Smoky Valley’s Katja Blanchat
Minneapolis’ Raelyn Robinson
Ellsworth’s
Cooper McGowan
Clifton-Clyde’s Oliver Nobert
Salina South’s Aubrey Wisker
By Matt Browning
Aubrey Wisker, a Salina South volleyball player, was an honorable mention all-league selection last season. Heading into her senior season, Wisker is looking to finish out her high school career strong.
“Aubrey moved to Salina from Texas for her junior season,” said Salina South coach Micala Anderson. “She came in as a pretty solid player. Last year we worked on getting her comfortable with her teammates and becoming a versatile hitter. Coming to a new school and new volleyball program is an adjustment but she found her groove.”
After a slow start to last year’s season and a heartbreaking loss to Maize South, Wisker and the rest of the Cougars are ready to drive into the postseason.
As of press time, Wisker had already racked up 104 kills and carried a hitting percentage of 0.162. She also has a serve percentage of 92.8 and has 81 digs. Wisker is well on her way to elicpsing her honorable mention all-league status from last year.
“Aubrey is a steady presence on our team,” Anderson said. “She is very focused, a good teammate and is great at tweaking the little things to better herself each time she plays.”
COMMERCIAL TIRE CALL OF THE WILD ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Ell-Saline’s Collin Dent
Collin Dent from Ell-Saline has loved being an outdoorsmen from a very young age.
“Growing up, my parents took my brother and I hunting, fishing, riding horses, working cattle, etc.” Dent said. “We also traveled on trips to Montana to see my mom’s family and I would hunt and fish there, too.”
“I can remember sitting in hunting blinds when I was three or four years old.”
Dent hunts and fishes all sorts of types of game and fish.
“I love to hunt deer and have recently started doing more coyote night hunting,” Dent said.
“I also like fishing and have been bass fishing in our family and friends’ ponds.”
There are no words for Dent and how he feels when he is outside.
“I truly enjoy being outside,” Dent said. “The thrill of a good hunt, especially when you’ve had a big deer on camera and it shows up during season, is indescribable.”
Aside from hunting and fishing, Dent also enjoys rodeoing.
“It is an outlet for me that no other sport provides,” Dent said. “I have so much fun competing at the high school and amateur level. I hope to continue hunting, fishing and riding horses well into my later years.”
PERFORMANCE
Anna Jueneman
Hanover
As a first team all-state selection last season, Hanover’s Anna Jueneman recorded 277 kills, 510 digs, 22 aces and 304 serve receives.
Jueneman is hoping for a repeat performance in 2024.
“I am most excited to work and play with this group of girls and see how we grow in many different aspects,” Jueneman said. “I can’t wait to get back out to state where we were and finish it this year.”
Both Jueneman and the Wildcats spent the offseason focused on the state tournament yet again.
“This summer we put in a lot of work and time,” Jueneman said. “We had open gyms once or even twice a week to work on basic skills, so that when the season came around we were prepared. We also had our week long camp and the Cloud County coaches came for two days and I feel like that benefited us a lot, because we were doing things we weren’t used to doing.”
Being consistent with her passing and killing are two things Jueneman wants to improve on for the 2024 season.
“This season I would love to improve on my passing, and I also worked on different drills during the summer,” Jueneman said. “I would also love to be more consistent with my killing. We also put a lot of time in with our setters so they know where to place the ball, and I think it has helped us a ton.”
Katja Blanchat Smoky Valley High School
By Matt Browning
While the Smoky Valley volleyball team lost five of six seniors from last season’s team, returning senior Katja Blanchat is optimistic about her team’s prospects.
“We lost five of our six starters from last year and will have a young group with a lot of talent just not as much court time,” Blanchat said. “Our team chemistry is very strong and throughout the season I expect a lot of growth using what we have.”
Getting used to a new setter will be an adjustment for Blanchat, but she has already begun her preparations.
“This summer I have worked with many different setters in all three front row hitting positions to improve this area,” Blanchat said. “I have also worked on my
vertical to help in that area and help in blocking.”
Blanchat has multiple goals, both as an individual and team, that she is hoping to cross off her list.
“This season I have a lot of goals for myself and the team,” Blanchat said. “I want to stay in the top few for blocks and kills in 3A. I am also not too far from 1,000 career kills and want to get past that mark. For our team my end goal is to make it to state. I have been blessed enough to make state all three of my years in high school volleyball; two of those years being very successful. One year we got second place and one year we got third. Going back to state for the last time is what I think me and the whole team really want to work towards.”
Beloit’s Addison Budke
By Blake Chadwick
It’s been a long journey for Addison Budke, the outside hitter who started playing volleyball at the age of three. After earning Class 3A firstteam honors for the last three years, she’s now focused on adding a state championship to her resume.
“Addison is blessed with great physical ability, a natural drive to succeed, and a great love for the sport of volleyball,” head coach Brandy Paul said. “Addison is a humble player who helps those around her shine.”
With her powerful hitting and skill, Budke has put together an impressive career stat line, including 1,771 kills, 127
blocks, 696 digs, 141 aces, and a .412 hitting percentage.
“Her volleyball skills have always come easy to her, but the reflection piece is one that she has had to develop,”
Paul said. “She has put a concerted effort into how she can impact the team.”
The senior has also picked up the added responsibility of more leadership on her as she knows all the eyes are watching her on and off the court.
“I am coachable, have a positive attitude, and work hard at everything,” Budke said. “I will be a positive role model on the court, bring energy, and prepare all season for state.”
Sports Card & Autograph Memorabilia
By Matt Browning
Being a national champion is the most treasured memory Steve Fritz has from his time at Hutchinson Community College.
“The support we received from the student body and community that season was fantastic,” Fritz said. “To be able to win the national title in Hutchinson just made it that much more memorable.”
Fritz, now the head boys basketball coach at Wamego, said he had many people influence him while at Hutchinson, but his coaches stood out the most.
“Coach Farrar was a very demanding coach,” Fritz said. “His influence on me as a disciplined athlete shaped much of what I was able to accomplish well beyond my years at Hutch. Coach Becher was a more laid back coach and allowed
me to find my way when it came to track and field.”
