Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

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Volume 3 | 2021

Spring Preview

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

A RETURN TO SPRING

Just as we edged closer to the start of spring sports last season the world was thrown into chaos. A virus spread like wildfire around the globe and in mid-March led to the cancellation of not only the partially completed state basketball tournament, but also the entire spring sports season. Prom, graduation, the last two months of the senior year for the Class of 2020 were just a few of the many milestones which fell victim to the spread of the coronavirus and the rise of COVID-19.

Now, a year later, the picture looks much brighter.

Fall and winter sports were completed - not without hiccups and cancellations - and by all accounts the outdoor sports of spring appear primed to go forward with limited interruption thanks to the release of multiple vaccines and a consistent drop in confirmed JOHN BAETZ cases of COVID-19.

PUBLISHER Let me just say, “Thank, Goodness!”

While the cancellation of spring sports led us to produce a comprehensive Spring Yearbook to go along with a “what might have been” look at the 2020 spring season, it did little to soften the anquish for so many athletes and families who look to the first blooms and buds of March as their favorite sports season of the year.

But now, where once there was stress and sadness, stands optimism and excitement.

At Kansas Pregame we hope to contribute to that excitement with our third annual spring issue, this time previewing the 2021 season.

Baseball, softball, and track & field each feature a unique set of sights and sounds to usher in springtime. The crack of the bat on a cool spring afternoon and the piercing pop of a starting gun driving the sprinter out of the blocks. The smack of the ball as it hits the catcher’s mit and the guttural groan of the shot putter completing a heave at the edge of the ring. The smell of hot dogs fresh off the grill or the dust of newly crushed peanut shells cracking under foot.

Spring, for athletes of all ages, is a truly special time.

Our hope is that the Class of 2021 won’t suffer the same disheartening cancellation to their last hurrah on the diamond or track as those seniors of a year ago and the coronavirus challenges continue to diminish. Not just for high school sports, but in all areas of our lives.

Good luck to you all!

*Note, while we do plan a second annual Spring Yearbook, it will have to wait until later this spring, as the massive publication of a year ago was just too much to finish in time to both preview spring sports and take a look back at the fall and winter.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Pregame Spring Edition, Kansas Pregame Winter Edition and KansasPregame.com Staff Writer: Keegan McCullick Layout and Design: Becky Rathbun Ad Design: Becky Rathbun, Kayla Kvacik Contributing writers: Harold Bechard, Huey Counts, Brett Marshall, Gallagher Martin, Conor Nicholl Photographers: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography; Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com Acknowledgments: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the contributors, but a special “Thank You!” goes out to the school secretaries, athletic directors, coaches, photographers, sports journalists and parents who helped us secure team information and action photos. Thank you to the advertisers who made this possible - without your support this publication would not be a reality.

Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication date: Volume 3, March 25th, 2021

The 2021 Kansas Pregame Spring Preview cover shoot was photographed at The Yard in downtown Salina by Bree McReynolds-Baetz. For more info about The Yard, including hours and training services offered visit their website, www.theyardsalina.com.

Find digital editions, a list of free Kansas Pregame print distribution locations, and in-season coverage of Kansas high school sports at www.kansaspregame.com.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

WHAT’S INSIDE 3 Supporting Cast 5 Hometown Proud 6 The Yard 9 Spring Spotlight 21 Baseball Previews 34 Softball Previews 45 Track Previews For more coverage of Kansas high school sports on the Web find Kansas Pregame on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit our Website at

KansasPregame.com *A second annual Spring Yearbook providing postseason recaps of basketball, cross country, football, volleyball and wrestling is planned for later this spring.

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SPRING SUPPORTING CAST

Brian Lightner

Goessel Athletic Director, Brian Lightner, is a perfect example of someone who excels at his position, and in no year prior has the value of having a fantastic AD shined quite so brightly.

“Throughout this COVID-influenced school year, Mr. Lightner has been a steady leader in our athletic department,” coach Garrett Hiebert said.

“He has done a great job communicating to our community, athletes, and coaches about COVIDrelated guidance from KSHSAA and schedule changes. Mr. Lightner has definitely gone the extra mile to keep our school community informed, keep our athletes safe, and give our teams the opportunity to compete as often as possible.”

Lightner, like many other Kansas ADs, doesn’t wear just one hat. He has a considerable variety of teaching and coaching experience throughout his career. Currently, he is the 6-12 AD, an assistant track coach, and a math teacher.

Just a quick review of Goessel’s school board meetings shows the spectrum across which Lightner works. He successfully pushed for a new speaker system for the track/football stadium, a new wireless sound system for the high school gym, has pushed heavily for a change in math curriculum and updated textbooks, and continues to champion a number of other important causes throughout the school.

He also helped Goessel girl’s cross country to its first ever state championship in 2016 as the team’s head coach.

No particular activity has seen Lightner’s passion shine through more than track and field.

“He has advocated for the building and maintaining of quality track facilities at Goessel,” Hiebert said. “He also helped facilitate the purchase of an FAT timing system in 2015. He expertly runs the meet entry and timing systems.

He has begun posting live results during home track meets as well. Most of all, he communicates effectively with his meet workers and event judges so that everyone is on the same page and he

retains quality workers from year to year.”

With the improvements that have been made in the facilities, it’s not surprising there has been an uptick in use as a center for track and field meets.

“Mr. Lightner does a great job in his role as AD throughout the school year, but the spring is his time to truly shine,” Hiebert said. “Between junior high and high school, Goessel is scheduled to host eight track meets. The entire junior high track schedule will be contested at Goessel’s home track.”

The largest of those meets hosts up to 20 teams making Lightner a busy man in the latter months of the school year.

Terrell Olson

Karen Schroeder

Kansas Pregame & Nex-Tech Wireless are joining forces to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who help area school athletic teams achieve success. Administrators, team managers, assistant coaches, media members & more.

Since before man first landed on the moon, Terrell Olson has been officiating high school sports. The Kansas officiating legend began his career in 1968 and has spent many of his evenings since patrolling fields and courts alike.

This past fall, the veteran white hat finally decided to call it a career after 52 years. To his credit, Olson has presided over 19 state basketball championships and numerous playoff football games. In many competitions, he had the opportunity to officiate with his sons, Travis and Troy.

Olson’s joy on the sideline was magnetic enough to draw them both into the officiating ranks. Travis, now a veteran official for the last 28 years, recalls how his father’s career inspired him.

“My dad and all of his buddies, seeing how much fun they had when they went on officiating trips,” Travis recalled. “Hanging out with the guys and the thrill of the game. A way to stay in the game after your playing days and getting to do that with guys that are in it for the same reason.”

Travis remembers the time officiating with his father fondly, if not at times having a bit of a learning curve.

“It was awesome,” Travis said. “Sometimes it could get a little tense, just because of the different stages we were in our careers.”

Travis also noted an important trait of his father’s: “He remembers everything,” making the reality of being a budding referee under an expert all the more daunting.

Travis noted a few prominent officiating opportunities over the years including Friday nights in Smith Center during their 79-game win streak in the latter half of the 2000s, the early 2000s with the towering Pruitt brothers of Beloit taking on rival Belleville in a noisy, cramped gymnasium, a football sub-state come from behind victory with Wichita Heights surging back from a 31-3 halftime deficit to take the game 37-34 over Dodge City.

The great matchups Olson got to call are too

numerous to list, but Travis reflected particularly on the Dodge City vs. Heights game.

“It is these types of games that kept my dad in it for so long,” Travis said. “At the end, in the locker room, dad told us, ‘Boys, that may be the best football game I have ever worked!’”

As Olson enters retirement from officiating he’ll continue running the family farm and being a dedicated grandpa.

“I don’t think he really wanted to retire, but he really wants to watch his grandkids play sports,” Travis said.

But Travis is quick to note his father’s modesty.

“My dad is not one to do this for the awards or recognition,” Travis said. “I would love for him to garner some of them, but he is the last person to seek those out or want the recognition. Remember, if you go to a game and don’t remember the officials or anything they did; that’s a well officiated game.”

But after 52 years, it’s time an official like Olson receives some well-deserved recognition.

Everett Royer

Over the past 10 years, Otis resident Everett Royer has photographed more central and western Kansas sports action than just about anyone in the state.

The Fort Hays State alum began his sports photography career as a kind of “side hustle” in 2009 alongside Mitch Weber, who at the time was the head photographer with FHSU sports. Since then he has been a regular on the sidelines of high school and college games throughout Kansas, camera-in-hand.

Royer has covered virtually ever sport offered in his area and the shots from these events can be found on his website, KSportsImages.com.

Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz said the quality of Everett’s photos are just one important piece of what Royer brings to the table.

“Everett always hustles to get what I need as quick as possible, and, he does a great job of organizing and naming photos, which is absolutely essential for us at Kansas Pregame because we put out dozens of pages in each magazine and scrambling to find details about the photos we use takes time that we just don’t have,” Baetz said. “For someone who started shooting high school sports as a side gig a little over 10 years ago, Everett is the consummate professional and combines outstanding photo quality with outstanding service to his clients.”

A duo that anyone well-read on Kansas sports will be familiar with is Royer, and long-time sportswriter Conor Nicholl, who have worked for multiple outlets since 2014.

“We all have things that we enjoy doing in life,” Nicholl said. “However, those things have more enjoyment when we do them with friends. I love covering high school sports. For me, coverage has more enjoyment when I get to do it with my great friend Everett Royer. We have spent hundreds of hours on the road to games talking about sports and life. We take great pride that we have an opportunity to cover Kansas athletes.”

But Nicholl says it’s more than just photos for Royer.

“He is highly knowledgeable about teams, players, rankings and past matchups, and that always shows in his photos,” Nicholl said.

About Nex-Tech Wireless Nex-Tech Wireless, owned by Nex-Tech Inc./Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Tri-County Telephone is a premiere wireless provider offering hightech wireless solutions to residents in over 40 counties of central and western Kansas as well as local coverage to 4 counties in Colorado. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, as well as the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www.nex-techwireless.com

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

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Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. hosts more than 100 paid student internships with northwest and north central Kansas businesses each summer! Your business could be the next to help keep our kids LOCAL! Nex-Generation’s goal is to give college and high school students (age 16+) hands-on experiences in a variety of professions and encourage them to remain in or return home to prosper.

“This is the 10th year of this program and we’re ecstatic to be offering such a wide variety of professions. This summer’s line-up includes everything from law and medical to agriculture and plumbing – you name it.

What a tremendous opportunity for both the

students and the businesses,” said Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth’s Executive Director Jacque Beckman.

Interns are hired directly by participating, local businesses.

“While the majority of the time will be spent with their respective businesses, interns can expect to get together at least two times during the summer,” Beckman said. “They will attend a ‘virtual’ orientation at the beginning and an in-person graduation session at the end of the program.” Nex-Generation assists with the application process and provides guidance, curriculum, and materials.

The skills students attain during their summer experiences are amazing and truly life chang-

ing! Who knows, that very student you get to mentor for nine weeks just might be your next great, LOCAL employee!

Help showcase your business and your community by being a part of this growing internship program. Call Nex-Generation for more details or to sign up for next summer at 877567-7872, or visit us online: www.nex-generation.org or @NexGen4Youth. And, if you’re a student interested in applying, be sure to check out our website later this fall when we post next summer’s positions.

This program is made possible by generous donations of Nex-Tech Round-Up customers, Nex-Generation business partners, CoBank, and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

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Hometown PROUD Hometown Proud Student-Athletes, brought to you by Citizens State Bank and Trust Company with locations in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Delphos, Glasco and Minneapolis.

SHAYLEE LEIKER

TRENT MOECKEL

Ellsworth senior Shaylee Leiker has been one of the most consistent athletes in the state over the course of the last four years, making major impacts in both track and volleyball.

She was all-league in volleyball four times - honorable mention as a freshman, first team her final three years - and as a senior led the team in kills with 338, and digs with 277.

“Shaylee is definitely a hustler,” volleyball coach Amy Johnson said.

“Always focused and working hard.”

Leiker will be among the top runners in both the 100 and 400 meter dashes this spring. In both her freshman and sophomore seasons she placed in the 100 and 400 at state, before 2020 was shut down due to COVID. At the 2019 meet she finished third in the 400 with a time of 1:00.31 and fifth in the 100 (12.82).

According to Ellsworth track coach, Nick Rodriguez, Leiker hasn’t achieved her success without putting in the necessary effort.

“Shaylee comes everyday prepared to work hard and focus on getting better with each practice,” Rodriguez said. “She is a great leader in the classroom and in athletics.”

Leiker maintains a 4.0 GPA, is number one in her class academically and was named to the KVA All-Academic First Team. She also volunteered her time weekly to help with a 5th/6th grade volleyball clinic. She plans to attend K-State in the fall and major in Speech Pathology.

Lincoln

Becky Rathbun

Courtney Forte will forever be a part of Minneapolis sports history, having amassed a team record 718 rebounds throughout her career.

The Minneapolis record-holder was named all-league honorable mention as a junior and first team as a senior.

Forte stands out on the volleyball court as well. The four-year starter earned all-league honorable mention as a sophomore, before getting the first team nod her final two seasons.

“Courtney is the kind of athlete coaches dream about,” Minneapolis head volleyball coach Julie McCullick said. “After she puts the smack down on a ball, her post-kill celebration inevitably includes showering praise on her setter.”

She also has been a standout relay member during track season. During her sophomore year, Forte was a part of 4x100 and 4x400 teams that qualified for state. After a year off in 2020 with the season’s cancellation, Forte is likely due for another appearance at the state track meet in 2021.

Forte’s talents and leadership aren’t limited to the sports arena.

In her spare time, Forte made a point to go on multiple mission trips while in high school, one to Chicago and the other to Alaska. She stands out in the classroom, holding a 3.958 GPA and being a recipient of the Dane Hansen Scholarship.

Post-graduation, Forte will attend Kansas State University, where she intends to study Interior Design.

JAYCEE VATH

BRECKEN OBERMUELLER

Minneapolis

Kandy Constable

Ellsworth

Huey Counts

Kandy Constable

Minneapolis

Minneapolis senior Trent Moeckel is an all-around athlete who has played football, basketball and baseball all four years of high school, lettering each year possible in all three sports.

On the football field, Moeckel took over as QB last fall, after playing receiver the prior three years. The signal caller responded with 1,292 passing yards and 13 TDs, to go with a team best 450 rushing yards and seven TDs, and earning all-league.

“Trent the athlete is a great competitor that never lets his emotions get too high or too low,” head football coach Tom Flax said. “Trent is a team first player that is very humble.”

Moeckel is equally dangerous on the basketball court. The savvy twotime all-league guard helped lead the Lions to a 16-7 record during his senior year, before ultimately losing in the sub-state final to TMP. Moeckel is also considered one of the top 3A baseball players going into 2021 and was named second team all-state at second base as a sophomore.

Aside from being an extremely talented three-sport athlete, Moeckel is a 4.0 student and a recipient of the Dane Hansen Scholarship.

Post-graduation, Moeckel plans to attend Kansas State Polytechnic in Salina and major in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

“I will miss Trent’s leadership next year as much as I will miss his ability to make plays on the field,” Flax said.

Aside from her considerable time spent on the volleyball court and softball field, Lincoln senior Brecken Obermueller is also a member of the National Honor Society, Kay Club, Student Government, Teen Advisory Board, church youth group, forensics team and Scholar’s Bowl.

“A spark plug, igniting energy and creating power for those around her, is the best description of Ms. Brecken Obermueller,” softball coach Linda Haring said. “She is focused, driven, and positive—all qualities that make her a strong leader.”

As an athlete, Obermueller excels on both the court and the diamond.

As a volleyball player, she is a twotime Second Team All-NPL recipient and helped Lincoln to their first 25-win volleyball season in school history, which culminated in a regional championship during her junior year.

On the softball diamond, Obermueller has been a part of the team since her freshman year, putting in valuable work as a pitcher and a fielder.

In 2019, Obermueller’s sophomore season, the Sylvan-Lucas-Lincoln squad finished 13-9, while she posted a .383 batting average to go with 35 hits, five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 15 runs scored. She also put in valuable innings as a pitcher, finishing the season with a 3.00 ERA, three saves, and a 5-1 record.

Beyond high school, Brecken plans to attend the University of Nebraska to study Software Engineering.

Lincoln

Huey Counts

COURTNEY FORTE

For the past three and a half years, Lincoln senior Jaycee Vath has been the smiling, polite, yet extremely competitive face of distance running in Class 1A and 2A. Many folks have watched her grow up on cross country courses in the fall and track ovals in the spring.

She’s been durable, powering her way through aches and pains, soreness and sprains. She’s someone everyone cheered for whether or not their fandom was to Lincoln.

Vath has been one of the most consistent, as well as one of the best. During her outstanding career, she claimed back-to-back-to-back 1A state cross country championships after finishing second in 2A as a freshman.

This track season, Vath is hoping to duplicate the success of two seasons ago when at state she claimed gold in the 1600 (5:23.81) and 3200 (school-record 11:27.53) and fourth in the 800 (2:28.58). She’d also like to run down Jenna Farris’s school mark of 5:16.88 in the 1600.

Vath, who plans to run at Fort Hay State University after high school, is a regular on Lincoln’s Honor Roll, carries a 3.76 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society.

A scholar and star distance runner, Vath will leave Lincoln as one of the greatest student-athletes in school history.

Hometown Proud features by Keegan McCullick, Vath feature by Huey Counts

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Salina downtown now home to The Yard

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Residing on Fourth Street in Salina’s resurgent downtown, The Yard is a brand new, cutting edge baseball and softball skill development center. The facility itself provides a unique opportunity for athletes in and around the Salina area to further improve and develop their game. To complement the amenities the facility offers is an experienced and knowledgeable group of instructors, led by head instructor, Brian Guyett.

The Yard offers a number of unique methods to hone and advance the skills of ballplayers of all ages.

The state-of-the-art HitTrax program allows players to more easily identify and choose pitches, along with their five batting cages helping to avoid long lines to max out their cut count.

An indoor bullpen stands on the southeast corner of the lot with five different lanes and alternative mounds for baseball or softball players to create an authentic experience.

Catchers are optional, as the lanes are designed to work without them if need be. Each one will contain a nine hole pitching target to dial in hitting spots on command while measuring velocity as well.

Another major feature is a partially enclosed fully covered collegiate size diamond, making developing as a fielder just as accessible as working on hitting in a cage and also eliminating rain delays.

“I would say our infield is different,” Guyett said. “I don’t know of many other places you can go and play with a breeze on you while taking ground balls. A lot of the places are primarily indoors, where we have that outdoor/indoor place. That sets us apart for sure.”

The Yard includes various membership packages for all skill, age, and commitment levels. Options range from monthly to yearly and can be more geared toward development or exposure to college scouts.

The facility also host multiple camps to develop different skill sets. Mini-camps are held weekly, with softball falling on Friday nights and baseball on Monday nights, allowing players to work with coaches on a consistent basis. Beyond the mini-camps are weekend camps, where more coaches from around the area convene to offer more in-depth and personalized instruction.

What will likely be most exciting for more competitive individuals looking to disguise batting practice as play are the HitTrax Leagues.

HitTrax is cutting edge technology that allows the maximum amount of swings in the shortest period of time. In league format, teams of four to five players will compete on a weekly basis for eight to 10 week seasons. The winners receive bragging rights, as well as a considerable number of reps.

“We’re in it for the community,” Guyett said. “We want to help all kids get better. There are some places that the only way you can be a part of their indoor is if they are part of the team that is housed out of the indoor. For us, we want everybody in Salina to become a better ballplayer. Whether it’s baseball or softball, whether you play for the Drive, the Kings, the Spikes, Salina Braves softball or Salina Nemesis softball. We want a place for everybody to be able to come and get good coaching and have a place for their teams to practice.”

The idea for The Yard didn’t happen overnight. Guyett, along with fellow baseball fanatic, and Salina dentist, Guy Gross, worked together to bring this concept into reality.

“I’d been doing individual private lessons for about three to four years and every year I just got a bunch more kids, Guyett said. “I was just growing at a rapid pace and I grew up on the west coast and come from an ‘indoor facility family’ where I’d spend a lot of my time getting better as a baseball player. Since I moved here I’d been wanting to start something like this. Then Guy Gross came to me with a similar vision and we really talked through the process and at first it was really just a dream of both of ours and that dream start-

Significant progress was made on The Yard’s covered diamond in March. ed to turn into a reality when we started looking for properties to actually make this thing go.”

The Yard’s location allows it to be a part of a major piece of Salina’s downtown improvement as a whole. Across the street from the new baseball facility will be the beginning of the Smoky Hill River Renewal project, aimed at making a number of improvements and restoring Salina’s Smoky Hill River. To the north, the American Classics Auto Museum will also be moving into place, setting up the area surrounding The Yard’s Fourth Street address to be a major part of Salina’s progress. All this along with so many other investments already made downtown include the Salina Fieldhouse, The Alley, Homewood Suites and more.

“Downtown has been growing and trying to build a cool place for people to come and hang out and be a part of something and for us it just made sense when we heard about this piece of land that became available,” Guyett said.

But the ultimate driving force behind Guyett and Gross’ vision is improving the play and culture of baseball and softball across Salina.

“Knowing that it’s needed in Salina,” Guyett said. “If you go to Wichita or Kansas City or even McPherson, or other places, they all have indoor facilities to call home and Salina doesn’t. There’s such a big baseball/softball community in Salina that we’re really filling a need in the community.”

Guyett has been an important member of the Salina

Page 6 baseball community since coming from the west coast to play college baseball at Bethany. Along with his staff of experienced coaches, Guyett and The Yard are likely to continue to be staples of Salina for years to come.

“I will never go back,” Guyett said. “I love Kansas and I love the hometown feel here as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city.”

The Yard is the training home to some of the Salina area’s top young baseball and softball talent. Kansas Pregame caught up with a few of them during our 2021 feature shoot: Jayci Burghardt, Southeast of Saline Southeast of Saline’s Jayci Burghardt is entering her freshman softball season with a considerable amount of polish to her game, thanks in part to her work at The Yard.

“Using the HitTrax has made me realize my best qualities and not very good qualities,” Burghardt said. “So it really helps me know what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing good.”

Burghardt works on improving her game on a frequent basis, fully utilizing the availability of The Yard’s facilities to continually sharpen her swing and other skills.

“I really like just going in during the day and getting in as many reps as you want,” Burghardt said.

Coach Brian Guyett called Burghardt one of his hardest working athletes.

“Amazing work ethic, amazing accountability to do what she needs to do to be great,” coach Brian Guyett said.

Zach Davidson, Salina South Salina South third baseman Zach Davidson is poised for a breakout season this spring and credits his work with The Yard’s cutting edge amenities in helping with his development.

“They have a lot of new technology that they’ve set up that you can’t really find near Salina,” Davidson said.

Particularly, Davidson has put the indoor pitching technology to use to develop, and stay warm in the colder months.

Davidson is an emerging name on the mound, having helped lead his Salina Hawks legion team to a state championship last spring and pitching a perfect game in the process.

The junior pitcher throws a 4-seam, 2-seam, curveball, and slider, along with a knuckleball that he is still developing.

“He’s going to be someone to look out for in 12 months from now if he continues to work his butt off like he currently is,” Guyett said. “He will 100 percent be one of the best pitchers in central Kansas.”

Davidson currently maintains a 4.1 GPA and is being looked at by a number of colleges for multiple sports.

Nina Frees, Salina South Salina South’s Nina Frees was forced to sit out what would have been her first year of high school softball due to COVID, but found the silver lining with her time spent playing summer ball.

“It was definitely fun, because club ball is somewhere where you have the biggest opportunities to try and be seen by college coaches,” Frees said.

With multiple indoor batting cages, an indoor pitching building with multiple mounds and the state-of-the-art HitTrax program, The Yard is bringing Salina area baseball and softball training to the next level.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 With her eyes already set on playing at the next level, it is no surprise that the sophomore has familiarized herself with the workout options and staff at The Yard.

“Just being able to get all the reps in and hang out with all the great workers here who definitely help you try to get better every chance you can,” Frees said.

Frees believes her play will speak for itself and instead her primary goals are more geared toward the type of player she is in conjunction with her team.

“To just try and be a better teammate and try to be there for others and make sure that they don’t have a negative mindset,” Frees said of her goals.

Coach Brian Guyett had particular praise for Frees’ bat stroke and the work she has put into it.

“She probably has one of the best swings I’ve seen in this place before without a question,” Guyett said. “But I’d say she is probably in here five times a week just working and getting better. Her parents are huge advocates of softball and man, yeah, she’s only a sophomore, so she’s going to be someone to look out for here in the future, no doubt.”

Joely Guyett, Salina Braves Joely Guyett, daughter of The Yard head instructor Brian Guyett, is getting a considerable head start on her fellow middle school students in softball development.

“My dad helps me a lot with softball,” Guyett said. “We can hit off tees, hit off a pitching machine, do front toss, short toss, anything.”

While she spends much of her time working on hitting, fielding is what she enjoys the most. Both skills will be put to use with her softball season just around the corner.

“Our first tournament is in less than a month and then we’re doing a scrimmage in three weeks and I’m excited for that.”

Joely’s father pointed out her efforts to improve as a softball player and couldn’t be more impressed with her hard work.

“She is my workhorse,” Brian Guyett said. “When it comes to softball she works on her own more than any 11 year old I’ve ever met. She’s actually here at The Yard right now working with the Kansas Wesleyan softball team. She gets the oppor-

tunity to practice with them at 11 years old, which is phenomenal, and the fact that she can kind of keep up and hang is impressive to me.”

Jenna Henderson, Salina South Salina South senior Jenna Henderson broke her foot before the start of preseason basketJenna ball her sophomore year. The injury allowed Henderson Henderson to often work on developing the Zach spin for her drop ball. The offering has become Davidson her best pitch.

“All I did was have my knee on a bucket and Cameron Nina do spins with my pitching coach, so that’s what Yohe Frees got that pitch figured out,” she said.

In 2019, Henderson hit .487 with five homers and 34 RBI. She carried a 12-3 record and 3.01 earned-run average in 90.2 innings for Salina South. A 5-foot-10 left-handed pitcher/ Jayci Burghardt Joely Guyett first baseman, Henderson was first offered

by Seminole State (Okla.) College. However, ready for the season.” she eventually committed to Division I Texas His primary focus as of late is pitch selection and The Yard A&M-Corpus Christi. Then, CC went through budget cuts, has provided tools to help him improve in that regard. and Henderson has elected to attend Seminole, a top junior “I turn the machines to outside fastball or inside curveball or college softball program. just try to work on my pitches to get better at certain pitches Henderson didn’t have her 2020 spring high school season, and where to drive the ball and just get better at more pitches but played in 76 combined games in summer and fall. that I’ve been struggling on like outside pitches working on She, and Haven’s Maguire Estill, a right-handed rise baller, driving it away,” Yohe said. served as the pitchers for Tulsa Elite 316, a team in Wichita.

Yohe’s works are all geared toward being ready for his first Henderson has benefited from work at The Yard in Salina and high school baseball season, which began earlier this spring. has given back to the community. She has taught pitching “I’m beyond excited, but I’m kind of nervous because it’s lessons to younger girls for three years. something new, it’s going to be faster than what I’m used to,” “I absolutely love doing it,” she said.

Yohe said. “But I’m excited, just because there are a lot of Cameron Yohe, Sacred Heart opportunities coming into high school.”

Sacred Heart’s, Cameron Yohe, is an admitted diamond rat.

Despite Yohe’s understandable nerves about stepping up The freshman hitter, who’s summer baseball team took third in state last year, is a junkie about getting in a good amount of to a new level of play, coach Brian Guyett has considerable confidence in the freshman’s athletic ability. cuts daily at The Yard.

“He is by far the purest athlete I’ve ever seen at that “I like to just come right after school every day and go in and age group,” Guyett said. “There is no question, he’s just a take 100 hacks or so before I go to work,” Yohe said. “I just monster.” like to go in there and get as many cuts as possible just to get

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TEGAN CAIN In late February, 18 of the state’s top baseball, softball and track athletes gathered at The Yard, a brand new baseball and softball training facility in downtown Salina, for the third annual spring cover shoot. These athletes, all members of the Class of 2021, come from across the state. Enjoy their features, by staff writer Keegan McCullick and long-time sportswriters Conor Nicholl and Huey Counts, on the pages that follow.

Tegan Cain, Ellis Ellis senior Tegan Cain had a dynamic first half of his high school baseball career. The 6-foot, 205 pound senior managed a .444 batting average during his freshman campaign along with four triples and also posted a 4-1 record over 23.1 innings pitched. He received second team all-state honors from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

As a sophomore, he would crank up his numbers even more, averaging .523 with 34 hits, 30 RBIs, 35 runs scored, three home runs, six triples, and five doubles. The mound is where he garnered his most attention, however, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.18 ERA, 52 strikeouts and a save over 25.2 innings, earning him first team honors from the KABC. After earning considerable attention from all-state teams in both seasons and helping his Railer team to winning records in each -11-6 in 2018, 15-4 in 2019 - Cain was poised for a breakout junior season. As most readers can guess, Cain never got the opportunity due to COVID. “I really wanted to play,” Cain said. “I was preparing all offseason for it and after my sophomore season I was projected to have a pretty good junior season, and our team was looking really good. We had two seniors that were gonna help us out a lot. And they, you know, they didn’t get to play, as their senior season.”

Cain’s understandable disappointment did not make him idle, however. He put in considerable work with his father, Ellis head coach Brent Cain, as well as former Ellis Standout, and current Nebraska-Omaha pitcher, Easton Smith, fine tuning his pitching “We were working all summer, you know, he gave me all the tips and all the things I need to work on,” Cain said.

One particular area that Cain improved considerably could cause serious issues for opposing batters.

“Velocity. I would say I have a pretty good advantage with velocity,” Cain said. “And where I play in western Kansas, you don’t see a lot of guys touching 82-83 (MPH). And you know, I touched 88 this summer, took a big jump, I started out the summer sitting at 82-83 and by the end of the summer was sitting at 86-87 and topping out at 88.”

One of Cain’s primary goals on the bump for 2021 is to hit the 90 mile per hour club.

“I just can’t wait until that day comes,” Cain said.

At the plate, Cain is looking to improve on his impressive numbers and surpass a couple of his own team records.

“Probably make that .500 club again, .500 average for the season,” Cain said. “...Hopefully break the record for home

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runs that I tied my sophomore year, and then try to break my own record for triples in a season that I set sophomore year.”

Cain also has grander goals than just individual accolades.

Ellis did not make the state tournament in Cain’s first two seasons, getting beat out by Sedgwick in the sub-state finals in 2019, but that in no way diminishes what the senior slugger and Ellis are aiming for in 2021.

“As a team, you know, we’re looking to go undefeated this season,” Cain said. “It’s gonna be quite a challenge. We did drop some people and add some new people like Spearville, and we dropped Leoti on our schedule. So we are gonna have a little tougher schedule this year. But I’m thinking as a team, we’re looking pretty good.”

Ellis has a history of winning, having finished state runner-up as recently as 2017 with a 20-1 record, a season that Cain watched his dad coach and friend, Easton Smith, play in. Adding even more fuel to his fire.

After the 2021 season comes to an end Cain, who maintains a 3.2 GPA, will be attending Barton County and plans to study Business. Barton is the same school Smith had initially attended and played for before moving on to UNO. KM Tatum Clopton, Lawrence Free State Lawrence Free State senior, Tatum Clopton, is one of the most accomplished high school athletes in the state.

The two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year helped lead Free State to back-to-back titles in her freshman and sophomore seasons, the first and second in Firebird history.

She is ranked the 10th best player in the country, according to Softball America, and is committed to Oklahoma State as a part of a recruiting class ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Despite all of this, you’d be hard-pressed to get her to focus on herself more than the bigger picture and her fellow teammates. Her reaction to the loss of the 2020 season to COVID is a perfect example.

“It was sad and we tried to do as much as we could to honor our seniors and spend one last summer with them since we didn’t even get an official practice before everything got shut down,” Clopton said. “So we did what we could to give them one last hoorah before they went to college,” Clopton said. “Then the rest of us went with our club teams and then as soon as fall hit our seniors this year were already like ‘What are we doing and how are we

going to get people excited for this year and trying to get as many people involved?’ and just making sure everybody had as much fun as they could this year because we are basically making up for last year as well.”

With the additional time the season’s cancellation brought, Clopton didn’t neglect to focus on her own game. After her sophomore year, in which she post a .52 ERA, 212 strikeouts, and a 16-1 record over 107 innings on the mound, as well as a .357 average with 30 runs scored, 21 RBIs, a .541 OBP and a .679 slugging percentage, the 5-10 senior made a point to not just play the game, but also be a student of it.

“I think the biggest thing around this time a year, we watch a ton of college softball and there is so much you can learn from watching the game,” Clopton said. “So I had more time than ever to watch old games, they weren’t playing, so going back and watching really old games from early on when only the World Series was on TV and then also, the 2019 and 2018 seasons that were being replayed and just watching those who compete so hard at that level.”

Besides studying some of the best players over the past years, Clopton also found her way out onto the mound, but was perhaps too diligent about practicing for her own good.

“I also tore my labrum over the summer and I had to come back from that, we spent so much time throwing over quarantine, that’s really all we could do since we couldn’t play, and I injured myself,” Clopton said. “I had a learning experience coming back from that, I am way more in tune with my body and my throwing motion and I’d say I’m better off for it.”

With her arm back to full health, the two-time all-state pitcher’s expectations are unsurprisingly high for someone who has not ended a high school softball season as anything other than a state champion. From the 2019 championship

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“I expect another championship,” Clopton said slowly after pausing for a moment. “At this point, we’ve already won two.

It is almost an expectation and all of us want it. But, I think I am just personally so competitive that that is now an expectation and that’s what I’m going to be constantly working toward because I don’t want to go out my senior year any other way.”

Once the season and school year conclude, Clopton will head south to Stillwater where she is already accepted into Oklahoma State’s pre-law program and will continue her softball career with the top 10 ranked Cowgirls.

Her decision was made fairly early in 2017.

“I was fortunate to take my unofficial visit and it was homecoming weekend and was just such an amazing atmosphere,” Clopton said. “I worked with the coaches once at a camp really closely and I knew from that one experience I really enjoy working with these people and I just felt like I knew they were going to take this program to really great places and I could feel that.”

Keegan McCullick Kimalee Cook, Circle Circle’s Kimalee Cook relies on her speed, no matter the sport. During her recently completed senior year of basketball, Cook averaged 16 points per game, many as a direct result of her ability to steal the ball an average of just under four times per contest. Few defenders caused more fits for point guards attempting to bring the ball up court than Cook, who oftentimes served as a one-woman full court press.

“I use a lot of my speed,” Cook emphasized. “My speed is probably my main threat when it comes to basketball.”

Unsurprisingly, Cook’s biggest weapon on the track is also her speed. During her sophomore season, in her second trip to the state meet after finishing sixth in the 100 meter dash (12.73) as a freshman, she won state in both the 100 (12.25) and the 200 (26.28) and also was a member of a third place 4x100 team (50.37) and sixth place 4x400 team (4:16.73).

After a 2019 season with four podium finishes, Cook was

saddened to hear the news of the 2020 cancellation.

“If you win state, you want to defend that title,” Cook said.

“So I was super disappointed. But it was what it was and I couldn’t change it. To fill that time I just had to keep positive and think that we could get through it and I could get through it and hopefully that things would settle down and luckily this year they did.”

With all of Cook’s explosiveness, her focus is to not overthink a race. As a result, Cook’s pre-race routine is simple.

“Usually I stress myself out about false-starting or something,” Cook said. “So one of the biggest things I tell myself to do is relax and that’s what you have to do when you’re running sprints, you don’t want to be tense because that slows you down, so I tell myself to relax in the blocks and then relax when I’m running.”

Cook will apply her pre-race philosophy to a larger scale with the lead up to the 2021 season as well.

“I’m really excited for this season,” Cook said. “I’m not going to set my expectations too high because, you know, I didn’t get last season. But I’m going to try my best to get back to how I was in 2019 and hopefully in the end I can win another state championship.”

Circle lost a three-point heartbreaker to Andale in a substate basketball championship matchup. Despite being one game short of the state tournament, Cook will not see an end to her basketball playing career after this season. Once the 2021 track season is over her focus will shift back to the hardwood, as she is committed to play at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma. She plans to study either sports broadcasting or journalism while there.

Keegan McCullick Kaitlin Crossland, St. Mary’s-Colgan Pittsburg St. Mary’s-Colgan senior Kaitlin Crossland has delivered a highly impactful role on historically great Panther programs.

“I am super competitive,” Crossland said. “So if a challenge comes up, I will be ready to step up.”

In volleyball, Crossland was a four-year starter and helped

Page 10 the Panthers to a collective 144-18 record. Crossland finished her career with 931 kills, 240 aces, 711 digs and 1,089 assists. Notably, in 2018, Colgan opened the season with 43 straight victories.

During basketball season, Crossland was the first player off the bench as a sophomore and started the last two winters.

She earned honorable mention all-state as a junior and second team all-conference this winter.

“She is a phenomenal athlete (and) the most coachable kid,” Colgan girls’ basketball coach Abby Farabi said. “She’s definitely a competitor.”

This winter, she helped Colgan win the first state tournament game in girls’ basketball history.

In softball, Crossland started as a freshman and a sophomore. In her sophomore year, Crossland helped Colgan to a 24-2 record and 2-1A state championship. She was a consensus first team all-state selection. Crossland hit .462 with four homers and went 16-1 in the circle. She was also all-state honorable mention as a freshman.

“I love being able to play a role in all three of the sports,” Crossland said. “I love just being able to spend time with my friends, do that type of stuff, and if I can be a leader on the team, I am going to do my best to do that, so I just like filling that role ever since I was young.”

After last spring, Crossland was able to play around seven consecutive summer weekends for softball.

“It was so much fun,” she said. “I loved every second of it. I was just super glad I got to play.”

She most enjoyed the last tournament when the team went down to Texas. The squad was able to travel together, and Crossland said the team “did pretty well” against high-level competition.

“I love those girls,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Crossland was able to improve “a lot” in the summer with her different spins, including the rise ball.

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Crossland, uncertain of her college choice as of mid-March, has continued to pitch in the offseason. Her go-to pitches are fast, change, screwball and rise ball.

“Sometimes I get a little bit sore in basketball practice,” she said. “I can’t make my right-hand lift, because I have been pitching. It’s just a fun time. I love being able to work on it, and it’s such a skill of perfection.”

This spring, Colgan has graduated its entire infield. The Panthers return junior twins Ashley and Allie Marietta. In the 10-7 championship game win against Oskaloosa in 2019, Crossland hit a grand slam and earned the complete game victory. Allie Marietta recorded a multi-hit game.

“They are awesome,” Crossland said of the Marietta twins.

“They are so good. They have been working really hard in the offseason, too. I am really excited to be able to play with them again.”

Crossland played volleyball with her sister, sophomore Kinley, the last two falls. Kinley appeared in all 72 sets and finished third with 106 kills. Because of COVID-19, this spring marks the first time they have participated in high school softball together. The Crosslands are 17 months apart and have always been close. Kinley has long played up on her sister’s travel team.

Conor Nicholl Spencer Davidson, Minneapolis Minneapolis’ first baseman and pitching ace, Spencer Davidson doesn’t remember the first year MHS fielded a baseball team in 2007, the now senior was yet to enter Pre-K at the time. He also doesn’t remember a majority of the losing seasons the fledgling program had endured as it developed into a competitive program He does, however, remember the moment the 2019 team he was a part of knew they had something special.

“Our freshman year we were actually around .500, about 9-11,” Davidson said. “So after that it was actually not as expected, it actually felt like the sixth or seventh game of the

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year (in 2019) we were playing Russell and after the game we just realized, we came together and realized, ‘guys we’re really good,’ and it kind of all clicked together at that point in the season and then obviously continued through the season.

But yeah, it never really was expected until we actually did it.”

After experiencing only two winning seasons since the program’s inception in 2006, Davidson and the Lions burst onto the scene in 2019, going 20-4 and finishing tied for third in the 3A state tournament.

Davidson was a big part of that success, posting a .478 batting average, with 33 hits, seven doubles, five triples, two home runs, 31 RBIs, and 22 walks. The lefty posted a 3.47 ERA and 39 strikeouts on the mound over the course of 38.1 innings, good for a 6-1 record.

Minneapolis was a clear favorite to make it back to the state tournament in 2020, returning a significant amount of talent, including now seniors, all-state honorable mention infielder, Trent Moeckel, who hit .439 in 2019 and pitcher/shortstop Nolan White, who hit .379 and posted a 1.42 ERA and a 3-0 record. Unfortunately for the talented trio, they wouldn’t get the opportunity to make it onto the field in 2020, due to the season’s cancellation.

“Obviously it was a sad deal,” Davidson said. “We thought we were going to be able to compete for the state championship, so that was a really big let down when it happened.

But I used COVID to get a lot better at baseball, to work on my body a little bit and I lost a lot of weight during COVID and by the time the summer came, I mean, I was able to still play summer baseball. Now being able to have another high school season this year is really big for us.”

The 6-2, 220 pound senior improved aspects outside of his physicality as well, making sure time in this extended off-season did not go to waste, increasing his knowledge as a

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batter and maturity as a pitcher.

“Not really hitting the ball to all parts of the field, I’ve always been able to do that, but realizing when I need to hit the ball to different parts of the field has been a big thing for me,” Davidson said. “Pitching on the mound, I have full control of my emotions nowadays. I don’t really get fazed by runners on base or the score, which is a big thing for me too.”

The 2021 MHS class was one of the first to make baseball a centerpiece of their athletic focus and the Lions’ goals for the season are high.

“Especially growing up and then building the travel team we did and then getting Kaden (Griffin) from Ell-Saline to transfer and Kade (Thomas) transferred and then it all came together and yeah, once we got into high school we could see that we were going to be a force to reckoned with.”

Griffin and Thomas were integral parts of the Lion’s 2019 state run and had been long-time summer ball teammates of Davidson’s. Unfortunately, both players graduated in 2020, not getting to play their senior year.

White was another member of Davidson’s club team who transferred from Ell-Saline to join his summer teammates, making the time put in for summer ball all the more valuable to the Minneapolis roster.

Given the buildup of time since 2019, Davidson’s set of goals for the upcoming season are admirably targeted in a step-by-step fashion.

“For starters number one seed in regionals, that’s always really huge getting to, instead of playing the two or three, playing the four seed in the second round is always a big thing,” Davidson said. “But yeah, we’re looking toward the state tournament, that would be a great goal. I think we should just take it one game at a time now. I mean with COVID and everything, makes you realize some stuff and

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 I think the best thing we can do this year is just take it one game at a time.”

Once the 2021 season comes to an end, Davidson’s next destination to play baseball will be Fort Hays State, the alma mater of his current head coach, Tyler Konrade, who was a second team all-conference outfielder for the Tigers in 2007 and remains in the record books with multiple fielding marks.

While at FHSU, Davidson will continue his career on the diamond, while he also plans to go into business administration.

“It was actually my third visit, it was the last one I was planning on taking and just the coaching staff and how the visit went and meeting some of the players and just the feel of the campus, it all just came together and felt right.”

KM Kendall Diggs, St. Thomas Aquinas In 2019, St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Kendall Diggs was among the best baseball players in the state. The sensationally talented Diggs, who split time between third base and shortstop, put up a .559 batting average with 38 hits, 29 runs scored, 41 RBIs, 11 doubles, five triples, and a home run, and earned 5A Player of the Year honors. His output was a major reason behind the Saints 21-4 record and state runner-up finish.

What is next for the now senior who has already accomplished so much in a high school career shortened by last season’s coronavirus cancellation? A continuation of great numbers, a few records and hopefully, a championship.

“Obviously, I want to get a ring for the school,” Diggs said.

“For me, I’d like to repeat what I did my sophomore year.

Another big goal for me is to repeat as player of the year. My sophomore year we set a record for best record at Aquinas ever, I think it was 21-4 and I think we tied that. So this year, I mean, I’m going to tell the younger guys that haven’t been on varsity that’s another goal to surpass.”

The ball-hawking infielder spent his cancelled junior baseball season fine-tuning one of the best all-around games in the state.

“I definitely worked really hard,” Diggs said. “Had a lot of time off, you have to capitalize on it. I mean just sitting around isn’t going to have a lot of positive outcomes come of it. A lot of positive stuff came out of it, working out and working on certain parts of your game. I mean baseball-wise there were not a whole lot of changes, obviously worked almost every day on it, but for me, it was getting in the weight room and adding some weight and strength for me and that was a huge thing I heard from my summer coaches and high school coaches so I took that really seriously over quarantine and in the offseason.”

Diggs played the 2020 summer with the same team he’s been a part of since he was 10, although they’ve gone through a name change, from the Mac Insight Royals to the Royals Scout Team. The roster consists of a number of top prospects throughout the state and surrounding area, including several noteworthy names in Kansas baseball for 2021 such as Lawrence’s Devin Neal and Blue Valley’s Chase Jans, among other.

After no spring season, Diggs and his summer teammates

were full of anticipation to return to the field.

“The whole team was just itching to get back out on that field so I remember that first tournament everyone was really pumped up and ready to go,” Diggs said. “ It was a really good summer.”

In the wake of the extended 2019-2020 offseason, Diggs and his Aquinas teammates are ready to return to the diamond for his final high school season.

Diggs is not the only star on the Aquinas roster. He’ll is joined by second team all-state shortstop Blake Anderson (Nebraska commit), who hit .410 with 32 hits, 29 runs scored and 15 RBIs in 2019, and outfielder Ivan Brethowr (Arizona State commit) who averaged .302 with 19 hits, 20 RBIs and two home runs.

“So coming into this season I feel really confident we got another good team, roster’s looking really good,” Diggs said.

“We got some young guys, too, that should be able to make a big impact. Definitely trying to be a good leader and role model for them and show them how we do it and hopefully bring a ring home this year.”

After he finishes up his senior season, Diggs will be attending SEC powerhouse Arkansas and plans to study sports medicine. Arkansas, at the time of the writing of this article , are the number one ranked team in college baseball and he will be joined by a friend of his, Bishop Miege shortstop Jude Putz, along with a few former summer ball teammates who had graduated in prior years.

“They were actually the first school to ever reach out to me,” Diggs said. “Just very briefly. One thing for me was throughout the whole process they were very consistent on checking in. They have the best interest in me. You know, it’s threeand-a-half hours away from home. My parents and family can come watch, facilities are amazing, coaching staff, everything.

