MVP Magazine: Shawnee County High School Sports - September 2011

GAme changers

under the

lights the inside scoop on

local sports media

In This Issue 4

Contributors

6

For the Record

Meet the staff of MVP Magazine.

Local and national news and statistics.

18

Build a Better You

28

You Make the Call

30

Local Media...the Inside Scoop

Tips on how to perform at your best every day.

Think you know better than the officials? Test your knowledge.

Go behind the scenes to learn more about our local sports personalities.

20

36

Under the Lights MVP captures the stories behind Shawnee County’s high school football coaches.

Our Pledge

MVP Magazine shares its goals as a new county publication.

8

32

38

Game Changers

Inspirational Athletes

Hall of Fame

Shawnee County’s cheer squad leaders showcase their pride and spirit.

Mandy and Mindy Wilson share their story of the competitive spirit between twin athletes.

Five things you should know about former Topeka West coach Joe Schrag.

Braden Dimick Publisher & Sales Director salaries, fast cars, big houses—the perceived lifestyle of a pro athlete.

This was the end of my childhood dreams and the beginning of my adult obsession with money.

It has taken me 17 years of unconsciously searching to finally rediscover that purity I remember from my childhood. MVP Magazine has opened my eyes to see the game again, thanks to the excitement of high school fans, the stories from local sportscasters and the hopes of high school athletes and coaches. All I have to say is Let’s Play Ball!

Art Director & Photographer

Owner & Founder Tara Dimick

Rachel Lock

Nicole Stejskal

Editor-in-Chief & Designer

When I was young, I dreamed of being a major league baseball player— the life of turning double plays, stretching a single into a double, striking out batters and team dog piles after a tough win.

I continued to play baseball as I got older, but there became more distractions with friends, school, trucks and girls. However, with the help of my parents and coaches, I continued to improve my baseball skills.

It was about my junior year in high school when my dream of playing major league baseball changed. It was no longer about the purity of the game that I dreamed about when I was six. Now it was about getting that college scholarship, getting drafted, signing bonuses, big

What is your favorite sports memory?

What is your favorite sports quote?

Who is your favorite athlete?

“I will never forget my first KU basketball game.

We played Texas Tech in Raef LaFrentz’s first game back from a shoulder injury during the 19971998 season. The fire in Allen Fieldhouse that night ignited my passion for sports at a young age, and it’s stuck with me ever since.”

“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”

- Patches O’Houlihan, Dodgeball

“I’ve always been inspired by Nolan Ryan. He is a leader that is athletic, competitive and intelligent.

He has used these gifts to build success both on the field and in business.”

Contributing Writer Karen Ridder Contributing Photographer Madison Lock PO Box 67272 ▪ Topeka, KS 66667 785.220.9140 ▪ mvpeditor@gmail.com www.mvpsportsmagazine.com

Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc. Comments & Suggestions mvpeditor@gmail.com

© 2011 MVP Magazine is published and copyrighted 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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NEXT LEVEL

2%

Percent of high school athletes that receive full or partial sports scholarships, according to the NCAA.

State Champions Women’s Cross Country

Team Silver Lake – ‘78 Seaman – ‘84 & ‘05 Hayden – ‘86, ‘89, ‘90, ‘92, ‘93 & ‘94 Washburn Rural – ‘96 Individual Pinter, Highland Park – ‘81 Martin, Silver Lake – ‘82 Deghand, Hayden – ‘92 Burrell, Seaman – ‘99 Nickoley, Shawnee Heights – ‘00, ‘01, ‘02 & ‘03 Messick, Seaman – ‘06 Clifton, Washburn Rural – ‘08 & ‘09

Women’s Golf

2,359 Number of female high school athletes that participate in rowing.

2,295

130,000 Number of high school athletes that receive full or partial sports scholarships, according to the NCAA.

Number of female high school athletes that receive a rowing scholarship.

Feel the Burn

Men’s Cross Country

Team Topeka West – ‘68, ‘74, ‘77 & ‘85 Hayden – ‘75, ‘81, ‘82, ‘90, ‘92 & ‘95 Seaman – ‘79 Individual Copp, Washburn Rural – ‘67 Weber, Hayden – ‘73 Swanson, Topeka West – ‘75 Barron, Topeka West – ‘76 Silovsky, Hayden – ‘81 Currie, Washburn Rural – ‘82 Hays, Topeka West – ‘83 & ‘84 Peacock, Hayden – ‘92 Brake, Silver Lake – ‘92 Cain, Seaman – ‘03 & ‘04 Morgan, Washburn Rural – ‘10

How many calories can you work off playing sports?