While Fritz was able to achieve successes only few get to experience, he is also thankful for some of the challenging experiences, too.
“The successes and failures over my two years at HCC are still with me today and I am thankful for those experiences both good and bad,” Fritz said.
Fritz said having incredible community support is just one aspect that makes Hutchinson Community College unique.
“It is a place of great opportunity if you work hard and take advantage of it,” Fritz said. “It has been and continues to be a place that can springboard you towards great things in the future.”
Steve Fritz
Inman’s Suttyn Harris
By Blake Chadwick
Inman volleyball’s Suttyn Harris is one of the best, if not the best, juniors in the state of Kansas.
Harris has played volleyball since she was in fourth grade, first starting to play more competitively when she got into middle school. Now, the junior is the starting outside hitter for the Teutons and is etching her name in the history books one game at a time.
“She has a strong work ethic and an amazing attitude towards her teammates,” head coach Kathy Russell said. “I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to coach such a determined young lady.”
Thanks to all of the high-level volleyball Harris plays during the offseason, Russell knows she can always count on the outside hitter.
“She understands the game, and she knows what it takes to be successful,” Russell said. “She works very hard for her teammates and is a dominant server. All her hard work is paying off.”
In her young career, Harris has racked up 1095 kills, 192 blocks, 540 digs, and 126 aces, all before her last two seasons, one of the many reasons she has committed to the University of Utah.
The junior is the school record holder for individual kills, most points scored, and most kills in a match.
For Harris, the next step in her development has come on the court and as a leader. “Leadership is very important to me, and I plan on leading by example,” Harris said.
“We have had a great summer and have all worked hard to improve our game. Our team would agree that we have goals to win another league title and make a run in the state tournament.”
SCOTT AUSHERMAN AMERICAN FAMILY ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Minneapolis’ Raelyn Robinson
By Matt Browning
Minneapolis’ Raelyn Robinson seemed destined to be a high school volleyball player.
“My mom played volleyball for Nemaha Valley, who had a very successful program, so she always loved the game and encouraged me to play,” Robinson said. “It wasn’t long before I devel-oped a strong love and passion for volleyball as well.”
Over her three years of high school volleyball, Robinson has progressively improved her post-season accolades. She went from being an honorable mention all-league selection as a fresh-man to being a first team all-league selection last season.
Robinson sets high expectations for herself, so she has lofty goals for the 2024 season.
“A few goals I have this season are to reach 1000 career digs and to continue to be a positive leader on the court,” Robinson said. “I hold myself to a high expectation and limit my mistakes to ensure I am doing everything in my control to help my team.”
With everything she is involved in, Robinson has little free time, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Outside of volleyball I participate in FFA, NHS, YAF, Book Club, basketball and golf,” Robinson said. “I hold the Treasurer office in FFA, NHS, and YAF. Between all of these activities I have very little free time, but I always value the experience I gain in leadership and teamwork from each one.”
Apply today for FREE!
Whether you come for a degree or to take a few gen eds, you’ll save time and money. Butler has hundreds of courses guaranteed to transfer to any Kansas public university, taught by faculty who know their students’ names. Our average class size is only 16, but the opportunities created at Butler are endless.
Kansas Resident Tuition & Fees: $130/credit hour
Wichita Classical Soccer
By Blake Chadwick
The boys soccer team at Wichita Classical is led by co-head coaches Justin Kenas and Nathan Wilkey, who have been around each other for a long time both having ties to Tabor College and Maize high school.
For the co-head coaches, they believe that this will be a good one as they are young, but experienced.
“We will be more skillful than we have
BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA
in the past and have the ability to have more possession,” Kenas said. “We are not as athletic as we have been in the past but we have more soccer experience. We will play better soccer but we will be young. As we grow in maturity over the year our ability to beat better teams will improve.”
The Saints return upperclassmen Owen Tucker and all-state forward Kai Krieger offensively and bring in an all-freshman midfield in Charlie Ochs,
Visit Wichita is proud to support sports in Wichita. Athletes, fans and events have a tremendous impact on our community, and we’re committed to helping bring more sports to our city. Learn more about how sports contribute to making Wichita a great place to live, work and play, head to VisitWichita.com/SportCity.
VisitWichita.com | 800.288.9424
Parents, coaches, principals, teachers and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or Mike.cooper@vype.com
Simon Graham and Eli Krieger. Kenas is banking on him and Wilkey being able to keep continuing to develop his players on and off the field.
“We believe coaching is discipleship,” Kenas said. “We hope to raise young men who love Jesus, work hard, and serve others. We aim to become better soccer players while growing in maturity and becoming better servant leaders.”
Hillsboro’s Sandy Arnold: Coach of the Month
By Blake Chadwick
It was 21 years ago, when Hillsboro High School hired a star in head coach Sandy Arnold to coach the Trojans.
The head coach is a firm believer in fundamentals and doing things the right way all the time, on and off the court.
“I am a firm believer in teaching the fundamentals of the game,” Arnold said. “Not just performing them, but being the best at them. We practice serving and passing every single day. I also want my teams to understand the importance of the details of the game. We know that it is the little things that will separate us from other great teams when we play them. We practice these little things in hopes that we will feel prepared and confident when faced with these situations in a game.”
Thanks to the confidence Arnold instills in her players, she always gets the “buy-in,” which leads to the product you see on the court, and this
year’s team is no different.
“Our goals for the season are the same as any season,” Arnold said. “We want to finish toward the top of our league, and we want to improve throughout the season so that we are playing our best volleyball when the postseason hits. We want to be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally because we understand just how difficult it is to make it to state, let alone win it all.”
GETTING YOU BACK TO THE THINGS YOU LOVE.
For any type of sports or age-related orthopedic condition, count on Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine for the region’s most innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate care. Our multidisciplinary team serves adults and children with everything from general orthopedics to robotic joint replacement, trauma care, and sports medicine.
“Our job is to help improve quality of life,” says orthopedic surgeon Travis Rump, D.O. “We do everything we can to help people get back to the things they enjoy.”
Salina Central’s Jose Manuel Lachia
By Matt Browning
Many athletes don’t view their sport as a way to relax and separate themselves from reality, but that is not the case for Salina Central’s Jose Manuel Lachia.
