October 2012 MVP: Shawnee County High School Sports Magazine

Leaders on the Soccer Field October 2012

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yolo

Stormont-Vail Injury Prevention Expo for Teens

you only live once Oct. 10, 2012 • 5 to 7 p.m.

Hummer Sports Park - Topeka Speaker: Amanda Umscheid (As seen on TV) Music • Food • Prizes For more information, go to our event page on Facebook/Stormont-Vail-HealthCare and RSVP for the event.

Emergency & Trauma Center

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contents 4 MVP of the Game 4 Athletes in Action Football 6 Upholding Tradition Washburn Rural Volleyball 10 2012 WRHS Volleyball Captains 12 Leaders on the Soccer Field 22 Local Media Icon Alex Wiebel

12 soccer leaders 26 Inspirational Athlete // Blanco O’Brynne

24 Athletes in Action Cross Country 30 Made in Shawnee County Kaylee Manns

Cover Photo: Conner Beck, Hayden; Corey Hall, Washburn Rural; Trenton Miller, Seaman

28 Coach Talk // Rossville High’s Greg Marney

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mvp of the game & contributors MVP of the Game is choose by the football game announcers of each football game at Hummer Sports Park. They select the athlete was most instrumental to their team.

Contributors Publisher Braden Dimick Editor-in-Chief Tara Dimick Photographer Rachel Lock

Topeka West vs. KC Schagle August 31, 2012 Montoy Perry, Topeka West Junior photo by David Vincent

Topeka High vs. Hayden September 7, 2012 Austin Tillman, Topeka High Junior photo by Craig Strever

Creative Director Jenni Ponton Contributing Writers J.B. Bauersfeld Mark Elliott Lisa Loewen Karen Ridder Contributing Photographers Craig Strever David Vincent

Topeka West vs. Topeka High September 14, 2012 Austin Tillman, Topeka High Junior Photo by Craig Strever

athletes in action // football

Account Executive Tara Dimick 785.217.4836 Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc.

PO Box 67272 Topeka, KS 66667 785.217.4836 taradimick@gmail.com www.mvpsportsmagazine.com 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.

1. Jake Kresin, JR, Hayden and Austin Tillman, JR, Topeka High 2. Raymond Solis, SR, Topeka High and Derrick McGreevy, SOPH, Hayden 3. Reily Martin, SR, Hayden

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upholding

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Washburn Rural Hig Left to right: Melissa Cushing #2, SR; Savannah Moore #22, JR; Kadie Baumgardner #5 Alyssa Carney #1, SR; Erika Lane #4, SR; Sarah Vicory #8, SR; Courtney Winkley #6 MVPSportsMagazine.com

October 2012

tradition

by LISA LOEWEN

"When you look in the mirror after a game, ask yourself, 'did I give everything I could?"

- WRHS Head Volleyball Coach Kevin Bordewick

gh School Volleyball 5, SR; Emma Eickhoff #21, SR; McKenzie Johnson #14, SR; Paige Cunningham #15, SO; 6, JR; Emma Reeves #12, SO; Chloe Holman #18, SO; & Morgan Hutchinson #9, FR. October 2012

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upholding tradition

Six state titles in the last eight years.

Final four for the past ten years.

Making it to State fifteen years straight.

For the girls on the Washburn Rural High School volleyball squad, it’s more than just winning games—it’s about keeping tradition alive. Head Coach Kevin Bordewick says that part of the reason WRHS has been so successful at building and sustaining that winning tradition is that they have never considered themselves a success.

“If we ever thought we were a dynasty or a powerhouse, we would tumble faster than anything,” Bordewick said. “These girls are hungry year after year to get a league or state championship, and to ultimately get that banner up on the wall.”

Maybe they don’t see themselves as a powerhouse, but the opponents they play would probably disagree.

Seven returning seniors anchor this year’s varsity squad.

This group knows what it feels like to win a championship, and they want to go out

about what to expect from the coaches and how to improve their game. Now it’s their turn.

