VYPE Kansas - SCK September 2024

Wellington’s Blair Daugherty

Maize South‘s Danny Derath

Buhler’s Natalya Krafel

Chaparral’s Kaylee Swartz

Kapaun Mt. Carmel‘s Andrew Guyer

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.

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Daxton Weakley - Ark City

By Matt Browning

Daxton Weakley from Ark City knew something was wrong, but wasn’t sure exactly what happened when he was wrestling in the Geary, OK Tournament.

“During the match I had a sudden pain in my left shoulder,” Weakley said. “I had to take an injury time out because I was sure I had dislocated my shoulder or something. This wasn’t stopping me from continuing this match so I went back in and finished. After the match was over, I realized that I could no longer move my arm up or down or side to side. It would just hang there.”

Weakley had torn his labrum and had surgery on December 22. Then rehabilitation at Advanced Physical Therapy.

“In the beginning the rehab process was

a bit painful,” Weakley said. “It seemed to be a slow process to regain mobility which was the first step in the process. The staff at APT would teach me exercises to do at home and at school to help this process in regaining mobility and strength. They would also help lift my arm and shoulder and stretch my shoulder to help with the mobility.”

Advanced Physical Therapy did wonders for Weakley, who spent 16 weeks going to rehabilitation.

“Since my injury ended any and all sports the remainder of my Sophomore year, physical therapy seemed like it took forever,” Weakley said. “This process was not only physically challenging but mentally challenging as well. I would recommend APT to anyone. The staff was great and were always very helpful to me.”

YMCA #YiBelong Spotlight

Kelly Perez

By Matt Browning

In 2021, Kelly Perez’s son was interested in playing basketball for the YMCA, but his team had no coach. The rest, as they say, is history.

“When I found out that my son’s team had no coach I was approached about the idea and although I have never coached basketball in my life, I was eager to learn the sport and teach the young group of children I had,” Perez said.

Now three years later, Perez is still coaching at the YMCA; currently flag football.

SPORTS FOR ALL

“As of right now I only coach flag football,” Perez said. “I have two teams that I coach. I have a 2nd/3rd grade team as well as a 4th/5th grade team. My weekly routine during season is that I work my day job and on Wednesdays I coach both teams with back-to-back practices. My older team runs an extra off site practice on Thursday.”

There was no doubt that Perez’s best memory from coaching came from his son.

“The greatest memory I have is when my son scored his first touchdown,” Perez said. “I mean it’s hard to forget when that’s all he talked about for a week.”

The influence and change Perez has had in kid’s lives is what makes coaching so gratifying and he would encourage others to volunteer for that very reason.

“Take a leap of faith and go for it even if you don’t have a kid that plays sports at the YMCA,” Perez said. “You can always be the change in someone’s life that they are looking for.”

Mulvane’s Lexi Cunningham

Mulvane’s Lexi Cunningham has been playing volleyball for over eight years of her life and now as a senior, she is ready to make some dreams come true.

“Lexi is a highly driven individual who strives to show leadership through her physical performance,” head coach Jennifer Long said. “She has evolved as an athlete and individual the past two years I have coached and will be a core element in the success of our season.”

The senior is a big and skillful outside hitter for the Wildcats who makes plays whenever she gets a touch on the ball.

TAYLOR ZEKA’S SHELTER ATHLETE

“My goals for the year are to be a strong team leader, make a league mention at the end of the season, and have the best last season I can,” Cunningham said. “I have the ability to be unphased by challenging hard teams, but also able to bounce right back after a bad play or any adversity I may face.”

The senior accumulated 152 digs, 113 kills and 25 blocks last season when she was named an all-league honorable mention hitter.

The stats aren’t the only thing on her mind though as she is also taking on a lot as a leader for the Wildcats.

“As a leader this year I plan to spread positivity, lead change, inspire those around me, and ultimately help leave Mulvane Volleyball a better program all together,” Cunningham said. “(I want) everyone to unite and work as one, I would also like to make it to state this year as a team.”

Emerson Waldren Buhler

Buhler’s Emerson Waldren led the Crusaders in most statistical categories last season, including kills (190), aces (35), blocks (19) and digs (207).

But that has not stopped Waldren from demanding more of herself in 2024.

“I would like to improve my hitting and be more consistent with offense and scoring,” Waldren said. “I would also want to be more aggressive on defense as well as more vocal so I can be a well-rounded player on the court. During the offseason, I used the gym time to work on some areas I lacked in defense while I communicated with my teammates and worked on building efficient skills for hitting.”

To go along with the general improvement she wants to see, Waldren is hoping this year is a springboard for the future of Buhler volleyball.

“I hope this season will have our program become more solidified and developed for the years to come,” Waldren said.

While hoping to play volleyball in college, Waldren, just a junior, understands how important this season is for potentially playing collegiately.

“I want to focus on getting through my junior year to put myself in a good position for senior year,” Waldren said. “I’m uncommitted as of now but I plan on playing volleyball in college.”

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Wichita Southeast’s Jacob Lacio

By Blake Chadwick

After finishing the season with an 11-7 record in 2023, their first winning season since 2018. Senior striker Jacob Lacio and Wichita Southeast are ready to build off of a good year where they saw a lot of success, especially for Lacio, who scored 10 goals and dished out seven assists while being named to the AllMetro third team and All-City honorable mention team.

The senior isn’t taking his opportunities for granted, though.

“I am so grateful to be recognized as one of the best players in the city, and it makes me proud of myself for all the work I have put in to get where I am at,” Lacio said. “Sometimes I feel like I am not where I should be or I am not doing good enough, but then I remember that two years ago when I was on a JV, I would have been blown away by the way I am playing and all of my accomplishments, and I also know that there are kids out there that would love to be given chances like I am given so I don’t take any of it for granted.”

Lacio is one of those guys who always seems to put the ball in the back of the net for the Buffaloes.

“He’s a really smart player and a good scorer,” head coach Cody Fitch said. “He was one of the top scorers in the City League last year. He knows how to be in the right place, and he is a great finisher. If there was one player you wanted the ball to come to in the box, it’s Jacob.”

Belle Plaine’s Tanner Bolster

By Cooper Chadwick

After breaking his wrist during the first game of the season in 2023 and missing most of the year, Belle Plaine’s Tanner Bolster returns with a different focus.

“One area I wanted to improve on this year was my mindset,” Bolster said. “Always staying prepared and focused and working out with the team.”

Bolster, who plays tight end and linebacker, started his comeback in the offseason working out with coach Michael Fox.

“I felt his workouts prepared me to be more successful strengthwise and durable for the upcoming season,” Bolster said.

After a two-win 2023 season, Bolster is ready to help show a different side of Belle Plaine football.

“I’m most excited to be able to show off all the hard work the team has put in over the summer and making great memories with our new coaches,” Bolster said.

Personal goals are not the only form of motivation for this junior.

“Some goals I have this season is to make it through without injury and make sure everyone can be successful. As a team I want to be able to have a better winning record and make our school standout,” Bolster said.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Ark City’s Christian Cabrera

By Blake Chadwick

Ark City’s Christian Cabrera is a twotime first team all-league player who has been the heart and soul of the Bulldogs since he was named a team captain as a freshman.

“(Christian) is an explosive twofooted attacking midfield player with excellent close control and dynamic dribbling ability,” head coach Andrew Stone said. (He) is unpredictable and dangerous in the final third and has shown impressive season-by-season technical, physical, and soccer IQ development.”

The senior is a center mid, who is extremely creative and a guy who has a lot of experience under his belt and has been described as a generational type of player for the Bulldogs.

“It means a lot to me to be called a generational player, but I’m just happy to help our soccer team progress,” Cabrera said. “To be called first is a big accomplishment for me.”

Cabrera finished last season with six goals and ten assists, bringing his total for his career to 14 goals and 16 assists.

But the senior isn’t satisfied just yet.

“My personal goals are to have at least 12 goals and 12 assists and get AVCTL DII All-League 1st team for the third year in a row,” Cabrera said.

“My team goals are to have an even win-loss ratio at least and to beat some of the bigger Wichita Schools, as we are one of the smallest 5A schools.”

Clearwater’s Kenzy McArtor

Clearwater’s Kenzy McArtor got a taste of state tournament volleyball a year ago.

“I am very excited for many things this season,” McArtor said. “Not only do we have most of our players returning this year, but also our hunger for a state title. I am excited for each and every game ahead of us.”

McArtor recorded 418 kills, 97 aces with a .309 hitting percentage and 226 digs. She was named the AVCTL Player of the Year and a first team allstate selection.

But she wants more.

“Some personal goals for the season include beating the school record of 529 kills in a season and break my existing

record of 97 aces,” McArtor said. “As a team I think we all just need to focus on one game at a time and our mental game. The stronger that is the easier it will be to get back to state.”

While McArtor is one of the best players in Class 4A, there were several areas of her game that she wanted to improve.

“I have wanted to improve my defense and off speed shots,” McArtor said. “As much as I love slamming balls on the ten foot line, a good roll shot or tip always comes in handy. I was able to get some summer lessons in to work on defense and off speed and got much better. I also had a chance to work on these skills throughout club season.”

Tayt Staedtler

By Hayden Swope

Tayt Staedtler, a dancer and musician, has always had a love for the stage. For years, you could find Staedtler behind a drum set, at the skatepark, or on stage performing.

Over the summer, Staedtler spent his time in Kansas City at the Kansas City Ballet School’s summer intensives. The long days and countless hours paid off for Staedtler, as he made endless memories and lifelong friends.

At the intensives, Staedtler was able to achieve his number one goal, and finally get the skill he had been working on, along with learning lots of other technique, discipline, and ballet basics.

