Fall Sports Preview 2023 by Great Bend Tribune

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 1 Great Bend • Hoisington • Central Plains • Ellinwood • Larned Macksville • Otis-Bison • Pawnee Heights • St. John • Stafford

10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Prairie at Ness City 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—at 1A state, Wamego

FOOTBALL, 8-MAN 2, DISTRICT 5 9-1—Ness City 9-8— at Macksville 9-15—at La Crosse 9-12—*Victoria 9-19—*at Sylvan Grove 10-6—*Otis-Bison 10-13—Bucklin 10-27—8-man playoffs

GIRLS TENNIS 8-29—at Ellsworth 8-31—at Lindsborg JV 9-5—at Hoisington 9-7—at Lindsborg 9-9—at Hesston 9-14—Lindsborg 9-18—at Hoisington JV 9-19—Claflin; at Sterling JV 9-21—at Lindsborg JV 9-23—at WaKeeney 9-28—Central Prairie at Great Bend 10-6-7—at 3-1A regional 10-13-14—3-1A state, Topeka

VOLLEYBALL *CPL 8-26—JV at Ness City 8-31—at Fairfield/Chase 9-9—at Ellsworth Tournament; at Hoisington JV Tournament 9-12—Hesston 9-16—at Russell Tournament 9-19—*La Crosse/Otis-Bison 9-23—at Hoisington Tournament a.m. 9-26—*at Macksville/Kinsley 9-30—at Sylvan Grove JV Tournament 10-3—*at Victoria/Ellinwood 10-5—at Ellsworth/Smoky Valley 10-7—at Chase JV Tournament 10-10—*St. John/Ness City 10-14—Central Prairie at La Crosse 10-21—at 1A substate 10-28—at 1A state

ELLINWOOD CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—at Lake Barton 9-9—at Wamego 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Halstead Wedgwood 10-3—at Ellsworth 10-12—Central Prairie League at Ness City 10-21—at 2A regional 10-18—2A state, Wamego

FOOTBALL *1A, DISTRICT 7 9-1—at Syracuse 9-8—at Douglass 9-15—*Stanton County 9-12—*Hutchinson Trinity 9-19—*Conway Springs 10-6—*at Inman 10-13—*Medicine Lodge 10-20—*at Sterling 10-27—1A playoffs JV FOOTBALL—9-5—Syracuse; 9-11—Douglass; 9-18—at Stanton County; 9-25—at Hutchinson Trinity; 10-2—at Conway Springs; 10-9—Inman; 10-16—at Medicine Lodge

GIRLS TENNIS 8-29—at Ellsworth 8-31—at Larned; at Ellsworth JV 9-9—at Great Bend 9-12—Ellinwood Tournament 9-16—at Kingman 9-21—at Greensburg 9-28—at Great Bend, Oiler Invite 10-6-7—at 3-1A regional 10-13/14—3-1A state, Topeka

VOLLEYBALL *CPL 8-29—Hillsboro 8-31—at Ellsworth/Beloit 9-5—Chase/Victoria/Otis-Bison 9-10—at Ellsworth Tournament; at Lyons JV Tournament 9-11—at Smoky Valley/Haven 9-12—at Wheatland 9-19—Haven 9-9—*Macksville/St. John 9-23—at Lyons Tournament 9-26—*at Ness City/La Crosse 9-28—at Larned/Hill City/ Hoisington 10-3—*at Victoria/Central Plains 10-10—*Kinsley/Otis-Bison/ Chase 10-12—Clay Center 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 2A substate 10-27-28—2A state

PHOTOS

HOISINGTON CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—Lake Barton 9-7—at Hesston 9-14—at Herington 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Ness City 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Kansas League, Pratt 10-21—at 2A regional 10-28—at 2A state, Wamego HMS CROSS

COUNTRY—8-31—Lake Barton; 9-9—at Pratt; 9-14—at Stafford; 9-21—at Larned; 9-28—at Pratt; 10-5—at Sterling FOOTBALL *2A, DISTRICT 7 9-1—Hesston 9-8—at Halstead 9-15—Lyons 9-22—*SW Heights 9-29—at Pratt 10-6—*at Lakin 10-13—*Larned 10-20—*at Cimarron 10-27—2A playoffs JV FOOTBALL—9-4—at Hesston; 9-11—Halstead; 9-18— at Lyons; 9-25—Smoky Valley; 10-2—Pratt; 10-9—Lakin; 10-16— at Larned

GIRLS GOLF 8-29—at Hutchinson, Crazy Horse 9-5—at Medicine Lodge 9-11—at Pratt 9-14—at Larned 9-18—at Russell

9-21—at Hutchinson JV, Crazy Horse 9-25—Lake Barton 9-28—at Medicine Lodge JV 10-2—at Hays 10-3—Central Kansas League at Pratt 10-9—at 3/1A regionals

10-16-17—3/1A state, Emporia GIRLS TENNIS 8-29—Hoisington JV 8-31—at Larned; at Phillipsburg JV 9-5—Hoisington 9-7—at WaKeeney JV 9-8—at Tribune JV 9-9—at Great Bend 9-12—at Garden City JV 9-12—Hoisington JV 9-14—at Ellsworth 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-18—Hoisington JV 9-19—at Claflin; at Lyons JV 9-11—at WaKeeney JV 9-23—at WaKeeney; at Pratt JV 9-26—at Ellsworth; at Tribune JV 9-28—at Scott City JV 9-30—at Central Kansas League

10-6/7—at 3-1A regional 10-13/14—at 3-1A state, Topeka

VOLLEYBALL*CKL Central Kansas League (4-2, 2ND) 8-31—Holcomb/Dodge City 9-5—*at Haven/St. John 9-9—Hoisington JV Tournament 9-12—*Larned/Pratt 9-16—at Russell Tournament 9-9—*at Smoky Valley/Cheney 9-23—Hoisington Tournament 9-26—*at Halstead/Hesston 9-28—at Larned/Ellinwood/Hill City 10-3—*at Lyons/Russell 10-5—Hesston, SE Saline 10-10—*at Hillsboro/Nickerson 10-12—at Hutchinson Trinity/ Ellsworth 10-21—at 2A regional

LARNED CROSS COUNTRY 9-2—at Hays 9-14—at Stafford 9-21—Larned, Abby TrappPrescott 9-26—at Lyons 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Kansas League, Pratt 10-21—at 3A regional 10-28—3A state, Lawrence LMS CROSS COUNTRY—9-2— at Hays; 9-14—at Stafford; 9-14— Larned, Abby Trapp-Prescott; 9-26—at Lyons; 9-28—at Pratt; 10-5—at Sterling; 10-12—CKL, Pratt FOOTBALL *2A, DISTRICT 7 9-1—Pratt 9-8—at Lyons 9-15—Smoky Valley 9-22—at Nickerson 9-29—*at Cimarron 10-6—*SW Heights 10-13—*at Hoisington 10-20—*Lakin 10-27—2A playoffs JV FOOTBALL—9-4—at Pratt; 9-11—Lyons; 9-18—at Smoky Valley; 9-25—Nickerson; 10-2— Cimarron; 10-9—at SW Heights; 10-16—Hoisington; 10-23—at Lakin GIRLS GOLF 8-29—at Hutchinson (Crazy Horse) 9-7—at Cimarron 9-11—at Pratt 9-14—Larned 9-18—at Russell 9-25—at Lake Barton 10-2—at Hays 10-3—Central Kansas League, Pratt 10-9—at 3-1A regional 10-16/17—3-1A state, Emporia GIRLS TENNIS 8-31—Larned 9-5—at Great Bend 9-7—at Great Bend JV 9-9—at Pratt 9-12—at Ellinwood; at Hoisington JV

9-16—at Pratt JV

9-18—at Scott City; at Hoisington JV

9-19—at Claflin; at Lyons JV

9-23—at Pratt JV

9-26—Larned 9-30—Central Kansas at Lindsborg 10-6/7—at 3-1A regional

10-13/14—3-1A state, Topeka VOLLEYBALL

Central Kansas League (0-5)

8-29—at Langdon 8-31—home meet 9-5—at Lyons 9-10—at Otis-Bison/LaCrosse 9-13—Pratt/Hoisington 9-15—Cimarron

Hays TMP 9-9—at Hillsboro/Halstead 9-13—at Greensburg Tournament 9-16—at Smoky Valley/Haven 9-28—Ellinwood/Hill City/ Hoisington 9-30—at Kingman Tournament 10-3—at Hesston/Nickerson 10-5—Kinsley/Stafford 10-10—Haven/Russell 10-21—at 3A substate

MACKSVILLE CROSS COUNTRY

8-31—at Pretty Prairie 9-9—at Pratt 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Pratt

10-5—at Sterling 10-12—at Central Prairie, Ness City

10-21—at 1A regional

10-28—at 1A state, Wamego

MUSTANG VOLLEYBALL *CPL

8-29—at Greensburg/ Hodgeman County/Norwich

8-31—at La Crosse/Otis-Bison

9-5—Stafford/Ness

9-8—at Ness City 9-15—at Otis-Bison 9-22—Wichita County 9-29—*at Stafford 10-6—*South Barber 10-13—*at Kinsley 10-20—*South Central 10-26—8-man playoffs

TIGER VOLLEYBALL *CPL 8-28—at Burrton/Halstead 8-29—at Larned 9-1—at Pratt Skyline Tournament 9-4—at Hoisington/Haven 9-6—Medicine Lodge/ Halstead 9-11—at Stafford/Burrton/ Macksville 9-18—*Ellinwood/Macksville 9-22—at Hoisington Tournament 9-25—*at Otis-Bison/Victoria 9-27—at Ellsworth/Russell 10-2—*at Kinsley/La Crosse 10-10—*at Ness City/CPHS 10-13—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-20—at 1A substate ST. JOHN TENNIS 8-24—at Cimarron 8-29—at Pratt JV 8-31—at Sterling 9-5—at Hoisington 9-14—at Lyons 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-19—at Sterling JV 9-21—at Greensburg 9-23—at Pratt JV 9-26—at Ashland 9-28—at Great Bend 9-30—at Dodge City 10-3—at Ashland JV 10-6/7—at 3-1A regional

STAFFORD CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—at Pretty Prairie 9-9—at Pratt 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned 9-26—at Lyons 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at North Newton 10-12—Heart of the Plains 10-21—at 1A regionals 10-28—at 1A state, Victoria SMS CROSS COUNTRY--8-31—at Pretty Prairie; 9-9—at Pratt; 9-14—at Stafford CC; 9-26—at Lyons; 9-28—at Pratt

STAFFORD FOOTBALL

at Hays; 9-11—at Hutchinson; 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned; 9-26—at Lyons; 9-28—at Pratt;10-5—at Sterling ST. JOHN FOOTBALL *DISTRICT 9-1—Macksville

*DISTRICT 9-1—Fairfield 9-8—at Skyline 9-15—Hutchinson Central Christian 9-22—*at South Central 9-29—*St. John 10-6—at Norwich 10-12—*at South Barber 10-20—*Kinsley 10-26—8-man playoffs

TROJAN VOLLEYBALL 8-26—at South Barber Tournament 8-30—at Otis-Bison/ Cunningham 9-5—at Macksville/Ness City 9-9—at Otis/LaCrosse Tournament 9-12—at St. John/Burrton/ Macksville 9-16—at Rozel-Burdett Tournament 9-19—Norwich/Fairfield 9-26—at Attica/Hutchinson

Central Christian 10-3—at Skyline/South Barber 10-5—at Larned/Kinsley 10-10—at Pretty Prairie/ Cunningham 10-14—at Heart of the Plains 10-21—at 1A regional