It was just the overall the best fit for me.”

KM Clara Edwards, Clay Center Clay Center senior pitcher Clara Edwards first played competitive softball at age eight. She immediately fell in love with the sport and had a dream to play in college. At first, Edwards worked with her mother, Nicole, a Clay Center graduate and former Bethany pitcher. As a youngster, Edwards lived in Osage City and teamed with current OC senior standout pitcher Hayden Serna.

Edwards started to work with Tracy Bunge, a former University of Kansas softball pitcher and later the Jayhawks’ head softball coach. Bunge is in KU’s Hall of Fame and still holds multiple school records.

“I love everything about her,” Edwards said of Bunge.

Every other Sunday since early in middle school, Edwards has made the 243 mile round trip from Clay Center to Lawrence to work with Bunge. While Edwards has improved as a pitcher with fundamentals and velocity, she has especially developed the mental side. Bunge has worked on Edwards’ leadership.

“She has just taught me to always have fun with it, and don’t ever get down on yourself, because one bad thing happens,” Edwards said. “Good things are always going to happen.”

Page 12 The work helped Edwards post an 18-1 record and 0.57 ERA in leading the Tigers to a 21-2 record in 2019. Edwards logged 202 strikeouts in 135.2 innings. She also carried a .557 average with five homers and 22 RBI. As a freshman, in 2018, Edwards posted a 15-0 mark and 1.12 ERA for a 22-1 squad.

In basketball, Edwards played for her father, Jeff, a former Bethany basketball player. She logged more than 1,000 career points in her career and multiple 20-plus point games this winter.

Edwards signed with NCAA Division I University of South Dakota softball, and sought counsel from Bunge on her college choice.

“I truly love playing softball and want to do everything that I can to be as good as I can,” Edwards said.

USD is located in Vermillion, with a population of just under 11,000 people. Clay Center has slightly more than 4,000.

Edwards like the small-town aspect of Vermillion. Plus, Edwards has always wanted to go to a Division I school.

Edwards “loved every second” of her visit. She carries a 4.0 GPA and has received a full scholarship.

“I just knew as soon as I went that it was going to be awesome,” Edwards said. “And I love the coaching staff, and the players that I met.”

This spring, Clay Center graduated its starting catcher, first baseman, third baseman and center fielder from 2019. The Tigers are expected to return senior Aspin Girard, along with juniors Jacey Schurle and Shelby Siebold. Plus, Ella Girton and Cheyanna Brandhorst are likely going to step into bigger roles. Schurle hit .365 in 22 games in 2019.

CN Maguire Estill, Haven The Haven Wildcats were a fixture in the state softball tournament in the latter half of the 2010s, before 2019, when they were defeated by one run in the regional championship, to finish 13-4 on the season.

Standout 2021 senior Maguire “Mac” Estill and her team were prepared for an avenging campaign in 2020, but, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the opportunity for redemption never materialized.

“The previous years we had been to state five times and we lost in that regional game, so that kind of hurt a little bit, and then not getting to redo it the next year even sucked worse,” Estill said. “When I got the call it started with hope, like they may find a way to get through it and we’ll get our season back. But then it came out that we weren’t going to get to play at all. So that kind of hit home a little bit and then we were stuck in quarantine with school being out. So it was really hard to find motivation, in a way.”

Despite her initial shock at the news of the pandemic leading to the season’s cancellation, Estill is not the type to take disappointment lying down.

The two-time all-state pitcher posted statistics in her first two seasons of high school that most softball players could only dream of. She went 18-1 with 115 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA as a freshman in the circle. As a sophomore, the Wildcats found more arms and Estill threw considerably less innings,

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CLARA EDWARDS

but still managed outstanding numbers, finishing with an 8-3 record, 71 strikeouts and posting a 1.37 ERA. “In May I had to change my mindset because I had the summer to work for a scholarship for college,” Estill said. “So I changed my mindset and got back in it and worked really hard and got a scholarship this summer. Then, plus, we did a summer league, so I got to play a little high school ball in the summer too.”

Estill is also excellent with a bat in her hands. As a freshman she hit .608 with 48 hits, 60 RBIs, eight home runs, 18 doubles, and 22 runs scored. The next year, in 33 less plate attempts, she was .537 with 29 hits, 35 RBIs, five home runs, five doubles, three triples, and 20 runs scored.

Last year, Estill split time with her traveling team and Haven summer squad. She also used the added time off to sharpen some weapons in her pitching repertoire, working on her already devastating rise ball, and also further developing her changeup, a pitch that will be even more important next year when she attends Arkansas-Monticello to continue her softball career and embark on a pre-med college major.

The decision to sign with UAM was made after significant consideration.

“With COVID and recruiting, it just made it really hard,” Estill said. “Everything was online again this summer and so I had a few options with schools, but they were the ones that really stayed persistent with me. I wanted to go somewhere where I felt wanted and didn’t want to go just be ‘a player’. I wanted them to want me and make it feel like it was a home. Coach (Kyle) Lem did a really good job of that and he is kind of the reason why I picked them.”

Before heading down to the Natural State for her freshman year of college, Estill and Haven have some serious unfinished business. Her fellow pitcher, and classmate, senior Brooke Brawner, completes what has been a dangerous onetwo punch for Haven. Brawner posted a 4-0 record on the mound in 2019 and hit .462 at the plate. Head coach Darin

Page 13

MAGUIRE ESTILL

Photos by Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

ELI FAHNESTOCK

S P R I N G S P OT LIGHT

Ashworth pointed out that Brawner is an “all-state type overall talent” despite being overshadowed by the well-deserved attention Estill receives.

“I’m really excited,” Estill said. “We have a good team this year, our pitching staff is the same and I have a teammate in my grade and she’ll throw with me (Brawner). Then our infield and outfield are really solid, so our expectations are still really high even though it has been a couple years since we played. We’re going to keep going with the tradition of Haven softball.”

Keegan McCullick Eli Fahnestock, Andover As a youngster, Andover’s Eli Fahenstock looked up to Ben Carson, a leading neurosurgeon. Carson, who earned the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom, became the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in 1984. Carson eventually served in several roles at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and was the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump Administration.

During his school age years, Fahnestock’s parents always told him to focus on his school work and grades.

“That needs to be taken seriously,” Fahnestock said. “Not just your athletics.”

During sophomore year and entering junior year, Fahnestock believed a high-level college was an achievable goal. He looked at a mixture of Division II, Division III and NAIA schools. Fahnestock talked with junior college coaches and decided junior college was not in his best interest.

“There’s a lot of opportunities out there,” he said. “It’s not all just Division I baseball or just go to a state school or whatever it may be. But there is a ton of options, and so for my specific situation, I felt that that was the best way for me to go.”

In 2020, Fahnestock, a multi-sport standout athlete for the Trojans, started to have conversations with the Johns

Hopkins baseball staff. Hopkins, located in Maryland, is ranked ninth nationally via US News and World Report, ahead of multiple Ivy League schools.

Fahenstock eventually achieved a longtime goal when he signed with Johns Hopkins for baseball. JHU staff told Fahnestock no Kansan has played for the Blue Jays since the 1970s.

“I just went for it,” Fahnestock said. “I decided to leave it all on the table and just go for it, and it just worked out in my favor. So I feel really blessed.”

Fahnestock was highly pleased with his choice for athletics and academics. Fahnestock’s other top option was Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ranked as the nation’s fourth-best college. Fahnestock applied and was accepted into MIT, though Hopkins yielded the “perfect fit.”

Hopkins is a longtime Division III baseball powerhouse with 23 trips to the NCAA tournament and four to the College World Series. Bob Babb has coached Hopkins baseball for 41 years, leading the Blue Jays to at least 20 wins in all but two seasons and never finishing below .500.

“While baseball will end at some point, like your knowledge and your degree and what you have learned over your schooling will make a huge difference in the long run,” he said. “And especially being interested in the medical field, too, that really factored into my decision a lot, along with some other family connections in the Baltimore area.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Fahnestock was also a standout football player and started as a freshman at quarterback.

He passed for 1,079 yards his sophomore season, though suffered injury halfway during the year.

Fahnestock was again hurt as a junior and elected to not play football last fall. Fahnestock played some varsity basketball earlier in his career. In baseball, Fahnestock started as a

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 freshman and sophomore.

When Fahnestock was a freshman, Andover had Casey Mayes at centerfield. Mayes, who Fahnestock labeled the best he’s ever played with, is currently a junior at Michigan State. Mayes had a knee injury from the fall, and Fahnestock opened the season as the center field starter. Once Mayes recovered, Fahnestock moved to left field.

He again plans to start at center field for Andover this spring. At times, Fahnestock plans to pitch in relief. He has posted an 81 mile per hour throw from the outfield and 84 mph on exit velocity at the plate, via Perfect Game Showcase statistics. In Jan. 2021, he attended the Baseball Factory PreSeason All-America tournament in Florida.

“Eli continues to show as a top prospect on the diamond,” Baseball Factory wrote in its scouting report. “In the OF, defensive abilities are outstanding as he displays smooth/athletic actions. Feet are active as he takes proper routes/angles in tracking down balls. He works to get behind balls, playing

through with momentum to his target. Range is a plus.” CN Katelyn Fairchild, Andale Senior Katelyn Fairchild has been enveloped in the Andale culture throughout her life. Fairchild’s father, Tim, is the longtime Andale defensive coordinator. Andale has five football titles with him on staff, including back-to-back perfect seasons the last two falls. Tim was 3A assistant coach of the year in 2020.

Katelyn is the second youngest of seven children. Her two older brothers, Grant and Mason, currently compete with Pittsburg State track and KU football, respectively.

Katelyn has helped Andale achieve historic success in volleyball, basketball and track. In 2019, Andale boys and girls swept state track. The girls have captured the last three titles.

The AHS boys has five track championships since 2013.

In basketball, Katelyn earned AVCTL Division I Player of the Year and helped Andale to a state final four showing this winter. Andale wrestling won the state title and boys basketball

Page 14 qualified for state.

Katelyn said Andale’s “mindset of champions” pushes the Indians. Additionally, Fairchild credited the weight room, after school hours and coaching, all aspects that have helped her sign with Texas A&M for javelin.

“It’s all about the culture,” Katelyn said. “Like when you show up, everybody says, ‘So there’s Andale,’ and I think just having that chip on your shoulder and going into every meet knowing that you are kind of the big dogs in the meet, it’s just kind of gives you that extra boost of confidence.”

As of March 20, Katelyn and her sister, sophomore McKenzie, were ranked 1-2 nationally in javelin, according to athletic.net, a well-known track statistics site. Katelyn took fourth at state in javelin as a freshman with a mark of 139-8.

She won in 2019 with 156 feet, 11 inches. She first picked up the sport as a freshman and has continued to improve with help from the javelin runway on the family property.

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KATELYN FAIRCHILD

the USA Winter Throws Clinic and Competition in South Beauregard, La. McKenzie has posted 148-4. Katelyn wants to break the all-time state mark of 180-10 set by Olathe North’s Dana Baker at a meet in Pennsylvania in June 2018.

Baker, now at Duke, holds the state in-season mark at 175-6.

“At first, honestly I wasn’t very good at it,” Katelyn said.

“So it was something that I didn’t think that I was going to continue, but then we just kept working.”

With volleyball coach Kaylie Bergkamp, Andale posted back-to-back state runner-up finishes for the best seasons in school history. Last fall, Katelyn, a 5-9 outside hitter, was first team all-state Class 4A. McKenzie, a 5-10 sophomore middle blocker, collected first team all-state.

Katelyn loves volleyball, though understood her height limited her collegiate opportunities. Track was a better fit.

“Track, I just have a different kind of love for that, and I know it would take me farther and take me places,” she said.

“And it was something that I wanted to continue to do, and my goal in the end is to go as far as I possibly can.”

As a freshman, Fairchild medaled in 4A javelin and discus.

In 2019, she was first in javelin and won by more than 18 feet. Fairchild earned third in shot put and fourth in discus.

She significantly credited Andale throwing coach Robby Spexarth. He has two javelin throwers that have reached No. 1 nationally. Jeff Ast was the boys’ leader in 2015.

“He is very encouraging, and I think that he is a big reason to where anyone of us improves,” she said.

The Fairchilds went to great lengths to continue javelin after COVID-19 forced the 2020 cancellation. They live about 15 miles from Andale on a family farm that goes back several generations. A former teacher, Tim runs the farm and a remodeling business. He talked with Sam Hankins’ family, a Manhattan three-time javelin champion and current Texas A&M thrower, who put a javelin runway in their backyard.

The Fairchilds poured a concrete approach in the backyard last spring. They used five feet wide, four feet long and three-quarter inch horse dog rubberized coating.

Tim bought $300 of glue and adhered the rubber to concrete in a couple of hours. They painted down sector lines.

Last summer, the Fairchilds competed in at least three virtual track meets and used the family facility for official throws.

Page 15

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

REAGAN GEIHSLER

Samantha and Riley Marx, cousins with the Fairchilds, came over to throw, too.

“There’s just the most tedious things you wouldn’t even think of that you need to incorporate into your throw, and it is a challenge to pick up, and it’s hard to perfect,” she said. “I mean, I have trained with people that have been doing it for years, and they still haven’t got it perfected.” Conor Nicholl Reagan Geihsler, Salina Central Leading up to her senior season, javelin training has been far from ideal for Reagan Geihsler. Coming off a winter where there were no competition opportunities, the Salina Central standout was just fine-tuning changes to her technique. And with last season’s entire high school track season being called off courtesy of COVID-19, it’s been a long time since she’s had a truly meaningful throw.

“It’s crazy,” she said, “it’s been over a year and a half since I’ve thrown in a competition.”

Her last school-sanctioned work came at the 2019 Kansas State Track and Field Championships, where she collected Class 5A silver medals in the javelin (128 feet, 1 inch) and discus (122-10) as a sophomore.

Most athletes would have left that competition with a huge smile, but not the uber-competitive Geihsler. Even with a sore back, she was in it to win it.

“I was disappointed,” she said, “but I also knew I had two more years to come back and claim (gold).”

Then, just a few months later, her junior season was benched. She was on a walk with some friends when she first received the news.

“At first it was we didn’t have school for one day and then it was we didn’t have school for a week and then it was the whole year,” she said, “so then I knew track season was also going to be canceled.

“I was pretty devastated because I didn’t have any college offers and I knew junior season is a big time for that.”

Her throwing resume, despite being rather short, was still enough for her to garner interest from a handful of Division I schools, including the University of Nebraska, with whom she signed in December.

TY GERETY

“It was a big relief, but even though I’ve committed, I still have a season ahead of me and I need to go out and prove myself to Nebraska,” she said.

Geihsler has come a long way since she was spotted by former Central throws coach Joe Wilkerson who took note of a sixth grade girl tossing a football with velocity and distance.

“He thought I had a good arm and thought I should try throwing events,” she said, “I really didn’t even know that track had throwing events, I always thought it was just running.”

Because javelin isn’t offered in middle school, she focused on the discus and collected Lakewood girls’ records for both seventh and eighth grade, while also tinkering around with shot put.

While in eighth grade she would make occasional visits to the high school to work with Central’s throwers. Those practices really helped her in getting used to being around older athletes, so as a freshman varsity athlete she wasn’t intimidated.

“I also knew I could compete with them because I’d been to some of the high school meets,” said the 5-foot-6 Geihsler.

“Even though they were older and stronger, it’s a lot of technique. I know I have to be quicker down the runway or quicker in the ring. Technique is definitely the key to me throwing as well as I do.”

At her state debut as a ninth-grader, she hopped up on the podium after both of her events, placing sixth in discus (11011) along with fourth in javelin (126-0).

The following season her marks gradually improved as the season progressed. She collected top three medals in nearly every meet despite still being one of the younger competitors.

At her regional meet, she busted out personal bests in the javelin (132-2) and discus (124-10). Geihsler hopes to eclipse 140 feet this season in the javelin and land somewhere in the low 130s in discus.

“But I’m really trying to get first at state,” she said, “that’s been a big goal since my freshman year. Losing my season

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ELIJAH MOSLEY

Page 16

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

last year was really hard and now I have a lot of pressure on myself because this is my last season. I have very high expectations for what I want to do.”

Huey Counts Ty Gerety, Nemaha Central The Geretys used to live about 15 minutes outside of Seneca. Their house had a workout facility where the kids could practice. Five years ago, the Geretys moved just outside of town. The family wanted to make sure it had a similar setup.

Seneca, the home of Class 2A Nemaha Central High School, is more than an hour from any large metros. NC senior infielder Ty Gerety plays football, basketball and baseball for the Thunder, and often travels 72 miles southwest to Manhattan to train and play at The Barn. He is ranked as Kansas’ No. 10 player via Prep Baseball Report.

In the summer, Gerety drove four hours roundtrip a week to play midweek games in Kansas City.

“So when we moved, that was kind of one thing that we wanted to keep with us was a place where we could train,”

BELLE PETERS

Gerety said of the family’s indoor athletic facility. “Because where I live, it’s kind of an hour from everywhere, like in regards to places to train, and places that I go get work in, so having something like that in our backyard, it’s just huge.”

The facility is about 75 feet from the Gerety’s house. Even during basketball season, Ty and his twin eighth-grade brother and sister often worked out for an hour before school started. The building has a batting cage in one half, a pitching mound on the other half and weights.

“It’s pretty much just a shed, like a tin shed,” Gerety said.

“With just insulation, concrete walls on about half of it, so you can throw balls into it and stuff like that. And it’s got turf laid down on it, that’s about it.”

All the extra work paid off when Ty honored his longtime commitment to Kansas when he signed with the Jayhawk baseball team last fall.

“Tyler is a good athlete who is versatile in the field,” KU baseball coach Ritch Price said in a Signing Day release. “He has a really good swing with an advanced ability to square

HAYDEN SERNA

the ball up at the plate. When Tyler has played in ... bigger events with The Barn in the summer, he has been the best hitter on the field when the weekend is over. Tyler has a toughness he brings to the field that will be a great addition to our program, and we are excited to add another player from Western Kansas.”

The 5-foot-11 Gerety was also a top player on the NC’s 2019 state championship football team and a Shrine Bowl pick this year.

Conor Nicholl Elijah Mosley, Wichita Heights Elijah Mosley of Wichita Heights was one of the best middle distance runners in the state in 2019 and is expected to be again in 2021. The 6-1, 160 pound senior ran a 48.29 in the open 400, good for first at the 2019 state track meet, and also ran a 1:57.64 in the open 800, placing third in that event.

Mosley also ran the anchor on two relay teams at the state meet in 2019. The Heights 1600 meter relay team easily took gold with a time of 3:24.10, while the 4x800 team he was a continued on page 18

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 from page 16 part of managed a spot on the podium, with a seventh place finish and a time of 8:15.86.

Going into 2020, expectations were high for Mosley, but his opportunity to repeat would not come as soon as expected with the season’s cancellation due to COVID-19.

“I was pretty heartbroken,” Mosley said. “I was supposed to run a lot of good times this year, skipping a track season really hurts. It’s really hard to get back to where you were before because you don’t have any track meets, you don’t have any teams to practice with, and it’s just really hard to get back in shape. So I was really heartbroken about it, but I was just hoping we’d have a season next year.”

For Mosley, it was a particularly challenging circumstance for his athletic development, as his motivation on the track is primarily head-to-head competition.

“I really need somebody to push me,” Mosley said. “I haven’t really learned to run fast on my own. I really have to have somebody there to push me or I need to feel like I can be beaten so I can run faster.”

In spite of those concerns, Mosley has not regressed, running PRs in meets since then with times of 47.61 in the 400 and 1:53.74 in the 800 during the AAU season. The stiff competition at AAU meets has also caused Mosley to change his tactics a bit in the 800.

“Everybody knows when I run 800, and like as soon as I hit that 200 mark it’s time to go,” Mosley said. “You know, just take off, but, like at AAU, I couldn’t do that. Our first lap was a 49 and we all kept the same pace and we just had to go.

There was no strategizing at the 300 meter mark, I had to go.”

In his other primary race, the 400, Mosley pointed out besides striding out on the back stretch, there is very little strategy other than, “go go go”, and go he does. If there is any doubt to the state champ’s speed in short bursts, he was also a Shrine Bowl nominated defensive back for Wichita Heights and has been clocked at a 4.4 40 yard dash.

When discussing potential changes in races for 2021, it’s

likely he will switch out the 4x800 for the 4x100 depending on what can be built around Mosley. The only other changes the trackster pointed out, hopefully, will be his times.

“My times have to get lower,” Mosley said. “I really want to hit 45 for the 400, I was supposed to hit 46 last year. For the 800, I don’t know, 1:49-1:50. It’s all a matter of me being pushed by people, my training and my coaches.”

And Mosley isn’t the only great runner in his family. His sister, Christal Mosley, is also a former KSHSAA state champion, winning the 400 in 56.07 and the 200 in 24.63 at the 2018 state track meet. Since then she has moved on to the University of Alabama, where she is a member of an SEC gold medal distance medley relay team.

Elijah is currently undecided on where he will be going to college once his high school career comes to an end, but has a considerable number of options he is sorting through. He plans to go into engineering or a similar field.

KM Belle Peters, Smoky Valley Smoky Valley senior Belle Peters is the second oldest of five siblings in a highly athletic family. Peters competed in gymnastics for 10 years. In 2016, Peters won the district championship Level 7 meet in Hutchinson. She recorded a 9.55 on bars, her favorite event and the meet’s top score on the apparatus. The bars score helped Peters edge Andover’s Makenzie Childers for the all-around title. Childers had won a gymnastics national championship the year prior.

Salina’s Victoria Maxton finished third at the meet. A

Page 18 recent Salina South graduate, Maxton was thrice top-four in 5A state pole vault and signed with K-State track. Peters, who competed with Salina GemStars, eventually reached Level 8 gymnastics, one of the sport’s most difficult standards.

“I know that I would not be the athlete that I am today without gymnastics,” Peters said. “The training and the body awareness, and the physical strength that it takes – you can see it just transferring to all the different sports I have done.”

Plus, gymnastics took her to pole vaulting. Two older gymnasts, Taylor Swanson and Halie Turner, both from Salina Central, had worked with Dr. Mark Breault (known by all as Doc Breau). Breault runs the Tailwind Pole Vault Club in Jamestown, a town of 289 people 11 miles west of Concordia.

Breault, a legendary figure in Kansas pole vaulting, has trained many elite athletes. Swanson still holds the Salina Central record at 12-6. She eventually won a national title at Cloud County Community College and is a top-four vaulter in Wichita State history. Turner was a three-time state runner-up

It’s time for baseball!

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Page 19

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

MASON STURDY

KENDRA WAIT

TYUS WILSON

at SC and competed at Fort Hays State.

Peters’ mom noticed Swanson’s and Turner’s success and signed Belle up for a camp the summer before fifth grade.

Jamestown is 84 miles north of Lindsborg.

“Of course, I was shy and didn’t really know anything about the sport,” Peters said. “I had never seen it before, so I went up there and I just tried it out.”

Peters cleared 6-6 at her first camp.

“It was just fun,” Peters said. “And I knew I wanted to keep doing it.”

Peters still sporadically goes to Tailwind when she has time around sports and the family schedule. A Pittsburg State University track commit, she is the Class 3A state record holder with a mark of 12 feet, 8 inches. The mark won the 2019 state title. Peters’ only school visit came at PSU, though she did talk to Kansas State’s coach a little. She committed to the Gorillas on Nov. 17, 2020.

Peters, known for her taco socks, has went over 12-10 in high school and has an all-time best of 13-2.

Belle and her dad have borrowed poles from Tailwind and jumped at Bethany College. Bethany’s track coach left the pole vault pit out for Peters and allowed her to use it when needed during the pandemic.

“We would uncover it sometimes and do some drills, but not enough as we should have, but that’s all right,” Peters said.

In the weight room, Peters can squat 285, clean 215 and bench 150. Peters holds all of the girls’ powerlifting school records in the 140-pound division.

She is on the short list for Kansas’ best all-around female athlete. In the fall, Peters helped Smoky Valley to a 34-4 record and state volleyball runner-up finish.

“Belle has an amazing vertical, but Belle is one of the most unselfish players that I have ever coached,” Viking volleyball coach Sharlene Ramsey said last fall.

Peters, who has also been involved in cheerleading, decided to try wrestling this winter.

“I’m a girl who likes a challenge and cheer just wasn’t giving me that,” Belle tweeted on Nov. 13. “Catch me on the wrestling mat.”

She and SV senior Madi Tolle both played on the outside in volleyball. Tolle said the pair is “extremely close.” Belle, Tolle and Noelle Peters elected to wrestle. All three finished in the top-eight at state.

“We have always been begged by the other boys to wrestle, so I think we just kind of thought it was … senior year, we might as well try something new,” Tolle said. “I was tired of basketball.”

Belle went 20-6 at 138 pounds and took fourth. Tolle finished 17-1 for third. Belle called wrestling “a learning experience” and an opportunity to use different muscles.

Conor Nicholl Mason Sturdy, Rock Creek Senior shortstop Mason Sturdy is a part of a long line of talented baseball players to walk the halls of Rock Creek High School. Over the past six seasons of play, the Mustangs have

made the state tournament six times, winning the title in 2015, finishing state runner-up in 2014, posting a third place finish in 2017 and most recently finishing as state runner-up to Sabetha in a 10-4 loss in 2019, after having earned the oneseed for the tournament. A game that Sturdy, and his Rock Creek teammates, remember vividly.

“That game has stuck in my mind and I know my teammates’ minds, coaches’ minds, parents’ mind since it happened and I think it does, just being so close, just a few innings, a few outs away from winning that game. I think that we want to see Sabetha again and have a different result.”

Throughout the 2019 season, Sturdy was a dangerous weapon in the Rock Creek lineup, hitting .412 at the plate to go with seven doubles, two triples, 33 RBIs and 31 runs scored, earning him second team all-state honors.

Going into 2020, Sturdy’s squad was expected to again compete for a state title, before dealing with the reality of a cancelled spring season.

“So first, it was just kind of a shock,” Sturdy said. “Just, didn’t seem real. And then as it went on you know, like, kind of reality sets in, we’re not going to get a season. So as time went by, I got into the indoor facility that we were able to get into and then started practicing with the summer team.

Getting a lot of workouts in just doing everything good to prepare myself for the next season.”

Having lost his junior season, Sturdy did point out an added aspect of intensity to summer ball.

“I think everybody just was a little bit more hungry because obviously you play your school season and then you go play during the summer and it doesn’t probably mean as much to everybody as playing for your school, but not getting that season everybody just wants to go out and compete and win.”

Rock Creek will again be a favorite in 2021 to contend for a state title, a large part of that will hinge on Sturdy’s abilities on the diamond, but he will be far from alone. Particularly, two of his fellow senior returning starter teammates, all-state center fielder Brooks Whaley (.419 BA) and outfielder/second baseman Dawson Zenger (.364 BA), who is an all-state basketball player, will help to make the Mustangs a force to be reckoned with.

“Yeah, so us three have been, we go way back to being little kids and playing basketball and baseball and football together and really just growing up I think that it’s helped a lot with like our chemistry and stuff and we’ve seen it in all sports that we play together just it’s really been super cool to grow up with them and see how everything’s turned out for us.”

Aside from those three returning starters, Rock Creek has a deep senior class, with 11 players total. Sturdy is also likely to see considerable time on the mound this season, along with his work between second and third base.

Given the talent returning and Sturdy getting the opportunity to play his first year as an upperclassmen, his goals are to the point and in line with what is to be expected for a member of a team used to so much success over the last decade.

“Individually, I just want to be a team leader, expect the most out of myself and everybody else, and, as a team, hopefully putting a ring on our fingers at the end of the year,” Sturdy said.

After high school, Sturdy will head to Emporia State, where he plans to play baseball and study business.

“Coach (Seth) Wheeler is an awesome guy and it just felt right when I was talking to them and just their atmosphere and everything about their baseball program and the school just felt right to me,” Sturdy said.

Keegan McCullick Kendra Wait, Gardner-Edgerton Gardner-Edgerton senior Kendra Wait comes from an accomplished athletic family. Kendra, her parents, and two older siblings all won a high school track title. Her dad, Darrell, high jumped at Kansas State. Kendra’s brother, Kyle, pole vaulted at Kansas State.

Cassie Wait is one of the more accomplished Kansas athletes of the last 15 years. In high school, Cassie earned 2013 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball. She was a three-time state pole vault champion and set the Class 6A state record at 13 feet, 2 inches.

“She has always been my role model,” Kendra said. “She’s just always been that person that I looked up to, and so it’s awesome. She has always been super supportive of me.”

In college, Cassie helped the University of Kansas volleyball team to its first-ever final four in 2015 and was a NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. She is second in Jayhawk history in career digs. Cassie earned her undergraduate degree in three years at KU, went through law school and is currently an associate with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in Kansas City. Kyle is three years older than Cassie and 11 years ahead of Kendra.

“We always say there’s kind of that competitiveness of like, ‘What can I do better than her?,” Kendra said. “What can she still do better than me … And so it’s always been fun to see that competitiveness, but still that sisterly bond.”

Kendra, like Cassie, has earned major awards and accolades in volleyball and track. She was featured in Sports Illustrated in August 2019 as one of the nation’s top “On Our Radar” athletes. Kendra has remained committed to Creighton University volleyball since April 2018.

She first earned Division I interest in volleyball before track.

Kendra’s recruitment vaulted early in her high school career, and she attended the Creighton University camp. Creighton is a national power with 18th year coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth, including eight straight seasons in the top-25.

Wait talked with Ellie Bolton, a high school All-American defensive specialist from nearby St. James Academy. Bolton is a year older than Wait, though the two played against each in club volleyball for many years. Bolton committed to the Bluejays on Feb. 17, 2018. Wait committed to Creighton two months and six days later.

“I just knew automatically that the way she ran the program, all of my future teammates that I would have were just great

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 people, and so I just felt like that was the best fit for me,” Wait said of Bernthal Booth.

Kendra delivered an exceptional volleyball career, including the ’19-20 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year. G-E finished 28-13 and went to the state semifinals. That season, the 5-foot-10 Wait delivered 944 assists, 417 digs, along with 143 kills and a .475 hitting percentage, all elite marks. Wait earned Sunflower League Player of the Year in ’19 and again last fall.

Wait said her favorite high school moment came with Gardner-Edgerton volleyball in ‘19. G-E narrowly qualified out of pool play for the state semifinals, the program’s best finish since 2012. Wait said “everybody was cheering” and “relief” when G-E learned it would reach the semifinals.

“Amazing,” she said. “That picture will always be in my head forever.”

Recruited as a setter, Wait completed her four years with 3,163 assists and 1,316 digs. She carried a 4.3 GPA entering last fall. Wait has enjoyed similar track success, though it has come later in her career.

“When I was getting recruited for volleyball, I didn’t really know what my track career was going to be like,” Wait said.

“Because in middle school, I had tried it, and I found some success, but I knew I wasn’t quite where my sister had been when she was going into high school. And I was so focused on volleyball at the time that I felt like that was just where I needed to go.”

As a freshman, Kendra won the 100-meter dash, took third in the pole vault and was fifth in the 200-meter dash. Her sophomore year, Kendra captured Gatorade Player of the Year honors in track. She earned four Sunflower League track titles, an accomplishment that Cassie punctuated with a tweet that read “UNREAL.” Kendra’s unique skill set produced state championships in the 100 and shot put, second in the pole vault and fourth in the 200, per KSHSAA archives. The 34 points led all six classes at the state meet. Even with the track success,

Page 20 Kendra has not wavered on her Creighton commitment. heptathlon at the 2019 conference meet. She had six top-two “Oh, wow, like I am a really good track athlete, and maybe I finishes in high school. Tyus’ other sister, Taya, is a 5-11 should have thought about it more, but at the end of the day, I redshirt sophomore for Sterling College women’s basketball. love volleyball,” Wait said. “And I think it was the right choice She was third team all-league and picked up her second for me. I love the team aspect of it.”

Conor Nicholl all-KCAC Defensive Team award this winter. Sterling finished Tyus Wilson, Sterling 30-1 this season and concluded the season in the Sweet 16 Sterling senior Tyus Wilson is a two-time first team all-state of the NAIA National Tournament. basketball selection and the nation’s top high jumper. Wilson, Tyus earned the high jump state title in 2018 and ’19. His who has cleared seven feet and signed with Nebraska track, all-time high jump best is 7-1. In basketball, Tyus helped comes from a tall, talent-rich family. He is just shy of 6-foot-7. Sterling reach back-to-back state tournaments.

His father, Dwayne, stands at 6-6 and competed in basketThe cancellation of the 2020 season squashed Wilson’s ball and track at Sterling College. His mother, Rene, is one of shot at four consecutive state high jump titles, but he hopes to Kansas’ all-time great track athletes. end his high school career in style.

The former Rene Zimmerman attended Sterling from Because of coronavirus, Wilson could only take academic 1988-91. She led Sterling to three team championships and visits. He went to Kansas State and Nebraska. K-State is long still holds records in the 2A triple jump and 3A long jump. The known for high jumping, but Wilson found the Cornhuskers 5-foot-10 Rene was a seven-time All-American on the Sterling more suitable to his academic plans.

Conor Nicholl College track team. Tyus’ grandpas are 6-7 and 6-3.

“The attitude that she has,” Wilson said of his mother, “she is kind of like the carefree kind of person. Doesn’t take anything too seriously. locations in Dodge City, She showed me that track is fun, basketball is fun, Garden City and but it’s not your whole life, Hutchinson! and so you’ve just got to have fun with it while you can do it. Just live in the moment and do as much as you can with it.”

Dwayne and Rene had six children. Sydney is a senior at Wichita State and earned third in

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Page 21

Head coach Bryan Clasen was blunt about the circumstances.

“We’re going to be young and inexperienced this season,” he said.

The Colts will be led by Butler County commit, senior Tate Rico (SS/P). Rico played behind two high-level players as a sophomore, so his stats are limited. However, he did get some playing time during regional and state games in 2019 and performed well.

DERBY heads into 2021 with considerable experience after an early exit from the 2019 state tournament. The Panthers welcome back five returning starters this spring.

Reid Liston (CF, Neosho CC commit) batted .286 with 15 hits, 11 RBI and 10 stolen bases, Luke Stewart (C) batted .328 with 21 hits, 16 RBI, 14 runs and 12 stolen bases, Coleson Syring (LF, Butler CC commit) hit .259 with 15 hits, 11 RBI and eight runs scored, and Kade Snodrass (SS, Neosho CC commit) batted .406 with 15 hits, two triples, six RBI, six runs scored, and four stolen bases.

In addition to his offensive work, Liston recorded a 3.11 ERA over 11 innings on the mound. The Panthers also return right-hander Grant Ash who posted a 4.66 ERA in 11 innings with eight strikeouts.

“We should have a team full of upperclassmen,” coach Todd Olmstead said. “This should lead to a lot of experience and maturity. As always, our goal is to compete in every game and ultimately to compete for a state title.”

After a 12-9 season in 2019, DODGE CITY’s two returning starters for the would-be 2020 season were both juniors, meaning they will be seniors coming into this season. In Alden Knedler’s (C/1B) case, it gave him an extra year to recover from a knee injury suffered during his junior football season.

During his sophomore season, Knedler batted .379, with 25 hits, two home runs, and 16 RBI. Fellow senior Erubiel Duron (C/P/OF) also returns as a starter. He batted .333, with 22 hits, 14 RBI and 10 steals. On the mound, Duron went 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 31 innings.

“Like everybody, I’m sure we will have lots of kids who haven’t had much varsity experience who will have to grow up quickly,” coach Zach Shipley said.

HUTCHINSON brings back three seniors from its 2019 team that finished 6-13. Highlighting the group is second-team all-state second baseman Carter Booe who hit .304 with 17 hits, 14 RBI and 15 runs scored in 2019.

The Salthawks also bring back seniors Kinser Newquist (SS/P) who batted .233 with seven hits and 10 runs scored and Bennett Turner (P/3B) who spent most of the 2019 varsity season on the mound, recording a 2-3 record and 4.63 ERA. “We plan to be competitive in the tough AVLCTL Division I,” coach Jim Preston said. “Our strengths will be defense, baserunning and the ability to put the ball in play.”

After an 11-10 record in 2019, GARDEN CITY looks forward to to the season with a solid group of returners. The Buffaloes bring back senior infielders Kaiden Luna and Isaiah Reyes, as well as senior catcher Koby Acker.

Third-year head coach Justin Reich is cautiously optimism for his squad.

“We have a lot of questions to answer missing last season, we have some good senior leadership that we hope to play a part in lead-

ing us to a successful season,” Reich said.

After the loss of all-state outfielder Dayvin Johnson to graduation, GARDNER-EDGERTON returns two starters from its 14-7 squad in 2019 - seniors Hayden Dyer and Tye Wood.

“We have two players returning with varsity experience. We are excited about the young talent in our program,” coach Cory Schrack said.

LAWRENCE returns a wealth of experience for the 2021 season, especially given the circumstances. After a 17-5 record in 2019 that saw them defeated in the sub-state finals, the Chesty Lions bring back seniors Karson Green (C), Carlos Vasquez (SS), Jack Stoll (3B), Cole Mondi (LF), Devin Neal (CF), John Green (LHP), Charlie Elsten (LHP) and Jackson Dooley (UTL), as well as juniors Blake Schimmel (1B), Grant Cleavinger (LHP), Ike Cobb (RHP) and Braden Hoffman (OF).

“Very athletic and fast lineup,” head coach Brad Stoll said. “We have two power arms in Cleavinger and Cobb and pitchability lefthanders in Green and Elsten. I’m excited about this group. We have several football-baseball players and hope to ride the momentum of the success football had this fall.”

Neal, an uber-athletic senior, committed to his hometown KU Jayhawks and will play both football and baseball for the crimson and blue.

Head coach Mike Hill goes into his 25th year at FREE STATE without a single returning starter on his 2021 squad. The Firebirds finished 2019 as the 6A state runner-up with a 21-4 record but graduated a significant amount of talent over the last two years.

“Like everyone, we have many unknowns and will spend an unusual amount of time identifying pieces and then putting them together,” Hill said.

Eric Olmstead’s LIBERAL squad lost 10 would-be returning starters to graduation last spring from an 11-10 squad in 2019. The 2021 season will see an entirely new starting lineup, but it doesn’t completely lack experience.

Seniors Aaron Barboza (UTL) and Kwami Williams (OF/P), along with junior Shay Kerr (IF) give Liberal a solid base to build on.

“We lost 10 seniors in 2020 so we will be very young and inexperienced, but return a few players with some varsity experience,” Olmstead said.

MANHATTAN head coach Don Hess likes his team’s prospects after finishing 13-7 with a fairly young squad in 2019.

“Our guys are looking forward to the season getting started,” Hess said. “We have a nice blend of youth and experience and feel like we can contend for post-season success. Versatility and depth are major bonuses for us and we are very excited about the potential this team has. We have a strong sophomore class and seeing them become varsity players will be exciting.”

The Indians bring back Cowley County commit Cade Perkins (P/OF/1B) and four-year starter Dayne Aschenbrenner (OF/3B/P) - both seniors - as well as junior Braden Dinkel (SS/3B/P) who started in 2019 as a freshman. Junior Tylar

6A Baseball

Photo by Angie Mcilwaine

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Coming off a year full of “what if’s,” Class 6A baseball will be kicking back into gear with more questions, but also the means to answer them. Representative of the change in circumstances, there are zero starters returning from the 2019 state title game between Campus and Free State, leaving both teams exceptionally young and inexperienced.

Nonetheless, talented teams across the state are gearing up to return to their diamonds and dugouts. Players like Lawrence’s Devin Neal (Kansas commit), Blue Valley’s Jack Tinberg (Louisville commit), Olathe East’s Grant Strong (Illinois commit), and Hutchinson’s Carter Booe (undecided) return as seniors after receiving some of the state’s top honors as sophomores.

One team with an eye on a championship at the end of this spring is BLUE VALLEY. After back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018, the Tigers didn’t quite match that success in 2019, falling just short of the state tournament. The Tigers return four seniors who contributed to a 14-8 record as sophomores.

Tinberg (1B) was first-team all-state in 2019 with a .429 average, 24 hits, one home run, and 16 RBI. Senior Carson Liggett (RHP/1B), who has shown up on multiple “top players for 2021” lists by coaches, had a 2.70 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 33.2 innings pitched, while senior Tate Gillen (OF) batted .366 with 26 hits and 13 RBI. Both received second-team EKL honors as sophomores. Chase Jans (OF) also had an excellent season in 2019, posting a .373 average to go with 28 hits and 18 RBI. “I think we have a chance to be competitive in a very tough EKL,” coach Tony Scardino said.

After a 7-15 finish in 2019 during his first year at the helm, BLUE VALLEY NORTH coach Mike Dudley goes into this season with the Mustangs counting on a “big senior class.”

“We should be more talented than in 2019, but it will take some time to figure out roles,” Dudley said.

Seniors Landon Reeves (1B) and Noah Young (RHP) will be two of the top returners on the squad. Reeves received Eastern Kansas League honorable mention honors for his work on the mound with 16 strikeouts and a 3.34 ERA over 23 innings, while also batting .276, with 13 RBI. Young finished his sophomore year with nine runs batted in.

Reeves has committed to Davidson College and Young to St. Louis University.

First-year head coach Mike Pangborn of BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST has no varsity experience returning on his squad, but he and his team are embracing the challenge.

“New head coach, no returning varsity experience, and competing in the always competitive EKL,” Pangborn said. “Should be fun!”

BLUE VALLEY WEST also returns no starters from its 2019 squad that went 12-9, but there are reasons for optimism.

“I am excited for the opportunity to compete on the diamond with our players,” coach Joe Allison said. “We will have all new faces due to last year’s lost season, so it will be a great opportunity for our new players.”

CAMPUS won its second baseball state championship in school history in 2019, and will “defend” the title without any returners from that championship roster.

CADE PERKINS Manhattan

Pere (C/P/3B) also returns after contributing as a freshman.

During the 2019 season, Perkins posted a 4-1 record with 34 strikeouts, Aschenbrenner hit .350 and scored 20 runs, while also going 2-0 with an 0.96 ERA on the bump, and Dinkel had a .351 average at the plate.

OLATHE EAST returns only one starter from its 15-8 squad in 2019. Senior Grant Strong (P/OF) had a very good sophomore season, batting .382 with 29 hits, two home runs, 15 RBI and 16 runs scored, along with a 4-2 record, 1.21 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. Strong was named a first-team all-state outfielder and a second-team all-state pitcher for his efforts.

Aside from Strong, head coach Blake Iles sees internal competition leading to success.

“As a lot of teams, we will be inexperienced,” Iles said. “ We will look for our underclassmen to step up and push the upperclassmen in a competitive environment. Good young players will hope to begin their varsity careers early by forcing upperclassmen to perform.”

After an 8-13 finish in 2019, OLATHE NORTH returns four starters - Davin Pollard (INF/P), Nyle Banks (INF/P), Quinn Diggs (OF) and Andrew Ryan (P).

“We’re just looking to be competitive and play the game the right way,” first year baseball head coach Pete Flood said.

OLATHE NORTHWEST finished 2019 with a 17-6 record and a trip to the state tournament.

One full-time starter returns from that team Bryce Johnson (C), who hit .317, with 10 runs, eight RBI and a .456 on base percentage as a designated-hitter as a sophomore.

The Ravens also return Ethan Kemp (CF), who started five games and Brady Robinson (SS) who started six games in 2019.

“Really excited for the season,” coach Rick Setter said. “We have three players with varsity experience from their sophomore year and

Alex Reinecke Phone: 620-546-4861

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 seven or eight more who would have seen significant time in 2020. It’s a good senior-led group with four or five juniors ready to play varsity.”

OLATHE SOUTH has no returning starters from its 12-10 squad in 2019. South lost a talented 2020 crew to graduation, including catcher Jake English, now at KU. After an 8-13 finish in 2019 that saw the Owls lose seven one-run games, OLATHE WEST returns a solid core of talent including Alex Birge (Wichita State commit), Andrew Evans (Kansas State commit), Bryan Bartels (Barton County commit), Ryan Sauter (Emporia State commit) and Brennan Connell (Fort Hays State commit).

“We are excited to return to the field in 2021 and represent the Olathe West community,” head coach Rick Sabath said.

After posting a solid 14-8 record in 2019, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST looks to a young squad to guide it during the upcoming season.

“Last year, 2020, would have been a year to get many of our young players varsity innings,” head coach Will Gorden said. “While we do not return any starters from 2019, there is a strong group of underclassmen who will mature over the season and compete for a league and regional title.”

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH managed only one victory in 2019, finishing 1-19, but coach Shane McBride is full of optimism heading into 2021.

“We have a large and talented junior class that should be ready to contribute on the varsity level,” McBride said. “Three players return with varsity experience from 2019 and will help lead us into the spring.”

Those three players include seniors Jadin Cullin (UTL) and Sam Smith (UTL), and junior Jordan Black (INF).

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST finished 2019 just short of .500 with a 10-11 record. From that team, Northwest returns no starters, but head coach Domenic Mussat believes his squad will be competitive this spring.

“We are looking forward to a great competitive year that will teach us a lot about how we handle adversity and change,” Mussat said.

“This is a very talented, athletic group that will hold the bar high for the underclassmen.”

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH looks to return to action with a talented core and plenty of left-handed pitching, led by seniors Skyler Ray (OF/LHP) and Jackson Rupp (LHP/OF), and junior Miles McKenna (LHP/1B).

Page 22 “I’ve got great kids who will play hard and innings. He posted a 0.43 ERA, allowing just the development of my sophomore class.” compete,” head coach Mitch Wiles said. “We one earned run all year.

WICHITA NORTHWEST finished 10-7 in only have three who have varsity experience, “We are excited to compete this spring after 2019 and missed out on the development of but some solid talented young players who will the cancellation of last year’s season,” head some young talent last spring. be ready to compete. I’m excited for the sea- coach Jay Mastin said. “We have a strong “We would have had a lot of players playson and I know the kids are ready to get back group of seniors and a competitive group of ing varsity for the first time last year,” head to playing again.” underclassman who will be playing varsity for coach Chris Lambert said. “It was hard not With 10 seniors lost to graduation from the the first time.” seeing them have that opportunity due to the would-be 2020 team, including college comAfter a 10-10 finish in 2019, 14th-year head pandemic. So, we really will be trying to see mits Matt Olson (Pittsburg State) and Trevor coach Ryan Bensch and his WICHITA EAST who we are early in the season. I do know that McCollum (Washburn), SHAWNEE MISSION squad return a plethora of talent for 2021. we will have great senior leadership and that WEST has a tall order in reloading. But a little “We have a very solid core group of guys,” should carry over to the rest of the team.” varsity experience returns to the dugout.