Not only did Staedtler perfect himself in Kansas City this summer, but he also spent a good amount of time performing with the Metropolitan Ballet Company, located in Wichita. The company put on an outdoor ballet of

‘Aurora’s Wedding,’ at six different locations. On the other side, Staedtler found another love of music. Between concerts and playing himself, his love for music grew with his love of ballet. While dance and music go hand in hand, Staedtler has been thankful for all the opportunities that have come along.

Sports Card & Autograph Memorabilia

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Andover’s Bryer Geoffroy Andover’s Jordyn Washington

By Matt Browning

After a year off from high school tennis, Bryer Geoffroy is excited to be back on the court and this time with a new doubles partner.

“I am planning on playing doubles with a sophomore, Reese Wilborn, and I am very excited to get to know her and create a bond on the court,” Geoffroy said.

Geoffroy was focused on club track last season, so her offseason preparations for tennis were a bit different. But she still felt like her track preparations will be beneficial for tennis

“I have noticed the speed training has made me much quicker on the court, and helps me get to shots that I may not have been able to before,” Geoffroy said. “I have also been doing private and group lessons throughout the summer to get ready for school season.”

Power has never been an issue for Geoffroy, but now she is focused on improving her overall consistency.

“I believe I have enough power on my shots, so if I am able to get them more and more consistent it will make a drastic difference,” Geoffroy said. “That’s a big skill I worked on during off season. My coach would have me hit 20 balls in a row, and start over every time I missed. I would not be able to break until I got 20 consistently.”

By Matt Browning

Jordyn Washington from Andover Central has progressively increased her volleyball competition over the 10-plus years she has played the sport.

“I started playing YMCA volleyball and then moved to club in the 8th grade,” Washington said. “I played my first year with AVA volleyball and then played for Shockwave from freshman year to the end of junior year. This year I will be playing for a put together team called KNVBC, which is coached by the Bethel head coach, who is a former All-American middle at WSU.”

Washington’s initial involvement in volleyball was because her parents wanted she and her siblings to try different sports, but she instantly was in love.

“Volleyball was the second sport I ever tried and I fell in love with it so much at such a young age it became the only sport I focused on,” Washington said. “So much so that past the age of six it was the only sport I played until middle school track.”

While Washington will certainly pay attention to statistics and accolades, she is focused on bettering the Jaguar program in her final season.

“This year, as a senior, I truly do strive to be a great role model and leader for my team,” Washington said. “I want to be that person that people look at when things go wrong because they know I can reassure them and pick them up when they need it because my team will always be that for me.”

Andover’s Jordyn Clearly

By Hayden Swope

Andover’s Jordyn Clearly had a shortlived junior cross country season due to injury, but is ready to come back better than ever for her senior year.

“I run at Andover High School and have done track and field since eighth grade and have been on varsity all throughout high school,” Clearly said. “My junior year was my first time doing cross country; however I got a stress fracture three meets into the season.

Heading into her senior season, Clearly set goals for herself, and just a few weeks in, she is already crossing them off her checklist.

“My goal to start out this season was to break 20 minutes in the 5K, which I broke in the first two meets this year,” Clearly said. “My new goal for the rest of the season is to run in the mid 18’s. I’m hoping that I will place somewhere at state at the end of the season, and overall I am truly looking forward to growing myself as a runner and learning to enjoy the process as much as the milestones.”

Clearly stays in shape year round by running, and is on the Andover track and field team as well.

“I compete in track and field during the spring,” Clearly said. “I plan on competing in college.”

With lots left to go on her senior year, Clearly is keeping an open mind heading into the future.

“Currently I’m looking at schools,” Clearly said. “I have also been looking into business and teaching as possible majors. Overall I am pleased with the season so far and cannot wait to see what else me and my team can do.”

Andover’s Lauren Heinz

By Hayden Swope

Second team all-league selection Lauren Heinz of Andover has a big season ahead of her, and ready to add on to her accolades from last year. Heinz even broke the school record for most assists.

“This season the main goal I have for the team is to play cohesively and for each other,” Heinz said. “It would be awesome to finish off my high school career with another state appreciable and I believe this team has the talent and the heart to accomplish that.”

Heading into her final season at Andover, Heinz is still thankful for what brought her to the game of volleyball to begin with. Thanks to fate over ten years ago, Heinz is now one of the top players in AVCTL Division II.

“I started playing volleyball in first grade at the YMCA,” Heinz said. “I started playing because my family attended a volleyball game of a family friend and I thought it looked like so much fun.”

Heinz has big plans for after graduation and for the years to come.

“After high school I plan to study pre-law and major in political science or criminal justice,” Heinz said. “After that I want to attend graduate school and earn a law degree.”

Wichita Northwest’s Brooklyn Benoit

Brookyln Benoit of Wichita

Northwest has an ambitious goal for the 2024 season.

“My goal this season is to be the most dynamic hitter I can be and start getting better at hitting different shots,” Benoit said. “I would like to get 350 kills this season. As a team I would love to end top two in city league.”

Benoit has a family influence that led her to greatness on the volleyball court.

“I’ve been playing volleyball since I was 10 years old,” Benoit said. “I play for my mom. She was my first coach and she always pushed me to be the best and supported me through everything.”

Benoit’s 2023 season was a successful one and her hope is to eclipse those this season.

“In the 2023 season I was first team all-city hitter,” Benoit said. “Last season I had 216 kills, 300 digs and I served 92 percent.

The hope for Benoit is to play volleyball in college.

“I would like to go play volleyball in college and I’m currently going through the recruiting pro-cess with a few schools,” Benoit said. “I am looking into physical therapy in college.”

Wellington’s Blair Daugherty

By Matt Browning

From the moment she saw the SCCDAT table at Wellington’s open house, Blair Daugherty knew it was for her.

“I started with SCCDAT my freshman year,” Daugherty said. “I knew that being involved was important and when I found out what SCCDAT was about I felt it was a great fit.”

There are several key events the Wellington SCCDAT contributes to every year.

“SCCDAT is involved in all community events whether it’s a parade or Picnic in the Park during Wheat Festival,” Daugherty said. “We also are very involved during Red Ribbon Week and Suicide Prevention Month.”

SCCDAT has made Daugherty feel more comfortable about who she is and what she can do throughout the school.

“Being involved with SCCDAT, I’ve learned the importance of being myself and sometimes it’s hard for others to find that,” Daugherty said.

Daugherty said that any student who is interested in SCCDAT should not hesitate to join.

“Find a member,” Daugherty said. “Stop by the SCCDAT office and tell them you want to join.”

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SCCDAT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Campus’ Grace Black

By Blake Chadwick

Great teams only go as far as their leaders take them and for the Campus cross country team, Grace Black, is one of the best leaders that the Colts have had.

“Grace is a very kind and humble person,” head coach Cooper Clark said. “The kind of person who just exudes selflessness. She works incredibly hard to be a good runner, but will put the needs of the team and others first, if necessary. She brings a sense of calm and confidence with her each day.”

Black has been running since seventh grade in what was something that started off as a thing to keep her in shape but turned in to being something she loves and something that is fun to her.

On top of making it fun, Black has also made it fun for the rest of the team as for the second year in a row she has made a social calendar filled with days where they have themed practices, and special days to eat as a team.

“I would say that some of my biggest strengths are the ability to work with others, and including people,” Black said. “I have been trying very hard this year to be inclusive, specifically within the cross country team, because I want to be able to make everyone else feel welcome so they can enjoy their cross country experience as much as I have.”

Campus’ Kaleb Arneson

The Campus Colts are always one of the better teams in the area when it comes to cross country, and this year, senior Kaleb Arneson will look to lean on his experience as one of the leaders on the team.

Arneson has been running cross country for six years and has developed into a great runner for the Colts.

“Kaleb is an incredibly hard worker,” head coach Cooper Clark said. “He not only leads with his words, but by example too. I’d say a majority of the kids on the team look up to Kaleb, even the older ones. He just gets it.”

On top of Cross Country, the senior also is a part of the marching band, a lifeguard and an avid Halloween lover.

“I have spent about $2,000 on

animatronics from Spirit Halloween, and I store them in my room and my basement,” Arneson said.

“I started collecting them in 2021 with the animatronic named Baphomet, standing at 7.6 feet tall and looking like a goat demon. I knew I had to get him, and that’s what started it all.”

Despite that huge love for Halloween, the senior has plans before October 31, and that is wanting to break 17:30 in his 5k before trying to run at the next level.

Wichita North’s Gilbert Parga Rodriguez

After an 11-4-2 season with the Wichita North Redhawks a year ago, center back Gilbert Parga-Rodriguez was named to the first-team all-league.

“Gilbert is our best defender,” head coach Curt Wullschleger said. “He is a savvy player with tremendous upside. He has a strong soccer IQ, is an incredible athlete, a constant communicator, and a threat on set pieces.”

Parga-Rodriguez scored four goals and had two assists from his center back spot last year but knows he can be even better offensively.

“My personal goal for this season is to create more chances and score more goals,” Parga-Rodriguez said.

The senior has also taken on some more accountability off the field as well.

“After these past couple of seasons I’ve realized we need to improve on a lot of things,” Parga-Rodriguez said. “As a leader, I will help my teammates stay on top of their work in the classroom. We have had some bad performances these past years due to low-energy practices, so I will make sure every day we give it our all and leave it all on the field.”

The center back has a lot of confidence and knows how special he can be this season.

“My confidence on the field makes me stand out as a player as well as being the loudest player on the field,” PargaRodriguez said. “My team goals are to win city league, regionals, and state. We will need to work hard and stay focused every day to accomplish our goals.”

Wichita West’s Caleb Maholmes: KTA “Driving Change” Athlete Spotlight

By Matt Browning

Being a leader is something Wichita West football player Caleb Maholmes takes seriously.

