IOLA • HUMBOLDT
CREST • YATES CENTER
MARMATON VALLEY
SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY
DARING TO DREAM 2025 Fall Sports
Win now, build for tomorrow in Iola
After finishing the past two seasons 4-5, the Iola High Mustangs hope to use 2025 as a springboard for a more promising future.
The Mustangs got a rough start to the new season, falling to the Baldwin Bulldogs, 46-0.
Even so, Iola coach David Daugharthy believes in his team’s talents to turn the program around, but noted it will not be an overnight affair.
“I’m excited about the group we have,” Daugharthy said. “We have a younger group, but they are really hard-working. They are dedicated. On top of that, they are just really good kids.”
A decided advantage is that the Mustangs return a majority of their 2024 roster.
Even with that experience, a few question marks remained at the beginning of the season.
To start the season, junior Kale Pratt is at quarterback with Nick Bauer serving as backup.
In preseason scrimmages, Pratt seemed to have the starting spot locked down after running the first team offense.
Regardless of who’s un-
der center, Daugharthy has plenty of options in receivers with senior Austin Crooks and returning senior starting running back Easton Weseloh.
Weseloh weighed in on his expectations.
“We just have to have a little more intensity from the younger guys,” Weseloh said. “That will come. We don’t have a lot of varsity experience, but we have the kids to do it.”
Another question the Mustangs must answer is what to do with their offensive and defensive line.
Although undersized in the past, the Mustangs will benefit from returning
Easton Weseloh, Iola senior running back, breaks loose during the Blue and Gold Scrimmage in August at Riverside Park.
linemen senior Matt Drago and juniors Ramon Ballin, Alston Nelson and Brody Peters, who spent many of their summer mornings participating in the summer strength and conditioning program.
It shows. And it will make an immediate impact.
On special teams, look for Pratt at kicker and at punter to make a dangerous third option for fake kicks and punts.
Pratt is no stranger to splitting the uprights on a crucial kick and can flip
the field with a well-placed punt. Returning the ball may also be a strength for Iola. After showing promise as a freshman in a variety of sports, Kevon Loving may leave his mark. Loving clocked one of the fastest 40-yard dash times with a 4.6-second run in July.
With the Mustangs only fielding four seniors this season, Iola may have a mindset fixated on the future. While Iola is light on seniors this year, next year they will be loaded. In 2026, Iola’s stars could align for Iola on the gridiron.
Continued from 3
Iola coach David Daugharthy speaks to his players following the Humboldt Jamboree.
New foundation for next Iola coach
It’s a clean slate for Iola High volleyball. A new head coach. And almost a new roster.
For coach Lauren Moots, it all spells a wonderful opportunity.
Moots debuted her squad at the IHS jamboree last month to mixed success against 2A perennial powerhouse Jayhawk-Linn. Moots saw it as a way to prepare the girls for what they will see every time they compete in the talent-loaded Pioneer League.
“We saw our players step up and make some amazing plays,” Moots said. “Obviously, we have some things to work on, but that’s what the jamboree is for. We can see where we’re at.”
The Mustangs have a talented group of juniors in outside hitters Zoie Hesse, Dally Curry and Kinzey Jelinek and several sophomores looking to make a name for themselves.
However, what has coaches and players really excited is who is waiting in the wings.
Of the team’s 24 players, the majority are freshmen who are already filling
key roles. Kashyn Curry, for instance, served as Iola’s defensive specialist during the jamboree.
“With the girls we have on this team, we push each other, and it helps a lot,” Curry said.
Teamwork and a mind for development are what can make Iola a formidable foe.
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Iola runners ready for next challenge
The Iola Mustangs are a work in progress. Running cross country is an incremental process that includes multiple races at multiple schools and dozens of athletes. While running may appear to be solely an individual effort, the fact that it’s a team sport is what makes the difference, and often compel athletes to exceed their expectations.
Coach Brittany Daugharthy believes her girls and boys teams are capable of qualifying for the 2025 state meet at the famed Rim Rock course in Lawrence.
Two things stand out: leadership and depth.
Junior Keegan Hill returns as a state-qualifier. His time on the 5K course last year was 17 minutes, 47 seconds, good for 44th place.
Hill’s time at the first meet of this season at Anderson County’s Garnett Country Club was 17:47.
“I feel great,” Hill said after the meet. “Last year, my time was 18:11, so I really improved.”
Hill credited adding a weight-lifting schedule to his routine for improving his times.