680 Soccer

612 Football

544

Basketball

340

Women’s Tennis

Team Washburn Rural – ‘90 & ‘93 Topeka West – ‘94

Baseball/Softball

330

Team Washburn Rural – ‘05 Hayden – ‘08 & ‘09

Doubles Topeka West – ‘85, ‘86, ‘87 & ‘88 Washburn Rural – ‘94 Hayden – ‘94

Individual Stromgren, Washburn Rural – ‘06 Falley, Hayden – ‘08 Fagan, Rossville – ‘08 LaRue, Hayden – ‘09

Singles Norris, Topeka West – ‘80, ‘81 & ‘83 Robertson, Hayden – ‘90, ‘91 & ‘92 Griffin, Topeka West – ‘94 O’Neal, Hayden – ‘05, ‘06 & ‘07

Cheerleading

306 Golf

*The number of calories burned during any hour of exercise depends on heights, weight and age.

The final stat count made by Washburn Rural ‘06 graduate Kaylee Manns with the Iowa State Cyclones.

As an All-American, Manns became the first player in Big 12 history to generate these stats.

5,500 1,000 300 300 Assists

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September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 7

Game Changers While they may not be out on the

court or field, cheerleaders have

their place at sporting events.

Without their presence on the

sidelines, games become a mere practice between

two teams, lacking the pride and spirit that

cheerleaders bring to the table.

MVP takes you past the

pompoms and megaphones to showcase the pride and spirit in the personalities of

Shawnee County’s

cheer squad leaders.

Marie Fraise

Senior ▪ Topeka West High School Superhero Power You Desire: The ability to go back in time so I could relive my happiest moments and best nights all over again.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: I would go ahead and pay for college, then set the rest of the money aside and not have that as a worry.

Jessica Davis

Senior ▪ Topeka West High School Your Childhood Ambition: To become a gymnast or a professional cheerleader.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: I would take a family vacation around the world.

Your Role Model: My mom – even through the hard times, she always stays strong.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: I think getting over the fact that I had never done anything like this, but I could still do it.

loud

athletic Alyssa Hilderman

Senior ▪ Shawnee Heights High School Superhero Power You Desire: The ability to be invisible so I would be able to do anything.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: Donating money to Top City Athletics.

Person You’d Trade Places With: No one – being famous is overrated, and I love my life how it is.

The Drive Behind You: Always wanting to be a cheerleading coach and remembering that when I was little, I would go to games and not care about the game – I would learn the cheers instead.

leader

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Whitney White

Senior ▪ Silver Lake High School Your Childhood Ambition: To be a professional cheerleader and a nurse.

Your Role Model: My cousin, Kirsten – when she puts her mind to something, she gets it done.

Kaci Campbell

Senior ▪ Silver Lake High School Your Role Model: My older sister, Chelsea – at the age of 20, she had a heart attack and survived. Six months later, I had to have heart surgery, and she guided me through the struggles I was faced with.

The Drive Behind You: Having younger girls look up to me makes me want to be a better cheerleader.

Person You’d Trade Places With: I don’t want to trade places with anybody – my life is good, and I love being me.

The Drive Behind You:

caring

I am very competitive – I want to succeed in everything I do and know that I’ve done the best I can do.

trustworthy

Kaitlyn Perkins

Junior ▪ Seaman High School Your Career Ambition: To be an OB/GYN for Doctors Without Borders.

Your Role Model: Melina Gates – she runs a foundation that provides immunizations for poor people around the world.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: A red pair of cowboy boots.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: Maintaining an upbeat attitude in all situations.

fearless

Shelby Cooper

Senior ▪ Rossville High School Superhero Power You Desire: The Magic Touch - it heals mental and physical wounds for any living thing.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: All of the money would go to the diabetes foundation to find a cure for my younger sister and all of the other people out there that deserve it.

The Drive Behind You: My drive comes from the inspiration I get every day from the ones I love, especially my cheer coach. I want to prove to others and show myself that I can do the best at everything I try.

Generous Molly Farrington

Sammy Comstock

Senior ▪ Hayden High School

Senior ▪ Hayden High School

Your Childhood Ambition:

Superhero Power You Desire:

To be a chef - I loved the Food Network and even had my own chef’s hat and apron.

Person You’d Trade Places With: Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - I would love to be able to travel across the country eating the best food America has to offer.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: The lack of appreciation players and fans have for us as well as the stereotype.