Bensch said. “Obviously we are upset, like evTabor College commit Brendon Green (P/ “We only return four players who have eryone else, from last year being shut down. IF) finished 2019 with a 4-2 record and 2.23 played at the varsity level,” coach Todd Reed These guys have worked hard to get back to ERA on the mound and will look to improve said. “Young players will be inserted into what we want to be and that is to be a great even more this spring. Coffeyville CC commit starting roles and asked to make immediate team. They believe in each other. We want to Justice Hannon (P/IF) also returns, along with contributions.” be at the top of the city league and one of our Daniel Kim (OF) and Kaleb Coleman (OF/C).

The four players returning, all seniors, in- goals is to host a regional tournament.“ Kaale McCulloch goes into his first year as clude Matt Adams (DH/1B) who batted .356 Senior Ben Waliczek hit .333 and was an the WICHITA SOUTH head coach with two with 21 hits, 15 RBI, and eight runs scored in honorable mention selection during the 2019 starters returning from the team’s 1-16 season 2019, Dakota Duran (C), who averaged .257, season. Returning starters Jackson Foster in 2019 - seniors Jose Limon (2B) and Jaiden with 12 hits and five RBI, Josh Holmes (OF) (INF/P), a senior, and junior Eli Kuttler (OF) Derby (OF) - as they look to improve on that and tall (6-5) left-handed pitcher Gavin Peter- will help lead the team. mark in 2021. son, a rising Kansas prospect who last year Bensch also listed Carter Caton (INF), Coo“We will be a very young team,” McCulloch threw in the mid-80s. per Cole (OF/P), Ryan Means (INF/P), Gus said. “There will be some learning curves, but The Raiders also have Missouri S&T com- Lovingier (OF/P) and Palmer Kiefer (OF/P) in the long run, a lot of young guys will get mit Ethan Morrow (OF/P) on their squad for as key upperclassmen, while sophomores great experience.”

2021 giving them a second quality left handed Grant Haffley (OF/INF/P), Josh Cline (INF/P) After a 1-18 debut season at WICHITA pitcher as they look to improve on a solid 13-8 and freshman Canon Cole (INF/P) are young SOUTHEAST, head coach Andrew Pina likes record from 2019. talents to keep an eye on. his team’s prospects for 2021.

TOPEKA HIGH looks to improve on its 2019 WICHITA HEIGHTS went 7-12 in 2019 and “This season we are excited to get back on record of 7-13 with a solid group in 2021. heads into 2021 with first year coach Eric Han- the field and compete,” Pina said. “We will be “We have a ton of talented players returning, sen looking to improve on that mark. a young team, but are expecting this year to many with varsity experience,” coach Cody “We want to continue to develop our young be a promising one. We have a good group of Miller said. “I expect a big step forward for us players and build on the success of the pro- leaders like Cade Little, Gabe Flores, and Sithis season.” gram’s past,” Hansen said. mon Nottingham who have had a lot of varsity Seniors Lukas Brennan (LHP), Addison To complement those younger players, the experience as underclassmen. We are countSigg (OF), Colin Daniels (C) and Casey Falcons return a trio of talented upperclass- ing on them to help prepare the inexperienced Champney, (C/OF), along with juniors Dillon men to lead the way. Senior Dylan Depper- guys this year.”

Mitchell (RHP), Aiden Feldhausen (RHP) and schmidt (IF/P/C) batted .267, with eight hits, Little (SS/P) hit .259 with a .351 on base persophomore Elijah Kincade, (INF/OF/C) will be five RBI, eight runs scored and five stolen centage, while Nottingham (3B/P) hit .235 at expected to produce for the Trojans in 2021. bases in 2019. Junior Gaige Oakley (P/C/1B) the plate with a .316 OBP and Flores finished After a tough loss to Free State in the state batted .315 with 17 hits, 14 RBI and eight runs with a .429 OBP. Jakobi Livingston will also be tournament semifinals in 2019, WASHBURN scored and junior Blane Kelly (P/SS) scored returning for the Buffaloes after posting a .267 RURAL returns with a gifted core of players to 12 runs and had seven stolen bases. Oakley average and a .429 OBP. build around in 2021. also pitched 16.2 innings and finished with a WYANDOTTE returns in 2021 after a 6-12 Brady Patterson (C) batted .369, with 24 hits, 2-0 record and 20 strikeouts. record in 2019 and will have a considerable two home runs, 18 RBI and 10 runs scored, Randy Griffitts’ WICHITA NORTH squad will amount of rebuilding to do. while Davan Brady (IF) averaged .250, with 12 have a considerable amount of retooling to do “We will have a lot of young talent making hits, eight RBI, four stolen bases and 11 runs for 2021 after finishing the 2019 season with their debut at the varsity level,” coach Patrick scored. Both are seniors. a 7-12 record.

Groepper said.

On the mound, senior Alex Blum (P) had a “I have no returning starters due to the seaManny Villalpando (UTL), Carlos Castro 1-2 record over 30 innings with two saves, 18 son being cancelled last year,” Griffitts said. (OF) and Genaro Rios (UTL) all return to give strikeouts and a 4.43 ERA, while senior Coo- ”We will be young and inexperienced, at the the Bulldogs some stability and experience.

ULYSSES, KS KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, WHEELER, KS KS KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS ULYSSES, KS KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS per Carlgren was 3-0 with 17 strikeouts in 16 varsity COLBY, level.

However, I’m JOHNSON, excited to watch

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Page 23

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

DYLAN DREILING Hays

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5A Baseball

OWEN BUCHER Photo by Rich Norrod

Ark City

SCOTT ADAMS Maize

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Perennial 5A power Topeka Seaman is undergoing a near complete rebuild in 2021.

Legendary coach Steve Bushnell has stepped away from the diamond to take a role in athletic administration and former assistant Trent Oliva takes over as head coach. The Vikings return just one starter from the 2019 team that upended Bishop Carroll for the 5A title.

Carroll will try to make another deep postseason run behind senior pitcher Jorey Faber and versatile senior Aiden Niedens.

Aquinas senior Kendall Diggs (Arkansas commit) and Blue Valley Southwest senior Ben Kurdna (LSU commit) will look to lead the Saints and Timberwolves to postseason success in their final year of high school ball.

As for the rest of the 5A field, virtually every coach has questions about who fits where on the diamond this spring.

After an 11-10 season in 2019, ANDOVER brings back a solid nucleus including three returning senior starters in Eli Fahnestock (CF, .400 BA), Ashton Ngo (C/OF, .300 BA), and

Trey Conard (IF/P, 20 IP). Also receiving significant time as sophomores, and returning in 2021, are seniors Sterling Pierce (3B/P, .270 BA, 11 IP) and Brett Albright (OF/P, .250 BA).

“We will have eight seniors on this year’s squad and we are looking for them to take the lead for us on the mound and at the plate,” coach Chris Weidert said.

ANDOVER CENTRAL is looking to improve on an 8-10 record from 2019 and coach Grant Bacon likes his core of talented seniors.

“Four seniors who signed to play college baseball look to lead our team to a league title and long run into the postseason,” Bacon said.

Easton Elliot (SS/P, Johnson CCC) is one of those seniors. He posted a .241 batting average and .330 OBP with 13 hits and 11 runs during his sophomore season. He also had an ERA of 1.82 and 31 strikeouts on the mound.

Matthew Buffington (C, KCK CC) also put in some solid playing time during his sophomore season with a .162 average, a .262 OBP and six hits on the year. Jack Bell (C, Coffeyville CC) and Alex Ronk (SS/3B/2B/P/C, Labette CCC) round out the group.

ARKANSAS CITY also returns a talented group of upperclassmen for the 2021 season.

Senior Haden O’Toole (RHP/INF) posted a .364 average, 24 hits, five doubles, and four triples, along with his 3-3 record on the mound, with two saves, and a 1.99 ERA over 31.2 innings.

Owen Bucher also had a standout sophomore year in 2019 with a .400 average, 26 hits, seven doubles, two triples, 20 runs, and 15 RBI to go with his 1-0 record and 2.58 ERA in 19 innings as a pitcher. Lucas Barnes (RHP/OF) is back for his junior season after getting playing time as a freshman.

“We have a core group of new players coming in that will be sophomores and juniors that will contribute to our three returning starters that helped get us to the 5A State Tournament in 2019,” coach Aaron Bucher said.

Andrew See’s BASEHOR-LINWOOD squad finished 10-10 in 2019 and are poised to make waves in 2021 with a talented trio of upperclassmen returning from that squad.

Senior Chandler Miller (OF/P) was all-state honorable mention as a sophomore after batting .393 with a 1.067 OPS with 25 hits, 13 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 16 runs. Juniors Jackson Herbel (SS) and Carter Bergman (C) also bring talent and experience to the table. Herbel posted a .242 average, 16 hits, 10 runs, 10 steals and a sure-handed .984 fielding percentage, while Bergman hit .242, with 19 hits, nine RBI and scored 12 runs.

“Excited to get the boys back playing for their high school,” coach See said. “Only expectation this season is remembering how important baseball is to these kids and how much I missed coaching them...anything else is just icing on the cake.”

After starting the season with 23 consecutive wins, BISHOP CAROLL finally saw their first loss of the season in the state championship game to Seaman in 2019. A couple of big names remain from that team as they look to push their success one game further in 2021.

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Senior Neosho Community College commit Jorey Faber (LHP) will look to build on his fantastic sophomore season that saw him go 9-0 with a 1.36 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and two complete games over 36 innings pitched. Faber earned second team all-state honors for his efforts. Senior Adien Neidens (UTL) also returns after posting a .395 batting average in 38 at bats with three doubles, a triple, 12 RBI and seven stolen bases on seven attempts.

The Golden Eagles will also look to seniors Oscar Gallardo (INF), Drake Unrein (C/1B), and Paul Schoenfeld (OF). Unrein is committed to Coffeyville CC, Gallardo to Pratt CC, and Schoenfeld to Butler CC to continue their playing careers after high school.

“We feel like we will be able to field a very competitive team for the 2021 season,” coach Charlie Ebright said. “Lots of question marks, but we have a strong senior class that will be backed up with some strong young talent.”

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST brings back three players who saw varsity playing time in 2019. Senior LSU commit Ben Kurdna (RHP, 93 MPH FB) is one of the top pitchers in the state.

Fellow senior Cal Kilgore (C) along with junior Cooper Kelly (MIF/RHP) also return as starters.

Junior Ben Bybee (RHP/1B/DH) and seniors Carson Hornung (INF/OF), Tristan Everard (OF), and Tyler Massey (OF) also are expected to see time on the varsity field this year, according to head coach Tyler Kincaid.

“We have a talented group that has a chance to have a good season,” Kincaid said.

BONNER SPRINGS returns standout senior Ben Shively (P/OF) from their 9-11 2019 squad.

Shively managed a .348 batting average, 16 hits, and eight RBI in 54 plate appearances and also saw some time on the mound recording 11 Ks and a 4.846 ERA in 13 innings pitched as a sophomore.

“I am really excited to be able to have a season for our kids,” coach Adam Loecker said.

“We have only one returning starter from our 2019 campaign but I know all of our players are excited for the opportunity to showcase their abilities this 2021 season.”

DE SOTO will be experienced in 2021 in relation to most teams after having no seniors on the 2019 squad. While they did lose a considerable amount of talent to 2020 graduation, a core of five experienced players remains.

Central Missouri pitching commit Weston Madden (P/INF) will help lead the charge defensively after posting a 1-3 record over 33 innings, with 36 strikeouts, and a 3.18 ERA on the mound as a sophomore.

Offensively, the Wildcats will have plenty of bats to build around with four seniors returning from the 2019 squad. Standout all-around athlete Jackson Miller (P/OF) posted a .288 average in 59 plate appearances for 15 hits, 13 runs, a double, four RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Gavin Williams batted .294 through 47 plate appearances for 11 runs, 10 hits, two doubles, a triple, four RBI, and two stolen bases. Zach Willis (SS/P) batted .240 in 59 plate appearances for 10 runs, 12 hits, three doubles, seven RBI, and four stolen bases. And finally Quinn

Page 24 Brownell (C) had a .273 average on 31 plate appearances for six hits, a double, a triple, and four RBI. “The Wildcats return a great nucleus capable of doing some really great things,” coach Joel Thaemert said. “The UKC is going to be very tough, but the DHS pitching staff should keep them in ballgames and offensively, the Wildcats should be able to string some hits together. The lineup will be contact heavy for the most part with a lot of speed.”

EMPORIA looks to a balance of experience and youth to help navigate the 2021 season.

“We will have four quality seniors that have at least some varsity experience,” coach Anthony Markowitz said. “We will look for those four to lead us early through pre-season practices. We are excited to see developments of underclassmen and how they can help us compete.”

Senior Kadyn Williams (IF) will highlight that group of seniors as he posted a .383 batting average with 23 hits, 21 RBI, nine stolen bases and 21 runs scored as a sophomore.

Head coach Jim Foltz, like many others across the state, is looking forward to the upcoming 2021 season for his GODDARD team.

“Excited for the boys to have their spring season with their teammates,” Foltz said. “Senior leadership, work ethic, and dedication will inspire competition for varsity positions.”

A good amount of that senior leadership will likely come from their three returning starters from the 16-6 2019 squad. Kyler Semrad (OF) hit .346 with 18 base knocks, and 13 RBI, Jake Shope (IF/P) was .217 at the plate with five hits and three RBI, and Jaden Riley (IF/P) was .271 with 13 hits, and seven RBI. Shope and Riley also have experience on the mound with Shope posting a 3.78 ERA over 16.2 innings with 11 Ks and Riley with a 2.47 ERA over 11.1 innings with 13 Ks. GODDARD-EISENHOWER’s Hall of Fame head coach Mike Warren returns for his second season with the Tigers after a long and successful career coaching Barton Community College, among other stops at the JUCO level.

Having yet to coach a game due to last season’s cancellation, Warren sees the need for growth on a green roster.

“Young team without a lot of varsity experience,” Warren said of his squad, also noting the Tigers will rely on “talented newcomers that will have to overachieve.”

Seniors Mason Turney (2B), Corey Gleason (1B), and Owen Reynolds (P) return with varsity experience and will be looked upon to lead an otherwise young group.

GREAT BEND will be an untested group in 2021 with no names returning from a state qualifying team in 2019. However, coach Randy Beck does see potential in his young group.

“We are entering the season with no varsity experience, but we have some players that have played a lot of baseball and have faced varsity competition in the summer,” Beck said.

Second year coach Dustin Dreher’s HAYS squad also welcomes back very little experience from a 2019 team that went 18-2.

Fortunately, the two returners are good ones.

Senior Dominic Bainter is back after hitting .308 with 16 hits, 11 RBI and 18 runs scored in 20 games as a sophomore. Junior Dylan Dreiling, a University of Tennessee baseball commit, returns after a freshman season that saw him hit .323 with 21 hits, including four doubles and four home runs, while accounting for 21 RBI with 17 runs scored. Dreiling also recorded 28

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched.

“We will be solid defensively and have several pitchers that will compete on the mound,” Dreher said. “Offense will be a good mix of speed and power.”

Look for KAPAUN to take a big step forward from their 2019 squad that went 9-13.

“Kapaun will have 13 seniors, six who started as sophomores in 2019, ‘’ coach Ryan Burr said. “The defensive and offensive depth should provide strength for the Crusaders. The pitching staff must develop in order to go deep into the playoffs.”

Tiger Jones (SS, .323 BA), Brandon Burr (OF, .318 BA) Andrew Gimino (OF/P, .308 BA), and Jake Steffen (3B/P, .283) offer excellent bats for the Crusaders, while Max Crowdus (P, 3.16 ERA) is a veteran on the mound.

Keenan Nguyen (C) and Alex Rocha (1B) will also lend their skill and experience to Kapaun’s playoff plans.

Third year head coach Kellen Baysinger will look to change the fortunes of KC TURNER after the team posted a 3-17 record in 2019.

Lucky for Baysinger, he will have an experienced group with eight lettermen returning.

Seniors Nathan Deckard (SS/P), Justin Jolly (1B), Cameron Robinson (OF/C), Richard Tomlison (3B/P) and Dominique Hanson (2B), along with juniors Brett Langley (CF/P), Matthew Jimenez (C/P) and Silas Soto (P/IF) provide significant experience.

“Our program is grateful for the opportunity to play the game we love this spring,’ coach Baysinger said. “We are looking forward to staying on top of our academics and display hard work on the diamond as we continue to grow as a program.”

Speaking of playoff plans, LANSING has the tools and experience to make a trip there.

“Our 2019 team finished the season 14-6 and ranked seventh in Class 5A before losing to eventual state champ Topeka Seaman in the regional championship game,” coach Michael Basler said. “We return a good core off that team that includes six starters and seven lettermen.”

Peyton Basler (SS) batted .439 with 25 hits, three doubles, 12 RBI, 23 runs scored and 17 stolen bases and was all-state honorable mention. Basler is committed to play baseball for Division I Charleston Southern post-graduation. Junior Bryce Turner (3B) also returns after averaging .361 with 22 hits, seven doubles, 24 RBI, eight runs scored and four stolen bases, to go with a 1.273 ERA and a 2-0 record on the mound. Turner earned All-UKC honors as a freshman.

Seniors Ben Stonestreet (P, 1-0, .70 ERA), Jaden Vanek (2B, .400 BA), Cameron Ernzen (OF/P, .432 BA), Samuel Yancey (OF/P, .261 BA) and Jack Knutson (OF/P, .290 BA) round out the rest of the returning starters. Knutson is committed to play college baseball at the University of Saint Mary.

“Our program has taken strides over the last couple of years and our upperclassmen have been a big part of that growth and development and I feel we are ready for another potential successful season in 2021,” coach Basler said.

LEAVENWORTH on the other hand, will feature a number of fresh faces for first year head coach Justin Bode.

“The lost 2020 season hurt the Pioneers as young and inexperienced players will be expected to step up to the varsity level this season,” Bode said. “The young Pioneers will need

a quick learning curve as we are scheduled to play perennial powerhouses Shawnee Heights and De Soto, Blue Valley North and Blue Valley West, as well as tough Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs from the Missouri side. Though we are not looking to call this a ‘building year,’ this season will certainly provide valuable experience for younger players.”

Some returning talent from the 2019 roster includes seniors Xavier Johnson (IF/P) and Sean Goings (UTL/P), along with juniors Devon Bruning (IF/P), Wesley Redelberger (UTL/P) and Angel Rosario (IF). Sophomore Brandon Jones (IF/P) is also a player to watch.

Long-time MAIZE coach Rocky Helm saw his 22nd year as the leader of the Eagles unexpectedly cancelled and like many others, is looking forward to the return to action.

“I am very excited to get back on the baseball field,” coach Helm said. “I feel we have a really good group of seniors and juniors. We have to make certain we are able to continue the culture and have great team chemistry. We do not bring back much experience.”

The seniors Helm mentioned include four letterwinners from 2019: Gavin Djurovic (IF/P, .133 BA), Scott Adams (OF, .271 BA), Michael Casement (P/C, 1-0, 2.2 IP) and Miles Hartman (IF/C, .250 BA).

“It is important to have team leadership out of our senior group and make certain we have great teammates,” Helm said.

MAIZE SOUTH will enter the spring with answers in some spots and questions in others.

“I think we are like most programs, with the unknown from last year,” coach Chad Christensen said. “Our strength, we feel, will be defense and hitting the baseball. The unknown is the pitching staff of young guys from last year now stepping into fill big roles on the team they wouldn’t have had to last season.”

Seniors Jake Johnson (CF), Harper Kennedy (UTL/P), and Colin Shields (1B) lead the way after logging considerable varsity time as sophomores. Juniors Colin Johnson (C/DH) and Josh Darrenkamp (OF/P) also logged time on the varsity diamond.

With two returning starters from their 2019 15-6 season that saw them finish third in 6A, MILL VALLEY will have a lot of roster spots to fill for 2021. There are certainly a couple of bright spots returning for them, however.

Senior Sam Leaver batted .222 as a sophomore with eight hits, 10 RBI, a .349 OBP, two stolen bases and eight runs scored. Senior Cooper Marsh also returns from an injury during the 10th game of the 2019 season. He posted a .455 batting average, 10 hits, seven RBI, 10 runs, a .586 OBP and a stolen base.

“Looking forward to getting back on the field with a strong junior and senior class,” coach Jeff Strickland said.

NEWTON had a down year in 2019 with a 3-17 record in the 13th year of head coach Mark George’s career, which has all been spent at Newton High. However, he is confident in his team’s prospects to improve on that during the 2021 season.

“I am optimistic about the upcoming season,” George said. “We have a strong group of seniors and a strong group of juniors that will provide depth and fill important roles for our team.

We are coming off of a productive summer.

Therefore expectations should be high.”

Seniors Ian Akers (OF/P), Ben Schmidt, (3B/P), Cole Lujano (2B), Trev Golubski (1B), and Griffin Davis (P) will return to the starting

lineup in 2021 and will give the Raiders a foundation of leadership and experience.

PIPER went 8-13 in 2019 and will have a lot of big changes going into the 2021 season.

“Because we only have three returners coming back, we are going to be inexperienced this year,” coach Daryl Graham said. “A majority of our squad has never played an inning at the varsity level. We are also making the jump from 4A to 5A this season. We will be one of the smallest, if not the smallest, 5A program in Kansas. We are going to have to be patient as coaches. But we have some good, young athletes and we have great senior leadership.”

The three starters returning will be seniors Kyron Ferus (CF/P, BA .308, OBP .439, SLG .365, OPS .805) and Nate Golubski (INF/P, BA .221, OBP .372, SLG .279, OPS .652), along with junior Ethan Walker (OF, BA .313, OBP .421, SLG .375, OPS .796).

After a successful 17-5 season in 2019, the PITTSBURG Purple Dragons are looking forward to plenty of potential in 2021.

“We are looking forward to getting back on the baseball field,” coach Keith Matlock said. “ We are returning a lot of guys that played a lot of baseball over the summer. I think we have a chance to be a really solid group. We will be led by a group of seniors that have played at a high level.”

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS returns arguably the best trio in 5A for the 2021 season and a big part of that is the reigning 5A Player of the Year in Kendall Diggs.

Diggs hit an incredible .559 at the plate as a sophomore with 38 hits, 29 runs scored, 41 RBI, 11 doubles, five triples and a home run.

The Saints also bring back second team allstate selection Blake Anderson who hit .410 with 32 base hits, 29 runs scored and 15 RBI. To round out the trio, Ivan Brethowr hit .302 with 19 hits, 20 RBI and two home runs.

“We should be sound on defense in the infield, and return the top of our line-up,” coach Lorne Parks said. “Just like everyone else we will have to have men step up and fill a lot of spots.”

After an 8-11 2019 season, Dee Kolzow’s SALINA CENTRAL squad will look to come back strong in 2021.

“Should be solid defensively,” Kolzow said.

“Need to have some young pitchers come through, only have two pitchers returning that have thrown a varsity ball.”

Those two pitchers are seniors Caden Kickhaefer (P/1B) who posted a 2-4 record with a 3.90 ERA as a sophomore and Dakota Hogan (2B/P) who closed games in 2019 resulting in a 3-1 record, 2.39 ERA and two saves.

Hogan also averaged .313 at the plate with 21 hits and 15 runs scored and is joined by senior Kade Cyre (OF) who averaged .196, had nine hits, and nine runs scored, and junior Jaxon Kolzow (SS) who posted a .288 average, 15 hits, 10 runs and a .403 OBP. Across town, SALINA SOUTH brings back two members of the 2019 starting lineup in Jovan Suarez (3B/P) and Owen Bulleigh (OF/ DH). Beyond that, the Cougars will have some roster reconstruction to do.

“We will be fairly young and inexperienced,” coach Kris Meis said. “We graduated eight seniors from the cancelled 2020 season of which seven would have been starters.”

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS brings back a talented nucleus of seniors for the 2021 season after having lost out in the regional finals with a 17-5

Page 25 record in 2019.

“I think, like everyone, we are extremely excited to have a baseball season this year,” head coach Ryan Schmidt said. “As far as thoughts about our prospects, it’s a little more difficult not having last year’s experiences to predict this year’s ‘prospects’. We historically have been fortunate to have quality athletes and I know we always get their best effort as having success is their number one goal.”

Three of those quality athletes that have already achieved success include seniors Andrew Rantz (SS/3B, .405 BA, 9 RBI, zero errors), Chase Carson (P, 3-0, 2.19 ERA, 25 Ks) and Max Orton (OF, .300 BA).

After winning a Frontier League championship in 2019, SPRING HILL looks to pick up where they left off this Spring.

“We will have a lot of new faces since graduating 12 seniors last year but we have the guys to rebuild quickly once we figure out our roles and identity,” head coach Will Meier said.

A few players buried behind the glut of seniors were Kobe Scrivner (P), who played primarily JV in 2019, but did see 10 innings on the varsity mound resulting in a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts. Senior Seth Hays (P), junior Zack Knowlton (OF), and sophomore Jamon Beck all are players to watch as well.

TOPEKA-HIGHLAND PARK will have a blend of veterans and rookies this season.

“We will be young and athletic,” coach Robert Brown said. “We have a 2023 class that is talented and has some experience.”

To help lead that talented sophomore class, Brown will look to returning seniors Tre Prosper (OF/C), Christian Gallegos (OF/C/P), Ayden Prettyman (SS/OF) and junior Trent Long (3B/P). Vonnie Osayande (SS/2B/P), Mackey James (1B/C), and Tre Richardson (OF/SS) will be three particular players from that sophomore class expected to contribute.

TOPEKA SEAMAN said goodbye to legendary head coach Steve Bushnell after nine 5A state titles and 18 appearances in the state tournament, including back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019. The spring of 2020 season would have been Bushnell’s last as head coach, and the Vikings were poised for a run at a third straight title, but COVID ended the run before it started.

The show must go on though, and former Bushnell assistant, and more recently Royal Valley head coach, Trent Oliva will take the reins of one of the best programs in the state.

Consistent with nearly every other team in the state, Oliva will have a lot of question marks going into the season.

“With losing last season, we have several players that didn’t experience varsity ball,” Oliva said. “We are looking forward to gaining that experience as the season continues.”

The Vikings only return one starter, but a talented one in senior Cole Askew (P/UTL) who batted .311 resulting in 14 hits, 18 RBI and posted a 2.52 ERA on the mound. Oliva also expects big things from Jeff West transfer Kevin Mannell. The 6-3, 185 pound senior pitcher is a K-State baseball commit.

TOPEKA WEST returns three starters along with a solid amount of experience to complement the trio returning from 2019’s 6-14 squad.

Seniors Tristan Speaker (MI), Aaron Lira (RHP) and Kai Gillis (MI) all saw starts during their sophomore campaigns and will be supported by Jordan Murray (C), Robert Malcom (1B), Jordan Parsel continued on page 27

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Photo by Gene Morris/Miami Co. Republic

4A Baseball

CADEN MARCUM Paola

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After the loss of the 2020 season, 4A baseball teams can’t wait to make their return to the diamond in 2021. Defending 2019 champs, Nickerson, will look for a return trip to the state tournament and try to make it six total titles in program history. Buhler appears poised for a return to the state tournament and will try to avenge their championship game loss to Nickerson with a group of returning all-state talent.

While 2019 standout Hunter Vondenkamp departed 4A’s Topeka Hayden for 6A’s Washburn Rural, familiar faces can still be found in the 4A ranks.

Paola junior Caden Marcum, a 2022 Tennessee commit, returns after his sensational all-state freshman season, and the afore-mentioned Buhler squad features the second team all-state senior duo of third basemen Ryan Henderson and pitcher Taiden Hawkinson,

along with the 2019 first team all-state kid-wonder Bradley Neill, who will try to continue his perfect 7-0 career record on the mound for the Crusaders.

There is also more potential than ever before for new players to make a name for themselves with the vacuum left from the cancellation of last season. What follows is a look into what to expect from the established, but more so, a look at who could establish themselves for the first time in 2021.

ABILENE comes off of a 3-17 2019 season, but brings back two impact players from that team in seniors Kaden Coup (OF/P) and Robbie Keener (C/UTL, Kansas Wesleyan commit).

Coup hit .418 with 28 hits, 17 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and posted a 2.59 ERA on the mound, while Keener averaged .321, with 17 hits, nine RBI, and two home runs.

Senior Karsen Loader (3B/UTL), along with juniors Carter Taplin (SS/3B), Kaleb Becker (OF/P), and Stewart Scott (OF) will also contribute on the diamond for the Cowboys in 2021.

“We will have a pretty young group this spring with not very much varsity experience,” said coach Travis Bartley. “We do have a talented group of underclassmen coming in that will be led by a pretty good group of seniors. I look for us to be pretty competitive this season even with the lack of experience.”

First year coach Garan Qualls takes over an AUGUSTA team that went 13-9 in 2019, but returns no starters from that squad. However, Qualls is confident in the group he was to work with.

“I am very excited to be here at Augusta High School and carry on the strong tradition of Augusta Baseball,” Qualls said. “We have several

pieces to build around and I look forward to watching the guys compete on a daily basis.”

Senior catcher Gavin Lang is the lone returning starter from BALDWIN’s 9-11 2019 squad.

Coach Jay King is looking forward to a return to play.

“Glad to be able to get back on the field and go to battle with my team,” King said.

BISHOP MIEGE has a strong group of upperclassmen looking to help lead the Stags to prominence after a 5-16 finish in 2019.

“The Stags look to compete in the EKL and for a run in 4A postseason on the experience of our returning players, pitching and defense, and timely hitting,” coach Dan Meara said.

Some names to look for on the Miege diamond will include seniors Griffin Edds (P/IF), Max Heller (P/IF), Joseph Lopez (C/P/OF), Evan Parra (OF), Jude Putz (IF), Logan Shull (IF), Luke Shull P/OF/IF), Nathan Stanley (P/ IF), Hayden Thilges (P/IF), along with juniors Charles Cahalan (OF) and Jake Welsh (P/IF).

BUHLER may be the “too early to tell” favorite for the 4A state championship, despite the experience loss due to graduation after their 21-4 state runner-up season in 2019.

“Our guys are eager to get back out there and play this spring as the loss of last year’s season still hurts,” coach John Neill. “We had the potential to be the best team Buhler has ever had with six seniors losing out on their senior season and finishing 4A State Runner-Up in 2019.

We have a bunch of unknowns going into this season, but have a number of young guys that have put in the work to compete for spots with this year’s seniors showing great leadership.”

Buhler’s returning starters include four players who earned all-state recognition and five returning starters overall from their second

Where the only thing missing is you!

Page 26 place team.

Senior Ryan Henderson (P/IF/C, 2nd team 3B) hit .414 with 36 hits, 11 doubles, 26 RBI, four stolen bases, 24 runs scored, and a home run, to go along with his 3.88 ERA on the mound that resulted in a 2-1 record with a save as a sophomore in 2019. Fellow senior Taiden Hawkinson (P/IF/OF, second team pitcher) was .343 at the plate, including 12 hits, four doubles, 13 RBI, five stolen bases, 12 runs scored and a 1.97 ERA, 39 strikeouts, two saves and a 6-1 record on the mound. The third senior back with 2019 postseason honors is Austin Spann (OF, hm outfield) who batted .386 with 32 hits, four doubles, 13 RBI, 26 runs scored and six stolen bases as the Crusader’s leadoff man.

Junior Bradley Neill (P/SS, first team pitcher) was .360 at the plate as a freshman with nine hits, four RBI, seven runs scored and also posted a 1.59 ERA with a 7-0 record on the mound.

Senior Reed Scott (P/1B) also returns after an impressive sophomore outing, posting a .273 average with 21 hits, three doubles, 10 RBI, 11 BBs, 21 runs scored and a 3-0 record on the mound with a 4.14 ERA. CHANUTE first year coach Kurt Sizemore takes over a Blue Comets team that went 13-9 in 2019. Junior Kam Koester (SS/P), who hit .283 with a .371 OBP, 19 RBI, eight runs, and five stolen bases, along with a 2.36 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and a save with a 3-1 record over 32.2 innings pitched, is the lone returning starter.

“We are excited to be back on the diamond after missing out on an entire season,” coach Sizemore said. “We will need to develop depth and experience this year to continue on the successes of 2019. Though young, I believe we will be very competitive in the SEK and 4A.”

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 With a large group of underclassmen on their 5-14 2019 team, CHAPMAN looks to come back strong in 2021 with five players on their roster having varsity experience. Those now seasoned upperclassmen include juniors Torin Cavanaugh (P/C), Hayden Frazier (P/IF), Cam Liebau (P/IF), Tate Milton (P/OF), Eli Riegel (P/ OF) and senior David Schoby (P/UTL).

“We believe we can be competitive in the talented NCKL this year,” coach Judd Liebau said. “ We are a junior heavy team with little varsity experience from 2019.”

CIRCLE returns three starters in 2021 including Max Mahalland (P), Daniel Stovall (C) and Jake Shaults (3B), but the T-birds will field a largely inexperienced team.

“Young nucleus with upperclassmen leading the way on the mound,” coach Matt Jordan said of his squad’s pitching strength.

CLAY CENTER brings back two returning starters from 2019’s 13-5 squad in seniors Keegan McDonald (P/C/SS, .350 BA, .41 ERA) and Brady Glaves (OF, .389 BA).

“We have a good group of experienced seniors that will lead the team this year,” coach Andy Bent said. “We also have a good group of young players this year that will get some experience and benefit our program down the road.”

For many teams this season, 2021 will be a time to figure out what young players are going to step up.

CONCORDIA will have their fingers crossed that senior Chas Carlgren (CF), who hit .517 with 25 RBI, eight doubles, and a .655 OBP in 2019, will be back for 2021 after suffering an injury prior to the 2020 football season. Coach Brandt Hutchinson is “hopeful” that Carlgren will be available to lead a talented group that would likely be a favorite to make some noise in the postseason.

“With the exception of last year, COVID, our seniors have won the league title every year,” coach Brandt Hutchinson said. “We had one player graduate last year, so we have many returning starters from two years ago.”

Carlgren will lead a talented group of bats along with fellow seniors Gavin Thomas (1B, .483 BA, 27 RBI, 8 SB, .641 OBP), Hunter Schroeder (C, .397, 21 RBI, 15 SBs, .595 OBP), Chase Parker (RF, .340 BA, 15 RBI, .517 OBP), Wyatt Trost (IF, .279 BA, 11 RBI, .575 OBP), and Nick Vignery (OF, .259 BA, 10 RBI).

On the mound, Carlgren posted a 1-1 record with 15 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched, Thomas was 2-3 with 22 strikeouts over 13 innings, and Parker who led the team with a 6-2 record, 1.79 ERA, 61 strikeouts and a save over 39 innings.

Stryker Hale (IF), Nathan Brown (P/OF), Dalton Owen (IF/C) and Shelby Giersch (IF) were all mentioned as key contributors by coach Hutchinson as well.

EL DORADO returns after a 3-18 2019 season, which was the first under head coach Adam McCormick.

“We will be young but we will be deep with

players that play multiple positions very well,” McCormick said. “A tough AVCTL schedule will test us early and often this season.”

Seniors Dravin Fowler (C/MIF), Jett Roberts (OF/P), and Caleb Winter (2B/P), along with junior Trip Baker (UTL) all return from the 2019 squad to help the Wildcats this season.

During the 2019 season, 22-2 FORT SCOTT came one run short of a trip to the 4A state championship game in a 10-9 semifinal defeat against Buhler. From that team they have one starter returning in outfielder Luke Bradbury who hit .397 with 23 hits, 22 RBI, 22 runs scored, a home run and five stolen bases along with a .933 ERA over 15 innings pitched.

Besides Bradburry, the Tigers will be extremely young, but head coach Josh Regan doesn’t seem too concerned with the inexperience.

“We only have four seniors and three juniors this season,” so we will be young, Regan said.

“But that’s OK, because we have a ton of talent in our freshman and sophomore classes. We are just looking forward to the opportunity to play, after what happened last spring. We have a great group of kids that are willing to work hard and like to throw down!”

HAYDEN will be fielding a largely new team in 2021, which is compounded with the transfer all-state honorable mention senior Hunter Vondenkamp who will be suited up for Washburn Rural.

Skyler Specht (SS/P, 3.5 ERA, .286 BA) and Erick Teske (OF/P) are the lone returning starters for the Wildcats, who otherwise will rely on youth. Coach Bill Arnold has an optimistic take on the potential incoming talent.

“Super excited to have an opportunity to get out on the field this spring with a lot of new faces on the varsity,” coach Arnold said. “This year should be a fun year to get better each and every week with game time experience.”

LOUISBURG brings back two starters from a 5-17 2019 squad that also welcomes a new coach in the dugout in Kade Larson. Luckily for Larson, the two returning starters are no slouches in Matt Madison (C, .424 BA, 10 RBI) and Brandon Doles (3B, .356 BA, 16 hits, 8 RBI).

“I am very excited for the season,” coach Larson said. “I think we have some guys that we can start building this program around.”

MCPHERSON coach Heath Gerstner gets straight to the point when summing up the team’s situation.

“The 2021 Bullpups will be young, but talented,” Gerstner said. “The only senior will be Dylan Rinker and he logged the most innings on the mound for the Bullpups in 2019. He will play first base and has worked to become a great leader.”

Rinker batted.188 in 2019 and also will bring back his skills on the mound after posting a 3.5 ERA and a save as a sophomore. The Bullpups field a group of juniors with some varsity experience as well including Tytin Goebel, OF/P, .481 BA), Aiden Hoover (SS/P, .323 BA), Jaron Brown (UTL, .143 BA), and Collin Pearson (OF, .190 BA).

After a starting 7-11 in 2019, MULVANE made an unexpected playoff run that saw them defeat #2 seed Wichita Trinity before finally being knocked out by Nickerson. Mulvane finished the season 10-12 with high hopes for the next season. But 2020’s cancellation leaves third year coach Stevel Nelson with questions for 2021.

“Like every school out there, this will be an interesting season,” Nelson said. “We don’t know a whole lot about our returners because they are very young. We plan to coach them hard like every year and have high expectations for them to succeed.”

Junior Hunter Seier (SS/P) batted .240, with 17 hits, five doubles, four stolen bases, 18 runs scored and 11 RBI, while fellow junior Mason Ellis (IF/OF/P) had 10 hits, two doubles, 10 stolen bases and 6 RBI. Seniors Trey Abasolo (P/ IF) and Tab Creekmore (P/IF/OF) are likely to help lead the way in 2021 as well.

PAOLA finished 2019 9-10 and returns multiple standouts from that team in 2021. Senior Garret Williams (OF/P) hit .316 including three doubles, two triples and 22 runs scored. Williams is even more impressive on the mound where he was all-state as a sophomore after striking out 31 batters over 25 innings resulting in a 2.52 era and four wins. Junior Caden Marcum (OF/P) was also named all-state in 2019 as he hit .450 with 10 doubles and also put in time on the mound with seven innings pitched and a 1-0 record. Senior Fletcher Aude (IF/P) rounds out the core of returning starters as he posted a .426 OBP and three doubles in his sophomore year.

“We are excited to get this season going,” head coach Tony Brummer said. “Last season we returned all but two kids from the previous year and then did not get to have a season.

Our junior and senior group of men is pretty good. We feel that we have plus arms on the field and on the mound. The speed of our team overall should be better and we are looking to make improvements at the plate.”

Seniors Ryan Sloan, Jack Earlywine, Aidan Hartig, along with juniors Dalton Picek and Kody Hendrickson are also likely starters listed

by Brummer.

PARSONS head coach Gerald Beardmore is looking forward to a good blend of veteran experience and youthful energy to lead the way in 2021.

“We should be deep on the mound with our two best pitchers back from the 2019 campaign in Paxton Swanson and Ethan Houk,” Beardmore said. “Add Gavin Salyers, that won the third place game in Salina his freshman year, and Ethan Pellock to the depth. We should have very good numbers returning in our sophomore class and a big freshman class as newcomers.”

Houk (IF/P) averaged .262 with 11 hits, two doubles, eight RBI, along with his time on the mound, while Swanson (IF/P) posted a 3.81 ERA, 29 Ks, and a 2-3 record in 22 innings pitched. Both seniors will be looked at to lead the way in 2021.

ROSE HILL finds themselves in a reasonably good position coming off of their 5-16 2019 season. The Rockets return starters with seniors Trevor Kiser (SS/P), Bryce Bischler (3B/C/P), Charlie Black (2B/OF), Reed Brownlee (P/1B), Caden Adams (C/P), and junior Chase Green (OF/P).

“Have a quality core of seniors who have all played 4 years and all multiple seasons at the varsity level,” 21st year head coach Scott Carr said. “All players have experienced difficult seasons (2018) as well as a season of growth in 2019. We expect to have a good season and know our kids will always compete. Our main focus will be building up a pitching staff (lost pitching core in 2020).”

Page 27 Junior Gehrig Goldbeck (SS) is the lone returning starter for TONGANOXIE after putting up an impressive .370 batting average his freshman year in which the Chieftains went 14-8.

“We are looking to build off success going into the cancelled season,” coach Mitch Loomis said. “Team will be leaning on a talented junior class of arms looking to leave their mark in their first varsity starts.”

WAMEGO will have a new head coach this year with Weston Moody stepping into the role, to go along with his head football coaching duties. The team has a lot of questions to answer after going 1-12 in 2019 and only returning one starter from that squad, senior Ryan Erickson (P/IF).

“This year it is tough to know where we will be, with missing out on last season,” coach Moody said. “There are many unknowns.

Some kids got the opportunity to play some baseball and some didn’t.”

In his first year as head coach of WELLINGTON, Ryan Jenkins will have two returning starters in Greg Holcomb (P/C, .266 BA, 11 2B, 11 RBI, 5.0 ERA, 6 IP) and Berkley Wright (IF, .276 BA, .818 FPCT).

“We are excited to start a new journey in Wellington,” Jenkins said. “This young team will be fun to watch grow throughout the 2021 season.”

Chris Torres continues the 4A teams starting with w getting a new coach trend, as he goes into his first year steering the ship for WINFIELD. He is also familiar with the youth movement likely to take place on his team.

“Young, real young. Lost 10 seniors last year,” Torres said. “As taking over as the head coach this year I’m beyond excited to coach the young men and going out to compete. A lot of talk has been going around about how young we will be, expecting some freshman to have to play some varsity time but looking forward to them getting the experience and playing some big rolls.” from page 25 (3B/MI) and Ty Epler (OF/RHP) who are all expected to be in the starting lineup for 2021, according to head coach John Tetuan.

“I am excited for this season,” Tetuan said.

“After missing last year I think our guys will be chomping at the bit to get back out there. Most of our guys have played at the varsity level since they were freshman or sophomores. Now they are juniors and seniors and I believe will come out with a different confidence in themselves. I believe we can do special things this year with this core group.”

VALLEY CENTER will have many new faces in the clubhouse. Matt Robertson begins his second year as head coach and first year with games being played.

“Coming into the 2021 season, we will have only a few guys that played varsity baseball back in 2019,” Robertson said. “There will be many new faces representing Valley Center.”

KC WASHINGTON returns three senior starters from their 7-11 2019 squad with an otherwise inexperienced varsity roster. Zach Bryant (OF/P) hit .348 with 16 hits and a dizzying 21 stolen bases, John Herzig (C) averaged .250 with 10 hits and 11 steals, and Edgar Valles (2B) hit .400 at the plate with eight base hits.

“This year’s team should be young and athletic,” coach Alex Armbrust said. “Will be interesting to see how we perform after missing much development last season.”

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

3A Baseball

BROOKS WHALEY Rock Creek

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer As is true with all classifications this year, but particularly with Class 3A, the success of many teams will be built around a nucleus of talented underclassmen from the 2019 season. Those players are now expected to be leaders as upperclassmen this spring.

Teams like 2019 runner-up Rock Creek, which who will be led by seniors Brooks Whaley and Mason Sturdy (Emporia State commit), Minneapolis with its three-headed monster of seniors Spencer Davidson (Fort Hays State commit), Nolan White and Trent Moeckel and Nemaha Central’s small, but seasoned group surrounding talented senior Tyler Gerety (KU commit), among others, will see what is built off their existing foundations.

The exception to this rule this year lies with Rossville, which brings back what seems like an almost unfair nine upperclassmen with considerable varsity experience, led by senior Bo Reeves, an early pick to finish the season as Player of the Year. The Bulldogs will be moving up a class in 2021, after making the semifinals in the 2-1A state tournament in 2019.

It looks to be a wild year for 3A baseball.

ANDERSON COUNTY finds itself in a relatively comfortable position for the upcoming season, with six quality starters from its 13-6 squad from 2019. Senior Bo Dilliner (CF/C) will likely make a run at all-state in his senior campaign, after posting a .441 batting average, 26 hits, two home runs, 23 RBI, 18 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .569 OBP. Fellow returning seniors include Ashton Miller (UTL .238, 10H, 2SB, .333 OBP), Tyler Denny (P/IF, 1.52 ERA, 9K, 3-0, 23IP) and Josh Stifter (P, 4.67 ERA, 7Ks, 0-1, 9IP), along with juniors Derek Rockers (P/OF/1B, .333, 11H, 12R, 6RBI, .430 OBP) and Dalton Kellerman (1B/3B/P, .229, 8H, 7RBI, .400 OBP).

“We have lost a lot from the last two senior groups, but we have a lot of young guys that are ready to step up,” coach Travis Persinger said. “We will have some battles for starting spots. Some guys that were looking to have a great 2020 will be expected to step up and

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have it this year.”

In Tyler Clubine’s first year as head coach at CHAPPARAL, he will have two starters remaining from a 2019 squad that finished 6-12. Senior Jarrett Angle (2B) had a batting average of .231 with 12 hits and 11 RBI, while junior Wyatt Drouhard (SS/P) averaged .364 with 16 hits and 12 runs scored.

“We’ve got a very young team and a lot to learn, but we’ve got some really good athletes and a lot of potential,” Clubine said. “We’ll go as far as our pitching and defense takes us.”

CANEY VALLEY enters the 2021 season after falling just short of the state tournament in 2019, finishing with a 12-5 record. The Bullpups have three returning lettermen. Head coach Michael Kaminska believes his largely untested team will perform well in league play despite the many new faces on his roster.