“I feel I could have ran a little faster. It was more my mentality than any other stuff, but it felt great running with all of my friends from Chanute. From here on, I’m just going to keep getting faster and faster.”
Seniors Brennen Coffield and Brett Heinrich also return to the course. Coffield finished in the top 10 at last year’s Pioneer League Meet and
continued to break personal times as the season wore on. An avid golfer, Coffield placed 6th at the 2025 state golf meet, and during the winter he suits up for the Mustangs basketball team.
Heinrich will also be expected to contribute to the team judging by how he was consistently on the heels of his teammates last year.
FOR THE girls, the Mustangs may have a few runners flying under the radar. Returning are seniors Ari Ramirez and Mahailie Genoble.
Genoble qualified for the 2024 state track and field meet running the 300 hurdles and is an AllLeague Honorable Mention. At last year’s Pioneer League meet, Genoble took second in the 300 hurdles with a time of 48.83 seconds. She’s got speed, that’s for sure.
Genoble finished 22nd overall at this fall’s debut meet at Anderson County, which also featured a variety of runners from larger programs.
Ramirez finished first among her peers at the Blue and Gold Scrimmage last month but suffered a bit of a hiccup at the season’s first meet at Anderson County where she came in 64th.
Ramirez also has speed on her side. In last spring’s Pioneer League meet, she ran the 100-meter dash in 14.25 seconds and the 800 meters in 3:05.9. An all-round athlete, Ramirez also suits up for the Mustangs basketball team.
“This year is really ex-
citing for us,” said Ramirez. “We have a lot of middle school girls going out. I’m excited for what the team is going to be like. I feel good, definitely improved from last year.”
“We’re just going to
Harley Blankenship 12
Brennen Coffield 12
Mahailie Genoble 12
Brett Heinrich 12
Ari Ramirez 12
Isaac Velazquez 12
Ruger Boren 11
Caden Coltrane 11
Lindsey Fehr 11
Keegan Hill 11
James Hunt 11
keep putting in the work,” Daugharthy said. “Week after week they’re adjusting and I think they’ve done well. They push each other and push themselves. I’ll get them ready.”
IOLA
CROSS COUNTRY
Adriel Pina 11
Keshia Smith 11
Kaden Vega 11
Joshua Wanker 11
Sydney Ebberts 10
Cameron Palmer 10
Raiden Stowell 10
Adam Klubek 9
Konner Morrison 9
Head coach: Brittany Daugharthy
Keegan Hill
Iola looking to peak ahead of postseason
With senior leadership in key positions, members of the Iola High School Mustang tennis team could make a deep run in the postseason.
Although Iola only has four seniors on its 12-woman roster, Coach Chris Belknap has them in right places to be most effective.
“This year, I’m not getting blown out as much,” Miller said. “I feel more confident, but that’s experience. I just enjoy it more. It’s been so fun to track my growth from season to season.”
Another senior, or at least a pair of seniors, looking to make an impact is No. 1 doubles team Marlee Westhoff and Madelyne Ashworth. Having played with each other for the past four season, evening learning tennis together as freshmen, Westhoff and Ashworth say their chemistry on the court is so well developed they can communicate paragraphs with a stare.
“We’re in each other’s head in a good way,” Ashworth said. “We’re pretty good at understanding
Abigail Jerome, No. 2 singles player, returns a serve during the Chanute Invitational.
each other. We’ve come a long way.”
Although developed at No.1 singles and doubles, Iola will need time to grow in other areas. Senior Lily Lohman recently joined the squad and Coach Belknap immediately slotted her in the No. 2 doubles team alongside Evie Schooler, who Belknap considers Iola’s do-it-allplayer in only her sophomore season.
The Mustangs will also have depth in singles with
a talented junior in Abigail Jerome and freshman Jayna Ivy, who showed poten-
tial after picking up wins only hours after learning the sport. Madeleine Ashworth 12
Iola cheerleaders ready for next step
Throughout the Friday night football season, the Iola High School Cheerleading team has the fun job of rallying the spirits of athletes and spectators.
The team performs a variety of stunts and cheers orchestrated by two groups of student choreographers at the Mustang varsity games. Their halftime shows often feature dance routines.
Iola coach Jenna Higginbotham gives the girls credit for the choreography.
Higginbotham, who served as assistant cheer coach, has temporarily taken over as head coach for Paiton Richards.
With only two upperclassmen remaining from last year’s team, it’s been a rebuild year.