GREAT BEND CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—Great Bend Invite, Lake Barton 9-9—at Olathe 9-14—at Buhler 9-21—at Larned 9-23—at Lawrence 9-30—at Wichita Carroll 10-12—WAC, Great Bend 10-21—at 5A regional 10-28—5A state, Lawrence GBMS CROSS COUNTRY—8-31—Great Bend Invite, Lake Barton; 9-5—at Buhler; 9-13—at Hays; 9-11—at Haysville; 9-16—at Salina; 10-3— at Dodge City; 10-7—WAC at Hays FOOTBALL 9-1—McPherson 9-8—*at Hays High 9-15—at Buhler 9-22—Wichita Southeast 9-29—*Dodge City 10-6—*at Liberal 10-13—at Ulysses 10-20—*Garden City 10-27—5A playoffs JV-NINTH GRADE FOOTBALL—9-4—at McPherson; 9-11—Hays High; 9-18—Buhler; 9-25—at Wichita Southeast; 10-2—at Dodge City; 10-9— Liberal; 10-23—at Garden City GIRLS GOLF 8-28—at Hays 8-31—at Dodge City JV 9-5—at Salina Central 9-7—at Dodge City 9-11—at Liberal 9-14—at Salina JV 9-18—at Salina; at Russell JV 9-21—at Garden City 9-25—at Hoisington JV 9-28—at Hoisington; at Dodge City JV 10-3—Great Bend Invitational 10-9—at 5A regional 10-16-17—at 5A state BOYS SOCCER 8-22—at Salina Jamboree 8-31—*at Liberal 9-4-9—at Wichita South Tournament 9-12—*Hays High 9-14—at Maize South 9-16—Wichita Trinity 9-19—*at Hays High 9-21—*at Dodge City 9-26—*Garden City 10-3—at Wichita Life 10-5—*at Garden City 10-10—*Dodge City 10-12—Junction City 10-17—*at Liberal 10-9—McPherson 10-23/26—at 5A regional GIRLS TENNIS 8-29—at McPherson JV 8-31—at McPherson 9-5—Great Bend round robin 9-7—Great Bend JV 9-9—Great Bend Invitational 9-11—at Garden City JV 9-12—at Dodge City 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-18—at Hoisington JV 9-19—at Lyons JV 9-21—at Salina South 9-23—at Garden City 9-28—at Salina Central JV 10-2—at WAC, Garden City 10-7—at 5A regional 10-13-14—5A state VOLLEYBALL 8-31—at Garden City/Liberal 9-5—at Dodge City, Guymon, Okla. 9-9—at Riley County; at Scott City JV 9-12—Hays/Manhattan 9-14—at Ellinwood/Haven/ Smoky Valley 9-16—at Salina Central 9-19—at Junction City 9-21—at Goddard/Hutchinson 9-23—Great Bend JV Tournament 9-28—Dodge City 9-30—Great Bend Tournament 10-3—at Goddard Eisenhower/ Campus 10-5—at Hillsboro/Emporia 10-7—at El Dorado 10-10—at Phillipsburg/Smith Center 10-12—at Dodge City/Garden/ Liberal 10-14—WAC at Dodge City 10-21—at 5A substate 10-27-28—at 5A state, Topeka NINTH-GRADE—8-28—at Garden City; 8-31—at Hays; 9-2— at Junction City; 9-7—at Hays; 9-9—at Hutchinson; 9-14—Pratt/ TMP; 9-21—Salina South/TMP; 9-23—at Pratt; 9-28—Dodge City; 10-2—at Garden City; 10-5— Dodge City/Hays/Liberal; 10-10— at Dodge City CENTRAL PLAINS CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—at Lake Barton 9-7—at Hesston 9-14—at Stafford 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Ness City

9-19—at

City 9-7—at Deerfield/Kinsley 9-12—at St. John/Stafford/ Burrton 9-16—at Rozel-Burdett Tournament 9-19—at Ellinwood/St. John 9-23—at Greensburg Tournament 9-26—*Central Plains, Kinsley 9-30—at Ellinwood JV Tournament 10-3—*Ness City/Otis-Bison 10-10—*at La Crosse, Victoria 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 1A substate MACKSVILLE FOOTBALL *DISTRICT 9-1—St. John 9-8—at Central Plains 9-15—at Medicine Lodge 9-22—*WaKeeney Trego 9-28—*La Crosse 10-7—*at Ness City 10-14—*at Skyline 10-21—*Kiowa County 10-27—8-man playoffs OTIS-BISON CROSS COUNTRY 8-31—at Lake Barton, 4 9-9—at Pratt, 10 9-14—at Stafford CC, 4 9-21—at Larned, 4 9-28—at Ness City, 4 10-5—at Sterling, 4 10-12—Central Prairie at Ness City, 4 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—1A state at Wamego COUGAR FOOTBALL *DISTRICT 9-1—La Crosse 9-8—at Kinsley 9-15—St. John 9-22—*Sylvan-Lucas 9-29—at Dighton 10-6—*at Central Plains 10-13—Reno County Home School 10-20—*at Victoria 10-27—8-man playoffs COUGAR VOLLEYBALL *CPL 9-27—at Healy Tournament (3RD, 3-2) 8-29—Stafford/Cunningham 8-31—at La Crosse/Macksville 9-5—at Ellinwood/Chase 9-9—at Otis-La Crosse Tournament 9-12—at Ness City/Quinter 9-19—*at Central Plains/La Crosse 9-23—at Hoisington Tournament 9-26—*at St. John/Victoria 10-3—*Macksville/Ness City 10-7—at Chase JV Tournament 10-10—*at Ellinwood/Kinsley 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 1A substate PAWNEE HEIGHTS TIGERS SCHEDULE *DISTRICT 9-1—Moscow 9-8—*Chase 9-15—*at Tescott 9-22—at Peabody 9-29—*at Cunningham 10-6—*Burrton 10-13—*at Southern Cloud 10-20—*Natoma 10-27—6-man playoffs TIGER SCHEDULE *SPIAA 8-29—at Bucklin/Meade/Kinsley 9-2—at Skyline Tournament 9-5—*at Minneola/Ingalls/ Moscow 9-12—*Bucklin/Satanta 9-16—at Rozel/Burdett Tournament 9-19—*at South Central/ Minneola 9-26—*at Jetmore/Ingalls 10-3—*at Meade/Ingalls/South Gray 10-7—SPIAA Tournament at Greensburg 10-10—*at Jetmore/Kiowa County 10-17—*at Spearville/Ashland/ South Gray 10-21—at 1A substate ST. JOHN CROSS COUNTRY 9-2—at Hays 9-9—at Wamego 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-23—at Larned 9-26—at Lyons 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Prairie League at Ness City 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—1A state, Wamego JH CROSS COUNTRY—9-2—

2 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 Delivering Energy for Life Member FDIC * Member FDIC

COVER

Bend’s Cody Miller gets the a hand off and runs the football during a 2022 season game against Buhler

ON THE 2023

Great

fall sports preview is designed by Josh Keller, Hugo Gonzalez and written by Sports Editor Jim Misunas.

The 2023

Bend

Hugo Gonzalez Great Bend Tribune

Janet Fleske Great Bend Tribune

Contributed by Dick Smith

Courtesy Photos

Panther football building momentum

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend’s football script looks very familiar.

Quality players dot the offensive and defensive lineups with familiar faces projected to play offense and defense.

Great Bend coach Erin Beck likes to build his team through the offensive and defensive lines. He’s got a pair of building blocks with first-team All-Western Athletic OG/ MLB Matthew Johnson (73 tackles) and super sophomore OT/MLB Trenton Kern (49 tackles).

“First team All-WAC LB/OL Matthew Johnson will be instrumental on both sides of the ball,” Beck said. “Sophomore Trent Kern on started both sides of the ball last season as a freshman. Those two are a rare breed. They’re hard-nosed football players that help you on both sides of the football.”

Beck will fill in the offensive line with center Karter Brown, guard Harper Tatum and tackle Owen Kaiser. Junior Aidan Davidson also provides experience on both sides of the line after being a 2-way starter last season.

“It all starts up front,” Beck sad. “That’ll be our test. They’ll be some growing pains because it takes time to develop that trust in your offensive line.”

The offense will rely on three quality seniors in the skill spots.

“Second team All-WAC senior RB Cody Miller (979 rushing, 14 TDS; 258 yards receiving), TE Colton Brack (253 yards receiving, 3 TDs) and WR Maddox Spray (173 yards receiving, 2 TDs) all return and will be counted on to produce within our of-

fense,” Beck said. “Our top eight seniors will be huge contributors on both sides of the football.”

WR Ian Premer and WR Jacob Hall will give sophomore quarterback Daxton Minton two receivers with height and athleticism.

“Ian Premer returns at free safety,” Beck said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at WR. We’ve got a exciting group of receivers.”

Eight seniors expect to contribute in a big way.

Cooper Liles (55 tackles), Dee’Onn Jones (52 tackles) and Ian Premer (51 tackles) gained experience last season.

“Seniors Cooper Liles and Kaiden Hoffman both had breakout junior seasons and will provide secondary experience,” Beck said. “We return first team DE Dee’Onn Jones after missing the second half of his junior season with an injury. Placekicker Alex Galindo will start his third season.

An untested quarterback Daxton Minton will begin the season with no varsity experience ahead of quarterback candidates Cooper Ohnmacht and Triston Tomlinson.

“Daxton throws the football extremely well,” Beck said. “He’s adapted well. Our goal will be to protect him.”

The opening schedule looks daunting with 4A McPherson and 5A Hays High to start the season. Those two teams handed the Panthers a pair of losses to extend a losing streak to 19 games.

But once the Panther beat Buhler, they reeled off seven consecutive victories for a shocking 7-3 turnaround from an 0-9 campaign.

Again, McPherson and Hays will be of the finest football teams the Panthers play.

“When expectations are high, you’re doing something right,” Beck said. “We’ve got a hard-nosed

group of football players. We’re ready to roll.”

Six sophomores are projected to start. “We will need several guys to step into some large holes. We will have big shoes to fill within our offense..”

Impact players projected by coach Beck include WR Owen Kaiser, RB/LB Jace Schartz, OLB Trey Milsap, WR/DB Eli Soupiset, WR/ DE Jacob Hall, QB Daxton Minton, WR/DB Hayden Kelly, OL/DL Blaine Ensley, OL/DL Karter Brown.

Harper, OL/DL, 11

Fisher, OL/DL, 10

Yarmer, OL/DL, 9

Vink, OL/DL, 9

Bustamante, 9 74—Ryder Morris, OL/DL, 10 75—Kyler Harbaugh, OL/DL, 9 77—Slayde Apley, OL/DL, 9 78—Jayden Ryan, OL/DL, 9 79—Gavin Stein, OL/DL, 10 80—Kylar Ray, WR/DB, 9 82—Trent Rowe, WR/DB, 9 COACHES—Erin Beck, head coach (35-33, eighth); Matt Barton, DL/freshman head coach; Alex Birney, RB/freshman offensive coordinator; Jayce Brack, OL/JV assistant; Dustin Klassen, WR/ passing game; Jeff Lutt, LB/defensive coordinator; Bill Maddy, DB; Brandon Wells, QB/JV offensive coordinator; Bryce Wells, S, JV assistant; Mason Yellowwolf, DB/ freshman PANTHER SCHEDULE 9-1—McPherson 9-8—*at Hays High 9-15—at Buhler 9-22—Wichita Southeast 9-29—*Dodge City 10-6—*at Liberal 10-13—at Ulysses 10-20—*Garden City 10-28—5A playoffs

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Wishes All Area Teams!

Best

RETURNING STARTERS—6 OFFENSE, 8 DEFENSE—RB Cody Miller; OL/LB Matthew Johnson; TE/ OLB Colton Brack; DE Dee’Onn Jones; WR/DB Maddox Spray; OLB Cooper Liles; DB Kaiden Hoffman; OL/DL Aidan Davidson; DL Brody Schnoebelen; OL/MLB Trent Kern; WR/DB Ian Premer; PK Alex Galindo 2023 PANTHER ROSTER 1—Jace Schartz, 5-9, 185, DB, 11 2—Brogan Unruh, WR/DB, 10 3—Kawika Martinez, QB/LB, 9 4—Triston Tomlinson, QB/DB, 10 5—Jacob Hall, TE/DE, 10 6—Josh Birney, RB/DB, 10 7—Kale Kern, RB/LB, 9 8—Hayden Kelly, WR/DB, 10 9—Gavin Gilkison, WR/OLB, 10 10—Maddox Spray, 6-1, 160, WR/ OLB, 12 11—Trey Milsap, 5-7, 145, OLB, 11 12—Daxton Minton, QB, 10 13—Michael Montoya, DB, 11 14—Ian Premer, WR/OLB, 10 15—Brody Schnoebelen, 6-2, 190, DL, 11 16—Cody Miller, 5-7, 155, RB/ FS, 12 17—Omar Sanchez, WR/DB, 10 18—Eli Somers, WR/DB, 9 19—Blake Stein, RB/LB, 9 20—Dominick Price, 5-8, 160, LB, 11 21—Kaiden Hoffman, 5-8, 130, WR/DB, 12 22—Conner Holladay, RB/WR/ LB, 10 23—Cooper Ohnmacht, QB/WR/ DB, 9 24—Jaxon Wondra, WR/DE, 9 25—Cole Fanshier, WR/OLB, 9 26—Jesus Torres, RB/LB, 9 27—Kellen Brown, WR/DB, 10 29—Kolby Burnham, WR/DB, 10 30—Alex Galindo, 5-9, 140, PK, 12 31—Leo Krier, WR/DB, 9 32—Gave McCarty, WR/DB, 9 33—Beau White, WR/DB, 10 34—Jace Deines, WR/LB, 10 36—Eli Soupiset, 5-6, 120, WR/ DB, 11 37—Julian Galindo, RB/LB, 9 38—Diego Soto, PK, 10 40—Colton Brack, 6-1, 180, WR/ LB, 12 41—Hayden Liles, WR/DB, 9 42—Cooper Liles, 5-9, 160, OLB, 12 43—Kayden Detrich, RB/LB, 9 44—Chase Stout, OL/LB, 9 46—Kai Britt, LB, 10 47—Aidan Stacey, WR/OLB, 9 50—Owen Kaiser, 5-11, 170, G/ DL, 11 51—Trenton Kern, OL/LB, 10 53—Keaton Wintholz, OL/DL, 10 54—Matthew Johnson, 5-10, 190, LG/LB, 12 55—Karter Brown, OL/DL, 10 56—Blaine Ensley, OL/LB, 10 57—Angel Armendariz, WR/DB, 10 58—Aidan Davidson, 5-9, 170, G/ OLB, 11 59—Jorge Pena, OL/LB, 12 60—Delton Their, OL/DL, 9 61—Benton Jeska, OL/DL, 9 62—Dee’Onn Jones, 5-11, 185,

63—Caleb

65—Kenton

66—Jesus

67—Tatum

DL, 12

Mulligan, OL/DL, 9 64—Aidan Richardson, OL/DL, 10

Grauerholz, 5-1, 150, OL/DL, 11

Molina, OL/DL, 9

68—Gunner

70—Jackson

71—Evan

73—Josue

HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune (Left) Great Bend sophomore quarterback Daxton Minton throws a pass during Friday’s football jamboree at Memorial Stadium.

