Liam Deniau-Young Salina Central
Quinlyn Funk Hillsboro
Skylar Douglas Salina Sacred Heart
Dakota Gray Beloit
Manny Morales McPherson
SALINA AREA VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Calyn Baker, Clifton-Clyde
Jordan Bartlett, Bennington
Brecken Boudreaux, Beloit
Drew Bruna, Hanover
Gracie Bruna, Hanover
Brooke Doile, McPherson
Delaney Duerksen, Goessel
Lily Edwards, Clay Center
Arika Feldman, Little River
Paityn Fritz, Salina South
Taylor Froese, Inman
Dakota Grey, Beloit
Kynlee Hamel, Concordia
Suttyn Harris, Inman
Hattie Hecox, Moundridge
Katie Holle, Hanover
Raimee Leiker, Ellsworth
Evie Look, Little River
Halle Mizner, Rock Hills
Alexis Moore, Ellsworth
Havana Olander, Little River
Saelyn Raleigh, Little River
Kingsley Ratzlaff, Hillsboro
Ava Romero, McPherson
Ally Scheele, Hanover
Trinity Schlabach, Hanover
Adelynne Strecker, Little River
Cammi Unruh, Moundridge
Lauren Vogt, Hillsboro
Amyah Werth, Hillsboro
Kenna Woods, Inman
Sevy Wurtz, Clifton-Clyde
SALINA AREA BOYS SOCCER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Caleb Aguilar, Salina Central
Grayson Broadus, McPherson
Juan Escobedo, Salina South
Adrian Lara, Salina South
Damon McDonald, Salina South
Manny Morales, McPherson
Rodrigo Palacios, Salina South
Gabriel Steadfast, McPherson
Charlie Young, Salina Central
Brecken Boudreaux Beloit
Juan Escobedo Salina South
Luke Affholder, Salina Central
Jacob Bircher, SE-Saline
Brooks Carlin, SE-Saline
Zachary Carlin, SE-Saline
Nic Clark, Beloit-St. John’s
Jaycob Dieker, Canton-Galva
Cole Franklin, SE-Saline
Eli Gaeddert, Goessel
Cohen Girard, Clifton-Clyde
Eli Klenda, Marion
Derek Klukas, Chapman
Dan Kuder, Moundridge
Tyler Martisko, Inman
Elian Moreno, Inman
Caleb Muehler, McPherson
Tripp Pelzel, McPherson
Gabriel Roderick, Beloit-St. John’s
Jeremiah Roderick, Beloit-St. John’s
Riley Roots, Inman
Brayden Walker, SE-Saline
SALINA AREA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS TO WATCH
Joy Beck, Elyria Christian
Lakyn Beckman, Ellsworth
Piper Brown, SE-Saline
Dakota Clausen-Peters, Republic County
Olivia Dail, Lincoln
Regan Duran, SE-Saline
Molly Ehlrich, Ellsworth
Quinlyn Funk, Hillsboro
Kyla Hamel, Salina South
Mia Hamilton, Salina Sacred Heart
Codie Huehl, Sylvan-Lucas
Katie Inwood, Sterling
Anna Jackson, SE-Saline
Haylee Jantz, Moundridge
Cate Jensen, Chapman
Julia Kilgore, Sterling
Maddie Larson, Clay Center
Ava McGraw, SE-Saline
Faith McMannis, Canton-Galva
Christiana Niewald, Beloit-St. John’s
Kylie Pfizenmaier, Clay Center
Riley Richert, Hillsboro
Kaylie Shultz, Salina Central
Janae Wolf, Clay Center
Hope Willems, Smoky Valley
Josie Wilson, Abilene
Tripp Pelzel McPherson
Haylee Jantz Moundridge
Golfers
Andi Buschbom, McPherson
Pera Bauer, McPherson
Brodie Kuhn, McPherson
Mya Niehues, Concordia
Tennis
Avery Baier, Chapman
Chelsie Brown, Sterling
Reygan Coorod, Ellsworth
Karli Haase, Ellsworth
Jaiden Jaeger, Sterling
Merdeith Kuntz, Chapman
Quinn Liebl, McPherson
McKenna Paul, McPherson
Imarie Rippert, Ellsworth
Maryn Sando, McPherson
Avery Unruh, McPherson
Salina Central’s Liam Deniau-Young
By Matt Browning
Salina Central’s Liam Deniau-Young has all of the accolades any cross country runner would want. He won both the AVCTL Division II title as well as the regional title.
But Deniau-Young is always looking at what his team can do, rather than what he can do.
“Every year I strive to improve, whether it be cutting down times or becoming a better leader,” Deniau-Young said. “Ultimately, I would love to see the team surpass last year’s performance at state.
I’ve tried my best to help everyone stay motivated and focused for the season ahead. The team goal is to win league and regional titles as well as an improved placement at state. Individually I want to be the best leader I can be for my team.”
The 2025 Mustangs have Deniau-Young feeling optimistic. He thinks big things are in store.
“As Tayten Morris and I are in our final year of high school cross country, it’s very uplifting to see such talented and hardworking underclassmen rise through the ranks,” Deniau-Young said. “We have a strong group this year, one that most certainly will be successful for many years to come.”
In order to prepare for the season, Deniau-Young has been disciplined in his approach.
“I’ve been following the training my coaches have given me for the past few months and practicing hard with my teammates as consistently as possible,” Deniau-Young said. “Personal workouts have also been a new regime that has helped my overall strength and fitness.”