Higginbotham said the team’s dedication continues to impress her.
Team workouts are before school.
“And at 5:30 in the morning everyone is there,” Higginbotham said. “Everybody is on time. Their dedication and willingness show. They love what
they’re doing.”
Higginbotham said what makes the Iola cheer team special is their dedication to not only cheering but inspiring Iola athletes. Cheering for sports such as golf, tennis and cross country is logistically impossible.
Instead, Iola cheerlead-
ers provide those athletes support by wearing T-shirts that identify their respective sports including tennis, golf, cross country and volleyball.
“Even though we may not cheer for them at those places, we show our support throughout the day,” Higginbotham said.
Besides rallying local teams, the cheerleaders also host a “kiddie clinic,” to inspire local children to support high school athletics.
Cheering on local teams is best when there’s community buy-in. Go Mustangs!
Front row, from left, Eliana Higginbotham, Tessa Brutchin, Stephanie Fees, Blayke Patterson; second row, Sydney Ebberts, Ainslee Glasgow, Adelynn Droessler, Libby Maier, Abby Jerome, Lainey Oswald; back row, Ben Heiman.
Prather, Holloway spearhead golf team
Iola junior Brooklyn Holloway and Iola senior Briley Prather are Allen County’s only female golf players.
For first-year coach Jeremy Sellman, he sees the small numbers as a kind of blessing.
“We have a lot more one-on-one time and can focus on certain aspects of the game,” he said.
Sellman has long been a fan of the school having a girls golf team, which launched in 2024.
Prather previously played with the boys team in the spring because of the lack of a girls team. That forbade her from qualifying for state, which inspired her and others to form a girls team.
Though Prather and Holloway missed last year’s cut for the 2024 state tournament, things are looking up this year, said Sellman.
The duo opened the season on the right foot, ascending to the medal stand at the Labette County Invitational. Prather took the tournament title while Holloway finished 14th in a three-way tie.
“They spent a lot of time in the offseason working on their game and trying to get better,” Sellman said.
In addition to hitting the links this summer, Prather also attended the Sunflower Girls State program on the University of Kansas campus to learn about community building, civic leadership and the role of government. Prather also serves on the National Honor Society and plays alto saxophone with the school band.
Holloway, meanwhile, is active with FFA and is an allaround athlete, suiting up for both the Mustang basketball and softball teams.
“They’ve bought into the deal,” said Sellman. “Brooklyn is an athlete. She was in the top 10 the first three holes, then just had some bad
luck. She has a ton of potential. We just have to get her to realize she can maximize it by having a little more mental toughness.”
“Having Briley there, who has been out for golf for four years, she knows how to handle adversity and that helps her get to where she is at.”
IOLA GOLF
Briley Prather 12
Brooklyn Holloway 11
Head coach: Jeremy Sellman
Brooklyn Holloway
Briley Prather
Cubs reloading for Tri-Valley league run
HUMBOLDT — If there is one thing apparent in the decades of Humboldt’s success on the gridiron, it’s this: regardless of how many players they graduate, the Cubs won’t stay down for long.
That’s because they have a next-man-up mentality.
At last spring’s graduation ceremony, nine Cubs crossed the stage, including three-year starting quarterback Blake Ellis.
“We’re having some growing pains,” Coach Logan Wyrick said. “We have a handful of guys who were allleague and all-district who are back, and some young guys who will step into bigger roles.”
The Cubs have plenty of holes to fill to hold their title as the reigning Tri-Valley League champion. But Wyrick isn’t worried.
With a run-first focus, Wyrick is less concerned about how the season starts out than achieving an overall objective.
First-year starter Mason Sterling, a senior, is adopting that same attitude as he replaces Ellis and figuring out how to make his own mark in the position.
“Last year, Blake did a great job and showed the way. I got a lot of reps at practice and during games that not a lot of people saw,” Sterling said. “It’s great to be a leader. There are new guys every year, so we have to build a new chemistry every year.”
Humboldt is not entirely operating on a clean slate. Senior Mark McCullough and junior Hudson Rees will provide experience on the offensive and defensive line. As a three-year starter, McCullough eats, sleeps and breathes football.
Even so, suiting up for the start of a new season has its challenges.
“Getting back in shape is the worst part,” McCullough said. “The summer never treats you right with all the food you eat. The heat is a lot worse than playing in the cold. After playing in the cold a little bit, you’re fine. But the heat never stops.”