Panther football playoff history GREAT BEND (15-19) 2022—5A—Great Bend 31, Goddard Eisenhower 27; Salina Central 40, Great Bend 35 2021—4A—Wamego 42, Great Bend 21 2020—4A—Andover Central 49, Great Bend 6 2019—5A—Great Bend 49, Wichita Heights 35; Wichita Northwest 48, Great Bend 14 2018—5A—Great Bend 35, Valley Center 18; Great Bend 31, Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 7; Maize 28, Great Bend 21 2017—5A—Goddard Eisenhower 35, Great Bend 28 2016—5A—Great Bend 70, Topeka West 31; Great Bend 16, Andover 7; Great Bend 28, Valley Center 24; Goddard High 50, Great Bend 21 2015—5A—Maize South 26, Great Bend 14 2010—5A—Wichita Carroll 49, Great Bend 13 2007—5A—Great Bend 38, Topeka Seaman 14; Wichita Carroll 17, Great Bend 14 2006—5A—Great Bend 54, Liberal 14; Great Bend 21, Topeka Seaman 14; Great Bend 21, Wichita Carrroll 14; CHAMPIONSHIP— Stilwell-Blue Valley 34, Great Bend 3 2005—5A—Wichita Carroll 23, Great Bend 0 2004—5A—Great Bend 42, Wichita Carroll 28; Great Bend 56, Liberal 13; Salina South 34, Great Bend 17 2003—5A—Salina South 26, Great Bend 25 2002—5A—Great Bend 10, Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 3; Salina South 23, Great Bend 21 1983—6A—Wichita Southeast 35, Great Bend 7 1978—6A—Great Bend 31, Emporia 21; Wichita Southeast 33, Great Bend 15 1977—4A—Winfield 16, Great Bend 14 1973—4A—Junction City 10, Great Bend 7 JIM MISUNAS Great Bend Tribune

(Right) Great Bend’s Cody Miller runs the footbal and escapes the tackle during a 2022 season game against rivals Hays Indians.

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

errors at a minimum. We need to work hard the next two months to make sure we are in a good spot at the end of October.”

Goddard Eisenhower eliminated the Panthers 25-16, 25-21 in last year’s regional tournament.

“We’ll have six seniors on the court and we’re adding a freshman Kya Behr, sophomore Denver Ringo and juniors Cassie Ellegood and Kara Feist,” Duvall said.

The athletic Sadie Spray is a valuable all-around player who delivered 683 ballhandling assists, 328 serves, 220 digs, 65 blocks, 47 winners and 31 service assists. Behr and Spray will split the setting duties.

“Our setters are top notch with Sadie Spray and freshman Kya Behr,” Duvall said. “The two of them provide our hitters with exactly what they need. Kya Kehr is a great addition.”

Kya and Sadie Spray control the court with their setting. Utilizing their skill will be a big key. They’re both strong hitters. Sadie is a good blocker too.”

The Panthers’ back line defense will be sparked by Libero Macy Nachtigal (337 serves, 419 serves received, 392 digs, 44 service assists and

14 winners) and Paige Thexton (314 serves, 239 serves received, 222 digs). Lauryn Davis provided 301 serves, 221 served received, 179 digs, 44 service assists, 14 winners. “Libero Macy Nachtigal is extremely good on the back row,” Duvall said. “They read the ball very well and help our hitters know where to put the ball. Paige Thexton has infectious energy. Lauryn Davis brings us power with her serves. That back row is extremely tight knit.”

Kara Feist led the Panthers with 160 winners with 54 blocks and 79 served received. Makenzie Premer contributed 149 winners. Cassie Ellegood delivered 60 winners and 58 blocks. “We finally have size with our hitters, so it’ll be nice to see where we stack up,” Duvall said. “Cassie Ellegood is agile, a state

high jumper. Kara Feist is long and plays with her head above the net. They’ll see a lot of blocks. Denver Ringo, Kenzie Premer and Emilee Hall will come in firing and hit. All of them offer strength and mobility when they are on the court.”

The Panthers improved their skills with off-season summer work. They Great Bend finished runnerup in a Lincoln, Neb. volleyball camp.

The Panthers incorporates “mental-side”

training to add to their physical work. The Panthers “qualified” for the 2020 state tournmament, and lost to Maize South 25-12, 25-11, 25-14 in a single match rather than three guaranteed matches at the Salina 5A state site.

Best Wishes Athletes! Great Bend, KS Dan Feist 620-792-2789 David Feist 620-792-3185 General Contracting Go Panthers! L & M Contractors, Inc. 1405 K-96 Hwy. Great Bend 620-793-8137 www.ptkansas.com 4801 10th Street Great Bend 620-792-7868 Dr Dalton Jones DrDaltonJones Physical Therapist Dan Crites DanCrites Physical Therapist Assistant Cheryl Ralston CherylRalston Physical Therapist Assistant Bonny Schartz BonnySchartz Physical Therapist Assistant Dr. Kevyn DrKevynSoupiSoupiset set Physical Therapist Come see us to get your life back! 4 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 Senior-laden Panthers seek WAC title

About the only goal that’s escaped Great Bend volleyball coach Shelly Duvall is a Western Athletic Conference tournament championship. The perennial WAC runnerup is poised to challenge for the title after an 19-15 record. Garden City has won 10 of the past 12 Western Athletic titles. Great Bend features a senior-dominant lineup.

are some of the best athletes I’ve seen at Great Bend. Our team will be in the top two teams for WAC,” Duvall said. “We can win it when we play our game and keep

“They

PANTHER VARSITY 2—Cassie Ellegood, 5-10, MB, 11 4—Lauryn Davis, 5-6, DS, 12 9/30—Macy Nachtigal, 5-5, Libero, 12 10—Denver Ringo, 5-9, OH, 10 11—Paige Thexton, 5-7, DS, 12 13—Sadie Spray, 5-8, S/RS, 12 15—Kara Feist, 5-9, MB, 11 17—Kya Behr, S/OH, 9 18—Emilee Hall, 5-9, RS, 12 34—Makenzie Premer, 5-7, RS, 12 COACH—Shelly Duvall PANTHER JV—1—Camdyn Post, Libero, 9; 3—Josephine Mazouch, DS, 11; 6—Miya Nachtigal, 5-5, OH, 10; 7—Diana Ibarra, RS, 10; 8— Kimmy Hofflinger, 5-6, OH, 10; 12— Ava Kaiser, 5-6, RS, 10; 16—Alyssa McCauley, MB, 10; 22—Addy Irwin, 5-3, S, 11; 23—Alex Mayers, MB, OH, 9; COACH—Jordahn Barton PANTHER C TEAM—14—Tatum Anderson, 5-10, MB, 10; 21— Braylee Carper, 5-4, DS/S, 10; 24— Brissa Leyva, 5-2, Libero/DS, 10; 26—Meredith Mazouch, S, 9; 28— Lydia Schaub, RS, 9; 31—Shatarah Newton, OH, 9; 32—Kortney Leech, OH/MB, 9; 33—Jaselyn Werth, OH, 10; 38—Chayla Prendergast, MB, 9; 39—Remmi Burkes, Libero, 9; 41— Allie Gerhardt, 5-5 OH, 10; COACH—Jennifer Davis PANTHER SCHEDULE 8-31—at Garden City/Liberal 9-5—at Dodge City/Guymon, Okla. 9-9—at Riley County Tournament; at Scott City JV Tournament 9-12—Hays/Manhattan 9-14—at Ellinwood/Haven/Smoky Valley 9-16—at Salina Central JV Tournament 9-19—at Junction City 9-23—at Great Bend JV Tournament 9-21—at Goddard/Hutchinson 9-28—Dodge City 9-30—Great Bend Tournaament 10-5—at Hillsboro/Emporia 10-7—at El Dorado 10-10—at Phillipsburg/Smith Center 10-12—at Dodge City/Liberal/ Garden City 10-14—WAC Tournament at Dodge City 10-21—at substate HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune

(Left) Sadie Spray serves during the Friday night scrimmage against the Great Bend Panthers JV volleyball team. (Right) Kya Behr spikes the volleyball during a scrimmage against the Panthers’ JV volleyball team.

Panther tennis climbs WAC ladder

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Slowly but surely, Great Bend coach Zachary Bartel is piecing together a competitive girls tennis program.

No. 1 singles Kaylin Wahlmeier (13-12) stayed competitive after shifting from No. 2 singles. Taylor Lashley/Samantha Mayers (14-12) improved by 11 wins during their junior campaign.

No. 2 doubles partners Clarice Snapp/Mackenzie LaViolette (3-7) will split up in 2023.

“Our No. 1 singles, Kaylin Wahlmeier, and No. 1 doubles, Samantha Mayers and Taylor Lashley, have valuable varsity experience,” Bartel said. “They will provide valuable leadership at practice and on-the-court.

Danica Strickland and Mackenzie LaViolette will start at No. 2 doubles. Clarise Snapp and freshman Paige Stacey are waging a close competition for the No. 2 singles spot. Bartel stresses a fun, coachable atmosphere that has attracted 28 players, offering a promising future.

“We have players who will start junior varsity matches that will push for a varsity spot - Darcy Feist, Kylie McCormick and newcomers MacKenzie Lindberg and Beth Hammeke. Our JV team, with talent and depth- should be as strong as we’ve been in a number of years.”

Garden City has dominated WAC tennis in recent years. Bartel believes the Panthers will climb the WAC ladder during the season-ending league meet.

“The WAC looks

relatively wide open with all the other schools losing their No. 1 players among others,” Bartel said. “We should be in the mix near the top of the WAC.”

Wahlmeier nearly broke through in a hard-fought tiebreaker last season. Bartel’s goal is for the players to be competitive and make a run for a 5A state tennis berth. “A key to meeting those goals is picking up wins against quality opponents in order to bolster regional seedings,” he said. “For regionals

it would be great for one of our seniors to win a match and give themselves a chance at a state berth.”

At regionals last year, Salina South’s Sofia Burns defeated Wahlmeier in a tiebreaker, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). No. 1 seeded Salina

Central’s Claire Renfro/ Mallory Renfro defeated Clarice Snapp/ Mackenzie LaViolette (3-7) 6-0, 6-0. Newton’s Natalie Hershberger/Giulia

Introini defeated Panthers

Samantha Mayers/Taylor Lashley, 6-1, 6-1

At WAC, No. 1 singles

Wahlmeier placed fourth with a 1-3 record. No. 1 doubles Mayers/Lashley and No. 2 doubles Snapp/ LaViolette both finished fifth with 0-4 WAC records.

Perennial WAC champion Garden City (15) beat Hays High (10) for the team championship. In 2021, Wahlmeier and Lashley/Mayers lost firstround regional matches. No. 2 singles Wahlmeier (3-1) placed runner-up at the Western Athletic Conference.

PANTHER TENNIS SENIORS—Taylor Lashley/ Samantha Mayers (D 14-12; 3-27; WAC 5TH, 5TH); Kaylin Wahlmeier (S 18-15; 13-12; WAC 2ND, 4TH),

Mohr, Bashor lead Panther golfers

BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Four varsity veterans headline Great Bend’s girls golf team.

In last year’s regional, Kylee Mohr (105) placed 29TH; Clarissa Bashor, 42ND (120); Maleigha

Ribordy 44TH (121); and Kylee Miessler, 49TH (129). Coach Wolf believes his experienced varsity players will perform at a higher level.

“Everyone has played better. We’ll see how that reflects in their scoring,” said Great Bend coach

Steve Wolf. “They’re getting comfortable playing with girls that may be better. That intimidation factor should be gone, and they can focus on playing their best.

Coach Wolf provided comments on his golfers.

“Kylee Mohr and Kylee Miessler have shown a lot of improvement in their ball striking. They are hitting quality shots.

“Clarissa Bashor’s swing has dramatically improved. From freshman year until now, it’s amazing how her swing has changed.

“Maleigha Ribordy has impressed me on the range. She can lower her scores.

“Cary Vandenburg hits it in the air and dead straight every time. She needs to increase her distance. Her improvement has impressed me.

“Wynn Bosley has ability to hit some really good shots, like really good, just needs some consistency to come as the year progresses.”

After a regular first week, recent 100-degree heat forced outdoor practice indoors because of KSHSAA rules at the Golf Shack.

“We were fortunate to use simulators at the Golf Shack to get work in,” Wolf said. “That was a life saver.”

Defending WAC champion Hays is the team favorite followed by Garden City. The Panthers plan to compete with Dodge City and Liberal behind the two WAC leaders. Wolf’s goal is to show improvement from 2022.

“I’ve seen our girls hit the shots needed to shoot scores that would give us a chance,” Wolf said. “Our consistency has to improve for our scores to come down as much as we need.”

At 5A regionals, Hays, Kapaun-Mt. Carmel, Wichita Carroll and Maize High feature perennially strong golf teams.

“There are exceptional

players in 5A and potentially will be in our regional,” Wolf said. “They’ve got room for error. They are just solid through the lineup.”