“To be a leader is being an example for others and show them rights from wrong,” Maholmes said. “It’s one of, if not the most important thing on my team.”

Maholmes said he is depended on by his coaches to be an extension of them.

“He (West head coach Jeremy Moss) looks to me to guide my team to greatness and success,” Maholmes said.

There are two types of leaders and Maholmes considers himself to be good at both.

“I consider myself to be both vocal leader and leader by example but, both of them are equally important to me,” Maholmes said.

Leaving the Pioneer football program better when he leaves than it was when he first started is important to Maholmes. He wants to set a standard for every player that comes through the program.

“I try to do the same to influence and motivate my underclassmen as much as I can because I want leave a legacy when I leave Wichita West High School,” Maholmes said.

Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Brady Carter

By Cooper Chadwick

With a tough schedule ahead, senior Trey Lacy is confident that he and the rest of the Kapaun Mount Carmel soccer team are ready for it.

“Last season was a good season, but we are looking to do better this year. Our chemistry is high this year, and we are in good shape. I’m excited to get rolling this season!” Lacy said.

Lacy, who plays left wing and center attacking midfielder, is hyperfocused on bettering his leadership.

“I want to improve my overall leadership on the field as well as my ability to perform in crucial times of the game,” Lacy said. “It’s one thing to have a good team, but it’s another to have a good program and be a good leader. I’m hoping to be a leader and a big motivator for my team.

The senior is optimistic that the time put in this offseason will set him and his team above the rest.

“Our conditioning has been pretty brutal this summer, but at the end of the day the team knows it’s going to benefit us in the long run and could be the difference between a win or a loss for us,” Lacy said. “I think my fitness will play a good part in that I’ve put a lot of work in this summer making sure I’m in the best shape for this season. The fitness could be the difference, whether I’m running to a through ball in the final minutes or I’m getting back on defense and making a tackle, but it’s things like that that I think will really set me apart from most this year.”

DAMM WELLNESS CLINIC DERBY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Derby’s Houston Bowlin

By Angela Brunk

Junior classmen Houston Bowlin from Derby High School is lacing up his cleats to prepare for the first football game of the season. Bowlin plays defensive tackle/nose guard for The Panthers. Like most high school athletes, the ultimate goal is to get a state championship title and Bowlin is no different. He and his teammates have their eyes set on preparing for postseason play. During the season, Bowlin mentioned he wants everyone on the team to stay healthy, since football season can wrack some hefty injuries on a team.

Bowlin is most looking forward to the new teams and competition Derby will get to play this season. Hays and Valley Center are teams Derby has not seen in recent years, and it will be interesting to see how the new competition stacks up.

Going into the season, Bowlin worked on training to know his position better for this season. Bowlin hit the gym to do various workouts to increase his speed and strength. In addition to this training, Bowlin also went to camps to increase his skills on the football field. With the extra practice and training, Bowlin will be bound to reach his goal of a minimum of 50 tackles during the season and would like to have a couple of sacks as well.

Bowlin is just entering his junior year and has yet to decide on his future college, but he would love to play football in college. Not only does Bowlin play football, but during the spring sport’s season, Bowlin can be found on the golf course competing for Derby.

Bishop Carroll’s Isaac Lager

By Cooper Chadwick

Spearheading the return of an experienced defense is senior center back Isaac Lager, who is ready to step into a leadership role and guide Bishop Carroll to a state championship.

“As a team, I believe a state championship is an achievable goal especially this year with our experience. Bishop Carroll has been a very successful program and good things are always expected of us,” Lager said. “As long as we keep getting better every day, great things will happen.”

He’s excited about having a team that understands the game.

“I am most excited about the experience we are bringing into this season. We have a lot of young guys returning as upperclassmen that will be great tools for the team,” Lager said.

As a senior, Lager is focused on creating bonds and keeping culture alive on and off the field.

“This year I want to improve my leadership for the team. As a senior who’s played for four years, people look up to me and I want to be a role model,” Lager said.

While Lager is a multisport athlete who plans to play baseball at William Jewell College and study civil engineering, he still made it a priority to be at all the summer camps.

“I have to balance my training. For soccer I am in the weight room a lot focusing on my strength as well as my athleticism,” Lager said. “I do my best to make it to camps and practices as well as conditioning so I can be around my teammates as much as possible to develop that trust and accountability that makes teams great.”

LANDON HEAD’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Maize South‘s Danny Derath

By Blake Chadwick

Maize South’s Danny Derath is a part of a long list of Derath’s who have been great soccer players, what makes him different is that this year he has a legit chance to become a three-time state champion for the Mavericks.

Derath is fresh off of a season where he had four goals and eight assists as a junior while being hounded by opposing teams’ defenses.

“When you have a Derath on your team, you know you have one of the top soccer bloodlines in the Wichita area,” head coach Rey Ramirez said. “He is a nifty, creative, and attack-minded player with a knack for goal.”

The Mavericks, the reigning back-to-back champions, and the 5A favorites, have a big hole to fill after losing USA Today Player of the Year, Vitor Geromel. Geromel led the way with 42 goals and 18 assists; with that gone, Derath can fill those big shoes.

“The team is really special this year, Derath said. “We did lose one of our biggest pieces with our last senior class, but that won’t stop us from winning it all. Our chemistry this year on and off the field is great.”

Determined to claim his third consecutive state championship, Derath has even added a personal incentive: a team-wide haircut celebration if they win it all.

“As far as the state championships, two of the most unforgettable experiences for me as a player,” Derath said. “My four years of playing in high school have been high level and high expectations. Our coaches are great and have helped us and me especially to improve and get to that state championship all three of my years. This isn’t our state champ team from last year nor are we state champs yet, but it’s bound to happen.”

DAVID KAUFFMAN’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita’s Claire Buss

By Hayden Swope

Just a sophomore for Wichita East last season, volleyball athlete Claire Buss was a first team all-league athlete for the Blue Aces. This year, she’s got much more to prove.

To prepare, Buss has the same mindset heading into every game; a mindset that benefits her and her team on the court.

“I like to focus on staying calm during intense games and being encouraging towards my team,” Buss said.

When it isn’t school season, you can probably find Buss still playing the game she loves.

“I play for Wichita East in the fall and then I play for Showtime VBC during the club season,” Buss said.

Now a junior in high school, Buss still remembers her years of experience playing by the net.

“I started playing volleyball when I was about five years old,” Buss said. “My parents put me in a whole bunch of sports when I was younger but volleyball is the one I stuck with.”

Buss hopes to continue her athletics after high school, but is still deciding where the future may take her.

“I know that I want to play in college, I just don’t know where or what I want to do when I am older quite yet,” Buss said.

Derby’s Aiden Heckathorn

“I have a goal to win a state championship with my team.” Stated Aiden Heckathorn, senior quarterback from Derby High School. From the time Heckathorn started playing football at the age of 13, the goal was always to come away with a state championship before graduating.

However, not everything is looking up for Derby quarterback. This season may produce some challenges for Heckathorn. “I am coming off a torn meniscus and have to get surgery in December, but I have been playing through it.”

Even through the hard things, Heckathorn shared “I know God has me and has a plan for me.” This season Heckathorn is looking forward to all the things senior season has.

“I am looking forward to this season because it’s my last one before I leave for college.” During this season, Heckathorn wants to enjoy every second and not waste any opportunities given.

“I’m really looking forward to senior night to be able to share a game with all the guys I’ve built connections with over the past few years since I’ve came to Derby.” During junior year, Heckathorn’s season was cut short because of the KSHSAA transfer rules. However, Heckathorn took advantage of this time and learned to be a better quarterback by learning from last season’s starting quarterback Braxton Clark, a 2024 Derby graduate.

After graduating from high school this coming spring, Heckathorn wants to stay close to home and committed to Sterling College. While at Sterling, Heckathorn will study finance with a plan to become a financial analyst. Heckathorn used to play baseball but has decided to focus time on football.

Wichita Collegiate’s Carlyle Johnson

By Matt Browning

Not too long ago, volleyball wasn’t something Wichita Collegiate’s Carlyle Johnson enjoyed.

“I have played volleyball since sixth grade,” Johnson said. “I used to be a tennis player and hat-ed volleyball, but I began to love it. I love playing because of all the relationships I have built. To me, volleyball is an outlet to release my competitiveness and play with the people I love.”

According to Johnson, the 2024 season for Collegiate volleyball is all about rebuilding and doing so with effort. She also is hoping to get to a certain number of kills by the time her high school career comes to a close.

“We lost some valuable players last year, so we have spent a lot of time growing closer as a team,” Johnson said. “Personally, my goal is to reach 1,000 kills by the end of the season. As a team, we are improving on our scrappiness and allout effort.”

Up next for Johnson is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“For college I am committed to play volleyball and study at Duke University,” Johnson said. “I am excited to continue to play throughout college at a great school. I hope to major in some area of business.”

The regions #1 sports radio station and the region’s #1 high school sports media venue combine for the area’s

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Valley Center’s Drake Thornton

By Matt Browning

Valley Center made the jump to AVCTL Division II this season, which is exciting to senior football player Drake Thornton.

“Something I’m most excited about this season playing tougher competition after moving up a division and winning games,” Thornton said.

Since the season ended in 2023, Thornton has been preparing for the 2024 season.

“During the summer I attend ‘Hornet Pride’ for lifting and conditioning,” Thornton said. “In the winter I go through ‘Off Season; which is a series of workouts everyday as well as conditioning. I also went to a Friends camp and an Emporia camp during the summer.”

Thornton is hoping his work throughout the offseason will pay off for him and the Hornets this season.

“Something I want to improve this year is my speed and endurance, being able to keep up a good game and get touchdowns,” Thornton said. “I helped myself get better at this by conditioning and running drills.”

