MVP: Shawnee County High School Sports Magazine April 2012

April 2012

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MVPSportsMagazine.com

April 2012

contents & contributors Braden Dimick

Publisher

Tara Dimick

Editor-in-Chief

Photographer Rachel Lock

8 Play Ball // 2012 Shawnee County Baseball and Softball Coaches and Players

23 Unbroken // Jess Lewis’ Inspirational Story In This Issue

26 The Insider // Steve Bushnell Seaman Baseball Coach

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State Champions & Contenders

28 Local Media Icon // Rick Peterson

7

Head Games // Slump

30 Making it Big // Jerad Head

Contributing Writers JB Bauersfeld // Melissa Brunner // Mark Elliott Account Executives Tara Dimick | 785.217.4836 Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc. PO Box 67272 ▪ Topeka, KS 66667 785.217.4836 ▪ mvpeditor@gmail.com www.mvpsportsmagazine.com

Comments & Suggestions mvpeditor@gmail.com

Jenni Ponton

Creative Director

MVP Sports Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject companies. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.

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State Champions

State Contenders

3A Girls Basketball State Champions Silver Lake High School Record: 22-4 Seniors: Kayla Thayer, Rebecca Holder, Perry Krogman, Kylie Bledsoe, Quinn Barker, Kaci Campbell & Jamie Pfannenstiel Juniors: MacKenzie Freeman, Alexis Campbell Sophmores: Ashlyn Lane, Logan Bledsoe, Kelsey Kriss Freshmen: Alyssa Schultejans Head Coach: Tyler Stewart

STATE BOYS BASKETBALL

6A State Boys Bowling Medal Winners:

4th Place // 6A Topeka High Record: 17-8

2nd Place // Washburn Rural Team Score: 2750

5A Highland Park Boys Basketball Team Record: 16-7

3rd // Skylar Curtis Washburn Rural // 712

6A State Boys Bowling Contenders:

STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL 4th Place // 5A Seaman Record: 17-8 5A Highland Park Record: 15-8

STATE BOYS BOWLING Photo by Gary Krogman

Boys Swimming 4A Hayden HS 400 Freestyle Relay Team Austin Lewis, Michael Wangerin, Ryan France and John-Martin Schmidt // 3:23.16

Left to right: Ryan France, John-Martin Schmidt, Michael Wangerin, Austin Lewis

Wrestling

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Tagen Lambotte 3A Rossville HS 145 lbs Record: 34-1

Nick Meck 5A Shawnee Heights HS 182 lbs Record: 38-2

Bryant Guillen 5A Seaman HS 160 lbs Record: 27-6

Will Geary 6A Topeka High 285 lbs Record: 31-0

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5A-1A State Boys Bowling Medal Winners: 5th Place // Seaman Team Score: 2557 5A-1A State Boys Bowling Contenders:

Chase Shaw Seaman // 672

Dillon McDaniel Topeka West // 663

Austin Atwood Seaman // 649

Ryan Dindios Seaman // 624

Ashton Bigger Seaman // 565

Tyler Lawson Seaman // 535

Brett Martin Shawnee Heights // 531

Jalen Heald Seaman // 511

Justin Cochran Topeka West // 496

Trevor Baumgartner Washburn Rural // 661

Hunter Weeks Washburn Rural // 653

Trevor Goforth Washburn Rural // 651

Cory Clausing Washburn Rural // 651

Daulton Lafferty Topeka High // 649 Trent Baumgartner Washburn Rural // 540

STATE GIRLS BOWLING 5A-1A State Girls Bowling Medal Winners: 3rd Place // Shawnee Heights Team Score: 2187 5A-1A State Girls Bowling Contenders: Alexis Hackler Seaman // 600 Jessica Thompson Shawnee Heights // 589 Jennifer Pheigaru Shawnee Heights // 580 Kristi Renyer Shawnee Heights // 580 Rachael Barber Topeka West // 578 continued on page 6

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Maggie Crow Topeka West // 561 Michelle Breitkreutz Shawnee Heights // 553 Danyea Dickson Seaman // 545 Michelle Thimmesch Shawnee Heights // 539 Britni Thoman Seaman // 523 Courtney Bigger Seaman // 515 Katherine Brazda Seaman // 466 6A State Girls Bowling Contenders:

11th // 200 Individual Medley William Millhuff Topeka High // 2:04.57

3rd // 200 Freestyle Michael Wangerin, Dylan Egnoske, Ryan France, John-Martin France Hayden // 1:33.83

11th // 100 Butterfly John Fritsch Washburn Rural // 56.24

4th // 100 Butterfly Ryan France Hayden // 55.01 5A-1A State Swimming Contenders: 13th // 200 Freestyle Relay Josey McNorton, Travis Kesinger, Conner Henderson, Zach Henderson Seaman // 1:39.87

9th Place // Washburn Rural Team Score: 2165

16th // 100 Freestyle Zach Henderson Seaman // 54.31

9th // Erika Peters Washburn Rural // 635

6A State Swimming Medal Winners:

Ashton Anderson Washburn Rural // 520

5th // 50 Freestyle Evan Matthews Washburn Rural // 21.93

Bethany Mailand Washburn Rural // 483 Rachel Payne Washburn Rural // 481

5th // 100 Butterfly Evan Matthews Washburn Rural // 53.97

Jessie Stonebraker Washburn Rural // 467

5th // 100 Breaststroke William Millhuff Topeka High // 1:01.55

Kristen Clark Washburn Rural // 462

6A State Swimming Contenders:

BOYS SWIMMING

7th // 200 Medley Relay Michael Prekopy, Bryan Hahn, John Fritsch, Evan Matthews Washburn Rural // 1:42.91

5A–1A State Swimming Medal Winners: 4th Place // Hayden Team Score: 176 points 2nd // 200 Freestyle John-Martin Schmidt Hayden // 1:47.30 2nd // 200 Individual Medley Michael Wangerin Hayden // 2:06.79 2nd // 500 Freestyle John-Martin Schmidt Hayden // 4:59.55

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3rd // 500 Freestyle Ryan France Hayden // 5:00.24

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8th // 50 Freestyle Shane Ahrens Topeka High // 22.62 8th // 100 Freestyle Shane Ahrens Topeka High // 50.11 10th // 200 Individual Medley John Fritsch Washburn Rural // 2:04.08 10th // 100 Breaststroke Bryan Hahn Washburn Rural // 1:03.90 April 2012