GREAT

THERS T NT N GO PAN PA O A AN G ANT Good Luck Panthers! Member FDIC www.ﬁrstkansasbank.com GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 5

Danica Strickland; Alessandra Madrid JUNIORS—Clarise Snapp/ Mackenzie LaViolette (D 3-7, WAC 5TH); Isabel Castruita, Darcy Feist, Jacklyn Garcia, Mariana Juarez, Fabiola Lara, Kylie McCormick, Brooke McKiearnan (St. John transfer), Hailey Ryan SOPHOMORES—Kaylee Haag, Sheridan Johnson, Mac Lindberg, Kennedi Stalcup, Mikayla Watts NINTH-GRADERS—Maddie Bonine, Olivia Boone, Alexis Brown, Tinesha DeWald, Beth Hammeke, Cara Murphy, Maddie Siefkes, Paige Stacey PANTHER SCHEDULE 8-29—at McPherson JV 8-31—at McPherson 9-5—Great Bend round robin 9-7—Great Bend JV 9-9—Great Bend Invitational 9-11—at Garden City JV 9-12—at Dodge City 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-18—at Hoisington JV 9-19—at McPherson; at Lyons JV 9-21—at Salina South 9-23—at Garden City 9-28—at Salina Central JV 10-2—at WAC, Garden City 10-7—at 5A regional 10-13/14—at 5A state

BEND GOLF SENIORS—Clarissa Bashor (R 29TH, 120), Maleigha Ribordy (R 44TH, 121), Wynn Bosley, Kylee Mohr (R 29TH, 105) SOPHOMORES—Kylee Miessler (R 49TH, 129), Cari Vandenburg PANTHER SCHEDULE 8-28—at Hays 8-31—at Dodge City 9-5—at Salina 9-7—at Dodge City 9-11—at Liberal 9-14—at Salina JV 9-18—at Salina; at Russell JV 9-21—at Garden City 9-25—at Lake Barton JV 9-28—at Lake Barton; at Dodge City JV 10-3—at Dodge City 10-9—at 5A regional 10-16-17—5A state at Newton

PHOTOS BY JIM MISUNAS Great Bend Tribune Taylor Lashley

CLARISSA BASHOR

JIM MISUNAS Great Bend Tribune Samantha Mayers

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend soccer coach Chuy Loera felt the growing pains during a 2-15 (0-8 Western Athletic) soccer campaign.

Loera (50-71-3) starts his eighth season with optimism with an experienced lineup that features multiple returning starters.

“Our outlook is great,” Loera said. “With everyone returning, we add experience and depth to help us compete in every match. We’ve worked hard in the off season to get Great Bend soccer back to the regional championship conversation.”

Loera plans to start the season starting forwards Ramiro Rocha, Alex Alonzo and Alex Alcala. The midfield features Gustavo Alvarado, Ricardo Cruz and Jonathan Lira. The backline defense be led by senior Marcos Castanon. Joining him will be Omar Razo, Damian Mosqueda and Pedro Enriquez. Jaden Hartshorn and Fernando Alonzo also started much of 2022.

“Our lineup may change more this year now that we have depth and experience.”

Loera expects that Ramiro Rocha, Gustavo Alvarado, and Pedro Enriquez will be team leaders. Rocha was featured in KSHAA Covered among 25 players to watch in 5A. Loera expects Rocha (six assists, two goals) to apply pressure on opposing defenses with a fast, direct approach to the goal.

“Rocha is poised for a breakout senior season,” he said. “Rocha is aware his career stats do not catch attention. Rammy has put in work to be a breakout player. He will make an impact and be noticed every game. He is ready to work, lead by example, and help Great Bend soccer get back on track.”

Loera predicts Alvarado and Enriguez to make an impact.

“Gustavo (Alvarado) will compliment Rocho by feeding him passes that will put us in a scoring

position and apply pressure. Gustavo is in line to be a big part of our offense. Pedro Enriquez is set up to be a breakout player on the back line.”

Loera said increased depth increased the odds of fielding a quality lineup when backup players are mixed into the lineup.

“The biggest area of progress we will see in 2023 will be our experience and depth,” he said. “We won’t rely on eight or nine players to find a win. Instead, we will look at a team that may have up to 16 players who will contribute on the varsity side.”

PANTHER SOCCER

0—Eli Contreras, GK, 10

0—Mario Enriquez, GK, 12

2—Ernan Rodriguez, F, 11

3—Jaden Hartshorn, DEF, 12

4—Mario Enriquez, DEF, 12

6—Alex Alcala, F, 10

7—Ricardo Cruz, MID, 9

8—Gustavo Alvarado, MID, 12

9—Diego Soto, MID, 10 10—Jonathan Lira, MID, 12

11—Alex Alonzo, F, 10

12—Damian Mosquedo, DEF, 10

13—Diego Pasos, MID, 11

14—Omar Razo, DEFm 9

15—Angelo Breitenbach, DEF, 12

16—Joel Alcala, MID, 11

17—Ramiro Rocha, F, 12

19—Victor Reyes, F, 11

21—Luis Gonzalez, F, 11

22—Fabian Guerrero, DEF, 10

24—Marcos Castanon, DEF, 12

25—Diego Sanchez, DEF, 12

26—Ryan Rossouw, F, 11

32—Manuel Tavarez, F, 11

JUNIOR VARSITY—0—Adam Trendel, GK, 9; 1—Evan Amador, GK, 9; 18—Jorge Garcia, DEF, 10; 23—Landon Hubbard, DEF, 10; 24—David Fry, MID, 9; 27—Alan Carrillo, MID, 9; 28—Christian Slattery, DEF, 10; 29—Jorge Moreno, F, 10; 30—Noel Gonzalez, F, 9; 31—Sebastian Ortiz, DEF, 9; 33—Angel Armendariz, DEF, 10; 34— Dustin Fugitt, MID, 9; 35—Jose Alvarez, DEF, 10;

36—Omar James, MID, 9; 37—Luis Orozco, MID, 10; 38—Ezekiel Ibarra, F, 9; 39—Alexis Reyes, MID, 9; 40—Rafa Chavez, MID, 9; 41—Joshua Manning, F, 10; 42—Julian Ordonez, DEF, 9; 43— Christian Barron, DEF, 10; 44—Juan Arias, MID, 9; 45—Jackson Young, 9; 47—Gavin Vanskike, 9 BOYS SOCCER 8-22—at Salina Jamboree 8-31—*at Liberal 9-4-9—at Wichita South Tournament 9-12—*Hays High 9-14—at Maize South 9-16—Wichita Trinity 9-19—*at Hays High 9-21—*at Dodge City 9-26—*Garden City 10-3—at Wichita Life 10-5—*at Garden City 10-10—*Dodge City 10-12—Junction City 10-17—*at Liberal 10-9—McPherson 10-23/26—at 5A regional 6 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 Dine-In, Carryout, Delivery 2006 Main 4101 10th St. 620-792-7161 620-792-8228 GOOD LUCK ATHLETES! Panther Booster Club COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR PANTHERS! PA HERS! MORE OR EXCITING XCITIN NEW EW O COME! Wishes Success To All Panther Teams and Athletes During The 2023-2024 Season! PromotingaWinningSchoolSpiri ggpt Panther soccer seek steady improvement PHOTOS BY HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune RAMIRO ROCHA GUSTAVO ALVARADO

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Eagle volleyball squad looks to reload

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ELLINWOOD – Sixtime Central Prairie League volleyball champion Ellinwood (34-4) must reload after graduating a quality senior class which captured four consecutive league titles with a 13322 record.

Class 2A state runnerup Smith Center edged the Eagles 19-25, 25-19, 25-20 in the championship match after Ellinwood routed Hill City 25-15, 25-9 and Ellis 25-11, 25-14.

Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell, assisted by Cami Thomas, appreciates the work required to win six consecutive titles in a league with past state champions Central Plains and St. John.

“Our players and program have a belief and expectation to win the CPL, but graduating five seniors is never easy,” Maxwell said. “We have to be patient and give this group time to develop. We have a target on our backs. But it serves as a motivator to get better. Those wins aid in establishing a quality sub-state seed.”

Three quality players return.

Starter Kennedy Behnke contributed 386 serves, 208 winners, 106 digs, 79 blocks and 49 serves received “Kennedy has to be special,” Maxwell said. “She has ability to be an all-state impact player. I expect her to take a big step in her career

as a leader and in her statistical production and impact.

Caylee Rowan had 288 serves, 164 serves received and 87 digs.

“Caylee needs to emerge as a leader in the back-row helping run our backcourt and assisting our freshman Libero,” Maxwell said.

Regan Widener had 112 winners, 86 serves received and 33 blocks.

“Regan Widener has the ability to put a ball away in multiple way,” Maxwell said. “We need her to be consistent and on the attack while increasing her defensive presence at the net.”

Maxwell said several other players are projected to contribute.

“Kyndal Moore will be a dual threat running the offense as a back-row setter in our 6-2 system,” Maxwell said. “She has to produce offensively as an outside hitter.

“Kadie Bailey will be a middle blocker and an offensive threat. We need her to produce in key times in matches.”

Maxwell said a young team faces a challenge to keep consistent pressure on the defense.

“We have many girls who can aggressively score, so we’ll be patient in developing

our dynamic offensive attacks,” he said.

Maxwell believes a solid back-line defense is required for success.

“We were good in serve receive last year. We expect our backcourt to elevate their play to enhance our offense,” he said. “Our dig totals will give us more chances to deny scoring and create opportunities.” Maxwell believes the Central Prairie League offers quality competition.

“As always there are big threats in the CPL. We want to develop our skills and fundamentals to continue to win tight

matches we expect to see in league play.”

The Eagles’ goal is earn a shot at qualifying for the 2A state tournament at Dodge City.

“Our goal is to play in Dodge City in October,” Maxwell said. “But we have work to do before that happens. Our goal is to be playing our best volleyball in October. But our experience on the court with all the girls will allow us to play at a high level all season.”

7—Kyndal Moore, OH/S, 10 8—Keighyn Dombroski, 5-4, DS/ OH, 11 9—Alyvia Batchman, OH/S, 9 11—Lauren Ringwald, OH/S, 11 12—Reece Stickney, OPP, 9 14—Jozlynn Zink, MID, 9 15—Natalie Smith, DS/S, 9 16—Shyria Quintana, OH, 9 22—Aubree French, MID, 9 24—Camilla Frayre, OH/S, 9

EAGLE SCHEDULE

1—Caylee

2—Kadie

3—Bennett Jacobs, DS/Libero,

4—Kennedy Behnke, 5-11, MH, 11 5—Regan Widener, 5-9,

ELLINWOOD EAGLES

Rowan, 5-5, L/DS, 12

Bailey, 5-8, OPP/S, 12

OPP,

8-25—at Little River Jamboree 8-29—Hillsboro 8-31—at Ellsworth/Beloit 9-5—Victoria/Otis-Bison/Chase 9-9—at Ellsworth Tournament; at Lyons JV Tournament 9-12—at Wheatland 9-19—*Macksville/St. John 9-23—at Lyons Tournament 9-26—*at Ness City/La Crosse 9-28—at Larned/Hoisington/Hill City 10-3—*at Victoria/Central Plains 10-10—*Kinsley/Otis-Bison/ Chase 10-12—Clay Center 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 2A substate 10-27-28—at 2A state, Dodge City 8 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