“They were taught by juniors and seniors,” Bordewick said.

“Those girls were taught by older players. It is a constant cycle for us, and it works.”

This mentorship helps builds a cohesive team, both on and off the court. The girls know that they win or lose games as a team, so they try not to let anything interfere with that relationship.

“All teenagers have attitudes and disagreements with other people,” Bordewick said. “I tell them, even if someone steals your boyfriend that very day, I better not see it on the court.

And I never have.”

Bordewick says he has been blessed with his 18 years as a head coach at WRHS. But he admits that the thing he finds the most challenging is the parents.

“All teenagers have attitudes and disagreements with other people,” Bordewick said. “I tell them, even if someone steals your boyfriend that very day, I better not see it on the court.

And I never have.” on top. They also understand that maintaining the tradition means mentoring the younger girls coming up through the ranks.

Bordewick says this year’s seniors remember how they were treated as freshmen and sophomores. Two years ago, they received support and instruction from the seniors

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“Parents can be really critical—not necessarily with me, but with the girls” Bordewick said. “They are already down from losing a game. They go home and get beat down by their parents, and then they come to practice the next day and have to listen to me tell them what they did wrong.”

October 2012

Today, the girls stand in a circle with Coach Bordewick. He doesn’t stand in the center; he is part of the circle. They talk about the two games they lost the day before. Both games went down to the wire. Both resulted in heartbreaking losses. Bordewick isn’t yelling (although he admits he can get pretty loud at times and the girls know when he is upset). Today is a calm discussion about what

went wrong. The girls point out their own weaknesses and offer suggestions to strengthen their game.

“Even though we lost, I saw some great things from the girls,” Bordewick said. “I know this team will find a way to be in the mix to be a state champion at the end of the season.” continued on pg. 10

Kevin Bordewick, Washburn Rural High School Head Volleyball Coach

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2012 WRHS Volleyball Captains Erika Lane

Sarah Vicory

Alyssa Carney

Senior // Right-side Hitter & Setter

Senior // Middle hitter

Senior // Left-side hitter

Who is your favorite super hero?

Definitely Batman, because since he only comes out at night, most people think he's a villain, but he's really a hero.

Who is your favorite super hero?

Spiderman--he’s always trying to help people.

Who is your favorite super hero?

Superman, because my dad loved him when I was growing up. He always tries to do the right thing and doesn't let his anger get in the way.

Worst vice?

My obsession with painting my nails.

Best advice from your mother?

Always forgive, but never forget.

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Worst vice?

Picking at my nails.

Best advice from your mother?

Be confident in myself and give 100% every time.

Worst vice?

I tend to procrastinate.

Best advice from your mother?

To always work hard and give my best.

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Leaders on the Soccer Field TK showcases the captains of the high school soccer teams in Shawnee County.

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Ian Mutschelknaus #4

WASHBURN RURAL // 6A

Senior // Defender ASSIDUOUS

Who is your role model?

“Most of the Washburn Rural players before me because they seemed so good and worked so hard to make Rural soccer a tradition.”

“This year's team is young and not as experienced as our past groups (we lost 12 seniors from last year) but their drive to succeed is very high. Our starting group is talented and understands the style of soccer we want to play. Our reserves are getting better each day and by the end of the year, they should help make us a difficult team to deal with.”

- HEAD COACH BRIAN HENSYEL

“Ian is the captain that keeps everything fun and relaxed. When things get difficult, his calm nature is a good influence for the team.”

- Coach Brian Hensyel

Jacob Marney #15 Senior // Defender DEDICATED

Who is your role model?

“My dad is my role model. He is a great guy. He is not perfect, but neither am I. He accepts who he is, which I find admirable.”

“Jacob brings an unbelievable work ethic each day to practice and is the one who motivates others to do their best.”

- Coach Brian Hensyel

Corey Hall #14

Senior // Forward // Midfielder COMPETITIVE Who is your role model?