“We should be okay,” Kaminska said. “We will be in the top three of our league, but the postseason will be tough playing CNC schools.”

Returning for the Bullpups will be Shawn Sutton (C/P/1B, .238 BA, .286 ERA), Grady Postrach (2B, .214 BA, .958 FPCT), and Ridick Martin (RF, .600 BA), who started during the second half of the 2019 season.

CHENEY returns a trio of players who were standout underclassmen on a team that qualified for the state tournament in 2019.

Junior Harrison Voth (IF/P) was excellent at the plate and on the mound, hitting .378, with 28 hits,10 doubles, 18 stolen bases and 32 runs scored to go along with his 1.09 ERA, three saves, and 2-0 record over 19.1 innings pitched. Fellow junior Trent Reitmayer (OF/P) was also impressive at bat with a .492 batting average, 31 hits, 10 doubles, 21 RBI, 16 stolen bases and 26 runs scored. Senior Trent Canaan (C) managed a .227 average, 10 hits, two doubles, seven RBI and was nearly impossible to get a ball by with a .995 FPCT. Logan Bartlett (P/OF) did not get to play in the 2019 due to an arm injury, but will likely see plenty of playing time during his senior season.

“We have a couple guys that have been everyday players, but we will have a lot of holes to fill,” coach Mike Quick said. “We are going to need some young guys to step up and make an impact.”

Scott John’s CHERRYVALE squad finished 2019 with a 10-8 record despite being exceptionally young. Now in 2021, the Chargers return about as much experience as you could ask for in a season like 2021.

“We were young in 2019 with only four upperclassmen,” John said. “The upperclassmen we now have, have a lot of experience. We have three seniors who started for us as freshmen and the juniors played a lot as freshmen as well. We were excited about last season and that excitement still remains.”

In the senior class, Kolbyn Hooper (1B/P, 1-1, 3.90 ERA, 1 save), Landon Bennett (OF/P, .277BA, 5.3 ERA, 25 Ks), Chet Linn (C/P/IF, .212 BA, 1-0, 2.50 ERA) and Brad Morris (OF)

return as starters along with juniors Fisher Hey (P/IF, 3.00 ERA, 7 Ks), Caiden Heit (IF, .222), and Connor Wickham (P/DH).

CIMARRON baseball does not return any starters from 2019, but after going 16-5 in just its second season ever as a program, the Bluejays are familiar with starting fresh and making it work.

“We are still in our infancy as a team yet we have already seen great improvement in our team,” coach Charles Dirks said. “ I am excited to get back on the diamond and we have a lot of young talent that is ready to work hard and prove what they can do!”

COLBY doesn’t return any starters from its 12-10 season in 2019 and head coach Rick Williams is aware of the uphill battle that no experience on a varsity field can bring.

“We will be super young and inexperienced,” Williams said. “ We do not have any players with high school varsity experience because the last time we had a season, we had eight seniors and five juniors. We have some talented kids who will work hard and are coachable, but we do not have experience in varsity high school baseball.”

Coming off a 4-14 season with a fairly young 2019 squad, COUNCIL GROVE looks to take a few more steps with the underclassmen from that team. Seniors Ethan Craige (P/IF, .271, 5.20 ERA, 18K), Isaac Buchman (P/OF, 4.30 ERA, 33K), along with juniors Kaleb Litke (C, .158), Wyatt Johnson (P/IF, .200), Kellen Marshall (P/IF), and Hunter Brintle (P/IF, .400).

“Losing last season and summer baseball was very detrimental for this young group,” coach Matt Wilkens said. “We have a lot of work to put in if we are going to put ourselves in a position to compete. Look for this group to progress throughout the year.”

DOUGLASS brings back two 2019 starters from a 3-17 team - seniors Brady Roberts (C, .410) and Jared Stoffel (P/1B).

“Pitching depth and defense will be our strength,” coach Brad Reynolds said. “We are young and unproven but have some talent coming up.”

ELLSWORTH coach Jason McWilliams welcomes back senior Braden Schulte, a first team all-league selection as a sophomore in 2019, but graduated the other two all-league selections from that year.

FREDONIA went 10-5 in 2019 and head coach David Nelson is ready to get the season started after taking over head coaching duties in 2020.

“We have a young core led by solid veterans,” Nelson said. “I’m excited to coach these young gentlemen and I’m hopeful for a good season.”

Seniors Ian Houchin (1B/3B/P/C), Colton Appelhans (1B/3B/P), Brayden O’Neal (OF/2B/P), John Dutton (P/C/OF/IF), and Tyler Foged (1B/2B/OF) return after seeing time on the field in 2019. Sophomore Joel Dutton (P/ SS/OF) will also be a player to watch for the Yellowjackets according to Nelson.

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Page 28 FRONTENAC started the 2019 season 20-0 before a loss in sub-state play ended its season at 20-1. From that team, a lone starter returns in senior Brett Cleland (OF). Beyond that, 24th-year head coach Bill Sulivan (268178) believes in his team’s opportunity for success, despite their youth.

“This will be a very different season because we don’t return anybody with much varsity experience and losing our season last year took away many opportunities for these guys to get varsity innings,” Sullivan said. “With that being said, I do anticipate us being very competitive due to the quality of players we have coming up. I’m very excited about the team we will have this year.”

After an 11-8 season in 2019, GALENA returns three quality varsity players in senior AJ Holmes (CF) and juniors Kenyon Martin (P/1B) and Brett Sarwinski (P/1B), who was one of the top players in the area as a freshman.

“It’s hard to predict much about the upcoming season given the loss of last season,” coach Ken Cook said. “We have some good young players and a couple great returning starters.

We have every reason to be optimistic about this season.

HALSTEAD went 6-12 in 2019 and the Dragons used the offseason for development and maturation for the talented young group it had on that squad.

“We return a lot of kids with varsity experience this season,” coach Danny Driskill said.

“We have six or seven seven kids who should help us on the mound. Hopefully we can build off of last summer’s 13-3 record.”

Junior Chandler Drake (SS/P) hit .279 in 2019 while posting a 4.50 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched, while senior Ivan Gutierrez (OF/2B) hit .273 at the plate, with 11 runs, and 11 stolen bases. Senior Kaden Hill (2B/OF) was .271 with eight RBI and senior Carter Hiebert (C) finished at .245, with 10 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

Experience will be a strength for HAVEN in 2021, as the Wildcats return eight players who saw considerable playing time during an 11-5 season in 2019.

Skylar Shingleton (OF), Benaiah Yoder (OF/P), Darby Roper (OF), Karter Cooprider (C/2B/P), Hunter Galloway (C/2B), Javon Miller (SS), Brant Sipe (1B), and DJ Miller (3B/P) will all be key sources of experience and first year coach Dwight Roper is excited what they bring to the table.

“We will have a great outfield,” Roper said.

“Defense will be a strength. We need to develop some pitching depth and put the ball in play.”

HESSTON head coach Skylar Hill is excited about the prospects 2021 brings for his young baseball program.

“Coming into year four of our program, I believe we have the most depth from top to bottom since we’ve started,” Hill said. “We have some really strong leaders from our upperclassmen with a lot of experience to help

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

guide some pretty talented underclassmen.”

The Swathers bring back starters from their 11-9 squad in 2019. Brady Cox (OF/P) batted .333 with 17 hits, 13 RBI, 12 stolen bases and had a 4.20 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. Cody Wohlgemuth (MIF) was .274 at the plate with 17 hits, 14 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.

HIAWATHA also sees reason for optimism this upcoming season as it brings back eight players who saw an abundance of playing time as underclassmen, along with a strong supporting cast.

“This season will see a young Redhawk team look to break into the top of the Big 7 League,” coach Curt Weldon said. “ We are returning 23 players from the 2020 team, led by a group of seniors who have seen varsity action since their freshmen year. Their experience, and a solid junior class, will lead to an exciting year as we return to the diamond.”

Seniors Alex Rockey (2B), Trent Kolb (3B), Gunner Smith (C), DJ Sample (OF), along with juniors Tyler Davis (C), Joel Bryant (SS), Braydon Griswold (1B), and Carson Gilbert (P) all return as lettermen from the 2019 squad.

After a 12-7 record in 2019, HOISINGTON-CENTRAL PLAINS enters this season with a new head coach in Eric Steiner and three returning starters - Holt Hanzlick (3B/C/P), Cole Steinert (C/P/SS) and Quentin Boxberger (1B/P).

“We’re excited about just getting to play after having last year cancelled due to COVID-19,” Steiner said. “We will have a good mix of old and young players. Just want to be competitive in every game we play.”

HUGOTON made the state tournament in

2019 after a 14-9 record in head coach Tanner Rindels’ first season as head coach. After a year off, he and his Eagles squad will look to a strong senior group of Jayce Korf (P), Andres Salinas (C), Chay Burnett (1B), and Sawyer Harper (CF), who all saw significant time on the varsity field as sophomores.

“Seniors are the core group to lead the team,” Rindels said. “ Pitching will be above average. Freshman and sophomore classes have great athletes who can contribute.”

The best way to get really good at something is to simply spend a lot of time doing it. Coach Toby Munz is aware of this and believes his KINGMAN squad will benefit from a group of players who have put in the time.

“It is going to be exciting to see these guys play,” Munz said. “We have a bunch of ‘baseball park rats’. These guys grew up at the ball field and know the game of baseball. We have three seniors and will need to lean heavily on them for some postseason success.”

The Eagles will look to their two returning starters in senior Dalton Freund (IF/P) who hit .328 with 22 hits, and also posted a 3-2 record with a 2.94 ERA and 36 Ks in 33 innings, and fellow senior Mason Munz (UTL/P) who went 2-4 on the mound with 28 Ks and a 4.43 ERA in 23 innings.

Steve Davidson enters his 25th season as head coach of the LAKIN Broncs with a career record of 365-152.

“I am really looking forward to this season,” Davidson said. “2019 was not a good season for Lakin baseball, but we were very young, and then we missed last year. Now we have four or five seniors who should be hungry for a really good year.”

The Broncos went 9-12 during the 2019 season and return Jace Bachman (P/SS), Matt Morgan (P/OF), Allen Martinez (P/IF), Ty Davidson (IF), Hunter Davis (OF) and Braden Fisher (P/OF) who are all expected to make a big impact for Lakin in 2021.

LARNED returns eight seniors and three juniors from a 9-8 team in 2019 and coach Chad Erway believes success in the offseason will reflect on the varsity diamond.

“We have a good core of seniors,” Erway said. “This group of juniors and seniors won the Junior Legion State Tournament in Topeka a few years ago. If we can get quality starts from our rotation and some timely hitting while playing solid defense we will compete.”

One starter returns for SMOKY VALLEY, which posted a 2-15 record in 2019 - talented senior Brandon Malm (3B/1B/P, .373 BA).

Malm will be looked to to lead a young roster in his final high school season.

“It’s going to be a different year,” coach Troy Miller said. “We are counting on some young sophomores to fill in on varsity.”

Sights are set high at MARYSVILLE for first-year coach John Haefele, and for good reason. The Bulldogs went 13-4 and fell just short of the state tournament in 2019. Four seniors return from that team after starting as sophomores - Ben Kirkland (2B), Ayden Price (P/SS), Caden Brinegar (CF/P) and Jon Haggard (P/IF).

“We’re looking forward to the 2021 season,” coach Haefele said. “The team returns a solid core of nine seniors. We look to be competitive in our run for a league title and regional championship.”

Looking to maintain momentum from a

Page 29 breakout 20-4 season in 2019, MINNEAPOLIS returns one of the best trios of seniors in 3A and will be looking to move up two spots in the final rankings after finishing tied for third in the state tournament.

Spencer Davidson (P/1B) hit .478 at the plate with 33 hits, seven doubles, five triples, two home runs, 31 RBI, and 22 BBs, along with a 3.47 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and a 6-1 record in 38.1 innings pitched in 2019. Nolan White (P/SS) averaged .379, had 25 hits, five doubles, 29 RBI, 41 runs scored, 19 stolen bases, and 21 walks, along with a 1.42 ERA, 19 strikeouts and a 3-0 record in 19.2 innings on the mound. Trent Moeckel (2B/IF) rounds out the talented returnees after posting a .439 batting average, with 25 hits, six doubles, 16 RBI, 43 runs scored, 27 walks and 26 stolen bases. Moeckel was named all-state honorable mention for his efforts as a sophomore.

“A few of our players were able to experience some success in 2019, and we hope that success will carry into our current year,” coach Tyler Konrade said. “Several players played quite a few games together in the summer, so we are looking forward to the spring to see how that continuity translates to the school season.”

NEMAHA CENTRAL brings back a strong group of players who gained considerable experience in 2019 as underclassmen on a 12-8 squad that fell just short of the state tournament. The Thunder now look to morph that experience into even more success in 2021.

Senior infielder Tyler Gerety leads a group of five returning starters after posting a .420 batting average, 29 hits, nine triples, 22 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 25 runs scored. Fel-

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 low seniors Dalton Huerter (.266, 17 hits, 16 RBI, 9 runs) and Gage Palic (.200, 6 hits, 6 stolen bases) will patrol the outfield, while senior Landen Baker (.184, 9H, 3 SB, 6 R, 2.25 ERA, 4-0) and junior Zac Kramer (.250, 7 H, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3.5 ERA, 1-1) will swap out between pitching and infield positions.

“Our returning starters overall struggled at the plate as sophomores and we’re anxious to see what they can do as seniors,” coach Terry Stueve said. “Pitching will be the big question, we have one guy in Baker who has logged a good amount of innings at the varsity level.

However, we think we will have several guys that will step into that role.”

Former Emporia State football standout Mitch Foote brings perspective and energy to OSAGE CITY in his first year as head coach.

“This season will be an extraordinary one with everything taking place in the world right now, but I think we all need baseball in our lives right about now,” Foote said. “I am extremely thankful and blessed to be given the opportunity to be the head coach of such a great group of young men. We are eager to get going and see what the season has in store for us.”

The Indians may like what 2021 has in store after a 5-10 mark in 2019, if they can build around four lettermen from that squad. Seniors Wyatt Littrell (1B, .323, 10 H, 7 RBI) and Ethan Green (3B, .273, 6 H, 4 RBI), as well as juniors Tyler Sage (2B, .179, 7 H, 6 RBI) and Garrett Fager (SS, .150, 3 H, 2 RBI) will likely see more plate opportunities.

OSAWATOMIE went 4-12 in 2019 and brings back two lettermen from that squad in Matthew Fanning (P/3B) and Luke Hebert (C).

“We are a young baseball team that has a lot of potential to be successful with a lot of hard work and dedication,” coach Austin Chisam said. “As a team, we hope to show improvement every time we step on the field.”

PERRY-LECOMPTON looks to improve on its 5-11 record in 2019 with a youthful team, led by seniors Dawson Williams, Jaxon Folks and Ryley Besler.

“We have a chance to be really good,” coach Kent Houk said. “We will be playing a number of young guys who will hold their own.”

PRAIRIE VIEW’s Joe Cullor goes into his fourth season as head coach with the reality many squads are facing, the loss of what was shaping up to be a successful 2020 season.

“With COVID taking away our six 2020 seniors opportunity at another regional run, we become very young with two returning starters,” coach Cullor said. “We will use a workman like attitude to improve our skills daily in the hopes of playing our best baseball at the regional tournament.”

The two returning starters are a pair of very gifted seniors. Gradey Gregg (C/2B) had a .426 batting average, .453 OBP, 26 hits and 15 RBI, while Hunter Minden (P/3B) hit .368 with a .415 OBP, 14 hits, and 10 RBI. RILEY COUNTY will look to increase its Mid-

East League championship streak to three in 2021 after an 18-5 record in 2019. The odds look good for the Falcons, considering their large cache of upperclassmen. Nic Allen (OF, Sr.), Connor Holle (1B/P, Sr.), Trey Harmison (UTL, Jr.), Kolton Payne (IF/P, Jr.) Grayden Jackson (IF/P, Sr.), Bryan Hopper (OF/P, Sr.), Nicholas Wagner (OF, Sr.), Eathan Bohnenblust (IF, Sr.), and Keigan McNulty (IF, Sr.) all gained experience on the 2019 squad and will look to use that to their benefit.

“We have a big senior class returning and they are looking forward to the upcoming season,” coach Weston Steiner said. “We are all looking forward to getting back to baseball and anxious to get to work.”

During 2019 - Danny Weaver’s 20th season as head coach - RIVERTON went 7-14, putting Weaver’s career record at 253-184. In his upcoming 22nd season, Weaver is likely see more wins added to that record as the Rams bring back seniors Walker Mallatt (C), Kane Merrill (3B) and Gavin Coleman (OF), as well as juniors Kyler Harper (2B) and Zayne Shireman (1B) who have all seen time on the varsity squad.

“It will be interesting since everyone is coming off a year without a season,” Weaver said.

“We tried to get our kids as much experience as we could last summer. We lost our top arms, so replacing guys on the mound will be the difference in our amount of success.”

ROCK CREEK will look to a few very talented players from a 2019 squad that finished as the Class 3A state runner-up and looks to return to a seventh straight trip to the state tournament in 2021. The Mustangs have one of the state’s top baseball traditions. They were state champions in 2015, state runner-up in 2014 and third place finishers in 2017.

First-team all-state center fielder Brooks Whaley leads the way after hitting .419 with eight doubles, 26 RBI and 42 runs scored in 2019, while second-team all-state shortstop and Emporia State commit, Mason Sturdy, batted .412, with seven doubles, two triples, 33 RBI and 31 runs scored. All-state basketball player Dawson Zenger (OF/2B) will pitch in as well after batting .364 at the plate with five doubles, 11 RBI, and 24 runs scored. Senior Zac Becker (C) also saw action during his sophomore year, starting 10 games behind the plate.

“Mason Sturdy and Brooks Whaley both received all state recognition in 2019 and anchor a very deep senior class with 11 players,” head coach Shane Sieben said. “Sturdy, along with seniors Caden Vinduska and Tanner Christensen, look to lead the pitching depth.”

In 2019, ROSSVILLE reached the semifinals of the Class 2-1A state tournament, but will move up to 3A this season. Despite the move, the Bulldogs still have all the makings for another state tournament appearance.

Senior Bo Reeves (OF/P) had an outstanding sophomore season and is on the “player of the year” watch list for a few coaches after

batting .400, with 28 hits, 21 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 23 runs scored. He also posted a stingy 0.73 ERA with 68 strikeouts and a 5-2 record in 38.1 innings. Junior Aiden Garcia (IF/P, .318, 21 hits, 13 RBI, 12 stolen bases, 20 runs scored, 2.22 ERA, 4-5, 37 K) was another threat with both his bat and arm.

Fellow junior McGwyre Leathers (C/3B, .386, 32 H, 25 RBI, 3 SB, 19 R) also returns after a strong freshman campaign, along with Kaden Brown (OF/C, .231, 9 H, 10 RBI, 10 SB, 15 R), Tagen Kippes (OF/P, .278, 15 H, 9 RBI, 6 SB, 10 R), and Corey Catron (UTL/P, 1.82 ERA, 1-0, 11 K, 1 SV). Rounding out the group of returning lettermen are seniors Joe McGrath (OF/P, 6.68 ERA, 10K), Bryson Balch (UTL/P, .214), and Brody Jackson (IF/P, .240, 5.25 ERA, 1-0, 7K).

“We are excited to have another opportunity to play,” coach Eammon Bradley said. “After a third place finish in state in 2019 with a bunch of young players, we were very disappointed we didn’t get an opportunity last year because we felt like we were just getting started. We return a lot of players still and this group has an opportunity to do some great things this year.”

RUSSELL/VICTORIA has no returning starters back from 2019 for coach Allan Penka, who is in his first full year as high school head coach following last year’s cancellation.

SILVER LAKE head coach Tyler Seele enters his first season with four upperclassmen from a 13-7 team from 2019, including Conner Pruyser (P), Jake Wegner (3B), Daigan Kruger (LF) and Trent Reamer (RF).

“We will have an experienced team this season that will include several juniors and seniors who have had experience playing at the varsity level,” Seele said. “We hope to lean on that experience and leadership to push our younger guys and compete in a very good Mid-East League this season.”

After going 14-9 in 2019, SOUTHEAST OF SALINE will have no issue with experience in 2021 as the Trojans bring back three seniors - Bryant Banks (3B/P, .312, 21 K, 12.2 IP), Eli Harris (P/1B, .322, 25 K, 26 IP) and Jaxson Gebhardt (C, .483, 9 SB) - along with a large collection of other lettermen.

“We should be a strong, experienced team,” coach Mike Garretson said. “Our three seniors and five or six juniors have a lot of varsity experience and summer experience.”

Evan Nickelson (P/OF, .400, 15 K, 11 IP) will be looked to as one of those juniors after having a notable freshman season.

SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS coach Lane Abert is rightfully excited about his team’s prospects for 2021, despite an 0-19 record in 2019.

“Should be a fun year,” Albert said. “This is the fourth year of our baseball program here and it will be the first year we have more upperclassmen starting than underclassmen.

We also have depth and experience at every position for the first time with our program.”

The depth Albert is referring to consists of

Page 30 seniors Jace Bost (OF/2B/P/C, .270, .481 OBP), Walter Ramirez (OF/C, .185, .476 OBP), Sergio Puentes (SS/P, .405, .500 OBP) and Izak Castro (1B/OF/P, .229, .408 OBP), along with juniors Branden Stanfield (2B/3B/ OF/P, .237, .408 OBP), Coleby Reiss (1B/OF, .300, .688 OBP) and Daniell Juarez (1B/3B/P, .435, .536 OBP).

CJ Marple embarks on his first season at ST. MARYS after spending two seasons as the head coach at Osage City and posting a 19-18 record during that time. Marple will have four returning starters from the Bears’ 4-15 team from 2019 - seniors Isiah Holz (OF), Danny Moylan (OF), Will Homan (C) and junior Luke Homan (3B).

“With no season in 2020, we will be very inexperienced as a team,” coach Marple said.

“We are really going to need our upperclassmen to come in ready to work and get better every day in order to compete in the tough Mid-East League.”

TRINITY ACADEMY (WICHITA) will undergo a rebuild in 2021 after going 15-2 in 2019 and losing a considerable amount of experience to graduation.

“Graduating nine seniors last season will be hard to replace, but we have pretty good numbers of young guys to step in and start to rebuild,” coach Bret Lentz said. “This season will be a year of learning and growing for a lot of players, but the excitement and energy is there.”

Junior Connor Davis (OF/P/IF) and sophomore Easton Norris (OF/P/IF) will be two names on the roster to look out for during the upcoming season.

An 18-5 record and trip to the Class 3A state semifinals had WELLSVILLE near the top of the 3A baseball world in 2019. This season, however, will have a different status quo as the Eagles return just one starter from that team - Jackson Showalter (P/OF/1B), who batted .400 at the plate, with a .484 OBP, six doubles, 11 RBI, 17 runs scored, along with a 2.49 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 33.2 innings pitched.

“We graduated seven starters two years ago, and two more starters lost their senior season last year,” coach Bryan Kindle said.

“We will be an inexperienced team at the varsity level, but these players have been around success in their younger years. I am really looking forward to see which players will step up and watch this team compete.”

WICHITA COLLEGIATE returns three players from a 10-8 team in 2019. Juniors Drew Charbonneau (P/INF, .297, 11 H, 5 RBI, 9 R), Ashtun Villagomez (IF, .450, 9 H, 7 RBI, 4 R, 3 SB), and Evan Eichenhauer (P/OF, .250, 1 H, 3 R, 3 SB) all received considerable varsity experience.

“We’re looking forward to these young guys getting a chance to play high school baseball this season,” coach Joe Gehrer said. “It will be a year of a lot of growth and much needed game experience for this team.”

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Atchison Globe

2-1A Baseball

AARON NOLL Photo by Sarah Crumrine

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NOLAN CRUMRINE Sedgwick

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Class 2-1A baseball picks back up in 2021 with a number of storylines to follow. The last game to be played before the COVID cancellation of the 2020 season was Eklhart vs.

Marion in the 2019 state championship. After a thrilling 3-2 win to cap an undefeated season, Elkhart finds itself replacing a majority of its roster from that 2019 playoff run.

After stellar football and basketball seasons, Little River baseball brings back the dynamic duo of Graham Stephens (SS, second-team all-state) and Jayden Garrison (second-team all-state) and look to make a championship run of their own.

Inman returns five seniors who have started for the program since their freshman season.

Sedgwick welcomes back a pair of talented pitchers in senior Nolan Crumrine (second-team all-state, Friends signee) and junior Lance Hoffsommer (all-league). Ellis has one of the top players in the state returning in Tegan Cain (P, first team all-state).

BELLE PLAINE comes off a 10-6 record in 2019 with new head coach Blake Pontius steering a ship with no major varsity contributors back on board for 2021.

“We have many juniors and seniors ready to step up and take on the challenge ahead,” Pontius said “Can’t take things for granted after what happened last season - have to put in the work!”

In their first year as a consolidated baseball program, BUCKLIN-SOUTH CENTRAL finished 12-9 with a young, talented team.

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“We have the potential to be a very good team with a lot of depth for 2-1A,” coach Kyle Feikert said. “Nathan Imel is a junior centerfielder with speed and a lot of pop in his bat. Nate Bowman is a left handed pitcher entering his junior year and should be throwing low 80s this year.

Scott Price is an all-around junior athlete who can play pitcher, catcher and shortstop. Bryce Ashlock and Xavier Cid are two of our senior leaders who started two years ago and bring a lot of power to the plate.”

All five of the players mentioned by Feikert are returning starters, with Cid receiving allstate honorable mention honors as a pitcher during his sophomore campaign.

CENTRAL HEIGHTS also returns considerable experience with lettermen Brady Burson (1B), Cauy Newell (C), Hunter Bones (OF/P), Tony Detwiler (OF/P), Cass Burroughs (UTL) and Dylan Kimball (DH). Veteran coach Jason Brown (18 years, 196-171) will look to improve on a 4-14 record posted in his first year as coach for the Vikings.

COLONY-CREST head coach Roland Weir sees room for optimism in 2021, despite last season’s cancellation.

“I believe with our returning players, who have now been with the program for basically four years, and a talented large group of sophomores and freshmen, we will have a very successful season,” Weir said. “We would have had a breakout year in 2020, but unfortunately we all know how that turned out. We have currently 22 kids ready to play baseball this year and they are all hungry for success.”

The Lancers went 6-9 in 2019 and bring back seniors Tyson Hermreck (MIF/P), Kobey Miller (MIF/P), Stratton McGhee (MIF/OF/P), Andrew McAdams (OF) and juniors Bryson Goodell (1B) and Tucker Yochum (MIF).

After a 1-17 record in 2019, DONIPHAN-WEST will look to find an identity with a significant number of young players on the roster for 2021. Juniors Kole Franken (C, .183, 6 H,12 RBI,12 BB, 12 SB) and Trent Spiker (P/SS/OF, .468, 11 H, 1 HR, 16 BB, 23 SB, 19 RBI, 21 R) both return to give a degree of experience and stability.

“With limited returners and a young group it will be a season of learning and progression due to losing out on last year,” coach Jeff Spiker said. “It should be a group that will show up and work hard every day.”

After only winning one game in 2019, ATCHISON COUNTY has high hopes for 2021, according to third year coach Paul Courter.

“We are really looking forward to taking a big step this year,” Courter said. “We have a solid core that has played together in the system for two to three years now, so we will rely on them to be competitive.”

Seniors Bailey Wilson (P/1B) and Gunnar Koontz (P/3B) return as starters for the Tigers, along with juniors Kieran Courter (P/SS/OF), Mason Scholz (OF/IF) and Ryan Keith (1B).

Gage Hosman (3B/P) is the lone returning starter for ELLINWOOD, which finished 3-13

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in 2019. Hosman hit .270 with 10 hits, five RBI, six runs scored and eight stolen bases.

“We will be really young this year with only one returning senior and one returning junior,” coach Trevor Bieberle said. “However, we have a lot of young talent that gained a lot of upper level experience this past summer in legion ball. Looking forward to this group building throughout the year.”

Sophomores Parker Scheck (SS/C/P) and Tyler Stuhlsatz (OF/P) will be looked to to step up after putting up solid numbers in their 2020 Legion seasons. Stuhlsatz hit for a .529 average, while Scheck batted .438.

ELKHART got a victory lap as Class 2-1A state champs in 2019 after going 22-0 en route to a 3-2 win over Marion in the finals. The bad news for the Wildcats is the bulk of the 2019 team has graduated.

“We are returning one contributor from the 2019 state championship team,” coach David Aranda said. “It will be tough to replace the production lost from that team, but I think we will surprise a lot of people. We are talented, but young and inexperienced.”

Lone returner and senior, Lance Addington (DH/C/1B/P), hit .480 at the plate as a sophomore, with 12 hits, four doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored and a stolen base.

ELLIS will rely on all-state caliber upperclassmen mixed with some youngsters looking to prove they belong on a varsity roster.

Senior Tegan Cain (P/OF) put up head turning numbers in his first team all-state sophomore campaign, batting .523, with 34 hits, 30 RBI, 35 runs scored, three home runs, six triples and five doubles in 2019. On the mound, he posted a 2.18 ERA, with 52 strikeouts and a 7-1 record over 25.2 innings pitched. Fellow senior Konnor Pfiefer (C/OF) added in a .422 average, 19 hits, 19 RBI, 23 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases, earning himself honorable mention all-state honors. Junior Tyson Jimenez (OF/P) received postseason recognition as well as a freshman, posting a .373 average, 22 hits, 10 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 34 runs scored to earn second-team all-state.

Junior Easton Burton (IF/P) also returns, with eight hits, 12 RBI and 11 runs as a freshman.

“We should have some good depth in our pitching staff,” coach Bren Cain said. “We had some younger players who really needed the playing time last spring that will be starting for us this year so we need to get them a lot of reps early this spring.”

In his first season as head coach, James Leonard takes control of an ERIE squad returning five players from a 7-12 season in 2019. Seniors Tyler Duling (P/2B), Dawson Lehman (P/SS), Aaron Babcock (P/OF), Brett Tromsness (OF), and junior Riley Ewan (UTL) are the five and appear poised for a big 2021 season.

“We have a good group of veteran players who have played a significant amount of baseball,” Leonard said. “We believe this will amount to a successful season. There is a great deal of leadership on this team. I am really excited to get this season going, especially with the absence of last year. The Red Devils will be dawning our new uniforms and are ready to be highly competitive.”

Coming off of a 2019 season in which FLINTHILLS fell one game shy of making the state

Page 32 tournament with a loss to Wichita Independent in the sub-state finals, the Mustangs are faced with a considerable amount of roster turnover after graduating 16 seniors over the last two seasons. They do return talented junior Cael Sorum (DH) who batted .323, with 10 hits and 10 RBI in his freshman season.

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (OLATHE) finished 13-7 and made the state tournament before losing to Humbolt in a close quarterfinal game.

From that 2019 squad, the Chargers return three lettermen in Trey Moran (1B/P, .300, .675 OPS, 15 RBI, 25 K, 25 IP), Kaleb Pittman (2B, .196, 11 R) and Nathan Schwab (LF/P, .200, .429 OBP, 15 K, 9 IP). Coach Bart Briley also points to a group of talented underclassmen expected to contribute in 2021.

HUMBOLDT had an exciting run to the state semifinals in 2019, finishing the season with a 21-5 record. From their state team, the Cubs only return two starters in Gavin Page (SS/2B), who hit .250 with eight hits, two RBI, 11 stolen bases and nine runs scored, and Kaiden Barnett (SS/2B) who batted .258 with eight hits, seven RBI, 14 stolen bases and 11 runs scored.

“We are looking to replace a big group of seniors who had a lot of success throughout their careers,” coach Mike Miller said. “This will be one of the more inexperienced groups I’ve had in a few years. I’m excited to see what our young players do with this opportunity.”

It should be noted, an ‘off year’ for Miller is likely not the same relative to others. He has posted a 175-29 record in 11 years at Humboldt.

Few teams find themselves in a better position going into this spring than INMAN. Head coach Matt Mikulecky is more focused on how the team can make improvements after a 9-7 finish in 2019, including a 7-6 loss to eventual regional champion Sedgwick.

“If we can stay healthy, we will have good depth with our pitching staff,” Mikulecky said.

“Pitching and defense will make us competitive. We should be able to score some runs too with smart baserunning and some pop in our lineup. We do have a few question marks on who is going to be able to rise up and fill some holes for us. I can’t wait for these kids to get to play again.”

Five seniors on the Teutons’ roster have produced on the varsity since their freshman year, including All-HOA second-team pitcher Landon Snyder (P/3B/1B, .327, 17 H, 15 RBI, 3.00 ERA, 5-3, 1 SV), All-HOA second-team utility player Jayden Leonhardt (C/IF/P), allstate second-team catcher Carter Brown (P/ IF/C, .450, 27 H, 2 HR, 10 2B, 1 3B, 25 RBI, 25 R, 14 SB), second-team All-HOA OF Derick Johnson (P/OF/1B, .313, 15 H, 26 R, 17 BB, 25 SB) and Carson Munoz (P/IF/C, .235, 12 H, 4 2B, 13 RBI, 13 R, .900 FPCT). Junior Kyler Konrade (P/SS, .220, 9 H, 16 R, 8 SB) brings back experience on the mound after posting a 3.12 ERA and 4-1 record over 24.2 innings, earning him second-team All-HOA honors as a freshman.

KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN ended 2019 with a solid 14-9 record and a state tournament appearance before exiting against eventual runner-up Marion in the quarterfinals. Only senior Ian Price (P/C/OF) and junior Grant Bough (IF, OF) return as consistent contributors from that season.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 “After missing 2020, we will be young again this season and a few players will have an opportunity to step in and contribute right away at the varsity level,” coach Jared Barker said.

LEBO-WAVERLY coach Jason Konrade went 8-9 in his first season as the Wolfdogs head coach and gets a considerable amount of experience back from the 2019 squad. Konner Keifer, (P/SS/2B), Caleb Fehr, (1B/DH), Carson Hein (P/3B/2B), Jerome Ferguson (CF), Kyle Reese (C, IF) and Jonas Konrade (SS/OF) all return from two seasons ago.

“I am excited for the upcoming season,” Konrade said. “We have upperclassmen with high baseball IQ and competitiveness. We also have a good group of young players who will compete well for remaining positions on the field.”

New head coach Ryan Hageman gets his first full season and welcomes back four starters for a LINCOLN-SYLVAN-LUCAS squad that finished 2-14 in 2019; lone senior returner Dalton Cooper (C/P), along with juniors Alex Hernandez (CF/P), Jaxson Heenan (SS/2B/P), and Brady Zsuzsics (2B/C/P).

“I’m looking forward to this group, as we will be young with some freshman and sophomores, but they have talent and have played a lot of ball,” Hageman said. “Our numbers are looking to be quite large this spring, and we should have depth in pitching and on the infield.”

LITTLE RIVER was defeated in the regional semifinals in 2019, finishing the season with a 14-4 record. Five players who received varsity experience return. Two of them are all-staters in Graham Stephens (SS/P) and Jayden Garrison (P/SS/2B), along with fellow senior Keaton Richardson (P/2B/OF) and juniors Kaden Schafer (P/1B) and Ty Herzog (P/3B).

“With no season last spring, not sure what to expect,” coach Terry Renken said. “These boys won state football and (competed in) state basketball. Very good athletes who like to compete. I just hope they have something left for the spring.”

MAUR HILL saw a 2019 19-0 season turn into 19-1 after a Class 3A regional finals loss to Sabetha, the eventual state champion.

“Although we only have four starters returning, we still should compete for a league title and advance in the playoffs,” coach Phil Baniewicz said. “Moving down to 2A will be beneficial, as our main roadblock to state has been losing in the 3A regional final three of the last four years to the eventual state champion. All-leaguers Drew Caudle, a junior, and Aaron Noll, a senior, should provide leadership.”

Noll (P/OF) hit .480 at the plate with five doubles, two triples and 18 RBI, while posting a 0.00 ERA and 2-0 record over 13 innings on the mound. Caudle (P/OF) hit .310 with 14 RBI, 25 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, four doubles, a triple and posted a 3.46 ERA, with 46 strikeouts, and a 4-1 record over 28 innings pitched.

Also helping the Ravens with their quest for a 2-1A playoff run will be returning seniors Kolbran Korbelik (SS/P, .312, 12RBI, 12R) and Kenny Howard (OF/P, .250, 3RBI, 2R).

Two starters return from a MEDICINE LODGE team which went 6-15 in 2019. Chance Winter (P/IF, .290, 18H, 13RBI) and Theron Wedel (P/ OF, .356, 16H, 9RBI) look to lead a young Indians team to a more successful 2021 campaign.

“We will be really young this year with only having a couple of starters returning,” coach Joe Dohrmann said. “We will rely a lot on our sophomore and freshman classes to fill the spots on our team.”

MISSION VALLEY had a great season in 2019, going 21-2 before losing in the sub-state finals. The Vikings bring back seniors Dawson Logan (OF, .349, 22H, 12RBI), Dayton Logan (3B, .379, 22H, 16RBI), and Jack Mills (1B, .340, 18H, 16RBI), and juniors Carter Phillips (OF/P, .373, 22H, 19RBI) and Keaton Marcotte (P/OF, .318, 7H, 6RBI). Phillips and Marcotte also gained experience on the mound as freshmen, with Phillips posting a 2.85 ERA, two saves, 72 Ks, and a 5-1 record over 34.1 innings pitched, while Marcotte had a 5.49 ERA, a save, 34 Ks and a 2-0 record in 21.2 innings.

Coach Justin Duncan also has high expectations for seniors Ashton McGinley (OF), senior Cadin Roberts (DH), junior Joel Deters (SS/P), and sophomore Victor Vargas (C/UTL).

NORTHEAST-ARMA went 13-3 in 2019 and brings back two starters in junior Rylen Keidel (IF) and senior Brayden Broyles (P/IF).

Coach Shawn Wilson gives an excellent rundown of his NORTHERN HEIGHTS squad in 2021, as they return some experience from their 2019 team that went 4-14.

“John Pringle will be the undisputed leader of this team,” Wilson said. “We have a couple of transfers with varsity experience with senior Cody Medlen and sophomore Kolden Ryburg.

Multiple incoming freshmen are arriving with plenty of baseball experience and pedigree which is somewhat unique for us. It will be an exciting season, one, to just get back on the field and two, to see what a lot of new faces can do for our program.”

Pringle posted a .468 average with 11 RBI at the plate, along with a 2-1 record from the mound as a sophomore. Seniors Darrett King (P/2B, .381 OBP) and Zeke Ball (P/OF, .304, 9RBI, 10.2 IP, 1.92 ERA) will lend their experience, along with junior Aaron Ross (P/C/IF).

ONAGA will take part in its inaugural season of varsity baseball in 2021, after playing a junior varsity schedule during the program’s first year in 2019. With no seniors on the roster, returning starters Jason Abitz (3B/OF/P), Colby Henneberg (2B/OF/P), Josh Marten (SS/C/P), Rilyn Mayginnes (1B/OF) and Kaid Schwant (C/OF), will lead the way for the Buffaloes. Sophomores Zac Fisher (SS/3B/P) and Colby Simkins (SS/ C/P) were also players who would have started during the 2020 season.

“We are very excited to see what we have this season since the program started in 2019 with just a JV schedule and the heart of our team being freshmen that season,” coach Adam Kufahl said. “They are now juniors and provide a good foundation for the program, and with the sophomore and freshman classes adding a lot of talent and depth we feel like this could be the beginning of something special.”

OXFORD went 2-18 in 2019 and will start with a clean slate in 2021. The Wildcats will look to lone returning senior Colby Shepherd (1B) to lead the way, with sophomores Peyton Rush (C), Hayden Ruyle (SS/2B/RHP), Alex Alata (UTL/RHP), Kyan Morris (OF/1B/RHP), Colby Hammond (2B/1B/RHP), Cristian Bain (OF/C), Logan McLain (UTL/RHP), Angel Ramirez (DH/3B/RHP) and freshman Karter Hiten (UTL/ RHP) all expected to see plenty of innings.

“We will be pretty young again this year,” coach Kyle Green said. “We do have the bonus of having a lot of arms that have been on the mound. This team reminds me a lot of our state tournament teams in 2015 and 2017. Talented kids who need experience.”

REPUBLIC COUNTY went 0-15 in it’s first

baseball season, but bring back a solid group of upperclassmen, who saw playing time in 2019.

Seniors Kyler Havel (C/OF) and Curtis Hasen (OF) look to gain the Buffaloes program its first win in school history, along with juniors Caleb Bates (P/1B), Brody Boyer (P/OF), Trever Lewellyn (P/OF), Connar Svoboda (P/2B), and Dylan McCartney (IF/OF).

“We should be able to turn the corner with all those kids back,” coach Faron Kraft said. “We still need to be able to fill in some holes, but with four of our top five pitchers back we feel confident we can vastly improve on 2019.”

RIVERSIDE returns six players from its 4-11 team in 2019. Seniors Conner Hayes (CF), Braden Chalfant (IF), Bray Davies (OF) and Charlie Grable (C), along with juniors Kobe Davis (IF) and Broc Studer (IF) return.

“I’m excited for this group of seniors,” coach Bryce Paden said. “After losing out on last season, they will be ready to go. They have been a rock for us since they were freshmen. Them, with some juniors who have played varsity time, we are hoping to have a positive ‘21.”

SATANTA-MOSCOW suffered a disappointing first-round postseason loss in the 2019 playoffs, finishing the year 10-8. But, the Indians have a lot to be excited about heading into 2021. Seniors Gerardo Garcia (C/IF, .500, 23H, 20RBI), Angel Manriquez (P/IF, .415, 4-2, 6.2 ERA), Liam Lynch (IF/P, .476) and Isaac Clift (OF, .478) give the Indians solid experience and a powerful set of bats. The only question is who will fill roster spots around their seniors.

“We have some real talented players,” coach Tim Dusin said. “We will need some young guys to step up and fill some gaps.”

SEDGWICK faced a tough matchup in the first round of the 2019 state playoffs, getting upset

by Rossville, 5-4. The playoff loss moved their final record to 15-3.

In 2021, head coach Doug Mabry, who has amassed 160 wins with a .739 winning percentage over his career, will have some major pieces back from his 2019 roster. Friends University commit, Nolan Crumrine (.443, 23RBI 42.2 IP, 2.13 ERA, 63Ks, 11Ws) was already one of the best players in 2-1A as a freshman and sophomore, earning all-state recognition both years.

The Cardinals also bring back all-stater Henry Burns (.385, 21RBI, 6SB, Sr.) and all-leaguer Lance Hoffsommer (.576, 9RBI, 4SB, 6IP, 0.00 ERA, Jr.), giving them one of the strongest returning trios in the state. Also, 6-3 junior lefthander Austin Harjo is back to fortify the pitching rotation and man first base.

Perennial power ST. MARY’S COLGAN had an off year in 2019, relative to its typical success, finishing the season 11-11 with a first round sub-state exit. Seniors Blaise Dawson (OF), Caleb Hamilton (3B/P), Gianni Piccini (OF), Janko Kalan (2B), Kannon Keller (C) and Lucas McKain (SS) all return as starters from the 2019 squad and look to return the Panthers to the playoff success they’re used to.

Long-time coach Mike Watt, is entering his 36th season with a 612-174 record.

“We return 10 seniors and seven have varsity experience,” Watt said. “Our schedule is very competitive and we will definitely be battle-tested come postseason. After losing the season to COVID in 2020, players and coaches are excited and ready to go to work and bring their best effort into a new season.”

Broc Mattox has faith in his 2021 ST. PAUL roster despite it finishing 2019 winless, 0-14.

“We ended up playing summer ball with our

Page 33 underclassmen last summer, and we played a lot of travel teams,” coach Mattox said. “By the end of the year we were in games with much bigger schools and won a couple.”

The Indians return junior Payton Norris (3B/P), who hit .330 as a freshman. Juniors Mason Winter (OF/1B) and Austin Ohara (P), and senior Wilson Smith (1B/DH), also return.

SUBLETTE was 12-9 in 2019 and return two contributors from that team in Brice Williamson (3B) and Preston Clingenpeel (OF), while coach Lyle Befort also expects varsity innings out of sophomore Miguel Hernandez (SS).

“We should be talented enough to make a run through regionals this year,” Befort said.

VALLEY FALLS lost in the second round of regionals in 2019, despite finishing 14-3 and holding the top seed in the bracket. A lot of that talent from the 2019 season returns in 2021.

“Not only do we bring back five starters who served quality time two years ago, but we also have a group of kids who would’ve played quality roles last year and will do so this year,” coach Cameron Hall said. “The entire incoming team (15-16 kids) played together last summer and look to roll that success into this year.”

Seniors Gage Burdiek (P/OF, .500, 18H, 17R, 3-0, 14 IP, 27K), Cooper Jepson (IF, .404, 21H, 22RBI, 20R), Cade Norris (IF/C, .379, 22H, 22R), Avery Gatzemeyer (IF/P, .377, 23H, 16RBI, 23R, 1-0, 5.1 IP, 27K) and Trent Kraxner (OF/P, .211, 4H, 8R) all come back after impressive sophomore campaigns. Juniors Brennen Miller (OF/P), Denten Elias (IF), Logan Martens (OF/P), Jackson Reich (OF/P), Mason Allen (IF/P), Carson Clark (OF) and sophomore Dylan Cervantez (UTL) were also mentioned by Hall as potential impact players.

Head coach Jeron Weisshaar and his WABAUNSEE Chargers can’t help but reflect a bit on what could have been this past season.

“The 2020 Chargers will always be left to wonder what their season could have held, as it was cancelled, like many other things, due to COVID-19, losing what could have been one of the more successful senior classes,” Weisshaar said.

Like many other programs in 2019, the Chargers were heartbroken they couldn’t avenge a 6-14 record from 2019 with what would have been a senior-laden roster, but there is still plenty of room for optimism. Wabaunsee returns three lettermen from 2019 in seniors Adam Miller (1B/DH, .355, 11H, 4HR, 19RBI, 13R), Dawson Schultz (OF, .349, 15H, 8RBI, 16R), and Tyler Lohmeyer (P, 3.86 ERA, 0-1, 1SV,15K, 16.1 IP).

“While there is potential with returning juniors and seniors, the rest of the team is practically freshman considering the sophomores did not have a season,” Weisshaar added.

YATES CENTER advanced to the regional semifinals with a 12-8 record in 2019 and had high hopes for 2020, returning 17 players who had put in time on a varsity diamond before the season was ultimately called off.