Brodie Kuhn McPherson
By Matt Browning
McPherson’s Ava Goering Student of the Month
A simple fastbreak layup for McPherson’s Ava Goering turned into a catastrophic injury.
“I was going for a full court layup off of a fastbreak and was going around a defender,” Goering said. “I stepped wrong and my knee caved in. Two days later I had an MRI done and was told that my ACL and medial meniscus was torn.”
After the diagnosis, Goering had surgery and rehabbed at Advanced Physical Therapy.
“My treatments started slowly, with basic mobility as I couldn’t bear weight for six weeks,” Goering said. “Once I was walking, I was excited to work towards agility. Even though the strengthening part was tedious, I knew it was important to get my muscles ready to return to sports.”
It was a long and arduous process for Goering, but she was thankful for what APT provided.
“My treatment called for nine to 12 months,” Goering said. “I went to APT for the first six months of it. At first I would go twice a week for about four months, then after my four month follow-up with my surgeon, we changed
it to once a week like every other week. I still have one month left till I get to go back to playing sports.”
Sometimes Goering struggled with the disappointment of her injury, but APT provided the motivation.
“APT does a really good job of working one on one with you and making sure to always motivate you to get better,” Goering said. “They always plan exercises to help you in any way you need and help you have a fast recovery. They pushed me to work hard.”
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PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH
Kylie Pfizenmaier Clay Center
Rain or shine, Clay Center cross country runner Kylie Pfizenmaier was grinding this summer, working with her coach.
Last season, the senior took fourth at the state meet, but she wants to place even higher in 2025.
“We start at 6:30, five days a week, no matter if it's raining outside, and he expects us to get at least one weekend run in,” Pfizenmaier said. “The week consists of a long run (so more than seven miles), two to three base runs (around four miles), one day for tempo work, and one day for speed work up at the track (mainly 400s). However, every three weeks, mileage goes up.”
Speed was the primary focus of Pfizenmaier’s workouts.
“An area that I need to improve on is picking my legs up more along with faster,” Pfizenmaier said. “We do speed drills to help with that at least once a week. However, it was more common for us to do it during track season.”
The Tigers didn’t finish the season like they wanted a year ago, so that has been one of Pfizenmaier’s primary motivations.
“I am most excited about getting back on the course with my team,” Pfizenmaier said. “We didn't finish the way we wished to last year, but we have put a lot of hard work in over the summer to accomplish those goals ”
Beloit’s Brecken Boudreaux
By Matt Browning
Beloit’s Brecken Boudreaux recently received the devastating news that she tore her meniscus and won’t be able to play for the majority of her senior season.
It would have been easy for Boudreaux to feel sorry for herself, but she has chosen to be a good teammate instead and be there for the Trojans.
“I know it’s going to be different for me, but I’m looking forward to being there for my team in any way I can,” Boudreaux said. “We lost four really strong college athletes last year, so this season is a big one for reloading and figuring out our new team. I’m excited to see who steps up, how we all come together, and to support my teammates while I recover.”
While the regular season is out for Boudreaux, she is holding onto hope that she can play when it counts.
“I’m staying hopeful that I’ll be cleared to play before the postseason starts,” Boudreaux said.
“That’s my biggest goal right now.” Last season Boudreaux was a key component to Beloit’s state tournament team that finished 386. She finished with 273 kills on a 52 percent kill percentage en route to a first team all-league selection.
So if she is able to play at all this season, it will be a huge boost for the Trojans.
“I want to be back on the court when it matters most,” Boudreaux said. “I also want to grow as a leader even when I’m not playing.”
COMMERCIAL TIRE CALL OF THE WILD ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Ellsworth’s Carson Jacob
By Matt Browning
When he was four or five years old, Ellsworth’s Carson Jacob knew he was going to be passionate about the outdoors.
“My mom and I were always doing something outside whether it was going fishing, hunting or going out to the lake,” Jacob said.
Jacob’s interests in the outdoors vary and are wide-ranging.
“Bow hunting is probably my favorite hunting activity,” Jacob said. “I enjoy practicing with my bow in the off season. I like catching all types of fish, whether we’re at a lake, river or pond it’s all fun. We visit Wilson Lake quite a bit since it is fairly close and great scenery, enjoy taking our dogs hiking the trails and swimming as well.”
One of Jacob’s favorite memories was a fishing trip he went on, which resulted in a big catch.
“I got to go on a guided fishing trip at Milford Lake with Cross Creek Outdoors and we were catching fish after fish every single cast you were catching a fish,” Jacob said. “I also caught a 40-pound catfish on that trip too.”
Getting to spend times in the outdoors allows Jacob to reset himself mentally.
“We like to go to the lake at least once a week,” Jacob said. “For me it allows me to have a mini vacation where I can get away for a couple hours just so I can set my mind right.”
By Matt Browning
Hanover’s Melissa Holle
Melissa Holle has been coaching volleyball at Hanover for eight years and in that span she has won three state championships.
Those are the memories, and rightfully so, that stand out to her.
“Being in an atmosphere like that is surreal,” Holle said. “Seeing all the support our girls get and watching them play at the highest level is something that sticks with any coach.”
While Holle wants her team to succeed, she also wants to leave a lasting impact on her players that far exceeds high school volleyball.