Last year, Thornton recorded 35 total tackles, eight of which were for a loss, but the expectation for himself is to improve those numbers this season.

“Some of my individual goals are to improve from last season, getting tackling stats up, and showing out to show scouts my skills,” Thornton said.

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

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.

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

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!

Salina South Soccer

By Matt Browning

The Salina South boys soccer team took third at the Class 5A state tournament last season and return a solid core in 2024.

Justifiably, expectations are high for the Cougars this season.

“For this team there are 3 things we want,” head coach Trey Crow said. “We host our first ever tournament as a school early in the season and want to

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win that. During the season we play in a very tough league and finished fourth last year, we want to finish in the top two, hopefully No. 1. We want to make it to Super Saturday and hopefully in that championship game (of state).”

The Cougars’ top returning player is forward Rylan Snell, who was a second team all-league forward last season. But Salina South also brings back forward Rodrigo Palacios, midfielders Franklin Figueroa and Bret Jones, defender

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.

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Parents, coaches, principals, teachers and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or Mike.cooper@vype.com

Damon McDonald and goalie Luke Matto – all were honorable mention allleague selections a year ago.

“If we can get on the same page with each other we have the potential to be very dynamic offensively,” Crow said.

“Last year we finish with over 70 goals and one of our goals this season is to push that mark. We have technical players all over the pitch and when they work together they will be tough to slow down.”

Augusta’s Gabe Kohls

By Matt Browning

While Augusta’s Gabe Kohls has not had to deal with many hardships from his dad being involved in the military, he certainly has had to learn how to be disciplined and regimented.

“I am fortunate enough to have not had to deal with an active duty life where you move around a lot,” Kohls said. “But I have been able to learn the discipline and work ethic from the military that has allowed me to excel in both school and In my life.”

Paying attention to detail and accomplishing all of the small things were significant in the Kohls household.

“The more difficult memories that I have is when I forgot to clean my room once,” Kohls said. “My dad is super big on being big in the little things and when I didn’t keep up my word and didn’t pay attention to detail I was in huge trouble.”

The way he was raised has led Kohls to want to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I have been raised with all the morals and discipline for the military, so I’m right at home when I get into a military environment,” Kohls said.

Rather than turning away from it, Kohls recommends military kids to embrace the discipline and regiments.

“You’re going to have to deal with more strict discipline than other kids but in the end, it will truly make you a better person,” Kohls said. “Keep your eyes and ears open and learn as much as you can.”

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Wichita Trinity’s Cooper Matthews

Senior midfielder Cooper Matthews is quite clear on what he wants this season.

“As far as team goals, there’s only one. State championship,” said Matthews, a returning senior midfielder.

Matthews finished last season leading the team with 35 goals and 15 assists, earning first team all-state honors. But he didn’t get complacent.

“The main thing I want to improve for this year is my leadership skills. I’ve worked really hard on my overall soccer game all throughout high school, but I’ve sometimes neglected the leadership aspect,” Matthews said.

His barrage of goals and assists last year helped secure a verbal commitment to Westmont college, which is a Division II school in California, where he will be studying business.

Matthews’ mind has not drifted from his goal despite already making his college commitment.

“This summer, I have been going to summer workouts and individual training sessions to get ready for the season,” Matthews said. “I worked on building my relationships with the incoming freshmen and the other guys on the team so that I know how to lead better throughout the season.”

While this isn’t Matthews’ last year playing soccer he still wants to make the most of his high school season.

“I’m most excited for another shot at the state title and for one last chance to play with my friends,” Matthews said.

Wichita East’s Sa’Lah Anderson

With a competitive season ahead in a stacked City League conference, senior Sa’Lah Anderson believes her training will prepare her to help her team have a successful season.

“I’m excited for our competition allowing us to showcase our improvements for me personally and as a team, as well,” Anderson said.

Anderson, who plays middle for the East High Blue Aces is not strictly a volleyball player, which she believes will give her a step up from last season.

“I also play other sports which allow me to get some extra training in. I was a part of the WSU team camp and participated in conditioning and weight training for volleyball, which has been a specific area of

improvement for me since the last season,” Anderson said.

Aside from improving her focus in the weight room, on the court Anderson also wants to become a better team player.

“Being more intentional with every ball I touch to maximize my role as a team member,” Anderson said.

“I want to bring my team together cohesively and build team chemistry to better the program and leave a better legacy behind.”

Anderson still is improving her game even after coming off of a monster season, ranking second in 6A with blocks and earning All-State honorable mention and first team all-city as a hitter.

Buhler’s Natalya Krafel

Natalya Krafel is a valuable player for Buhler High School’s volleyball team. As a senior, Krafel and her teammates would like to make a deep run into the state tournament this year. The previous three years, Buhler has not met this goal, but the team is determined to make things happen this season. Krafel shared with Vype Magazine how she would love for Buhler to be able to host sub-state as well. A personal goal for Krafel this season is to average a very high hitting efficiency.

Rivalry games are always fun for competitors and Krafel’s is looking to competing against McPherson, a long-standing rival for Buhler.

In addition to competing against McPherson, Krafel’s is also looking forward to playing some of the top teams in 4A, such as Andale and Clearwater.

During the offseason, Krafel has been working on perfecting her hitting. Hitting and blocking are two areas Krafel really contributes to her team and working on different types of hitting such as slide and push, has been a focus for Krafel. These two areas, hitting and blocking, are two of Krafel’s favorite parts of the game.

After graduation, Krafel would like to study law at a college out of state to eventually become a lawyer. Although undecided at which college to attend, Krafel is interested in playing basketball in college. Grand Canyon University is a potential college Krafel has her eyes on. In addition to volleyball, Krafel plays basketball during the winter months for the high school and soccer in the spring.

Rose Hill’s Samuel Lovell

By Ken Hansard

Rose Hill senior Samuel Lovell got into cross country in the same way many kids do. When he started out, he was running for his love of another sport; however, as time passed, he grew to love the sport of running itself, “I’ve always had a love for sports since a young age and have competed in several sports. My love for running started in eighth grade when my parents recommended I do it to get in shape for basketball. and it eventually became my main sport.”

Fast-forward four years, and Lovell is now leading the way for the Rockets on the course. He has been named the team captain and therefore also leads his teammates, metaphorically, as a mentor. “I am very optimistic; I think we are going to have a much stronger team. Personally, I am also optimistic about my own prospects this year.”

So far, so good. Lovell, who was named First-Team All-League last year, will be competing in Division IV of the AVCTL this year, and in his only race so far this year, he came in strong with an 11th place finish. However, despite his solid placing, it still doesn’t meet the standard that Samuel plans to attain, “I’m running with the same team as last year, and we’re hoping to improve overall team performance. My personal best last year was 18:05 in the 5k. My season ended at regionals during a rough race where the course and weather got the best of me, and I didn’t race my best. I have bigger goals. I’m planning on going to state and getting onto our school record board for my final year.”

Samuel seems fully capable of achieving those goals and more, and to prepare for that, he did a lot of work in the off-season in hopes of doing something that he couldn’t achieve last season – staying fully healthy for the duration of the season, “I just need to stay healthy and stay consistent in my training. In the off-season, I did a lot of cross training and personal physical therapy.”

There isn’t a whole lot of off-season for Samuel, as he also swims and runs track. Last spring on the track for the Rockets, he ran a 10:41 in the 3200 and 4:51 in the 1600, even though he was working through injuries throughout most of his junior campaign.

When he’s not competing for the Rockets in sports, Samuel stays active in Rose Hill’s school culture. He is a member of the Student Council and the prestigious National Honors Society. He is also an active member in his favorite club, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

Lovell’s plan for after graduation is to go to college. He is still undecided on a school; he would like to study to become a teacher and a coach at the high school level. Samuel also wants to be a youth pastor and says of that ambition, “That is something I just feel called to do.”

Haven’s Sienna DeFrain

By Matt Browning

Sienna DeFrain of Haven had solid hitting numbers last season: 116 kills with a hitting percentage of .096. But in 2024, she wants to move all over the front row in order to improve those numbers.

“I have been working hard to improve my hitting skills,” DeFrain said. “This summer, I worked more around hitting in the middle and understanding the concepts of quicks and right side hitting. My main focus was to learn how to control the direction of the ball versus hitting the ball straight into the block or down the middle. I worked with my coaches during our strength and conditioning about positioning and timing with my setters to improve my IQ of volleyball and chemistry with my setters.”

DeFrain spent a great deal of time in the offseason not only working on her hitting, but also getting herself into better shape.

“I went to our strength and conditioning program and

Wichita West’s Rhytrale Wilson

By Ken Hansard

Wichita West High senior Rhytrale Wilson is a bit of a jack of all trades. He plays safety on the defensive side of the ball and a running back and wide receiver on the offensive side. In the winter, he plays point guard and shooting guard for the Pioneers on the hardcourt, but his introduction to sports came from playing baseball as a youngster. And now, in his final year with the Pioneers, Wilson wants to make history at West High – he wants to win a state championship.

lifted three days a week,” DeFrain said. “I stayed afterwards to work on skills such as hitting, passing, and blocking to continue to improve my skills for the upcoming 2024 season.”

Building a better future for Haven volleyball is something else DeFrain is focused on this season.

“I am most excited about continuing to build onto the volleyball program for future athletics at Haven High,” DeFrain said. “Working with Coach Wendler this summer and seeing her passion for volleyball has motivated me to lead my team into a season of improvement and success.”

Wilson, who as a junior scored multiple touchdowns offensively for the Pioneers, was also awarded Honorable Mention All-State at safety. As for his goals beyond that potential state championship, Rhytrale says that he would really like, “To prove that we should be in the top five and to make it to state.” Wilson has also set some personal goals that are both realistic and achievable, “Mostly, I want to work to get recognition and hopefully some college offers, but first I need to continue to work on my skills for the next level. To do that, my goal is ‘No days off.’ I’m just working on making big plays on and off the field.”