Genuine

The ability to read people’s minds.

Your Role Model: My mom - she is the most patient and understanding person I have ever met, and I hope to be the kind of mom she is when I am older.

The Drive Behind You: I just want to be the best person I can possibly be and live life to the fullest.

Silly

Alex Castaneda

Senior ▪ Washburn Rural High School Superhero Power You Desire: The ability to create multiple copies of myself – I am very busy sometimes, and being everywhere at once would be helpful.

Person You’d Trade Places With: Myself at a young age, just to live like a child again.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: Becoming one with the team – I’m always either on my own or in charge of it all, so I need to blend with the group.

positive Breanne Douglas

Senior ▪ Highland Park High School Superhero Power You Desire: To be a shape changer.

Your Role Model: My mother – she does everything to make her family happy. She’s successful and one of the most caring, loving ladies I know.

Person You’d Trade Places With: Mya – she is famous, pretty and very talented.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: Performing in front of big crowds.

energetic

Meg Werner

Senior ▪ Washburn Rural High School Superhero Power You Desire: To slow down time because I am way too busy most of the time.

First Purchase After Winning the Lottery: I would try to pay back my parents for all they have given me throughout the years.

Person You’d Trade Place With: I don’t know if I would want to permanently change places with anyone, but if it was for a day, it would be Taylor Swift.

optimistic

Ngina Nzwilli

Topeka High School Your Childhood Ambition: To become a nurse and save lives.

Superhero Power You Desire: Mind reading – I’ve always wanted to know what people are thinking in certain situations.

Biggest Challenge as a Cheerleader: The stereotypes most people have about cheerleaders.

The Drive Behind You: Striving to be the best and knowing that the squad is making a difference in a team’s achievements.

kind

“Simply because we do not run across goal lines, slam dunk

basketballs, or hit home runs, doesn’t mean we can’t

change the score.”

- Author Unknown

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September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 17

Easy Steps

to Organizing You!

Keeping everything together while trying to balance school, work or activities can be a challenge that sometimes seems overwhelming.

Increase your chances of success with these tips.

Join Us On

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Make a To-Do List Every Day

Put things that are the most important at the top and do them first.

When you are traveling as a passenger, use the time to get some work done.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Don’t Waste Time Agonizing

Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. Lack of sleep makes tasks seem more difficult.

Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.

t’s WhaThis?

QR Codes can be scanned with a smart phone (much like taking a picture of it), and the code directs you to the website without having to search for it or type in the web address.

Use Spare It’s Ok to Say No Minutes Wisely If your friend invites you

Foods That Boost Brain Power

to a movie and you have work to do, realize it’s okay to say no.

Determine Your Priorities

You can’t do everything at once. Establish the importance of each item and set realistic goals.

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“Not to go out and do your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

- Steve Prefontaine

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There’s more to a football coach than meets the eye, a side that doesn’t require tackling dummies or X’s and O’s. After getting to know the football coaches in Shawnee County, it is my honor to tell the stories of the men behind the playbook, the men under the lights.

under the

lights

By Nicole Stejskal

Seaman Vikings

Blake Pierce Tradition comes in many forms and can take shape in all areas of life. What makes a tradition rare is its ability to transcend generations and impact a community in ways that everyday occurrences simply can’t do.

For Seaman’s football program, the tradition of excellence bears a name: Pierce. The high school’s football field pays tribute to the legacy of one Pierce while playing host to another.

And for Blake Pierce, it’s been an honor to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“The most proud moment in my coaching career was telling my dad that I was coaching at Seaman,” said Pierce. “After he passed away last year, that pride only increased.”

With his father’s name on the field where he coaches, a wealth of expectations have poured in from patrons in the North Topeka

community. However, Pierce has lived up to those expectations, relying on advice from his father.

“My dad always told me to trust people around you, and they will be consistent and fair in how they treat you,” said Pierce. “The North Topeka community has a small town feel, and while the expectations are high, everyone is considerate and respectful at the same time.”

With family and football also comes a tradition of community, one that all people involved with Seaman High School can be proud of.

“We’ve developed a tradition that is more significant than wins and losses,” said Pierce.

“That’s what I want people to remember about Seaman football.”

stats

Tradition

Number of Years Coaching at Seaman High School: 7 Win-Loss Record at Seaman High School: 38–34

High School Attended: Seaman High School Sports Played: Football & Basketball

College Attended: Emporia State University Sports Played: Football

Hayden Wildcats

Bill Arnold

The influence a high school football coach can have on a group of young men is often more powerful than one may expect.