11th // 200 Freestyle Relay Shane Ahrens, Connor Brennan, Reston Phillips, William Millhuff Topeka High // 1:33.90 11th // 100 Backstroke Michael Prekopy Washburn Rural // 57.33 12th // 400 Freestyle Relay John Fritsch, Michael Prekopy, Bryan Hahn, Evan Matthews Washburn Rural // 3:24.61 13th // 200 Medley Relay Connor Brennan, William Millhuff, Garrett Taylor, Shane Ahrens Topeka High // 1:45.76 13th // 200 Individual Medley Michael Prekopy Washburn Rural // 2:05.71 15th // 200 Freestyle Relay James Hishmeh, Nick Badsky, Erick Hahn, Craig Haug Washburn Rural // 1:35.39

WRESTLING 3A State Wrestling Medal Winners: 3rd // Khamin Crow // 106lbs Silver Lake // 34-5 3rd // Mark Smith // 152lbs Rossville // 44-6 3A State Wrestling Contenders: Haegan Schaefer // 113lbs Silver Lake Josh Schroeder // 126lbs Silver Lake Jacob Schroeder // 132lbs Silver Lake Braeden Lockhart // 182lbs Silver Lake

Riley Callahan // 220lbs Silver Lake Cody Cooper // 285lbs Rossville 4A State Wrestling Contenders: Simon Munoz // 113lbs Hayden 5A State Wrestling Medal Winners: 3rd // AJ Brown // 220lbs Seaman // 28-10 4th // Dylan Kadous // 152lbs Seaman // 29-11 4th // Tyson Toelkes // 220lbs Shawnee Heights // 25-6 4th // Dylan Hall // 285lbs Seaman // 34-13 5th // Shannon Meck // 195lbs Shawnee Heights // 32-7 6th // Zach Pittman // 120lbs Seaman // 23-11 6th // Geoff Garrison // 138lbs Seaman // 26-21 5A State Wrestling Contenders: Zach Campbell // 106lbs Topeka West Trevor Wathke // 106lbs Shawnee Heights Tristan Butler // 113lbs Topeka West Garrett Morris // 113lbs Shawnee Heights Brantin Beeton // 120lbs Topeka West Kenny Knoll // 126lbs Highland Park Alan Smith // 126lbs Shawnee Heights Dalton Mulligan // 132lbs Shawnee Heights Elijah Miller // 132lbs Highland Park

head games Justin Dyer // 138lbs Shawnee Heights Sam Mizzel // 145lbs Seaman Carter Hall // 145lbs Shawnee Heights Bryan Woodward // 152lbs Highland Park Tyler Willis // 160lbs Shawnee Heights Aaron Cool // 170lbs Seaman Marshal Hazz // 170lbs Shawnee Heights Brandon Watson // 182lbs Seaman Jarron Ogles // 182lbs Highland Park Nathan Stanley // 195lbs Seaman Jesse Gardenhire // 220lbs Highland Park Ben Taliafferro // 285lbs Shawnee Heights 6A State Wrestling Medal Winners: 6th // Austin Tillman // 182lbs Topeka High // 24-11 6A State Wrestling Contenders:

Get me out of my slump!

Baseball and softball players fear one word more than any other—SLUMP. Just hearing the word is like fingernails on a chalk-

board. If you haven’t experienced a slump so far, don’t get too cocky because chances are, one is coming your way. A slump is a prolonged stretch during which a batter simply can’t get a hit, and it differs for each player. Going 0 for 10 might not be a problem for many players, but in the minds of some young hitters, going 0 for 4 might signify a major slump in their own minds.

Dr. Thomas Matthews, psychologist with Optimum Performance Solutions, says overcoming your own negative thoughts is one of the biggest challenges for athletes. “To get past negativity, the athlete must displace it—force it from the mind with a dominant positive,” Matthews says. “The solution for overcoming negative thoughts is a combination of focus and intention, and the skill to substitute a powerful positive expectation for the negative one.”

Create Positive Expectations i

Practice visualization. Learn to “see and feel” yourself taking a good swing and making solid contact.

i

Practice makes perfect. Take more batting practice. Go to a batting cage and really get a feel for your swing in a relaxed setting where there is no pressure.

i

Positive reinforcement. Look for positives in your swing. Have others evaluate your technique. More often than not, a “slump” is much bigger in your eyes than it is to everyone else.

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To achieve success you need a relaxed mind, total focus, confidence and an expectation of victory.

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The good news is that all it takes to get out of a slump is one good swing. You just have to believe that your next hitting streak is just ONE swing away.

Marcus Reece // 126lbs Topeka High Weston Mikoleit // 132lbs Washburn Rural Aaron Wilson // 138lbs Washburn Rural Stephen Stamps // 145lbs Washburn Rural

April 2012 2012 April

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play ball 8

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April 2012

“Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world.”

- Babe Ruth

Baseball

and

softball,

although very different in many respects, they are nearly identical in others.

What stands out the most in the comparison of these two sports is the love and passion of its players and coaches.

MVP gives you a glimpse into this year’s Shawnee County high school baseball and softball teams, coaches and players. continued on page 10 April 2012

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RAYMOND SOLIS

COACH DANIEL VOTH

Heros: “My dad is my hero because he is always there for me. He put me in sports at a young age and sticks with me as I get older. He has helped me become a student-athlete.

Qualities of a Great StudentAthlete: “…I look for guys that like to compete no matter the situation. It doesn’t matter if the game is baseball or Chutes-N-Ladders, they better play to win.”

Junior // Topeka High Baseball // 3rd Base // Pitcher

Kyle Brown (family friend) is one of my heroes because he got me in the word with Jesus Christ. I look up to Kyle and I know he will always be there for me.”

Best Baseball Memory: “I’m not sure if I have a best baseball memory yet, but I know I will have a lot of them after this year!”

Superstitions: “None—I just want to go out there to complete, have fun, win and glorify God.” Best Advice Received: “Instead of playing for yourself, go out, work hard and glorify God.”

Topeka High Baseball

Superstitions: “Long pants, short socks, and all black shoes. During games, if things are going well I make people in the dugout stay in the same spots and if things are not going so well we all move.”

Future Goals: “To go to college and major in physical education; and to grow stronger in my faith with Jesus Christ.”