“After graduating several seniors last year, we have a talented group of young players who I feel have an opportunity to come out and show they are also capable of producing a solid year,” coach Richard Hurst said.

Seniors Taven Smoot (1B/P), Tyler Green (2B), Mark Bacca (OF), juniors Blake Audiss (3B), Carter Burton (OF), Chayse Hobbs (OF), Collin Randall (OF), Jaron Morrison (OF) and sophomore Canon Cavernder (C) look to make an impact for the Wildcats in 2021.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Photo by Bruce McPhail

6A Softball

MILLYZIENT McCLURE Liberal

By Bret Marshall, For Kansas Pregame An air of optimism permeated high school spring sports as preseason practices began the first week of March in anticipation of play ing a full 2021 schedule following the cancelled season in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a monkey wrench into every spring sports season, but the effect was felt more by seniors who missed out on their final high school campaign. There is great hope that 2021 will see a return to normal.

Let’s take a quick look back at the 2019 Class 6A state tournament in Lawrence. In the opening quarterfinal round, top-seeded Topeka-Washburn Rural blanked Blue Valley, 3-0, Derby dropped Topeka High, 9-1, Lawrence-Free State shut out Olathe Northwest, 6-0, and Olathe North defeated Mill Valley, 2-0.

In the semifinals, it was Washburn Rural edging Derby, 6-5, and Free State earning a 1-0 triumph over Olathe North. The Lady Firebirds of Free State then slipped past Washburn Rural, 1-0, in the championship game.

Recent phone interviews with Lee Ice at Free State and Tricia Vogel at Washburn Rural lead one to believe it would not be a surprise to see those two back in the championship game in late May. Many of their players headed off to club softball in the spring and summer of 2020 once KSHSAA shut down the spring season. A lot of those elite players also play in fall leagues elsewhere in preparation for the spring season in Kansas.

“We would have had all but one starter back (in 2020) from the 2019 team,” Ice said of the missed season. “I thought we’d be better because we had some good JV players coming up. That being said, I have my one through five hitters back from 2019 so we have a lot of positives.”

Vogel agreed that some of her players heading off to play club ball out-of-state will keep them sharp entering the 2021 spring season.

“We were going to return several of our good hitters (in 2020), but what was missed was the

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first taste of varsity experience for some of our young players,” Vogel said. “We have some young players who we’re trying to evaluate but it’s kind of weird to evaluate a player when you really haven’t seen them.”

Find a rundown of the 6A softball teams in Kansas in the capsules that follow.

LAWRENCE FREE STATE will try to make amends for missing out on a potential threepeat 6A state championship in 2020. Winning the school’s first state title in 2018 and repeating it in 2019, veteran coach Lee Ice (12th season, 134-90) now resets the team’s sights for that potential three-in-a-row in 2021.

There weren’t many positives in 2020 when the spring sports season for Kansas high schools was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But if one could find a silver lining, it might be that opponents didn’t have to face Free State and its all-everything pitcher Tatum Clopton. The 2020 season would have been her junior campaign and the Lady Firebirds were coming off a 23-2, 2019 campaign after edging Topeka-Washburn Rural 1-0 for their second straight 6A crown. Now a senior and a November 2020 NCAA Division I signee with Oklahoma State, Clopton looks to cap off a brilliant prep career. Her numbers are daunting from her sophomore year – 16 wins, 1 loss; 215 strikeouts, 8 walks in 107 innings; 0.59 earned-run-average; .081 opponent batting average; .357 batting average with 30 runs scored, .679 slugging percentage and .541 on base percentage. She was the No. 11 national recruit by Softball America and was the 2019 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, in addition to earning first team, all-state 6A both seasons.

What opponents will discover, though, is that the Firebirds are more than just Clopton on the mound. Shed no tears for Ice, who has two returning 2019 first team, all-state 6A players in seniors Sara Roszak, a shortstop who signed in November with the Kansas Jayhawks; and first baseman/catcher Georgia Rea, a signee at Western Illinois University.

Roszak hit .447 and drove in 34 runs her sophomore year while Rea scorched opposing hitters for a .550 batting average, 42 hits and 12 doubles.

And that’s not all, as Ice also welcomes back three juniors, who started as freshmen in Jasmine Brixius at second base/outfield, designated player/pitcher Kay Lee Richardson and third baseman/pitcher Maci Miles.

Miles and Brixius both made second team all-state, with Miles batting .419 with 20 RBI and Brixius hitting at a .387 clip. Richardson, who splits duty between the designated player spot and pitching, belted a school-record nine home runs in 2019.

“Coming off back-to-back state championships, this year’s team will be the hunted,” Ice said. “It’s different from previous seasons when we enjoyed the challenge of the underdog. We will need to be prepared for every team’s best shot.”

While every team has to earn its state honors, the Lady Firebirds appear primed for a trifecta. Consider that Clopton pitched all three state tournament games, yielded no runs and struck out 30 batters as the Firebirds blanked Olathe Northwest 6-0, Olathe North 1-0 and Washburn Rural 1-0 in the title game.

TOPEKA-WASHBURN RURAL has enjoyed

immense success under coach Tricia Vogel, who has recently guided the Lady Junior Blues, going 19-6 in her first season of 2018 and then a sparkling 23-1 mark in 2019. That lone setback was the heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Lawrence-Free State in the Class 6A state championship game.

Vogel had hoped to be back in the mix for the 2020 state title with pitcher Kasey Hamilton returning for her senior season, but that got derailed by COVID-19. Hamilton, an impressive left-handed pitcher, graduated and is now on the roster at KU. Vogel realistically has just two veterans with starting experience in seniors Olivia Bruno and Kayden Smith.

Bruno, a KU signee for the 2021-22 season, was a first-team All-6A selection in her sophomore season while splitting duties between first base and pitching. Smith will provide experience and savvy skills at the shortstop position for Vogel. The rest of her starting lineup will come from freshmen and sophomores of 2019, who saw reserve playing time or were on the team’s junior varsity roster.

“We are hoping to get as much of a normal season as we can this year,” Vogel said. “Our girls are really looking forward to being back on the field together after missing out on last season. We are going to take advantage of every opportunity we have to play because we know how easily those opportunities can be taken away.”

Two years ago, the DERBY Panthers were within an eyelash of making the Class 6A state championship game, only to come up short in a 6-5 semifinal loss to top-seeded Washburn Rural. That close call came after they had scored a decisive 9-1 victory over Topeka High in the quarterfinal round.

Veteran Panther coach Christy Weve enters her 17th season and has guided the program to a 251-105 record (.705 winning percentage). The 2019 appearance at the state tourney was the ninth consecutive for the school.

Three seniors who played key roles in the 2019 season are back for their final campaign, including pitcher/utility Paige Paxton, second baseman Gabby Martin and third baseman Amber Howe.

Paxton batted .429 two seasons ago, and then had a stellar year on the mound, going 14-2 with a 2.08 earned-run-average and also recorded two saves. Martin batted .432 and belted four home runs with 23 RBI and 26 runs scored. Howe hit at a .411 clip with 26 RBI and 27 runs scored.

“We are excited to get to play this season,” Weve said. “We have three returning starters from 2019, so we have many positions to fill.

There are a lot of talented players and there will be competition for every position.”

Of the team she would have fielded in 2020, Weve lost only three players to graduation, so she returns a good core.

The 2020 season was to be the debut for coach Jennifer Stock at BLUE VALLEY, but COVID-19 hijacked that opportunity. Now, Stock is ready to lead a program that posted a 16-7 record in 2019.

Seniors Marissa Cunningham and McKenna Cunningham will play key roles at catcher and third base for the Lady Tigers. A pair of juniors also figure to be stalwarts for Stock. That pair is Ashlyn Richardson, a pitcher, and outfielder

Page 34 Logan Hays.

“I am very excited for this season and the talent that we have,” Stock said. “Last year, our first two weeks looked awesome and I have no doubt that we will start right were we left off.

We have all but two people returning from the varsity team last year. Our bats will be strong with a diverse lineup and our defense will be strong as well.”

The 2020 softball season would have been one with great expectations for the GARDEN CITY Buffaloes. After all, their senior shortstop/pitcher Yazmin Vargas was looking to put a cap on a career that was already filled with school records and an all-state honors. But COVID stopped all that and Vargas has graduated and is now playing for NCAA Division II Missouri Southern.

Coach Trina Moquett enters her ninth season with an overall record of 115-37 (.757 winning percentage). She has taken the Lady Buffs to the 6A state tourney three times with a third-place finish in 2017. Two years ago they were 14-4 but didn’t make it out of sub-state.

Senior Gisselle Gutierrez, who saw limited pitching duty as a sophomore (4-0) will be the mainstay in the circle this season. She will be playing at NAIA Friends University next year.

Three other players saw limited varsity action two seasons ago, with that group included Jesy Foster (outfielder/middle infielder), Rylee McGraw and Abby Parr (outfielder/utility).

“All three saw action two years ago and were projected starters last season,” Moquett said.

“We will look for them to make an impact this season.”

Other expected contributors include Abigail Ellermann and Mya Cruz, expected to battle for starting positions.

“These are all seniors who missed their junior year, but believe they will make a big contribution,” Moquett said.

Also expected to make an impact is sophomore Brie Manwarren, who will see pitching and field position duty, Moquett said.

There’s reason for optimism as fifth-year coach Ashley Podschun puts her DODGE CITY Red Demon squad back on the diamond after the year’s absence of competition. In 2019, the Red Demons finished 16-6, placing second in their regional.

“We have tons of potential and our team will be full of athletic girls that have the ability to play multiple positions,” Podschun said.

Leading the group of returners is Raemie Lopp, a pitcher/infielder who batted .574 in 2019 and compiled 27 hits, 1 home run, 21 RBI and scored 11 runs. On the mound, she posted a 4-2 won-loss record with a 2.78 ERA. The second returner is Marisela Landa, a junior who hit .466 with 34 hits, five home runs, 40 RBI and scored 27 runs.

“We will be returning our two top hitters from two seasons ago and they are more experienced and will look to those two to lead the team,” Podschun said.

JC HARMON’s Hawks were one of the last Class 6A schools to start a softball program and that began in the 2019 spring season with a junior varsity schedule that produced just one win. Now, after missing the 2020 season with a planned varsity schedule, the Hawks will look to put their team back together.

Coach Alma Hall was unsure as to which players would return since many of those

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 would have been sophomores and freshmen two seasons ago.

“We will just have to wait and see who we get out,” Hall said.

JUNCTION CITY will have a lot of questions to sort through to start the 2021 softball season. Coach Aaron Craig enters his fifth season at the helm and will be trying to improve on the 4-19 season from two years ago.

“We just don’t know at this time who we will have,” said Craig, who is 12-53 in his previous four seasons.

Two years ago, in just his second season as the head coach at LIBERAL, Tommy McClure had begun to see the progress of his attempt to resurrect the school’s softball program.

LHS was 12-9 overall and more competitive with the top teams in the Western Athletic Conference.

“This team comes in with a veteran group who pulled together and got a lot of work in over the summer after missing out on last season,” McClure said. “With some of the incoming freshman and sophomore players, we will be looking to compete in league and make a push for extended post-season play.”

Five of those who saw varsity action in 2019 are now seniors, three are juniors and mix that in with a couple of sophomores, McClure said, makes for a promising season.

The seniors are catcher Millyzient McClure, who hit .393, scored 30 runs and also pitched with a 3-2 record and 3.92 ERA. Outfielder Ren Watt batted .273 and had six stolen bases. Two other seniors will likely fill infield slots in Logan Dodge at shortstop and Aryanna Barboza at one of the other infield positions. Senior Nohemi Gomez will anchor the outfield in center, having posted a .952 fielding average her sophomore season. Juniors who expect to contribute include outfielder Amya Blake, third baseman Jaciana Rivera and catcher Leilani Torres. A pair of sophomores show promise, McClure said, in pitcher/first baseman Jenna Ormiston and infielder Lizzy Ciseneros.

OLATHE EAST owns one of the richest traditions in Kansas Class 6A softball. Eight state championships (most recently 2013 and 2014) along with 15 regional titles. But two years ago, the Lady Hawks struggled, finishing with a 6-15 record. Then, the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID. Now, first-year coach Blair Lewis will try to return the Hawks back to prominence.

“We have a lot of young talent being led by a large senior class,” Lewis said. “We are

Page 35 looking forward to having quite a few players With a young, but promising group of play- record and a 4.12 ERA. getting their first varsity opportunity and to ers, SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH appears Also back are seniors Dakotah DeFehr, an build the Hawk softball tradition of excellence ready to see improvement from the 3-18 infielder who batted .349 with 15 hits, 18 RBI once again.” season of 2019. Sue Williams, entering her and 13 runs scored, and Heaven Salinas (OF/ The group who figures to lead the Hawks third season as the head coach, will look to IF) batted .209 with 9 RBI, while junior catcher include pitcher Avery Prather, third baseman veterans Gretchen Schultz (catcher), Marleigh Micaela Cruz batted .292 with 16 runs, 12 stoSydnee Christiason, outfielders Mallory Car- Sikes (pitcher) and Maddie Shulte (center len baes and an on-base percentage of .528 roll and Jayden Chavarria, catcher Molly Belk field) for leadership. while a freshman. and second baseman/shortstop Izzy Carter.

“I think this year we will see an improvement “We have a good mix of experienced returnLike most of the softball teams across Kan- in our play,” Williams said of her Raiders. “We ing varsity players and talented freshmen and sas, the Ravens of OLATHE NORTHWEST have some young players coming up that will sophomores,” Huffmier said. “We are looking were looking forward to the 2020 season after make an impact on our level of play.” forward to getting back on the field and ima highly-successful 2019 campaign in which After reaching the 2019 Class 6A state tour- proving on 2019’s winning record.” they posted a 17-5 record. That was good nament only to drop their quarterfinal opening There wasn’t much difference in 2019 enough for them to advance through regional round game to Derby, 9-1, the TOPEKA HIGH between Class 6A state champion Lawplay and reach the state tournament. The only Trojans are looking to regroup to make an- rence-Free State, runner-up Topeka-Washproblem, though, was a first-round match-up other run at the 2021 state tourney after the burn Rural and consolation finalist OLATHE with second-seeded Lawrence-Free State, the cancellation of the 2020 campaign.

NORTH. After all, the Eagles lost only a 1-0 eventual champion.

The Trojans, under coach Shane Miles, nail-biter to Free State in the semifinals but With new coach Shawn Lopez taking the posted a 16-4 record two years ago, and did not have a third-place game against Derby reins, the Ravens are excited about the pros- what he missed out on was seeing if a tal- due to weather conditions. Free State then pects for 2021. ented freshman class could make a dent into went on to slip past Washburn Rural, 1-0, in “We are extremely excited for the upcoming the starting lineup for the 2020 season. Now the championship game. season,” Lopez said. “Missing out last year those freshmen are sophomores and Miles After the 1-year absence due to COVID, has made us more grateful for the opportuni- can’t wait to see them in action.

North coach Bree Ederer (6th year, 85-33) ty to play the game we love. We have a very But first, his current edition has a senior-lad- can’t wait to see what her “new” team will look balanced and talented group of girls this year.” en lineup headed by catcher Zoe Caryl. Her like. She’s got four key players back from that The senior class will provide the bulk of the senior classmates/teammates also include 18-6 squad in senior returning starters catchleadership, Lopez believes, and that group outfielder Mia Kelly, infielders Tatum Wilson er Allie Stipsits, outfielders Lauren Roberts includes Ally Kukowski, Madi O’Farrell and and Zoie Kincade. A pair of juniors also saw and Sophie Stout and third baseman Celeste Maddie Ellsworth. All three have signed to action as freshmen in pitcher/infielder Nijaree Smith. play at the collegiate level – third baseman Canady and outfielder Amiah Cain.

“We have eight seniors who all will make a Kukowski at Highland Community College; “We have a strong senior class with a lot of positive impact on our season,” Ederer said.

O’Farrell, a catcher/utility player, with Missou- leadership,” Miles said. “We will be leaning on “This team brings great energy to every pracri S&T; and Ellsworth at Northwest Kansas Zoe to lead this team. I am excited to have a tice and are more than ready to play.”

Technical College. season this year and see what we were missThe Grizzlies of WICHITA NORTHWEST “The junior class is not very big in numbers, ing out on with last year’s players.” missed out on a trip to the 2019 Class 6A state but is talented,” Lopez said.

Miles said missing a full season leaves them tournament, but finished with an impressive That group includes pitcher Madi Wyatt, third hungry to see how they compete.

17-6 record. Head coach Cody Stucky has baseman/outfielder Jaiden Wrecke and first “I felt like there was some freshman that built a successful program with the Grizzlies, baseman Paige White. would have competed for varsity spots last owning a 104-32 record at NW in six years.

‘Our sophomore and freshman classes year, but we were cut short and didn’t get to Overall, he’s 203-105 in a 14-year coaching are larger in numbers and deep with impact see them much. Hopefully we will have some tenure. players for this year and the next few years to hungry sophomores competing for spots.”

Stucky’s top returners from two years ago come,” Lopez stated.

WICHITA NORTH was closing in on making include senior pitcher Hannah Joynt, who The sophomore class includes second base- the Class 6A state tournament in 2019. That posted an 8-4 record on the mound. When man Claire Lopez; pitcher Lilly Fisher; utility North squad finished 11-8 and coach Ju- not pitching, she batted .353 with 18 RBI and player Madison Fabia and pitcher/first base- lie Huffmier, in her sixth season at the helm 10 runs scored. Her on-base percentage was man Kamryn Rohleder. That incoming fresh- (35-68) and 18th overall, is excited about the .559. Junior Caiya Stucky had an impressive man class is comprised of pitcher/infielder team’s returning players and newcomers in freshman season in 2019 when the first baseBre Severino, utility player Ashlyn Gaughan, the freshman and sophomore classes. man hit .544, drove in 30 runs and scored 37 catcher/third baseman Kendall Yarnell and At the top of the returning list is senior Al- runs with an on-base percentage of .732. first baseman/outfielder Kendall Williams. lison Johnson, who batted .596 with 28 hits “We will be very young with several girls “We are looking forward to getting the 2021 and 21 RBI with 19 runs scored in 19 games. starting varsity for the first time,” Stucky said, season started and seeing what this group She had a .957 slugging percentage and was “butKS we will be talented and should be a solid ULYSSES, KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, WHEELER, KS ULYSSES, KS COLBY, KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KS team.”

WHEELER, KS can do,” Lopez said. the team’s No. 1 pitcher, finishing with a 10-6

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“We have five players who started their freshman year, they are now juniors,” Mayberry said. “We have a total of seven juniors who have some varsity experience. We have five sophomores who we were looking forward to watching play last season. We are hoping to bring on one or two freshmen this year who might be able to contribute.”

Entering his seventh season at BISHOP CARROLL, head coach Steve Harshberger’s teams have been absolutely dominant. He has amassed a 135-9 record and his teams have won or played in the state championship game in each of his six seasons, other than the 2017 season when they were upset 9-7 in the first round at state. So, what is to be expected from a 2021 team returning seven players from a 22-3 roster in 2019? More winning, of course.

Senior Gabby Eck (MI) hit an astounding .606 during her sophomore season, to go along with 27 RBI and 37 runs scored. Also returning are seniors Emma Green (OF, .256, 19 R) and Bryant Peppard (UTL, .452, 17 RBI, 25 R). Juniors Eve Morris (C, .417, 18 RBI), Kiley Brewster (MI/C, .367), Kadence Brewster (P/UT, .440, 24 R, 16 RBI) and Kendall Forbes (MI, .474, 15 RBI, 20 R) are also back to help fortify a strong roster.

“We have a very strong senior class of leaders this year as well as some talented young players we are excited about,” Harshberger said. “We have a good balance of girls with previous varsity experience and girls who will be first-year varsity players.”

Four starters return for BONNER SPRINGS, which finished 2019 with a 6-15 record. Lone senior Emily Ashford (P/SS, .322, 19 H, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 12 R) will work alongside juniors Carley Billings (2B/P, .400, 24 H, 6 RBI, 19 R), Meghan Billings (3B/C, .283, 15 H, 5 RBI, 6 R) and Zoe Coffman (1B, .294, 15 H, 7 RBI, 3 R) to lead a young roster in 2021.

Head coach David Blazevic also pointed out that sophomores Wren Vancleave (SS/3B), Teelie Super (C/3B), and Mattie Newson (OF/1B) would have been locks to start as freshmen had the 2020 season been played.

“We will be a very young team besides our senior pitcher Emily Ashford,” Blazevic said.

“We look for her to lead our team on the mound and at the plate like she has since her freshman year. We also have a lot of young talented girls this year.”

GODDARD-EISENHOWER finished 2019 with a 15-7 mark and a regional runner-up trophy to show for it. From that squad, the Tigers return senior Allyson Montgomery (P, 3.90 ERA) and juniors Alexis Mastin (C, .488, 4 HR), Callie McConnel (DP/3B, .457, 5 HR, 42 RBI) and Hannah Weber (MI, .333).

Fourth-year head coach Amber Brunswig is optimistic about the talent she has returning and entering the program.

“Looking forward to getting back on the field, I return a senior starting pitcher and have a senior who moved here from Washington state,” Brunswig said. “These two seniors have signed to play in college. I am excited for the other four returners who received league honors and some underclassmen who looked to play varsity last year before the season was cut short to help contribute to the year.”

EMPORIA is coming off a 15-7 record in 2019 with a new coach in Aaron Hammond, who will have plenty of talent to work with re-

turning from the 2019 season. Senior Kaylee Thomas (OF, .397, 58 AB, 23 H, .463 OBP, .852 FPCT) will lead the way, along with juniors Elleana Bennet (OF, .206, 34 AB, .289 OBP, .846 FPCT), Gracie Gilpin (IF/P, .328, 58 AB, 19 H, .435 OBP, .930 FPCT, 1-1, 20.2 IP, 4.74 ERA), Maddyn Stewart (OF, .200, 15 AB, 3 H, .333 OBP, .917 FPCT) and Rylea Harris (IF/P, .194, 36 AB, 7 H, .318 OBP, 2-2, 19.2 IP, 8.89 ERA).

“The upcoming season will consist of a variety of changes that our athletes will have to respond to,” Hammond said. “The two big changes are obviously a shift in coaching staff and playing at a different facility than in previous years. However, we return a core group of starters from the 2019 trip to state. We will lean heavily on those returners for their abilities on the field but also in terms of being leaders and setting the standard for our younger athletes.”

GODDARD came one game shy of playing in the state championship game in 2019, losing to Bishop Carroll in the semifinals, 6-3, and finishing the season with a 16-4 record. The Lions return just one starter from that team senior ace pitcher Kendal LeGrand, who had a 1.80 ERA and 11-2 record over the 74 innings as a sophomore in 2019. LeGrand was selected second-team all-state as a pitcher and also hit .354 with 13 hits and 11 RBI. She will be surrounded by a young squad with a need to grow up quickly to return to the state tournament.

Senior infielder Sydney Unruh is the lone returning starter from GREAT BEND, which was 13-7 in 2019. Fellow seniors Brenna Bownes (C) and Grace Rowland (IF) also made appearances on the varsity field during the last season of play.

“We are looking forward to having a large group of new faces on the field for the season,” coach Carrie Minton said.

After posting an 8-9 record in 2019, HAYS brings back no returning starters. Coach Erin Wagner’s squad will have a considerable amount of roster reconstruction to get done, but she has faith in her team.

“We will be a young squad, full of potential, Wagner said. “Excited to see it all come together.”

HIGHLAND PARK went 2-19 in 2019 and is moving forward with a new coach in Bill Nicholson.

“We are rebuilding everything from the ground up,” Nicholson said. “Looking to turn some corners this year.”

The Scots do bring back some pieces from 2019, with senior Citlaly Olguin (2B/1B), as well as juniors Adia Mitchell (CF) and Samantha Alcantara (LF/2B), giving Nicholson some experience to work with in his first season.

Another new head coach, Kacy Tillery, takes over a LEAVENWORTH team coming off of a 9-12 record and first-round regional exit in 2019. Kaylee McLain (SS/OF/P) is the lone returning starter for the Pioneers after posting a .338 average with 22 hits, 11 singles, four doubles, five triples and two home runs. She will lead a young roster Tillery is “excited” about.

MAIZE lost in the regional championship to Carroll in 2019, finishing the season with a 13-9 record and putting head coach Jenny Meirowsky’s career record after 16 years with the Eagles at 249-69.

Going into 2021, the team brings back two

5A Softball Photo by Beverly Nowak

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Class 5A saw the first spring without either Shawnee Heights or Bishop Carroll in the softball state title game since 2010. The caveat, of course, is there was no 2020 softball season.

The 2021 spring brings as much optimism and anticipation as you’d ever want out of the lead up to a sports season. Shawnee Heights and Bishop Carroll have excellent rosters, but with the year off, different dynamics are likely to come into play.

ANDOVER CENTRAL returns three starters from its 2019 squad in Kate Paulsen (OF), Ali Hickerson (2B) and Olivia Rosalis (C), and will pair their experience with the talents of some younger players on the roster.

“We will be very young and will rely on our sophomore pitcher Jaylee Jefferson to be strong and help through the season; she is tough,” coach Rita Frakes said. “Our seniors will have to be leaders and bring the underclassmen along.”

Across town, ANDOVER is coming off of a 4-18 season in 2019 under first year head coach Amisha Daniels. The Trojans will likely see considerable improvement, with a strong group of returning starters in 2021. Seminole State College commit, and senior, Tess Eubank (P/UTL) hit .310 with 18 hits, 13 RBI, two home runs, 11 runs scored along with a 4.55 ERA and 125 Ks, resulting in a 4-12 record - in other words, all four of AHS’s wins.

The Trojans also bring back seniors Kate Ralston (1B, .333, 20 H, 12 RBI, 12 R), Jayden Chambers (OF, .154), Millie Pryor (OF, .150), along with junior power-hitter Kylie Forney (3B, .469, 5 HR, 23 H, 17 RBI, 21 R), who is committed to University of Texas-San Antonio for 2022 despite only playing six games in 2019 before injuring her shoulder. Fellow junior, and Arkansas Tech commit, Bailey Way (SS, .286, 10 H, 2 RBI, 13 R) also had an excellent freshman season despite playing through injury and finishing the season in a cast.

“The 2019 season was a one full of youth and injuries, and some of our best players were impacted,” Daniels said. “In 2021, Tess will be returning to the mound for her senior year as a fourth year starter. We now have the defensive depth to better support her style of pitching, which we did not have in 2019.

“We are returning some strong players who have only improved in the last two years and have a handful of underclassmen ready to step in and compete for starting positions.

Kylie Forney is one of the best hitters in the league and has only gotten stronger. We look forward to seeing how this season shapes up under our upperclassmen’s leadership.

ARKANSAS CITY brings back two returning starters from its 12-10 team in 2019 - senior Hadley Colquhoun (P, 2.37 ERA) and junior Cady Dickey (C, .297, .344 SLG). They will lead the way for a Bulldogs team experiencing considerable roster changes.

“This definitely will be a rebuilding year for Bulldog softball as we had 10 seniors graduate in 2020,” coach Angie Ruyle said. “We do have some girls who have been working hard in the offseason and are going to step up and help us. I am excited for the season to get started.”

Now in her 24th year as BASEHOR-LINWOOD’s head coach, Susan Mayberry returns from a 14-8 season in 2019 with a strong, but youthful group returning.

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starters in senior Riley Wertz (P/1B) who hit .362 in 58 at bats with 31 RBI and five home runs, to go along with her 2.46 ERA on the mound. Junior Chloe Bartlett (C) also returns after posting a .382 average in 76 at bats for 29 RBI and two home runs.

“I’m excited to bring back a strong pitcher and catcher to lead the defense,” Meirowsky said. “After only a couple of weeks with the group last year, I was impressed with the skill level so I’m anxious to see their progression.”

Senior Riley Kennedy (IF, .267), along with juniors Alexa Davison (IF) and second team all-state catcher Emma Edwards (C/OF, .345, 4 HR, 20 RBI) return as starters from MAIZE SOUTH’s 2019 squad that just missed a state championship appearance, being ousted by eventual state champions Shawnee Heights in the closest playoff game the champs would find themselves in.

“With only one senior returning this year, we will rely on underclassmen to step up,” coach Darcie Wilson said. “I’m excited with the depth of pitchers we have for versatility.”

MILL VALLEY coach Jessica DeWild enters her seventh year as the Jaguars head coach losing considerable talent from a 20-3 team in 2019, but still has some weapons to work with in seniors Ava Bredwell (C/SS, .485, 38 H, 10 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 35 R), Ellie Tribble (OF, .386, 24 H, 21 RBI, 3 3B, 19 R, 8 SB) and Callie Shryock (OF, .438, 21 H, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 21 R).

“Our potent offense (10.48 runs per game in 2019) lost some big bats, but we have a core of four returning seniors (three starters) and an extremely talented sophomore class that would have provided an incredible addition to a 2020 season had we had the opportunity to play,” DeWild said. “ We will play our first season in the Sunflower League which will provide several opportunities for us to show our skill and play against the best. Look for the Jaguars to have another impressive season.”

After 14 seasons coaching travel ball, head coach Keith Hughes takes over a ST. THOMAS AQUNAS team coming off a 10-11 season in 2019 with six returning varsity players. Madison Byerley (OF), Stevie Mead (OF, second team all-state), Maddie Cole (C), Zoe Demand (UTL), Eveie Collier (3B) and Teddy Lorelei (UTL) all return looking to make improvements on the 2019 record.

“The senior leadership so far has really stood out to me early on in conditioning,” Hughes said. “This leadership should lead us well on and off the field.

SALINA CENTRAL went 3-17 in 2019 and has a new coach in Alyssa Waldron.

“I am extremely excited to see what our girls

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 are able to do with our upcoming season,” Waldron said. “I am looking forward to a historical Central Mustangs softball season, and I think the group of girls we have this year is the perfect group to introduce our new culture to Salina.”

The core of the group Waldron is so excited about includes returning starters Emily Kvasnicka (SS/3B), Makenzie Maring (2B), Emme Turpin (P) and Emma Brady (1B).

SALINA SOUTH was a tough matchup for anyone in 2019, going 16-6 before finishing as regional runner-up. Brea Campbell will coach her first game for the Cougars in 2021, after taking over prior to the 2020 season, and has a good nucleus of experience back.

“We will be a young team, but we have a few returners who are going to step up and be

great leaders for the younger girls, Campbell said. “We graduated six seniors last year, so there are many spots open. I have no doubt that the talent we will have on the team will be able to do a great job.”

Senior Jenna Henderson (P/1B, Seminole State commit) hit .487 in 2019 with 37 hits, five home runs, 34 RBI, 11 runs scored and a 3.01 ERA on the mound. In a season shortened by injuries, Reese Altman (3B) still batted .500 with 14 hits and seven RBI. Also returning for the Cougars is junior Lainey Howard (2B), who hit .279 at the plate as a freshman with 19 hits, 12 RBI and 12 runs scored.

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS head coach Tara Griffith took over a defending state championship Thunderbird squad four seasons ago with considerable expectations. Since then,

the T-birds have gone 47-1 and won back top back state championship games by a combined score of 23-1.

Griffith and her Thunderbirds will face a new challenge in 2021, winning a fourth straight championship with only two returning starters in senior Ady Burghart (SS/OF) who hit .426 with 29 hits, 19 RBI, and 21 runs scored and junior Abby Schulte (IF/OF) who posted a .348 average with 16 hits, 10 RBI and 20 runs scored.

“We are looking forward to getting to play,” Griffith said. “The young ladies have worked really hard over the summer and in the off-season. We are really excited to get back on the field as a team.”

SPRING HILL head coach Corey Katzer enters his first year at the helm and is looking forward to taking over a team with potential.

“I am extremely excited to get started, I am still in the beginning stages of getting to know the girls as we have been in remote

Page 38 most of the year,” Katzer said. “From what I understand I have a lot of varsity experience returning, especially in the circle. I have been told that I have a lot of athleticism, softball experience and softball knowledge to lean on.”

TOPEKA-SEAMAN managed an 11-11 record in 2019, which is a down season for one of the state’s traditional powers. Going into his 10th season as head coach, Jay Monhollon has a 157-36 record and is looking for his team to bounce back despite a tough schedule for the Vikings.

“We’re looking forward to returning to the field during the 2021 season,” Monhollon said.

“The Centennial League will have several quality teams again. We look forward to the challenging schedule.”

Four players starters return from the Vikings 2019 squad, including seniors Hanna Addington (C) and Calle Dempewolf (3B), and juniors Skylar Duncan (P) and Emma Smith (3B).

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amount of firepower offensively. Seniors Macie McCray (P, .464, 13 H, 11 RBI, 2 R), Ireland Cotton (SS, .222, 9 H, 9 RBI, 4 R), Briona Woods (OF, .507, 34 H, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 7 SB, 35 R), Chloe Middleton (OF, .409, 27 H, 19 RBI, 1 SB, 20 R) and Makenzie Haslett (C, .340, 17 H, 8 RBI, 16 R) return, along with juniors Hayley Gerberding (OF, .440, 11 H, 4 RBI, 14 R) and Kayleigh Herdman (3B, .286, 20 H, 20 RBI, 2 SB, 23 R).

McCray also posted a 3.74 ERA and a 7-3 record in the circle during her sophomore year.

“We return a lot of players from our 2019 team, we expect to be very competitive in every game,” coach Tyler Hampton said.

EUDORA has five starters back from its 2019 team that finished 15-6 with a trip to state. Despite the returning talent, coach Bill Finucane remains diligent in his approach.

“We will work hard and do our best to be competitive in the always difficult Frontier league,” Finucane said.

FORT SCOTT will play its first game this year with Danny Renfro as the head coach after finishing 14-7 in 2019. Addison Oberly (3B), Lexi Millburn (P), Kiran Bailey (P), Addy Williams (C), and Addy Fowler (OF) all return with experience from that team.

“We have some good players returning as well as a very good group of players coming in,” Renfro said. “We’re excited to get the season going.”

TOPEKA-HAYDEN finished 2019 with a 15-7 mark and returns some experience in Carly Stuke (1B, .432, 36 RBI, 27 R), Lauren Cook (CF, .278) and Lauren Vanderslice (DP, .351, 14 RBI). Outside of their returning trio, the Wildcats will have roster vacancies to fill, but plenty of young talent to fill those spots according to head coach Carvel Reynoldson.

“We will have a lot of newcomers who will be very competitive,” Reynoldson said. “Combine that with a solid core and we are excited.”

After making it to the 3A state semifinals in 2019 - in their lone season at that classification - HOLTON is back in 4A and will likely shake things up with a significant amount of talent returning from its 20-3 team two years ago.

Senior Grace Utz (C, .470, 5 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, .551 OBP) and junior Gracie Gallagher (P/OF, .471, 6 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, .532 OBP, 2.2 ERA, 12-3, 55 Ks,) both received state recognition, with Utz receiving honorable mention and Gallagher getting a second team all-state nod.

Also back is senior Ally Beard (2B/3B, .382, .442 OBP, .554 SLG) while juniors Olivia Summers (P/1B), Justina Raye (P/3B), Staci Bond (IF/OF), Macey Patch (OF), and sophomores Brooke Flewelling (3B/SS) and Timber Wilson (C/1B) are expected to see playing time.

“The 2020 seniors earned positions as freshmen and sophomores and developed under fire to compete at a very high level,” coach John Dietrich said. “We have the formula and we have the athletes in the program to not miss a step. As a matter of fact they have the potential to surpass past teams expectations.”

IOLA coach Chris Weide has faith his team will experience success in 2021 if they can keep their players on the field.

“I am very optimistic about the upcoming season,” Weide said. “We have great pitching and defense that should keep us in every ballgame. If we can show some confidence at the plate and produce quality at bats, I believe we

4A Softball Photo by Laura Stow

seasons, so our team will have a lot of new faces when we take the field this spring,” coach Chad Scoby said.

BISHOP MIEGE coach James Pearson welcomes back five starters from a 2019 team that went 4-17. The Stags will be led by honorable mention all-league catcher Adrianna Smith.

She’ll be joined by pitcher Annika Smith, centerfielder Jenna Dorsett, third baseman Cate Boling and right fielder Olivia Cerda.

BUHLER has only one returning starter in Calynn Lindbloom (P/OF) and also will have a new coach in the dugout in Kimberly Cottam.

A trio of returning senior starters will lead the way for CHANUTE in 2021, as Jerlyn Kustanborter (IF, .290, 20 H,15 RBI), Kori Babcock (IF, .361, 22 H, 11 RBI) and Brianna Waggoner (OF, .241, 13 H, 10 RBI) all return after impressive sophomore campaigns that helped the Comets finish 12-10 in 2019.

Head coach Beth Jackett, who coached her first season for Chanute in 2019, points to a strong group of sophomores and freshmen, who have had a considerable amount of experience playing softball during the offseason.

“I am very excited for this upcoming season,” Jackett said. “Unfortunately, not having the 2020 season was devastating. I had several returning starters with a strong freshman class coming in - we anticipate a strong winning season and a big chance making it to state.”

Juniors Jessie Switzer (OF, .179, .281 OBP, 5 SB, .800 FPCT) and Kasin Beemer (1B, .148, .258 OBP, 4 SB, .914 FPCT) return for CHAPMAN from the 4-16 team in 2019. Head coach Eileen Webster is looking forward to getting back on the field with her young squad.

“After missing last season due to COVID, our team is going to be a brand new team except for our two freshmen starters from the 2019 season,” Webster said. “Our returning starters are both great leaders that I can count on helping our young athletes develop. The two weeks I had with our 2020 team was exciting.

The young group of girls I had impressed me with their work ethics and grit.”

Les Zoch takes over as head coach at CIRCLE after the T-Birds posted an 11-11 record in 2019. Three returning starters return from that team - senior Reagan Strecker (P) and juniors Kate Tandy (C/OF) and Addie White (C).

“We are going to be a very young team and will need to have many younger girls step up and play varsity ball for us,” Zoch said. “Being my first year and not having played last year will really make it interesting finding the right pieces to the puzzle to take this program in the direction we want it to go.”

CLAY CENTER will look to qualify for the state tournament for the fourth consecutive season after finishing third in the 4A state tournament in 2019 with a 21-2 record. Senior pitcher Clara Edwards, one of the state’s top all-around athletes (1,000-point scorer in basketball, along with softball and volleyball) returns after helping lead the Tigers to a combined 43-3 record during her sophomore and freshman seasons. Five other players were either sophomores or freshmen on the 2019 team - seniors Jadyn Wynn, Cheyanna Brandhorst and Aspyn Girard, and juniors Jacey Schurle and Shelby Siebold.

After a 14-8 season for CLEARWATER in 2019, this upcoming spring is looking good for the Indians as they return a considerable

BRIONA WOODS Clearwater

Photo by Jaysa Anderson

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Augusta (24-1 in 2019) returns in 2021 as the defending 4A state champion after the cancellation of the 2020 season, but the team to beat in the classification this year may be 2019 runner-up Andale-Garden Plain (23-2), which returns four of the top players in Kansas.

Eudora (15-6) is another top team coming off a playoff berth after being ousted by Rose Hill (17-8) in the first round. Five players return for the Cardinals as they look to make it a couple rounds deeper into the playoff bracket in 2021.

ABILENE returns a solid core of experience after going 7-13 in 2019. Senior Autumn Fitzgeralds (OF, .250, 16 H, 10 RBI, 3 R) highlights the group after a productive sophomore season and will be helped by a pitching staff with considerable experience in senior Brynna Ade (P/UTL, 4.86 ERA, 2-3), senior Ashton Roth (P/1B, 10 H, 5 RBI, 7 R, 5.83 ERA, 0-2), and junior Jenna Hayes (P/1B/OF). Juniors Taya Hoerner (C/3B) and Emma Wildman (SS) also saw varsity time as freshmen.

“With taking a year away, we have plenty of unanswered questions,” coach LouAna Taplin said. “We have some important players returning, but they need to evolve from being role players to key contributors.”

ANDALE-GARDEN PLAIN will be poised to make another deep playoff run after finishing 23-2 and earning a second place trophy in the 2019 state tournament.

The Indians don’t have a ton of returning starters, but the four they do have back are extremely talented. First-team all-state senior Kyla Eck (IF) posted a .550 batting average with 44 hits, 39 runs, 24 RBI, and 27 stolen bases in her superb sophomore campaign.

Fellow senior Anna Berblinger (OF) posted a .394 average, with 26 hits, 31 runs scored and 13 RBI, earning first-team all-league honors.

Second-team all-league senior Ashton Winter (IF) batted .424, with 28 hits, 24 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. Junior Alyssa Mude (P/OF) was also named second-team all-league after posting a 2.86 ERA and 9-1 record on the mound, while batting .333 at the plate as a freshman.

“We will look to build around returning starters, led by Kyla and Alyssa,” coach Chuck Schrader said. “We also have a solid group of underclass players who have been working hard to be ready to make a difference.”

Two years after winning the state title, a lot has changed for the AUGUSTA Orioles. They have a new head coach, a new starting lineup and no players left from that championship team. However, coach Rhett Mallon is still enthusiastic and confident in his squad.

“I’m very excited to get back to the field and have full expectations to have a base of solid players to have another good season,” Mallon said.

Seniors Morgan Pennycuff (P/OF), Jadyn Jackson (SS), Peyton Haskell (2B), Ivory Rightnar (3B/OF) and Ashlynn Bowen (OF) are all expected to play key roles in 2021.

BALDWIN brings back four starters from its 9-12 squad in 2019, which experienced a first round regional exit. Seniors Emma Grossoehme (OF/C, .341, 23 H, 17 R) and Brooklyn Chase (OF, .314, 13 R), along with juniors Ella Scoby (OF/P, .333, 1 HR, 4-2) and Zoey LaTessa (IF, .444, 10 R). Outside of their returning starters, a lot of roster spots are open.

“We’ve lost 19 seniors over the past three

KYLA ECK

Andale-Garden Plain

could be a pretty solid team. Honestly, we are just praying we are able to have a full season.”

The pitching Weide is talking about consists of junior Reece Murry (P) who posted a 3.48 ERA and 97 strikeouts during her freshman season, while senior Jenna Miller (P) posted a 3.41 ERA. Senior Lauryn Holloway (C) will be the best bat returning for the Fillies, after hitting .322 in 2019.

In a year full of inexperienced rosters, LABETTE COUNTY is one of the most extreme examples with almost no familiar faces from its 2019 squad.

“With one returning senior, we are looking for the underclassmen to step up and play big for our program,” coach Mike Hayward said.

LOUISBURG surprised a lot of people in 2019 when its 7-13 squad showed up in the state tournament after sealing a regional title.

Despite being dispatched by eventual runner-up Andale-Garden Plain in the first round, the Wildcats postseason run was something they’d like to emulate in 2021.

“This is going to be an exciting season,” coach Nick Chapman said. “We are hungry to get back at it and pick up where we left off two years ago. We have a small group of seniors and juniors who were a part of our run to the state tournament two years ago. We also have a few sophomores and freshmen who will need to step up.”

Some names still around the Louisburg clubhouse from 2019 include seniors Brooklyn Diederich (OF), Jenna Terry (2B), and juniors Jordan Mynsted (3B) and Mia Wilson (P/OF).

After a 4-15 finish in 2019, MCPHERSON retains a good amount of experience from that team in 2021. Seniors Taylor Casebeer (SS/3B/OF), Jacie Myers (C/OF), Hailey Henson (P/2B/OF), Hope Wehrman (2B), along with juniors Brette Doile (P/SS/C/OF) and

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 Sophia Herrera (P/1B), return to give the Bullpups a foundation to work with.

“Not having played for a season, it seems like a lifetime has passed,” coach Danica Fitzmorris said. “The 2020 season, we would have only had to replace a couple of defensive positions on the field. Not competing for a season makes it difficult to know who would have performed and to what capacity. It makes this season exciting to see the talent that will reveal itself.”

MULVANE didn’t manage a win in 2019, finishing 0-20, but help is on the way in the form of underclassmen, with sophomores Jalin Lavers (P), Emma Kendrick (2B), and Kammie Schanz (3B) all expected to make a large impact in 2021. Seniors Haley Chambers (OF) and Brooklyn Payne (IF) will also be key pieces for the Wildcats.

“We will rely on our youth this season with a strong sophomore class to provide help for our seniors,” coach Jesse Kollmeyer said.

Head coach Chris Rose takes the reins at OTTAWA after posting a 128-62 record in nine seasons at Wellsville. He will inherit a seasoned group in his first year with the Cyclones.

Seniors Riley Titus (3B), Lauren Curtis (SS) and Madison Soman (OF), along with juniors Emma Stottlemire (IF/P), Alex Powell (P/IF),

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and Kirsten Evans (OF) return after the year removed from their 17-3 season that ended abruptly with a first round regional exit.

“We have a good core group back this year after losing two to graduation from last year’s team,” Rose said. “We will heavily rely on our upperclassmen to lead this team. This group was a number one seed in regionals in 2019, so expectations are high.”

PRATT is poised to have another strong season after finishing 15-4 in 2019. Six starters return from that team.

The Greenbacks will look to seniors Kami Theis (P, .373, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 10-2), Payton Woody (OF, .320), Brooklyn Humble (3B, .400) and Erin Jackson (P/SS, .449, 1 HR, 17 RBI), along with juniors Lexi Walker (C, .475, 15 RBI) and Livia Swift (C/P, .472, 11 RBI) to provide more quality play in 2021.

“I expect to have plenty of options and depth with our lineup,” coach Mike Forshee said.

“We have a good group of returning starters along with experienced young players coming up who have a lot of softball experience. We are excited to get back on the field.”

ROSE HILL had a great 2019 season, finishing 17-8 and just short of a state championship game berth, losing to Andale-Garden Plain in the semifinals. The Rockets return just

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one starter from that team, Aspen Goetz (C).

After that, the Rockets will have a considerable amount of retooling to get done.

“We are a young team and have a really talented sophomore class, we have a talented returning senior that is our starting catcher,” coach Dani Gardner said. “She is going to play a big role this year in being the leader of the team. I think that even though we are young, we are going to have a good season.”

TONGANOXIE also returns just one player from a talented 2019 team after finishing 14-6 with a loss in the regional championship game. Senior Sarah Mays (P/1B) hit .443 with 27 hits, three home runs, and a .493 OBP. Beyond that, the Chieftains will have many spots to fill.