“My dad because even though he is gone a lot, overseas or even just in a different state, he always takes care of us (his family)” * Corey’s dad is in the military and just got back from Afghanistan.

“Corey brings experience and a very high level of soccer skills to our team. A very talented player.”

- Coach Brian Hensyel

Brady Drane #7 Senior // Midfielder FUNNY

Who is your role model?

“My dad, he has been through so much in his life and has never given up.”

“Brady is a great teammate and cares about the success of our team over any individual accomplishments.”

- Coach Brian Hensyel

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Gregory Roller #2 Senior // Center Midfielder OPTIMISTIC

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I feel that I bring good touch and distribution to the center midfield. I feel I am very verbal and fire up the team as a captain. I feel like I am the heart of the family (team).”

Who is your role model?

“My role model has always been Cristiano Ronoldo because he is the ultimate player and he is everything I am striving to be on the field.”

Zach Burkett #7 Senior // Midfielder DETERMINED

What skills do you bring to the team?

“My hard work and understanding of the game help to put my teammates and I into a position to succeed.”

Who is your role model?

“My role models are my parents. They have taught me the importance of positive thinking no matter what happens. I see them live that way every day and it has inspired me to do the same.”

topeka high // 6a 14

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1801 SW Wanamaker Road Topeka, KS 66604 785-272-5119

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SEAMAN // 5a “The team this year is older with a lot of experience. They know what we are trying to do as a group and how important it is to work together as a team to meet our goals.”

- Head Coach Louis DiLeonardo

Erick Rivera #9 Senior // Striker/Outside Midfielder DREAMER

Who is your role model?

“My mom (Martha Guzman), because we came here as a family from Leon, MX. My sister, Valeria Riveria, and my mom had no job and no college education.

Now my mom manages Arby’s and is currently trying to pursue her college education. As a manager working 11 hours a day, going to class and being a mother to her children, she works hard and is dedicated. She plans on owning her own business and living her dream.”

Clay Haag #8

Junior // Center Midfielder AMBITIOUS What skills do you bring to the team?

“As a captain, I have high expectations of what is considered good work ethic or smart play. I try to lead by showing where runs should be and by not being satisfied with just a few wins, but by making the team push harder until we have a state championship. Then we can be satisfied.”

“Clay works extremely hard and is a vocal leader. He takes control on the field through his never-ending hustle and is a field general. You can hear him yelling ommands at other players, which helps the team function as a group. Plus, he knows that in order to be great, he has to improve himself and the team.”

- Coach Louis DiLeonardo

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“Eric also is a hard worker and is very smart. His leadership style includes a positive attitude, motivating his teammates, and leading by example. Although, he would also be the one who is not afraid to lighten the mood.”

- Coach Louis DiLeonardo

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topeka west // 5a

Dominic Sheltrown #5

Ronald Sastoque #13 Senior // Defense / Midfielder FUNNY

Armando Correa#16

Senior // Forward OPTIMISTIC

What skills do you bring to the team?

“Vision of every one on the field and I’ve been playing for a very long time, longer than most anyone on the team. I can inform teammates of runs they could have made or help in situations were they weren’t quite sure.”

What skills do you bring to the team?

“As captain, I lead the team to work hard.

I know my team, so I know how to talk to them and support them if they mess up so they can be better. As a player, I can take balls from people and anticipate their passes. I also know how to pass the ball well and make good runs to move up.”

What skills do you bring to the team?

"Control and vision out on the field."

Who is your role model?

“Alexander Sheepy Soto. He started with nothing and formed his whole career around his talent of building cars and created his own company and is now a world renowned Honda builder.”

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Who is your role model?

“My mom, because she has always worked hard for me and my brothers. Because of her, I am the man I am today.”

Senior // Center Midfielder PERSISTANT

Who is your role model?

“Ronaldinho. He was just the best but remained humble. He seemed like he was always trying to have fun on the soccer field.”

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

“Teleporting. I could go anywhere at any time in a split-second.

HIGHLAND PARK // 5a “Last year we struggled to keep 11 kids at practice.