After seeing the time and effort his players put in during the summer strength and conditioning program, Wyrick believes the Cubs are still the team to beat in the
TVL.
The season promised to begin with strong competition. First up was Caney Valley, last year’s Tri-Valley League runner-up.
“It’ll be tough,” Wyrick predicted. “We’re looking forward to it.”
HUMBOLDT FOOTBALL
Lady Cubs vie for postseason success
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s volleyball team returns five starters from last season’s regional champion squad.
And while the Lady Cubs have lost the services of all-everything Shelby Shaughnessy to graduation, head coach Terry Meadows is bullish on his team’s chances.
“We have some big shoes to fill in losing Shelby, however we will be competitive this year. We’re adding some new faces,” he said.
Anchoring the back line is senior libero, or defensive specialist, Skylar Hottenstein, a three-year first-team all-league performer.
She’ll be joined by senior middle Ricklyn Hillmon and junior setter and outside hitter Lakyn Meadows, both of whom earned honorable mention in the Tri-Valley League.
Senior middle Laney Hull and sophomore setter Bailey Daniels also started on last season’s 29-12 squad that finished in second in Tri-Valley League play, and won the Burlington Tournament along the way.
“We’re excited to get back out on the court and see what we can do,” Meadows said.
Ricklyn Hillmon 12
Skylar Hottenstein 12
Laney Hull 12
Rylee Woods 12
Addy Borjas 11
Karoline Covey 11
Kamry De La Torre 11
Kinley Hart 11
Lakyn Meadows 11
Ella Schomaker 11
America Sinclair 11
Carlie Weilert 11
Jean Yumba 11
Bailey Daniels 10
Addisyn Drake 10
Adalyn Hillmon 10
HUMBOLDT
VOLLEYBALL
Gabi Vargas-Garcia 10
Braylynn Watson 10 Braydie Whitworth 10
Kaydence Whitworth 10 Haylie Anderson 9 Ellie Carlson 9 Jaylynn Covey 9 Brynna Ellis 9 Jadey Ellis 9 Carlin Hart 9
Napier 9 Maddie Rausch 9 Rhylee Wilkerson 9
Williams 9
Head coach: Terry Meadows
Staying on course
HUMBOLDT — Slow and steady may have benefitted the tortoise from the old Aesop’s Fable but Humboldt High School Cross Country coach Eric Carlson believes it may benefit his runners as well.
Instead of throwing his runners into the fire and posting their fastest times at their first race, Carlson utilized a more methodical approach as he attempted to rebuild the program after graduating four seniors last spring.
“It’s all part of our workout plan,” Carlson said. “I told them from the beginning, ‘We’re not going to be as fast as everybody else at the beginning of the year, but by the end of the year, if we follow the course, we should be where we need to be to hopefully get somebody into state.’”
With many of Humboldt’s previous top performers now attending college, Carlson figured now was the perfect time to hit a proverbial reset button for the program. Along with not forcing the development of his runners, the Cubs and Lady Cubs avoided many of the pitfalls runners fall prey to as the postseason nears.
Instead of treating shin-splints among the dozens of other running-related ailments, Carlson said he will slowly build his athletes until they crescendo at the finish line of the regional meet.
“We’re going to run a few of them a bit longer distances, a bit tougher distances and get them running a little faster,” Carlson said. “We have one kid who blew out his knee wrestling, Emmitt Carson. He’ll be able to come back next week and the doctors were surprised how far he had progressed.”
Although a novel approach to some, Carlson said he got the idea from Allen Community College assistant track and field coach Vince DeGrado, who also serves as head cross country coach at ACC.
“Ten or 12 years ago, he gave me the routine his kids use so they don’t get shin splints,” Carlson said. “For the most part, I have the kids do it every day before practice and it does wonders. I don’t expect them at the beginning of the season to be at 100 percent. I want them 100 percent healthy and 80 percent in shape. We don’t want them 100 percent because if they get hurt early in the season they are not going to recover until it’s over.”
HUMBOLDT CROSS COUNTRY
Jack Works gets in the zone during the Coach Howarton Invitational at the Garnett Country Club.
MV eyes Three Rivers League three-peat
MORAN — Although famed wrestler Rick Flair’s titles will never count in professional sports, his words regarding championship aptly describe Marmaton Valley as the two-time defending Three Rivers League champion: “To be the champion, you have to beat the champion.”
Regardless of how many players graduated from their starting lineup last season, someone will have to beat the Marmaton Valley Wildcats.