CENTRAL PLAINS (15-8) 2022—8MAN2—Wallace County 48. Central Plains 0 2021—8MAN2—Caldwell 57, Central Plains 8 2020—8MAN2—Central Plains 50, Peabody 0; Caldwell 36, Central Plains 34 2018—8MAN1—Central Plains 50, South Gray 0; Central Plains 50, Ness City 0; Central Plains 54, Hoxie 6; Central Plains 42, St. Francis 6; FINALS—Central Plains 52, Solomon 6 2017—8MAN1—Central Plains 58, Macksville 12; Spearville 32, Central Plains 28 2016—8MAN1—Central Plains 60, Argonia-Attica 20; Spearville 58, Central Plains 26 2015—8MAN1—Central Plains 46, Kiowa County 0; Spearville 58, Central Plains 28 2014—8MAN1—Central Plains 50, South Central 14; Central Plains 42, Spearville 40; Central Plains 32, Ness City 0; FINALS— Central Plains 42, Hanover 30 2013—8MAN1—Central Plains 36, South Central 14; Hodgeman County 44, Central Plains 36 2011—8MAN1—Central Plains 50, Quinter 22; South Gray 52, Central Plains 6 ELLINWOOD (5-14) 2021—1A—Remington 40, Ellinwood 13 2020—1A—Sedgwick 54, Ellinwood 0 2004—3A—Hesston 14, Ellinwood 7 2003—3A—Norton 42, Ellinwood 7 2002—3A—Norton 42, Ellinwood 14 2001—3A—Smith Center 57, Ellinwood 6 2000—3A—Smith Center 64, Ellinwood 7 1989—3A—Belleville 28, Ellinwood 9 1982—3A—Smith Center 36, Ellinwood 14 1979—3A—Ellinwood 23, Hillsboro 6; Salina Sacred Heart 35, Ellinwood 6 1978—3A—Ellinwood 43, Medicine Lodge 20; Belle Plaine 22, Ellinwood 16 1976—2A—Ellinwood 22, Salina Sacred Heart 0; Ellinwood 6, Osborne 0; Garden Plain 13, Ellinwood 8 1973—2A—Ellinwood 24, WaKeeney 13; Moundridge 48, Ellinwood 14 1970—2A—Stockton 22, Ellinwood 16 HOISINGTON (25-23) 2022——2A—Hoisington 42, Phillipsburg 18; Hoisington 28, Russell 22; SE Saline 44, Hoisington 21 2021—2A—Hoisington 35, Ellis 14; Hays-TMP 36, Hoisington 27 2020—2A—Hoisington 47, Ellis 0; Hoisington 1, Cimarron 0; Hoisington 28, Garden Plain 14; Hoisington 26, Beloit 0; FINALS—Rossville 27, Hoisington 20 2019—2A—Hoisington 47, SW Heights 0; Hoisington 48, Lakin 7; Hoisington 48, Garden Plain 22; Norton 10, Hoisington 8 2018—2A—Hoisington 38, Sterling 13, Hoisington 41, Cimarron 18; Hoisington 30, Hutchinson Trinity 0; Phillipsburg 31, Hoisington 14 2017—3A—Hoisington 47, Cimarrron 22; Phillipsburg 35, Hoisington 6 2016—3A—Hoisington 56, Lakin 13; Hoisington 20, Norton 0; Hoisington 49, Garden Plain 8; Hesston 35, Hoisington 19 2015—3A—Hoisington 76, Cimarron 19; Hoisington 50, Washington County 6; Halstead 44, Hoisington 6 2014—3A—Hoisington 48, Cimarron 6; Minneapolis 17, Hoisington 14 2013—3A—Holcomb 21, Hoisington 6 2012—3A—Holcomb 28, Hoisington 7 2009—3A—Hoisington 35, Phillipsburg 6; Scott City 41, Hoisington 7 2008—3A—Beloit 52, Hoisington 20 2007—3A—Hoisington 55, Holcomb 25; Hoisington 45, Sacred Heart 35; Garden Plain 55, Hoisington 7 2006—3A—Hoisington 41, Holcomb 28; Sacred Heart 48, Hoisington 45 2005—3A—Hesston 21, Hoisington 0 2004—3A—SE of Saline 20, Hoisington 19 2002—3A—Phillipsburg 14, Hoisington 13 1998—3A—Smith Center 74, Hoisington 0 1997—3A—Smith Center 50, Hoisington 14 1992—3A—Holcomb 20, Hoisington 14 1990—3A—Hoisington 6, Belleville 3; Chase County 7, Hoisington 6 1986—4A—Andale 21, Hoisington 6 LARNED (4-11) 2022—3A—Beloit 52, Larned 6 2020—3A—Andale 74, Larned 7 2019—3A—Beloit 44, Larned 6 2017—3A—Larned 42, Lakin 6; Marysville 36, Larned 28 2016—3A—Larned 35, Cimarron 30; Phillipsburg 14, Larned 7 2013—4A—Andale 60, Larned 0 1985—4A—Larned 10, Haven 6; Norton 35, Larned 7 1982—4A—Chaparral 23, Larned 14 1977—3A—Goddard 6, Larned 0 1972—3A—Goodland 24, Larned 14 1971—3A—Larned 30, Pratt 28, OT; Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 28, Larned 14 MACKSVILLE (17-18) 2022—8MAN1—Macksville 54, South Gray 6; Rawlins County 46, Macksville 0 2021—8MAN1—Macksville 64, Medicine Lodge 30; Goessel 50, Macksville 16 2020—8MAN1—Argonia/ Attica 48, Macksville 0 2019—8MAN1—Ness City 23, Macksville 8 2018—8MAN1—Ness City 44, Macksville 20 2017—8MAN1—Central Plains 58, Macksville 12 2011—8MAN1—Macksville 42, Ness City 40; Osborne 62, Macksville 28 2010—8MAN1—Hodgeman County 70, Macksville 24 2009—8MAN1—Macksville 28, Tribune 16; Quinter 50, Macksville 0 2008—8MAN1—Macksville 36, Minneola 32; Macksville 46, Quinter 22; Clifton-Clyde 48, Macksville 20 2007—8MAN1—Macksville 54, Deerfield 8; Macksville 40, Claflin 14; Macksville 38, Quivira Heights 34; FINALS—Macksville 24, Hanover 20 2006—8MAN1—Macksville 44, South Gray 12; Macksville 44, South Barber 42; Jetmore 46, Macksville 44 2005—8MAN1—Macksville 26, Caldwell 8; Kensington 14, Macksville 6, OT 2003—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 34, Macksville 38, 2 OT 2002—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 42, Macksville 36 1995—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 36, Macksville 0 1980—1A—Macksville 26, Cunningham 22; Macksville 36, Hanston 20; Minneola 56, Macksville 36 1975—1A—Macksville 31, Stafford 0; Macksville 14, Fowler 9; Brewster 13, Macksville 6 1970—1A—Little River 25, Macksville 7 OTIS-BISON (21-17) 2021—8MAN2—South Barber 52, Otis-Bison 6 2019—8MAN2—Norwich 22, Otis-Bison 6 2018—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 60, Pretty Prairie 12; Otis-Bison 66, Central Christian 52; Dighton 44, Otis-Bison 36 2017—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 60, Sylvan-Lucas 26; Otis-Bison 60, Ingalls 14; Hodgeman County 42, Otis-Bison 16 2015—8MAN2—Wallace County 65, Otis-Bison 20 2012—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 54, Rolla 0; Thunder Ridge 28, Otis-Bison 18 2011—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 68, Moscow 20; Otis-Bison 26, Victoria 6; Thunder Ridge 54, Otis-Bison 26 2010—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 46, Fowler 0; Otis-Bison 51, Cheylin 6; Otis-Bison 26, Ashland 14; FINALS—Baileyville 50, OtisBison 34 2009—8MAN2—Otis-Bison 60, Sharon Springs 30; Quivira Heights 42, Otis-Bison 6 2003—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 34, Macksville 28 (2 OT); South Barber 56, Otis-Bison 8 2002—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 42, Macksville 36; South Barber 56, Otis-Bison 22 1995—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 36, Macksville 0; Coldwater 28, Otis-Bison 0 1992—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 63, Sylvan 16; Otis-Bison 52, Cunningham 14; Quinter 24, OtisBison 20 1991—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 76, Pike Valley 44; Inman 34, Otis-Bison 18 1988—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 60, Pretty Prairie 14; Greensburg 24, Otis-Bison 20 1987—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 31, Sedgwick 7; Otis-Bison 26, Greensburg 18, OT; FINALS— Denton-Midway 27, Otis-Bison 6 1985—8MAN1—Otis-Bison 34, Mankato 0; Axtell 38, OtisBison 30 PAWNEE HEIGHTS (9-10) 2022—Pawnee Heights 49, Altoona-Midway 46; Waverly 52, Pawnee Heights 18 2021—6MAN—Natoma 58, Pawnee Heights 7 2019—6MAN—Golden Plains 60, Pawnee Heights 8 2018—6MAN—Pawnee Heights 118, Cheylin 85; Weskan 55, Pawnee Heights 38; Ashland 59, Pawnee Heights 52 2017—6MAN—Pawnee Heights 53, Weskan 47, OT; FINALS—Pawnee Heights 62, Cheylin 12 2016—6MAN—Pawnee Heights 73, Natoma 6; Pawnee Heights 42, Golden Plains 38; FINALS—Weskan 36, Pawnee Heights 18 2008—8MAN2—Pawnee Heights 52, Sharon Springs 26; Moscow 32, Pawnee Heights 30 2007—8MAN1—Pawnee Heights 22, Palco 16; Pawnee Heights 42, Pretty Prairie 26; Macksville 38, Pawnee Heights 34 1993—8MAN2—Claflin 50, Pawnee Heights 0 1980—8MAN—Hanston 38, Pawnee Heights 16 ST. JOHN (3-11) 2012—8MAN1—Pretty Prairie 36, St. John 32 2007—2A—St. John 25, EllSaline 12; Smith Center 64, St. John 0 2006—2A—Minneapolis 38, St. John 36 2005—2A—St. John 33, Sublette 20; Sr. Francis 48, St. John 0 2004—2A—Sublette 41, St. John 0 2001—8MAN1—South Barber 34, St. John 24 2000—8MAN1—South Barber 26, St. John 18 1995—2A—Fairfield 39, St. John 26 1988—2A—Conway Springs 27, St. John 7 1987—2A—Conway Springs 12, St. John 6 1983—2A—St. John 7, Hutchinson Trinity 0; Garden Plain 19, St. John 6 STAFFORD (1-7) 2022—8MAN2—Bucklin 32, Stafford 30 2018—8MAN2—Stafford 54, South Haven 28; South Barber 60, Stafford 14 2014—8MAN2—Ingalls 56, Stafford 6 2013—8MAN2—Waverly 24, Stafford 20 1990—8MAN1—Ashland 56, Stafford 0 1989—8MAN1—Ashland 56, Stafford 0 1975—1A—Macksville 31, Stafford 0 Area football playoff history COURTESY PHOTO BY BECCA MAXWELL

Eagle FB seeks improvement in tough district

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ELLINWOOD –Ellinwood defeated Syracuse 53-0; Stanton County 42-0 and Valley Falls 49-0 for their best record since 2018 (3-6). The Eagles own a 13-50 record the past seven years since their last winning record (63) in 2015.

Ellinwood football coach Brett Stindt earned all-league honors at Belleville-Republic County. He earned All-KCAC league honors for a pair of KCAC football champions at Kansas Wesleyan University.

The Eagles (3-6, 0-5) are battled tested even though they were winless in 1A District play. They lost to 1A state runner-up Inman last year and 1A state champion Olpe in 2020 and 2021.

“With being in the toughest 1A District, our team has made strides that will help us compete and make some noise

towards the end of the season,” Stindt said. “There is already talk about how last year isn’t going to be a “good year.” We are not satisfied where we’re at. This season will be even better.” Stindt believes the Eagles have learned the hard way about competing at a higher level.

“This is an older, experienced football team,” he said. “They have faced the best teams in Kansas every year. They understand what it takes to play at the level they need to be at. Most of our seniors have started since they were freshmen. They are going to have to help the younger kids to fill spots.”

Ellinwood quarterback Drew Heinz has thrown for 1,164 yards the past two seasons. Stindt likes to run a nix of option-style football with the threat to make big passing plays.

“QB/DB Drew Heinz will be the leader of our communication,” Stindt said. “He’s taking the reins at QB with more designed

plays for him. On the defensive side, Drew Heinz was someone teams would scheme around to avoid him. He held multiple high-level wide receivers to minimal yards or no catches.”

All-Central Prairie League NG Jonathon Mason (6-1, 275) contributed 135 tackles (7 tpg) the past two years on the defensive line. Depending on the personnel, Ellinwood will shift from a 4-3 to a 4-4 look up front.

“OL/DL Jonathon Mason is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the football,” Stindt said. “He gives our defense a new name by making plays or taking on double to triple teams every snap. He is getting looks at the next level on the defensive side as well. On the offensive side, we’ll him involved with pulling into the open field with his size and athletic ability.”

Second-team AllCPL MLB Bryan Jaske

contributed 129 tackles (7 tpg) the past two years. He averaged 42 yards per punt to earn first-team All-CPL honors and recognition by the KSHSAA.

“Bryan is one of the hardest hitting kids I’ve seen on both sides of the ball,” Stindt said. “He’s someone to be scared of on the defensive side. He loves contact and finds any way he can to create it. Bryan Jaske on the offensive side is a bowling ball that never stops. He’s a huge threat on the offensive side. On the kicking aspect, he averaged 42 yards a punt and was selected to all-league and all-district.”

First team All-CPL Cooper Hosman (6 catches/171 yards) joins honorable mention AllCPL back Logan Panning as offensive threats. Stindt is anxious to see steady improvement.

“The lessons the team learned are to compete every snap,” he said. “The upperclassmen have been working in the weight room

and conditioning where we’re waves ahead of last year. We look at offensive growth with size, speed, and overall football knowledge. Our defense, was ranked at our level for yards a game earned in both rushing and passing. This is something we will build off of.”

Players shifting spots are Campbell Coleman at LB, Logan Panning LB, and Cooper Gunn will play center.

RETURNING STARTERS—WR/

Wirtz, 6-0, 175, FB/

Coleman, 6-0, 185, OL/FB/MLB, 11

Johnson, 5-11, 195, OL/DL, 12 52—Zachary Siefers, 5-8, 145, OL/DL, 11 53—Adam Hayes, 130, OL/DL, 10 56—Mason Scripsick, 6-0, 160, OL/DL, 11 57—Austin Shinliver, 185, OL/DL, 11 59—Walter Smith, 155, OL/DL, 11 60—Tristan Keith, 190, OL/DL, 10 66—Nathan Hammeke, 6-0, 170, OL/DL, 11 70—Cooper Gunn, 5-7, 160, OL/ LB, 11 72—Clayton Davis, 190, OL/DL, 10 74—Ethan Schlochtermeier, 190, OL/DL, 10 75—Jonathon Mason, 6-1, 275, OL/DL, 12 80—Cason Merritt, 5-9, 155, WR/ DB, 11 82—Mason Moore, 165, TE/DE, 12 84—Ty Hammeke, 6-0, 135, WR/ DB, 10 EAGLE SCHEDULE 9-1—at Syracuse 9-8—at Douglass 9-15—*Stanton County 9-22—*Hutchinson Trinity 9-29—*at Conway Springs 10-6—*at Inman 10-13—*Medicine Lodge 10-20—*at Sterling 10-27—1A playoffs

Ellinwood tennis sees youth movement

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood’s girls tennis team will rebuild without four varsity veterans who played the majority of matches.