While he is your typical teenager and likes to hang out with friends or play video games, Lachia decompresses by playing the game he has loved since he was a little kid.
“I’ve been playing since elementary school and play because it’s one of the most enjoyable things I can think of doing even in my free time,” Lachia said.
While statistics and accolades are important for Lachia – he was a second team all-league de-fender last year for the Mustangs –all he is focused on is going 100 percent at all times.
“Last year I was an all-league second team defender, which I am proud of,” Lachia said. “Some of the goals I am focused on is playing my best every game to help out my team and try to get myself more out there. Another goal I have is to just improve overall and have fun while doing it.”
Salina’s Rodrigo Palacios
By Blake Chadwick
Salina South finished their 2023 season short of their state championship goal after a final-four loss stopped them from reaching the state championship game. After winning the third-place game, junior Rodrigo Palacios will do everything in his power to get back to that point.
Palacios is a striker for the Cougars, and he has been wowing people with his ball skills and goal-scoring for his whole life.
“Rodrigo is a very dynamic and creative player who excels in 1v1 situations,” head coach Trey Crow said. “He is crafty and deceptive on the ball and can finish from anywhere. He will be one of our offensive leaders this year and a leader on the team.”
The junior was named to the all-state team last year and accumulated 17 goals and 10 assists in his first two years as a Cougar and wants to do more of the same.
“My personal goal for this year is to stand out as a player and become a team player,” Palacios said. “And as a team for this year (I want) to win state this year.”
After a good start to the season again, Palacios isn’t slowing down, after he just recently was named the MVP of the Salina South Invitational.
Palacios has plans to play at the next level, and with his goal scoring and leadership abilities, his plans will come to fruition soon.
SALINA ORTHO’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Ellsworth’s Cooper McGowan
By Matt Browning
Ellsworth football player Cooper McGowan said being a leader is someone who creates a positive and uplifting environment on a daily basis.
“It can be in different ways, such as leading by example, encouraging others, or something as little as being positive each day,” McGowan said. “I value being a leader heavily because I not only care about my success on the field but also in life.”
McGowan said he can be a vocal leader when the situation asks for it, but he prefers to let his actions do the talking.
“I would consider myself more of a leader by example but I am a vocal leader when needed,” McGowan said. “Both types of leaders are very important and the true importance of a single one depends on the situation.”
Now a senior, McGowan recognizes how important it is to set the standard for all of the underclassmen coming through the program.
“I definitly try to influence younger kids and give them someone to look up to since at one point of time I was in their shoes looking up at high school athletes,” McGowan said.
Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka had nothing but rave reviews for McGowan.
“He is a great person,” McGowan said. “He helps anyone who needs it. He is super involved in school activities. He is a kind person.”
Goessel’s Aimee Funk
By Blake Chadwick
Aimee Funk is a senior setter for Goesse,l who was a pivotal piece for the Bluebirds last year after they finished 30-10.
Funk has been playing volleyball since she was in third grade and has seen herself progress year after year, thanks to all four sports she plays throughout the year.
“Aimee is a very hard worker and has put a lot of effort into transitioning into a quality setter from a defensive specialist role as a freshman,” head coach Crysta Guhr said. “Her athletic ability allows her to get to about any ball in the gym.”
The senior hit 1,000 career assists a season ago and was named to the all-league first team, but has a lot more personal goals for her senior
season.
“Some of my personal goals this season would definitely be trying to hit 1000 digs this year,” Funk said. “Since I’m a setter, I don’t technically get a lot, but I have a good shot at hitting it. Another personal goal that I have is also getting 1500 or more set assists, which I think is possible.”
Funk is a hard worker who has always put her team first and will make sure to do more of the same this year.
“One team goal I have this year is going to state,” Funk said.
“My team has been so close every year since my freshman year. We’ve lost in the sub-state championship game every year to the reigning state champs, Little River. So my team and I are really determined this year.”
Sports Card & Autograph Memorabilia
McPherson’s Borin Heang
By Blake Chadwick
Just two years ago, McPherson’s Borin Heang moved to the USA from Cambodia, and his whole life changed.
As a senior, Heang is very comfortable setting himself up to have a great last season as a Bullpup.
“Borin is a great attacking player,” head coach Chris Adrian said. “He has the technical ability and creativity to try things in front of goal no one else thinks of. He’s really a solid all-around goal scorer who can beat you a variety of different ways. I believe Borin is set up to have a tremendous senior year.”
The Bullpups finished fourth in Class 4A at state, and because of that, Heang was named to the all-state honorable mention team.
“Soccer is the most important thing in my life,” Heang said. “Soccer keeps me getting to work every single day and (I know it will always) be with me no matter what even when I have a rough day, I just can head to the field and kick the ball around, and it makes me feel better.”
For Heang, there was a pretty good
learning curve for bettering his English and different playstyles during his first couple of months in McPherson.
“When my first year of playing high school soccer, I was starting on the JV team, and once the JV season was done, I got called up for the varsity team, but back then I wasn’t speaking English well enough to understand, so I missed the opportunity to play on the varsity team,” Heang said.
McPherson’s Addison Chapman
Stepping into a new role, senior Addison Chapman is looking to help the McPherson Bullpups make it back to state.
After losing their two-year starting setter, the Bullpups need Chapman, who is usually an outside hitter, to step into that position and help lead the team. As a result, she put in a lot of work in the offseason to get ready.
“One area I want to improve on this year is my setting,” Chapman said. “We have had volleyball tutoring in the summer, tournaments and morning weights and conditioning.
With her new role on the team, Chapman has the goal to continue to work on her leadership since being a setter is a vocally demanding role. She also has big goals for her team, as well.
“We have a very talented group of girls, and our chemistry on and off the court is our biggest weapon,” Chapman said.
“Our goal for the team is to keep our communication up and connect with our hitters by mixing up the sets and
playing fast.
In 2023, Chapman earned second team all-league honors and hopes to obtain that again or even surpass it.
Though Chapman has many accolades and accomplishments on the volleyball court, she is planning to attend Butler Community College to play softball as well as majoring in Nursing.