When asked about his role with the team, Rhytrale responded, “I want to be the guy you can call on to make the game winning play or the hardest hit.” Making the hardest hit is something that Wilson has been preparing for since the first day he put on pads as a youngster, “My uncle took me to a little league football game, and I enjoyed it. I said I wanted to be out there. The next day he brought pads and a helmet and told me to knock down the clothing line pole. So I tried, and I did that every day until I finally tilted it just a bit.”

Following graduation from West High, Rhytrale wants to continue to play football at the collegiate level and would love to someday play on Sundays. More than anything, he would eventually love to, “Give back to my mom and help my siblings out.” As for career plans beyond the gridiron, Wilson has plans to become a real estate agent. He also mentioned that he would really enjoy doing something to help kids get scholarships more easily so that they can attend college without having to worry about money.

Wichita Southeast’s Emma McCormick

By Ken Hansard

A love of running and a penchant for competition come quite naturally to Wichita Southeast’s Emma McCormick. McCormick, a junior cross-country runner for the Buffs, needed every bit of that passion to help her train for this season. Many teams get together during the summer to run together. Having someone there to encourage them and push them is one of the top things that athletes attribute to success. But McCormick spent most of the summer pushing herself to excellence, “I tried hard to improve my running form and endurance over the summer. I practiced most days on my own.”

Although just a junior, Emma considers herself to be someone that the team can count on to lead them to that same desire to make progress, “I love running, so I hope I help others on my team to love it, too. I also hope I can encourage others to reach their own personal running goals.”

As for her own personal goals, Emma states, “My goals are to improve my PR times and hopefully make it to State.” Improving upon her personal best time would mean that McCormick would also improve upon the school record, which she currently owns outright.

Emma finished last season 15th at the GWAL City League meet, but despite setting her new P.R. and re-setting the Buffs’ program record by running a 21:18 at a loaded regional meet, she still narrowly missed the qualifier for state. This year, she plans to finish her season at Rim Rock. However, to do that, Emma says that she will first have to overcome some running injuries that she has been battling. With McCormick’s drive and love of the sport, that obstacle seems imminently surmountable.

When she is not running cross country, Emma is extremely active in other extra-curricular activities, both for the Buffaloes and outside of school. She lettered in track last spring for the Buffs and has played basketball for them, as well. She has also participated in band, AVID, and the Girl Scouts. With college a full two years off, Emma has not yet committed to any big decisions about her future.

THE TIRE STORE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Northwest’s Reese Johnson

By Ken Hansard

The Wichita Northwest Grizzlies’ volleyball team finished last season 21-15, with a 13-3 record in the GWAL / City League and falling just short of reaching state after a tough loss to Manhattan at substate. This year, the Grizzlies and junior libero and defensive specialist, Reese Johnson, would like to take that next step. With a new season and a coaching change, Johnson has been able to put her expectations into perspective, “I look forward to growing as a player but more importantly as a team, and I look forward to just having fun. We’ll be adjusting to new coaches and their system; every coach is different and presents a new learning opportunity.”

Reese put up a strong showing herself during her sophomore campaign, ranking third in digs in Kansas 6A. This was impressive enough to earn her a nomination as Second-Team AllCity as a libero. Reese was especially proud of this accomplishment because, “The libero’s / defensive specialists in the GWAL are crazy good, so being recognized meant a lot to me.”

As a junior, Reese realizes that, even though her role as a player will not likely change, her role as a leader will, “Aside from the defensive aspects, my role is to communicate and keep up the energy of my teammates to get them ready for the next play. My personal goals are just to get better every day and always push myself and the team to give 110%. As for team goals, I hope to get first in the GWAL and qualify and compete at state with the best of the best and prove people wrong.”

Proving people wrong will entail meeting some challenges that are squarely in the Grizzlies’ path, “Two games I’m definitely looking forward to are Biship Carroll and Kapun Mt. Carmel because they are great teams and always put up such a good fight. They push our team to our full potential, making the games so fun! I am also looking forward to our substate games. Those games give you so much adrenaline and push you to play your best because everybody wants to win and go to state.”

Academically, Reese is a member of the Early College Academy program through Friends University. By the time she graduates, she will have enough hours from Friends to earn her associate’s degree. Reese has been on the Honor Roll each of her first two years of high school.

Reese’s current plans include going to college after high school to play volleyball and to study either kinesiology or forensics. Eventually, she would like to become a criminologist or a physical therapist.

Valley Center’s Kailee Abasolo

Kailee Abasolo from Valley Center fell in love with the outdoors through a simple activity.

“I started enjoying the outdoors when I was around 8 years old,” Abasolo said. “My parents got me started on neighborhood walks.”

Not only does Abasolo like the outdoors because of sports, but hobbies as well.

“The most time that I spend outdoors is playing softball,” Abasolo said. “I also love to fish outdoors with my family at the Sedgwick county park.”

It is the aesthetics and the way it makes her feel that draws Abasolo to being outside. There is a feeling she gets with nothing else.

“I find the outdoors very calming and pretty especially in the fall when the leaves start to turn all sorts of colors,” Abasolo said.

“Getting to watch the sunset most nights is a great pleasure.”

When she gets overwhelmed or needs to be reminded of some of the things she has done in the past, then you can find Abasolo outside.

“The outdoors for me provides a safe space where I can think and reset,” Abasolo said. “It also provides me with great memories with family and friends.”

Heston’s Regan Eilert

By Matt Browning

Hesston’s Regan Eilert thinks the school’s SAFE program makes a substantial impact not only on the school, but the community, too.

And they try a variety of ways to make that impact.

“We have so many kids from all the grade levels that enter our monthly drawings and that is a commitment because when they enter the drawings when we pick the winner we watched them and make sure they are wearing their seatbelt, not on their phone, and practicing safe driving,” Eilert said. “Also with the seatbelt surveys we conduct, we stand in the parking lot unannounced and we mark anonymously how many people where or where not wearing a seatbelt.”

Hesston uses a parody of a famous game show to talk about driving safety.

“One main event we put on is a game show like Jeopardy,” Eilert said. “We make teams by grade level and we ask general questions about driving safety. Some questions we ask are what age does a child not have to use a booster seat anymore, what is the seed limit in our parking lot, and how many stops signs does the high school have, and so many more questions.”

Eilert said after she started joining SAFE, she noticed her driving safety improved.

“SAFE has benefited me because when I first joined as a sophomore I wasn’t very good at wearing my seatbelt,” Eilert said. “But when I joined it really made me aware and always think about my seatbelt before I went anywhere in my car or anyone else’s.”

Nickerson’s Delaney Childs

By Cooper Chadwick

Master the basics is the motto for Nickerson’s junior middle blocker, Delaney Childs, who was taught that by her first recreation league coach. A motto that has turned Childs into one of the best in the league.

Childs has been playing volleyball for nine years and has seen a lot of success on the court during high school.

For the junior, though, her talent as a volleyball player is just as good as her leadership and personality off the court.

“(Delaney) radiates positivity and is so driven that it inspires anyone around her,” head coach Hannah Melton said. “She plays with her whole heart and tries her hardest every time. She is the team’s biggest supporter, on and off the court, and will always help where she can. Yes, she is incredibly athletic, but her discipline and overall character make her a crucial asset to the team.”

Don’t think that Childs is just nice all the time. On the court, she is also a killer. The junior has a ton of experience playing for the Panthers, as she has accounted for 428 kills, 116 blocks, 26 assists, and 173 digs.

Despite all those stats, the junior is ready to lead and win more after a .500 record last year.

“My team goals for this year are to gel together as friends and continue to support everyone as a team,” Childs said. “As a leader this year, I will continue to encourage my teammates when things aren’t going the way we want them to, be everybody’s hype man, and put the team first.”

Chaparral’s Kaylee Swartz

By Hayden Swope

Chaparral’s Kaylee Swartz has always had volleyball to look forward to every fall. This being her senior year, Swartz looked back on her time as a volleyball athlete, and relationships it brought with it.

“I started playing volleyball for recreation in grade school and continued through junior high, high school, and on a traveling team during the winter, the sport brings me joy and allows me to bond with teammates while creating new friendships,” Swartz said.

To prepare for the season, Swartz set goals not only for herself, but the team too.

“This season I plan to stay consistent with my hitting, receiving, and serving,” Swartz said. “Also one of my goals is to be a positive senior leader for our team. My postseason goal is to go as far as we can go in the postseason. As a team we strive for the top level.”

After having multiple back to back years showing off her athleticism, Swartz is hoping to continue one for one more year.

“Last year I received second team allleague and my sophomore year honorable mention,” Swartz said. “I’m starting my senior year as a three-sport letterman in

volleyball, basketball, and track.”

After high school Swartz hopes to continue playing the sport she loves, while also continuing her education.

“At this time, I plan to attend college majoring in nursing with the plans of getting my masters in pediatric nurse practitioner,” Swartz said. “I want to continue playing volleyball at the Collegiate level.”

Hutchinson Central Christian’s Belle Barnett

By Matt Browning

Playing volleyball for the pure enjoyment is something which can be lost on Hutchinson Central Christian’s Belle Barnett.

But that is something she is looking to recapture this season.

“Some of our team goals are to just have fun

and to find joy in playing,” Barnett said. “Not to put pressure on ourselves but to just go out and play our absolute best and be happy with whatever the outcome because we know that we played our hardest.”

Now a senior, Barnett understands that if she maximizes her effort then everything else will be taken care of.

“I’m really trying to cherish every moment of this last year I have and to not put unnecessary pressure on myself,” Barnett said. “Because for the longest time I did that and it robbed me of having fun while playing.”