“My coaching philosophy is to provide an opportunity for every athlete to become strong, learn perseverance in everything in life, and grow as individuals on and off the court,” Holle said. “I truly believe athletes have to learn to
work together to get through every obstacle on and off the court. It is a coach’s job to help athletes grow and become better people. I have a job to help them do this.”
Coaching in Hanover means so much to Holle. She and her players are supported at every contest, no matter home or away.
“We have a one of a kind community,” Holle said. “The support this community gives to their athletes is definitely inspiring. They go to every game or event and cheer every athlete on even if they do not have a child in that sport.”
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By Cooper Chadwick
Beloit’s Dakota Gray
Senior Dakota Gray plays a very special role for Beloit volleyball.
“I’m a strong asset as one of our best hitters and blockers, but ever since my freshman year, I’ve also made it my goal to bring energy every time I step on the court. No matter what, I’ll always be my teammates’ biggest hype woman,” Gray said.
Gray is excited to play her senior year of high school volleyball with her teammates, who she shares an incredible bond with.
“Getting the chance to play one last time with my best friends, both on and off the court, means so much to me and will make every moment unforgettable. Even though we lost some talented players who graduated last year, we’re stepping up with determination and heart. With our attitude and teamwork, I truly believe we can be just as strong, if not stronger than before,” Gray said.
Last season Gray earned NCAA first team all-league with 99 kills, 69 blocks and a .206 hitting percentage. She is hoping to continue her athletic career but as a collegiate track athlete.
Since this is her last year playing volleyball, Gray is even more motivated to make this year special and unforgettable.
“I’ve always been a fiercely competitive athlete, and my motivation comes from knowing we’ve always been one of the top teams to beat. I’m determined to keep it that way. With one more season alongside my teammates and coaches,” Gray said.
McPherson’s Manny Morales
By Hayden Swope
Manny Morales of McPherson has some high expectations for the season, including a goal that every team strides to complete. The first team all-league athlete returns for his final season.
“I’m highly focused on just getting results in each of our games,” Morales said. “I would love to get all of the team involved in goals, but some games require one or two people to just step up. A state championship is what we’re aiming for as a team, and we have the talent and hard work to make it happen.”
After seeing where he shined on the field last season, Morales spent the offseason perfecting flaws and bettering his skills.
“I’m preparing for the season by spending most of the day with the ball at my feet,” Morales said. “I have been working on my technical skills and my headers, which I felt were my biggest weaknesses from last year.”
While every game is exciting, Morales is most looking forward to a little friendly competition.
“I’m very excited to face off against Rose Hill,” Morales said. “I am very good friends with one of their seniors, and the assistant coach is my club coach. It’s always a close game, and if we can make it competitive, it means
that we have a chance at the state title.”
After graduation, Morales hopes to continue playing the sport he loves at the next level.
“College is going to be the next step for me,” Morales said. “I’ve been communicating with a few college coaches, and am in a great position to make a commitment in the next few months after the high school season is over. I’ll be majoring in engineering and will for sure find a way to play soccer after college.”
By Matt Browning
There are many reasons why Teegan Haines chose to play football at Hutchinson Community College.
From the quality of the athletic programs, to the way students are pushed academically, to the community support, Haines loves being a Blue Dragon.
“All of the athletics we provide have great opportunities to continue your sport after the two-year level,” Haines said. “From an academic standpoint, the classes we take are like any other college, they are advanced and push you as a student. Preparing you for the next level. HCC has a great community around the college and shows up for all events that the college hosts.”
There are two specific memories so far that stand out for Haines.
“Some of my favorite memories so far at Hutch CC would have to be, beating No. 2 Iowa Western at home in front of the great crowd we had,” Haines said. “Another favorite memory just comes from living with some of my best friends, watching football on Saturdays or Sundays.”
Haines recommended any student give Hutch CC a try because it will prepare them for the next step in their lives.
“Take the chance, bet on yourself to use Hutch CC as a stepping stone in life,” Haines said. “Meet some great people on the way and develop into the player or person you want to be for the next step in life, whether that is continuing playing a sport or moving on academically.”
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Salina Central’s Bodie Rodriguez
By Cooper Chadwick
For his senior year, Salina Central’s Bodie Rodriguez has hopes that he and the Mustangs will make a deep run into the playoffs. Rodriguez has spent a lot of his offseason preparing to do just that.
“I’ve been in the gym in the offseason and put on some pounds and increased my speed. That was the main focus, strength and size. Our receiver group and QB have been at the field working routes and footwork to prepare. We are all excited to work with our new QB, it’s going to be fun having him around. It was the change that was needed for us, I believe our team is more of a family than it’s ever been. It’s a good group of guys that gets along with anyone and everyone,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is a wide receiver for the Mustangs and has been working specifically to improve on his routes and releases.
“It’s great to get work at Sharp Performance and having Coach Kavanaugh as our WR coach, having him is great because he’s played at the D1 level and is very smart and a great coach. Having a group of WRs that want to improve is great also because we can help each other work on our crafts,” Rodriguez said.
McPherson’s Maryn Sandbo
By Blake Chadwick
For McPherson senior Maryn Sandbo, tennis has been about far more than just matches—it’s been about representing one of the state’s premier programs and carrying on its tradition of success.
“Playing for such a special program like this means a great deal to me,” Sandbo said. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been regional champions three years in a row and state runner-ups twice. Being able to play with teammates I care about and be coached by people who respect the sport makes me enjoy my time playing so much more.”