Page 40 “I am excited to get to work with a young group of athletes who love playing this sport and are ready to get going,” head coach Stephanie Wittman said.

WAMEGO, which finished the 2019 season with a 6-14 record, will likely see improvement with a significant amount of varsity experience returning in seniors Haley Asbury (P), Toree Hoobler (2B), Alexis Billings (OF), and juniors Ryann Alderson (1B), Paige Donnelly (SS) and Delaney Campbell (P/EH).

“We have a great mix of returning starters and incoming players to build on a strong finish to the 2019 season”, coach Luke Meyer said.

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utility Payton Divine and junior outfielder Lauren Cardwell all return. Church hit .383 with 15 RBI to lead all returners. Divine hit .302 and Day .300.

“We will have a relatively young team this year, but I am excited to watch this team grow,” Vlamis said. “With only five returning starters, we have some freshmen and sophomores who are ready to step up. Our team has shown their commitment to improving with how hard they worked over the summer during our scrimmages, where our five returners were leaders in helping teach the game.”

HAVEN coach Darin Ashworth is 200-62 in 13 seasons. The Wildcats have long been a top program and should be again this spring.

Senior pitcher/infielder Brooke Brawner went 4-1 with a 2.97 earned-run average in 2019.

She hit .462 with a homer and 30 RBI. Senior pitcher Maguire Estill has signed with Division II Arkansas-Monticello. She went 9-3 with a 1.37 ERA, along with a .537 average. Estill hit nine homers with 35 RBI and 20 runs scored. Senior infielder Lexi Smith batted .343. Senior Carlee Arnold hit .355 with 14 runs scored. Junior Amie Yoder batted .300.

The Central Kansas League is usually strong in softball and Ashworth noted several other key CKL players: Hoisington/Central Plains’ junior outfielder/pitcher Kassidy Nixon, Hillsboro shortstop Dani Klein, Pratt pitcher/infielders Kami Theis and Erin Jackson, Smoky Valley’s Madi Tolle, and Kingman shortstop Ally Hageman and second baseman Alex Schreiner.

“Haven hopes to return to state behind the pitching of Brawner and Estill and an improved defense,” Ashworth said. “Can be one of the top teams in 3A if the lineup finds a way to score runs consistently.”

HESSTON returns junior catcher Brynn Johnson (.245 average), senior pitcher Emily Schmidt (.362 average) and senior outfielder Brooklyn Diederich.

“This season will bring some talented incoming freshmen and bring back a talented sophomore group that missed a season last year,” coach Alyssa Kroeker said. “Our team may not win championships, but we will have a group that just loves the game of softball.”

HILLSBORO coach Stephanie Sinclair has won more than 200 games with Trojan softball in 13 years. She returns the bulk of her key ’19 players, led by senior shortstop Dani Klein and senior first baseman Tuesday Weisbeck. Plus, Hillsboro has junior center fielder Reese Hefley, junior pitcher Skylre Stucky and sophomore pitcher Kori Arnold.

“We have a great core of players returning,”

April 9-10, 2021

3A Softball

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BROOKE BRAWNER

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Sinclair said. “We should be good contenders in our league.”

HOISINGTON/CENTRAL PLAINS coach Tim Boxberger has coached travel ball for nine seasons and was the Cardinal assistant in a 17-4 2019 season. Junior outfielder/first baseman Gracie Aylward hit .439 with 14 extra base hits in 2019. Junior pitcher/utility Kadence Urban batted .415 with two homers and 23 RBI. Kassidy Nixon, a junior utility/pitcher, hit .627 with four homers and 26 RBI, along with a 6-0 record and 3.24 ERA. Senior Keeley Wolf hit .406 with 15 steals, and junior Shaylah Kempke hit .300.

“I’m very excited for the season,” Boxberger said. “We come so close to advancing to the state tourney in 2019, losing on a walkoff in extra innings. We have great group of returning starters/upperclassmen. We also have a solid group of sophomores and freshman that will be a big part of our success this year, to ultimately reach our team goals for 2021.”

HOLCOMB coach Jennifer Barrett stands 131-96 in 12 years. Pitcher/first baseman Blair Holliday hit .426 with 10 doubles, 25 RBI and 31 strikeouts in 86 innings in 2019. She was a first team all-league pitcher. First baseman/pitcher Ryleigh McVey hit .271 and was an all-league honorable mention pitcher.

“We have an eager group returning ready

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and junior left fielder Lexy Stone. Mooney posted a 6-6 record and 2.32 earned-run average.

She also hit .256. Parsons batted .373. Zahm hit .439 with 11 doubles. Stone finished with a .366 average and seven doubles.

“I am incredibly excited for the 2021 season to get started,” Saporito said. “Much like every other school, our girls are pumped and ready to get back on the field as one Lady Titan team.”

COUNCIL GROVE has five returners. Senior catcher/first baseman Keeyley Honas hit .373 with 19 RBIs in 2019. Senior pitcher/infielder Daelyna King batted .250 and posted a 4-1 record as the JV pitcher. Junior Paisli Buthler hit .532 with five homers and 23 RBI. Junior Mija Carlson carried a .357 average. Junior Elle Dragone batted .550 with two homers and 10 RBI. CG is 16-4 and 14-5 in the last two seasons.

ELLSWORTH 14th-year coach Kenny Craven has posted a 133-121 record. He has three returning players with senior shortstop/pitcher Lizzy Hipp, senior outfielder Nicole Haase and junior shortstop Natalie Rolfs.

“With last year being cancelled, we look forward to seeing what our girls are capable of and coming together as a team,” Craven said.

FRONTENAC finished 20-6 and captured the state title against Silver Lake in 2019 and would have been the likely state favorite in 2020 with pitcher Karma Fields. The Raiders lost seven of their nine starters to graduation in 2020 and return just three upperclassmen, plus 26 freshmen and sophomores for veteran coach Cassie Rhuems, an alumnus.

Rhuems is 198-74 in 14 years with two state titles. Senior third baseman Raven Warren carries a .353 average and 13 RBI. Junior shortstop Heather Arnett is statistically one of Kansas’ best players with a .533 average, 50 runs scored, 38 steals and a .966 fielding percentage in 128 total chances.

“It will be a year of growth for us, and I am certain that come May our young kids will be playing at a very competitive level,” Rhuems said. “I am excited for the challenge and so are the kids.”

GIRARD coach Jerry O’Rand stands at 12825 in 10 years. The Trojans return a pair of key seniors with shortstop Makayla Ausemus and first baseman Alexis Jenkins.

“We have a young team,” O’Rand said. “Pitching will guide us, right now pitching is a question mark.”

HALSTEAD finished 4-16 in the first season of play under coach Eileen Vlamis in 2019.

Senior Hailey Kelley, senior utility Brittley Day, junior catcher/outfielder Abby Church, junior

Photo by Dedria Ashworth

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame In 2019, Frontenac won a thriller against Silver Lake for the state title. This year, Cheney, Silver Lake, Anderson County, Hoisington/Central Plains, Haven, Oskaloosa and Kingman are among the top contenders for the title.

ANDERSON COUNTY finished 12-8 in 2019 and qualified for state under then first year coach Doug Archer. He is excited to return “all the most important players” from the 2019 state team. Anderson County was in 4A and lost 1-0 in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Augusta.

Returners include: senior shortstop Kaylyn Disbrow, senior first baseman Cali Foltz, and senior outfielders Abbey Lickteig, Madison Stevens and Ellie Pedrow.

Senior Alison Brown returns at pitcher and senior catcher Rayna Jasper is back. Plus, juniors Remi McAdam and Amelia Cubit are returners at utility and pitcher.

BELOIT went 17-3 two years ago under coach Tyler Odle. Second baseman Jenna Loomis is the lone returner from 2019. Silver Lake beat Beloit, 9-3, in the state quarterfinals.

“This year we will be dangerous,” Odle said.

“We have limited amount of experience but very good athleticism and competitiveness.”

BURLINGTON finished as state runner-up to Silver Lake in 2019. Coach Dave Watkins is 54-8 at Burlington and 87-17 overall. Senior pitcher/utility Myka Watkins was an all-state pitcher her first two years and is the only returner. She posted a 24-2 record and 1.31 ERA. She had 142 Ks and also hit .515 at the plate.

“We will be inexperienced but have good pitching to rely on,” coach Watkins said.

CHENEY is among the preseason 3A favorites. Many of the key Cardinal players were strong for state teams in volleyball and basketball. Coach Matt Johnson led Cheney to a 23-2 season and state appearance in 2019. He is 180-30 in nine years with the Cardinals. Cheney returns pitcher Korri Lies, catcher Brianna Lorenz, third baseman Hallie Jones, left fielder Lexi Lorenz and center fielder Kylee Scheer.

“We will have a great returning group that made it to state in 2019,” Johnson said.

Lies was a second team all-state pitcher. She had 15 strikeouts in a 6-0 state loss to eventual champion Frontenac. Scheer, a multi-year all-state selection in other sports, was Cheney’s leading hitter, base stealer and run producer.

She was all-state outfield in 2019.

COLUMBUS coach Aimee Saporito returns four key players: junior pitcher/shortstop Lily Mooney, senior second baseman Evie Parsons, senior shortstop/third baseman Paige Zahm

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 to play, after losing their season last spring,” Barrett said. “We also have a strong incoming freshman class that will join the mix and will be ready to compete.”

HUGOTON was winless in 2019, though returns a bulk of key players, especially in the junior class with catcher Taylor Grubbs, first baseman Olivia Flores and third baseman Ella Martin. Plus, sophomore pitcher Marrine Williams, sophomore shortstop/outfielder Kenzie Garza, second baseman/outfielder Julien Salazar and outfielder Martha Saldana return.

“Our team will be much improved from recent seasons returning key players and replacing positions with younger talent,” Williams said.

KINGMAN stands at 54-13 under coach Ross Bruggeman. The Eagles return eight starters from the cancelled 2020 season and five starters that played significantly on the 2019 regional championship team.

Senior pitcher Janelle Belt hit .357 in 13 atbats and delivered a 7-2 record in 2019. Junior second baseman Alex Schreiner was a first team all-state selection with a .563 average, 34 RBI, three homers and 23 runs scored. Junior shortstop Aly Hageman hit .400 with 32 hits, two homers and 32 runs scored. She was a second team all-state pick. Senior outfielder Anna Livingston delivered 22 hits with 16 RBI. Senior Payton Walters, junior catcher Emma Parsons, junior third baseman Megan Hensley and junior outfielder Kayla Belt are key returners, too.

“The girls are looking forward to getting back on the diamond and carrying on the success we’ve had recently,” Bruggeman said. “We have a talented group of upperclassmen returning and underclassmen who will challenge them each day in practice. We’ll focus on improving each day and will hopefully play our best softball at the end of the season.”

LARNED has three returning senior starters: catcher Shaylee Martin, pitcher/first baseman Nikki Taylor and outfielder Julie Tapia.

LYONS coach Marlin Clark stands at 192-165 in 18 years. Lyons has many key returners: junior pitcher/third baseman Dylan Procopio, senior pitcher/utility Brianna Russell, junior shortstop Kayleigh Arriola, senior second baseman Emily Robl, junior first baseman Mallory Seidel and junior outfielder Lizeth Valenzuela.

Three sophomores are expected to immediately contribute: Geraldine Vargas, Caitlyn Belote, and Yamyle Rameriz.

“We hope to improve on our 10-10 season of 2019,” Clark said. “We were excited about our 2020 season, we are hopeful for this season!

We are excited to see exactly how we will do.”

Addie Billinger took over MINNEAPOLIS last

year, though was unable to coach a game. She returns five key players: senior OF/P Contessa Weishaupl, junior SS/P Cameron Cleveland, junior P/C Megan Atkinson, junior OF Priscilla Adams and junior OF/2B Cheyenne Piper.

After last year’s cancelled season, the girls are ready to get back on the field,” Billinger said. “We spent our summer making improvements to our facility - new scoreboard, new outfield fence, new batting cage - which shows the investment our community has in our sport.”

OSAGE CITY went 16-4 and took third at state in 2019. Senior pitcher Hayden Serna has signed with Division II Central Missouri.

“We are going to be young, but with the experience of our senior pitcher Hayden Serna we will have success,” coach Tammy Serna said.

OSKALOOSA returns a number of standouts from a 2019 2-1A state runner-up team including identical twins Reese and Regan Curry (Central Arkansas softball signees), catcher Sophia Rockhold (Emporia State signee) and pitchers Ellie Stember (Seward County CC signee) and Asa Kesinger (Ellsworth CC signee). Add in Lindsay Schupp, Briana VanHoutan (all-league outfielder) and Faith Lowe and the traditionally powerful Bears are loaded for new head coach Allison Flinn.

PLAINVILLE/STOCKTON coach Ryan Becker returns senior shortstop Chloe Plumber, senior pitcher/first baseman Brianna Augustine, senior third baseman Mary Gilliland and senior outfielder Elizabeth Brown.

“Losing a good senior class last year,” Becker said of challenges for 2021. “Will put some new players in key positions, so there will be some growing pains in the beginning.”

RIVERTON coach Brian Mitchell has a 416135 career record. The Rams graduated Camryn Compton, who is now playing a key freshman role at Wichita State.

Senior third baseman Kenzie Houser hit .449 with seven homers and 27 RBI, along with 40 runs scored in 2019. Junior outfielder Courtney Ross scored 12 runs.

Riverton graduated six seniors and is expected to have a young team.

“Out of these players, there are several that are very promising for our 2021 season,” Mitchell said. “We will have some growing pains along the way, but I feel we will be very competitive once we get through some tough stretches in our league, which will be very tough again.”

Jeri Brummett stands at 256-181 at ROCK CREEK. Junior Sophia Haverkamp returns as an all-league pitcher in 2019, and senior Jenna Weers was an all-league honorable mention first baseman. Junior outfielder Grace Gehl,

junior second baseman Brooklynn McCormick, junior infielder Brooklyn Goehring and senior outfielder Kierra Mosby also return.

“We have a talented group from top to bottom this year,” Brummett said. “So many kids with a love for this sport. Our pitching will be among the best we have had. We will be hungry and competitive. There’s a lot of parity with our team this year.”

ROSSVILLE returns a significant number of players for second-year coach John Nitsch.

That includes seniors: Grace Rabe (P/IF), Destiny Bergstresser (C/IF), and a quartet of outfielders: Payton Price, Mallorie Salmon, Tatum Gentry, Breck McCrory. Senior infielder Mattie Horgan and junior infielder Caylee Douglas also return. Junior pitcher/infielder Vanessa Quinones is also back.

“With our 2020 season being cancelled before it even started our girls are ready to take the field,” Nitsch said. “We are returning a threeyear starting pitcher Gracie Rabe and a few other seniors who’s leadership will be great for our program. We also have a very talented freshman class that will be joining us this season. We are expecting great things from them.”

RUSSELL/VICTORIA went 6-13 in 2019 for the first year under coach Larry Plante. R/V returns many key players, including sophomore pitcher Brooklyn Novak, senior catcher Taylor Powers, senior first baseman Kendra Bay, junior second baseman Belle Walton, senior third baseman Kaitlyn Nichols, senior outfielder Rylee Miller and junior Kayla Noller.

“We are looking forward to getting to play this year,” Plante said. “We are led by several Seniors who want to change the mentality of our team. We are looking forward to having a very good season.”

Formerly the JV coach, Clayton Tennal takes over the SABETHA program. Senior Melinna Schumann, a Kansas Wesleyan volleyball signee and all-state player in volleyball and basketball, had played center field in the past.

She may move to the infield this spring. Senior Hattie Lukert had some starts at second base.

SANTA FE TRAIL coach Brenda Dahl stands 39-41 in six years. Junior pitcher/outfielder Jaycee Long posted a 4-5 record and 4.26 ERA with a .452 average in 2019. Senior Courtney Stone hit .260. Senior pitcher/outfielder Kierra Lira won a game in the circle.

“So many unknowns about the upcoming season,” coach Dahl said. “I’m very excited about our freshman and sophomore group. With only three returning starters from the 2019 season, we will have a lot of competition to fill in our varsity roster. Long is our leading returner. I look

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Page 42 for big things from her, and she will have lots of help on the mound with some solid pitchers coming from our underclassmen.”

SILVER LAKE went 21-5 and finished as state runner-up in 2019 in the first year under coach Nick Hamilton.

Returning senior shortstop Ellington Hogle has signed with Washburn. She hit .483 with a .678 slugging percentage and 23 RBI in 2019.

Senior pitcher/third baseman Olivia Fieger, senior outfielder Kyla Hay and senior second baseman Bailey McCollum are all back.

“A very competitive group that has been working hard with their year off to get back to the top of their game,” coach Hamilton said. “Led by a group of seniors that has seen playing time in both the 2018 and 2019 state championship games, they are wanting their chance to add to the tradition.”

Chris McClure stands at 215-204 in 22 years with SMOKY VALLEY. Senior catcher Claire Broxterman, senior utility Abby Hipp, senior outfielder Olivia Morgan, junior Catherine Odell and junior infielder Madi Tolle all return.

“As usual, it depends on pitching,” McClure said. “Abby Hipp is returning from shoulder surgery and we will have some young pitchers who have not played in varsity games. We should be able to score and be solid defensively, if I can find a couple of outfielders.”

THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN has been typically solid with coach Melissa Schoepf. She is 83-54 in seven years. The Monarchs return third baseman Emilee Augustine (.443 average, three homers in 2019), catcher Sophia Coulter (.387 average), senior pitcher Kyleigh Allen (9-8 record, .421 average) and outfielder Katelyn Gottschalk. La Crosse will be in a co-op with TMP for the first time.

“With the season being cancelled last year we did not get to see our freshman class compete,” Schoepf said. “Madison Augustine will be looking at picking up time on the infield, along with Jaci VonLintel seeing time in the infield.”

WEST FRANKLIN returns four key players: senior second baseman Sami Randall, senior catcher/outfielder Nevaeh Scott (.375 average, two homers, 19 RBI in 2019), junior pitcher/ infielder Lena Walter (.426 average) and junior outfielder Allison Swank.

WELLSVILLE has first-year coach Tamalei Rice. Wellsville returns three seniors: catcher Maggie Heath, center fielder Lexi McDaniel, and catcher/third baseman Allison Ross. A quintet of juniors are back as well: pitcher/first baseman Jayden Hull, catcher/utility Rylee Kerr, infield/utility Rylee Kuntz, infield/utility Jayden Chandler and outfielder Morgan Garner.

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Page 43

catcher Gracie Simmons.

“We have a very experienced group coming back,” Winters said.

CANTON-GALVA coach Reann Buchanan has multiple returners, including three seniors: pitcher Michaela Jowers, catcher Emily Peterson and outfielder Madison Leach. Three juniors are back: catcher/third baseman Gracie Kidd, shortstop/outfielder Nicole Miller, and first baseman Taygen O’Hara. Plus two sophomores return: pitcher/first baseman Brecken Pearson and second baseman/shortstop Emma Krase.

“I am looking forward to starting my first season with a great group of girls who are eager to learn and play,” coach Reann Buchanan said.

CENTRAL-BURDEN returns four starters, and ERIE has three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and 12 freshmen. FLINTHILLS has two starters back: catcher/third baseman Kylee Weis and center fielder Emily Wilson.

INMAN is expected to take a big step up after a one-win season. Senior infielder/outfielder Halee Konrade hit .257 in 2019. Senior Jaylah Hurley hit .308. Senior first baseman Kylee Bonneville drove in 14 RBI. Sophomore pitcher Emma Brown should be a key player.

“No season last year, but she would have been our starting pitcher,” Ryan said of Brown.

“She will be an underclassman to keep an eye on both in the circle and at the plate.”

JAYHAWK-LINN coach Kris Holt stands at 66-19 in six years. Senior shortstop Jenna Holt is back after hitting .512 with 33 RBI in 2019.

Senior pitcher/third baseman Emilie Nation batted .532 with 44 RBI. Junior pitcher/second baseman Marissa Baldwin hit .435 with a 3.14 earned-run average. Junior Jayden Willard had seven wins and a 2.38 ERA. Junior Jude Kerr hit .364 with 29 RBI. J-L returns six starters from a fourth-place state team from 2019.

“We look forward to the challenge that a missed season has caused and will work hard to continue to be successful,” Holt said. “Anything short of a return trip to the state tournament will be disappointing, but we will have a lot of work to do to meet this goal.”

LEBO/WAVERLY co-ops in softball and forms the Wolfdogs – Lebo is the Wolves and Waverly the Bulldogs. Coach Josh Oswald stands at 33-35 in six years. Senior third baseman Macy Fairchild, junior pitcher/right fielder Bonnie Romig, junior second baseman/ right field Emmarie Miller, and junior left fielder Abby Peek are back.

“We are excited to get the 2021 season started,” Oswald said. “We will have several new additions with our freshmen and sophomores this year. We are going to have a great group of competitive young ladies, and I look forward

2-1A Softball Photo by Chasity Ware

will help rebuild this program.”

BELLE PLAINE coach Brian Seba is 31-45 in five years. Senior Cheyenne Cooper hit .463 with 19 hits, 13 RBI and 16 runs scored as a sophomore in 2019. Senior pitcher Tori Lijan batted .520 with three homers and 14 RBI. Senior outfielder Tori Baker, junior pitcher/ outfielder Emma George, junior pitcher/first baseman Tory Talbot, junior infielder/outfielder Natalie Forester, and junior outfielder Kennedy Glover also return. BP has three seniors and four returning juniors.

“Juniors got a ton of varsity playing experience as freshman and will be heavily counted on,” Seba said. “We have a solid, athletic group of freshman and sophomores that will need to grow up quickly if we expect to compete in the CPL this season.”

BLUESTEM coach Michelle Womack is 8525 in seven years and returns five starters.

“We are excited to just get back on the field,” Womack said. “Each year brings new challenges of how much they will learn, how far they might go, and how they affect each other’s lives for the better.”

BUCKLIN/SOUTH CENTRAL coach Amy Fleener went 10-10 in 2019 in her first year.

Junior catcher/pitcher/infielder Emalea Warden, sophomore catcher/pitcher/infielder Halie Feikert, sophomore pitcher/outfielder Emery Commerford, sophomore catcher/infielder Kodie Herd, sophomore infielder Natalie Dale, sophomore infielder/outfielder Tori Maris, and junior pitcher/infielder Maci Kirk are expected to be key players.

“We are incredibly young, but also incredibly quick and athletic,” Fleener said. “Defensively we will be very strong. The question marks are consistency within the pitching core and can we get on base.”

BURLINGAME coach Creighton Winters returns a plenty of experience and should have a top 2-1A team. Senior pitcher Graci Masters hit .526 in 2019 and fanned 93 batters with a 4.25 earned-run average in the circle. Senior third baseman Megan Griffin hit .358 with 20 RBI. Junior shortstop Daelyn Winters hit .409 with 16 RBI and 19 stolen bases.

Junior Kenna Masters hit .370 in 2019. Senior left fielder Katie Shaffer hit .367 and junior center fielder Emma Tyson batted .359.

Senior first baseman Jaden Shaffer and senior catcher Morgan Soppe are also back.

Burlingame has eight returning starters from a 2019 state qualifier. Burlingame adds two sophomores with pitcher Alexandra Crook and

JENNA HOLT Jayhawk-Linn

Photo by Chasity Ware

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Burlingame, Jayhawk-Linn, Pittsburg-Colgan and Alma-Wabaunsee are expected to be top 2-1A teams for 2021.

At the ’19 state tournament, Colgan beat Sacred Heart, 17-0, and Jayhawk-Linn defeated Bluestem, 13-7. Plus, Oskaloosa defeated Burlingame, 10-0. Trinity Catholic beat Spearville, 7-0.

In the semifinals, Colgan defeated Jayhawk Linn, 14-0. Oskaloosa beat Trinity Catholic, 6-1. Trinity Catholic defeated Jayhawk Linn, 12-10, for third place. Colgan defeated Oskaloosa, 10-7, in the championship.

COLGAN finished 24-2 in the first season under coach Annie Dellasega in 2019. Now senior Kaitlin Crossland hit .462 with four homers, 37 RBI and 26 runs scored in 2019.

Crossland is also expected to help in the circle. Junior outfielder/catcher Allison Marietta had a .538 average with 28 RBIs and 28 runs scored. Junior outfielder Ashley Marietta hit .579 with 30 RBI and 35 runs scored.

“I am very excited for this upcoming season,” Dellasega said. “We have a few girls coming back with experience and we have many coming in ready to earn a spot on the field. It will be fun to see who steps up and takes the leadership on our team after losing a large class of seniors in 2019.”

WABAUNSEE is expected to be a contender this spring. Junior third baseman Kara Hafenstine hit .449 with six home runs and earned all-state honors as a freshman. Senior center fielder Ryleigh Jones batted .377 and was allstate in 2019. Senior pitcher/outfielder Jordan Magette delivered an 8-3 record and 3.06 earned-run average. Junior utility player Madisyn Havenstein hit .475.

“With the loss of Alexis Hafenstine and Autymn Schreiner it will be a reloading year,” coach Joe Dee Tarbutton said. “We will have a highly competitive team with our returning group and a very good group of sophomores.

We will also have talented freshman class looking to gain a spot.”

ATCHISON COUNTY coach Courtney Kasson took over last year but never got to coach a game. Senior outfielder Tannah Forbes in back, along with senior Skyla Stanley, junior third baseman Ashton Jolly and junior first baseman Ally Peterson.

“The majority of the athletes come from the freshman and sophomore class, so it is a fairly young squad,” Kasson said. “They are a hard working, dedicated, and fun group of girls that

EMILIE NATION Jayhawk-Linn

to what they will do this season.”

LITTLE RIVER is expected to have around 10 players. LR’s top players are junior second baseman Anna Birdsong, sophomore outfielder Amaya Sneath, junior outfielder Bailey Hodgson, junior outfielder Morgan Bottom and senior Cassidy Gerlach.

MOUNDRIDGE coach Annie Toews returns senior outfielder Alea Durst, senior outfielder Cambry Stucky, junior utility Emma Blough, senior catcher Erin Durst, junior first baseman Kate Eichelberger and senior pitcher Makenzie Elmore.

NORTHEAST-ARMA returns four key players: senior pitcher Rachel Fox, senior catcher Kylee Yarnell, junior Tatium Walker and senior infielder Julia Lopez. Remington brings back three players: senior Rianna Lawler, junior outfielder Emily Wedel and senior outfielder Maddie Ball.

SPEARVILLE went 19-3 two years ago and stands at 37-18 with coach David Friess. Senior pitcher/outfielder Stephanie Miller hit .439,

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 along with a 10-2 record and 2.15 ERA in 2019. Senior pitcher/outfielder Elle Weber hit .540 with one homer and 24 RBI, along with 27 runs. Weber went 9-1 with a 4.23 ERA. Senior Addia Nau hit .447 with a homer, 15 RBI and 28 runs scored.

“Three solid seniors,” Friess said. “We will be young but should be able to field a very competitive team.”

SYLVAN-LUCAS-LINCOLN went 13-9 in 2019, and coach Linda Haring is 224-227 in her 25th season at Sylvan Grove. S-L-L returns numerous key players: pitcher Brecken Obermueller, shortstop/outfielder Cadence Nondorf, third baseman Dawson O’Bannon, first baseman Keeli Knobbe, pitcher Sophie Pancost, catcher Tana Hayworth, second baseman Goldie Dohe, center fielder Katlyn

Homewood, outfielder Liberty Ringler, third baseman Clara Griffins, second baseman Kaylee Johnson and outfielder Taylor Fallis.

Haring said “strong performances from these players in other sports, and a strong start to last year’s season prior to cancellation” has the team anxious to start the year.

“Looking forward to strong unity, high level of athleticism, and a strong skill set from these girls,” Haring added.

HUTCH-TRINITY CATHOLIC finished 17-8 and returns three starters from 2019: utility players Hayley Hughes and Reiley Wells and pitcher Lauren Galliher. TROY returns 10 players, including one senior: second baseman/outfielder Sydnee Vanwey. UNIONTOWN has senior catcher/third baseman Karleigh Schoenberger, junior pitcher/catcher/

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outfielder Alie Fuhrman and junior first baseman/second Kaydra Woods. Uniontown’s William Hathaway coaches the Eagles’ wrestling and softball teams.

“We do not have many upperclassmen, but some good sophomores and freshman,” Hathaway said. “We have three young pitchers that need some mound time, hopefully by the end of the year we are ready to compete in the post season.”

SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY finished 0-15 two years ago. Two seniors, Sadie Pearson and Emma Cole, are back, along with three juniors Kiernan Breshears, Regan Darbyshire and Taylor Cole. VALLEY HEIGHTS has several seniors who played as sophomores: infielder Jessi Bedigrew, pitcher/outfielder Summer Carter, utility players Brook Correll and Kenzie Nellis and pitcher/outfielder Caitlyn Thomas.

WATHENA-RIVERSIDE coach Kristina Bliley will get her first crack at helping the Cyclones improve on a 10-9 record from 2019 after COVID ended her inaugural season at the helm before it even started. She welcomes three starters back.

Senior Josephina Huff returns after shortstop after hitting .386 as a sophomore. Senior pitcher Jaycee Lundy was 10-8 in the circle with a 4.6 ERA and also hit .438 at the plate.

Junior utility player Zoey Hayes batted .265 as a freshman.

We have a lot of motivated girls that are ready to play some softball,” Bliley said. “Not getting a season last year has lit a fire in their bellies which will be dangerous with the players we have and incoming freshmen.”

Page 44 WHITEWATER-REMINGTON welcomes back three starters back from a 15-5 team in 2019. Senior pitcher Rianna Lawler, senior outfielder Maddie Ball and junior outfielder Emily Wedel will look to help Lyn Lawler improve on a 53-41 record in six seasons as the coach to start the program at the school.

“We’ve graduated most of our starters in 2019 and 2020, but I think we will still surprise some teams this year,” Lawler said.

WICHITA INDEPENDENT has five seniors for former baseball coach Jamie Fowler to “build the softball program” on a new turf field.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame The nearly two-year layoff, plus a couple defections to lower classes, has thrown 6A track and field wide open this spring. Garden-Edgerton’s boys and Lawrence’s girls last won state titles in 2019, but both lost heavily to graduation. Leavenworth and Mill Valley - two strong 6A programs in 2019 - are now in Class 5A. The BLUE VALLEY boys return three athletes who qualified for the state meet two years ago, including senior Dylan Arnold in the pole vault (13-6). Also back are Ben McAlister (discus, 7th) and Jason Berg (PV, 12th). Others expected to score points for the Tigers are Tyler Didde (sprints), Dorian Stephens (sprints, LJ) and Noah Schopper (distance).

Girls’ head coach Paul Brown also has three athletes returning who were state-qualifiers from a regional championship squad - Elle Hempy (100, 10th), Jazzy Klinge (400, 10th) and junior Victoria Wingrove (3,200, 6th).

Some of the other top returnees are Emma Williams and Annaka Resink (sprints), Jillina Rogers and Ellie Graham (distance), Aubrey Herron and Elizja Ogden (hurdles), EK Lonergan (jumps) and Faith Nielsen (throws).

“We are excited to get back on the track and in the field with athletes and see what happens,” boys’ head coach Jonathan Jost said.

“We are looking forward to a great group of kids coming out.”

BLUE VALLEY NORTH features senior Andrew Orr, who was second in the boys’ high jump two years ago (6-4), along with senior Ammon Thutmosei, who was fifth in the 100.

On the girls side, Cassie Scupham returns after helping her team to an eighth-place finish in the 3,200 relay. Other top returnees are McKenna Simons (TJ) and Damah Stacker (100).

“The last time we competed in a meet, most of our team was underclassmen, now they are juniors and seniors and will be expected to lead our team,” head coach Mark Fancher said. “They are excited and we hope to have many multi-sport athletes out again this year.”

The girls at BLUE VALLEY WEST have two athletes returning who placed in the 2019 finals - senior Sheridan Bredehoft was second in the discus and junior Katherine Soule was eighth in the 3,200.

The DERBY girls have one of the top sprinters back in 6A. Senior Aneesa Abdul-Hameed was second in the 400, sixth in the 100, and was a member of the fourth-place 200 relay team along with then freshmen Serenity Jackson, Chloe Igo and Jada Hopson. Of the 14 girls who qualified for state two years ago, 11 of them were sophomores or freshmen.

DODGE CITY will be looking to defend its WAC boys’ and girls’ championships. Both were also second at regionals in 2019.

Two top returners for the boys are sprinter Ty Villaysing and thrower Christian Erives. On the girls side, senior Hadley Williams returns in the hurdles (100HH 10th, 300IH SQ), while Kisa Unruh was ninth in the javelin in 2019. Serenity Larson (distance), Amaya Perez (middle distance), Kya Edwards (sprinter) and Kate Foster (hurdles) are more top returners.

“Our athletes are looking forward to getting the chance to compete at a high level after being short-changed a year ago,” coach Dave Foster said.

Five athletes who scored at the regional in 2019 return for FREE STATE - Cole Wenger (110HH, 4th) and Jack Keathley-Helms (1,600

Page 45

relay, 2nd), plus Brock Cordova, Ethan Sharp, Ben Shryock and Keathley-Helms in the 3,200 relay (2nd). Ella Marshall ran on the 3,200-relay team that took third at regionals in 2019.

“Honestly, our team is looking forward to getting to compete again,” coach Jordan Rose said. “Our coaches are excited to see what our kids can do since we’ll have an unusual season with two new classes of student-athletes.”

Two athletes from a regional championship who scored points at the 2019 state meet return for the GARDEN CITY boys - Trey Nuzum (discus, 8th) and Joshua Janas (PV, 8th) return for head coach Brian Hill. Also back are state qualifier Alex Depaz (PV) and Devin Chappel (distance). Returning for the girls are senior qualifier Julie Calzonetti (HJ), as well as Kristin Roth (TJ) and Jocelyn Sosa (distance).

“There’s lots of unknowns with the cancellation of last season,” Hill said. “We are excited to get started to see what we have.”

GARDNER-EDGERTON’s boys brought home the state championship in 2019, scoring 64 points to edge Blue Valley West by three points. It was the first state title since Gardner won the Class B championship in 1955.

Quenton Walion, a senior, returns after running on the 3,200 relay team as a sophomore, along with now senior Owen Massaro. John Ahsens went to state as a freshman on the 400 relay, while Ivan Jalabomy qualified in the high jump as a sophomore. Walion placed second in the 6A state cross country meet last fall and has signed to run at KU. “I’m excited to work with a very young and eager team this season,” boys’ head coach Brian McGee said. “Our incoming leaders are definitely our distance crew and our emerging leaders are wide open.”

The GEHS girls feature one of the state’s top all-around athletes in senior Kendra Wait, who is a two-time state champ in the 100. As a sophomore, she also won the short put, placed second in the pole vault and fourth in the 200.

Wait will play volleyball at Creighton next year.

Kylie Moorehouse, a senior, placed fifth in the 400 two years ago.

HUTCHINSON has two boys back who competed at state in 2019 - seniors Ezekiel Seamster (100, 11th; 200, 10th) and Jalen Barlow (300HH, 10th). Also back are Isiah Phillips (SP, Disc) and Stephfon Hunter (hurdles).

Stella Foster returns for the girls after qualifying for state in 2019 in the 1,600 and 3,200.

Liberty Limon was eighth in the high jump, while Colleen Page (TJ), Sarah Schwartz (sprints) and Morgan Meier (mid-distance return from a regional championship squad.

“The kids and coaches are excited to get back into the season after missing a season from last year,” said head coach Andrew Schroter. “There should be quite a few new faces ready to make a name for themselves on both the boys and girls side.”

The LAWRENCE girls will be looking for their fourth 6A state title since 2015 this spring and may have the depth to complete that task.

Plus, Leavenworth and its stable of talented sprinters, has since dropped from 6A to 5A. Lawrence won 6A in 2019 with 84 points, while Leavenworth was second with 62.

Bella Kirkwood, now a senior, is a quality returnee who placed seventh in the 100, fifth in the 200, sixth in the long jump and was on the winning 400 relay with Amaya Harris, also a senior. Harris also took second in the javelin.

For the boys, senior Graham Hough returns after placing fifth in the 100 as a sophomore.

LIBERAL has three boys returning as 2019 state qualifiers for head coach Trace Haskell senior Malcolm Wiltshire (Javelin 16th; HJ 6th), senior Alex Lopez (1,600 relay, 3,200 relay, 800) and junior Logan Miller (TJ). Also expected to score points this season is Aldo Avalos in all three throws.

“We are looking to help develop our younger athletes and be as competitive as possible,” boys’ coach Trace Haskell said. “We’ll take advantage of the opportunity to be able to compete this year and give it our all.”

Three girls who competed in the 2019 state meet return - seniors Reece Hay (3,200 relay) and Halle Payton (1600 relay, 3200 relay) are back, along with Emma Evans (HJ, 400, 800) and Bri Horyna (SP, Discus, Javelin).

MANHATTAN finished third in the boys’ team race in 2019 and the Indians feature one of the top runners in 6A in senior Daniel Harkin, who won the 3,200 as a sophomore and claimed the 6A cross country championship last fall.

Darius O’Connell, a senior, was the 6A shot put champion as a sophomore and senior Julian Avila was a member of the fifth-place 3,200 relay team. Also returning to score points this spring are Jaden Magana (Disc), Damien Illalio (SP), Jason Morgan (JAV) and Ben Mosier (800, 1600).

The top returnees for the girls are Alyx Glessner and Taylor Claussen in the javelin and Jenna Keeley in the 3,200.

“In 2019, we had a school-record three individual state champions, two of those guys will be back for the 2021 season,” head coach Kory Cool said. “We have a lot of events to fill gaps in, but we also have a lot of events with depth and experience.”

OLATHE NORTH returns three athletes who placed in the top eight at state in 2019. For the boys, senior Layton Patillo was fifth in the long jump. For the girls, senior Kaija McKie finished third in the 100 hurdles and junior Alexis Dockstader placed seventh in the 3,200.

The Eagles should get a big boost from junior KC Piper transfer Saniya Simmons, who ran on the gold medal 400 meter relay and was also a 4A state champion in the long jump as a freshman, and a state qualifier in the 100.

OLATHE NORTHWEST was solid in 2019, with a third-place finish at state by the girls and sixth-place finish by the boys.

On the boys’ side, head coach Mike Stephens has four athletes returning who he expects to lead the team - Logan Read (1600), Jack Beard (1600), Bret Beard (800) and Gen Gutekunst (LJ).

The girls are coming off a third-place finish in the 6A team race two years ago. Returning from that team are Lydia McGlocklin (800, 1600) and Adrian Locke (SP).

“Our boys team will be really strong in mid-distance and relays with a really good jumper,” head coach Mike Stephens said.

“The girls will be paced on the track with some good mid-distance as well as some really good throwers.”

Four athletes who ran in the relays at the 2019 state meet are back for OLATHE WEST - seniors Reggie Dennis and Dawuid Hakim in the 400 relay and junior Aidan Reyna and senior Ismael Salgado in the 3,200 relay. Alex Dandy (throws) and Jamesperry Frazier-Baker (hurdles) return as well.

6A Track

For the girls, junior Kennedi Cline (400 8th, 200 12th) returns, as does junior Parker Jackson and senior Brooklyn Downing in the 400 relay (5th); junior Rachel Hermreck, junior Destiny Lassiter and Cline in the 1,600 relay (10th); senior Jenna Mullen and junior Ava Wardlaw in the 3,200 relay (10th) and senior Claire Thomas in the pole vault.

“We have extremely high expectations for only our third season of track and field,” head coach Dee Bell said. “We expect our kids to achieve highly and be competitive in every meet we are in.”

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST has three seniors who placed in the top eight in 2019 - Eleanor Hlobik (800, 4th) and Kelsey Christensen (300 hurdles, 5th) for the girls and Thomas Clough (LJ, 6th) for the boys.

TOPEKA HIGH coach Tony Canacari isn’t looking back to 2019. His sights are set on the future. “We’re hoping to stay healthy,” Canacari said. “Avoiding COVID complications is our main goal.”

The boys from WASHBURN RURAL brought home a league title and third-place finish at regionals in 2019. Senior hurdler Marquel Russell returns after finishing fourth in the 110 highs and eighth in the 300 intermediates.

Zsamar Sipple is back after qualifying in the triple jump and long jump, and Joel Goering was third in the pole vault. Providing solid depth will be Arrik White (1600), Mike Mercer (PV), Jacob Mitchell (1600), Alex Holmes (3200) and Sam Shonka (HJ).

Elle Bray qualified for state in the 400 two years ago. She returns, along with Keely Wagner (1600), Ashleigh Wright (400) and Madeline Carter (3200).

“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” said head coach Keith Wetzel. “After losing last season, our kids are eager to work hard daily to be their best by the end of this season.”

WICHITA HEIGHTS features senior Elijah Mosley, who is expected to be one of the top runners in 6A. Two years ago in the 5A state meet, Mosley won the 400 and was a member of the state champion 1,600 relay team. He also placed third in the 800 and was part of a seventh-place 3,200-relay team. Head coach Jivi Foster is also expecting strong seasons from Jaeden Hamilton, John Randle and Caeleb Roper in the sprints.

For the girls, Lanian Randle ran on the fifthplace 400 relay team and qualified for the 200.

Corri Greyson is looking to have a good season in the sprints.

“We’re just excited to get an opportunity to get on the track and coach some with great student athletes,” coach Jivi Foster said. “We have a special talent in Elijah Mosley to help lead a young and talented group.”

WICHITA NORTH coach Mitchell Kucera said his team is building for the future.

“We are a young team with lots of talent and we’re excited to start building this year,” Kucera said.

A freshman and a sophomore were part of a third-place finish for WICHITA SOUTH in the boys’ 400-meter relay. Jordan Huggins is now and senior and Daameion Beaver a junior.

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

WYNTER RAMOS & DHAKIYA BLAKE Leavenworth

Photo by Huey Counts

Photo by Bree McReynolds-Baetz

5A Track

TREYSON TRUE Photo by Huey Counts

Emporia

ZOIE ECORD Maize

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame Class 5A track and field is back and as good as ever. The 2021 season could be a special one.

Leavenworth and Mill Valley, who fared very well in the Class 6A team races in 2019, are now in 5A, and will push for team hardware in May at the state meet in Wichita.

Then you have holdovers such as Bishop Carroll, St. James Academy and Newton, among others, which makes 5A a deep and talented classification.

Leavenworth finished second in the 6A girls team race two years ago and will be one of the favorites this spring. Carroll is always in the running after winning the boys’ title in 2019 and finishing second in the girls.

St. James lost much to graduation, but has talent returning, and Kansas City Piper brings up some talented sprinters from Class 4A. DeSoto head coach Jack Sachse spoke for all coaches when asked about the track and field season this spring. “We’re ready to roll!”

The ANDOVER boys finished third in the state meet a year ago and return enough talent to make another push for some hardware.

Sam McDavitt is back as a senior after placing second in the 800 in 2019 and running a leg on the state-champion 3,200 relay. Jared McDavitt was a state qualifier in the 400. Also returning are seniors Nicholas Parker (discus,

SP) and Ethan Anderson (100, 400 relay), along with juniors Tayton Klein (400, LJ) and Max Middleton (hurdles).

On the girls side, Ellie Braynock was a state qualifier in the 800. Last year would have been the first track season for junior distance runner Elizabeth Vetter, who finished fourth in the state cross country meet last fall. Senior thrower Mannon Lee will score points in the shot put and discus.

“The Trojans are eager for revenge after not getting to compete last season,” coach Justin Hill said. “Not only do we have several outstanding upperclassmen to lead the way, but many talented underclassmen on both the boys and girls side who have potential to make a big impact on our team’s success.”

The ANDOVER CENTRAL girls have three 2019 state qualifiers back. Brittany Harshaw, a junior, and one of the state’s top basketball players, placed seventh in the 400 and was a member of the first-place1,600 and third-place 3,200 relay teams. Julianna Garretson, also a junior, qualified in the javelin and senior Ally Harris in the long jump.

Also returning for the girls are Kinzington Kelley (3200 relay, 800), Amanda Ficken (400 relay, 100) and Mackenzie Scheidel (400 relay, 300 hurdles).

Ashton Barkdull, a junior, qualified for the Jaguars in the boys’ long jump, while senior Brett Schoenhoffer placed ninth in state cross country last fall and will retun in the 1,600 and 3,200 this spring. Also expected to score points are junior Brock Stupka (hurdles), Nate Peak (discus, javelin), Jacob Rees (LJ) and Nate Cassube (300 hurdles, TJ).

“We will have some experienced athletes returning on both the boys and girls side who were freshmen and sophomores during the 2019 track season,” said coach Aren Coppoc. “I am anxious to see how they have progressed and figuring out how they will mesh with the underclassmen that we have joining the program.”

ARKANSAS CITY welcomes back senior Brock Merz, who qualified for 2019 state in both the 110 and 300 hurdles. A lot is also expected of Lance Blubaugh (all three throws) and Chase Mathews (800, 1600, relays).

Mia Onelio, a senior, returns for the girls after qualifying in 2019 as part of the 3,200 relay.

“I think we have a good core of upperclassmen on the boys side, but the girls side is a bit of a mystery,” said coach Matt Koehn. “I believe we have some good incoming freshman who will step up and provide good support for the upper-class athletes on both the boys and the girls side.”

BISHOP CARROLL returns one the state’s top runners in junior Hope Jackson, who won the 5A state cross country championship last fall. As a freshman in 2019, Jackson finished second in the 3,200 and fifth in the 800. Avril Maughan placed sixth in the high jump as a freshman.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST had three girls place in the 2019 state meet. Gigi Loffredo was third in the 3,200. She also placed 12th at state cross country last fall. Lauren Heck finished third in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the 300 hurdles.

The DESOTO boys took second in the 5A state meet in 2019. Returning from that team is Carson Sturdy, who qualified in the 3,200

relay and 3,200 run. Brady Hudelson and Hayden Henderson were members of the second-place 1,600 relay team and Henderson also qualified in the 400. Zach Switzer (sprints) and Connor Gibson (mid-distance) are two other top returnees.

For the girls, senior Hayleigh Henderson was on the state qualifying 400 relay team. Other top returnees are junior Katelyn Gress, a state qualifier, along with Sophie Landrum, Abby Sheerin and Katie Beyer.