This year we have 17 at every event, even Saturday morning practices. The dedication level of this group is much higher then in the past. We may not have the best stats or a glorious win/loss record, but this team plays clean, works hard, is doing well in school, and will leave the program better people then they entered, that to me is the greatest success.”

- Head Coach Jeremy Hall

Steffon Kyles Senior // Midfielder ATHLETIC

What skills do you bring to the team?

“Being a vocal leader, keeping everybody’s spirit up and heart.”

Victor Ortega Senior // Goalkeeper DETERMINED

“Steffon is my best athlete; this is only his second year of soccer. He is a very competitive kid, and has a very high work rate. He started most of last season for HP's basketball, and knows how to win.

He works hard to develop skills, and push others and make sure the team keeps in line.”

- Coach Jeremy Hall

Who is your role model?

“My parents, because they work really hard and always have great attitudes.”

“Victor is an exceptional player, in the field or in goal, he is my best true soccer player. He helps some of the younger player to develop the skills they need. He is concerned about this program, not just for this year, but also for the future. He wants to leave a legacy. It may not be the wins that he wanted, but he is leaving a legacy of dedication to the program and making a difference.”

- Coach Jeremy Hall October 2012

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shawnee heights // 5a

“This team is a work in progress. They are concentrating on re-establishing a quality work ethic and getting that energy to spread out to all of the players. Learning how much dedication it takes individually and as a team to develop excellence is key to our success.”

- Head Coach Mike Balint

Shane Herl #17

Sam Heryford #3

Kerek McGinley #20

Who is your role model?

“Lionel Messi. He has worked hard since he was a child to be where he is, and still works hard. He is small, but doesn’t get pushed around. Messi is a very intense player.”

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I am a dedicated soccer player who helps develop younger players, and always give 100%.”

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I communicate very well, I don’t give up, I am very fast and strong, and I have a great free kick.”

“Sam is our rock and role model.

His work ethic and composure are excellent. His gift is the ability to bring a players together and work with changes effortlessly.”

- Coach Mike Balint

“Kerek brings a sense of urgency to our team. Playing the game is very important to him, and being a senior has made this year even more special.”

- Coach Mike Balint

Senior // Center Midfielder INTENSE

Senior // Defender PROACTIVE

“Shane is our emotional engine. He plays and motivates others from his desire to be successful and work hard on the field.”

- Coach Mike Balint

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Senior // Defensive Midfielder PASSIONATE

hayden // 4a “I would describe this year’s team as experienced and hungry. Hungry to make amends for last year’s failure to finish in the manner that we wanted.”

- HEAD COACH KLAUS KREUTZER

Bennett Federico #10 Senior // Center Forward ECCENTRIC

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I try to be a leader, but also, I remain unselfish on the field and keep the team organized to the best of my ability.”

Who is your role model?

“Morgan Freeman, because he tells it like it is.”

Pedro Ortega #17 Senior // Forward UNIQUE

What skills do you bring to the team?

“Speed and leadership.”

Who is your role model?

“Giovani Dos Santos, because he is my favorite soccer player and we play similar positions.”

Conner Beck #9 Senior // Center Midfielder/Forward FOCUSED

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I bring experience at the varsity level, and the ability to make decisions for my team out on the field. Being one of the seniors, I feel like I need to always show good leadership.”

October 2012

Derek Meier #16 Senior // Defender DETERMINED

What skills do you bring to the team?

“I’m a solid, consistent player in the back that can read the field and be vocal when my team needs options.”

Who is your role model?

“Zach Dodd. He is very dedicated and has a great work ethic.”

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local media icon

alex wiebel

Kansas First News Sportscaster

How did you come to be a sportscaster?

“I always had a passion for sports and became interested in television during high school.

I followed the broadcast journalism path into college.

Once I started at Kansas First News in 2006 as a part-time photographer/editor, I felt this was a career that best suited me. After graduation in 2008, I was hired as the weekend sports anchor/reporter.”