Sandbo, who began playing around age six, has now been playing for more than a decade. She considers her composure on the court one of her biggest strengths.
“In tennis, you’re not allowed to yell or really let your emotions out, which can be tough. But I’ve been able to keep my emotions in check during matches, and that helps me play better overall.”
For the senior, her resume is one of the most impressive in McPherson’s storied program: 87 career wins, three regional team titles, two state runner-up finishes, and a long list of individual honors. Sandbo is a two-time state medalist, with finishes of 10th and third at state,
Now after accomplishing all of that, Sandbo hopes to lead McPherson to a fourth straight regional title and finally break through with a state championship.
“My personal goals for the year are probably just to be able to do just as good at state or better and earn all-state honors again,” Sandbo said.
As one of the senior leaders on a younger Bullpup squad, Sandbo is focused on helping guide the next wave of players to the standard that she has been able to keep all these years.
“Our team is really young this year, especially with the freshmen, so I want to be a good role model and help them enjoy the process,” she said. “Being able to be someone younger players can look up to means so much to me.”
SCOTT AUSHERMAN
Minneapolis’ Wyatt Griffin
By Cooper Chadwick
Minneapolis’ three-year starter on the offensive and defensive line, senior Wyatt Griffin is excited to play his last season of football with his teammates.
“I am also excited to go out there and compete every week,” Griffin said.
Playing left guard and defensive end for the Lions, Griffin spent the majority of the summer focused on making his last season of football one to remember.
“In the offseason I go to morning conditioning and weights every day and then we have camps such as 7 on 7, install camps, and thud camps,” Griffin said.
As a senior with tons of experience Griffin is one of the leaders for his team.
“My role on the team is to lead our linemen and do my job on the field to perform to the best of my ability,” Griffin said. “I worked on being a leader in the off season by leading by example and showing up to everything and encouraging others to show up and put in their best effort.”
Since Griffin isn’t planning on playing collegiate-level football, he is using that as his motivation for this season, and head coach Garrett Galanski can see that.
“One of the hardest workers I know and will give it all for his team on every down,” Galanski said.
Last season Griffin finished with nine tackles and one sack and he hopes to have even more this next season.
“An individual goal for the season would be to be a playmaker on defense more than I have in the past and get a couple of sacks and tackles through the season,” Griffin said.
Smoky Valley’s Ceeley Friesen
By Hayden Swope
Smoky Valley’s Ceeley Friesen has been a crucial piece to the Vikings program over her three years. Heading into her fourth and final season, Friesen trained to be the best athlete she can be on and off the court.
“I did skill training and weights with my team over the summer, as well as summer league,” Friesen said. “I also worked on setting with a former teammate throughout the summer. Mentally, I’ve prepared myself for the bad days and losses, but am dedicated to keeping my attitude and effort up so I don’t regret not giving my all. I plan to leave everything I have on the court, each match.”
Finally a senior, Friesen is ready to
put it all out there for one last season as a Viking.
“My goal for this season is to have a memorable last season,” Friesen said. “Smoky Valley’s program and former teammates have grown my love for volleyball so much that I want my last season playing to be a good one. Up until last year, our high school team had made an appearance at the state volleyball tournament for four consecutive years, and I’d love nothing more than to go back for my last time.”
After a certain team ended their season last year, Friesen is excited to meet up again and hopefully come out on top.
“Halstead has probably been a team we consider a rival throughout my time in high school,” Friesen said.
“We’ve been back and forth with different talents, and it’s always a good game when we play. My sophomore year, we lost to them twice during the season and then beat them at substate. Last year, however, we got annihilated by them, and they ended up making it to
TEAM OF THE MONTH
Little River Volleyball
By Matt Browning
The Little River volleyball team has gone a combined a 153-18 over the past four years and the philosophy head coach Kim Rolfs has is building momentum over the season so that her team is playing their best in the postseason.
“My expectations for this season is for our kids to practice and focus on playing or best volleyball in October,” Rolfs said. “We need to work to become the best versions of ourselves and wherever that
finishes us we will be incredibly proud of what we accomplished.”
The Redskins have four seniors who are three-time state champions. They have been the heart and soul of the Little River program.
Arika Feldman, Havana Olander, Adelynne Strecker and Evie Look were first team all-league selections a year ago.
“Our seniors are on a mission and the team will do everything in its power for them to accomplish that mission,” Rolfs said.
Once the postseason comes around, Little River is battle-tested because of how loaded its schedule is. Schools like Inman, Southeast of Saline and Hillsboro are just some quality opponents on the Redskins’ schedule.
“Our league is also competitive and becoming more talented each year,” Rolfs said. “When a team is as successful as we’ve been, you have to understand that everyone is going to give you their best game, and we have to be ready for that.”
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By Blake Chadwick
Hanover’s Katie Holle
After winning the Class 1A-II state championship a year ago to become back-to-back state champions, the Wildcats return all but one member of last year’s 42-1 team.
One of those key returners is senior Katie Holle.
Holle will look to help lead the Wildcats to another state champion to complete the three-peat.
“Katie is the type of athlete that will do the little things and work hard to correct anything she needs to in her game,” said the head coach and mother of Katie, Melissa Holle. “She puts her teammates first. She has a huge role as the setter on our varsity team. We run a 5-1 with her, and that is a lot on one setter. She is constantly talking with her hitters and teammates and asking them how she can fix her sets to ensure they succeed. She is very unselfish on the court and does not want the spotlight on her but on her whole team.”