Rock Hills’ Halle Mizner
By Cooper Chadwick
Junior Halle Mizner and the Rock Hills Grizzlies are looking to return to the top third in the league after placing third in 2023, their highest finish in school history.
Mizner, an outside hitter, believes the chemistry of her team and some of its more skilled players will be the key to advancing further into the postseason.
“We can read each other well,” Mizner said. “We have worked very hard and I am excited to see how far we will go this season. We have a very talented team. Our libero, Ally Beck, is one of the best liberos in the state. And my setter, Bethany Simmelink, just recently reached 500 assists. Our team has so many talented players who play their position well.” Her primary goal, though, is first.
“To hang a banner, whether it is a league champion banner, a sub-state champion banner or a state champion banner,” Mizner said.
In 2023, Mizner was named first team Northern Plains League with 274 kills, 316 digs, 41 aces and 86 percent on serving. But she’s still been putting in work to make sure she gets her team where they need to go.
“Over the summer I hit the weight room three days a week and most days I stayed after to work on hitting,” Mizner said. “The main area I want to improve on this year is blocking. I like to say I have a high vertical, but my blocking timing is off. I want to be more consistent with blocking to help my teammates out. I think putting in work in the offseason is one of the most important things in being a better player.”
Herington’s Leslyn Kremeier
Breaking records and surpassing goals on the court is nothing new for senior Leslyn Kremier, who continues to push herself physically and mentally.
This senior libero from Herington High School created an impressive resume in 2023, breaking the school’s single-season dig record, the total serve school record, the total serve/receive school record, and the Kansas all-time digs record.
Despite all these broken records, Kremeier wants more.
“I have done many things to prepare myself for the season. I went to the Tabor combine, which showcased my skills that I do best. Our school has summer weights Monday-Thursday, so I went to that in the mornings and then two days out of the week our school team had practice,” Kremeier said.
Even though Kremeier has a star-studded track record at Herington, she still struggles with burnout.
“I have found that my joy and happiness has started to come from how I performed on the court,” Kremeir said.
“This has made it very hard for me to enjoy the sport I love because when I would have a game that wasn’t my best performance, it got to me because I have
started to find my identity in how well I could perform.”
Playing volleyball since second grade and playing year-round since sixth grade, Kremeier has had to work on her mental health.
“I try to motivate myself to not always focus on volleyball, and find joy in other activities that I love to do just as much,” she said.
Goessel’s Brooklyn Wuest
By Cooper Chadwick
From the early days of barely getting the ball over the net on serves to serving 22 aces in 2023, senior Brooklyn Wuest of Goessel High has seen so much improvement in her game.
As an outside hitter is essential to be able to serve well if you want to play all six rotations, which is why Wuest spent a lot of her downtime perfecting the craft.
“I improved my serve by getting 20-50 serves in at my local recreation center. I subtracted one whenever I missed a serve, and I had to get at least 20,” Wuest said.
Aside from working on her serves, Wuest has been putting in major work in other areas, too, all with the goal of finishing her high school career strong.
“During my offseason, I have been working on a vertical consistently. I only went to two camps this summer, since work interfered the other times. However, I was able to go to Washburn and Emporia State volleyball camps,” Wuest said.
As a senior leader Wuest has big plans this fall for her and the rest of the Bluebirds’ volleyball team.
“This season I am most excited about reaching our full potential. Goessel has already improved so much,” Wuest said. “My main team goal for this season is to not only make it to state, but go far at state. I haven’t gone to state all of my high school career, and I believe that this year is the year.”
Clay Center Community’s Janae Crimmins
Senior setter Janae Crimmins’ primary focus this year is improving her setting abilities, even though she had 905 assists at 10.2 assists per set in 2023. Crimmins helped Clay Center finish last season 2512 and take second place in their league.
During the offseason, Crimmins was doing morning workouts with her teammates as well as playing in summer volleyball tournaments, summer league and being active in the weight room.
“I am wanting to improve on my setting this season and be more accurate with it, as well be able to do different things with it,” Crimmins said. “I worked on getting in the gym just to get reps in, and work on placement with the ball.”
As a setter, Crimmins takes on a leadership role. But it’s a natural role because she’s team-focused and teamdriven
“I am most excited about getting to play another year of volleyball with my best friends,” Crimmins said. “My individual goals are to hold myself accountable and to do my best to help my teammates succeed. Our team goals are to win the
league, and host substate.”
Crimmins is undecided on where to attend college next year but she has hopes of continuing her athletic career. She believes her setting ability and hard work will lead her there.
Sylvan-Lucan’s Serenity Steinike
“We over Me” is Sylvan-Lucas’s mantra for 2024, and it’s one that senior outside hitter Serenity Steinike lives by.
Steinike is looking to step into leadership this year with four new starters and only two returning starters.
“As a senior this year it is my role to step out on the court and be a leader. I want to set an example for my fellow teammates and become a great leader. My teammates and I have a lot of respect for each other, which makes it much easier to have their support and lead on the court,”
Steinike said. “As a junior last year, we had three amazing seniors who had great abilities to lead. I would love to step into their shoes and lead as well as they did.”
Being a leader is not the easiest thing in the world, but Steinike stepped out of her comfort zone and gaining confidence.
“Being the oldest, my coach and weightlifting instructor both put me in positions where I could show my
leadership skills and work on them. They basically just threw me out there and told me to step up and be a leader,” Steinike said.
Aside from leadership Steinike is looking to improve her consistency, showing up on and off the court.
“Consistency is key in having a successful season and I’m focusing on it every day in practice,” Steinike said.
Ellsworth’s Alexis Moore
By Blake Chadwick
Year after year, Ellsworth junior Alexis Moore continues improving and remains a key piece for the Bearcats.
“Alexis loves volleyball,” head coach Amy Johnson said. “She is a talented athlete and has become a strong middle hitter and blocker. She reads the floor well. Alexis’ passion for volleyball really shows when she’s on the court.”
Moore is a middle blocker for the Bearcats, who have a lot of hope for a great season after a season before where they finished .500.
“This season I really want our team to just play to our full potential,” Moore said. “I also want us to be a family. Last season, our team went through many hardships on and off the court, and I want us to be able to play through that and use it to become better individually and as a team. Personally, I want to be the player that the little girls who come to our games look up to, on and off the court.”