Ellinwood’s Mahra Johnston/Grace Sturtz enjoyed strong doubles success (6-1) and Johnston teamed with Ava Thill (4-3) last year. Varsity regional entries

Ava Thill and Kiley Troyer did not return and doubles tandem Kiley Stevenson/ Madisyn Schlochtermeier graduated. Ellinwood coach Parker Winter is confident a young and inexperienced lineup will be competitive. “I have high hopes for our team and I’m excited to get the season rolling,” Winter said. Johnston/Sturtz will start at No. 1 doubles.

“The doubles team will make a big run and will shock a lot of teams on our schedule,” Winter said. “Grace and Mahra are a strong doubles team. They complement each other’s skill set at a high level.” No. 2 doubles will be Vivian Klepper/Shelby Steffan.

“The doubles team of Vivian Klepper and Shelby Steffan are a vibrant and exciting duo,” Winter said. “They are smart and can

end points quickly. Vivian is a talented freshman who is growing into a tremendous player who could easily play singles and have success. Shelby is a disruptive net player who can put away volleys in a hurry.” Winter will start No. 1 singles with Gracyn Dombroski, a quality athlete who has a persistent approach.

“Gracyn Dombroski is a

EHS returns quality runners

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ELLINWOOD – Ellinwood’s cross-country team features two state qualifiers among five varsity veterans who have competed at league and regional meets.

Past state qualifiers Hannah Winget and Allison Ricker have both earned top 10 Central Prairie League medals.

“Hannah was a little nicked up at the end of last season, but Allison pressed for a top 10 spot at league,” said Ellinwood cross country coach Jeff Zook. “Heidi was a few spots outside the top 10. But she made big speed gains on the track this spring.”

Junior Heidi Brauer and freshman Madison Dombroski round out the girls team.

“These girls are a blast to work with,” Zook said. “They do whatever you ask in a workout and they’ve made gains in their racing. We hope to see several ladies earn allleague honors. There’s no self-imposed ceiling. We’ll see what’s in those legs.”

Three-year varsity veterans Cole Ringwald and Chase Gibson have competed at league and regionals.

“Cole and Chase finished top 10 at the league meet,” Zook said. “We look to build on that. There is potential and we’ll

see what the year has in store.”

Newcomers Dallon Luker and Ryan Pohlman join experienced freshman runners Joe Brauer, Shae Hoskins, and Caleb Zook.

The Eagles scored 32 points to place behind Central Prairie champion Ness City last year.

“To win league, we’d have to beat Ness City, which placed third at state. At regionals, we’ll have to beat a perennial powerhouse. These goals will take us stepping up and pressing the attack every day.”

The Eagles open at Lake Barton Aug. 31.

closest we have to a home meet,” Zook said. “We’re thankful for people who support those Ellinwood Eagles.”

tough player who hustles to any ball within reach,” Winter said. “She’s competitive and will frustrate players with her ability to hit winners and get to balls. Lydia Porter will start at No. 2 singles.

“Lydia Porter is a consistent player who plays with a very high IQ,” he said. “She has great placement with her shots. She is improving daily at a very high rate.”

EAGLE ROSTER JUNIORS—Gracyn Dombroski, Mahra Johnston/Grace Sturtz (D 6-1), Sofie Odelmark SOPHOMORES—Lydia Porter, Shelby Steffan NINTH-GRADERS—Madilyn Hammeke, Vivian Klepper, Brenna Detter

EAGLE SCHEDULE 8-29—at Ellsworth 8-31—at Larned 9-9—at Great Bend 9-12—Ellinwood home meet 9-14—at Larned

9-16—at Kingman 9-28—Oiler Invite at Great Bend 10-6-7—at 3-1A regional 10-13-14—at 3-1A state, Topeka

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 9 Best Wishes Eagle Athletes! Ellinwood USD 355 WWW.USD355.ORG ~ 6205643226 “Ellinwood Public Schools educates students to become self-actualized citizens who can promote growth to society” Memory Care and Home Plus Ellinwood Country Living Laura Suppes, Operator — Donna Marbut, RN Consult 302 N. Main, Ellinwood, KS 67526 620-564-2100 ellinwoodcpsl@embarqmail.com !!!GO EAGLES!!! P.O. Box 517 Phone 620-564-3790 105 North Main Toll Free 800-328-9153 Ellinwood, KS 67526 Fax 620-564-3792 GO EAGLES! 8 North Main St. Ellinwood, KS 67526 620.564.3800 fax 620.564.3845 www.southwinddrilling.com GO EAGLES!

CB Alek Brack; LG/TE/LB Campbell Coleman; QB/DB Drew Heinz; FB/ MLB Bryan Jaske; C/DL/P Devyn Johnson; RG/DT Jonathan Mason; RB/LB Logan Panning; RB/LB Rylan Wirtz; WR/DB Cooper Hosman; RT Nathan Hammeke 1A DISTRICT 7—Inman 11-2 (4-1), Conway Springs 7-4 (5-0), Medicine Lodge 3-6 (2-3), Hutchinson Trinity 6-3 (3-2), Sterling 4-5 (1-4), Ellinwood 3-6 (0-5) EAGLE ROSTER 2—Braden Lewis, 160, TE/DE, 11 3—Evan Ringwald, 5-8, 165, RB/ LB/DB, 12 5—Alek Brack, 5-8, 130, QB/WR/ DB, 12 7—Drew Heinz, 5-11, 170, QB/ DB, 12 9—Landon Simpson, QB/WR/DB, 11 10—Logan Panning, 5-10, 175, RB/OLB, 12 11—Cooper Hosman, 6-0, 170, WR/DB, 12 12—Tavian McCaffery, 5-7, 170, RB/MLB, 11 13—Dawson

RB/DB,

21—Austin

DB,

22—Rylan

OLB,

31—Drake

MLB,

Sunderland, 145,

Brack, 130, QB/RB/

Wirtz, 6-0, 175, RB/

Hosman, 160, RB/DB,

33—Bryan Jaske, 5-11, 220, FB/

40—Layton

OLB,

42/50—Campbell

51—Devyn

“The Great Bend meet at Lake Barton is the EAGLE ROSTER SENIORS—Allison Ricker (S 79TH; R 19TH, 27TH; CPL 10TH); Cole Ringwald (R 20TH, 27TH, 29TH; CPL 10TH, 13TH, 16TH); Hannah Winget (S 72ND; R 14TH, 41ST; CPL 9TH, 10TH, 11TH); Chase Gibson (R 15TH, 26TH; 39TH, CPL 9TH, 14TH, 16TH) JUNIORS—Heidi Brauer (R 19TH, 35TH; CPL 11TH; 15TH); Dallon Luker NINTH-GRADERS—Madison Dombroski, Joe Brauer, Shae Hoskins, Caleb Zook, Ryan Pohlman EAGLE SCHEDULE 8-31—at Lake Barton 9-5—at Hutchinson Prairie Hills 9-9—at Wamego Country Club 9-14—at Stafford Country Club 9-21—at Larned CC 9-28—at Halstead Wedgewood GC 10-3—at Ellsworth GC 10-12—at Ness City CC 10-21—at 2A regionals 10-28—at 2A state, Wanego

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

CLAFLIN – Perhaps Central Plains will replace a football coaching legend with a future coaching star.

Former football coach Chris Steiner (86-30) led the Oilers to Eight-Man Division 1 state football titles in 2014 and 2018 before resigning last spring.

First-year Central Plains football coach J.D. Klima started for coach Gregg Webb’s 1998 and 1999 Claflin state football champions. Klima played at Claflin with Great Bend football coach Erin Beck and Ellsworth football coach Josh Homolka.

The Oilers (2-7, 2-2) endured a rare losing season with a young, inexperienced team.

But the Oilers return first team All-Central Prairie League utility/DB Blaine Hickel, G/LB Eli Hurley, C/ DL Landon Daniels, OL/ DE Mason Davison and second team NG Connor Freis. Others returning are TE/WR/LB Hunter Klima, CB Paxton Dody and LB Peyton Dody.

Hickel, a power runner, rushed for 650 yards and seven scores and caught two touchdown passes and gained 180 yards. At safety, he led the team with 104 tackles.

“Hickel is an all-state utility back,” Klima said. “He’ll play tailback/fullback, wide out and safety.”

Guard Hurley will anchor the offensive and defensive middle after 70 tackles last year. He also caught 12 passes for 142 yards.

“Eli Hurley is a solid disciplined player,” Klima said. “At linebacker, he’s got a nice work ethic and a guy the offense is concerned with.”

Versatile Hunter Klima, the head coach’s son, will play tight end/receiver and anchor the defense with Hurley at middle linebacker. Klima had 261 yards and three TDs receiving and accounted for 93 tackles.

“Hunter is a third-year linebacker who’s improved by leaps and bounds,” coach Klima said. “He’s an athlete with good hands as a receiver. He’ll be a go-to guy for us.”

The only missing piece is the battle at quarterback where junior Peyton Dody, sophomore Rylan Siemsen and freshman Brodie Crites are vying for playing time

in an offense that will diversify from a double tight end, I formation look.

C Conner Fries, RG Landon Daniels and LG Aiden Hekele wit TE Klima and Paxton Dody will pose a physical offensive line.

“The weapons are there to be an effective run/pass offense,” Klima said. “We’ll start with a double tight end formation because of personnel. We’re experienced and there’s a lot of options for our offense.”

On a 3-2 defensive look, Peyton Dody contributed 59 tackles, Daniels and Hekele 41 apiece.

“Our defensive front three will average over 200 pounds,” Klima said. “We’ve got a ton of experience.”

The 8-Man 2, District 5 favorites are Victoria (10-1, 4-0) and Sylvan-Lucas (7-3, 3-1), which is loaded with Wilson High School transfers. Macksville (9-1) and La Crosse (4-5) fielded strong teams last year.

“In our District and league games, we face a challenging schedule,” Klima said. “Based on what I’ve see so far, we should be a solid football team. Our leadership and attitude is good.”

OILER FOOTBALL Coach J.D. Klima (1ST year) RETURNING STARTERS—RG/DE Landon Daniels; C/NG Conner Fries; TE/LB Hunter Klima; WR Paxton Dody; FB/LB Eli Hurley; RB/DB Blaine Hickel; DB Peyton Dody; DB Isaac Heredia 8-MAN 2 DISTRICT 5—Victoria 10-1 (4-0), Sylvan-Lucas 7-3 (3-1), Central Plains 2-7 (2-2), Otis-Bison 1-8 (0-4)

OILER ROSTER 1—Broc Klima, 5-8, FB/MLB, 9 2—Eli Hurley, 5-9, 183, FB/MLB, 11 3—Isaac Heredia, 5-5, 120, RB/CB, 10 4—Joel Schrieber, 6-3, 170, RB/CB, 11 5—Hunter Klima, 6-1, 180, TE/MLB, 12 6—Camden Stiles, 5-11, TE/CB, 9 7—Mason Davison, 5-7, 117, WR/ DB, 10 8—Kaydon Looney, 5-4, G/NG, 9 9—Paxton Dody, 6-1, 176, TE/DE, 11 10—Brodie Crites, QB/CB, 9 12—Peyton Dody, 5-10, 137, TE/ DB, 10 13—Rylan Siemsen, 5-10, QB/DB, 10 20—Richard Stroud, 5-5, 126, FB/ LB, 10 21—Aiden Hekele, 6-2, 191, G/TE/

MLB, 12 23—Ethan Davison, 5-9, 140, TE/ DB, 9 25—Armando Vasquez, 5-8, 165, G/TE/LB, 10 30—Blaine Hickel, 6-2, 185, RB/DB, 12 35—Callun Rogers, TE/DE, 10 42—Garrett Short, 5-8, G/MLB, 9 45—Ben Pflughoeft, 6-2, G/DE, 9 70—Connor Freis, 5-10, 245, C/NG, 12 77—Devin Davison, 6-1, 290, G/ NG, 11 91—Cameron Zink, 5-8, C/NG, 9 95—Landon Daniels, 5-11, 232, G/DE, 10 OILER SCHEDULE *DISTRICT 9-1—Ness City 9-8—at Macksville 9-15—at La Crosse 9-22—*Victoria 9-29—*at Sylvan-Lucas 10-6—*Otis-Bison 10-13—Bucklin 10-26—8-man playoffs 10 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 Subscribe Today! Have sports news or story ideas? FAX them to (620) 792-8381 attention Jim Misunas or email them to jmisunas@gbtribune.com 620-587-2331 Claﬂin, KS www.stevestruckrepair.com TRUCK REPAIR Agriculture STEVE’S Good Luck Central Plains Oiler Athletes! Oilers face challenge after losing record COURTESY PHOTO The 2023 Central Plains football team features front row—manager Silas Peterman, Camden Stiles, Garrett Short, Cameron Zink, Kaydon Looney, Rylan Siemsen, Richard Stroud, Isaac Heredia, Mason Davison, Ethan Davison; back row—Broc Klima, Callum Rogers, Peyton Dody, Ben Pflughoeft, Paxton Dody, Hunter Klima, Brodie Crites, Aiden Hekele, Joel Schreiber, Landon Daniels, Blaine Hickel, Eli Hurley, Armando Vasquez, Connor Freis, Devin Davison.