For Holle, playing for her mom hasn’t always been easy, but winning state championships together will be something the two will never forget.
“I think playing for my mom is a very sentimental feeling,” she said. “Through every win and loss, she is always there pushing me to improve,” Holle said. “She is harder on me than anyone else, but only because she sees my potential.”
The next step for Holle as a player is her continued leadership role as a setter and coach’s daughter, a duo that is almost always on the same page nowadays.
“As a team leader, my goal is to communicate with my teammates on the court constantly,” she said. “Communication is a very important factor on the court overall, because if you are always talking, you are confident in yourself. I can help my team win another state championship by bringing my skill to the floor, communicating with my teammates, and working daily to improve.”
Abilene’s Ryleigh Farson
By Matt Browning
Abilene’s Ryleigh Farson has always had an agricultural background, so being involved in FFA was seamless transition.
“I’ve been involved in FFA for two years, going into my third and I love it,” Farson said. “Hearing about all the things they do for the community, and environment got me even more motivated to join.”
FFA at Abilene is a time-consuming activity, but the spring time is when Farson is at her busiest.
“A typical school year, for our FFA Chapter is pretty busy, between the CDE’S, LDE’s, and fundraising,” Farson said. “But one thing my chapter always looks forward to the most is National Convention, which is at the end of October. Our busiest time of the year is definitely spring. We’re constantly studying for state CDE’s, while attending other CDE’s and/or LDE’s.”
Salina South’s Sophie Daily
By Hayden Swope
Salina South’s Sophie Daily spent the time leading up to the season preparing for all the new things coming at her and the Cougars this year.
“In preparation for this season I played club volleyball and worked on my front row,” Daily said. “I haven’t played front row in a couple of years so I am really trying to improve my skills as a hitter since I will be playing front row this year.”
A common misconception about FFA is that it’s not just, as Farson said, “it’s not all cows, sows, and plows.”
“It’s more about what FFA teaches you going forward. It’s learning life lessons, career ready practices, and building ever lasting relationships,” Farson said. “So in conclusion I believe that every student should give FFA a try, even if they don’t have an agriculture background, because FFA offers so much more to us than just agriculture.”
Big goals and expectations are set for the season, and Daily is excited to get them done.
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“This season I am hoping for us to play in and win the substate championship since our program hasn’t done that in a couple of years,” Daily said.
A new team and a fresh start has already shown a sure sign of success for Daily and the Cougars.
“I am most excited to win games against teams we haven’t beaten in a while,” Daily said. “Recently, we beat Andover who we haven’t beaten in a couple of years.”
With some recent wins, Daily also hopes that it continues when they face some other tough competition down the road.
“I am very excited to play Maize South, we beat them in one of two games last year and it was electric to win that game,” Daily said. “They are always a fun but challenging team.”
Daily plans to head to Manhattan after graduation to further her academic career.
“My future plans are to attend K-State declaring pre-med, I’m still unsure of a major and my future career plans are to become a doctor, also unsure of a specialty,” Daily said.
SE-Saline’s Jacob Bircher
By Cooper Chadwick
Southeast of Saline senior Jacob Bircher, has been putting in work all offseason to prepare for the season.
Last season, Bircher placed top three at every meet, but at state placed 14th, this has given Bircher a major confidence boost for his last season running high school cross country.
“I’ve been running a lot of miles this summer to get ready for the season, so I can be at my best for the team all season. I’m hoping to improve my mental game in the middle of my races this year so I can lower my time further. In order to prepare myself for this, I worked on my mental fortitude during harder workouts over the summer and made sure to keep my head in it,” Bircher said.
Southeast of Saline’s Head coach, Wade Caselman, is excited to coach Bircher in his last season with the Trojans.
“Jacob is a great young man that works hard every day in practice so he can get better and stronger. He has always been one that in meets will give it everything he has to try and improve his finish position or his relay’s position,” Caselman said.
Bircher has big goals for him and his team this year, and has high hopes they can be achieved.
“This season I hope to place highly at state and get under 16 minutes in the 5k. As a team, I hope we can win the state title,” Bircher said.
Let’s
Inman’s Taylor Froese
By Cooper Chadwick
Last year, Inman’s Taylor Froese finished her sophomore year with 212 kills, 69 aces, 108 blocks, 210 digs and 565. This earned her KVA 2A All State-All Tournament team, 2nd team all-state, 1st team all-league.
As a junior Froese is now expected to step into more of a leadership role for her team, and head coach Kath Russel has complete faith in her.
“Taylor will go the extra mile for her teammates. She is the player that stays afterwards to help her fellow teammates to get better and also wants to do extra reps in hitting and setting to get stronger herself. She has a strong sense of court awareness that helps her to make smart decisions on the court. Taylor is one of the hardest workers and in the gym. It has been so fun watching grow as a competitive player and be a leader as well for us. She is going to really be a big impact player for us this year with her setting as well as her dominating swing,” Russell said.
For Inman, Froese is a setter and hitter. This offseason she has been working on improving her all-around skills to make her a more well-versed player.
“Over the summer and so far this year I’ve been working on my top spin serve in practice. When we do serve receive drills I make sure that when I’m serving I switch up what I’m doing to help my teammates improve in other areas as well,” Froese said.
VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Hillsboro’s Quinlyn Funk
By Hayden Swope
Hillsboro’s Quinlyn Funk is not new to hard work and dedication, and after years of it, she’s ready to put it all out on the course for one last season.
