a crucial part of our team dynamic.”

In track and field, Winters was hoping to reach the state meet this year as a thrower.

“What I miss most about spring sports is throwing,” Winters said. “I was also looking forward to league and state powerlifting competitions. School related, I miss seeing my friends and teachers everyday.”

Winters has an identical twin sister, Macy, who pushes her to do her best in athletics and academics.

“Having a twin is like having a motivator,” Winters said. “She helps me, and in return I help her. It is especially nice because we have a ‘study buddy’ all the time and help each other study for tests or quizzes. In track, we compete against each other and also help each other out if something is off such as form.”

Walter added praise for Macy, who was also on the A Honor Roll and was another key piece of Lincoln’s successful volleyball season.

“Macy’s work ethic set her apart from the rest,” Krone said.

“She always came to practice willing to learn and work hard.

She was a true team player and was always willing to play where she was the most beneficial for our success.”

The twins plan to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall in the exploratory program.

Kris Heinze

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

His play on the field earned him North Central Activities Association Honorable Mention honors last season. In addition to his all-league honors, Thomas made the academic honor roll and maintained a high GPA. Thomas credits the people surrounding him for his ability to exceed athletically and academically.

“It takes dedication, drive, and a good group of people surrounding you,” Thomas said. “There’s a lot of times where you don’t want to do the homework because you’re tired from practice, but with a few words from someone close, you’re right back in the ring.”

The social aspect of high school is what Thomas missed most when the spring semester was cancelled.

“My favorite thing, and definitely most missed thing, is friends,” Thomas said. “They can make or break your attitude, and I will miss them.”

Thomas plans on attending Fort Hays State University in the exploratory field this fall.

Kansas Pregame Spring Edition 2020

Page 127

Whether on the basketball court, track or in the PRESTON HOWARD Lincoln classroom, Lincoln High School’s Preston Howard found success.

Howard shined brightest on the track, where he was a part of last year’s school record breaking 4x100 team. At the state meet in 2019, the Lincoln 4x100 team placed fifth in 1A with a time of 45.49.

Howard teamed up with Landon O’Hare, Samuel Huehl, and Tyler Good in the 4x100.

Howard, O’Hare, and Good would have returned in 2020 for the Leopards.

It was Howard’s job to get the 4X100 relay team off to a solid start, which he usually did.

“Preston was the first leg and he consistently got us off to a great start,” Lincoln track coach Steve Crist said. “Starting a relay, especially the 4x100 relay, is a very stressful job. Preston embraced that role and consistently put us in position to compete the last three legs of the race.”

Howard says the cancellation of spring sports was especially difficult for him because his favorite two activities - track and forensics - are both in the spring.

“I’ll definitely miss the competition and all my friends the most,” Howard said. “Also, as a senior you dream of being the best and on the top and just never having that senior year is going to be really hard to get over.”

Howard is proud of the relay team’s school record.

“Not only did I finally get to make it to state in a sport I love but I got to do it with my team and the support of my community,” Howard said. “Breaking the school record was my favorite because I love competition and having everyone working their hardest for the same goal is pretty awesome, and I also get to leave my name behind on a school plaque.”

Preston was a part of the USD 298 A Honor Roll and plans to attend Kansas University and major in communications this fall.

Becky Rathbun

Whether it’s on the volKERSTI NELSON leyball court, basketball Minneapolis court, or in the classroom, Minneapolis High School senior Kersti Nelson gives it her all.

“I decided very early on in my life that I would give my all in everything that I do,” Nelson said.

In addition to making the honor roll, Nelson was a First Team AllNorth Central Activities Association volleyball selection and an honorable mention all-league basketball selection.

“Since athletics and academics have always been important to me, it was almost instinct for me to commit one hundred percent and work my hardest,” Nelson said. “Over the years, I was able to learn how to balance the two in order to reach my goals.”

From sports to friends and nearly everything in between, Nelson missed out on a lot due to the cancellation of school and spring sports amid fears surrounding the possible spread of the coronavirus.