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COACH ARYN MCCOY //

Topeka High Softball

Team Leaders: “I always look to my seniors to be a 5th coach, they know what is expected and have been with my coaching staff long enough to know we run a tight ship. We pride ourselves on teamwork, so our kids are willing to put themselves individually on the back burner for the betterment of the team.”

Superstitions: “I cannot tell. It may curse me!”

Advice to Younger Players: “Your sports can only take you so far in life. Work hard on the field, but work even harder in the classroom.”

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April 2012

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Kelsee Henry

COACH BRENDA HOLADAY

Washburn Rural HS Softball

Sophomore // Washburn Rural HS Softball Pitcher

Goal: “It is always our goal to win the state championship.”

Other Activities: “Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”

Best Softball Memory: “Beating the #1 ranked 6A team in state.”

Advice to Younger Players: “Play because you love it, not because your parents love it. If you love it, the game will never feel like work or something you have to do. It will always be something you want to do.

Whatever you choose to do, try to be the very best ‘you’ that you can be.”

Heroes: “My parents. They played in college sports and they’re always looking out for me.”

Superstitions: “I do not like to change things such as my uniform number or my shoelaces.”

Best Advice Received: “Work hard, be positive and good things will fall into place.”

Future Goals: “During my high school career I would like to win the Centennial League and state; and go on to play college softball.”

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Cody Botkin

Senior // Washburn Rural HS Baseball Left-handed Pitcher // 1st Base

Other Activities: “Participated for two years in Circle of Friends Club; currently in Philosophy Club. Outside of school my time is occupied with club baseball and lifting.”

Best Baseball Memory: “As a junior at WRHS, I threw a no-hitter against Topeka West right after my teammate, Conor Burns, did the same thing in our first game against them.”

Heroes: “My parents—they have always been there for me through everything, and they really help me keep my head straight. Without them my grades and athletics would not be as prominent as they currently are.”

Rituals: “Before I start a game, I like to take a trip around the mound and focus my mind. It really helps me concentrate on my mechanics while throwing.”

Best Advice Received: “My parents have always told me to be the best person I can be, and I live every day attempting to do that.”

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COACH ALAN NEAL Washburn Rural HS Baseball

Goals: “Win a league title and qualify for the state tournament.”

Team Leaders: “Cody Botkin, John Schmank and Bret Harris.”

Best Baseball Memory: “The experience of qualifying for the state tournament as a senior in Colorado.”

Hero: “Cal Ripken, Jr.—he gave his best effort daily while competing at the highest level without ever wanting to have or asking for a day off.”

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ALEX GOTTSCHALK Senior // Highland Park HS Baseball 1st Base Other Activities: “I have been a member of the football team and the National Honor Society.”

Best Baseball Memory: “When we beat Hayden last year. It showed that all of our hard work was paying off.”

Hero: “My Mom. She shows me that as long you don’t ever give up, you can do anything you want to do.”

Rituals & Superstitions: “I have a ritual of listening to music (on game day) and a superstition of not stepping on the foul line.”

Best Advice Received: “Life is like a baseball game. When you think a fastball is coming, you have to be ready to hit the curve.”

SAMI ZIRKLE Junior // Highland Park HS Softball Outfield // Catcher // Utility

Best Softball Memory: “Playing six games in a row in 100 degree weather while taking second place in the World Series; and spending a week in Colorado with my Quest family and teammates.”

Hero: “My grandma. She has taught me everything I know in life. She has taught me how to be strong and fight for what I want...how to be respectful and present myself as a young lady.”

Superstitions & Rituals: “Number 1: bats can’t be crossed or touch each other. Number 2: I pray before I bat, every time. Number 3: if I make a mistake I throw a little dirt. Number 4: no stepping on the white lines before the game.”

Best Advice Received: ”You control what goes on between the white lines. Play after play depends on what you do. In the end, you control your own destiny. Your attitude is everything.”

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COACH CHAD BROWN

Highland Park HS Baseball Qualities of a Great StudentAthlete: “I want kids that will do whatever it takes to make the team better…. those that are respectful of their coaches and teachers, and are willing to work hard.”

Best Baseball Coaching Memory: “Beating Hayden last season has to be a highlight…being able to compete with them was a huge boost to our young kids’ confidence. The feeling after that game is hard to describe.” //////////////////////////////

COACH LLOYD MURPHY

Highland Park HS Softball Heroes: “I have a lot.

I’ve coached youth sports for almost 40 years, at times multiple teams, kids with no parental support. My heroes are all the ones that beat the odds and made it, went to college, got degrees and are doing great as professionals and parents.”

Advice to Younger Players: “Play. Don’t miss the opportunity.

You will only experience high school athletics once.

Plus, the discipline and relationships can be life long.”

SPRING IS HERE! REGISTER TODAY! Call 267-1156 today and get out and play!

Visit www.snco.us/parksandrec or www.topeka.org Call 785-267-1156 for more information April 2012

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MACKENZIE O’BRIEN Senior // Seaman HS Softball // Shortstop // 2nd Base

Best Softball Memory: “Playing in the state game my sophomore year. Even though we lost, we played great and it was really intense.”

Hero: “Rachel Potvin, former Lady Vike and best friend. She is a great person, student and athlete.”

COACH JAY MONHOLLON Seaman HS Softball

Qualities of a Great StudentAthlete: “Kids that know the difference between right and wrong; then strive to do the right things for our team regardless of supervision.”

Hero: “My junior high coach, Coach J (Jeannin). Coach J has a gift of getting the most out of the kids. He knew what buttons to push to help young adults to achieve their goals.

Coach J is the reason I am a teacher and coach today.”

Superstitions: “Don’t ever step on the white chalk before a game!”

Best Advice Received: “Believe in yourself and believe in your teammates.”

Future Goals: “To be happy and successful.”

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BUTCH REA

Junior // Seaman HS Baseball // Shortstop // Catcher // Pitcher Best Baseball Memory: “As a freshman, being able to help contribute to the team and continuing the rich tradition of Seaman Baseball by winning a state title.”

Role Model: “I look up to my brother. He has been blessed to have the opportunity to play D-1 ball at Oklahoma State. I have been fortunate to see what it takes to develop through high school and JUCO ball to get to the next level. I look forward to following in his footsteps.”