After coaching the Hayden Wildcats to a state title in 2008, Bill Arnold felt a sense of gratification in winning, but it wasn’t for himself. Rather, Arnold believed that taking home the trophy was his way of honoring his own high school football coach, who passed away from a heart attack at a very young age.

“I go back in my mind and think, ‘He deserved a state championship,’” said Arnold. “He was a great coach, and what he did with kids was phenomenal. He’s the one who got me into this gig to begin with through his influence.”

The impression Arnold’s coach left on him is now motiva-

tion for Arnold to influence his players through philosophies he’s adopted from his main inspiration.

“Coaching football needs to be based around a family-style atmosphere, one where the players and coaches each do their part to make the team successful,” said Arnold.

“The mentality a coach brings to his team is what he wants the team to stand for – hard work, dedication, toughness, and above all, a sense of family.”

With the tight-knit, faith-based environment at Hayden, Arnold believes he can create that kind of atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on his football players.

“I want to teach the game to the kids,” said Arnold. “I want to take them beyond levels they think they’re capable of getting to.”

stats

Influence

Number of Years Coaching at Hayden High School: 4 Win-Loss Record at Hayden High School: 42–10

22 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

High School Attended: Holton High School Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Track

College Attended: Benedictine College Sports Played: Football

silver lake eagles

C.J. Hamilton There’s no denying C.J. Hamilton’s success on the football field.

With 35 years of coaching to his name and no sign of stopping soon, Hamilton has placed himself in the running to go down as one of the 50 winningest high school coaches in the nation’s history.

With that kind of success, one has to wonder what Hamilton does differently to set himself apart from other coaches. For Hamilton, it’s not about knowing which defensive formation to use or choosing to run the ball versus passing it. It’s about learning how to relate to the players.

“After all these years, I still feel like I can reach kids,” said Hamilton.

“I’ve adapted to changes to handle different generations, and it’s motivated me to continue coaching.”

However, success hasn’t come

Hamilton’s way without its share of challenges. Over the years, Hamilton has been approached with offers to take his coaching to the next level, an opportunity that could challenge any coach’s desire to stay. And even when heart bypass surgery threatened to take him out of the game, Hamilton’s passion for coaching high school football never wavered.

“During my downtime, I realized that it wasn’t the right time to retire,” said Hamilton. “I had to get back to coaching. And coaching has given me a comfortable life. I have no desire to do anything different.”

Now, in the midst of his success, the only challenge Hamilton faces with coaching is deciding when to blow the final whistle.

stats

success

Number of Years Coaching at Silver Lake High School: 35 Win-Loss Record at Silver Lake High School: 332–80

High School Attended: Silver Lake High School Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Baseball

College Attended: Washburn University Sports Played: Football & Baseball

Rossville Bulldogs

Steve Buhler The intensity brought to the gridiron on game day comes from the right combination of two factors: team attitude and community support. Without a balance between the two, game day often feels like just another Friday.

Despite coaching for a large high school in Denver, Steve Buhler never really witnessed that intense atmosphere. Buhler came to Rossville High School 13 years ago expecting a similar environment, underestimating the pride of a small community.

“When I walked out of the locker room and saw the game day atmosphere, I got excited about coaching here,” said Buhler. “People here approach football in a special way, and football along Highway 24 has a great tradition of success.”

With the community behind Rossville football, it was Buhler’s

job to match that intensity within the team’s dynamic. Two years into coaching the Bulldogs, Buhler came off a loss to Northern Heights feeling as though something was missing.

“We didn’t seem to be doing as well as I thought we could,” said Buhler. “My wife’s first question to me was, ‘Are you having fun doing what you’re doing?’ and at that point, I realized we needed to switch gears.”

Through the help of a few talented players, Buhler changed up the team’s offense to something more fun for the players to run – a strategy that took the Bulldogs to the second round of the playoffs and gave them the intensity they were missing.

“We want to have fun with what we do,” said Buhler. “If we’re having a good time, the kids will work harder, and success will follow.”

stats

Intensity

Number of Years Coaching at Rossville High School: 13 Win-Loss Record at Rossville High School: 100–50

24 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

High School Attended: Regis Jesuit High School (Denver, Co.) Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Baseball

College Attended: Benedictine College Sports Played: Football & Baseball

Washburn Rural Junior Blues

Derick Hammes

Moments that define a coach’s career don’t always involve hoisting a trophy in the air or marking down a W in the win column. Sometimes it’s the losses that shape a coach’s character and change his approach to the game.