“I am most excited about my team this year,” Funk said. “We have a great dynamic and it makes me enjoy practices and meets more. I am also excited to make the most of my senior season, and let myself have fun.”
Funk’s training and conditioning started early in the summer, and hasn’t stopped since.
“To prepare for the season, I steadily built up my mileage all summer so I had a good base when the season started,” Funk said.
“During speed workouts, I have been trying to focus on consistent splits to help my 5k splits stay even, which is something I have always struggled with.”
While the season may be long and intimidating, Funk is ready to take on new, and familiar, challenges.
“The most challenging course we run at is Wamego,” Funk said. “The hills make it difficult, especially if you aren’t in the right mindset to push yourself. I am excited to take it on, because I think it challenges me as a runner and makes me feel accomplished when I finish.”
Funk has aspirations to continue her academic drive at the college level, and you may even see her running a race on the side.
“After high school, my plans are to go to college,” Funk said. “I am looking at majoring in communication disorders, to be a speech therapist, which means I will have to attend a bigger college. Even if I don’t end up running in college, I will definitely enter some races of my own, and I would love to train and race a half marathon sometime.”
By Blake Chadwick
Salina South’s Juan Escobedo
“The pie is big enough for everyone if we all just do our job,” senior center defensive midfielder Juan Escobedo said.
This is the motto for Salina South soccer team this year. A team that is led by Escobedo, and a team that will be hungry to make it back to state again.
Escobedo said.
On top of the state champion aspirations and chasing his brother’s career who was a part of the 2015 state championship team, the senior also has a few other goals.
“Although we’ve earned our consecutive trips to the State Championship Tournament, we have to get past the semifinal round, which has been our hurdle the past two years, and why I would say we’re definitely feeling the pressure to meet or exceed those expectations,”
“My personal goals are to contribute on and off the field while statistically providing ideally double digits in goals and/or assists,” Escobedo said. “I would also say building off of last year and earning first team All-League and earning first team All-State.”
After being part of one of the best defenses in the state last season—on a team that allowed just one goal in 16 of its first 18 matches—Escobedo is focused on continuing to develop his game before pursuing the next level.
“To elevate myself this season, I need to involve myself more on the offensive side of the ball by controlling the tempo of the game and connecting the back line to the attack,” Escobedo said. “I am looking forward to demonstrating my potential to college soccer coaches and programs who are interested in a confident role player who is both willing and capable of playing at any level.”
By Cooper Chadwick
Hoping to break his school record in his senior year, Salina South’s Elian Moreno is excited for this upcoming season.
Last season Moreno ran 17:06 at state and hopes to break that this year in his very first meet. He hopes his offseason training will have him prepared.
“I have been involved in a club with other kids who are in it as well. An area I would like to improve is keeping my pace in a race at VO2 max level and making sure that lactic acid can be handled through the race.” Moreno said.
“I worked on this in my off season with my training by doing some mile repeats and more intensity based workouts at thresholds and lactic thresholds.”
Moreno’s role for his team is to lower their overall score with faster times and his drive for this season is spite.
“I wanted to be better and one of the best to show other people who talked down on me, and if I could put that dedication and hard work into boxing, then I could do that for running as well to show people what that training will pay off,” Moreno said.
Moreno’s plan for his future is very specific. He hopes to keep running at the collegiate level and be able to compete at a high level there, but he also has plans to help others out with a Law school degree.
“I want to make things right in society when there are things that are corrupt in the system,” Moreno said.
Salina South’s Elian Moreno
Sterling’s Chelsie Brown
By Blake Chadwick
Sterling’s Chelsie Brown Returns After Perfect 36-0 State Championship Season
Sterling senior Chelsie Brown is coming off a historic season—finishing 36-0 and capturing a state championship. Now, she’s back with her sights set on doing it again.
“To elevate myself this season, I just want to continue to improve my game,” Brown said. “One of my biggest strengths is probably staying out of my head.”
Despite making everything look easy, Brown is battle tested because of the everyday adversity of being hard of hearing and makes sure she doesn’t let anything hold her back.
Brown has played tennis for around four years, and in that short time, she’s built an impressive resume.
Along with her undefeated junior campaign, she placed seventh at state as a sophomore, is currently ranked No. 3 in the 18-and-under USTA Missouri Valley, and was named the 2024 Emerging Junior
Player of the Year.
Her goals are clear.
“My personal goal is to win state again, and our team’s goal is to get a team trophy at state this year,” Brown said. “What I have to do to win another state championship is to work hard and believe that I can. There’s always pressure.”
Because of her tremendous talents, the senior was naturally forced into a leadership role, now as a senior she is embracing her role as a leader.
“My goals as a leader are to take my team as far as I can and to have us have a fun environment,” Brown said.
SALINA AREA GIRLS GOLF POLL WINNER
McPherson’s Brodie Kuhn
By Hayden Swope
McPherson’s Brodie Kuhn has made a major impact on the team over the years, including being a team leader and helping to bring the team to state. The first team all-league golfer has been putting in the work over the offseason.
“I’ve been preparing for the season by putting in a lot of time with my short game, trying to improve with my approach shots and overall just working on being more confident with every shot,” Kuhn said.
While she’s had some experience at state before, Kuhn’s expectations are high for this season.