Superstitions: A few. (1) Never step on the foul line, it will only bring bad luck. (2) I do the exact same routine between each pitch at the plate. (3) When throwing and with soft toss, whether it’s gameday or not, Lombo (Ryan Columbo) and I never mix our routine up AT ALL.”

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April 2012

COACH STEVE BUSHNELL Seaman HS Baseball

Team Leaders: “Our team leaders this season will be those that make everyone believe that they have an equal share in the success, but at the same time they’re willing to shoulder the burden when we experience setbacks.”

Rituals & Superstitions: “I wear jersey #2.

I’ll sometimes get attached to a winning pair of socks or an undershirt, but I’ll still make sure it goes through the laundry.”

KYLEE KENNEDY

COACH STEVE GIDDENS

Shawnee Heights HS Softball Team Leaders: “Kylee Kennedy, Danae Wells and Haley Slusser. They step up and act as student leaders by example, word and deed. They act as mentors to the younger girls.”

Senior // Shawnee Heights HS Softball 1st Base // Pitcher // Shortstop

Other Activities: “Volleyball, basketball, travel team—KC Jazz, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”

Hero: “My dad—he has been so strong through his cancer treatment and I look to him as my inspiration.”

Best Softball Memory: “My mom was my coach for six years before I moved to a Kansas City team and when one of my coaches got kicked out (of a game) my dad got to coach first base and I hit a home run while he was on the field.”

Hero: “My dad died in 1980. He was a principal; he taught me how to work, play and, hopefully, to be a good man.”

Superstitions: “During batting warm up, I have to hit at least one home run or I’m convinced I’ll have a bad game.”

Superstitions: “I’ve worn the same pair of shoes for 12 years.”

Best Advice Received: “Treat life with the same pride and determination as you play the game.”

Future Goals: “Succeed in everything, or at least do my best!”

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COACH RYAN SCHMIDT Shawnee Heights HS Baseball Team Leaders: “TJ Perez and Cole Foster. TJ’s qualities as a leader are obvious. He is vocal. He is positive.

His enthusiasm at practice and games is contagious. TJ provides a spark that keeps players focused; yet relaxed.

Cole Foster is a natural leader. As a quarterback on the football field, Cole has learned how to lead. His play inspires his teammates to perform at elevated levels.

COLE FOSTER Senior // Shawnee Heights HS Baseball // Utility

School Involvement: “Played football all four years and I am a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader.”

Best Baseball Memory: “Going 25-0 and winning state last year.”

Heroes: “My parents and grandparents—they all have been so supportive. I can count on my hands the number of games my parents have missed over the course of my life; not to mention all of the money they have spent for me to play sports.”

Game Day Rituals: “I will usually say a prayer in the bus or in the dugout just to calm my nerves and reflect on more important things.”

Best Advice Received: “You’re either improving or regressing when you come to practice, there’s no staying the same.”

Future Goals: “To be successful in the future, in sports, in school, etc.”

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JAKOB GUTIERREZ Senior // Topeka West HS Baseball // Catcher // Infielder

Best Baseball Memory: “My best baseball memory took place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado when my team (Topeka Lugnuts) played in a Triple Crown World Series in 2004. It was during pool play when we defeated the California State Champions, Bakersfield Curve, in extra innings.”

Hero: “Derek Jeter is my hero because of all the accolades he has accumulated throughout his career. Derek is someone I truly idolize because he shows that with hard work and dedication many things can be accomplished.”

Rituals: “I always try to take a few moments to pray before each game.”

Best Advice Received: “Life is a game of mental toughness.

Mental toughness develops character and discipline that will identify you as an individual.”

Future Goals: “My goals for the future consist of furthering my baseball career at the collegiate level. If I am unable to do so, I will attend Wichita State University and pursue a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. My long-term goal consists of developing a recruiting agency for high school athletes in the Midwest region.”

COACH JOHN TETUAN Topeka West HS Baseball

Goals: “We have a lot of upperclassmen back, so we have our goals set on a run to get to state.”

Superstitions: “Yes, but they would not work if everyone knew them.”

Advice to Younger Players: “Constantly work on your skills. Play as much as possible and be active all year long.

Be coachable, that’s the best quality in a player.”

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BAILEY PRUITT

Senior // Topeka West HS Softball 1st Base // Outfield

Job: “I love my job working with the elderly, meeting new people and having great management.”

Best Softball Memory: “My favorite memory was when I started varsity as a freshman.”

Hero: “My grandpa—he taught me the basics of softball and to never give up.”

Rituals: “I like to be quiet before a game so I can take time to focus on the game and go through plays.”

Best Advice Received: “Keep trying and never give up even when it gets hard.”

Future Goals: “I plan to attend Washburn and major in nursing.”

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COACH KURT LOHSE Topeka West HS Softball Team Leaders: “Senior Bailey Pruitt is a solid hitter. Junior Ashley Johnson and Sophomore Amanda Johnson have solid defense and great approach at the plate. Senior Sam Wise has a great attitude and leads by example.”

Heroes: “My dad, Robert Lohse, because he taught me that you only earn what you work for. He taught me the game of softball, and I still use things that he has told me over the years.”

COACH BILL ARNOLD Hayden HS Baseball

Goals: “Our number one goal is to win the state championship.”

Team Leaders: “I have always put a big emphasis on our seniors… the qualities that are important for us to be successful are a good work ethic and the ability to remain positive, even in the toughest situations.”

Advice to Young Players: “Work hard, find good role models in your area and play as much ball as possible…be a student of the game.”

GRANT ARNOLD

Senior // Hayden HS Baseball // 3rd Base // Pitcher // Shortstop Outside of School: “I give private lessons for hitting and pitching to young kids.”

Best Baseball Memory: “My best baseball memory is either pitching to my grandpa in his backyard when I was little, or pitching the regional championship last year and winning in order to go to the state tournament.”

Heroes: “My grandpa or my dad. My grandpa and I have been best friends since I was little. He has been through so much and always seems to come out on top. I admire his toughness. My dad has always been there for me. No matter what happens, I know that he has my best interest at heart.”

Rituals: “The night before the game, I will always lay out my uniform before I pack it up. Then, before the start of the game, I will put on my eye black and say a quick prayer.”

Best Advice Received: “Never give up on your dreams, because when you work hard and have faith, anything is possible.”