Moore has 432 total kills and 134 total blocks throughout her career and will add to that total by a lot after this upcoming season.
“The level of improvement that came
between my freshman season and last season and my height and strength also make me standout on the court,” Moore said. “Freshman season I was tall but didn’t have much muscle mass. I started working more in the weight room and pushing myself outside of volleyball season to become what I am now.”
Salina South’s Macy Yost
By Angela Brunk
Macy Yost is a senior at Salina South. She has been gearing up for this final season of high school volleyball by spending time in the gym during the offseason.
“It is important to keep working over the summer, so we are not behind all the other schools when we come back in the fall. We had open gyms and weightlifting in the summer and spent a lot of time each week working to get better.”
Yost plays outside hitter and back row, and she has the stats to back it up. Yost averaged 3.3 digs during her junior year, which ended her season with 250 digs for the year. In addition, Yost had 494 serve receptions for the season.
During the year, Yost wants to step up as a team leader not just on the court, but off the court as well. Yost and her teammates
want to rack up as many wins as they can, especially the close games, throughout the season and make it to the state tournament.
There are many fun things Yost is looking forward to this season such as theme practices. Not only are these fun for the team, but the team also still works hard during practice. One of the most anticipated games of the season is the game against city rival Salina Central.
Sterling’s Lily Gray
At 6’5, Sterling’s Lily Gray has always stood out on and off the volleyball court.
Gray is a senior middle blocker who started playing volleyball in third grade after she fell in love with watching her mom coach. Now, three years into her career, she has already amassed 830 kills and 203 blocks.
The senior was named to the all-league second team twice in her three years as a Black Bear volleyball team member.
“I have a love for the game that I have carried with me since I was young,” Gray said. “And I bring a positive attitude and a growth mindset.”
Gray has used that same mindset to affect the rest of the team, being a great leader her whole time at Sterling.
“This year, as a leader, I’m going to lead my team by the example Jesus Christ set for me,” Gray said. “I plan to use the gifts and talents He has given me to have a positive attitude both on and off the court! Regardless of how the game is going, I want to be a role model on the court, in practice, and in my school.”
The senior is also the student council
president and the National Honors Society president, showing that she is more than just a great volleyball player.
Next year, Gray will play volleyball at McPherson College, where she will study Health Science in hopes of pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.
Solomon’s Maya Newcomer
By Matt Browning
There are several first-time varsity volleyball players for Solomon this season, so senior Maya Newcomer understands the importance of being a leader.
“What I am most excited about for this upcoming season is being a leader and a mentor for the other girls on the team,” Newcomer said. “We have a few first-time varsity players moving up this year and I can remember how it was sometimes a little scary and overwhelming when I started varsity as a freshman. I’m excited to help them transition to that varsity role and I want to make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for them.”
Newcomer is a middle hitter for the Gorillas, so she is all over the court on the front row. She has to be able to have the energy to be effective all game long.
“It can also be very demanding during long rallies and tournaments,” Newcomer said. “It’s important to me to be in my best shape so I can perform my best for my team. I have worked on this in the offseason by playing other sports in the school year and summer. As well as, running on my own and staying active in my free time.”
As an honorable mention all-league selection last season, Newcomer racked up 56 kills and 26 solo blocks, with a hitting percentage of .264.
“One goal I have for myself is to have more blocks than I did last year,” Newcomer said. “One goal I have for the team is to win at least one of the tournaments in the season. We came close last year with placing second at two of the tournaments we went to.”
Southeast of Saline’s Christina Wingo
By Matt Browning
Southeast of Saline’s Christina Wingo recorded 287 kills to go along with 236 digs and 43 aces on her way to being a first team all-league selection in 2023.
But she recognized there were some areas that she needed to improve.
“This year, I am specifically focusing on improving my serve receive and defense,” Wingo said. “I notice a lot of things I could improve during games/practices, and try to make a mental note to implement a correction into the next play. I think ball control goes a long way when it comes to defense; just getting reps and touching a ball whenever you can helps. That’s why I like to focus so much on ball control.”
The simple aspects of volleyball is what Wingo focused on throughout her offseason.
“I work a lot on mechanics and ball control during the offseason,” Wingo said. “Anytime I have free time, I find a ball and a wall and start doing ball control exercises. I do passing, angles, wrist snaps, and setting drills. This past year I started implementing vertical workouts and sprint workouts along with weight training.”
Wingo has some specific goals, both individually and as a team, she wants to accomplish in 2024.
“Some personal goals I have for the season are 100 percent on serves, using my toolbox more on offense, and reaching 300-350 kills,” Wingo said. “Some team goals I have are to win our Conference and have a winning mindset.”
Beloit’s Jaidyn Follis
By Matt Browning
Beloit’s Jaidyn Follis has proven to be one of the top players in Class 3A. She was a first team all-league selection last season, where she recorded 1,038 assists.
But being more vocal is what Follis wants to improve.
“One area I want to improve on this year is stepping into more of a leadership role,” Follis said. “I want to make sure I am doing everything I can do to uplift, set the example and tone, and grow closer to my teammates.”
Follis has been a varsity setter for two years and that means she is well within reach of her individual goal for the 2024 season.
“An individual goal I have for the season is to reach at least 3,000 career assist,” Follis said. “Right now, I am sitting at just above 2,000 assist, setting for varsity now for two years.”
Beloit has been to the state tournament all three years Follis has been a part of the volleyball program. But the Trojans have not placed higher than fourth place.
“My freshman year we placed fourth and the next two years at state, we did not make it to the second day,” Follis said. “We have a very talented group of seniors and we want to leave our mark this last go around this year. A team goal that we have is to win the state championship after being cut short last year, after beating Heritage Christian, who ended up winning state and hadn’t lost a state game since 2016 at the state tournament. But we fell short to Smoky Valley, not allowing us to move on to the second day of the state tournament.”
Lyons’ Kennedy Grizzle
By Matt Browning
The Lyons volleyball team will be switching leagues this season and that, among many other reasons, is why Kennedy Grizzle is so excited for the upcoming season.