What is your most embarrassing on-air moment?

“I once said, “Good Morning Everyone” when it was around 9:25 PM during one of our newscasts on KTMJ Fox 43.

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Who is your favorite sportscaster?

“Neil Everett from ESPN. I admire him because he is entertaining and isn’t afraid to make jokes while reporting sports highlights.”

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

“I’m left-handed. It mostly goes unnoticed around friends and colleagues. Nobody else in my immediate family is lefthanded, so I feel like the odd one in the group.”

Who is your role model and why?

“My parents—Kevin and Susan. They’ve always played a

October 2012

positive role in my life. Whether it was attending childhood baseball games or helping me through school. They’ve never made me feel pressured.”

If you could interview any athlete, who would it be?

“Nolan Ryan. I grew up in Allen, Texas (which is about 30 miles north of Dallas) so I’m a fan of all the Dallas teams, including the Texas Rangers.

What would you ask Nolan?

How did it feel to put Robin Ventura (of the White Sox) in a headlock?”

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

“Enjoy the moment, because success in sports isn’t guaranteed; and don’t forget to smile.”

What do you and your wife, Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Photographer Ann Williamson, do for fun?

“It’s not very often that our schedules are aligned at the same time, but we try to see a movie every now and then.”

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Find us on Facebook and get access to exclusive promotions for Gary’s Pumpkin Smash 2012!

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October 2012

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athletes in action // CROSS COUNTRY

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3 1. Joenna Feliciano, SR, Topeka High 2. Connor Immenschuh, SR; Trevor Heine, SR; Zach Lynch, SR, Topeka West 3. Emily Schoenfeld, SR, Topeka High 4. Seaman High 5. John Figgs, Seaman

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Building a New Life Inspirational Athlete:

blanco o'bryne

by KAREN RIDDER | photos by DAVID VINCENT

the gap between his old life and his new is what makes him an MVP Inspirational Athlete.

The idea that his favorite sport has to be played “in season” was new for Blanco. At the orphanage, he had played all the time. They didn’t have a A NEW LIFE TV, and free time was spent on When first arriving in the the field. Of course, weather United States, Blanco was wasn’t a factor in his Caribbean nation.

“The thing that surprised me was the fans, “We played every non-stop, every people coming to watch me play. That was kind day, day,” says Blanco. of cool for me. My mom cheers a lot. I can hear That daily play, made soccer a part my mom when I’m playing,” says Blanco. of Blanco’s identity.

When the season was right, he joined the out of the disaster. He went 15 years old. One of the Cornerstone Family School’s from an uncertain life in an first questions he asked varsity soccer team. He starts orphanage, to being united was, “When do I get to play his third year with the team with his long-awaited adoptive soccer?” Unfortunately, it this fall. The squad of home family in Holton. was January, there was a foot school students primarily While he already had an of snow on the ground, and from Shawnee County amazing story, the way Blanco Americans were in the middle plays in the Metro Christian is using team sports to bridge of basketball season.

Blanco O’Bryne came to Kansas in a series of events that was nothing short of miraculous. After a 2010 earthquake that devastated his home country of Haiti, he was one of the first seven children

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Athletic Association league and competes against area Christian schools.

Blanco’s level of play, speed and finesse made him a standout player. He has been an All-League player for the last two years. His first year playing with the team he scored 18 goals, which was second on the team only to his older biological brother, Blandy,

who scored 32. A muscle strain slowed him down a bit last year. Even though he only played in 13 of the team’s 15 games, he was still the leading scorer with 13 goals.

end of the season, he was the leading scorer on the team. “I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone catch

OVERCOMING DIFFERENCES

There was a difference between American soccer and what Blanco used to play in Haiti. It took some getting used to. Coach Steve Poage explains, “Our game is a little more team-oriented than what they play. It’s more physical here than there.”

Blanco had never played with a coach or in an organized league. While the kids in the orphanage sometimes played other teams, they did not have referees, either.