Future Goals: “My goals for the future are to graduate from college with a degree and do what I love.”

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COACH JOE TETUAN Hayden HS Softball Team Leaders: “Taylor Meeks works hard, is a great student and has a great attitude. Bri Heinen works hard, is a great teammate and has a great attitude. Mallorie Mendoza leads by working hard on the field.”

Rituals & Superstitions: “I always make the line-up at the same time, and I never sit during the game.”

TAYLOR MEEKS

Junior // Hayden HS Softball // 3rd Base // 1st Base // Catcher Involvement: “At school, I am involved in tennis, student council, National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school, I play competitive softball with the KC Peppers 16U, volunteer at St. Francis and give hitting lessons to little girls.”

Best Softball Memory: “My best softball memory is winning 14U State at 2:00 in the morning. We played hard all day long and didn’t even start the championship game until after midnight. It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

Heroes: “My heroes are my mom and my dad—because they always put others before themselves and go above and beyond to make someone else’s life easier. But more importantly, they are always there to support me and have turned me into the person I am today. They are and always will be my role models and number one fans.”

Superstitions: “On my summer team, the KC Peppers, we always draw the initials of our opponent’s name with a circle around it and then everyone spits on it; then we count to three and kick dirt over it.”

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SAM REESOR Senior // Rossville HS Baseball // Utility

Other Activities: “Football, basketball and TASMAD (Take a Second Make a Difference).”

Best Baseball Memory: “All of the traveling I did growing up. It was fun to go to tournaments with my team.”

Superstitions: “I’m always the last one to be dressed and ready.”

Best Advice Received: “Worry about yourself and doing your job; trust that your teammates will do theirs.”

Goals for the future: “Hopefully get a scholarship to play college baseball.”

COACH BRETT COWDIN Rossville HS Baseball

Team Leaders: “Gage Steckel leads by example and is very coachable. Sam Reesor is a consistent and versatile player.

Dylan Brown is experienced and skilled.”

Best Baseball Memories: “Winning a State Baseball Championship with my oldest son, Tych, at Topeka West HS and watching my son, Tobi, win a State Baseball Championship five years later at Silver Lake HS.”

/////////////////////////////

ILONA MILLER Senior // Rossville HS Softball // Center Field

Other Activities: “Student Council for three years—Freshman, Sophomore and Senior Class President; Spirit Club for four years, TASMAD (Take a Second Make a Difference) for four years; Future Business Leaders of America for four years and National Honor Society for three years—Sophomore, Junior and Senior.”

Superstitions: “I always wear the same two Under Armour headbands when I play, and I always have to eat a snickers bar before and between games.”

Best Advice Received: “The best advice I have received is from my mom. She always tells me, “You never know what you are capable of if you don’t try. Instead of wishing for something, go out and get it.”

Future Goals: “I will be attending Baker University next year on softball and academic scholarships, and plan on studying exercise science. I hope to either become a softball coach or an orthopedic surgeon.”

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April 2012

COACH CORY LEIKER Rossville HS Softball Goals: “Winning our league is high on our list. We would like to take a step forward and establish some dominance in our pitching.”

Team Leaders: “Ilona Miller leads by example, hustles and brings it every day. Beth Ledeboer leads by example and has a positive attitude.

Ashley Brummer is emerging as a vocal leader, has tenacity and is hungry to do whatever it takes to win.”

COACH ALAN CUNNINGHAM Silver Lake HS Baseball Qualities of a Great StudentAthlete: “In baseball you have to be able to deal with failure without letting it affect the next play.

You can’t let things bother you.”

Best Baseball Coaching Memories: “The final out of our state championships are my favorite memories.

When the last out is recorded, it is so rewarding to see the kids’ faces.”

Hero: “CJ Hamilton—CJ is so good at analyzing game situations.”

TYLER BROWN

Junior // Silver Lake HS Baseball // Pitcher // 1st Base Other Activities: “In school, I play basketball and baseball, and I’m a member of Concert Choir and National Honor Society. Out of school, I play American Legion baseball, hang out with friends, and plan on helping coach a little league baseball team this summer.”

Best Baseball Memory: “My best baseball memory would have to be the whole state baseball experience last year. The opportunity to play at Tointon Family Stadium was amazing.

Winning the state championship with my teammates was surreal.”

Hero: “My little brother, Tanner. Tanner was born with a heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, that required him to have open heart surgery when he was eight months old. Seeing him grow up to the 10-year-old boy he is today shows me how strong of a person he really is.”

Superstitions: “Not really. I believe that if you practice and prepare the right way you don’t need any superstitions to win.”

Best Advice Received: “Relax and have fun. If you aren’t relaxed and having fun you can’t do your best.”

/////////////////////////////

COACH MARK WORKMAN Silver Lake HS Softball Team Leaders: “Seniors Jamie Pfannenstiel, Becca Holden, Perry Krogman and Junior Megan Lockwood.

All are positive, hard-working, good team chemistry kids who enjoy the game.”

Advice to Younger Players: “I believe if young people have the right attitude and are willing to work hard, they will find a way to become successful.”

JAMIE PFANNENSTIEL

Senior // Silver Lake HS Softball // 2nd Base

Other Activities: “Volleyball, basketball, select choir and National Honor Society.”

Best Softball Memory: “Beating TMP (Thomas More Prep in Hays, KS) in the semi-finals at state softball my freshman year.”

Hero: “My little brother, Peter Pfannenstiel. He is such a hard worker when it comes to sports, school and everything he does.”

Superstitions: “I have to wear my lucky sliding shorts and listen to a certain playlist. It isn’t the usual pumpup songs. I have to listen to slow songs because they calm me down.”

Best Advice Received: “Never be satisfied. Always work hard and strive for more.”

Future Goals: “Have a successful career and play volleyball at Washburn. Other than that I am going with the flow!”

April 2012

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Inspirational Athlete:

unbroken Jess Lewis //// Silver Lake High School Jess Lewis steps to the plate, digs in his toe, gives the bat a swagger as it balances above his shoulder. In the back of his mind is a moment he'd rather not remember, but the scars on his right leg won't let him forget.

"It seems like it was a long time ago," he says.

THE GAME September 8, 2009, Jess,

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then a freshman at Silver Lake, took the field for his first high school activity - a junior varsity football game against Centralia. A standout in basketball and baseball, he seemed poised to make his mark on the football field, too. He began the game with key plays to set up the team's first two scores. In the third quarter, Jess swept to the outside, caught the ball and turned to run up April 2012

the sideline.