“This year Lyons moved into the NCAA and are no longer in the CKL,” Grizzle said. “I’m excited to see how we do against these new teams and to experience different competition.”
Once the high school season is over for Grizzle, she moves right into club play, which has taught her so many things.
“It has taught me to not fear stepping out into the unknown with different girls and club ball can really push you to a new level,” Grizzle said.
Grizzle had an 88 percent passing percentage (playable or perfect) last season, to go along with a 91 percent serve success rate and 18 aces.
She was an honorable mention allleague selection, but is striving to be even better in 2023.
“One goal I have for this season is to improve on my back row hitting,” Grizzle said. “I had worked on the range of motion in which to hit better and worked drills and weights to build my strength to hit harder. As the team libero, I also want to dig more efficiently and not let anything I can get to hit the floor.”
Clifton-Clyde’s Lillian Steinbrock
By Matt Browning
The Clifton-Clyde volleyball team returns five starters from last season’s fourth place team at the state tournament.
One of those returners, Lillian Steinbrock, said all of the returning players are locked in so they can improve on where the season ended in 2023.
All of us have been working countless hours trying to pick up where we left off,” Steinbrock said. “My goal for this year is to make it to state and try to play in the championship.”
When Steinbrock and her fellow senior teammates were freshmen, the goal was to build the program and work hard on improving day in and day out.
Now four years later, all of the hard work is paying off.
“I am so very fortunate to play on the team I have,” Steinbrock said. “Every single girl gives their all at practice and our volleyball program has gained a strong foundation and almost doubled in players joining the team.”
No matter how the 2024 season ends, Steinbrock is confident the program will continue to be successful after she graduates.
“The bar has been set high and I know that the program will continue to perform at a high level,” Steinbrock said.
Not only is Clifton-Clyde talented, they also have a close-knit group that supports each other no
matter the result.
“Last year we came up short to Frankfort every time and finally beat them in the substate,”
Steinbrock said. “I feel like that shows you how each practice we improve one another to become better.”
Clifton-Clyde’s Calyn Baker
By Matt Browning
Clifton-Clyde volleyball Calyn Baker considers a competitive person, so just getting back on the court is something she is looking forward to.
“We also play in a tough league and so I like having competitive games each time you play a team,” Baker said. “I especially think that competition during practice makes the whole team better. I love playing with my team and competing with them and I am excited for people to see what we can do.”
Choosing a specific area to improve on is difficult for Baker, because she knows improvement can happen all of the time.
But she would like to maybe spend a little extra attention on her blocking.
“I am not the tallest player so blocking can be a little bit more difficult sometimes as a middle,” Baker said. “However, during this off season I worked on a lot of footwork to try and make as little motion as possible when going to block, so that I can gain the most power.”
Aside from volleyball-specific drills and mechanics, Baker also did some agilities and plyos to help her blocking.
“A lot of no ball training was done to hopefully improve my blocking,” Baker said.
Clifton-Clyde went to the state tournament last season and despite losing some valuable seniors, Baker wants the Eagles to get back there again.
“We did lose two seniors that were a big part of our team, but we are excited to have the majority of our starters back to keep improving,” Baker said.
Salina Sacred Heart’s Brady Wells
By Cooper Chadwick
While looking forward to finally having a full team to compete at meets, senior Brady Wells continues to get better so he can lead a group of inexperienced runners.
Through Wells’ first three years, Salina Sacred Heart has struggled to recruit kids to the cross country team so they have not had enough kids to be able to have a full team to run together at meets.
Wells was excited for this new change.
Salina Central’s Yandel Ramos
By Blake Chadwick
Yandel Ramos is a key player in the success of the Salina Central Mustangs. As a senior, he has excelled in multiple positions, including left back, attacking midfielder, and both wings, and he is currently playing primarily as a striker.
“Yandel is a natural-born athlete,” head coach Leonel Alvarado said. “His speed and game knowledge are very good and he is a natural leader, our underclassmen look up to him.”
The senior is a go-to player who will have played four years on the varsity team and been a captain for the last two years.
Ramos is as humble as they come, though, always focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades.
“I don’t see myself as a standout player,” Ramos said. “I like to stay humble, but I understand it is good to be confident in your strengths. I think that playing at a higher level of soccer gives me a small advantage in playing in high school, as most kids first start, or barely start playing in high school.”
The senior relies a lot on his experience and also his on-ball skills.
“As I reflect, my speed can help me stand out because I can chase almost every pass sent to me, recover fast if my defending lacks, or if there is a 50/50 ball,” Ramos said. “Another aspect of my game that could possibly help me stand out is my footwork. It isn’t the best like (Lionel) Messi’s, but it can get me out of tight situations.”
SALINA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
“I think it would be awesome if as a team we could make it to state,” he said. “I have great coaches and am excited to see how this cross country season plays out.
During the offseason, Wells took the initiative to get better, running on his own and meeting with his team twice a week to practice. Improving was the only thing on Wells’ mind.
“I want to improve on my pace during meets as well as my kick at the end of the races. To improve I did a lot of quick training such as 200s and 800 workouts to become quicker,” Wells said.
With a personal best of 16:42, Wells was named all-state twice and his best finish at state was third. He hoped to improve on his time of 17:20 at the state meet in 2023.
Sylvan-Lucan’s Codie Huehl
Sylvan-Lucas sophomore cross country runner Codie Huehl is looking to come back better than ever.
The sophomore excelled in 2023 right out of the gates, taking her success in league and then finishing fourth regionals in Sabetha and 16th at state in Wamego.
Because her goal is to improve on 2023, Huehl trained hard this offseason.
“I followed our summer running schedule. I played summer league basketball and participated in summer weightlifting,” Huehl said.
Time is the name of the game when it comes to cross country, so that is a huge focus for Huehl.
“I am so excited to see how much I can improve throughout the season. It is so fun to watch your times go down as the season progresses,” Huehl said.
The Mustangs don’t have enough members to make a full girls team, but the hope is they can recruit some other runners to join so they can place higher at state. Huel especially emphasized wanting to improve on her individual finish from 2023.
“My team does not have a full girls team, but hopefully we can gain a member to make four of us,” she said. “Everyone on our team has lots of potential to do well. I would just really like to place higher at state.”