For Derick Hammes, it wasn’t the loss of a game at Center High School, but rather the loss of a football player, that gave him the greatest perspective on coaching. After a freshman athlete went down during a game and passed away from a heart attack, it made Hammes reflect on what is truly important in life.

“It was a tough experience, but it made me appreciate things differently,” said Hammes. “After that, I became more of a player’s coach.”

That mentality has helped Hammes shape the Washburn Rural football program into the suc-

cess it is today. He focuses on creating a sense of commitment in the players to not only become better athletes, but better people as well.

“We want to develop characteristics that will help the guys in day-today life,” Hammes said. “If they demonstrate attributes of commitment on the field, it will help them become good employees, good husbands and good fathers.”

No one demonstrates that kind of commitment better than Hammes. When it comes to accomplishing milestones in his career, his dedication to the program and the players goes above all else.

“Personally, I don’t need to achieve anything,” Hammes said. “I want the players to experience the accomplishments.”

stats

Commitment

Number of Years Coaching at Washburn Rural High School: 5 Win-Loss Record at Washburn Rural High School: 17–28

High School Attended: Nemaha Valley High School Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Track

College Attended: Emporia State University Sports Played: Football

Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds

Jason Swift Choosing a career path at a young age is not always an easy decision. Finding a career that will reward you with a sense of pride and satisfaction can be even more difficult.

For Jason Swift, the choice to pursue a career in education after college was made easier through the presence of role models whom he admired and appreciated – his teachers and coaches.

Swift’s desire to follow in those people’s footsteps came from the ways in which they shaped him into a man.

“They’ve always been people that I’ve looked up to and I’ve had a great deal of respect for them, so I thought it would be an honor to be in the profession,” said Swift.

While developing a winning football tradition at Shawnee Heights is important, nothing brings Swift more pride than having athletes come back

and share their positive experiences playing Shawnee Heights football.

Swift believes that making an impression on athletes like his coaches made on him will ultimately leave more of a mark than any win-loss record.

“Every day we want to win, but you also have to understand that coaches are in a position where they can make an impact to help kids, and that’s what is important,” said Swift.

As Swift develops his athletes into young men with leadership and character, his greatest moments come from the connections he creates with his players.

“The opportunity to be around such great kids and develop relationships and see them grow – that’s a defining moment for me,” said Swift.

stats

pride

Number of Years Coaching at Shawnee Heights High School: 8 Win-Loss Record at Shawnee Heights High School: 38–38

High School Attended: Blue Valley High School Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Baseball

College Attended: Emporia State University Sports Played: Football & Basketball

September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 25

Topeka West Chargers

Tom Brian The challenges that come with pursuing a career in education are often unmatched by other professions. In order to succeed, one must have the passion and desire necessary to take on the responsibility of teaching and coaching our youth.

Despite playing sports throughout school, Tom Brian didn’t see himself in a teaching and coaching career when he started college.

“Originally, I was going to be an engineer or an architect,” said Brian.

“Then I got to college and realized I missed it so much that I really wanted to make that my career choice.”

The passion Brian has brought to his career since then is evident in his personal coaching philosophy – coach them hard, love them hard.

“I want to be tough on them, but I think the kids that play for me

know that I care about them, and I love them,” said Brian. “I make sure to tell the kids that I’m here for them, and I’m committed to them.”

To be passionate about coaching, it often takes more than just teaching the kids how to snag a reception or block a tackle. It takes a desire to build young men into mature men. Through Brian’s four-part football program at Topeka West, the coaches emphasize strong work ethic, personal responsibility, courageous leadership and living for something greater than yourself.

“I believe that if we focus on those things, our kids are going to be successful on the field and off the field,” said Brian.

stats

Passion

Number of Years Coaching at Topeka West High School: 1 Win-Loss Record at Topeka West High School: 0–9

High School Attended: Crosbyton High School (Crosbyton, Texas) Sports Played: Football, Basketball, Track & Golf

College Attended: Baylor University Sports Played: N/A

Topeka High Trojans

Walt Alexander From time to time, every high school football program struggles with success. The challenge that often comes with these encounters is finding someone with the strength to build a program back up again.

Luckily for Topeka High, Walt Alexander has been in the business of turning football programs around.

After the school’s football team went 33 years without a winning season, Alexander came to Topeka High and helped the program to back-to-back winning seasons in his first two years.