Those differences caused some frustrations, but another difference did not. “The thing that surprised me was the fans, people coming to watch me play. That was kind of cool for me. My mom cheers a lot.

I can hear my mom when I’m playing,” says Blanco.

Blanco being on a more organized team really inspires him to do his best. Though he has had to learn to adapt his game to the rules of American ball, he has appreciated having the support and encouragement of a coach to help and give him advice.

“When he says, ‘push the guards,’ I have energy. I want to go for it,” says Blanco.

That energy Blanco gets from playing with

a coach-led team is contagious for the rest of the players. “He has a way of getting the other guys excited.

When they see him excited and when they see him pushing, that makes them want to try that much harder and gets them excited as well,” says Tim O’Bryne, Blanco’s father.

LEARNING A NEW GAME

While he never wants to stop playing soccer, Blanco has found another game to enjoy as well, basketball. It is his American sport. Blanco’s father, Tim, is the basketball coach, and started teaching Blanco the rules in that first winter, when snow made soccer impossible.

Tim used Blanco and Blandy at first to help out on the court during practice. They have extremely quick hands and could cover the court quickly.

“After they stole the ball, they didn’t know exactly what to do with it, but it was good practice for our guys,” said Tim. By the next year, Blanco saw how much his new American friends and family liked basketball and decided to try it. He did well. At the

on as quickly as he had (to basketball),” says Tim. To Blanco, basketball is American. “That’s why I play basketball. I saw it was everybody’s favorite sport.

So, I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to try it too.’”

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Blanco is soft spoken.

His coach says the other players respond to that quiet nature. “The other kids all like him very much.

He’s kind of a team favorite,” says soccer Coach Steve Poage.

Blanco plays with a speed and finesse to his game that makes other take notice.

Others on the team look to him as a leader because of his high level of skills. Tim agrees that the other boys appreciate the way he treats them, “He’s a very respectful boy. He likes to help others. He’s a good kid.”

These days, Blanco is more

likely t o p l a y a game of pick-up basketball with his brother. They trash talk and like Friday n i g h t s w h e n m o r e people are likely to show up for a game at the park – just like many other American teenagers, but soccer will always have the first part of him.

He loves it in a way that his American friends may not ever really be able to understand.

Blanco says soccer is part of his identity, “I like soccer more than everyone.”

Blanco says his dream would be to play soccer for Team USA when he grows up.

Speed Round: What is your favorite American meal? Pizza What is your favorite Haitian food? Rice and Beans What sport would you like to learn that you have not played before?

Baseball and Football What is your favorite TV show? Reruns of the Bill Cosby Show What is your favorite kind of music? Country—Taylor Swift

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COACH TALK Mark ElliotT of of WIBW 580 AM Sportstalk gets the inside scoop from Rossville High School’s Head Golf Coach Greg Marney.

Mark Elliott: Greg Marney, Rossville product. You’ve taught and coached all kinds of sports at Rossville since January of 1981. But this is you’re last year as a teacher at Rossville.

Greg Marney: My wife is going to retire, and we’re just going to go out together, a blaze of glory I guess (laughs). I’m hoping to stay with the coaching.

Mark: Let’s go back to your early days, at Rossville. Your dad was a great athlete and basketball player at Rossville, and you kind

of followed in that. You played for a lot of coaches during your tenure at Rossville High School.

Greg: Yeah, in basketball we had four coaches in four years. Football, we had one my freshman year and one my sophomore year, and then another guy my junior and senior years. I thought that was going to go well, but then he left and went to DeSoto.

Baseball, John Blackard was here the whole time. But yeah, we had kind of a revolving door going.

“I’m a fighter. I’m not going to give up easily.”

Mark: We had some great battles (Rossville vs. Silver Lake), and you were a year ahead of me. What do you remember most fondly about your high school days?

Greg: Playing against Silver Lake, to be honest. Out of all the things we did, I felt proud that by the time I was a senior we were able to compete and give you a game. It was a lot of fun.