Last season, Barnett recorded 216 kills with a hitting percentage of .282. But those impressive numbers didn’t stop her from finding ways to improve.

“I really want to get better at shot selection and running a quicker tempo offense for volleyball.” Barnett said. “I worked on that over the summer quite a bit.”

Barnett is excited to lead a brand new group of teammates and hopes her leadership will be for the betterment of the Cougars.

“I’m excited to lead them and I hope to become a better leader,” Barnett said. “I believe that God is teaching me how to become a better leader and step up for the team.”

Mulvane’s Makenna Treat

By Cooper Chadwick

From being a seventh grader with no experience as a volleyball player to being committed to play college volleyball, senior Makenna Treat attributes her growth to club volleyball and hard work.

“I developed my game by living at the gym to hone in my skills. I played club volleyball for two years at One VA which helped me play at an overall higher level of volleyball,” Treat said.

Treat is now a middle hitter and defensive specialist at Mulvane and tries to get a workout in anywhere she can.

“I lift, run and go up to our rec center to practice volleyball. I also enjoy a pickup game of basketball as well,” Treat said. “I attend open gyms for club and weights and open gym at school, also. I take every opportunity I can to play the game I love.”

Treat is always looking to get better and more prepared for what’s to come, on or off the court.

“Some goals I have for this season are to be a leader for the younger girls, achieve a 50 percent kill percentage and 100 blocks. I would like to strive to reach 200 digs defensively in the back row while building my skillset defensively for college, as well.,” Treat said. “I hope to finish my senior year with a 4.0 academically and with this will have achieved a 4.0 all four years of my high school career.”

Mulvane | Derby | Wichita

Wellington’s Ella Goodrum

By Blake Chadwick

Being one of the strongest hitters in the area you draw a lot of attention to yourself. Ella Goodrum from Wellington has learned to be really good under pressure.

“(Ella) is a great volleyball player, she can see the floor, find holes, and score when we need it most,” head coach Mandy Ramos said. “She is dependable and is fully capable of playing all the way around and has a lethal serve. She’s the whole package, and we love having her as a cornerstone of our team.”

Goodrum was named to the all-league teams last year as a junior thanks to her 130 kills, 35 blocks, 65 digs, and 81.3% serve percentage.

But now, as a senior, she is ready to make some history.

“This year, my personal goals are to build a better bond with my setter and to improve my skills every day so that I am able to see a difference by the end of the season,” Goodrum said. “My

team goals consist of making it a strong and memorable season and making it to the state tournament.”

Goodrum has also developed her leadership skills as the team has started looking to her more.

“As a leader this year, I plan to hold my teammates accountable during practices and games but also be their support and cheer them on in and outside of volleyball,” Goodrum said.

Wichita Heights’ Zorianna Turner

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Heights’ Zorianna

Turner was an honorable mention all-league athlete as a sophomore last season, and this year, is looking to improve herself and her team.

“This season I’m focusing on new goals,” Turner said. “I want to move up in the rankings of Kansas and improve my impact on my team. I aimed to demonstrate my strong work ethic and ability to change the game every time I step onto the court.”

While playing all the way around the rotations, Turner is looking to better her stats on both sides of the ball.

“In terms of improvement I’m looking to enhance all of my skills both defensively and offensively,” Turner said. “My main focus is on improving my attacking on the outside. While I currently

have a strong swing I recognize that I need to work on my decision making and timing during matches.”

Just in the first few weeks of the regular season, Turner is already making a name for herself in the back.

“Defensively I’ve made significant progress in my passing game,” Turner said.

“As a former middle player I have come a long way with my passing. I am proud to report that in the first eight games of the season I have accumulated 61 digs.”

Kingman’s Morgan Freund

By Matt Browning

Kingman’s Morgan Freund tore her ACL during last basketball season and she is hoping that she can be just as good as she was before.

If she is able to do that, then her goals, both individual and team, can be achieved.

“I want to be 100 percent athletically as good as I was before my injury,” said Freund. “I also want to get 1,000 career assists. I want our team to be one of the top teams in the league, compete every game we play in, give ourselves a chance, and I want us to go to state.”

Being able to get back into the gym, both with her teammates and fans, is one thing that Freund is looking forward to this season.

“I love the atmosphere of playing at home with our fans and the support we have,” Freund said. “We also have a new head coach (Hanna Hageman) this season and she has been great.”

In order to get to those 1,000 assists, Freund was focused on her setting.

“I want to continue to improve my setting and locating my sets to make my teammates able to kill it,” Freund said. “I worked on my footwork, posture, and positioning of the ball. I also worked on disguising where the sets would be going.”

Halstead’s Dalaina Schutte

By Cooper Chadwick

Looking to overcome a two year roadblock of losing in the substate championship, senior Dalaina Schutte is ready to finally make it to a state championship.

Schutte has had a busy offseason in preparation for the season.

“This offseason I’ve been working on watching the block so I’m able to dump and able to give my hitters the best set to make them successful,” Schutte said

Schutte, who is a three-sport athlete, has a lot to juggle.

“I played club for Shockwave Volleyball Academy and we traveled December-May. On the outside of volleyball, in the offseason I participated in basketball and track and had two successful seasons,” Schutte said. With all the work this senior has been putting in, she has high expectations for herself.

“My personal goal for this season is to be first team all-league and make all-state,” Schutte said.

As a junior, Schutte had a 97.8 percentage average on serves with 45 aces. She also had 581 assists, which is one of the reasons she noted that she will be setting all six rotations this year. She played outside the past three

years.

Schutte also has high expectations for her team as well.

“My goal for the team is to make it to state this year. It’s been a long time coming, but we have it in us this year,” Schutte said. “We lost two huge seniors last year, but the team worked hard in the offseason and we are ready to be back.”

YOUTH SPORTS TRAINING MADE EASY

Wichita Independent’s Grace Hong

By Blake Chadwick

As a senior, Grace Hong is no stranger to the volleyball court as she spends a lot of time on it during games, playing six rotations for Wichita Independent.

At five years old Hong knew that she was going to be a great volleyball player one day.

For the senior though, she is the whole package.

“I believe that my biggest strengths as a volleyball player are that I am vocal and have a competitive spirit,” Hong said. “I have always strived to stay vocal on the court because I believe it makes the team cohesive, especially when my other teammates are also vocal. I also believe that my competitive spirit drives me to always improve and motivates me to win.” Hong, has been doing a good job throughout her career and has been leading by example as well as being a vocal leader for the Panthers.

“One team goal I have this season is to lead by example,” Hong said. “I just want to be a good example to the girls by demonstrating good character and

showing them what it is like to be a student-athlete.”

Hong was named an all-league honorable mention player a season ago and will be looking to build off of that.

“I try to keep it light and fun on the court,” Hong said. “It’s important in volleyball to remember that a mistake is not that deep because in two seconds there is another ball, and you have to move forward anyway.”

El Dorado’s Hannah Gantz

By Matt Browning

Volleyball is a family sport for El Dorado’s Hannah Gantz and it has always been that way. Now she plays for her teammates.

All of my family has played volleyball and I grew up watching my older sister and cousins in high school,” Gantz said. “I play volleyball because I love the bond and teamwork it makes everyone on the team have and work for.”

Gantz is hoping El Dorado improves its record this season and she thinks her individual improvement can lead to that.

“This season I am looking forward to working with my team to make us better as well as winning more games my senior year,” Gantz said. “I am looking forward to getting more aces and more assists than last year and again winning for games. I am wanting to improve in my placement of my sets, my serves and pushing my team to a

win.”

Volleyball and the nursing field is what Gantz said is up next.

“My future plans are to play volleyball at the college level while pursing a career in nursing as a pediatric nurse,” Gantz said. “I have already taken a CNA course through Butler Community College, as well as other dual credit classes for my CNA certification and am currently working in El Dorado at an assisted living facility.”

By Matt Browning

Circle’s Katelyn Paul

Circle’s Katelyn Paul had the chance to play with her little sister, Bri, last season, but unfortunately injuries limited their play time together.

So Katelyn is excited to be able play with her sister again.

“While there are so many things I’m looking forward to this season, what I’m most excited about is playing alongside my little sister,” Paul said. “I’m really looking forward to (hopefully) sharing one last season with my favorite person.”

Paul’s offseason training was a bit more unique than a normal one.

“I joined our school’s swim team in the spring, which was great for my physical conditioning,” Paul said. “And I’ve kept up with swimming while also incorporating weightlifting into my routine.”

One of the foundations of being a good volleyball player is the serve-receive and Paul focused on being better in that area.

“I believe serve-receive is the foundation of volleyball, which is why I focused on it during the off-season,” Paul said. “The most beneficial training I did was playing sand volleyball. It not only improved my overall ball control but also helped me strengthen my mindset.”

As a senior, Paul has one thing in mind for Circle volleyball.

“I’ve set high expectations for both myself and my team, and the ultimate goal is to make it back to the state tournament for my third year in a row,” Paul said. “I know it won’t be easy, but I’m confident that my teammates and I are more than willing to work hard and push ourselves to ensure that our team succeeds.”

Way to Keep

Valley Center’s Teagan Canady

By Matt Browning

There were two specific areas Valley Center’s Teagan Canady wanted to improve on this season.

“I really want to improve on my backrow skills this year like serve receive and defense,” Canady said. “In the offseason I worked on a lot of defense and serve receive and just being confident in myself when I go to college camps.”

Canady’s numbers last season were still solid. She had a serving percentage of nearly 97 percent, while she also had 200 kills, with a hitting percentage of 0.225.

But with her expected back-row skills improving, Canady has some goals she wants to achieve.

“My personal goals for this season is to make first district team and hopefully commit to a college this fall and overall just have a good season to end my high school career,” Canady said.