"I planted my foot and got hit high and low at the same time," he remembers. "My foot didn't go with the rest of my body."

Jess says he heard a loud popping sound. He's told he started to get up and asked a teammate if he was bleeding.

Then, everyone started screaming.

THE INJURY Parents Michelle and Matt Lewis were in the stands.

"He was right in front of our players and coaches," Michelle said. "I saw the ball roll out of his hand and asked Matt, 'Did he fumble?' Then I heard people say, 'Get an ambulance.'"

Matt told Michelle to turn around. He had seen what she hadn't. Jess had suffered a

double compound fracture of his lower right leg. He fell face down and, when he rolled over, it was obvious his tibia and fibula had come through his skin and planted in the grassy turf.

"As soon as I got down there, I could see how bad it was," Matt said. "I just knelt down beside him."

THE WAIT Michelle describes the next several minutes as "a chaotic mess." The volunteer ambulance crew stationed at the game simply wasn't equipped to deal with such a severe trauma. The family credits Carrie Saia, a registered nurse who also was at the game, with helping to stabilize Jess and start an initial IV. The Life Star helicopter was called, but couldn't fly because of foggy conditions. Jess lay on the field more than an hour while they waited for an ambulance from

Seneca to arrive to make the transport. He never looked down at his leg.

"After the first couple minutes, I didn't feel anything. I could tell how bad it was by everyone's reaction," he said.

"I remember Carrie asking me questions. Zig (Coach Loren Ziegler) kept walking over every few minutes asking how I was doing."

"They said Jess never once screamed in pain," Michelle said. "He was the calmest of everyone there. He was the one who had his wits about him and he just kept asking how much longer before we can get out of here."

"Jess showed tremendous strength and courage as he dealt with the pain, way better than I did, until the ambulance arrived," Ziegler said. "Jess' injury is the most severe injury I have witnessed as a high school coach."

“I planted my foot and got hit high and low...”

At one point, Michelle says, Ziegler asked Jess if there was anything he could do.

Jess said his iPod was still in his bag and, if it wasn't too much trouble, could the coach go get it?

"We busted out laughing," Michelle said. "There he was and he still didn't want to inconvenience anyone."

They would need such moments of levity in the months ahead. It was five hours before Jess finally got to a hospital in Topeka and into surgery. Doctors spent the first 45 minutes cleaning the dirt and grass from his leg. A rod was inserted to stabilize the bones. Jess spent ten days in the hospital.

His most vivide recollection?

“I remember not wanting to watch ESPN,” he said.

THE PROGNOSIS Jess went home with round the clock IVs and an encouraging prognosis - he would be back on the field for baseball in the spring and might even make the end of basketball season. Six months and good as new.

It soon became clear Jess' leg wasn't following the same playbook.

FRUSTRATION As Christmas drew near, the swelling and the pain in Jess' leg became worse instead of better. continued on page 11

April 2012

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inspirational athlete "It was pretty frustrating being told to walk on it when it wasn't healing," he said.

"He felt like he should be getting better and he wasn't," Michelle added.

In late January, the family consulted a doctor at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City who specialized in trauma to extremities in adolescents. They learned Jess still had infection in his muscle, skin and tissue and part of the bone had actually died. Within weeks, he'd had two more surgeries to remove the rods and screws and, in effect, start over. But what seemed a step backward was a giant leap forward, not just physically, but psychologically.

THE CHANGE WITHIN "You meet kids who are missing limbs or in wheelchairs or have cancer," Michelle said. "I just saw the change in Jess the first few days we were down there (at Children's Mercy)."

Jess remembers, in particular, a young girl who'd lost both her legs. He says she asked about his external fixator, a halo-like metal device he wore around his leg to hold his bones in place. He couldn't believe when she told him she was sorry he had to wear it.

"My injury was bad, but it doesn't compare to a lot of things that happen to a lot of people," Jess said.

Jess attended school off and on before Christmas, but, by January, his doctor visits, surgeries and the threat of jostling his leg as it healed forced him to study exclusively from home. In June 2010, he had the last of seven surgeries. He returned to school to start his sophomore year and, on September 9, 2010, one year after the injury, he took the last of his antibiotics and shed his final walking boot. The family can’t say

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enough about the community support that enveloped Jess throughout his recovery. They recall countless meals delivered and teenagers stacked like dominoes across the living room floor, keeping Jess company.

Sitting in Jess’ hospital room after his fifth surgery in March 2010, Michelle took time to put her thoughts on paper.

“Until you have been through such an ordeal, you often don’t realize how both mentally and physically draining it really can be,” she wrote. “But as Jess’ mom, what keeps me going is Jess himself. He has been an amazing inspiration to us all.

Jess’ entire world has been turned upside down.”

Her letter continues, “We originally thought Jess would now be standing on the baseball field preparing for his freshman baseball season.

Fate had other plans.”

A full year later, in spring 2011, Jess did get back on a field, playing for the Silver Lake High School baseball team. His doctor didn't want him running on the uneven ground of the outfield yet and he wasn't able to catch or play second or third base, where there was greater chance someone might slide into his leg. But he could play first base and he could bat. It was a big moment.

"That was huge for me to see him come home the first day (of practice) and see a uniform on Jess," Michelle said. "I was happy."

"His first at bat at practice, he hit a home run—after all that," Matt said. "It was very satisfying after everything we'd been through."

THE NEW PERSPECTIVE Sports are still big in Jess' life. He just has a different perspective on them now.

"I definitely am still com-

April 2012

Submitted by Michelle Lewis

"It was pretty frustrating being told to walk on it when it wasn't healing." petitive at the time, (but) winning definitely isn't everything," he said. "Playing - it doesn't matter as much how well, but just to be playing" He could play basketball, but his doctors warned the continuous intense running and risk of collisions could pose a risk Jess has elected not to take. He definitely cannot play football again.

"I do miss football quite a bit," Jess says quietly. "I don't like to admit that. I don't need anyone feeling sorry for me."

Because, Jess says, he knows it could be worse. During his recovery, he reached out to McLouth student Trevor Roberts, who lost his leg to a football injury a year after Jess was hurt. The two have since met.