Concordia’s Mya Niehues
By Matt Browning
Last season, Mya Niehues was the only state golf qualifier for Concordia.
While she enjoyed the moment, she wants more for herself and the team this season.
“An individual goal I have for myself is to be only two over on a round of 18 holes and to place in the top five at the state tournament,” Niehues said. “A team goal I would have is for us to qualify for the state tournament. Last year I was our only state qualifier and to be able to take the team to share that experience with would be awesome.”
Niehues played golf all over the country this past summer in preparation for her 2024 season.
“This summer I worked really hard to play on different courses,” Niehues said. “I spent three days a week in the Manhattan area with my family playing courses there and also met up with a family friend who I would consider a mentor to me in the KC area at her course to do some training. I played in some Kansas tournaments and even traveled down to FL to play in a tournament.”
Being able to score better, especially when it comes to around the greens, was a focus for Niehues.
“I have worked quite a bit on my short game,” Niehues said. “I am also excited to see where this season takes me and my teammates compared to last season. Especially when I was in Manhattan I worked specifically on hitting shots 75 yds and shorter, over and over.”
Chelsie Brown
By Blake Chadwick
Sterling sophomore Chelsie Brown returns with state tournament experience after a great freshman season on the court.
“Chelsie is a very powerful tennis player,” head coach Janae Ryan said. “She hits a heavy ball and has a really nice serve. Chelsie is an incredibly hard worker. She has put in a ton of time and energy into being the player she is today.”
The sophomore has a lot more to her than just being a good tennis player.
“As a person, Chelsie is pretty quiet but has a great sense of humor,” Ryan said. “Her work ethic carries over into other aspects of her life as well.”
On top of being a good person, Brown has also dealt with a lot of adversity in her young life, as she is hard of hearing, but she doesn’t let that hold her back.
“For school, I’ve just had an interpreter even if I don’t like having the interpreter but it helps me if I miss something,” Brown said. “And most of the time I can hear the teachers and read their lips well enough anyway so I don’t rely on the interpreters too much. For the sports, I’ve just gotten used to not having an interpreter, especially since most of my friends do pretty well, letting me know if I missed something.”
Despite being a sophomore, Brown has been a really good leader for the Sterling tennis team.
“As a leader, I just really want my team to have fun, want to play more, and to feel like they belong overall,” Brown said. “And to have no drama obviously.”
By Matt Browning
Clifton-Clyde has gone 14-5 over the past two seasons, but has not been able to advance deep into the playoffs.
The Eagles’ Oliver Nobert wants that to change in 2024.
“One of my team goals is to win every game possible,” Nobert said. “I want to see us return as Divisional Champs and make a deeper run in postseason play. My other team goal is to be the toughest team on the field every night.”
Individually, Nobert wants to show the rest of the team that he has that desire to win each Friday.
“Another goal is to be a leader on defense and offense this football season,” Nobert said. “I want my
teammates to be the best football players they can be. As a senior, I want to be the best team leader I can be.”
Defensively, Nobert was a first team all-league linebacker last year, but he also plays on the offensive line, which was an area of emphasis this offseason.
“One area I am wanting to improve on this offseason is strength,” Nobert said. “I play on the offensive line and this was one element I wanted to work on. I have been doing intense weight training this last school year and this summer. I also competed in KEMFA state powerlifting last spring.”
Clifton-Clyde has a built-in advantage when it comes to its offseason workouts.
“This offseason my team has been in the gym weight training on weekday mornings,” Nobert said. “One of our assistant coaches is a former Marine, and he organized a Memorial Day MURPH challenge.”
Apply today for FREE!
Whether you come for a degree or to take a few gen eds, you’ll save time and money. Butler has hundreds of courses guaranteed to transfer to any Kansas public university, taught by faculty who know their students’ names. Our average class size is only 16, but the opportunities created at Butler are endless.
Kansas Resident Tuition & Fees: $130/credit hour
McPherson’s Abilene Frye McPherson’s Hendrix Nelson
Junior from McPherson High School Abilene Frye is ready for forensics competition. A goal for this year’s season is for Frye to be able to help the team with another state victory. McPherson has been extremely successful in forensics and Frye wants to continue the tradition of Bullpup success.
Frye shared with Vype Magazine about how excited the potential sister duet will be. “I also want to be able to bring my sister into duet finals with me this year!” For the Frye sisters, this will be the first year they will be able to compete together. A special time for the Frye sisters to share with one another.
To prepare for junior year forensics, Frye studied literature for poetry and different speech topics such as art, history and fat phobia. In addition to studies, Frye practiced giving speeches in front of the family in short informative style.
In forensics, Frye has lots of bragging rights. “I qualified for state six time and was able to give a presentation at our local forensics showcase.” At the 2024 state fair, Frye was part of the forensics showcase. “Along with my freshman year, I qualified for state two times and went to nationals.”
Frye would like to attend college in a debate/forensics program. While in college, Frye would like to major in data science and minor in political science and plans to eventually attend law school. In addition to forensics, Frye also participates in debate, band, and scholars bowl at the high school.
In McPherson forensics, Hendrix Nelson is making name in informational speeches and exempt. As a Junior, Nelson continues to set goals and continues to improve as the years progress. “This season I am hoping to be better during the state competition. It has been important for me to do well in forensics ever since I started. I hope to improve more every year.” With Nelson only a junior, there is still Nelson’s senior year to continue to improve and grow as a competitor as well as the remainder of junior year.
During this season, Nelson is hoping to learn from competitors in exempt. Not only does Nelson want to learn from competitors but is looking forward to the forensics community. “The community that forensics build is always something to look forward to.”
A highlight Nelson shared with Vype Magazine was when Nelson placed first for the first time at a forensics competition. “I remember how confused I was on stage because I somehow managed to place ahead of one of our state champions.” With this accomplishment, Nelson has a great story and bragging rights to share with others.
Nelson is currently undecided about what the future might hold. College is a thought for Nelson, but an ultimate dream for Nelson would be owning a business. “With that I hope to help out employees and build a better community.” A community Nelson surely learned from the forensics community.
In addition to forensics, Nelson is also involved in other activities at the high school. Esports, theater, and debate are all activities Nelson participates in for The Bullpups.