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

CLAFLIN – It’s a new tennis era for the Central Plains girls. Kyla Metro (31-2) ended with 122 tennis wins after beating Larned’s Abigail Holt for third-place.

Kyla Metro graduated as a four-time state tennis medalist with third- and seventh-place singles medals and third and fifthplace state doubles medals with Brynna Hammeke.

Past state doubles qualifier Lauren Oeser (9-1) is healthy after missing time last year.

“She unfortunately was injured last year, but ended up with a 9-1 record,” said Central Plains coach Amy Metro. “I’m excited to see her play again. She’ll have a successful year.”

Doubles player Ryann Metro will team with Grace Lamatsch at No.

1 doubles. Ashlyn Armstrong/ Ryann Metro (2312) defeated teammates Grace Lamatsch/Elizeia Knapp-Blehm, 6-1, 7-5 to clinch a state tournament berth. Lamatsch/Knapp/ Blehm finished with an 1814 record.

At state, Armstrong/ Metro defeated Hesston’s Jaiden Callahan/Kathy Friesen 9-8 (7-4), but lost 6-2, 7-6 to Cimarron’s Keira Buchhols/Amanda Housman and 9-0 to Ellsworth’s Inarie Rippert/Cali Sheridan.

Armstrong/Metro defeated Trego’s Anna Malsam/Kya O’Banion 6-4, 6-1 for fifth place at regionals. Newcomers are Kylie Kempke, Mackenzie Foulger and Charlee Schessiger.

“Ryann and Grace have put in a lot of extra time and have great comradery that will help them win a lot of matches,” Metro said. “They should be fun to

watch.”

Charlee Schlessiger will play No. 2 singles. “She’s a freshman who works hard every day in practice. She’s a great addition to our team.”

Kylie Kempke and Mackenzie Foulger will play No. 2 doubles. “I’ve been impressed with these girls,” Metro said. “I’ve seen improvement every day.”

OILER ROSTER SENIORS—Lauren Oeser (D 19-11, S 6-4S; S 9-1) JUNIORS—Grace Lamatsch (D 18-14; D 7-15), Ryann Metro (D 23-12; 7-15); Kylie Kempke, Kenzie Foulger NINTH-GRADER—Charlee Schlessiger

OILER SCHEDULE 8-29—at Ellsworth 8-31—at Lindsborg JV 9-5—at Hoisington 9-7—at Lindsborg 9-9—at Hesston 9-14—Smoky Valley 9-18—at Hoisington JV 9-19—Claflin; at Sterling JV 9-21—at Lindsborg JV 9-23—at WaKeeney 9-28—Oiler Invite at Great Bend

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

CLAFLIN — The threetime state volleyball champion Central Plains Oilers (11-25) finished with a rare losing record last year.

But the 2023 outlook is bright with four returning starters after graduating Reese McGuire.

Central Plains volleyball coach Lisa Crites (205-78) led the Oilers to state volleyball championships in 2015, 2019 and 2020, a runner-up trophy in 2016 and thirdplace finish (2021).

Crites commented about her top returning starters.

OPP Kashlin Beck shows all-around versatility with 247 serves received, 211 digs, 201 serves, 151 winners and 38 blocks last year.

“Kashlin Beck is a strong hitter who continues to add consistency to her swing,” Crites said. “She is passing the ball very well in the back row.”

Middle-hitter/setter

Addyson Ogle is equally versatile with 275 serves, 245 serves received, 168 digs, 144 winners and 44 blocks.

“Addyson Ogle is our utility player,” Crites said. “She’s

CLAFLIN – Two-time state qualifier Peyton Ryan headlines the Central Plains cross country team.

Ryan has finished 36th and 37th at 1A state after fourth, sixth and seventh-place Central Prairie League medalist finishes.

“Peyton has worked hard to prepare for his senior season,” said Oiler coach

athletic and versatile. She is the epitome of a team-first athlete. She’s a proficient passer and defender on the back row. She has good court sense and is sure to get to the ball.”

OPP Melissa Donecker delivered 291 serves, 215 digs, 144 winners, and 33 blocks.

“Melissa Donecker is all about the team, one of the best teammates I’ve ever coached,” Crites said. “She will always make a play on the ball.”

Middle hitter/setter Marilyn Soeken provided 261 serves, 164 digs, 164 serves received, 157 winners and 41 blocks. Crites said she

The

is very quick and athletic, and will make plays in the middle.

“Marilyn Soeken has a motor that fires up the team,” Crites aaid. “She’s accepted the role of setter in addition to playing a tough middle hitter position.”

Other varsity key players are defensive specialist Tay-

return players with significant ability and experience,” she said. “Our motto this year is ‘Handle Hard Better.’ Our goal is to embrace the uncomfortable to fuel improvement. Our top priority is communication. We will stress serving, passing, and finally fine tuning our attacks.”

OILER ROSTER

1—Boston Robison, 5-3, 10

2—Isabel Hurley, 5-5, 10

3—Sierra Marsell, 5-0, 10 4—Tagen Davis, 5-7, 10 9—Alexus Bunch, 5-3, 9 10—Addyson Ogle, 5-9, 12 13—Kashlin Beck, 5-7, 12 14—Adyson Green, 5-4, 10 15—Maggie Strouse, 5-9, 9

16—Liberty Warta, 5-6, 11

17—Marilyn Soeken, 5-6, 11

18—Karma Sieliet, 5-5, 11

19—Taylin Davis, 5-6, 9

21—Ariel Johnson, 5-6, 9

22—Kameryn Montoya, 5-4, 9

24—Melissa Donecker, 5-10, OH, 12

25—Alli Klima, 5-8, 9

36—Taylor Sheehy, 5-7, 12

OILER

lor Sheehy, OH/DS Tagen Davis, OH/DS and DS/MH

Alli Klima.

Ellinwood has dominated the Central Prairie League with six consecutive championships. St. John is a rising powerhouse.

“The Central Prairie League will be a battle because quite a few teams

SCHEDULE *CPL 8-26—at Ness City JV 8-31—at Fairfield, Chase 9-9—at Ellsworth Tournament; at Hoisington JV Tournament 9-12—Hesston 9-16—at Russell Tournament 9-19—*La Crosse/Otis-Bison 9-23—at Hoisington Tournament 9-26—*at Macksville/Kinsley 9-30—at Sylvan Grove JV Tournament 10-3—*at Victoria/Ellinwood 10-5—at Ellsworth/Smoky Valley 10-7—at Chase JV Tournament 10-10—*St. John/Ness City 10-12—at Chase JV Tournament 10-14—CPL Tournament at La Crosse 10-17—Plainville/La Crosse/Pratt 10-21—at 1A substate 10-27/28—at 1A state GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 11 GO OILERS! Furniture, Flooring Mattresses 620-587-3601 Mon. & Thurs. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 120 Years Serving Kansas Proud Supporters of the Central Plains Oilers!

10-6/7—at 3-1A regional 10-13/14—at 3-1A state

Keely Hipp. “He knows how it feels to be a top contender. He will push himself to get back for another trip to state.

has done great things during his high school career in cross country. He has great potential to continue to place in the top spots.” Hipp said Cale Thompson has shown he wants to get better. “I’ve seen growth,” she said. “I’m excited to see how he does.”

Alden Metro and Camden Stiles round out the squad. LORI FARMER Great Bend Tribune

“Peyton

Freshmen

2023 Central

front row—Kylie

row—Ryann Metro,

Oiler VB expects bounce-back season

FARMER Great Bend Tribune The Central Plains cross country team features Alden Metro, Peyton Ryan and Cale Thompson. Camden Stiles missed the team photo. LORI FARMER Great Bend Tribune

2023 Central Plains

Bunch, Boston Robison, Kashlin Beck, Melissa Donecker, Addyson Ogle,

Marsell, Kameryn Montoya;

row—Tagen Davis,

Soeken, Taylin Davis, Adyson

Klima;

row--Izzy Hurley,

Cauthon, Ariel Johnson. Missing

leads runners Have sports related news or photos? E-mail them to our sports editor jmisunas@gbtribune.com “I’m excited that we have two freshmen,” she said. “They’ve been training hard. I can’t wait to see how they do.” Hipp said the 4-runner squad has invested time and effort with early morning practices to avoid the heat. “We’ve worked on hills, sprints and practicing endurance in the heat,” she said. “I’m proud how hard they’ve worked to better themselves and their teammates. We’ve had a great start.” OILER ROSTER Peyton Ryan (S 36TH, 37TH; R 8TH, 9TH, 21ST; CPL 4TH, 6TH, 7TH); Cale Thompson (R 27TH, CPL 13TH, Alden Metro, Camden Stiles OILER SCHEDULE 8-31—at Lake Barton 9-7—at Hesston 9-14—at Stafford 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Ness City 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Prairie at Ness City 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—at 1A state, Wamego

Plains girls tennis team features

Kempke, Charlee Schlessiger, Kenzie Foulger; back

Lauren Oeser, Grace Lamatsch. Oeser returns to lead Oiler tennis

LORI

The

volleyball team features front row—Alexus

Sierra

middle

Karma Sieliet, Marilyn

Green, Alli

back

Kaylee Franson, Maggie Strouse, Nethan

the team photo are Taylor Sheehy and Libby Warta. Ryan

Panther girls continue winning legacy

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend’s defending Western Athletic and 5A regional girls cross country champions feature the dynamic duo of eighthplace state medalist Marissa Boone (13:33.5) and 15THplace state medalist Addy Nicholson from a fifthplace 5A state finisher.

Two-time WAC runnerup Boone moved up 11 spots and broke the school record at Lawrence’s Rim Rock to earn a Top 25 preseason cross country honor. Boone exhibits the heart of a champion.

“I’ve worked for it,” Boone said. “I want to do well for my team and make my family proud. My state time was a personal record. I was excited and grateful. I ran strong through the course.”

WAC champion Nicholson has developed into a solid state medalist after placing 15TH and 21ST. Running in a tight pack is always the plan.

“It’s great to see Marissa succeed and us switch places back-and-forth,” Nicholson said. “Marissa gives me someone with work with. It makes you comfortable knowing you have a team to run with. It’s true teamwork.”

The Panthers round out their varsity lineup with state placers – 25TH Eliana Beckham, 30TH Morgan Beckwith, 45TH Sienna Smith and 86TH Kate Welcher. Beckham, Beckwith and Smith have earned top 11 WAC finishes.

“Your goal is to earn a state trophy. We’ve got a good girls crew,” said Great Bend coach Lyles Lashley. “Morgan and Eliana enjoyed strong summers. Morgan is timing where she was a few years ago. We’ll feature 10 solid girls, which helps our depth. It adds to our competitive-

ness. We add Makenzie Premer, who right’s in there with the girls. We pick up three freshmen. Teegan Guerrera is fitting in there nicely.”

Bradon Suppes placed 94TH at state in 2021.

Tavon Stroup placed 20TH and Braylon Moore finished 41ST at regionals.

“We’ve got a decent group of guys,” Lashley said. “For the WAC, we’ll be seven strong on the boys side. Several guys enjoyed good summers. We’ll look forward to seeing what they can do.”

PANTHER CROSS COUNTRY SENIORS—Eliana Beckham (S 25TH, 34TH, 54TH; R 6th, 11TH,

23RD, WAC 9TH, 9TH); Morgan Beckwith (S 30TH, 67TH; R 13TH, 16TH, WAC 10TH, 11TH); Addy Nicholson (S 15TH, 21ST; 42ND, R 3RD, 5TH, 18TH, WAC 1ST, 5TH, 10TH); Braylon Moore (R 41ST; Bradon Suppes (S 94TH, R 38TH, 40TH; 48TH, WAC 19TH; 31ST; 34TH) Makenzie Premer, Alex Galindo JUNIORS—Marissa Boone (S 8TH; 17TH; R 2ND; 8th;

26TH) SOPHOMORES—Sienna

R 13TH;

11TH);

Ramirez; Tavon Stroup

20TH)

Coleman, Anthony Lawrence, Teegan Guerra, Teah King, Bella Long

SCHEDULE 8-31—Lake

9-14—at

Larned 9-23—at Lawrence 9-30—at Wichita Carroll 10-12—Western Athletic, Lake Barton 10-21—at 5A regional 10-28—at 5A state, Lawrence 12 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 In the game or on the sidelines, we provide care that’s convenient for you. Get quality care right away for a minor illness or injury. Experienced providers who are committed to caring for this community KansasHealthSystem.com/GreatBend Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic 3515 Broadway Ave.

WAC 2ND, 2ND); Kate Welcher (S 86TH, R 10TH; 38TH; WAC

Smith (S 45TH;

WAC

Ismael

NINTH-GRADERS—Parker

PANTHER

Barton 9-9—at Olathe

Buhler 9-21—at

The 2023 Great Bend cross country team features: Front row—Kate Welcher, Sienna Smith, Marissa Boone, Teah King, Bella Long, Teegen Guerra; Second row—manager Reese King, Parker Coleman, Addy Nicholson Makenzie Premer, Morgan Beckwith, Eliana Beckham, manager Brooklyn Ramsey; Back row—Anthony Lawrence, Bradon Suppes, Tavon Stroup, Alex Galindo, Braylon Moore. Ismael Ramirez missed the team photo.

GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune Great Bend’s Addy

Barton

Great Bend.