In his time at Topeka High, Alexander has focused on implementing a powerful strength program within the school’s athletic department, a factor he attributes to the football team’s success.

“Hard work breeds success, and with a strength program at the core of what we do, it creates results that

transfer to the field,” said Alexander.

The strength of Topeka High’s coaching staff has also added an element of success to the football program. With the coaches’ long history in football and little staff turnover, the group has created a sense of family that is making Topeka High football competitive again.

“With the kids, it’s all about getting them to buy into the program again, which takes time,” said Alexander.

“We’ve got a great coaching staff that loves the kids, and we’re focusing on coaching them at every level.”

Despite having turned the program around at Topeka High, Alexander doesn’t plan on leaving the capital city any time soon.

“There’s not a better league in the state to coach in,” said Alexander. “I plan to stay here until I’m finished.”

stats

strength

Number of Years Coaching at Topeka High School: 5 Win-Loss Record at Topeka High School: 21-26

26 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

High School Attended: Beloit High School

Sports Played: Football, Basketball & Track

College Attended: Kansas State University Sports Played: Football

Highland Park Scots

Nick Cummings No matter how experienced a coach may be, entering a new school to take over the football program can be a daunting task. Add to that the challenge of finding support for one of the school’s less dominant sports, and one can be certain that a tough road lies ahead.

However, for Nick Cummings, it’s all about channeling his motivation to the right place.

As the new head football coach at Highland Park, Cummings understands the importance of getting kids to buy into the football program.

“If you motivate the kids to work hard and show them that sports can be a stepping stone for college, then they can ultimately get what they deserve,” said Cummings.

Getting kids to step outside of the one-sport mentality is also moti-

vation for Cummings to find support for football. By showing them the value of competing on multiple levels, Cummings hopes to prove that playing football is not a waste of time.

“When you look at All-American athletes, they don’t just play one sport,” said Cummings. “They stay active all-year round and then have the opportunity to choose which sport they’ll play in college.”

Aside from everything else, Cummings’ personal motivation comes from the moment when past players return to share their accomplishments after high school.

“I want the kids to be successful, and I want to make them into better people,” said Cummings. “I want them to see that if they want something, all it takes is the motivation to go after it.”

stats

Motivation

Number of Years Coaching at Highland Park High School: 0 Win-Loss Record at Highland Park High School: 0–0

High School Attended: Hayden High School Sports Played: Football, Basketball, Wrestling & Track

College Attended: Washburn University Sports Played: Football

September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 27

POP QUIZ

YOU MAKE

Which Shawnee County High School football teams have won a state championship in the last 10 years?

THE CALL Do you know better than the officials? Test your knowledge.

FOOTBALL

School Seek

THE SITUATION

In this School Seek, find the nine Shawnee County High Schools and their mascots.

With the home team leading 20-12 in the final minute of the game, they punt to the visitors. Visitor #23 is in position to catch the punt, and while it is in the air, he extends his right arm above his head and laterally waves it twice before using that hand to shade his eyes from the glare of the lights. He catches the punt at his 31 but makes no attempt to advance.

H I G H L A N D P A R K W E S Y A H

YOU MAKE

THE CALL A Visitor #23 has made a legal fair catch.

B Visitor #23 has made an illegal fair catch signal, and his act should be penalized

from the Visitor’s 31 or Home can replay the down.

C Visitor #23 has made an illegal fair catch signal, but there is no yardage penalty

and the ball is dead at the Visitor’s 31.

Golf THE SITUATION Golfer A’s ball is on the fringe of the putting green. Golfer B requests Golfer A to lift her ball, which interferes with Golfer B’s play. Golfer A marks and lifts her ball, being careful not to clean the ball. After Golfer B plays her stroke, Golfer A replaces her ball without removing her ball-marker. Golfer A considers her next stroke, then rotates her ball to align the trademark to the direction of the hole and lifts the ball-marker.

G W A S H B U R N R U R A L D N A L

I I H S T H G I E H E E N W A H S L

H L E S D R I B R E D N U H T T E U

A D G G N I K I V B U L L D O G S K

K C I E K A L R E V L I S C O T W A

E A G L E S J U N I O R S B L U E S

P T H A Y D E O B S R E G R A H C I

O S E A M A N I R O S S V I L L E G

T O P E K A W E S T O P N E D Y A H

YOU MAKE You Make the Call Football Answer: A You Make the Call Golf Answer: NOT OK. When the Player A replaced her ball, Rule 22-2 was satisfactorily completed.