If an individual student athlete or team wins, it’s an amazing thing. It’s also just the icing on the cake.
Southeast of Saline High School
By Matt Browning
There have been times where the Southeast of Saline SAFE program has had up to 60 students involved.
While they have not had a meeting yet this year, sponsor Braden Long said there are several events SAFE puts on each year.
“We are involved in the seatbelt surveys, we have had speakers, pledge card giveaways, and we attend the SAFE Conference each year,” Long said. “We also put together a mock crash once every four years.”
SAFE’s impact on the school and community is telling based on the data.
“I believe SAFE has a positive impact on our community as we are generally in the high 90’s percentage for seatbelt usage,” Long said. “Generally, while doing our surveys all of the students are wearing the seatbelt and we have between 5 to 10 parents who during our surveys
are not wearing their seatbelt.”
Long has been the sponsor for five years and has seen growth in numbers and impact.
“I got involved when I began as the SRO here in November of 2019,” Long said. “SAFE was a fledgling program when I took over and changed it from a crime stoppers club to the SAFE Program.
I had some help starting this program from our Community Outreach Deputy at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.”
Southeast of Saline‘s Jacob Bircher
Jacob Bircher has been putting in the miles for this season of cross country for Southeast of Saline. Bircher has set some big goals this season for himself and his team. “Our big team goal for the season is to win state. I would also like to place in the top 10 at state, and if I run well enough, possibly even the top 5.” For a time specific goal, Bircher would like to be running in the low 16’s or even breaking the 16’s.
With time specific goals, Bircher is looking forward to breaking time barriers this season. Bircher said he wants to break personal records this year, as well as enjoy his junior season. This year, Bircher has challenged himself to place within the top five at every meet.
Over the summer months, Bircher prepared for this season of cross country by running with Distance Inc coached by Huey Counts. During this time, Bircher was putting in 40 to 50 mile weeks with two speed workouts and one long run per week.
During Bircher’s sophomore season, he dropped his personal best time of 16:36 after a previous drop of 50 seconds. During the two years Bircher has been competing for Southeast of Saline, the team has placed second at state. Bircher personally improved his placing at state from his freshman year of 33rd place to 19th place during his sophomore year.
In addition to cross country, Bircher also participates in track for the school. Bircher also plays competitive soccer for The Kansas City Surf ECNL and hopes to continue playing soccer in a division one or two college. However, Bircher has not ruled out the possibility of running cross country for college as well.
Valley Center Playground
By Matt Browning
Hellas Construction was busy this summer in Valley Center, installing turf on the playgrounds at Abilene Elementary, West Elementary and the Intermediate School.
“These playgrounds had turf installed to give outdoor access after bad weather,” said Valley Center Facilities director Dan Gentry. “Which will keep the mud out of the buildings. It also gives better access for mixed abilities students and a much safer surface for all students. The thick padding around fall areas gives a much safer environment for everyone.”
There was a familiarity with Hellas that made this project easy for Gentry and the district.
“Valley Center Schools have used Hellas for other projects
and have found their products and customer service to be ‘top-notch’, said Gentry. “Their professionalism and communication from start to finish is unmatched. They have high standards and it shows.”
Gentry said that if any school or organization is interested in upgrading its facilities, whether it’s for playgrounds, playing fields or stadiums, then Hellas is the clear-cut choice.
If another school or company is considering a turf surface for any application, make sure they contact Hellas,” Gentry said.
HELLAS BUILDS FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH
Hellas provides a complete scope of services for sports surfaces and amenities including manufacturing, design/build, construction, installation, service, and maintenance.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Hip Pain
Hip pain is common among all age groups and activity levels. A recent study shows hip pain injuries represent 28% to 45% of injuries in women and 49% to 55% in men. In fact, hip pain can be a debilitating issue that affects your daily activities, from walking and sitting to enjoying your favorite sports and hobbies. Whether caused by injury, overuse, or conditions like arthritis, hip pain can limit your mobility and reduce your quality of life. However, physical therapy exercises can be an effective way to alleviate discomfort and improve hip function.
In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your hip, enhance flexibility, and promote healing. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can take significant steps toward managing and overcoming hip pain.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
The location of the hip pain can help determine the exact cause of your discomfort. Pain in the groin area can often signify a core muscle injury or a pelvic floor issue. Core injuries are usually the result of overusing or straining the muscles or soft tissues in the hip, groin, or abdomen during rigorous physical activity. Injuries like this can cause pain in the hip when the root problem could be somewhere else.
Another common hip condition that often develops with age is bursitis. Bursitis occurs when fluid-filled sacs surrounding and protecting your hip joint become irritated or inflamed. This condition results in pain that can be constant regardless of whether you move your hip or stay still.
Highly active individuals are prone to hip injuries or conditions like tendonitis or hip impingements. Tendonitis can occur when the tendons are strained or overused, especially when individuals participate in activities that involve repetitive motions. Hip impingements are also very common in highly active patients but typically develop at a younger age when intense physical activities cause a patient’s hip bones to develop improperly. Not only can this cause pain and loss of mobility, but it can also increase the risk of other hip conditions if left
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
To locate one
our
untreated.
Hip fractures are another common cause of severe hip pain and are often the result of a fall or a traumatic impact injury. The risk for hip fractures increases with age as the bones become more brittle and weaker. If left untreated, hip fractures can result in conditions like avascular necrosis, in which the blood supply to the hip bones decreases, resulting in bone tissue death. Discovering the cause of hip pain is the first step to recovery and finding solutions that work for you.
Request an Appointment
If you’re experiencing persistent hip pain, don’t ignore it. We are dedicated to helping you regain mobility and live a healthier, more active life. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards.
How a PT Can Help
Physical therapists play a crucial role in managing hip pain and getting to the root cause of the pain. Here’s how a PT can help:
• Personalized Exercise Programs: Physical therapists can design tailored exercise regimens for hip mobility and strengthening.
• Assess: Physical therapists can assess all areas of your hip and back and check for various limitations keeping you from doing things you love!
• Educate: Physical therapists can help educate you on your injury and pain and come up with proactive ways to avoid re-injury