No one in the TRL has accomplished that feat in two years.
Coach Max Mickunas knows the Wildcats have a big target on their back.
His advice? “Don’t get complacent. Stay hungry.”
His seniors have won every league game since 2023. They are 18-10 in their high school careers.
“That could be a lot better by the time the season is over. But we have to stay hungry to make it happen,” Mickunas said.
Mickunas is well aware the 2025 Wildcats are much different than the 2024 edition. Gone are perennial All-TRL skill players Jaedon Granere and Brayden Lawson. However, in the early morning hours an unusually large group gathers in the weightroom, including returning all-league honorees Todd Stevenson, Cooper Scharff and Chris Ferguson.
“Our weights program this summer was the best it’s been as far as top to bottom attendance and how hard these guys were working,” Mickunas said. He also noted the team’s depth, including include junior Mason Ferguson and sophomore Kris McVey.
The boys are optimistic.
“I’ve made a lot of progress in my physical capabilities,” Ferguson said. “I feel like I have a lot more stamina. We do an 800-meter run sometimes before weights, and I can do that easily now. A couple of years ago, I could barely do it. Doing a mile was a struggle, but I’m in pretty good shape.”
When it comes to the Three Rivers League, Marmaton Valley coaches and players believe it’s a clean slate, primed for a new champion. Every week promises a challenge, Mickunas said.
“But I think these guys are hungry to continue the success we’ve had.”
MARMATON VALLEY FOOTBALL
Marmaton Valley High’s Rorrick Trester celebrates a touchdown.
Todd Stevenson is one of five seniors for Marmaton Valley in 2025.
Marmaton Valley High freshmen Brayden Endicott, from left, and Emma Louk have already made an immediate impact on the Wildcat cross country team. Below, Sophia Heim is the squad’s only senior runner.
Young runners boost MV cross country
MORAN — Marmaton Valley High’s cross country team is getting a double dose of adrenaline this season.
A pair of incoming freshman runners — Brayden Endicott on the boys side, and Emma Louk for the girls — has head coach Steve Smith thinking big.
“They’ll have an impact on our team,” Smith predicted.
They already have.
Louk opened her high school career with a varsity medal in the Wildcats’ season-opener, taking eighth at the Burlington Invitational.
Endicott also shined in his high school debut, finishing just outside the top 10.
“Brayden is still growing, and he’s definitely motivated,” Smith said. “He works hard. Emma is another one who is going to be a productive runner.”
The duo join an experienced, but still predominately young, squad of teammates.
Marmaton Valley’s Sophia Heim is the team’s only senior, and along with Louk and sophomore Evva Sander, the only girls on the roster.
“Sophia is the kind of kid where you never have to worry about her doing something wrong,” Smith said. “Plus, she helps the other kids with her leadership. I like having her out there.”
Brendon Newman is Marmaton Valley’s only 11th-grader. He’ll join sophomores Thomas Allee and Colin Ard, who along with Endicott will be able to qualify the Wildcat boys for team scores at various meets.
“Unfortunately, the numbers just aren’t there for the girls,” Smith said.
But with a blend of experience and talent, Smith is encouraging his runners to set their sights high — perhaps even earning a state meet berth along the way.
“We might be able to drag a few runners there,” Smith said with a smile.
Rebuild continues for Wildcat volleyball
MORAN — After a 2-29 season where they finished 13th in the Three Rivers League, there is nowhere to go but up. The Marmaton Valley Wildcats are up for the challenge.
Coach Alyssa Blevins thinks the Wildcats will be a force to reckon with and capable of a deep postseason run.
A small roster, though, leaves little room for the unknown, mainly injuries.
“We’ve had small rosters the past few seasons. Unfortunately, we’re kind of used to it,” Blevins said.
The upside of small numbers is more one-on-one time with coaches to further hasten their development. Another positive development for MVHS is their attitude on the court.
Throughout their opener against Erie and Altoona-Midway, the Wildcats regularly picked up their teammates and kept their composure despite a tough loss to the Red Devils.
“This year we’re focusing on keeping positive, even in practice,” Blevins said. “We have good attitudes no matter what. If you mess up, that’s fine. If you hit the ball into the net, that’s fine. If you mess up, it doesn’t
MARMATON
VALLEY VOLLEYBALL
Kylah Sander
really matter because you got the next one.”
Marmaton Valley’s only senior, outside hitter Kylah Sander, reflected about her final turn in the MVHS orange and black and her role as a leader.