"I just appreciate things a lot more now," Jess said.

"Being able to walk, having a leg."

His parents say that appreciation extends to his family.

His older sister, Amanda, attends KU. On a trip to visit her, the family went to the bookstore where Jess immediately gravitated toward a t-shirt with a saying made popular by Jayhawk basketball player Thomas Robinson: Family Over Everything.

"Jess has always been close to his family, but the relationship he's developed with his older sister - they’re pretty protective of each other now," Michelle said. "To me, as a parent, that's one of the best things to come out of this."

So has watching Jess grow through his injury. The physical skills that once came so easily to him now take work.

Every struggle, they believe, has happened for a reason.

Every challenge he's faced head-on, his parents say, has been an inspiration.

"Everything he's been through, he didn't complain," Matt said.

"Every day he realizes it could be his last, things can change with the snap of a football," Michelle said. "He lives every day for the moment and to the fullest and that's one of the things I admire about him."

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Jess Lewis steps to the plate, hoists the bat and, if you look at the corners of his mouth, you’ll likely spot the hint of a smile. His journey to the plate was a lot longer than the walk from the dugout.

April 2012

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25

Mark Elliott of WIBW 580 AM

Sportstalk discusses the past, present and future of Seaman baseball with

Head Coach Steve Bushnell.

ELLIOTT: As a guy that went to some other school that’s down the turnpike, and I’m not sure what that four-year school is called, what brought you to Topeka?

BUSHNELL: Well I graduated from Emporia State, as you refer to, in 1991. I had an interview with the district and everything worked out. It’s been a great experience and I’ve really enjoyed my time here at what used to be Northern Hills Junior High, which is now Seaman Middle School. 21 years and still going strong.

ELLIOTT: So when you came to Seaman, did you have a coaching job or was it more about getting your first teaching position?

BUSHNELL: When Buck Adams, who was the principal at that time, hired me, I became the assistant freshman football coach and wrestling coach. There was not a baseball position at that time, so I volunteered as an assistant for a couple years under Phil Loomis, who was the head baseball coach. I became a paid assistant in my third year. When Phil resigned, I had the opportunity, and I began my stint as the head baseball coach in 1999.

ELLIOTT: Baseball came to be here at Seaman in 1986. You guys have six state championships, four state runner-ups, and you’ve made eight straight tournament appearances under your tutelage at Seaman. How many games do you win because of the name on the front of the jersey?

“THE NAME ON THE FRONT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE NAME ON THE BACK.”

BUSHNELL: That’s a tough question. I think that a winning attitude and winning tradition takes time to evolve. It sounds cliché, but the name on the front is more important than the name on the back. The kids that watch our program and grow up in our dis-

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April 2012

trict; they see the teams that have been successful before them and they’ve always wanted to carry on that tradition.

I think that teams that play us know that we are going to play a certain way. That we’re going to be competitive, play hard, play smart, and be fundamentally sound.

ELLIOTT: (Duane) ‘Blackie’ Melvin was the first baseball coach at Seaman, and I’m sure was a big driving force to get baseball to Seaman back in 1986. He was big when I was growing up in Silver Lake playing summer baseball. He got this program started, Phil Loomis took over after him, and you’re only the third baseball coach in this school’s history.

BUSHNELL: I think it’s a pretty incredible feat to only have three skippers over that particular time.

Blackie was the head coach for two years and then Phil for 14 years. It’s been a long successful tradition over those 27 years.

In the 13 years that I have been the head coach, we’ve been fortunate enough to play in 10 state tournaments and win 6 of them, have 3 runnerups and a 3rd. That has been a pretty good run for us. We’re proud of the tradition and we’re excited about what we’ve done in the past. But, we try to put those behind us and always stay hungry. We’re always looking to find the way to get back to the next one (state tournament).

That’s been our motivation.

And whether or not we can do that this spring and make it

our 9th consecutive trip to the state tournament and our 6th consecutive state championship game, that’s something that we will have to work hard for and it is definitely not anything that we will take for granted.

ELLIOTT: State Championships in ‘00, ‘04, ‘06. And then your run of three straight championships ‘08, ‘09, ‘10. Trying to get four straight last year in Wichita and you run into Shawnee Heights. Was that more difficult to lose to a team from the city?

BUSHNELL: It was tough. It was one of the tougher losses that our staff and our program has faced. I have to credit Shawnee Heights and Ryan Schmidt running that program, and Craig Cox before him, for the success that they’ve had. It’s made us better. It’s one of the better rivals that we have.

In my opinion, when we hook up during the regular season, I think it is one of the premier games on the schedule every year because of the high level of play, the caliber of the programs and what we have done in the past.

I said all along that I thought that Shawnee Heights was the best team that we faced last year. They swept us during the regular season and obviously got us there in the championship game. 20-5, three of those losses are to who I thought was to the best team last year. No disrespect to Maize and what they did with their undefeated season in class 6A. We felt like if we could get back to the state tournament

and Shawnee Heights was a team that we would face, that was exactly what we wanted because of the familiarity between our kids and their kids.

There weren’t a lot of secrets; these guys have played against each other and with each other, over the years and on summer teams. It just came down to who executed and who played best.

We felt like if we could get them in a one game situation, if we could just be better than them for two hours, we felt like we could make that run and try to go for four straight.

We were better than them for about an hour and 45 minutes and it caught up to us and they ended up winning the game

late. They were the best team and that day they proved it again.

ELLIOTT: You know I played for my dad only one year, my senior year at Washburn playing football. Your son plays baseball here at Seaman. What’s the challenge of being the head coach and coaching your son?

BUSHNELL: It’s tough. I’m probably a little tougher on him, I have higher expectations, and I hold him to a little bit higher standard. And obviously you don’t want people to perceive that your son is getting a chance or he’s a player because I’m calling the shots and making those decisions. He always

knows that he’s going to have to be much better then the guys around him. He’s going to have to earn his keep. Tyler, I think holds his own.

ELLIOTT: I’ve always heard the rumors around town, “boy, if Steve Anson ever retires from Washburn, Steve Bushnell is the next head baseball coach at Washburn.” Any thoughts of coaching at the next level?

BUSHNELL: It would always be intriguing to coach and climb the ladder. You always bounce those things around.

I’m extremely comfortable with what I’m doing. I’ve never applied at another high school.