Mark: You went on to Washburn University and you pitched for my dad (Larry Elliott) for three years and for Steve Anson for his first year. What do you remember about your college days?

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Greg: There was quite a change in talent. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I had had success everywhere so I kind of expected to play right away.

I did get to pitch relief my first year and my first career save was against KU, so that was cool. And after that I got to pitch quite a bit.

Mark: All right, after you finished up at Washburn, Anson asks you to stay on and help coach. And you do. But then a job opens at Rossville and your dad suggests you interview for the sake of getting interview experience, little did you know that you’d be here 32 years later.

Greg: I walked in with no intention of taking a job and I think it was 15 minutes and I had a job.

Mark: You’ve coached a lot of sports: football, basketball, baseball and golf. And you’ve done it at the junior high level and at the high school level.

Now you’re coaching golf at the high school level.

Greg: Golf is pretty cut and dry, you go out and you qualify, and if you shoot the score, you compete. We have very talented golfers and others that are recreational golfers. The thing of it is, I don’t mind having either, because they’re getting to play, and they’re going to be able to play the rest of their life.

Mark: What about coaching junior high versus high school?

Big difference?

Greg: I coached high school girls’ basketball for a while, and I loved it, but the seasons were too long for me. Coaching junior high, I had girls before Christmas, and boys after Christmas. So the season was fairly short, kids were changing and keeping it fresh.

The junior high kids want to learn. They’ve always wanted to absorb everything you can give them, and I’ve been fortunate to always have people that gave me 100 percent. To be honest, I’ve probably enjoyed junior high the most.

Mark: Let’s go back in time again. You had a really nice career at Washburn and then played some semi-pro baseball, you played a little longer than I did. But you had a bad hop in there, something that led you down the road to double-digit surgeries. Tell us about that.

Greg: Well, I think actually the first time I had any problem with it was in high school. I was the bullpen catcher for some reason, and I got hit in the testicle, and it was really bad. Then when I was about 22, I got hit again, and this time I had a lump and went to the doctor, and he said it was nothing. A year later it was still there and it still hurt, and now it was panic-ville. The next thing I know cancer, chemotherapy, surgery.

Mark: We’re talking mid-80s, and I remember asking you, “What does it feel like?” and you said, “Well, put about four knives in your back and twist them all.” That was a brutal time.

the hardest thing in the world to do, but I’d do it, just because somebody w o u l d say, “Why are you sitting in here doing nothing?”

I’m a fighter. I’m not going to give up easily.

Greg: Yeah, I went in every three weeks for treatment, and I had daily stuff too. Out of the three weeks, one was really bad. I remember just curling up in a ball and I could not move, unbelievable pain. You helped me through some really tough times. I had some people pushing me to fight, and I fought. And I remember walking around the block, which was

Mark: And then it came back in the lymph n o d e s and they bombed you again.

Basically they read you the last rights. Let’s go through the list of the major surgeries.

Greg: When they found it (cancer) in my back it was a little bit bigger than a quarter. The chemo shrunk it down to the size of about a nickel. And my oncologist said, “Everything’s going good.” Then the bad news—surgery. The surgery cut from my breastbone down to my

pubic bone. I also had a surgery all the way around my ribs, from my spine clear up to the front.

They took out a rib and put it back in. After that happened, I had to have surgery on my stomach. Multiple hernias on my scars, led to three surgeries.

And the last one, they put in a big ol’ patch of mesh, and basically told me I wasn’t going to be able to do very much, but it hasn’t really slowed me down any. I am up to 13 surgeries, and hopefully stopped there.

Mark: You’ve even had a heart attack—that didn’t stop you either.

You’re a big time golfer in the summer months. I think it’s the athlete and the competitiveness in you. Golf is really your physical release now.

Greg: Oh without a doubt.

Growing up I spent time trying to get better at whatever I wanted to do. Basketball, football, baseball, I just worked all the time. And now, it’s golf. Golf has led to having friendships that last a lifetime, it’s awesome.