“My goal this season individually is to place at state in the top 10,” Kuhn said. “I also want to dial in my approach shots, which will hopefully keep me constantly shooting low seventies this season. My team goal is to get to state and make it today two with the whole team.”
Kuhn is excited to see how high their chances of going to state are this year, but she is more excited to play with a familiar face.
“This season I’m most excited about playing with my younger sister,” Kuhn said. “It’s her first year playing high school golf and she’s almost as good as me.
I’m also excited about the opportunity my team has to go to state this year, and hopefully we can get close to a win.”
Kuhn has hopes to further both her academic and athletic careers after high school.
“I hope to play college golf in my future, but I don’t know where yet,” Kuhn said. “After college golf, I hope to join a dental program and get into that career for my future.”
By Matt Browning
McPherson’s Tripp Pelzel
The McPherson boys cross country team took third at the state meet last season and returner Tripp Pelzel is excited that even better things are in store for the 2025 season.
“I’m super excited to see what our team can do this year after finishing third at state last season,” Pelzel said. “We lost some key runners, but I’m also excited to see who is going to step up this season and how we push each other.”
Pelzel had a solid track season and he hopes that equates to an even better cross country season.
“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger and more confident, and I’m ready to step up and take my performance to the next level,” Pelzel said.
The middle of the race is the one area of competition that Pelzel is focusing on improving
By Matt Browning
this season.
“In my freshman season last year, that’s where I kind of struggled,” Pelzel said.
“I want to be able to hold my pace and find that extra gear to stay with someone when it gets tough. This offseason I’ve been working on staying more focused during long runs and picking up the pace as the workout goes on, while improving my time significantly.”
SALINA AREA GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY POLL WINNER
Moundridge’s Haylee Jantz
injuries throughout last track season so she made it a point to give her body some rest throughout the offseason.
For her sophomore season, Moundridge cross country runner Haylee Jantz was the only girl on her team and then as a junior, she had one teammate.
Now a senior, Jantz is excited to have a full team.
“So this is my first year with an actual team I can score with,” Jantz said. “I can’t wait to make memories with these girls and see what we can do. I’m also super excited to finish my senior year strong and with no regrets.”
Jantz dealt with
“I fought an injury all of last track season so rest has been really beneficial and important,” Jantz said.
Improving her endurance and speed was also important for Jantz to work on so she can improve on her 21st place finish at the state meet.
“I have been training with my Coach in order to grow my endurance and speed,” Jantz said. “I have also been strength training with Revive Performance for the summer.”
Perhaps more than resting her body or focusing on speed or endurance, Jantz knows she has to remain confident throughout an entire race. Having that mindset could make her senior year a memorable one.
“Being able to go up to the start line thinking ‘I can do this’ and keeping that mindset and confidence throughout the whole race and season,” Jantz said. “Knowing that I have done the training and everything that comes with it and just being able to show it.”
Ellsworth Volleyball
By Matt Browning
With so many players back from last season’s 21-19 team, optimism is abound for the Ellsworth volleyball team this season.
“We had over 20 plus girls in the gym all summer learning the new system,” said coach Kristy Rodriguez. “Practices have been extremely competitive; girls are pushing each other to elevate their game.”
The competition in offseason workouts and early practices has led to the understanding that no position is a guarantee and that everything will be earned.
“The team knows iron sharpens iron and
it’s this culture of accountability that is fueling the girls confidence,” Rodriguez said. “The are pushing each other to get better and refusing to back down from challenges. They have adopted a ‘do hard things’ mentality, understanding that growth comes through hard work, effort, and discomfort. The have fully bought into my new system. Trusting the process and each other. That buy-in paired with their work ethic, is what makes this group so exciting to coach.”
All six starters return this season for the Bearcats, including first team all-league selection Alexis Moore and four-year starter and honorable mention all-league selection Elyse Haxton. With so much experience back, Rodriguez understands how that translates into expectations.
“The expectation is to come out and compete every night to the best of our ability and if we do that we have the potential to be one of the toughest teams in our league and make a deep postseason run,” said Rodriguez.
Nick Rhodes - Broker
By Matt Browning
Ellsworth’s Alexis Moore
Ellsworth’s Alexis Moore understands that volleyball can be a frustrating sport at times, but being able to overcome the mental hurdles is just one area she is focused on improving for the 2025 season.
“My main area for improvement is ‘controlling the controllables,’” Moore said. “I want to be able to brush off all the bad and play point by point. I have worked in practice every day to just keep smiling and be positive after every play.”
The Bearcats play in a super competitive league, so being able to say they are the best is a goal for Moore.
“The biggest goal I have for us this season is to take league,” Moore said. “The league we are in is incredibly competitive and filled with so many talented athletes and great coaches. I want to make history with this team and I know we have the best group to do it.”
Moore’s offseason was volleyball nonstop. From individual workouts to large team camps, she was busy trying to get
better.
“I spent a lot of time in the gym this summer with the team, my family, myself, and several college coaches and athletes,” Moore said.
“I went to several recruitment camps that helped me gain so much knowledge and perfect certain areas in my game.”
Being a senior, Moore wants to soak up every moment over the two-month season.
“This season, I’m most excited to play with my girls one last time,” Moore said. “This team has become my family and I can’t wait to see how far we go within our league and in the post season.”
Salina Sacred Heart’s Skylar Douglas
By Blake Chadwick
As a senior guard for Salina Sacred Heart, Skylar Douglas knows that she wants her last season to end the right way. How she does that? By being a leader and continuing to better herself and the program.