“The things I missed most about spring sports were growing as an athlete, competing, and especially socializing,” Nelson said. “I missed seeing my friends everyday and getting to know the people who I wouldn’t normally see outside of that sport.”

The social aspect of being a senior in high school is also something Nelson regrets missing out on.

“I missed finishing my senior year with my class because we were all so close,” Nelson said. “I was looking forward to my senior prom, senior trip, and a traditional graduation with all my friends.”

Nelson will continue her volleyball career at Hutchinson Community College and will major in elementary education.

Mason Smith

Terri Thrun

Sylvan-Lucas High KELSEY DECKER School’s Kelsey Decker Sylvan-Lucas says it no secret what it takes to achieve success in the classroom and as an athlete.

“It took a lot of hard work and studying to maintain my high GPA throughout high school,” Decker said. “I spent a countless number of nights staying up late on assignments and projects.”

Decker earned allleague honors in volleyball, and maintained a 4.0 GPA, all while keeping very busy.

“Practice would get over at 6 p.m. and then sometimes I’d have FCA programs afterward,” Decker said. “Definitely was time consuming!”

Decker played setter on the Sylvan-Lucas volleyball team last fall and led the Mustangs with 260 assists and was second on the team with 37 aces. She also tallied 187 digs and 34 kills to help lead the Mustangs to a 19-14 season, the seventh straight winning season under longtime coach Linda Haring.

The team’s only senior, Decker was All-NPL Hon. Mention.

“Kelsey was a strong team leader during volleyball this year,” Haring said. “She stepped up and led the team by being very positive on the court and encouraging to younger players.”

Decker’s willingness to try something new for the sake of the team also impressed Haring.

“Additionally, she enthusiastically accepted the role of setter for the varsity team—a position that she had never played before,” Haring said. “She worked diligently to perfect her skill, which allowed the team to have a successful season.”

Decker also played basketball and ran track.

“What I miss most about spring sports was hurdles in track,” Decker said. “I was really working hard on them this year and was trying to get a new personal record.”

Decker plans on attending Fort Hays State University next year with a major in tourism and hospitality management with a minor in entrepreneurship.

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Ellsworth High School’s Gavin Tully stayed busy during high school.

On the academic side, Tully made the honor roll and maintained a GPA between 3.25 and 3.875 without any Ds or Fs. Athletically, Tully played football for four years, basketball for two years, wrestled for one year, and was a First Team AllGAVIN TULLY North Central Activities Ellsworth Association selection in baseball last spring.

Tully’s success in the classroom and on the field was no easy task.

“Being an all-league athlete while maintaining good grades takes a lot of extra work. I would go into school early when I needed help on assignments and review notes with my teachers and peers before tests and quizzes if needed,” Tully said. “I would also stay after practice on days when I didn’t have work and take reps off of the pitching machine and work on fielding with other teammates.”

In baseball, Tully, a four-year starter, helped lead the Bearcats to a 6-4 NCAA record and a 10-9 overall record in 2019.

He blasted two home runs and was the No. 4 hitter in the lineup for Ellsworth.

Ellsworth baseball head coach Jason McWilliams said Tully was bigger, faster, and stronger than in previous years, and was primed for a breakout senior year.

“We got seven or eight practices in before the season was cancelled, and he was absolutely crushing the ball,” McWilliams said. “His leadership skills will be the hardest to replace.

He is a real special kid who everyone looked up to and re-

spected.”

McWilliams said Tully is just as impressive off the field as he is on the field.

“He is just a great kid who treated people kindly and respectfully,” McWilliams said. “He’s a guy people counted on, and he was the spark that got things going.”

Spending time with his team is what Tully missed out on the most with the cancellation of spring sports.

“What I miss most about spring sports and the end of my senior year was being around my team and competing against other teams,” Tully said. “I always looked forward to working everyday at practice with my teammates and seeing us all grow individually, while growing closer as a team before every game.”

Tully says he plans on working full time after high school until “things start to return to normal.” Afterwards, he plans on attending Fort Hays State University to get a degree in business management.

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