“The team should lift you up,” Sander said. “Previous seniors Piper Barney and Janae Granere taught me a lot about teamwork.”
Crest runners embrace shot at title
COLONY — Coming in as runner-up at the state cross country meet the last two years is fueling the Crest High Lady Lancers to go for more in 2025.
They have an excellent shot at success. Every state-qualifier is returning to this year’s line-up.
“We’re coming in hot,” said Crest coach Caitlyn Cummings. “We want that title. We missed it by 5 points last year. We want it bad.”
Cummings has a squad of four, three of whom she’s coached all four years. Kallie Robb, a sophomore, is on varsity for a second year.
Peyton Schmidt, a senior, placed seventh at state last year. In action this year, Schmidt took 10th at the Sept. 4 Anderson County invitational where much larger programs also took the course.
“I had fun, but it was a rough meet. The hills were not my favorite,” Schmidt said of the Garnett Country Club course. “But it was OK for the first meet. I just wanted to get a feel for how the year was going to start out. This is one of the bigger meets we’re going to have, so I’m thankful it was our first.”
Coach Cummings is savoring this year.
“When these girls are gone, we’re going to have some moving up and it’s going to be hard to replace what we’ve built,” she said. “It’s really cool to see what these girls can do, see their progression and how far they’ve come.
Peyton Schmidt is one of three senior standouts for Crest’s cross country team this season.
Allen 10
Robb 10
CREST CROSS COUNTRY
Blaufuss 9
Francis 9
Kaitlyn Cummings
They’re bringing home a trophy every year of their high school careers, and hopefully another one this year.”
One runner looking to improve is senior Aubrey Allen, who missed the medal podium at last year’s state meet by just a few positions after taking 25th. In Garnett, Allen took 38th and feels once the whole team gets back together few opponents will match their combined times.
“We want it. We want it re ally bad,” Allen said. “We’re going to have to strive hard because everybody wants a state title. We’re determined. We want it and we’re going to get it.”
FOR THE LANCERS, gest question is how they will return to form following the graduation of standouts Gun ner Ellington, Elijah Taylor and Ryan West.
At the season’s opening meet in Garnett, sophomore Grady Allen and freshman Dagan Denny showed they can compete against larger schools.
Denny took 36th in his var sity debut while Allen broke in his legs with a 55th-place finish in the junior varsity competition.
“They’re young but I think they’re hungry for competi tion. I’m excited to see what they’re going to do,” Cum mings said.
Lady Lancer VB full of depth, talent
COLONY — In a league where some teams struggle to cobble together enough players for a six-woman starting lineup, Crest High School may truly have something special this season in Colony.
They also have some unfinished business.
Last year, the Lady Lancers came just a few games short of a Three Rivers League title with a 16-3 record and 25-13 overall.
Coach Carly Crow believes she has just the right crew to get the job done this season.
“We had to iron out some wrinkles in our first match, but we have a pretty strong group of seniors this year,” said Crow, ticking off Aylee Beckmon, Kaelin Nilges, Kinley Edgerton and Allison Weatherman. “They all have a great understanding of the game.”
Colony began the season with a sweep of Central Heights and St. Paul.
Coach Crow said she may have inadvertently shielded her players from realizing their possibilities. Heading into the regular season, Crow focused on exposing her players to a variety of competitors both in style and composition by scheduling matches against unique or larger programs. Instead of building confidence by trouncing programs their size, the Lady Lancers learned to play up to their ability.
That experience will help prepare them for a changing landscape.
“This year, our schedule is way different. Erie is in our league now. That variety is nice,” Crow said. “The girls have high hopes. Last year, we ended up in third place, but we had some pretty good competition.”
With a team top-heavy with seniors, Crow said she allows the more experienced players to teach and relay quick lessons on technique to underclassmen in between drills. This tactic not only maximizes every moment of practice; it also reinforces techniques the seniors may have forgotten or overlooked.
“Kinley is a setter, and I have never been a setter. She has more experience with setting than I do as a coach. As far as coaching, she has been through it,” Crow said. “We have a sophomore opposite her, so it’s nice they can work together. Whenever you’re helping and teaching, you start to see the game differently.”
Kaelin Nilges is one of several returning standouts for Crest on the volleyball court this season.
New faces, but familiar goals at Crest
COLONY — The Crest High School Lancers may have a few holes to fill, but Coach Nick McAnaulty feels he has the right players to make a run at the Three Rivers League title.