Although the player’s ball-marker had not been lifted, the ball was properly in play and there was no rule which permitted purposely touching the ball for alignment. Player A incurs a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a(i).

Shawnee County Football State Championship Titles: Silver Lake High School ‘06 and ‘10; Hayden High School ‘04 and ‘08

THE CALL Ok or Not Ok?

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

Weaver-Erwin Stadium, Chuck Lower Field

Something magical is always happening at Hummer.

September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 September 8 September 13 September 15 September 19 September 22 September 27

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VARSITY SOCCER

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7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm

www.hummersportspark.com 28 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

Something magical is always happening at Hummer.

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September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 29

Local Media

Kevin Haskin

Rick Peterson

Mike Manns

Mark Elliott

Bruce Steinbrock

J.B. Bauersfeld

Johnny kane

Co

30 â–Ş MVP Magazine â–Ş September 2011

8

MVP takes you behind the scenes to learn more

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Wichita North High School

Basketball, Tennis

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Brooks Robinson

Baltimore Orioles

scoop about our local sports personalities.

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- Darrell Royal

Bratwurst

“Sight, Feel, Yes.” - From Stan Kellner’s “Yes, I Can” Basketball Program

Barbeque Food

“The will to win is only outdone by the will to prepare to win.”

- Bobby Knight

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- Yogi Berra

The Natural

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

- John Wooden

Caddyshack

“Suzie, get the sweeper.”

- Anonymous Texas Sportscaster

Ichadog

September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 31

Rossville seniors Mandy and Mindy Wilson are identical twins with a fearless nature that compliments their speed on the track and brings explosive energy to the court.

Although they are known for their track accomplishments, the Wilsons hope that volleyball will hold their competitive spirit this fall.

Speed

When the pair started running track, no one really knew how fast they were.

“I figured out their times and went, ‘Wow, I’ve got some really good girls here, and they don’t even know it,” explains Rossville track coach Jason Broaddus.

The Wilsons are naturally fast but are also fierce competitors. From the moment they entered high school, the girls have been adding to their medal count.

Mandy is the current 400 meter state champion in the 3A division, a title she has grabbed for three years running.

Mindy holds the 300 meter hurdles title, and together, they are members of the 4 x 400 meter championship relay team. Most notably, the girls helped break the state record in the 4 x 800 meter relay during their sophomore year.

From the start, Mandy and Mindy excelled at the team concept, even in track, which is often looked at as an individual sport.

INSPIRATIONA Mandy & Mindy Wilson 32 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

“But, they hand out team trophies at the end of the year,” says Broaddus.

While they work hard to develop their talent, Mandy and Mindy’s willingness to go at a sport as a team effort has helped notch up their abilities.

“I think what really developed them early on was competing on the team relays,” added Broaddus.

Vertical This fall, the Wilson twins will be all about the team for Rossville volleyball. They are among five seniors on varsity who have played together since middle school. Mindy sat out volleyball last year to run cross country but is coming back to fill a needed spot at middle hitter.

With Mandy as an outside hitter, volleyball coach Cathy Foote says the team really benefits from the girls’ explosive leaping ability. Their work on the track helps contribute to their success on the court, with Mindy running hurdles and Mandy being a triple jumper.

“They both are quick on their feet and can run down a lot of stuff,” says Foote. “They have learned the game. They anticipate well.”

Coaches also say these girls are simply an excellent pair of competitors.

“In some kids, you can see that desire to never quit,

AL ATHLETES

By Karen Ridder

September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 33

credit the Rossville community with a large part of the twins’ success.

“They got to participate in a lot of sports because it was a smaller school,” explains Wilson.

Copeland believes kids in a smaller school don’t get lost in the crowd, something that may be a key to Mandy and Mindy’s success in athletics.

“I don’t know if we would have found out that the girls are as good as they are at all if we had been at a bigger school,” says Copeland.

Future

and Mandy and Mindy have that. It’s innate,” says Foote.

Broaddus agrees, explaining that the girls just want to win – they don’t like to lose.

“It doesn’t matter who they’re going up against, the goal is to beat them,” says Broaddus.

Sisterhood There’s only one person each girl shies away from competing against – her sister. They don’t like the comparison and would rather just cheer each other on.

“It’s like taking fame away from each other, because if she gets first and I get second, people will say, ‘Oh, she’s faster than you. She beat you in that race,’” Mindy explains. “We just don’t like the competition between each other.”