Volleyball is life for Canady, so there really wasn’t a time where she wasn’t doing something volleyball-related.

“In the offseason I took volleyball lessons and went to a few college camps that were super fun,” Canady said. “I don’t really have an offseason. I start club practice in November and played all the way up to July. We traveled all over to Indianapolis, Dallas and Las Vegas. At the MLK tournament in Kansas City we took first out of 78 teams.”

Caldwell’s Ella Risley

By Matt Browning

Caldwell’s Ella Risley doesn’t have the prototypical height that a hitter should have, but that hasn’t stopped her from being good at it.

“Being a smaller hitter, this season I wanted to work on being more explosive with my hitting,” Risley said. “Another area I wanted to work on was being quicker on defense and tuning up footwork. I worked on this by doing plyometric exercises, jump roping, and just doing hitting and digging reps in the gym.”

With so many underclassmen on this year’s team, Risley knew she had to be a better leader.

“A goal I had for myself this season was to be a leader for my team and to be the scrappiest player on the floor,” Risley said. “This season I was definitely really excited to see what our underclassmen were going to bring to our team, having lost some valuable players last year.”

Risley dedicated much of her offseason to her junior season.

“During the summer I had weights and conditioning four days a week at 6 am, followed with team camps and open gyms to work on fundamentals.” Risley said. “I also played club during the winter.”

The last seasons has seen Risley make the all-league first team. While she has been injured throughout some of this season, Risley has still put up solid stats.

Also, as a sophomore she led her team in aces (50), attacks (714), kills (225), digs (344) and receptions (531).

Buhler’s Breann Ruda

By Blake Chadwick

With dreams of making it to the state tournament as a senior during her last ride, Buhler’s Breann Ruda has been working all offseason to ensure that.

Ruda is a great player for the Crusaders but also a really good teammate and person everyone else follows.

“Breann is a hard-working, caring, compassionate person,” head coach Deedra Woodbury said. “She is a servant leader and makes everyone feel welcome and a part of the team.”

Ruda, who has been playing volleyball for 10 years, is a four-year letterman setter for the Crusaders, finished her freshman year with 270 assists, 420 as a sophomore, and 571 as a junior, surpassing 1,000 last year and now as a senior, has her sights set on 2,000.

“My personal goals for this season are to surpass 2,000 assists and to enjoy my last season on the Buhler

High School team,” Ruda said.

But personal goals aren’t the only thing on Ruda’s mind.

“Our team goal this season is to have a better record than last year and also make it to the state tournament at the end of the season,” Ruda said. “I will have a positive attitude throughout the season and have the goal of having fun so our team can be more successful.”

Cheney’s Reese Hedstrom

By Blake Chadwick

After a fourth-place finish, losing to Silver Lake 2519 and 25-23 in two sets. The Cheney Cardinals are ready to build off of their 37-7 record and win a state championship.

Reese Hedstrom, will be one of the seniors on the team who will be ready to lead this year. The senior plays middle blocker and outside hitter for the Cardinals and was named to the all-league second team a season ago after finishing with 207 kills and 86 blocks.

Hedstrom and her teammates fully understand the weight of representing Cheney. Wearing that name on their jerseys means constantly competing at a championship level, with nothing less than excellence expected from them.

“I want to continue contributing to the team and be a leader on and off the court,” Hedstrom said. “As a team, we hope to continue the winning tradition at Cheney and make a run at post-season play.”

While playing volleyball almost her whole life, and competitively the last five, she has developed a specific will that separates her from her opponents.

“I think my biggest strength is my competitiveness and high drive to succeed,” Hedstrom said. “No matter if it’s in practice or a match, I have the same competitive mentality. I (also) think that my

excitement, energy, and emotion as a player help me stand out. There is nothing better than celebrating a big block, a huge kill, or a great dig with my

Clearwater’s Kaylee Hampton

By Blake Chadwick

Clearwater is fresh from a season where they were league and sub-state champions. The good news for the Indians is that they return four-year letterman Kaylee Hampton, one of the best setters and student-athletes in the area and has the resume to prove it.

The senior has a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the superintendent’s honor roll, and is a part of the National Honors Society, all while being named as a member of the first-team all-league team, second-team all-metro team and putting up 1441 assists, 311 Kills, 139 Aces, 80 blocks, and 504 digs throughout her career as an Indian.

“Kaylee was one of my captains last year and will be a captain again this year,” head coach Abee Schultz said. “She is a strong leader who runs our offense efficiently and effectively. She is the glue. You see a significant difference when she is missing, and she will be the key to a deep state run this season.”

Hampton surpassed 1,000 career assists in October of her junior year and intends to get 800-plus assists again this year.

“I am big on communication, which is a huge part of volleyball, so I also use that to my benefit,” Hampton said. “Another strength I have is listening to all of my hitters on what they want out of my sets, and I do well adjusting to each one of their needs for them to

succeed.”

The senior also has some personal goals of their own as she is getting ready for a big playoff push again.

“I want to be the best leader I can be and be there for each one of my teammates both on and off of the court,” Hampton said. “I want to be able to push everyone to their full potential along with myself to be successful this season.”

Rose Hill’s Kadance Heumann

By Hayden Swope

Rose Hill’s Kadance Heumann has a long history with volleyball. As a junior last season, Heumann was a second team all-league setter for the Rockets, and celebrated her 1,000 assists.

“I’ve played volleyball for 10 years and have always loved it,” Heumann said. “I play volleyball for all the relationships that I have made. I have made so many good friends by playing volleyball.”

While the Rockets fell just short to McPherson last year in substate, the Rockets started the 2024 season undefeated after 10 games, which was the team’s best start since the 2011 season. Heumann hopes to add on to her assists and celebrate another achievement later this season.

“I would like to try and reach 2,000 career assists by the end of the season, but I also like to make first team all-league for my senior year,” Heumann said. “I ended last season with 595 assists for the season, I currently have 103 assists for the season, and I currently have 1,318 career assists. While also a starter on the Rose Hill

softball team, Heumann has hopes to continue her athletic career after high school.

“I am undecided about where I would like to go to college but I would like to play either softball or volleyball for a year or two, then I would like to go into a radiology program and become a radiology technician,” Heumann said.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Kaitlyn Cure

By Hayden Swope

Kaitlyn Cure of Kapaun Mt. Carmel has had nothing but love for volleyball, and as a senior, she’s hoping to hold on to every last minute. Cure was a first team all-league selection last year.

“I don’t know what I would do without volleyball,” Cure said. “It is the sport I go to when I’m stressed out and it has that level of comfort because I know when I walk into the gym I can let everything on my mind go and play the sport I’ve loved and still loved for many years.”

Cure not only has goals for herself, but is also ready to show what Kapaun is made of in the postseason, and hopefully come home with a big win.

“As for this season’s goals I want to get another Greater Wichita Athletic League title, win substate, and go win state,” Cure said. “That has been our motto for the season; everything we are doing is for state.”

After high school, Cure hopes to continue playing volleyball while also following in the footsteps of someone very important.

“As for college plans right now I am undecided,” Cure said. “I hope to play college volleyball and I’m still trying to find myself a home where everything feels right. I hope to find somewhere with an amazing nursing program because I would love to be a pediatric nurse or a labor and delivery nurse. I chose this path because of my grandma. She’s been my biggest inspiration and I want to honor her and be the first girl or my dad’s side of the family to continue in her nursing career.”

Andover’s Sawyer Aluise

By Matt Browning

Andover Central’s Sawyer Aluise will always be remembered for his ability on the soccer pitch, but when it comes to his legacy as a Jaguar, soccer is second.

“I want to be remembered at Andover Central not only for my soccer ability, but as well as my ability to lead the team,” Aluise said.

In year’s past, Aluise wasn’t asked to be a primary scorer, rather he would try to get his teammates involved. He scored six goals last season, while dishing out eight assists and was named first team all-league.

But that is going to change this season.

Flinthills’ Emily Scribner

By Hayden Swope

Flinthills’ Emily Scribner has been waiting all summer to play fall ball with her closest friends. Because of the relationships she’s made, Scribner has high expectations for the season.

“Building that team chemistry and bond with the team is important,” Scribner said. “I’ve played since fourth grade, and really started playing with these girls in middle school. I play because of them.

It’s a really special group. I love spending time with them, competing, and of course winning.”

To prepare for the season, Scribner and the girls spent all offseason playing the game they love, and were ready for regular season practice and games by day one.

“Our team practices two days a week over the summer along with camps and tournaments too, and we do all of that too during the season so that helps,” Scribner said.

After making a state appearance her sophomore year, Scribner is excited and confident to make it back.

“My goals for the season are to make it back to the state tournament again,” Scribner said. “Our goals are set high and we have been doing well so far this season so we have a good chance already.”

After graduation Scribner plans to continue her schooling in Manhattan. “I plan on attending Kansas State to major in elementary education after high school,” Scribner said.

WICHITA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

“I wanted to work on my goal scoring ability,” Aluise said. “With the teams we’ve had in past seasons I’ve played more of a creative role and didn’t have to necessarily worry about scoring but rather creating the opportunity for my teammate to score. But this year I’m playing more of an attacking role and therefore am planning on hopefully having some more goals than previous years.”

Aluise was busy throughout the offseason trying to get his mind and body ready for his senior season.

“I’ve definitely been busy this offseason, with club soccer, individual training, as well as weightlifting on my own I’ve been doing my best to make sure this season is a memorable one for my fellow seniors as well as everybody else on the team,” Aluise said.

Rose Hill’s

Luke Anderson

Being a soccer play for nearly all of his life, Rose Hill’s Luke Anderson understands it’s easy to go through the motions when it comes to offseason preparations.

Therefore, he takes no minute for granted.