Mark: 32 years, you’re going to retire. This is it. So what do you think the legacy of Greg Marney, schoolteacher, is?

Greg: The main thing to me was that I was fair, and treated everyone the same. That my

October 2012

classroom was a safe place for everyone, and that I structured the room in a way that kids were able to learn, in a good environment.

My room was a great place to be.

Mark: And you’re going to miss it, I bet.

Greg: Yeah, without a doubt.

Matter of fact it’s pretty scary to even talk about. I mean I can’t comprehend not doing this.

I think about it and it scares the bejesus out of me. But, it’s time to do something else. I think one of the things about education that a lot of people don’t understand is that you don’t get to spend a lot of time with adults throughout the day, and that’s something I want to be able to do, spend my time with adults, and maybe even have another job that’s around adults. I want something different. But I hope to keep coaching, if they’ll have me. I’m going to miss the kids a bundle, but there’s something about the 20-minute lunch that just doesn’t set with me anymore (laughs).

Mark: Well Mr. Marney, we appreciate it and thanks for the time.

Greg: You bet.

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MADE IN SHAWNEE COUNTY

JB: What have you been up to since finishing up at Iowa State?

Kaylee Manns (KM): I’ve been playing professionally in Europe for the last two years.

In the summer, I come back and work a lot of camps. I just do volleyball year-round.

JB: What’s next?

KM: I’m not sure. Part of me wants to go play again, part of me wants to start my real career and start building towards the future, but the more I look into jobs, the more appealing volleyball sounds. I still like to play and I still like to travel.

JB: What are your fondest volleyball memories from your time at Washburn Rural?

KM: The relationships I built with the girls. I learned a lot in that time. Washburn Rural is an elite volleyball program and it has been for a long time. You were expected to win, and I loved that part, but it came with a lot of expectations.

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JB: What was it like picking Iowa State, because at the time, it was K-State that was the nationally recognized program?

your volleyball career the most, growing up and playing in Topeka?

KM: The coaching staff pulled me there. The head coach (Chrissy Johnson-Lynch) was a two-time All American (at Nebraska) setter. Who else would I want to learn from?

And, I was ready to get away from home.

KM: Playing other sports (soccer and basketball). I always played at a very high level in all three sports. So as a multisport athlete, you learn more about your body.

You’re just more of an (complete) athlete.

Ask my coaches, they’d say, “You were just an athlete, you weren’t a great setter.

You were easily taught.”

JB: What was it like growing up with (KMAJ Radio Personality) Mike Manns for a dad?

KM: Ha, I don’t know. I’ve never seen him as anything other than my super loud dad.

It was always fun when he did our games. It was interesting to see if he would be biased. He always remained pretty good, but I know he’d want to yell, especially during basketball. He’s just my dad, I don’t think about his occupation or anything.

JB: Who’s louder, you or your dad?

KM: My dad, for sure. Our voices just carry. It’s crazy.

JB: Where do you see yourself 15 years down the road?

KM: My dream job has always been to work for ESPN, I mean, honestly, who wouldn’t want to do that? I’m in love with sports.

I always have been, I always will be. Who knows, maybe I’ll explore a new direction, but I’m sure I’ll come back to it. I just love the competition.

JB: What do you think shaped

October 2012

JB: What’s it like now coming back to Topeka?

KM: It’s great at first, I loved seeing everybody, but since I don’t know what I’m going to to next, it’s kind of suffocating.

Everyone asks me, “What are you doing now?” and I’m like “Ugh, please stop.”

It’s natural, they’re curious; but it’s overwhelming after a while.

photo by TSV Dudingen

Kaylee Manns played three sports at Washburn Rural High School before concentrating on volleyball at Iowa State.

The decision paid off for Manns, who became a two-time All-Conference setter for the Cyclones and professional volleyball player in Europe. She is now at a crossroads in her life.

photo provided by Topeka Capital Journal

JB Bauersfeld, WIBW-TV Sports Anchor, talks with former Washburn Rural High School standout Kaylee Manns.

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October 2012