That kind of loyalty to each other shows in the way they treat their other teammates. Mandy and Mindy hold themselves to a very high standard, and they never point their finger at someone

[

else. The girls are always finding positive ways to work on themselves and encouraging other teammates to do the same.

Community

For the Wilson twins, their strength as athletes starts at home. As the youngest of five by 12 years, the girls have had a lot of time to look up to and get support from older siblings who were also successful athletes. And as twins, they have a built-in teammate, which gives them a different perspective when they are competing.

“You wake up every day with your biggest competitor,” says their mom, Cathy Copeland.

Foote believes that Mandy and Mindy’s parents, Copeland and dad Ronnie Wilson, have worked to establish a great home environment and solid work ethic for the girls. They are supportive, and they do everything they can to help the girls excel.

Copeland and Wilson are quick to

The twins both love to compete and win, but their personalities are very different. Mandy is a little more vocal, confident and fiery.

“I have more of a sassy attitude,” says Mandy. “She doesn’t want to hurt people and wants to be really nice all the time.”

Mindy believes she’s more “smiley” than her sister. She also tends to do things more by example. She is more laid back and just makes sure she gets the job done.

In the classroom, Mindy likes math and science and is interested in studying health care or veterinary medicine.

Meanwhile, Mandy is more into the arts.

She has a spot on the Rossville dance team this year and is leaning toward studying graphic design.

The Wilsons have started looking at colleges close to home in Kansas and in Oklahoma, their parents’ native state.

But because of their different interests, the girls say there is a strong chance they will end up at separate schools.

Coaches say the Wilson twins are very humble and recognize they have a God-given talent. They are also hard workers who have done the most they can to maximize that talent. Never ones to sit around, they appreciate being pushed by each other and by coaches.

Mandy and Mindy are successful and inspirational because they always want to find their strengths, stretch their limits and look to try new things.

Do you know an

]

INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE? Send your athlete’s information to mvpeditor@gmail.com

34 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ September 2011

September 2011 ▪ MVP Magazine ▪ 35

OUR PLEDGE ... to support the student-athletes We will share the stories and highlight the accomplishments of Shawnee County student-athletes to inform and inspire.

... to respect the coaches, officials and parents We will treat all coaches, officials and parents with respect at all times.

We will support their efforts to lead and educate the next generation.

... to make the pursuit of victory more important than winning We believe that striving to win, rather than winning itself, is what is important in life.

This philosophy will guide the pages of MVP.

... to integrate positive life lessons

We understand that the life lessons will stay with the student-athlete much longer than any medal or trophy. MVP will highlight not only the accomplishment but the lessons learned.

... to exemplify sportsmanlike conduct

We will be a positive example for student-athletes. We understand that as media, we are role models for student-athletes and the community. We will uphold this promise to the best of our abilities and always work to improve ourselves, our magazine and our role in Shawnee County sports.

... to offer our services when needed

Whenever possible, we will volunteer to help improve athletics in Shawnee County.

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5

Things You Should Know About

Joe Schrag 1) His final year of high school defined his career.

“The best thing that happened to me was that my senior year was the first year the activities association made cross country a state event. So that gave me an excuse not to play football and allowed me to run cross country instead. And running became my identity as far as sports are concerned.”

2) He comes from a family of teachers.

“I have four brothers and a sister, and everyone in the family has been a teacher except for my oldest brother, who was called into the service. It seemed to be a good profession, and my parents really pushed education. They were not wealthy, but they made it possible for us to succeed.

3) He fell into coaching by chance.

“I had no idea of coaching. I just came up [to Topeka West] to teach. During the summer, they called and asked if I would be interested in coaching cross country. They had seen that I had a running background, so I told them I’d love to do that. Later on, they said they needed a distance coach in track, so I told them I’d do that, too. So I went from just being a teacher to teaching and coaching two sports.”

4) He’s taken the meaning of “cross country” to an entirely new level.

“I’ve done 37 marathons. I’ve run in Boston, New York, Memphis, Omaha and so on down the line. Quite a few of them have been major U.S. marathons.”

5) Reuniting with his runners is an annual event.

“I think more than anything, the kids kept me coming back. I loved to see the look on their faces when they succeeded.”

- Joe Schrag, on coaching for 41 years

“We still have a bean fest out at my place where all generations of runners come together. We talk and tell stories—many stories we’ve heard a hundred times before—but they’re always interesting in the retelling.

I’ve got runners from California to Maine, and it’s just a family that evolves over the years.”

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