EMPORIA coach Randy Wells enters his 21st season. His boys’ team in 2019 finished second in regionals. Aidan Jackson (hurdles, relays), Zachary Jackson (sprints, relays) and Treyson True (1600, 3200) were state qualifiers. Wells also expects good things from Daniel Knapp (LJ, TJ), Kadyn Wodziak (LJ), Josiah Huber (PV), Sam Gillen (1600, 3200), Lane Wullschalger (1600) and Diego Flores Delgado (SP).

For the Spartan girls, Avery Gutierrez qualified in the 1,600 and 3,200 in 2019. Taryn West ran in 1,600 as a sophomore and Hattie Cooper in the relays as a freshman. West will also compete in the triple jump this spring and Cooper in the hurdles. Other top returnees are Kaitlyn Ayer (200, LJ, TJ), Rylee Peak (javelin) and Kali McCullough (HJ).

“There will be great opportunities for everyone, including returners and newcomers, to compete and have succes,” head coach Randy Wells said.

Malachi Mullens is the top state finisher from 2019 for the GODDARD Lions. He finished sixth in the triple jump. Other athletes listed as top returnees are junior Zane Pepperd (hurdles, relays), senior Cam’ron Moses (LJ, TJ, relays), junior Cody Foos (sprints, relays), junior Ruben Ortiz (throws), senior Rhett Brown (throws), senior Fenton Brozek (sprints, throws), junior Levi Derksen (throws), junior Jordan Perez (sprints, throws) and junior Jayce Pepperd (sprints, throws).

For the girls, it will be juniors Maycee James (jumps, sprints), Leah Martyn (mid-distance, relays), Bailey Scoggin (jumps, relays), Riley Scoggin (throws), Annie Scoggin (jumps, relays) and Kylie Dauber (sprints, relays).

“Without having a true season last year, we are entering this year with more unknowns than ever before,” said coach Robert Rehse.

“Our numbers have been steadily improving in recent years and we look to build off the momentum we had going into last year.”

HAYS had two field event athletes earn medals in 2019 - Gavin Myers, third in the javelin as a freshman, and Tucker Veach, sixth in the pole vault as a sophomore.

For the girls, Brooklyn Schaffer was seventh in the 300 hurdles as a sophomore.

Freddy Maisdberger starts his 26th year as the coach at HIGHLAND PARK. He lists Jay Vetaw (sprints), Earnest Martin (sprints) and Trevontae Richardson (sprints, jumps) as his top returnees on the boys, and Cierra McWilliams (TJ) for the girls.

“We hope to get as many athletes out for the season as we can,” Maisberger said. “I also look forward to having a complete track season for both boys and girls.”

KANSAS CITY PIPER placed second in both the boys’ and girls’ team races in Class 4A two years ago, but the Pirates are now the smallest school in 5A. The girls should make

Page 46 some noise in their new class with several key athletes returning.

Evelyn Vasquez is back for Piper after finishing third in the 100 and 200 in Class 4A as a sophomore in 2019 and was a member of the state-champion 400 relay team along with fellow senior returnee Kinley Brown.

Brown also finished third in the 400 and fourth in the 200 as a sophomore. Grace Hanson (1600, 3200) and Julie Jones (discus) are two other top returnees.

Piper likely would’ve gotten significant points from junior Saniya Simmons, who ran on the gold medal 400 meter relay team and was also a 4A state champion in the long jump as a freshman, and a state qualifier in the 100, but she has since transferred to Olathe North.

For the boys, senior Brandon Snell returns after running on the state championship 400 relay team in 2019. Tony Cobb (SP) and Davis Capps (800) are also expected to score points this season.

“We are excited to have a track season and have a lot of kids coming out for the team this year,” head coach Josh Baxter said. “It is difficult to predict how good we will be this year, not only because we didn’t have a season last year, but because we will be moving up to 5A for the first time in school history.”

William Doolittle of KAPAUN MT. CARMEL placed third in the boys’ discus as a freshman in 2019.

Malik Benson of LANSING was a sophomore in 2019 when he placed third in the long jump and fifth in the 100.

The LEAVENWORTH girls return possibly the top sprint corps in any class. Dhakiya Blake, now a junior, was the 6A state champ in the 400, second in the 200 and anchored the first-place 1,600 relay team in 2019. Wynter Ramos, a senior, was third in the 200 and 400, fifth in the 100 and a member of the first-place 1,600 relay team. Kate Havner, a senior, was a member of the eighth-place 3,200 relay team.

The Pioneers girls won 11 state titles between 1994 and 2008, but haven’t won one since.

Others expected to score points this spring for the Pioneers are Brandi Douglas (sprints, jumps), Courtney Thompson (sprints) and Micayla Herlihy (distance).

“Our team isn’t as well rounded as it was in 2020, but I think we should still make a run for a podium spot for our team,” girls coach Rob Marriott said. “We have best sprint crew in the state. I’m hoping we can find a few more points to support them.”

For the boys, senior Michael Harris returns after placing third in the Class 6A shot put in 2019.

Zoie Ecord of MAIZE and Alexa Rios of MAIZE SOUTH will look to have solid seasons in 2021 after finishing fifth (Rios) and eighth (Ecord) in the 5A state cross country meet last fall. Ecord placed third in the 1,600 and sixth in the 800 at the state track meet in 2019, while Rios was fourth in the 3,200.

Maize senior Jacob Hanna placed third in the boys’ high jump in 2019.

MILL VALLEY finished fourth in both the Class 6A boys’ and girls’ team races in 2019.

For the boys, Leif Campbell placed third in the 300 hurdles as a sophomore.

The Jaguar girls have several returnees who scored points in the 2019 state meet, led by senior Molly Ricker and junior Katie Schwartz-

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 kopf. Both were members of the state-champion 3,200 relay team. Ricker also placed fifth in the 800 and Schwartzkopf fifth in the 3,200.

Other returnees include juniors Emree Zars and Quincy Hubert, who placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the 300 hurdles.

Two sprinters who helped lead NEWTON to a state championship in the girls’ 400 relay in 2019 will be seniors this spring - Alexis Valle-Ponds and Myriah Nicholson. Forthe boys, Kenyon Forest placed seventh in the javelin as a freshman.

SALINA CENTRAL senior Reagan Geihsler was one of 5A top throwers as a sophomore, finishing second in both the girls’ javelin and shot put.

SALINA SOUTH features senior A.J. Johnson, who placed eighth in the triple jump in 2019. Also returning are seniors Colin Schreiber (HJ) and Que Hill (100, 200) and junior Brandt Cox (100, 200).

For the girls, the top returnees are senior Haley Krous (mid-distance), junior Grace Allen (distance) and senior Shayna Phetsomphou (sprints).

Shelby Butterfield of SHAWNEE HEIGHTS finished third in the girls’ long jump and fourth in the 300 hurdles as a sophomore in 2019.

For the boys, Aidan Hicks was fourth in the javelin as a sophomore.

The ST. JAMES ACADEMY girls brought home the 5A state title in 2019 in impressive fashion, scoring 87 points to best Bishop Carroll by 19 points and Newton by almost 30.

Lindsay Russell returns for her senior year after placing fifth in the 200 and seventh in the 100. She also ran on the fourth-place 1,600

relay team with returning junior Ella Jett and was a member of the state qualifying 400 relay team with returning seniors Sophie Clayton and Gabbi Taylor.

Jett also ran on the fourth-place 3,200 relay team with returning senior Lily Myers and was a state qualifier in the 400. Taylor was a state qualifier in the 200 and junior Mia Staley in the 300 hurdles. Mary O’Connor is another top returnee.

For the Thunder boys, Aidan Jones was a state qualifier in the 400 and also the 1,600 relay with returnee Jack Gossman. Tristan Torres was a member of the sixth-place 3,200 relay. The team should receive a big boost from KC Piper transfer LaJames White, who qualified for the long jump, triple jump and 1,600 relay last year in 4A. Also expected to score points this spring are Terry Irvine, Eli Moore and Sam Mauro.

“Both the boys and girls squads are very excited to have the opportunity to compete once again,” head coach Greg Bomhoff said.

“Our boys team is hoping to capitalize on the recent success of the football and cross country programs last fall by adding much of the same talent and athleticism to our track and field roster this spring. Our girls team has a great mix of veteran leadership and young talent that will give them a great opportunity for another outstanding season.”

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS features one of the top runners in the state in senior Tommy Hazen, who finished third in the 5A state cross country meet last fall. Hazen, who was injured at state in 2019, has personal bests of 4:20 (1600) and 9:22 (3200). Other top returnees

are seniors Jacob Herr (sprints) and Preston May (sprints), and juniors Logan Seger (distance), Ashton Higgerson (distance), Jalen Marshall (throws) and A.J. Antonio (jumps).

Paris Bond, a senior, leads the Aquinas girls who finished fifth in the team race in 2019.

She placed third in the high jump, seventh in the triple jump and eighth in the pole vault.

Caroline Bien, a KU volleyball commit, was fifth in the high jump and qualified in the long jump, while fellow senior Adrienne Pascuzzi qualified in the javelin. Other top athletes returning are seniors Grace Allen (sprints, jumps), Michaela Befort (sprints), Lydia Micek (jumps), Abby Owens (throws), Ellie Ward (distance) and junior Jadyn Befort (sprints).

“We are thrilled to return to action in 2021,” said coach Justin Wrigley. “Both teams have exciting athletes in a wide variety of disciplines. It will be fun to see how the teams come together in this highly anticipated season.”

SPRING HILL will feature one of the state’s top sprinters in senior Isabel Williams, who placed second in the girls’ 200 and fifth in the 100 as a sophomore in 2019.

Rick Brading is starting his 40th season at TOPEKA SEAMAN, but the first as the girls’ coach. Shennen Pineda-Ortega qualified for state in the pole vault in 2019. Other top returnees are seniors Megan Allacher (distance), Tristan Fangman (distance) and Raigan Kramer (javelin) and sophomore Bethany Druse (distance), who was ninth in the 5A state cross country meet.

“We will rely heavily on distance runners after a competitive cross country season for

Page 47 both the boys and the girls team,” Brading said. “The girls team looks to build on promising young athletes that never had a chance to showcase their talent, including Bethany Druse, who had an outstanding cross country season.”

The Viking boys return two state qualifiers from 2019 - senior Cadin Worcester (HJ) and senior Louis Cina (3,200 relay). Other top returnees are seniors Sean Hoffmans (hurdles), Corbin Atkins (800), Jack Horacek (1600, 3200), Carson Bush (TJ) and Treyton Ramirez (LJ).

The TOPEKA WEST girls have a state qualifier returning in Adina Davis in the triple jump.

She will be joined by Kristina Branch (discus, shot put), Anna Phelps (distance) and A’mya Mallett (sprints).

The top returnee for the boys is distance runner Lenny Njoroge.

“We will be extremely young, but we have some great talent and potential on both the girls and boys teams,” head coach Donnie Palmer said. “It will be great to see them develop and improve throughout the season.”

VALLEY CENTER will be led by first-year coach Amber Russell.

Jalea Hoddy was eighth in the 800 at state as a sophomore.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to compete this spring,” Russell said. “We will be a young team but we will work hard to compete to the best of our abilities as we proudly represent VCHS.” Julius Bolden and Kaleb Coleman were members of the second-place 400 relay team for WICHITA NORTHWEST in 2019.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

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4A Track

TANNER NEWKIRK

Photo by Huey Counts

Hayden

TAYLOR BRIGGS Chapman

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame Last year’s cancellation of the high school track and field season deprived the Class of 2021 the opportunity to put their talent on display at the state championships in Wichita.

Each program, from Class 6A to 1A, was affected, but few were hit as hard as Andale.

Of the 21 Andale boys who qualified for the state outdoor meet in 2019, just four of them remain. Eleven graduated last year without the opportunity to compete their senior season.

The Andale girls weren’t hit as hard. Of the 22 who qualified for 2019 state, 11 are back for the 2021 season. Seven others graduated.

The girls will be strong contender to win their fourth straight team championship. The boys, who have won five championships since 2013, will face a much more difficult task.

Class 4A will be a place to watch the sprinters in the girls’ division do their thing. Despite Piper taking its sprinters to Class 5A this spring, there is still a lot of talent remaining, including Kimalee Cook of Circle, Summer Spigle of Ottawa, Delaney Wright of Louisburg and Sian Helfrich of Pratt. This spring will also see the end of high school for Taylor Briggs of Chapman, a two-time champ in the 1,600 and 3,200, and four-time champ in state cross country.

ABILENE’s girls were left with a gaping hole following the graduation of Sydney Burton in 2019, now running at K-State, after twice winning the 800 meter title. She also ran a leg

of the 2019 state winning 3,200 relay and runner-up 1,600 relay, with all four runners from both teams now graduated.

Abilene’s boys had just one underclassmen state qualifier in 2019, then sophomore Trey Tovar in the 300 hurdles, but a group of state qualifying cross country runners - sophomores Grant Waite and Triston Cottone and freshmen Levi Hager and Trevor Tovar - will give the Cowboys strength in the distance events.

ANDALE returns one of the top field events athletes in any class in senior Katelyn Fairchild, who won the 4A javelin as a sophomore and placed third in the shot put and fourth in the discus. Her teammate Samantha Marx finished second in the shot put in 2019. The Indians also return Lainee Eck, who qualified in the 300 hurdles and Cali Kerschen who did likewise in the 100 hurdles. The state qualifying 3,200 relay team also brings back seniors Michelle Gage, Kennedy Hennes and Anastasia Meyer. Other top returning athletes are juniors Jaley Eck (HJ) and Annabeth Baalman (TJ) and sophomore McKenzie Fairchild (throws).

The boys return pole vault state champion Ty McPhail, a senior. Other top returnees are Noah Meyer (pole vault), Eli Rowland (hurdles) and Easton Landers (HJ).

“It will be interesting to see how kids develop with the loss of last season,” coach Tyler Ryan said. “We are replacing a lot of great athletes from both our boys’ and girls’ state title teams.”

Abigael Reid of ANDERSON CO. earned medals in three events as a sophomore in 2019, placing second in the 300 hurdles, third in the 100s and seventh in the pole vault.

AUGUSTA head coach Steve Reichardt returns for his 34th season with the Orioles. His top returnee is junior Sawyer Schmidt, who finished second in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200 as a freshman. He also placed sixth in the state cross country meet last fall.

“It will be interesting,” Reichardt said. “We have no idea what we will have for a team after losing last season.”

BALDWIN finished fourth in the girls’ team race in 2019. Veteran head coach Mike Spielman said his team should be strong in the 1,600 and 3,200 relays, as well as the middle distances. Ambrynn Stewart was a state qualifier in the 800 as a sophomore.

For the boys, Grady McCune was a state qualifier in the 800 as a sophomore in 2019.

“It will be an interesting year,” said Spielman, who has been in charge of the Bulldogs program for 31 years. “Because of no track last year, a lot of the kids have changed and it will be exciting to see who steps up.”

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Piper. Returning from that team is senior Sarah Perico, who was second in the long jump and eighth in the high jump. Other top returnees are Marrin O’Connor and Kiaya Key in the jumps.

On the boys’ side, senior Carson Key is back after finishing second in the triple jump as a sophomore. Other top returnees are Trey Ausler (hurdles), Jaylyn Birch (sprints), Jack Kincaid (throws), Zephan Rdriguez (distance) and Zoran Rodriquez (distance).

“We have a great balance of experienced state performers with a great group of young talent who we believe will be able to compete for state titles,” said coach Steve Koesterer.

Leah Bentley of BUHLER is one of the top female middle distance runners in 4A after placing third in the 800, fifth in the 1,600 and ran a leg on the second-place 3,200 relay team as a sophomore in 2019. Bentley finished fourth in the state cross country meet last fall.

For the boys, Cameron Campbell and Diante Campbell were freshmen in 2019 when they ran legs on the third-place 400 relay team.

Hayden Keller was also a freshman when he finished eighth in the 1,600.

The boys at CHANUTE return four athletes who qualified for state competition in 2019 senior William Guan in the 400, junior Bryce Bingham in the pole vault, Kolton LaCrone in the discus and Quentin Harris in the 400 relay.

Other top returnees are Rawley Chard and Eric Erbe in the sprints, Nathan Stanley in middle distance and Brock Godinez in distance.

Matti Cranor, a senior, finished eighth in the girls’ discus and also qualified for state in the javelin in 2019, while junior Madison Hughes qualified in the 200. Also returning are Bella Becannon (distance), Kelsey Goodner (throws) and Abbigale Burtnett (sprints) “The coaches and athletes are excited about the season and the potential for our team,” first-year head coach Matt Kmiec said. “After a year off, it will be great to see the improvements we can make this season.”

CHAPMAN features one of the top girls’ runners in any class. Taylor Briggs, now a senior, is a two-time state champion in the 1,600 and 3,200, and also won the state cross country championships four times. Also returning is Maya Kirkpatrick in the long jump and hurdles.

The Irish boys feature some depth with state qualifier Eli Winder returning in the 800. Other top returnees are Trevor Erickson (hurdles, PV), Kyler Welling (PV, sprints), Trevor Meade (sprints, jumps), Dominick Perea (sprints) and Dave Morgan (throws).

“There’s a lot of potential on both the boys’ and girls’ teams,” coach Steve Simpson said.

“We have some proven talent in the upper classes and lots of young talent.”

Kimalee Cook of CIRCLE had a remarkable 2019 state meet as a freshman. Cook brought home individual gold medals in the 100 and 200, and also ran legs on the third-place 400 relay and sixth-place 1,600 relay.

Also returning for the Thunderbirds are junior Rebekah Choriego, who qualified for the 800 as a freshman in 2019, and senior sprinter Sydney Herbert, who ran on the relays two years ago.

Tyler Bixenman was a member of the fifthplace 3,200 relay team as a freshman in 2019.

Another top returnee is Ian Hunter (1600, 3200), who was a state medalist in cross country last fall.

“Since we have a small but strong group of

Page 48 upperclassmen - including Kimalee Cook, the top sprinter in 4A, and Ian Hunter, cross country state medalist - we look forward to watching our promising underclassmen make immediate impacts for our team,” head coach Keil Jacobs said.

CLEARWATER returns three athletes who earned medals on relay teams in 2019 - seniors Zach Trotter in the 3,200 relay (second place) and Tanner Cash and Brett Noland in the 1,600 relay (sixth place), senior Lane Pierce (sprints) and juniors Maston Seiter (mid-distance) and Tate Martin (jumps, sprints) will provide much-needed depth.

For the girls, senior Carlee Lill returns after qualifying for state in the triple jump, while junior Laurel Streit competed at state in the 400.

Other top returnees are senior Ariah McCoy (sprints, jumps) and sophomore Hayley Trotter (mid-distance).

“I believe our overall athleticism has improved since the 2019 season, however, a steep learning curve is expected as many of our athletes will compete in new events for the first time,” coach Jeff Cornwell said.

CONCORDIA moves up to 4A this season.

Head coach Jordan Echer said the strength of his boys’ team will be sprints and relays. His top returnees are Keyan Miller (sprints), Dylan Thoman (sprints) and Cav Carlgren (jumps).

“The strength of our boys’ team will be our sprints, and relay teams,” Echer said. “Going into the 2020 season, we were excited for the relays we had put together, including our 4x800. Going into the 2021 season, we will have all of those athletes returning.”

The girls’ team will be led by seniors Sierra Gropp and Terin Rundus. Gropp was a member of the state-qualifying 400 relay team in 2019 and just missed qualifying in the 200.

Rundus finished fifth in the javelin at regionals in 2019 and will look to move up and qualify for state this spring.

EUDORA has five boys returning who qualified for the state meet in 2019 - seniors Daniel Grosdidier and Colby Lawhorn in the 400, junior Kurtis McCormick in the 3,200 relay, senior Kale Breedlove in the high jump and junior Cody Loganbill in the 3,200.

For the girls, juniors Makenna Longacre, Stella Whalen and Maya Pattison all return after running on the state-qualifying 400 relay team as freshmen. Also back in senior Chloe Thakker, who placed sixth in the high jump.

“We feel we can improve on our girls’ 13th place and boys’ 17th place finishes at the state meet in 2019,” coach Joe Pickett said. “Our girls strength should be the distance events, with a group that posted a second-place finish at 4A state cross country in the fall. Freshman Sydney Owens finished second overall and junior Mackenzie Mayer finished 11th overall.”

FORT SCOTT has two athletes returning who qualified for state in 2019. Ella Beth finished sixth in the girls’ 800 as a sophomore and Bobby Kemmerer qualified for the high school as a freshman.

“We are excited to have the opportunity for a track and field season,” first-year coach Bo Graham said. “Losing last season made a significant impact on what we sometimes take for granted.”

HOLTON is back in Class 4A and returns two athletes who were state-qualifiers in 2019 - senior Kale Purcell in the 1,600 relay and senior Canon Karn in the triple jump. Purcell will also

“With missing last year’s season, it is difficult to say how the team will look,” head coach Andy Wright said. “We have a strong contingency of returning seniors and juniors so we hope to be very competitive this spring.”

The girls from MULVANE finished second at regionals last year. Anna Moon, now a senior, qualified for the 800, finished eighth in the 1,600 and was a member of the fifthplace 3,200 relay team as a sophomore. She was joined on the 3,200 relay team by senior Campbell Williams.

Williams, who qualified for state in the 800, was also a member of the ninth-place 1,600 relay team, along with junior Amber Hansen.

Addison Whistler qualified for state in the pole vault as a freshman.

The top returnees for the boys are field athletes Chris Ables (discus, javelin), Chris Dietrich (discus) and Chase Nash (discus).

“Everyone is super excited to get out on the track and start competing after the loss of last season,” coach Robin Williams said.

The OTTAWA Cyclones have one of the top female sprinters in 4A in Summer Spigle, who was a state champion at 400 meters as a sophomore in 2019 and also placed sixth in the 200. Her teammate, Jaine Johnson, was a sixth-place finisher in the discus. The Cyclones also expect big things from freshman Ella Keebaugh in the triple and long jump.

For the boys, senior Josiah Jahn placed eighth in the 3,200 as a sophomore in 2019.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully having a season this spring,” said coach Aaron Miller.

Darian Hudgeons of PAOLA is expected to be one of the top female distance runners in 4A this spring. Hudgeons finished third in the 3,200 and sixth in the 1,600 two years ago at the state meet. Other 2019 state qualifiers returning are seniors Mariana Johnson (800) and

Morgan Clark (HJ) and junior McKenzie Kuehl (javelin). Other top returnees are Emersyn Smith (javelin) and Keana Palmer (SP).

Top returnees for the boys are Bo Robison (javelin), Jake Karr (discus, hurdles), James Earlywine (PV) and Damarius Bassett (SP).

“We’re really excited to have a spring season after 2020,” head coach Mike Smith said.

Sian Helfrich of PRATT is looking for a strong senior season after earning a couple medals as a sophomore in 2019. Helfrich was a state champ in the 300 hurdles and placed fifth in the 200. Her teammate, Addie Hoeme, finished seventh in the 3,200 as a freshman.

ROSE HILL has three boys returning who qualified for the state meet in 2019 - seniors Drew Leck (1600) and Colby Heinz (javelin) and junior Chance Hanning (shot put).

For the girls, seven of their nine qualifiers were underclassmen two years ago. Haley Thrush was a qualifier in the triple jump and 400 relay, Faith Exley a qualifier in the 100 and

PROUD

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 compete in the hurdles and Karn in the javelin.

Other top returnees are senior Rees Robinson (400) and junior Dalton Ashcraft (800).

The top returnees for the Wildcat girls are seniors Tes Young (100, LJ), Saydee Tanking (discus, javelin) and Abby Boeckman (SP) and junior Alayna Clayton (3200).

“This season will be new to all of our athletes as they missed last year,” first-year coach Travis Thayer said. “We look forward to a strong group of senior leaders to transition into a really strong group of young athletes.”

HAYDEN features Class 4A’s top distance runner in junior Tanner Newkirk, who finished second in the 3,200 and fourth in the 1,600 as a freshman in 2019. Newkirk is a three-time qualifier in the state cross country meet, finishing second as a sophomore and winning the 4A state title last fall as a junior. Jack Konrade, a senior, placed third in the long jump as a sophomore in 2019.

LOUISBURG returns a pair of state champions in seniors Justin Collins and Ben Wiedenmann, who ran legs on the first-place 1,600 relay team in 2019. They were also members of the fifth-place 400 relay squad. Luke Faulkner, a senior, placed fourth in the pole vault, while juniors Tom Koontz (300 hurdles) and Rylan Rogers (1600) were also qualifiers.

Other top returnees for the boys include senior Jay Scollin (javelin) and juniors Hayden Feikert (LJ) and Will Finestead (TJ).

For the girls, junior Delaney Wright returns after placing in four events at state as a freshman - fourth in the 400, fourth in the 1,600 relay, seventh in the 200 and eighth in the long jump. Rain Pugh, now a junior, ran the 1,600 relay and also on the eighth-place 400 relay.

Alyse Moore, a senior, finished fourth in the javelin. Other top returnees are senior Shea O’Hara (SP) and junior Rinny McMullen (disc).

Page 49 senior Aubrie Thomison in the 100 hurdles.

“We will have a lot of youth coming who will complement the seniors we have,” said coach Brandon Barger.

The WINFIELD boys finished seventh at state in 2019 and look to move up this spring.

Camilo Tarin, a senior, placed seventh in the 800 as a sophomore and ran a leg on the state-qualifying 1,600 and 3,200 relays.

Craig LaBrue, also a senior, placed sixth in the 3,200, seventh in the 1,600 and ran on the 3,200 relay. Joining Tarin and LaBrue on the 1,600 relay is returning junior Justin Nguyen.

Garrett Smith, a junior, qualified in the pole vault and juniors Michael Vargas and Albert Compala were members of the 3,200 relay.

For the girls, senior Rhea Anderson was sixth in the 300 hurdles in 2019, while junior Jessa Burris qualified in the javelin as a freshman.

“I am looking forward to a solid year with a good group of hard working athletes,” head coach Justin Price said.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

3A Track

Photo by Huey Counts

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame Because of the cancellation of the 2020 season the SCOTT CITY boys remain the defending 3A State Champions, and the girls were no slouch either in 2019. The boys, who won state for the third time in four years, ran away with a state title by tallying 101 team points, compared to second-place Smoky Valley’s 50.

Marshall Faurot (state champion in the 110 hurdles, high jump, and pole vault) has graduated, but the Beaver boys do return three seniors with state experience. Faurot’s pole vault height of 16-1 was a state meet record. Scott City was exceptional in the pole vault as the Beavers had three of the top four finishers. Loren Faurot, who placed third at 14-0 in 2019, is back for Scott City. Senior Isaac Tarango also returns after helping the 4x400 Meter Relay win state with a time of 3:22.72. Senior Roberto Apadaco, who was a member of the 2019 4x800 runner-up team, is also a key returner.

The Scott City girls took sixth at state in 2019, and return six upperclassmen with state experience. Junior Clare Hawkins finished second in the 3200 as a freshman, along with a sixthplace performance in the 1600 meter. Hawkins was also a member of a 4x800 team which finished third. Fellow junior Kennedy Holstein took ninth in the 400 meter and was a member of the state runner-up 4x400 team as a freshman.

Senior Paige Vulgamore took sixth in the pole vault in 2019, while senior Megan Vance joined Hawkins on the third-place 4x8000 team.

Scott City head coach Jim Turner is entering his 26th year as head coach.

“I am anxious to see how the underclassmen have grown and how much missing the 2020 season has affected them,” Turner said. “I did not get to see the development.”

The NEMAHA CENTRAL girls turned in an impressive state meet in 2019, and brought home a title to show for it. Replacing state champions Alleigh Kramer (200 meter dash winner, 100 runner-up) and Jacy Dalinghaus (shot put, discus, javelin) will not be easy.

Led by Dalinghaus, the Thunder had the top three finishers in the javelin. Hannah Scott placed second and Hannah Macke finished third; both Scott and Macke are back for 2021.

Scott also placed eighth in the shot, while Macke was a member of the sixth-place 4x100 team. Also returning is Heather Suther, who was also a member of the sixth-place 4x100 team.

Nate Deters was fourth in the shot (49-6.75) and seventh in the discus (145-5) for the boys.

Head coach Jon Thomas, in his 31st year, says his team will be young.

“As a coaching staff, we look forward to coaching our returning athletes and welcoming many new athletes,” Thomas said. “A large core of our

teams will be freshmen and sophomores.”

The NORTON girls won their regional in 2019, and return three upperclassmen to lead the way.

Junior Madi Dubois placed 16th in the shot put as a freshman, while seniors Addison Brooks and Courtney Jones were a member of the 4x100 team which finished 15th at state.

The Norton boys will be led by senior Jonah Ruder, who placed 13th in the high jump back in 2019. Senior Air Force football signee Christien Hawks should be a top thrower in 3A. “We are anxious to get back at it, and we are hopeful that we will get to compete in a full season,” said 14th year head coach Jason Jones.

The BELOIT boys were second at regionals and the girls were third. The boys graduated state champion Colin Chandler (shot put) and bronze medalist Creighton Johnson (discus), but Brennan Walker is a returning letterman in the javelin, while Grady Seyfert (throws) and Jacob Porter (distance) will be key athletes.

The girls will be led by Sage Prochaska in the discus, while Jaci Carter will participate in the shot put and discus.

Head coach Ryan Isbell is entering his 14th year as head coach.

“There is a great deal of uncertainty and excitement at the same time for the upcoming year,” Isbell said. “Unfortunately, the kids didn’t have the opportunity to compete last year, whether it was in junior high or high school. We are extremely excited for all the kids to get back out and see what they can do.”

The BURLINGTON boys return one state qualifier in Seth Jarvis, who placed 13th in the 3200 (10:34.00). Burlington coach Shane Clapper lists 12 returning starters and said there could be new athletes who surprise people.

The Burlington girls return two state qualifiers on the track side. Karlie Whitworth took 12th in the 100 hurdles at 16:64 as a freshman, while senior M.J. Huff was a member of the state-qualifying 4x800 team. Huff runs long distance, as does Lillyan Gerow.

Clapper expects big things from Lily Rolf in javelin, while Kylie Lank (shot put) and Caydence Doebele will be a key runner in the 4x100 and 4x400.

“It will be nice to have a track season after last year” Clapper said. “We have some depth, especially on the boys side, and I think both the girls and boys will be competitive in most meets.”

Plenty of CHENEY Cardinals went home with state medals in 2019. The Cheney girls were second at state and regional champs, while the boys placed third at state and second at regionals.

The Cheney girls scored 51 points to finish behind champions Nemaha Central, but graduated standout Layne Needham, who won the 100 and 300 hurdles. Cheney also won state in

the 400 meter relay.

Returning for Cheney is senior Chloe Grusing, who placed seventh in the discus (114-3) and qualified in the shot in 2019. The girls will get a boost from the addition of junior Brynn McCormick, who qualified for the 300 hurdles and ran a leg of the state runner-up 4x400 relay as a freshman at Scott City in 2019.

The Cheney boys were third at 2019 state with 40.5 points. Riley Petz won the 300 intermediate hurdles, while Trey Patterson won state in the javelin. Both graduated, but the Cardinals return Luke Grace (8th, HJ), Braden Black (7th, javelin) and Elijah Judd (4th, 200).

“Curious to see how things play out this year,” 12th year head coach Rich Simmons said. “We have a lot of strong athletes. Looking forward to seeing how the pieces come together.”

The CIMARRON girls were seventh at state in 2019. The Bluejays return Macy Fugitt, who was a member of the state-champion 4x800 relay team. Junior Jacee Wilson, who was the state runner-up in the triple jump and placed fourth in the long jump as a freshaman, also returns. The Cimarron boys return senior speedster Seth Ridenour, who placed fifth in the 100 meter dash in 2019 in a time of 11.13.

The COLBY boys placed third at regionals in 2019, but do not return any state qualifiers. Peyton Wahlmeier in the shot put and Tobin Gardner in the high jump and triple jump are returning lettermen. The Colby girls return state-champion Lara Murdock, who won the 2019 3200 meter with a time of 11:56.38 and is fresh off a cross country state championship last fall. Along with Murdock, Danielle Schroeder and Laurel Cates make up three legs of what should be a strong 3200 relay team. Seanna Metcalf, now a junior, was also a ninth place finisher in the open 3200.

Freshman Katie Chavez is another athlete to keep an eye on after taking fourth at state cross country.

The DOUGLASS boys will be led by Kolby Caster in the pole vault. Caster took second at state with a valut of 14-6 back in 2019. Dalton Hilyard (pole vault), Matthew Reynolds (800), and Chris Titus (800) will be key contributors.

The Douglass girls return two state qualifiers in Karsen Dunham (triple jump) and Kendall Coombes (3200). Rebecca Alvarez will be a key contributor in the shot put and discus.

Head coach Kelley Sayahnejad is entering his first year as head track coach at Douglass.

“I’m excited to work with this group of athletes,” Sayahnejad said. “We have a core group to provide leadership to our young athletes.

Matt Reynolds, Dalton Hilyard, and Chris Titus will all be key to our boy group scoring points.

Rebecca, Karsen, and Kendall are poised to have big senior seasons.”

ELLSWORTH head coach Nicholas Rodriguez is entering his third season as head

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Page 50 coach, but really it’s his second year because of the pandemic. The Bearcats will be young this season, with the boys returning two senior state qualifiers and the girls returning one. The boys return Luke Sharp, who placed fifth in the 100 meter dash in 2019 with a time of 11:35. Eryk Andalon was also a state qualifier in the pole vault for the Bearcats. Senior Trey Anderson will be in his first year of track, and Rodriguez describes him as athletic in jumps and sprints.

The Ellsworth girls return one state qualifier, but she’s a talented one. Shaylee Leiker took fifth in the 100 meter dash (12.82) and third in the 400 meter dash (1:00.31). She was also a member of the seventh-place 4x400 relay team. Freshman Kylan Turnipseed should make an immediate impact after setting the junior high school record in javelin.

“We will be young,” Rodriguez said. “Lots of freshmen and sophomores on the squad. It’s tough losing last year as it would have been a year of growth for me as a coach at a new school.”

The FRONTENAC boys will feature state experience and hope to improve off 2019’s 29th-place finish at state. Leading the way are seniors Easton King (14th, 300 hurdles) and Ty Gates (12th, HJ). Both Gates and King were members of the seventh-place 4x100 team (43.72) in 2019. King also was a member of the eight-place 4x400 team (1:47.72), as was junior Brady Stanley. King and Stanley also ran on the 15th-place 4x800 team (7:44.89). Owen Zafuta (distance) will also be a key contributor for the Raiders. The Frontenac girls return Gracen Hipfl, who was a member of the 15th-place 4x400 team (2:14.79).

Abigael Reid headlines the GARNETT-ANDERSON COUNTY track and field team in 2021. In 2019, Reid finished third in the 100 meter hurdles (15.99), second in the 300 intermediate hurdles (45.98), and seventh in the pole vault (9-6) for a Bulldogs team that drops from 4A to 3A. Morgan Edens (15th in high jump) and MaKenzie Kueser (ninth in triple jump) are also returning state qualifiers for the Anderson County girls. The Anderson County boys graduated Ryland Porter (fifth in 1600 meter) and Dallas Higginbotham (eighth in discus). Riley Hedges in the 800 and 1600 will be a key runner for the Bulldog boys.

Michael Sibley is entering his 21st year as head coach at Anderson County.

“Being 3A instead of the smallest school in 4A will help us, but it is going to take some great senior leadership to get us back to where we were,” Silbey said.

GIRARD’s girls finished second at regionals in 2019 and return three state qualifiers this year.

Serenia Short will lead the way on the track after taking 13th in the 200 meter dash and being a member of a fifth-place 4x100 team and the

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Page 51 Fort Hays State track and field.

“It will be very interesting as we had no season last year,” Schmidt said. “We think if we get the right kids back into the program we could be a very solid team on both the boys and girls sides.”

The HOLCOMB girls return one state qualifier from 2019 in Nicole Ruda (13th, javelin). Both the Holcomb boys and girls will be on the inexperienced side.

“We look forward to having a season after losing last year,” Holcomb coach Kent Teeter said.

“We will be a fairly young team. The main focus will be improving as the season progresses.”

The HUGOTON boys will be led by 300 hurdler Ashton Burrows and the girls will look to a number of athletes who excelled on the basketball court to deliver similar success on the track.

Among those are Mikyn Hamlin (sprints, jumps, throws), Summya Adiqun (relays) and Gianna Vos (high jump, relays). Heidi Bogan is also expected to make some noise in sprints and relays and Joe Sanchez will join Burrows as a key contributor to the boys’ team.

First-year head coach Tanner Hageman is excited to get going at KINGMAN. The Eagles track and field program had high hopes for 2020, and enter 2021 a bit more inexperienced.

Regardless, Hageman is eager to see what his younger kids can do. Both the Kingman boys and girls return one member from a state-qualifying 4x800 team. For the boys it’s Seth Krehbiel and for the girls it’s Kayla Belt. Austin Bell will lead the way in the shot put and the discus for the boys, while Hannah Pearce will do the same for the girls.

“More than anything I am just excited to watch our kids compete on a daily basis,” Hageman said. “We had several returning varsity athletes last year and this year we don’t have a ton of ‘seasoned’ veterans, but many younger athletes that are excited to show what they can do.”

The LAKIN boys bring back key members of state-qualifying relay teams. Servando Gonzalez was a part of Lakin’s third-place 4x100 team and its fifth-place 4x400 team in 2019. Ty Davidson and Conor Hudson were both members of the 4x400 team, while Edwin Garcia and Kade Lovelady particpated on the ninth-place 4x800 team. The Lakin girls do not return any state qualifiers, but welcome back lettermen Anna Sophie Vandernap (long jump, triple jump, 300 hurdles), Ryan Rider (pole vault, long jump), Tiana Gonzalez (triple jump, 800) and Josiah Ortiz (pole vault).

“We graduated a bunch of seniors last year and with losing the season, we will be young,” sixth-year head coach Chris Pollart said. “We have a bunch of athletes who are very excited about getting out on the track to see what we can do.”

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turn any state qualifiers from 2019. Key contributors for the boys include Fernando Herrera (100, 400, 4x100), Jace Snyder (100, 200, 4x400), Andreus Tucker (100, 300 hurdles), and Quade Cobb (throws). Key members for the girls’ team include Cagney Lumez (100, 200, 4x100), Jayme Hageman (100, 4x100, 4x400), Savannah Smith (100, 200, 4x100), Ava Mull (throws), Katie McClendon (shot put), and Halle Barker (jumps).

“We will be young on the boys side, but have what looks to be a good group of sprinters,” fourth year head coach Tad Remy said. “We need to piece together all three relay teams in order to be competitive in the league. The girls have the potential to be the best group of sprinters we have had and we have some solid throwers coming back.”

The MINNEAPOLIS boys return Brendan Shanks, who hopes to improve off his sixthplace performance in the 110 hurdles. Shanks will be the leader for the boys, while the girls will lean on Courtney Forte (4x100, 4x400). Brody Vance (throws), Keyon Baccus (throws), and John Nelson (hurdles) will be key members for the boys, while the girls will also rely on Alayna Cossaart - a state qualifier in cross country who will run distance.

“Very excited about my ladies’ mid-distance and distance athletes,” 19th year head coach Linda Smith said. “A couple had successful cross country seasons. Lost several seniors.

Starting with a promising young team with great potential, girls and boys.”

NEODESHA returns no state qualifiers. Head coach Joy Prunty enters her 32nd year.

The OSAGE CITY boys return a solid core of state qualifiers, while the girls lost all their state qualifiers to graduation. Returning for the boys are Shane Orender (11th, 800) and Jayce Brenner (16th, 1600). The senior trio of Noah Smith, Keegan Anschutz, and Reid Crawford were all a part of the 16th-place 4x400 team.

Crawford and Orender were also members of the third-place 4x800 team as well. The girls will be inexperienced, but Taylin Kirkpatrick (throws) and Campbell Stark (high jump) are returning lettermen.

“Osage City boys will be very competitive this coming season as we have a lot of boys returning and some young talent coming up,” 11th year coach James Bellinger said. “The girls team will lack some experience this year as we will be very young and looking to replace a lot of open spots.”

The PERRY-LECOMPTON boys are looking to keep the momentum going after winning a regional and taking sixth at state in 2019. Replacing the speedy Shane Quinlan (state champion in 400, third in 200) will be key. The girls were third at regionals and did not place at state. Neither Perry-Lecompton squad returns any state

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 14th-place 4x400 team in 2019. Hailey Orender was a member of the 14th place 4x800 team, while Olivia Cullen was a seventh-place medalist in the shot put.

Cormick Logue is the big name for the Girard boys. Logue, who is signed to run cross country and track at South Dakota State, is a two-time cross country state champion and finished second in the 3200 (9:49.32) at state track in 2019.

Logue also placed sixth in the 1600 (4:36.86).

Girard also returns three of the four members of the 16th-place 4x800 team - Michael Clugston, Quinn O’Rand, and Trenton Smith.

“We have a young team and many good athletes who missed their freshman or sophomore seasons,” said 27th year head coach Matt Logue. “This is a talented group of both boys and girls. They have a lot to learn and our coaches are truly looking forward to accelerating that learning curve.”

The HALSTEAD boys are coming off a seventh-place finish at state in 2019. The Dragons do not return any state qualifiers. Seniors Doug Grider (throws) and Thomas Porch (distance), and juniors Korbin Black (throws) and Conner Boyd (sprints) are returning lettermen. Parker Schroeder headlines the girls’ team. Schroeder placed 15th in the 1600 and was a member of the 12th-place 4x800 team. Senior Karenna Gerber (sprints), junior Leah Weber (distance) and sophomore Kaleigh O’Brien will be key contributors.

“There are some key holes to fill on both the boys and girls side,” fifth year head coach Jason Grider said. “We should be solid in the boys and girls sprints and the boys throws.”

The HESSTON girls had a state-championship 4x400 team in 2019. Caryn Yoder returns from the gold-medal team. Yoder also placed eighth in the 100 meter (12.76) and was a member of the fourth-place 4x100 team as a freshman. Emily Friesen was also a part of the 4x100 team as a freshman, and Goessel transfer Elsie Clark placed second in the 2A high jump 5-2.

After graduating the speedy Parker Roth, the Hesston boys bring back state qualifier Nick Arnold in the 110 hurdles (14th, 16.68).

Jason Peters is entering his 21st year coaching at Hesston and his 14th as head coach of the track and field program.

“We are fairly inexperienced this year on both our boys and girls teams, as we lost a large and very talented senior class last year that didn’t get a chance to compete,” Peters said.

Both the HOISINGTON boys and girls return zerio state qualifiers from 2019. Hoisington head coach Daniel J. Schmidt is unsure how many boys will come out in 2021. The girls will welcome back a few familiar faces in Sam Colson (sprints, relays), Suzanna Schneider (sprints, relays, javelin), and Alex Lamatsch (multiple events) - Schneider has signed with

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qualifiers but the boys return significant speed from their state runner-up football team. The Kaws are coached by 25th-year head coach Kasi Packard.

The PHILLIPSBURG girls return a healthy dose of state qualifiers from 2019. Senior Ava Schemper placed 11th in the 200 (27.10), junior Abby Babcock fourth in the 400 (1:00.38), and senior Meredith Jacobs was 13th in the triple jump (33-10.75). Schemper and Babcock were members of the state runner-up 4x100 team (50.04) and the third-place 4x400 team (2:05.19). The girls should also get a boost from standout basketball player Taryn Sides. The Panther boys do not return any state qualifiers.

Joe Buresh is entering his first year as head coach, taking over for long-time football and track coach JB Covington.

PLEASANT RIDGE coach Glenda Ann Connelly believes her squad has good leadership with returning upperclassmen. The girls return one of the top hurdlers in the class in Emma Schwinn, who was sixth in the 100 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles back in 2019. The boys do not return any state qualifiers, but do return Connor Gibson (800, javelin), Chase Wohlgemuth (hurdles, sprints), Luke Silvers (sprints), Zac Nichols (800), and Matt Schmidt (1600).

“Excited to begin the season, I have excellent leadership in the returning seniors and juniors,” Connelly said. “Some very athletic sophomores and freshmen will be a lot of fun to train and will mesh well with the talented upperclassmen.”

The RILEY COUNTY girls have a stacked squad, and it starts with Ames Burton, who head coach Jesse Woodard believes is one of the top throwers in the state. Burton was the silver medalist in both the shot put and discus in 2019 and will have her eyes set on gold this season. Jessi Brummett (sixth, javelin) is another talented thrower for the Falcons, while Hailey Sharp took 10th in the 3200 as a freshman. The boys do not have any returning lettermen.

“I am looking forward to this season as we missed last year so it will be interesting to see what the younger athletes are able to do,” Woodard said. “I believe that I have one of the best throwers in the state in Ames Burton so seeing what she will be able to do throughout the season will be fun.”

The RIVERTON girls placed eighth at state in 2019, while the boy boasted a state champion in Joshua Rutledge (3200, 9:32.83). Neither team welcomes back any state qualifiers, but head coach Blake Arehart says the boys will be filled with upperclassmen and the girls will have youthful talent. Leading the way for the boys are Kalyb Allen (300 hurdles) and Derek Larison (throws). The top returner for the girls is Cali Bocovich, who placed fifth at regionals in the 400 as a freshman. continued on page 60

Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

Garden Plain

By Gallagher Martin, For Kansas Pregame The STANTON COUNTY boys won state over Hillsboro by the slimmest of margins in 2019.

Stanton County finished with 48 points to Hillsboro’s 47. Shawnee-Maranatha Christian Academy was also a close third with 41 points. The Trojan boys graduated strong senior classes in 2019 and 2020, but will look to sophomore Kamryn Golub (state xc, third), junior Spencer Schmidt (state xc, 12th) and other runners from the state runner-up cross country team to provide strenght in distance races and relays. The Stanton County girls welcome back senior Jordyn Tucker (14th, 800) and senior Peyton Peterson (11th, 1600, seventh, 3200) and will expect big things from sophomore Chesney Peterson, the 2A state cross country champion last fall.

The girls’ team won the 2A cross country team title and sophomore Suzanne Farnham placed eighth as an individual and should make for a strong distance contingent for the girls as well.

The GARDEN PLAIN girls are loaded and eager to defend their state championship. Garden Plain won state in 2019 with 71.5 points, which was more than enough to defeat state runner-up Bennington (57). The Owls return state champion Allison Catlin (100 hurdles, 15.63). Catlin also participated on a second-place 4x400 team, and placed fifth in the 300 hurdles. Alli Puetz was also a member of the state runner-up 4x400 team. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, threetime state champion Brooke Hammond is only a junior. Hammond won gold in the 100, 200, and is the only remaining member of the first-place 4x100 team. Junior Reagan Smith was a state qualifier in the 1600, and junior Sophia Smith is a returning qualifier in the triple jump and was fifth-place in the high jump.