I’ve never filled out an applica-

April 2012

tion other than the one I did 21 years ago to get the job here in the Seaman school district.

If the situation would present itself, I would definitely listen. That would be intriguing.

I’m not sure that has to happen for me to be happy. I love what I’m doing as far as the teaching and the coaching aspect here in the Seaman school district. But there’s definitely always an interest and if the time were right and the situation were right.

It would be fun; it would be a great challenge.

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27

local media icon

Rick Peterson City High Schools Sports Reporter | The Topeka Capital-Journal

How did you come to be a reporter?

“I always loved sports and loved to write, but didn’t go to college with the idea of becoming a writer. My college—Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan.— did not have a journalism school, but I got a chance as a senior to write for the local paper and school paper, and fell in love with it.’’

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Who is your role model?

“My father. He went to work every day for more than 40 years—rain or shine, sick or well, good days or bad. I want to make sure that I never forget that.’’

What motivates you?

“I’ve always believed that high school sports are as important, or more

April 2012

important, as anything we cover and I never want the high school athletes or coaches to feel like they aren’t a top priority.

Fortunately I’m at a paper where the people that make the decisions feel the same way. The guys that cover KU, K-State, the Chiefs, Royals, etc. at this paper (The Topeka Capital-Journal) also cover high school games. I think

that makes everybody better.

I absolutely love high school sports and still get as big of a thrill going to work today as I did my first day on the job.’’

What’s the one thing that would surprise people about you?

“I’m an absolute softie when it comes to animals.

My wife and I have three

“I’ve always believed that high school sports are as important, or more important, as anything we cover and I never want the high school athletes or coaches to feel like they aren’t a top priority.” dogs and they get treated as good as any human could hope for … probably better.’’

Who is your favorite sports reporter?

“I learned a ton from the late Bob Hentzen, The CapitalJournal’s legendary columnist, and the late Pete Goering, who hired me here.

I also have a great respect for the guys I have worked with the longest—Kevin Haskin and Ken Corbitt—who are true pros in every way. I respect anybody who has a great passion for what they do.’’

Have you always been a sports reporter?

“Yes. In fact my first sports story was when I was in fourth grade.

I called a Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver named Chris Burford on the phone (numbers were in the phone book at that time) and did a feature on him.’’

What’s the strangest thing you have ever witnessed at a high school sporting event?

“I’m not sure I have one that stands out because I’ve seen just about everything over the years—blackouts, teams not showing up, coaches almost coming to blows.’’

What do you want to be remembered for?

“That I hopefully put out as much effort as the players and coaches I’ve covered.

Nothing more.’’

way.’’

What words of wisdom do you have for today’s high school athlete?

“Have fun. Don’t play

because you think it will lead to a big-time scholarship or a shot at the pros, do it because you love it.’’

If you could interview any athlete, who would it be and what would you ask him?

“I would have loved to have hung out with the late Wilt Chamberlain. He was a very complex individual and I’m not sure how many people really saw the true Wilt. I would have had a ton of questions.’’

What changes have you seen that have improved sports?

“Safety always has to be the major concern and I think playing sports has gotten a lot safer. Most schools now have at least part-time access to qualified athletic trainers, which is huge.’’

What changes have hurt sports?

“I think that club sports, off-season teams, etc.—in some cases anyway—have taken away the importance of high school coaches.

Those people in a lot of cases are the most important person in a young studentathlete’s life and I don’t want that to change.’’

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

“The day that you feel like your job is a job, it’s time to get out. I’ve never felt that

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29

J.B. Bauersfeld, WIBW-TV Sports Anchor, spoke with Jared Head as

he went through the paces at the Detroit Tigers spring training in Lakeland, Florida.

JB: Making your major league debut at 28, how hard has it been sticking it out in the minor leagues?

Jared Head (JH): It’s always tough. I have obstacles every year to overcome. You have to prove that you can play year in and year out, but it’s worth it. Now it’s continuing to grind away again—keep going and try to stick in the big leagues.

JB: What was it like getting your first big league hit in Kansas City?

JH: I got to share it with friends and family. Everybody was there, and that was special.

JB: What role did Topeka and Hayden High play in you becoming a pro athlete?

JH: Just growing up in Topeka, playing good (baseball) competition all summer and in 29-year-old Jared Head graduated from the high school Hayden High School in 2001 and Wash(Centennial) league burn in 2005. The Cleveland Indians signed helped. And, comJerad as a free agent in August 2005 but peting in other he didn’t make his major league debut until sports against 2011. Head picked up his first Major League people from ToRBI on a second-inning double at Kauffman peka that were Stadium in September 2011. also having success Jared lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife (professionally). I and daughter. think Topeka has an all-around athletic base.

JB: Being a multi-sport athlete (football, basketball and baseball at Hayden; basketball and baseball at Washburn), was it tough to adjust to having to focus just on baseball year-round?

JH: Yes. I always had three sports in high school. You’re done with one, you take your mind off it and you go straight to the next. When I got to professional ball the biggest adjustment was playing every day and not having a day off. You’re 100 percent committed to your day being taken up by baseball.

JB: When you make that move, you go from the big fish in the little pond to the exact opposite. What kind of adjustments have you had to make playing against better competition?

JH: When you get to the minor leagues and even the lower levels you’re facing the top guys from college and high school.

You don’t have an easy day.

It’s just a lot of learning.

JB: What’s your advice for athletes from the area hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Submitted by Murray Head

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April 2012

JH: It’s not easy.

You’re going to have to work at it every day.

Take it all seriously and have fun with it. I’m 29 years old and

I still have a ton of fun playing this game. That’s what keeps me going every day.

JB: Going from the Indians to the Tigers, what are your expectations?

JH: A lot of stuff is going to be out of my control, whether I make the team out of camp or go back to triple-A, so I’m just going in there trying to compete, staying within myself and putting myself in the best position possible to contribute with the big league club.

JB: What do you see yourself doing when you’re playing days are all said and done?

JH: I really haven’t taken it that far. I’m still 100 percent committed to playing and my mind stays in the moment right now.

JB: The professional sports circuit in Topeka is a small world— you recently married Gary Woodland’s sister (CJ)—have you and Gary gotten together to discuss the gene pool and future pro athletes maybe?

JH: [laughs] No, not really. My daughter is 17 months old so I’m just enjoying being married and spending time with her right now.

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April 2012