Before the season even began, the Lancers lost junior Drake Weir to a knee injury and junior Roy Gordon to moving out of the district.
“Our numbers are down a little bit,” McAnulty said. “But their attitude has been great, which makes me really proud. I’m excited for the season.”
Capturing a Three Rivers League title is not out of the question. The Crest Lancers finished the 2024 season 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the TRL for third place behind champion Marmaton Valley and runner-up Oswego. Oswego looks to be the new power in the TRL while Marmaton Valley reloads from graduating a significant portion of its roster.
“The goal is always to win the TRL, and that’s something we haven’t done in a few years,” McAnulty said. “Marmaton Valley is always tough and so is Oswego. They are both coached well. If we can battle with those guys and come prepared, anything can happen in the Three Rivers League.”
Despite the low turnout, McAnulty’s focus on creating depth has kept the team in contention. Instead of running in designated teams of first string, second string and so on, Crest divides skill players in columns of receivers, linemen and quarterbacks. Snap after snap, the columns perform play after play, even implementing obstacles to increase the difficulty.
“Every lineman can snap, ensuring we have at least four guys who can play quarterback on a Friday night,” McAnulty said.
The Lancers return All-TRL first-team running back and linebacker Jensen Barker, a senior, and TRL honorable mention receiver Henry White, also a senior. Barker spent many summer mornings in the weight room and looks to pick up where he left off in 2024.
“It’s obviously helped the guys that were there a lot,” said Barker. “As long as we use our size to our advantage, we should be good.”
Jensen Barker will be counted on for much of Crest’s rushing attack in 2025.
Yates Center football seeks big gains
YATES CENTER — The Yates Center Wildcats may be the most overlooked team in the Three Rivers League. With just one win in the past three years, which snapped a losing streak dating back to 2021, the Wildcats inched their way back into a formidable foe by focusing on key areas in player development.
“The kids play for each other,” Yates Center coach Ryan Panko said. “They have fun with each other. There are no secrets. We’ve been doing this all summer, and everything we’ve been doing the last few years has stayed the same.”
Excitement has continued to build around the program since last season’s 56-50 win over the Northeast Vikings in the regular season finale. The Wildcats re-
Clayton Culver 12
Eli Hess 12
Blake Morrison 12
Jordan Bishop 11
Colton Burkholder 11
Jeremiah Jones 11
Evan McVey 11
Dalton Swinson 11
Gavin Busteed 10
YATES CENTER FOOTBALL
Ben Cook 10
Marcus Cummings 10 River De La Torre 10
Brogan McConaghie10
Keagan Cullison 9
Caleb Kuhn 9
Head coach: Ryan Panko
turn All-TRL quarterback Gavin Busteed, a sophomore. Busteed also played linebacker on defense and gained area attention for his role as a punter, which included a 68-yard boomer last season while averaging 40 yards per kick.
Although young in previous seasons, the Wildcats also boast a roster composed primarily of upperclassmen for the first time in recent memory. With returning starters senior Blake Morrison and juniors Jordan Bishop, Evan McVey and Jayda Rice back, they are bigger, faster and more experienced.
Ben Cook suits up as a sophomore for Yates Center.
Panko complimented their dedication to keeping in shape over the summer.
“The kids showing up to lift weights and getting after it might be the best I’ve had since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here since 2017,” Panko said.
As for Morrison, who as a senior has weathered so many disappointing seasons, now may be Yates Center’s time to recapture their past glory.
“I tell freshmen to enjoy it while they can. It felt like just last year I was a freshman,” Morrison said.
Young runners toe the line for Wildcats
YATES CENTER — Yates Center High’s cross country team is taking baby steps in 2025.
The team consists of only three high school runners, sophomores Isaac Stoll and Corbin Schultz and freshman Eliot Ard.
Stoll is Yates Center’s only returning letter-winner.
Head coach Kari King is counting on both of those two and Ard to provide the team’s foundation for years to come.
“Eliot is a freshman who has a natural ability to run,” King said. “He is getting his feet wet running JV. I believe he will be able to move up to varsity and have some success.”
Isaac Stoll
YATES CENTER
CROSS COUNTRY
Isaac Stoll - 10
Corbin Schultz - 10
Eliot Ard - 9
Head coach: Kari King
Yates Center harbors high hopes in 2025
YATES CENTER — With a tantalizing blend of experienced talent and some promising newcomers, Yates Center High volleyball coach Carrie Cummings harbors high hopes in 2025.