Garden Plain’s boys also return three state-medalist throwers - Jack Haukap (seventh, shot put), Tyler Dreiling (fifth, discus), and Arden Rex (fifth, javelin).

“Excited to have a season and looking for our athletes with state experience to lead the team,” coach Eric Rockers said.

BENNINGTON returns the most experience on the girls side headlined by senior Jasey Downing, fourth place in 100 meter dash as a sophomore in 2019 with a time of 12.76 and seventh place in the 200 in a time of 26.77.

Alexis Wheeler and Trista Watson join Downing as returners from the state runner-up 400 meter relay in 2019 and Regan Robinson is back

state in the 800 (2:25.09). The Eagles do need to replace Madison Ward, who medaled in the shot and disc. The boys do not return any state medalists. Look for Asher Miller (1600, 3200), Matt Cook (400, 800), Cody Zink (400, 800), and Michael Dimitt (javelin) to lead the way.

“We will be young and inexperienced for the most part but our upperclassmen are strong and will provide good leadership for our young kids to follow,” fifth year coach Andrew Cherry said.

The ELLIS girls tied for fifth at state in 2019, led by Grace Eck’s second-place performance in the 800 (2:19.91). Ellis should be strong in relay races, specifically the 4x100 and 4x400. The 4x100 features returners Abigail North, Chaselyn Jimenez, and Maci Kohl, who took third at state. Jimenez, North, and Eck teamed up and placed sixth in the 4x400.

Ashlynn Aikins headlines the ERIE girls track and field team. Aikins won a regional championship and placed third in the 100 hurdles in 2019. Aikins also tied for seventh at state in the triple jump. Nicole Aikins (javelin) and Haley McGowen (pole vault) are returning lettermen. The Erie boys will be led by Alexis Hernandez in the javelin, who placed second at regionals in 2019.

“We are going to be young, so getting experience will be important for us,” coach Eddie Kearns said. “Got a bunch of great kids that work hard, so excited to see what comes of this year.”

Senior Carrie Roe headlines the HERINGTON track team. Roe finished 15th in the shot (3110.25) and 16th in the discus (87-8) in 2019.

Railer coaches anticipated about 20 athletes out for track this spring.

The HILL CITY girls welcome back 2019 state experience from Abby Smith (11th, disc) and Alissa Keith (seventh, JAV). Jayce Hamel, is a favorite in the pole vault after finishing second (13-0) in 2018 and third in 1A in 2019 (13-0).

The HILLSBORO boys narrowly missed a state championship in 2019. Although the Trojans graduated multi-time state champion thrower Wes Shaw, Hillsboro has a senior-heavy roster entering 2021. Seniors Dillon Boldt (4x800), Jared Janzen (shot put), Cole Kaufman (javelin), Carson Linnens (triple jump), Tristan Reed (4x800, 3200), Austin Rempel (javelin), Charlie Major (pole vault), and Caleb Diener (4x800), along with junior Nate Hein (pole vault) are returning lettermen. The Hillsboro girls return Jessica Saunders, fourth in the shot put (37-8.25) and sixth in the discus (116-5) in 2019. Other key contributors are Iris Klein (4x100), Samantha Saunders (4x100), and Kinsey Kleiner (4x100).

“Despite missing last season, we still return many athletes with state experience,” head coach Dennis Boldt said. “This gives us great leadership and a core for others to contribute.”

The HOXIE girls return three members from a second-place 4x800 team of 2019 - Emily Diercks, Baylee McKenna and Ayleen Dimas.

Diercks also placed third in the 3200. Morgan Keith in the triple jump is another returning state qualifier for Hoxie. The Hoxie boys return two state qualifiers in Harlan Obioha (discus) and Gavin Tremblay (4x800). The Hoxie boys had a third-place 4X800 team, and Tremblay is the last remaining member.

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2A Track

along with Downing from the champion 4x400 relay. Ashlyn Harbaugh and Robinson are back from the champion 3200 meter relay.

Veteran Bulldog coach Rena Mick says her team is inexperienced, but hardworking.

“We have a lot of inexperienced athletes this season and they are working hard,” Mick said.

“We have few girls that were at state a couple of years ago.”

The LEON-BLUESTEM girls are defending regional champions and took home a third-place plaque at state in 2019. Senior Torrance Lovesee headlines the team this year after placing third in the discus (123-11), third in the triple jump (35-11), and fourth in the long jump (162.5). The Lions will also lean on Kayleigh Bruce - a state qualifier in the 800. The Leon-Bluestem boys do not return any state qualifiers. Jett Lucas and Eyan Knipp will be key contributors.

The CENTRAL HEIGHTS boys return three members from a 4X800 that took fourth place at state in 2019 - Luke Cotter, David Craft, Jarod Crawford. Crawford will also be a key member in the 800 and 1600. For the Central Heights girls, Lily Meyer (3200) and Taryn Compton (300 hurdles) will be important leaders.

“The athletes and I are all looking forward to pushing forward into the 2021 season to see how much growth we have made since the 2019 season,” sixth year coach Troy Prosser said.

“Looking forward to the season and getting to compete,” fourth-year coach Joe Burgardt said.

The CHEROKEE-SOUTHEAST boys are looking to make some noise this season. Jaret Brumback leads the way and has aspirations of a state title in the 110 and 300 hurdles. Brumback finished third in the 300 hurdles (40.51) in 2019 and was top-ranked in the 110 hurdles in the but failed to make it out of prelims. Matthew Martinie (200) and Hunter Newcomb (PV) are also key returners. The Southeast girls return no state medalists, but do return three qualifiers Sailor Jackson (PV, JAV), Jessie Jenkins (3200), and Saydi Sullivan (100, 300 hurdles).

“We are excited to get things going again,” seventh-year head coach Nick Cheney said. “Our goal is to get eight or more kids to state this year and win the boys league title.”

Jonathan Wright headlines the CONWAY SPRINGS boys. Wright finished third in the triple jump (43-8) and fifth in the high jump (6-0) in 2019. He has a personal best of 6-7 in the high jump. The girls are led by Ally Lange, who placed 13th in the 800 (2:38.85) in 2019.

“Boys team will have some pretty good jumpers,” coach Brent Martens said. “Girls team has a number of hurdlers who should contribute.”

The ELKHART girls will be led by Jaycee Parker in the pole vault after a ninth-place finish in 2019. Jenna Johnson in the 200 is another name to keep an eye on. The boys graduated state medalist Lane Whisennand (eighth, 100).

Yessenia Gonzales is the new coach at Elkhart.

“Elkhart has a young group of athletes coming out this year,” Gonzales said. “These athletes have potential to make some noise.”

Erin Hammeke and Ashtin Klepper look to lead the ELLINWOOD girls in 2021. Hammeke was a state medalist in the 3200 (fifth, 12:28.59) and 1600 (eighth, 5:38.75). Keppler placed fourth at

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Page 52 high expectations for and are excited to see what they will accomplish this year,” fifth-year head coach Lichelle Baar said. “Our returners bring a lot of experience and work ethic that will help push this team to new levels.”

Both the HUMBOLDT boys and girls return two state qualifiers. The boys must replace Tucker Hurst, who placed top five in the javelin and discus, but do return Drake Harrington (4x400, 4x800) and Drew Wilhite (4x800). The Humboldt girls return Jessica Myers (4x400, 4x800) and Zoey Wilson (4x400, 4x800).

“We have a good core of juniors and seniors that should lead our team this season,” 19th year head coach Eric Carlson said. “As with everyone else, our underclassmen will be very inexperienced but they have some raw talent. If we can get them working in the direction we want to early, we should see positive results.”

The JAYHAWK LINN boys must replace state runner-up 110 hurdler Hayden Broyles (15.40).

Cameron Johanning (jumps) is the team’s top returner. The girls do not return any state qualifiers. Kadence Carpenter will be one of the team’s top performers in distance races.

“Very excited to be able to have a season this year,” fourth-year coach Clint Johnson said.

The JEFFERSON CO. NORTH girls were regional champs in 2019 and eighth at state.

The Chargers boast the top high jumper in 2A in defending state champion Adison Manville (5-2).

The Charger girls also return a state qualifier in Makayla Ratzlaff (13th, pole vault). The Charger boys return six state qualifiers from 2019 led by fifth place 3200 meter runner Trevor Pentlin, who was also fourth in 2A cross country last fall.

The MARION girls return a state-champion pole vaulter in Anne Baliel, who won state at 106. The Warriors also have talent around Baliel.

Heidi Grimmett returns after placing seventh in the 800 at 2:26.18 and fifth in the 1600 at 5:28.81. The Marion girls also had a 4x100 team that finished seventh and a 4x400 team that finished 10th. Baliel was a member of both relay teams, while Grimmett participated in the 4x400.

Abigail Stuchlik is another returner from both the 4x100 and 4x400 teams. The Marion boys return Burton Harshman, who ran first leg on a 12thplace 4x100 team. Grant Thierolf enters his 23rd year as head coach at Marion.

“We will be young on the boys’ side of things but we will have some talent,” Thierolf said. “Our girls will have good state level competitors in a number of events, but depth will be a problem.”

Neither the MOUNDRIDGE boys or the girls have much state experience, but coach Brian Holloway is optimistic his teams can have an impact at state. The boys do return Caleb Samlund, who placed ninth in the 800 as a freshman.

“Our numbers are low, but if we get the kind of quality out that I think we can, we could make some noise at state,” Holloway said.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 The PLAINVILLE girls return Brooklyn Staab, who placed eighth in the high jump (5-0), fourth in the discus (123-10), and 12th in the javelin (107-03) in 2019. Staab will continue her throwing career at the University of Nebraska-Kearney after high school. Also returning for the girls are Brooke Nuss and Brady Bouchey, who were on the 15th place 4x100 team (54.87).

The boys return no state qualifiers, but Jonah Smith (throws), AJ Brown (hurdles), Carter Cellmer (jumping events), and Chayse McCullough (distance, Colby CC commit) will lead the way.

A strong senior class will lead the REPUBLIC CO. boys in 2021. Jared Baxa returns after placing 12th in the 300 hurdles (42.97) and eighth in the long jump (19-6). Baxa was also a member of the sixth-place 4x100 team (45.36) and 11thplace 4x400 team (3:37.30). Kaleb Talkington was also on the 4x100 team, while Cody Dahl is a returner on the 4x400 team. Dahl also ran on the 12th-place 4x800 team, while placing ninth in the pole vault (11-0) in the process. Senior Gunnar Couture and junior Hunter Reynolds were also members of the 4x800 team, and Couture ran on the 4x400, too. Junior Nevan Benyshek returns from the 4x100. Tyler Stindt also returns after placing 11th in the discus (136-9). The girls are pleased to have senior Emily Jensik back after she finished second in the 300 hurdles (47.03) and seventh in the 100 hurdles (17.36) in 2019.

The REMINGTON boys and girls return a state placer apiece from 2019. The boys return Asher Brown, sixth in the 3200 (10:18.46). The girls return Lucy Brown, eighth in the 3200 (12:51.20).

“The Bronco boys will be led by Asher Brown and Toby Lewis and should be strong in distance, mid-distance, and relay events,” coach John Bumm said. “Lucy Brown, Audrey Van Zelfden, and Ellie Van Zelfden look to pace the girls,

who will also be strong in distance and mid-distance events. The girls will look to compete for a top spot in the always tough HOA.” Mike Rogers is entering his 28th year as head coach at SMITH CENTER. The Redmen boys were fifth at state in 2019. Smith Center will be led by Nate Hendrich, who is a two-time state qualifier in the 4x800. Smith Center must replace state-champion Hesston Maxwell in the javelin.

The Smith Center girls must replace state runner-up Gracen Hutchinson (javelin) and state runner-up Bree Frieling (pole vault). Smith Center returns Ashlyn Long, who placed 12th in the pole vault.

“Seniors have not had track since sophomore year,” Rogers said. “Time will tell, we will work hard and see what happens.”

The ST. MARY’S COLGAN boys return two of their four members from an eighth-place 4x100 team - Doug Brown and Brice Wood. Stuart O’Brien (1600) is another key returner. The girls will be led by Grace Carson, who placed fourth in the 300 hurdles (47.77) in 2019. Mary Grace Goetting (1600, 4X800) and Paris Taylor (4X100) are key returners for the girls.

Tyus Wilson is the strong favorite to repeat as state champion in the high jump for STERLING. Wilson jumped 6-10 to win gold as a sophomore in 2019 and won the 3A high jump in 2018 (66). The Sterling boys also return Alan Anderson, who placed ninth in the 100 (11.44). The Sterling girls are led by Kayla Morris, who placed sixth in the 100 hurdles (17.02), eighth in the 300 hurdles (40.06), and fourth in the high jump (5-2).

Also returning for the Black Bears are Hadassah Boeken, Esmeralda Castillo, and Lacey Farney, who teamed up and placed fifth in the 4x100 (51.96). Three more returners - Riley Richter, Kali Briar, and Risa Boeken - were members of a 14th-place 4x800 team. Hadassah Boeken is

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also a returning state qualifier in the long jump and triple jump.

TREGO coach Pat Haxton is excited for the season. The Golden Eagle boys and girls each return one state medalist. The girls return Lili Shubert, who placed eighth in the pole vault in 2019 and sixth in 2018. The boys return Wyndom Giefer, who took ninth in the 1600 and 3200 and won 2A cross country last fall.

“I’m really optimistic about the chances of both the boys and girls having really successful seasons,” Haxton said. “The whole group is a hard working bunch and were really disappointed about last year, not being able to participate. If we can keep from any injuries I believe we can win some meets this year.”

UNIONTOWN head coach Jackie Hall is entering her 39th season. As experienced as Hall is, the 2021 season is a perplexing one for her. The girls do have a proven runner in Danielle Howard, who was third in the 300 hurdles (47.18), seventh in the 100 (12.90), and eighth in the 200 (27.14) in 2019.

“It’s hard to know where we are at, missing the 2020 track season,” Hall said. “We have 13 boys and 10 girls who have indicated interest in track.

We are certainly looking forward to being able to have the 2021 track season.”

VALLEY FALLS moves up to 2A after spending 2019 in 1A. The Dragons return no state experience, and will be young.

“We have an inexperienced team this year,” 20th year coach Seth Cooper said. “We have a few returners who look to have a big year.”

When discussing WABAUNSEE track and field, it all starts with state champion Lauren Schutter, the defending champ in the triple jump (36-4), who was also the state runner-up in the long jump (16-6.5). Additionally, Schutter placed

Page 53 11th in the 200 - all as a freshman. The Wabaunsee girls also welcome back Madison Schutter in the 110 hurdles, who placed 14th at state as a freshman. The Wabaunsee boys return two state qualifiers and one state placer. Jace Reves placed eighth in the 800 (2:04.83), while Aiden Boeckman was 16th in the 200.

“Our preliminary numbers are low, but there should be some good quality athletes,” head coach Roger Alderman said.

The WICHITA CO. boys have high expectations entering 2021. Wichita County placed eighth at state in 2019, but this year the potential is even higher. The boys will lean on Sheldon Whalen, the defending champion in the 300 hurdles (39.80), the bronze medalist in the 110 hurdles (15.47), and the eighth-place finisher in the 200 (23.76). Whalen was also a member of the sixth-place 4x400 team. Myles Conard and Jesse Gardner are also returners from the 4x400 team. On the field side, WC is led by Tristen Porter, who placed third in the pole vault at 12-6.

The WC girls return no state qualifiers. Maggie Brown (javelin), Amelia Koehn (throws), and Allison Wiggs (400) will be key members.

“Strong boys team with goals of placing in the top three as a team at state and bringing home multiple state champions in individual events,” head coach Janee Porter said. “Young girls team that will focus on building the program in the next few years.”

The YATES CENTER girls return no state qualifiers, but Liberty Cavender (100, 300 hurdles) and Maddie Proper (HJ, 800) are key members.

“I am just really excited for our kids to get the opportunity to compete this year after not having that chance last year,” third year coach Ryan Panko said.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021

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By Gallagher, For Kansas Pregame The KIOWA COUNTY girls won state in 2019 with a cool 69 points, 10 more than second-place Lincoln in a race that came down to the very end. The Mavericks had a strong team in 2019, with state medalists in sprinting events, jumps, and throws. Kiowa County did not lose a meet all year long. While the Mavericks did get hit by graduation, they do return the speedy Addi Heinson, who placed second in the 100 (12.53), second in the 200 (25.94), fourth in the 400 (1:00.57), and was a member of the state-champion 4x400 team (4:05.92), all as a freshman. The icing on the cake of Heinson’s four-medal state meet was setting the school record in the 200. Madison Yost (10th, 3200) is another key returner for the Mavericks, as is Gracie Gray, who was a member of the 11thplace 4x100 team (52.9). The Kiowa County boys graduated two state medalists in hurdler Reid Rhodes and Cale Thompson in the javelin.

Senior Luke Ballard leads the way in the pole vault this season.

We can’t wait to have a season this year,” 13th-year head coach Travis Powell said.

The NORTHERN VALLEY boys reigned supreme in 2019 with 55.5 points. The Huskies

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were hit hard by graduation, including all four members of the state-championship 4x400 team (Riley Sides, Nic Stutsman, Aidan Baird, and Ivan Varela), but do return Tharen Cox, who was 12th in the 110 hurdles (16.59). Alex VanPatten finished 15th in the discus (129-0) and is another key returner for the Huskies. The girls were in a three-way tie for sixth in 2019, but will struggle to replace Paige Baird, who won the 400, took second in the 300 and the 100 hurdles, and was fifth in the 200.

The ARGONIA boys graduated state medalist Zach Haxton, who placed sixth in the 800 and seventh in the 1600. Noah Phillips returns in the javelin for the boys, while Chelsea Coleman (sprints) returns for the girls.

“Excited to see what our kids can do this year after having to cancel last year,” 14th-year coach Jon Mead said.

Samantha Dark returns for the ATTICA girls in the pole vault who should also get contributions from members of an outstanding volleyball team. Dark placed sixth (9-0) in 2019 as a sophomore. The Attica boys graduated their lone state qualifier - Blake Harnden in the triple jump - but should get contributions from talented football and basketball teams.

Football and basketball are not the only sports AXTELL will miss Quinn Buessing in. In 2019, Buessing medaled in the 3200 (second, 10:07.78), in the 800 (seventh, 2:01.85), and was a member of the fifth-place 4x800 team (8:40.24). Returning for the Eagles are George Volle (sprints), Mitch Buessing (distance), Isaac Detweiler (sprints), and Noah Scheibe (pole vault). The Axtell girls return Hailie Schmitz (throws), Jordyn Smith (distance), and Aspen Buessing (distance). Michael Glatczak is in his second year as head coach.

“We are just focused on getting better each meet and hitting our top performances come league, regionals, and state,” Glatczak said.

Lauryn Dubbert will lead the BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S girls in 2021. Dubbert finished fourth in the pole vault (9-0) and ninth in the javelin (123-2) in 2019. The boys will have to replace state-champion Brady Palen, who did not get a chance to defend his high jump crown. Blake Perez, and Brayden Perez return from an eighth-place 4x100 team.

The BEREAN ACADEMY boys were fifth at state while the girls were fourth in 2019. The girls welcome back Sonya Zimmerman (seventh, 800), Sophie Dugger (ninth, pole vault), and Erin Mullins (13th, long jump). Zimmerman is the lone returner from the state runner-up 4x800 team. Berean featured the sixth-place 4x400 team, and returns Miranda Wiebe and Teagan Smith. Wiebe and Anna Eldridge return from the seventh-place 4x100 team.

The boys feature their fair share of returners, too. Chase Wiebe placed 13th in the 800, Trey

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Topham was 10th in the 1600, Gavin Tucker was 14th in the 1600, Andrew Janzen finished seventh in the 3200, Eli Nord was 13th in the 3200, and Micah Busenitz is a state qualifier in the pole vault. Topham, Wiebe, and Janzen all return from the fourth-place 4x800 team.

Expectations are high for the BURLINGAME girls in 2021. Emmy Punches is due for a big senior year in the 4x800, 1600, and 3200.

Punches is a four-time state qualifier in cross country and a two-time state qualifier in track.

She also holds the school record in the twomile. Burlingame returns all four members of its 4x800 team (Punches, Brooke Lewis, Daelyn Winters and Mckrae Masters). Winters was a qualifier in high jump and won league as a freshman. Lewis will also compete in the 800. The Burlingame boys return Austin Tyson, who ran on the 4x400 team.

“Our girls team should be very strong. We are deep and talented,” head coach Jeff Slater said.

The BREWSTER boys return senior Colten Palmer, who placed ninth in the 400 (52.83) as a sophomore in 2019.

The BUCKLIN boys will miss Talon Estes, now high jumping at Army. Estes was second at state as a junior in 2019 in the high jump (6-6). Bucklin does return senior Joshua Stout, who placed sixth in the pole vault at 12-6. Senior Ridge Estes is also a returning state qualifier in the shot put and discus. The Bucklin girls welcome back Catherine Bowman and Danae Scott, who were members of the 10th-place 4x400 team.

Terry Bruton enters his 17th year as head coach at BURRTON. The boys return Lucas Leis in the 1600 and Alex Dick in the shot. The girls return McKinsie Hoopes in the 200. “I’m hopeful that we will have a season and I’m eager to see our kids compete again,” Bruton said.

The CANTON-GALVA boys return Tyson Struber, a state qualifier in the high jump in 2019 as a freshman. Christian Darrah (1600), Lane McMannis (400), Caden Marley (400), and Jaden Ediger (100, 200) are key returners. The Eagle girls will be led by Morgan Becker, who placed 13th at the 3200 in 2019 as a freshman.

Alayna McGuire is looking to break her school record in the pole vault at CUNNINGHAM. Coach Eric Kerschen is optimistic about his team. “Looking forward to some of our boys’ relays and some key runners in the middle distance. I’m anxious to see how the athletes have changed from two years ago,” Kerschen said.

“I’m looking forward to some good girls relay teams and some possible placers at state.”

DEXTER head coach Whitney Killman is excited for 2021. “We have good potential this year,” Killman said. “We have a lot of young runners who are ready to compete.”

DONIPHAN WEST returns Elle Williams, who placed eighth in the 800 (2:29.35) as a freshman and is one of 1A’s top cross country

Page 54 runners. The boys return Trent Spiker in the long jump. “Had a freshman/sophomore heavy team last year with a ton of potential before shut down,” coach Skyler Allen said. “Should have a solid team in a variety of events.”

The FRANKFORT girls placed fourth at state in 2019 and are hopeful to duplicate their success in 2021. Leading the way for Frankfort is Maggie Armstrong, who placed third at state in the pole vault (9-6). Frankfort also boasts the defending 4x100 state championship relay team. Returning from that team are Mariah Broxterman and Lydia Loiseau. Frankfort also had a seventh-place 4x800 team, which Broxterman and Laney Yaussi return from.

For the boys, Keller Olson and Ethan Armstrong return on the 4x100 team.

The GOLDEN PLAINS girls were third at regionals in 2019. Ashley Stoll and Brooke Stoll will lead the way for the Bulldogs. Ashley placed eighth at state in the 400 (1:01.22) in 2019, while both Ashley and Brooke were on a second-place 4x400 team (4:09.13) and a sixthplace 4x100 team (51.81). The boys return no state qualifiers, but Wade Rush (throws) and Roberto Loya (distance) will lead the way.

“Wade Rush looks to lead the boys squad in each of the throwing events as will Roberto Loya look to do the same in the distance events.

Both have a legitimate chance at qualifying for state in multiple events,” head coach Travis Smith said. “Ashley and Brooke Stoll will lead the girl’s team with a wealth of state experience.

Freshman Emma Weiner will look to continue her success on the track after a third place finish at state cross country. Sophomore Breanna Rath will have a great chance to qualify in multiple events after not being able to compete as a freshman because of the cancelled season.”

The HANOVER boys nearly won state in 2019 with 48 points and will be primed for another run at a title after dominant football and basketball seasons. Returning for Hanover is senior Jacob Jueneman (eighth, 800) and junior Emmitt Jueneman (eighth, triple jump). Both Jacob Jueneman and Jacob Klipp are returning runners from the third-place 4x400 team. Avery Behrends returns for the Hanover girls after taking 11th in the 100 (13.17) as a freshman.

Allison Jueneman and Behrends return from the seventh-place 4x400 team. Deja Atkins is a returning state qualifier in the 100 hurdles.

Collin Oswalt is fresh off a state championship in cross country for HUTCH-CENTRAL CHRISTIAN and is ready to lead the Cougars this spring. Oswalt is one of three returning members of the third-place 4x800 team (7:27.32) along with Adre Ibarra and TJ Bessmer.

The JACKSON HEIGHTS boys won a regional championship in 2019. Daniel Little will lead the way for the Cobras. Little placed sixth at state in the 1600 (4:38.17) in 2019 and fourth 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE Master Mech. Licensed Bonded - Insured

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 in the 800 (2:02.61). Other key returners for Jackson Heights are Taylor Wamego (15th, shot put), and Jason Bosley (sixth, high jump). The girls had a fourth-place 4x800 team in 2019.

Returning from that relay team is Annie Allen.

“We are going to be young but very competitive,” coach Denise Visocsky said. “Hopefully be able to compete in multiple events on both the boys and girls side.”

The LA CROSSE boys had a third-place 4x100 team in 2019. Returning from that relay is Colby Stull, who is also a member of the 4x400 and participates in sprints as well. Other key members for La Crosse are Blake Pierce (distance), Lucas Webster (throws), CJ Patterson (throws), and Chase Schmidt (mid-distance, jumps). The girls return no state qualifiers, and will look for Allie Sletman (throws) and Kathryn Thielenhaus (throws) to lead the way.

“On the boys side, our senior leadership this year will be key to having a successful season,” 10th year head coach Chris Delimont said. “Our girls team will be young.”

Both the LAKESIDE boys and girls are looking to win a league championship in 2021. The boys will lean on Wyatt Eberle in the javelin (16th, 2019 state). The girls return two of their four members from the 4x400 team that finished eighth at state - Kaitlyn Howland and Tanna Cunningham. The Lakeside girls also had an eighth-place 4x100 team and return two runners - Cunningham and Courtney Baetz. Howland was also 13th at state in the 300 hurdles.

“We have some young talent joining us this year, and I look for our girls team to repeat as league championships and improve our fifth place regional finish,” third-year head coach Jessica Cunningham said. “Our boys team has a talented group of young men and I would expect to see us in the running for a league championship as well as to take several to the state meet.”

Jaycee Vath is nearing an end to her out-

standing running career at LINCOLN. Vath is a state-champion cross country runner and is the defending state champion in the 1600 (5:23.81) and 3200 (11:27.53). Led by Vath, who also placed fourth in the 800 (2:28.58), the Lincoln girls were second at state with 59 points. Two additional returning distance runners also aided Lincoln’s runner-up finish - Raegen Stewart (fifth, 12:23.73) and Shelbie Ford (seventh, 12:35.10) were medalists in the 3200. The trio are all a part of the defending state champion 4x800 team that needs to find a fourth runner and hope it will come from the state runner-up cross country team.

The Lincoln boys will be paced by Landon O’Hare and Tyler Good, who are both back from a fifth-place 4x100 team. Good should challenge for a state appearance in the sprints.

LOGAN head coach Lynette Ehm is optimistic about the upcoming season. The boys return Sam Pinkerton (1600, 3200), Ian Sparks (shot put), and Dylan VanLaeys (javelin).

“I am excited about this upcoming year,” Ehm said. “I have numerous seniors and juniors that are ready to get back to running, jumping and throwing. I have numerous underclassmen I am ready to see perform at the high school level.”

The MACKSVILLE boys return Cleven Huggins and Michael Seward. Huggins, who will run track and play football at Highland Community College, took 11th in the 300 hurdles in 2019.

Huggins and Seward are also returners in the 4x400. Abi Ibarra, who placed 13th in the 1600, returns for the Macksville girls.

“The boys sophomore class was league champions in junior high and should help round out the relays and give us depth from the 200 on up,” coach Jennifer Gillespie said. “On the girls side, we should be strong in the throwing events with senior Yuli Triana and some underclassmen to give us depth.”

The MADISON boys will be led by Hamilton’s Kelton Beuttner, who placed third in the 110

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hurdles (15.44) in 2019. Beuttner also placed eighth in the high jump (6-0), 13th in the long jump (19-3), and 10th in the triple jump (40-3).

Junior Casey Helm, who placed seventh in the discus at 146-6, also returns for Madison. The boys should also get help from a strong group of football and basketball players including seniors Hunter Engle (throws, relays), Ryan Wolgram (sprints, relays) and Tristan Smith (mid-distance, relays), juniors Drew Stutesman (throws) and Braden Foltz (jumps) and sophomore Bryson Turner (sprints, long jump, relays).

The girls graduated state runner-up Emily Farrow in the high jump (5-2), but return Reece Farrow, who placed 15th in the high jump at 4-6.

“With track getting cancelled last spring, I am really looking forward to this season,” fifth-year coach Alex McMillian said. “We should have a good solid core of athletes returning this spring, and we’re excited to see how we progress.”

After a successful 2019 season in 2A, the MEADE boys drop down to 1A in 2021. In 2019, Meade placed sixth at state and were 14 points behind first-place Stanton County. Graduation hit Meade hard, but the Buffaloes do return bronze medalist Vance Shewey in the high jump (6-4). Also returning for Meade is Torren Haynes (13th, 800). The boys also welcome a number of young distance runners who helped the cross country team win 1A last fall. The Meade girls return Kylin Rudzik (10th, 300 hurdles).

“This year we bring in a good balance of upperclassmen who have state experience and underclassmen who have seen success in junior high and the cross country season (2020 boys 1A champions, girls 4th place),” head coach Garrett Daugherty said.

Although MINNEOLA does not return any state qualifiers, coach Reigo Hahn says num-

Page 55 bers are up for both teams. The Wildcat boys return Alex Deibert (throws) and Mason Pfaff (pole vault), while the girls return long-distance runner Cindy Holt.

“We expect to have a very successful season,” Hahn said. “Our goals are improving every day and getting as many kids to state as we can.

The NATOMA girls return two athletes with state experience. Ashton Lund placed eighth in the 3200 (13:08.95) in 2019. Also returning for the Tigers is Carley Chrisler, who competed at state in the 100 and 200. The boys have a returning lettermen in Derek George (JAV).

“It will be interesting after missing last year but I believe both Carley and Ashton have a good chance of returning to state,” head coach Kurt Grafel said. “Derek has put in some work in the weight room and that should help him tremendously and have a shot at state.”

The NESS CITY girls will have experienced relay teams capable of placing at state in 2021.

Cynthia Guzman, Caidyn Horton, Kennedy Liggett, and Taylor Starr all return with state experience. While the boys return no state experience, they will rely on Gavin Schreiber (800), Seth Flax (1600), and Matt Delaney (throws).

“We return a very good core group on the girls side plus a pretty strong freshman class so all three girls relays look to be really competitive,” head coach Patrick Younger said. “On the guys side it will be fun because there is not a whole lot of experience but plenty of competition within the group. We look to hopefully have competitive relays on the boys side as well. More than anything, both squads are excited to have a track season.”

The OAKLEY boys had two relay teams that finished in the top four, including a state-championship 4x800 team. The Plainsmen return half

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as anyone with all underclassmen. The boys, however, welcome back some experience, headlined by Jayce Kohl in the long jump. Dalton Regan (triple jump), Kaden Foust (300 hurdles, javelin), and Christian Roth (sprints) will all be key contributors for the Cougars.

“On the girls side, our team is composed of all freshmen and sophomores, so it will take some time to sort out events, but there is potential for big things from this group,” head coach Travis Starr said. “On the boys side we will have good competition for many events. For both the boys and girls it will take some time to find events that best fit but hopefully by the end of the season we will be peaking heading into regionals.”

Jaden Carlson headlines the PAWNEE HEIGHTS girls track and field team in 2021.

Carlson finished sixth at state in the 800 (2:29.23) and seventh in the long jump (162.75) in 2019. While the boys return no state qualifiers, they do return their 4x800 team in Braden Colglazier, Adam Hands, Junior Cordero, and Alec Carlson.

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 of their relay team in the form of Ethan Abell and Cody Zimmerman. Abell also placed seventh in the 100, while Zimmerman was 11th in the 800.

The Oakley girls also return a bit of state experience with Liberty Booker (ninth, shot put) and Andelyn Johnson (12th, discus).

“Our girls team will be very young this year,” coach Jason Robben said. “Last year would have been the most experienced team we had in quite a while. We had the opportunity to do some great things last year at the state meet.

The boys team has the opportunity to be really good this year. We have a great senior class with some outstanding boys. We have a chance to improve on our 12th place state finish.”

With OLPE’s success in virtually every boys and girls sport offered this school year, track is sure to have a similar result. Both squads will be led by distance runners with fourth place cross country finishers Macy Smith and Nolan Redeker returning after qualifying for state in multiple distance events in 2019.

The OTIS-BISON girls team will be as young

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“We are returning experience from the state track meet along with athletes that placed in the top six at the regional meet but didn’t make the state meet,” head coach Rick Carlson said. “We also have younger athletes that have performed well at the junior high level that are expected to have an immediate impact at the high school level.”

Third-year PEABODY-BURNS head coach Kody Tegtmeier is hoping for solid numbers this track and field season. Returning for the girls is Mya Winter - a state qualifier in the 1600. The boys will lean on three juniors who all do sprints and jumping events - Jake Partridge, Thomas Smith and Noal Reynolds - and senior thrower Gage Branson.

“It’s going to be a weird season this year, after missing out on track a season ago,” Tegtmeier said. “I am hoping kids come out with a chip on their shoulder, happy to be there, and ready to go. We should have a competitive squad this year. Hoping to have numbers to run relays as well as compete in individual events. Hoping to have about 10-12 boys, and 8-10 girls out this season.”

PIKE VALLEY head coach Gary Loring isn’t sure what to expect this season with a young team. The Panther boys return Keaton Reeves, who placed fourth at regionals in the 110 hurdles in 2019. The girls welcome back Carolina Barazza, who placed third at regionals in the

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Page 56 3200. “We could be pretty competitive but it depends on who goes out,” Loring said.

The PRATT-SKYLINE girls will miss state qualifiers Heidi Roberts and Hayley Roberts, but the boys return a solid group of upperclassmen. Jackson Wallace will lead the way after an 11th place performance in the 3200 in 2019. Jesus Casas and Braden Tyler are returners from Skyline’s seventh-place 4x100 team.

John Crist is entering his 28th year as head coach at QUINTER. Although neither the boys or girls return state qualifiers, Crist says numbers are the highest in two decades.

“We will have close to 50 kids out for track this year. This is as many as we’ve had in 20 years,” Crist said. “We have a chance to be very competitive in both girls and boys. While we don’t have anybody returning that has placed at regionals, we have a lot of talented kids who will work hard and are anxious to show what they can do. We are looking forward to the season.”

The RURAL VISTA girls were well represented at state in 2019. Returning for the Heat this season is Amber Brockmeier, who placed 10th in the pole vault. Meghan Brockmeier was a state qualifier in the high jump and also participates in the long jump and triple jump, while Cami Jacobson (300 hurdles, 100 hurdles) will also be a key runner. Adam Sobba enters his fifth year as head coach.

“This year we will be combined with White

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 City during the regular season meets. We will compete as Rural Vista just like in all other sports. We will then split back up for regionals and state,” Sobba said. “Senior girls will be looking to win the Wheat State league title for the third time. Senior girls will also be looking to get back to state meet. Amber qualified as a sophomore and Meghan and Cami both made state as freshman.”

Sicely Jackson headlines the SATANTA girls team entering 2021. Jackson earned three medals in 2019, including a third-place finish in the 400 (59:68), seventh in the 100 (12.96), and seventh in the 200 (26.62). Ella Burrows in the 1600 and 3200 is another key returner for the Satanta girls. The boys return Darvin Puerto, who took 15th at state in the 3200.

“Sicely Jackson is looking forward to a strong

comeback after losing her junior season,” head coach Karen Burrows said. “She placed 14th at the state cross country meet and is planning to expand into some new events in preparation for competing in the pentathlon in college. Junior Puerto’s cross country season was cut short due to a football injury, so he’s looking forward to a strong track season now that he has recovered. Junior and Ella Burrows both missed qualifying for state cross country by one place in the fall, so they are both looking for redemption in their senior track seasons.”

The SOLOMON boys return two members of a 2019 state-qualifying 4x400 team - senior Alex Herbel and junior Nevante Farris.

The SOUTH CENTRAL boys have a state-championship contender in Jonny Robles. As a sophomore, Robles finished third

in the 200 (23.10) and fifth in the 100 (11.24).

For the girls, Hadley Lohrding is a returning member from a ninth-place 4x100 team. Lohrding also participates in the 300 hurdles, while Kristin Hackney is hoping for a solid season in distance races after taking 22nd at state cross country.

SOUTHERN CLOUD coach Ryan Perkins is hoping for large numbers this season. The boys return Dusty Mason in the hurdles, while the girls return Braya Darnall in sprints.

“Im looking for another big turn out for us,” Perkins said. “Last year before the season got cancelled we had 25 kids signed up to go out, which is twice as many as the year before. I’m excited to see what the kids can accomplish.”

STOCKTON returns no state qualifiers from 2019 but will look to junior Rylan Basart in

Page 58 throws and sophomore Kaelyn Means in the discus to lead the way. Freshman Jonathan Hamel could emerge as a top distance runner after placing 13th at state cross country last fall.

The ST. FRANCIS boys welcome back senior Shadryon Blanka from 2019’s state runner-up 4x100 team (44.60). Blanka also placed 14th in the triple jump (39-6.25). The St. Francis girls are led by senior Emma Johnson and junior Mia Morrow, who were members of a state-qualifying 4x100 team.

SYLVAN-LUCAS track sustained a blow this offseason when top thrower Tra Barrientes was injured trying to defend his wrestling state title. Junior Dayton Couse will track to pick up the slack after placing sixth at Regionals as a freshman.

TESCOTT only returns four athletes from

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Kansas Pregame Spring Preview 2021 2021. Kayden Presnell, Braydon Peterson, and Garrett Phelps all return with state experience.

Peterson is a state qualifier in the pole vault, Presnell is a returning state qualifier in the 110 hurdles, while Peterson and Phelps return from a state-qualifying 4x800 team.

THUNDER RIDGE was well represented at state in 2019, but only return two state qualifiers in 2021 - Madelyn Davis and Raini Hrabe on the 4x800 team.

The loss of last season hit VICTORIA hard.

The Knights will be youthful this season, but the boys return Grant Schoenrock in the 200 and 400 and Nate Windholz in the 100, while the

girls return Melany Huser in the 800 and Kaitlyn Windholz in the long jump.

“We will have a very young team this season,” head coach Amy Schoenrock said. “Over half of our team will be first time track members, due to the season we lost last year.”

Developing depth will be important for the WESTERN PLAINS Bobcats.

“We are very small with numbers,” coach Joe Spangler said. “We have some talent in our middle distance crew and hope to find more this season.”

Head coach Tony Brokes is entering his 25th year at WILSON. The Dragons will be inexpe-

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rienced, but do return Cooper Weinhold in the shot put and Camryn Eberhart in the hurdles.

“We will be restarting after a year off, hopefully we have a few surprises,” Brokes said.

The WHEATLAND/GRINNELL girls have nice pieces returning in 2021, and head coach Todd Flinn is very excited about his boys’ team as well. The girls return 2019 state qualifiers Anna Godek (12th, triple jump) and Isabella Ostmeyer (15th, pole vault). Other key contributors for the girls include Tyra Schultz (discus) and Livia Schultz (javelin, 4x100). The boys have a plethora of athletes to work with: Trevor Zarybnicky (throws), Trey Vincent (pole vault), Tyrell Chap-

Page 59 in (triple jump), Jett Vincent (high jump), Isaac Mendez (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles), and Ryan Heier (long jump, 100, 200, 4x100).

“Our boy’s team is led by senior Trevor Zarybnicky and an extremely talented and diverse group of juniors has the potential to be one of the strongest 1A programs in northwest Kansas,” Flinn said. “Our girl’s program will miss Kirsten Schroeder who finished the 2019 season with a trip to state in shot put as a sophomore, but had her senior year cut short with an injury during volleyball. In her absence, an athletic group of junior girls will lead the charge to repeat as WKLL champions.”

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3A Track & Field/from page 51 “Our boys team will be full of upperclassmen that could potentially do well at state. We return a lot of experience here. We return three out of four guys that were on our 4x4 and 4x1 in 2019,” Arehart said. “Our girls team will be extremely young, only having one senior girl on the team.”

ROCK CREEK returns no state qualifiers, and the boys will have to replace state runner-up Nolan Churchman in the high jump. The boys will be led by Brandon Geyer (sprints) and Yanci Spiller (triple jump). The girls have the senior trio of Grace Fike (long jump), Lauren Gill (800), and Evie Gill (400). Rock Creek head coach Mike Zabel enters his 15th year as head coach.

The ROYAL VALLEY girls return two-time state medalist Morgan Harvey in the triple jump. In 2018 Harvey placed third and in 2019 she finished fifth. Royal Valley also returns state-qualifier Ivy Fink in the high jump. Tressa Jim (middle distance), Josslyn Coulter (pole vault), and Samantha Neuner (shot put) are returning lettermen. For the Royal Valley boys, Luke Boyden (pole vault), Levi Parrett (javelin), and Antonio Greemore-Hopkins (1600, 3200) are returners.

“A lot of unknowns and excitement entering our 2021 track season after last season’s missed opportunity,” fourth year head coach David Boucher said. “We have a solid group of knowns, but a lot of people that have something to prove.”

RUSSELL head coach Mike Wilhelm is entering his second season as head coach, but his first year was cut well short due to the pandemic. Returning for Wilhelm this season is Jesse Whitmer (100) for the boys, and Renee’ Nichol (long jump, triple jump) for the girls.

“Lots of unknowns,” Wilhelm said, “so I don’t really know what I have all around.”

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Caselman expects his squad to have more depth than the past. The boys will rely on cross country standouts Luke Gleason (1600, 3200), Dominic Jackson (3200), and Dylan Sprecker (1600) - Gleason was fifth in the 1600 in 2019.

The Trojans also return Eddie McVay (triple jump) and Chase Poague (hurdles). The Southeast of Saline girls return Mallorie Pearson (3200), Sydney Poague, and Jentrie Alderson - one of the top distance runners in the state.

Both teams won 3A cross country last fall.

“This year’s teams should have a lot more depth in some of the events that we have not had the last several years,” Caselman said.

SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS will roll out an inexperienced lineup, but head coach Matt Bell is optimistic about his distance runners on the girls’ side. Ozia Trujillo placed second at state cross country as a sophomore this past fall. Yanely Puentes (800, 1600, 3200, relays), Yesenia Trejo (400, 800, relays), and Dianna Olvera (100, 200, 400, relays) are all key returners as well. The Southwestern boys have two returners - Hever Mercado (100, 200, relays, javelin) and Bryant Olvera (800, relays).

“Hard to predict what our men’s team will look like as we lost a ton of talented kids to graduation,” Bell said. “I look for our mid-distance girls to be very strong this season based off of cross country performance.”

Both ST. MARYS track and field programs return multiple state qualifiers. The boys return Isiah Holz - seventh in the long jump at 20-04.5 - and Levi Jukes - a member of the team’s fifthplace 4x400 team. The girls will be headlined

by Jayla Johnson (13th, 300 hurdles), Lanie Mott (seventh, 4x100), and McKenna Mayhew (ninth, 4x400).

“We are impressed with what our athletes have been doing this past year in order to improve their likelihood of doing their best when opportunities arise,” coach Alex McConaghy Proud to support

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said. “We will have a lot of growth this year to make but because of our strong older athletes, they’ll be empowering those younger athletes to learn from mistakes and make progress.”

Lucas Lang leads the THOMAS-MORE PREP-MARIAN track and field team, while the girls bring back a bulk of their 2019 team. Lang was a member of TMP’s fourth-place 4x800 team and its seventh-place 4x400 team. The TMP girls welcome back Kassidi Yost (fourth, high jump, 12th, 4x400), Makinsey Schlautman (sixth, high jump), Abby Rueschhoff (ninth, triple jump), Sasha Wasinger (13th, shot put), and Emilee Lane (seventh, 4x800).

“We are excited to get the opportunity to get back on the track and in the field to compete,” fifth-year coach James Harris said. “We have a great group of senior leadership and have high expectations for a competitive season.”

The WEST FRANKLIN girls finished second at regionals last season and return junior Lily Judd, who placed 11th in the 400 in 2019 as a freshman. Head coach Ryan Hahn is optimistic about his boys’ team. Seniors Ethan Hatfield (1600) and Cameron Wise (100, 200, high jump) will lead the way.

“The boys team has been ready to make a competitive statement for nearly two years, and they will have their chance now with a well rounded team led by a solid group of upperclassmen,” Hahn said.

Both SMOKY VALLEY track and field programs walked away with state hardware in 2019. Although head coach Jay Myers believes some of his top returners may not be coming out for track in 2021, the Vikings should have solid teams once again. Ryan Heline will lead the way for the Smoky Valley boys in the 800,

Page 60 1600, and 3200. Stephen Peterson and Garrett Huffman were members of a state-qualifying 4x800 team. The girls are led by Belle Peters (second, 100 hurdles, sixth, 100, sixth, long jump, state champion, pole vault). Gracie Lambert finished fourth in the 800, and was also a part of the state-qualifying 4x400 and 4x800 teams. The 4x400 team finished fifth and other returning members include Kajsa Peterson and Abby Rose. The 4x800 team also placed fifth and included Lambert, Rose, Rylee Ebert, and McKinley Johnson.

“A big key on the girls’ side will be keeping our young ladies healthy,” Myers said. “We have had some issues the past three years that have affected us.”

The SANTA FE TRAIL boys were fourth at state and a regional champion. The boys return state-champion Brett Schwartz, who won the discus as a freshman (171). Senior Ryan Weekly was ninth in the 100 two years ago. The girls return one state qualifier - Addie Hinterweger, who was 10th in the discus.

“We are hoping that the year off won’t affect the progress we have been making in our program,” head coach Scott Flanary said. “We have a few varsity athletes left from our last trip to state. They will have to lead a large group of young athletes who will have to fill into some varsity role before the end of the season.”

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