“(My) personal goals I have for myself this year are to become more dominant with my right hand, be a good leader and role model for my team during practices and games, and become a better defender,” Douglas said. “(The) goals I have for the team this year are playing faster and more effectively, limiting turnovers, becoming more dominant on the boards (rebounding), and most importantly making it to state.”
Douglas is a do-it-all type of player who can really fill the stat sheet up.
“My biggest strengths are being a left handed player,” Douglas said. “I love assisting my teammates and getting them points more than I love scoring myself.
“ can take it to the hoop and knock down threes, and I’m long and lengthy so I can always get a hand on the ball.”
As her high school career clock starts ticking, Douglas plans to make sure she has no regrets. “Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Douglas said. “I plan to be a leader for my team this year by pushing my teammates during practices, holding them accountable, communicating effectively with them during drills, scrimmages and games, and picking up my teammates whenever something goes wrong.”
ACL Tear & Injury: Recovery & Physical Therapy Treatment
What is an ACL Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize your knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and promotes stability by keeping your knee from sliding too far forward or excessively rotating. When the ACL is torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, making everyday activities difficult or impossible. Understanding what causes it, the symptoms, and treatment options is important for anyone who wants to protect their knees and recover well.
Who’s Most Likely to Sustain an ACL Tear?
ACL injuries are surprisingly common. Research shows that approximately 200,000 ACL tears occur annually in the United States alone. These injuries are especially frequent among athletes involved in sports requiring sudden stops, pivots, or jumps, like soccer, basketball, football, skiing, and volleyball. Statistically, females have a higher risk of ACL tears compared to males, with some studies suggesting as much as 2 to 8 times greater risk. This difference is often attributed to anatomical, hormonal, and neuromuscular factors. However, anyone, regardless of gender or age, can sustain an ACL injury.
ACL Tear Causes
ACL tears typically happen in two main ways: contact and non-contact injuries.
Contact Injuries
These occur when an external force directly impacts the knee, such as a tackle in football or a collision in soccer. Examples include:
• A player being hit on the side of the knee, causing it to buckle inward (valgus force)
• Landing awkwardly after a jump with someone else landing on your leg
• Hyperextension of the knee caused by a sudden force
Non-Contact
Injuries
Interestingly, the majority of ACL tears (up to 70%) happen without direct contact. These usually happen during sudden changes in direction, rapid deceleration, or improper landing from a jump. Common mechanisms include:
• Cutting or pivoting quickly while running
• Twisting the knee while the foot is planted
• Landing from a jump with the knee in an unstable position
The ACL is vulnerable during these movements because they may place stress on the ligament that exceeds its capacity to resist twisting or forward motion of the tibia relative to the femur.
ACL Tear Symptoms
If you tear your ACL, you may notice several signs right away:
• A sudden “pop” or snapping sensation in the knee at the time of injury
• Immediate swelling within a few hours
• Pain, especially when trying to bear weight or walk
• Loss of full knee range of motion (difficulty straightening or bending fully)
• A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way,” especially when walking or changing directions
Although an MRI is the gold standard for an ACL tear diagnosis, physical therapists can perform special testing which can help rule in/out the possibility of a tear.
Is Surgery Required?
One of the biggest questions after an ACL tear is whether surgery is necessary. Research shows that the ACL has limited capacity to heal on its own once torn. However, not everyone with an ACL tear requires surgery.
Patients can be categorized into two groups: “copers” and “non-copers.”
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Copers are individuals who can compensate for the lack of a functional ACL by improving strength, stability, and movement patterns, often through targeted physical therapy. Some high-level athletes, like Tiger Woods and John Elway, have successfully played sports with a torn ACL.
That said, non-copers typically experience persistent instability, repeated knee giving way, or inability to return to desired activities without surgical reconstruction.
While surgery can restore mechanical stability, long-term research on returnto-play rates and functional outcomes is still evolving. Many people live active, fulfilling lives without an ACL, but it’s a decision best made with a healthcare professional’s guidance.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy (PT) is a cornerstone of both non-surgical and surgical management of ACL tears. It’s often the only treatment for those who choose the non-operative route, and it plays a crucial role in preparing patients for surgery and in post-operative recovery.
Non-Operative Approach
For copers, PT focuses on building strength, especially in the muscles around the knee and hip, improving balance and proprioception (your body’s sense of position), and retraining movement patterns to avoid instability. With consistent guided rehab, many patients regain function without surgery.
Pre-Operative (Prehab) Phase
If surgery is planned, physical therapy beforehand is essential. Getting the knee as strong, mobile, and pain-free as possible before surgery leads to better postoperative outcomes. Prehab helps reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and build strength.
Post-Operative Rehab
After ACL reconstruction, physical therapy guides the recovery process through phases:
• Regaining full knee motion and controlling swelling
• Rebuilding strength and stability
• Retraining gait and functional movement
• Progressing to running, jumping, and sport-specific drills
• Restoring confidence in the knee to safely return to prior levels of activity
Physical therapists are experts at balancing progression, pushing you enough to improve but not so fast that you risk re-injury. They use a combination of timebased milestones (weeks since surgery) and functional milestones (strength tests, movement quality) to safely guide your return to activity.
Final Thoughts
An ACL tear is a serious injury but not the end of an active lifestyle. Regardless of your chosen surgical or non-operative route, physical therapy is essential to regain knee function and confidence.