The Wildcats return five starters, and six letter-winners to the court this season, including all-league and all-region performers senior middle Kinley Morrison and junior outside hitter Cayten Cummings.
Morrison led the team in aces and blocks, while finishing second in kills. The younger Cummings led Yates Center in kills and was second in blocks, aces and assists.
“Kinley is going to provide that athleticism on the front and back row,” Coach Cummings said. “She can play the net well, make smart shots and pass well for a middle.
“Cayten brings a high level of volleyball to our gym. She can play every position, and she can terminate when needed. She is going to be the one we look to for scoring.”
Meanwhile, Wylee Shaffer brings experience at multiple positions, having played plenty of club volleyball in addition to high school while Madison Hall was described by her coach as a workhorse “diving to impossible balls and getting them up so we have a play. She has taken over some setting duties this season, and is doing very well.”
Mylinn Tidd, last year’s libero, is moving to setter, because of her ability to get to the ball. Kenzi Morrison, who excels at receiving serves, will slide into the libero slot.
Focused on Quality
Freshman Loryn Kress will likely see immediate action.
“She may only be a freshman, but she is fearless,” Coach Cummings said. “She is small, but athletic. I cannot wait to see what this kid can do.”
Linde Hodges will move up from the junior varsity squad.
Jaylynn Birk, Jadya Rice, Tristyn Steele, Kylinn Gregg and Whitley Shaffer will add to the team’s depth.
Mason takes reins at Southern Coffey Co.
LE ROY — The Southern Coffey County Titans greet the new season with an experienced roster and a new coach.
With only two graduating seniors from last season, the Titans may be one of the most stable teams in their division.
Returning seniors are Trey Winn, John Rolf and Caydon Mizer, with juniors Josh Snyder and Cyrus Nickel helping fill out the ranks. Despite seeing most of his snaps on the offensive and defensive line, look for Nickel to serve as the Titans’ wild card considering every player is an eligible receiver.
First-year Coach Zach Mason said he’s embracing the six-man style of play and that his introduction to Southern Coffey has gone smoothly. “The summer camps went well. We have a good group of kids who listen and are coachable. It’s all a coach could ever want.”
Six-man play “has its quirks, but I’ve done a lot of homework and have talked to a lot of people,” Mason said. “If we can be creative, then we will be alright.”
The Titans seem due for a turnaround. They were one of the inaugural members of the 6-man division once the Kansas High School Activities Association officially sanctioned the sport by instituting a state playoff in 2022. While transitioning from 11man football to
6-man can seem difficult, Mason said the key will be relying on what they know and finding ways to simplify tasks.
“You have to start somewhere, and we’ve done some incentives so hopefully our numbers will increase,” Mason said. “We’re just going to start with the fundamentals.”
Southern Coffey County head coach
Zach Mason
Lady Titans vie for upward trajectory
The Southern Coffey County Titans may face an uphill battle in their bid for a Three Rivers League title, but for Coach Jeff True those are the most gratifying to win.
After graduating six seniors from their 2024 roster and virtually their entire starting lineup, victories will not come easy for Southern Coffey County this season.
“We’re going to be young,” True said.
Cheyenne Dike, a sophomore, returns. “She did a good job last year as a setter,” True said. “She was the only one out of that group that started for us.”
True also noted Layla Decker, a junior. “She played outside for us. She knows the game well.”
Seniors include Hailey Hahn, who “will get to play outside more,” he said.
Last season, the Titans finished the year with an 1127 record and were 8-9 in Three Rivers League competition for eighth place. True said Southern Coffey County plans to go for a win every match, but player development for next season will also be a significant focus. With about a dozen girls signed up, the Titans have enough to field a junior varsity squad.
“If everybody stays healthy and everybody stays eligible, that would allow us to play a JV team,” True said.
True considers the TRL one of the toughest leagues in the area. With such a young team, many of the girls will receive a proverbial volleyball baptism by fire but the strides they make this season, win or lose, will be to their benefit in the future.
“We’re going to take our lumps, but they are a good group of girls who come in and work hard every day,” True said. “I don’t have any doubts. We brought in Erie this year, so we’re up to 15 schools in the TRL. That works out perfect for our volleyball schedule because we usually play triangulars. We’re young, but we’ll be fine. We’ll be able to compete.”
Cheyenne Dyke saw plenty of action on the volleyball