“I am always working to get better in the offseason,” Anderson said. “Being in soccer for so long you have to really be sure that what you’re doing is benefiting you, sometimes going through the motions can do you more harm than good. For me all summer, I take everything I do very seriously. If I’m not giving my all then I feel like any work is wasted time.”

Those offseason workouts were focused on several fundamentals for Anderson and ones he hopes pays off in 2024.

“This year I want to improve my left foot, my speed of play, and my shooting,” Anderson said. “I worked on this in my own time by getting as many repetitions as possible.”

The Rockets, which are usually one of the top teams in Class 4-1A, have a loaded roster again and Anderson has big aspirations for his team.

“The main goal for this season is to win it all,” Anderson said. “I know we have the talent for it and it would be very nice to come home with a state title. Some other goals for the team is to work and play well together. As well as having fun, I just want to see the team grow and improve as the season goes.”

Kapaun

Mt. Carmel‘s Andrew Guyer

By Blake Chadwick

Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Andrew Guyer has been a guy who has always gotten better each year. And now as a senior he is ready to take one bigger step.

“Andrew is a great person and runner,” head coach Gage Garcia said. “He is extremely hard-working, genuine, friendly, and he is a great leader. Any success he has had, he has had to work for, and it is for sure that he has made the most of his opportunities. As an athlete, he is persistent, hard-working, and has been an athlete that has come in clutch for us many times.”

Guyer didn’t truly fall in love with running cross country until seventh grade, when he and his friends decided to give it a try after previously being a swimmer.

From there the senior has worked and though it hasn’t always been perfect he has been awarded with being able to say he is a 5A state champion in track and 5A state third place finished in cross country.

“(Andrew) has gone through his difficult seasons, but has had a consistent positive trajectory of improvement,” Garcia said. “This is because he is willing to focus on all the details that a runner should.”

Since then, Guyer has grown into an outstanding leader, continually developing his skills over the years.

“(Andrew) has been a vocal and active leader on our team, one that doesn’t just lead by words, but by example. He has become an important piece of the changing culture of our cross country team at Kapaun and one of the reasons for our success in the past several years.”

Cheney’s Stratton Young

By Blake Chadwick

Fresh off of a runner-up finish at league last season as a freshman, Cheney’s Stratton Young is ready to make another big splash.

The now sophomore is a passionate runner who stands out because of his love for running, has only run cross country for two years now and already has broken a lot of personal and team records.

“(Breaking records) felt great,” Young said. “It kind of gave me a boost of confidence in order to chase after more records when I get older.”

Young has a 4.0 GPA right now and runs a 17:24 in the 5K.

“Stratton is a great kid, very hard worker who is always wanting to improve,” head coach Rich Simmons said.

After a summer full of working out and running every day, and a great track season, Young feels like he can have a special year and that this team can be really special as well.

“My team goals are for us to make state because we got 4th last year at regionals and just missed out,” Young said. “I’ve also been so blessed that we finally are a team again, I love motivating everyone to do their best.”

As much as it is a team sports, cross country is also individual, and an individual state championship is something that is truly in the cards for Young as he continues to develop.

“I want to hopefully win state by my junior or senior year of high school,” Young said. “And I would like to run at the next level.”

WICHITA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Rose Hill’s Emersyn Herod

By Blake Chadwick

Rose Hill’s Emersyn Herod has been one of those runners who has consistently gotten better throughout her career, and after a top-50 finish at state, the junior is hungry for more.

“Her first couple of years in this sport, she was really opinionated on why we were doing certain workouts and would get really discouraged,” head coach Brandon Barger said. “She expressed her frustration in ways that didn’t help the team. This year, she has taken on a leadership role and understands her role and why.”

Herod has taken on a leadership role with a large group of freshmen and has fully embraced the responsibility as an upperclassman.

“I am going to have to take on more of a leadership role so this year I am starting to learn the process of becoming that leader, and I am going to help the freshman understand their role and how they can help our program,” Herod said. “My goal for the team is for us to get first at league for the fourth year in a row.”

The junior’s unpredictable running style has been a key factor in her success, earning her recognition on the all-league first team, all-metro third team, and a personal best of 21:26 at state last season.

With her sights set on running at the next level, Herod is staying focused by taking it one race at a time and giving her best effort each step of the way.

South Haven’s Avery Strickland

By Blake Chadwick

South Haven’s Avery Strickland has been in love with running ever since she started in 6th grade.

“(Avery) is very self-motivated and a team leader who is showing leadership with the younger runners,” head coach Joseph Halling said. “She is always willing to put in the extra effort during practice.”

Strickland had a great freshman year, being a pivotal part of a team that finished fourth at state despite being two points away from third place.

Now, with three other returners, the sophomore has plans to step up her leadership and win a state championship.

“I like to lead by example,” Strickland said. “All my teammates are a super hard-working group, and I want to push them to stay up with me. This works well for the whole team because it gives practice a little more competitive edge and helps us push each other.”

Strickland has her sights set on the school record despite it being 30 seconds better than her current PR. This is a goal that is lofty for some, but it is also very doable for the sophomore who finished 17th at state.

“I’d say the thing that makes me stand out as a runner is my intensity,” Strickland said. “I’m not the fastest, I have a natural ability to an extent, but without my drive to win, I wouldn’t be placing as well. I think my intensity really came into play at state. I broke my personal record by two minutes.”

Bishop

Kinsley

Bishop Carroll’s Kinsley Montgomery has a unique way to improve her golf swing.

“I also play competitive softball and he helps me differentiate between my golf swing and my softball swing which has been very helpful,” Montgomery said.

Injuries prevented Montgomery from fully working on her game during the summer, so she has made it point to work on her stamina.

“I had some injuries over the summer so I have also started working on strength and stretching routines to keep my body in shape to keep up with the demands of multiple sports,” Montgomery said.

From tee to green, Montgomery feels confident in her game. But it’s her short game that she focused on improving.

“I am hoping to consistently take some strokes off my score by improving my putting,” Montgomery said. “Nothing is more frustrating than having a great drive or iron shot and then make putting mistakes on the green.”

After being a state qualifier last season, Montgomery has plenty of goals for the season.

“My goals for this season are to cut down strokes each week and consistently play like I know that I can,” Montgomery said. “I would love to help my team make it to state, and finish in the Top 20 individually.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Coming off a third-place finish at state in 2023, Andover senior Elizabeth Gaddis and junior Emma Jittawait are hungry for more.

This duo has been playing together for two years – Jittawait and Gaddis both have been dominant, Jittawait with a 52-12 record and Gaddis 62-18 – and their relationship on the court benefits them tremendously.

“We really understood each other. We know each other’s games and the shots that we do and don’t like. I also think we have a good connection. We can be serious and focus on the court, but we can also laugh and have fun,” Jittawait said.

Jittawait and Gaddis’ connection doesn’t stop when they leave a practice or match. “Emma and I have a strong bond that is shown off and on the court. She’s a person I know I can put full trust in and won’t disappoint. She’s one of the only people who could keep me into tennis when I felt as if it was starting to flake,” Gaddis said.

Offseason is a crucial time for the duo, spending a majority of their time training, weightlifting and even just playing. Both had specific aspects they wanted to work on for the summer.

“Specifically on strategy. I wanted more experience on what to do in higher stress situations. The only way to exercise this is to play matches and figure it out on your own,” Jittawait said.

Gaddis and Jittawait, as well as the rest of the Andover tennis team, are looking to complete a four-peat at state, all while growing their bonds with each other.

“I’m very excited to meet the new players and see how they play. Our team always gets along and I’ve never had a dull moment with them,” Gaddis said.

By Matt Browning

Bad shots happen in golf all of the time and Wellington’s Taryn Viramontes understands that, but it’s how she responds to those bad shots is what she thinks is important.

“This year one major thing I am working on is recovering after a bad shot or hole,” Viramontes said. “In golf it is important to let go of a bad shot or hole. Otherwise it can stick with you the whole round and hurt the rest of your round. Really just the mental aspect of golf. Golf is just as much a mental sport as physical. It would be the most beneficial to have not only a strong game, but a strong mental game as well.”

Wellington’s Taryn Viramontes Wellington’s Kadynce Aufdengarten and Logan Robinson

Viramontes and her grandpa never used a cart this summer when they played and then afterwards she would focus on her short game.

“I work on specifically getting up and down,” Viramontes said. “I work on making sure my chips are close enough to one putt. Then I also work on short and long putts. I work on my wedges a lot as well. I will empty out my bag of balls and see how many I can get on the green with my wedges.”

Last season Viramontes shot 79 and 74 at the state tournament on her way to a third place finish, but she isn’t focused on results or finishes.

“My most important goal for myself is to continue to enjoy golfing,” Viramontes said. “Golfing is supposed to be fun, so I prioritize making sure I am enjoying the sport.”

By Cooper Chadwick

When the state tennis tournament was in Winfield in 2023, Wellington’s duo of Kadynce Aufdengarten and Logan Robinson got tons of support. It was a key to their finishing eighth in state.

Even though it was their first season playing together, Aufdengarten and Robinson meshed well.

“On the court, we are hard hitters with extreme focus. Off-court we have similar personalities –we both are goofy and compassionate. I’m very vocal on the court and she takes everything in stride. She has a great awareness of where the ball is at all times,” Robinson said.

Aufdengarten is adamant on doing what it takes to improve on her finish in state with Robinson in October.

“I got second last year at regionals behind my teammates Cruz and Lyric Cornejo and (I) hope to get first this year. I hope to get in the top four at state as we were one match away from the top four last year and battled hard to take the match into three sets before falling to Independence, so we went on to place eighth,” Aufdengarten said.

Placing higher in state has been on the mind of both players, driving them to put in more work in the offseason.

“Tennis is about muscle memory and repetition, so I try to build good habits before the season starts and then build on them during the season,” Robinson said.

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