HUGO

Nicholson

(left)

and Marissa

Boone (right)

compete in the 2022 Cross Country Regionals at the Lake

Cross Country Course in

PHOTOS BY HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune BRADON SUPPES

TAVON STROUP

BRAYLON MOORE

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ROZEL — With a triple threat backfield, the Pawnee Heights Tigers will be primed to make a 6-man football impact with two promising newcomers.

The Tigers (4-6, 3-3) defeated Altoona-Midway 49-46 and lost 52-18 to Waverly in the 2022 6-man playoffs.

Quarterback Davin Hamby and linebacker Jimmy Gardner were selected as first team all-state 6-man players in 2022. Hamby rushed for 1,152 yards and 19 scores and passed for 676 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Hamby is undersized, but shows off his quickness and ability to make tacklers miss. Hamby was selected as a potential Top 25 6-Man player by KSHSAA Spotlight in 2021.

“Hamby is one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in our area,” said Pawnee Heights coach Jim Gardner.

The versatile 6-man game showcased Gardner for 874 yards and 12 rushing scores, 336 yards receiving and two TDs and 309 yards passing and four scores.

“We’re excited to return two All-State selections to the field,”

said coach Gardner. “The Tigers will continue to run an run/pass option offense with Hamby, Gardner, and Clayton Hammeke making a triple threat in our backfield.”

Junior quarterback Clayton Hammeke will return with 100 yards passing after an anterior

Tiger football seeks return to 6-man playoffs

cruciate ligament injury. Junior receiver Brady Carlson is an athletic newcomer.

“Carlson will get time in the backfield, but his athleticism and height will be a threat to opposing teams as a receiver,” Gardner said. “His speed in the secondary will compliment our physical

Tigers forecast: volleyball progress

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ROZEL — The Pawnee Heights volleyball team made progress under coach Shaun Colglazier-Gardner, who graduated from Pawnee Heights in 1998 when the Tigers were competitive in 1A volleyball under head coach Jay Artaz.

The Tigers (9-21) defeated Otis-Bison 25-22, 25-16 and lost to Bucklin 25-18, 25-14 in 1A postseason play.

The 6-foot-2 Olivia Hands is a 4-year starter. Olivia’s sister, Abby Hands, offers a strong second option as a 6-0 sophomore hitter.

“The Hands girls are really fun to watch,” Colglazier-Gardner said. “It’s great having them playing

together. They are good leaders on-and-off the court. “Olivia is playing aggressive Abby Hands shares similar talent.”

Other experienced players are setter Joselyn Cordero-Valles and Kaylea Pelton and Callie Amspacker.

“I’m excited about the upcoming season,” Colglazier-Gardner said. “We have players capable of playing various positions, which gives us options and flexibility. As these girls get used to playing together, they will be tougher to beat and a lot of fun to watch.”

Five freshmen provide valuable depth on a 12-player roster.

“We have lot of freshmen athletes who will be beneficial,” ColglazierGardner said. “This team

has talent and they are hard workers. I anticipate they will do well this. They are going to be fun to watch.”

TIGER ROSTER 0—Faith Hammeke, 5-6, 9 1—Jocelyn Cordero-Valles, 5-4, 12 6—Callie Amspacker, 5-6, 10 8—Kaylea Pelton, 5-4,

defense.” Gardner accounted for 103 tackles with linebacker Hamby contributing 76 stops. Brynnen Cody had 46 tackles, Alexis Ibarra contributed 36 stops and Ely Hoffman had 27 tackles.

“The Tigers expect a physical defense led by Gardner at middle

go deep in the playoffs if we can keep everyone healthy.

Pawnee Heights football coach Jim Gardner played high school football in Tennessee. He served as junior high football assistant for the Topeka Saints before moving to Rozel in 2021.

The Tigers earned a 6-man state football championship in 2017 with a 62-12 victory over Cheylin. They finished runner-up in 2016 to Weskan and earned fourth place in 2018.

PAWNEE HEIGHTS 6-MAN DISTRICT 2— Cunningham 12-0 (6-0); Tescott 9-2 (5-1); Burrton 6-4 (3-3); Pawnee Heights 4-6 (3-3); Natoma 5-5 (3-3); Southern Cloud 1-7 (1-5); Chase 0-8 (0-6)

TIGER ROSTER 1—Clayton Hammeke, 5-10, 127, QB/S, 11 4—Brynnen Cody, 5-3, 129, RB/ FS, 10 8—Alexis Ibarra, 5-6, 137, WR/S, 10 10—Brady Carlson, 6-2, 144, 11 11—Roberto Cordero, 5-8, 164, 9 15—Davin Hamby, 5-10, 159, QB/ RB/FS, 12 21—Kasey Hoffman, 5-10, 160, 9 22—Peyton Price, 5-7,

linebacker,” coach Gardner said. “Sophomores Brynnen Cody and Alexis Ibarra will make positive contributions to the defense.” Tigers made the first round of the playoffs last year for the first time in several years. I expect us to be a playoff team and with our talent, we could

139, 9 28—Ely Hoffman, 5-9, 194, C/FB/ NG, 12 27—Augustus Baier, 6-0, 145, G/ DE, 10 33—Jimmy Gardner, 5-10, 205, FB/MLB, 11 88—Leighton Munk, 5-10, 147, WR/RB, 12 TIGER SCHEDULE 9-1—Moscow 9-8—*Chase 9-15—*at Tescott 9-22—at Peabody 9-29—*at Cunningham 10-6—*Burrton 10-13—*at Southern Cloud 10-20—*Natoma 10-27—6-man playoffs GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 13 Go Pawnee Heights Tigers! GoldenValleyInc. 620-792-1211 Subscribe Today! Whichever town you call home...we’re your sports connection!

COURTESY PHOTO

The 2023 Pawnee Heights Tigers features front row—8 Alexis Ibarra, 4 Brynnen Cody, 33 Jimmy Gardner, 11 Roberto Cordero, 21 Kasey Hoffman, 22 Peyton Price; back row—Head coach Jim Gardner, 28 Ely Hoffman, 88 Leighton Munk 15 Davin Hamby 10 Brady Carlson, 27 Augustus Baier, 1 Clayton Hammeke, assistant coach.

10 11—Addison Pelton, 5-9, 9 13—Lili Cissell, 5-5, 9 16—Shelby Scott, 5-10, 9 23—Mherical Foos, 5-4, 11 25—Abby Hands, 6-0, 10 30—Elizabeth LaPointe, 5-7, 11 31—Olivia Hands, 6-2, 12 32—Haylee Lynn Archuletta, 5-6, 9 TIGER SCHEDULE *SPIAA 8-29—at Bucklin/Meade/Kinsley 9-2—at Skyline Tournament 9-5—*at Minneola/Ingalls/ Moscow 9-12—*Bucklin/Satanta 9-16—at Rozel/Burdett Tournament 9-19—*at South Central/Minneola 9-26—*at Jetmore/Ingalls 10-3—*at Meade/Ingalls/South Gray 10-7—SPIAA Tournament at Greensburg 10-10—*at Jetmore/Kiowa County 10-17—*at Spearville/Ashland/ South Gray 10-21—at 1A substate COURTESY PHOTO The 2023 Pawnee Heights girls volleyball team features front row—32 Haylee Lynn Archuleta, 0 Faith Hammeke; second row—11 Addison Pelton, 30 Elizabeth LaPointe; 6 Callie Amspacker; third row—13 Lili Cissell, 23 Mherical Foos; 8 Kaylea Pelton; 1 Joselyn Cordero-Valles; back row—head coach Shaun Colglazier-Gardner; 25 Abby Hands; 31 Olivia Hands; 16 Shelby Scott; coach Kay Delaney.

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED — Larned’s volleyball team has struggled through a 7-97 stretch after 3-32, 2-34 and 2-31 records the past three seasons.

The Indians defeated Russell 17-25, 25-17, 25-23 and Hill City 22-25, 25-22, 25-22 for their two wins last season.

CKL runner-up Smoky Valley downed Larned 25-6, 25-6 in 3A postseason play.

Larned head coach Amy Simmons will be assisted by Haley Brooks and Brooke Smith.

Simmons’ first season started like the past few years – an 0-5 start at the competitive Central Kansas League volleyball tournament.

Larned lost to CKL champion

2—Cassidy Wachs, OH, 9 3—Kaylee Hagerman, 5-5, MH, 11 4—Allyson Morrison,

LARNED ROSTER 24—Serenity Perez, OH/DS, 10 30—Emma Thompson, 5-6, OH/RS, 12 36—Addison Townsend, OH, 10 LARNED SCHEDULE *CKL Central Kansas League (0-5) 8-29—Little River/Fairfield/Udall 9-5—at Chaparral/Lyons

9-9—at Otis-Bison/LaCrosse Tournament

9-18—at Hays/Colby

9-19—*Hillsboro/Halstead

9-23—at Greensburg Tournament 9-26—*at Smoky Valley/Haven 9-28—Ellinwood/Hoisington/Hill City 10-3—*at Hesston/Nickerson

10-5—Kinsley/Stafford

10-10—*at Haven/Russell 10-21—at 3A substate

COURTESY PHOTO by Dick Smith Teagan Walker JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune

BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED – Larned’s Maverick Munden headlines a 4-runner group that competed at 3A cross country regionals last year. Munden finished 57TH, Teegan Walker 35TH, Ivy Hope 50TH and David Lumpkins 76TH last year. Munden competed at the Central Kansas cross country invitational. INDIAN ROSTER SENIORS— James Kingsbury; Maverick Munden (R 57TH, 74TH, 78TH, CKL 48TH, 50TH) JUNIORS—Ivy Hope (R 50TH, League varsity meet while Walker (3RD), Hope (4TH), and Lumpkins (11TH) earned Central Kansas junior varsity medals. The Indians’ highlight is competing at the home Sept. 21 Abby TrappPrescott 55TH, CKL 35TH, 4TH CKL JV), Teagan Walker (R 35TH, 43RD, CKL 18TH, 3RD CKL JV); David Lumpkins (R, 76TH, CKL 11TH JV) SOPHOMORES—Emma Corman (5TH CKL JV), Monte Velasco, Caleb McDonald (2ND CKL JV) NINTH-GRADERS—Andrew Martinez, Santiago Velasco INDIAN SCHEDULE 9-2—at Hays 9-7—at Hesston 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned, Abby TrappPrescott 9-26—at Lyons 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—at Central Kansas League, Pratt 10-21—at 3A regional 10-28—at 3A state, Lawrence

Have a story idea? Have a picture you’d like to share? Submit your ideas or pictures to the Great Bend Tribune newsroom news@gbtribune.com Include your name and phone number in case we have a question.

14 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Halstead 25-6, 25-16, Smoky Valley, Hesston, Nickerson and Lyons. A trio of multi-year starters return – DS McKenzie Reinert (149 serves, 135 digs, 131 serves received); OH/RS Emma Thompson (215 serves, 65 digs, 37 winners) and OH Annie Cox. RS Madison Reinert and MH Kaylee Hagerman are also returning starters. DS, 9 6—Madison Reinert, 5-8, RS, 12 7—Cara Herbert, RS, 10 9—Cadee Upson, 6-0, MH, 12 10—Brooke Simmons, S, 9 11—Madison Wood, 5-4, S, 11 12—Luna Oetken, OH, 9 13—Jillian Hagerman, OH, 9 14—Mallorie Ceniceros, DS, 10 15—Annie Cox, 5-7, OH, 12 16—Chloe Pelton, S, 11 18—Emma Creamer, DS, 9 20—Maya Wilson, DS, 9 21—Jaydn Crosby, MH, 9 22—McKenzie Reinert, 5-3, DS, 12 23—Camy Upson, 6-0 MH, 12

9-12—*at Hoisington/Pratt

Indian volleyball looks to turn fortunes JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune Indian runners return regional experience GREAT BEND

Larned golf has two state qualifiers

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED – With state qualifiers Jocelyn Clawson and Erin Tims returning along with two other veterans, Larned girls golf coach Dan Collins has a bright outlook. Clawson finished 73RD (108) and Tims placed 85TH (123) at Hutchinson’s Carey Park Golf Course. At the Larned regional, Tims (105) placed 12TH

and Clawson (108) finished 17TH to qualify for the state tournament. “The girls worked hard this summer and they’ve played fairly well,” Collins said. “I’m optimistic about the team. The girls have improved and gotten better with their hard work. We have a chance for considerable of improvement by end of the season.” Collins said the team has focused their work

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED – Larned Indian girls tennis coach Mark Lessard features a trio of state qualifiers and four varsity veterans that promises a banner year. Lessard starts his 18th season along with thirdyear assistant coach Matt Sleder. Central Plains Oiler Kyla Metro defeated Larned’s Abigail Holt (25-6) for third place at 3-1A state. Graduated teammate Ella McNett (31-3) placed fifth at regionals. Holt swept four consecutive matches at regionals and avenged a loss to Cimarron’s Emily Goetz 6-2, 6-0 in the championship match.

Holt lost 2-6, 6-1, (104) in a Central Kansas League championship tiebreaker against Smoky Valley’s Magdalena Rauchholz.

Doubles state qualifiers

on approach shots and putting.

“If you get around the greens, you’ve got a shot to score,” Collins said. “The biggest key from last year is how much you played golf in the summer. Golf is a hard game to play. We teach them how to hit out of the rough.”

Collins said freshman Taeten Reynolds and senior Jaidyn Pinkston have shown ability to improve.

“Pinkston is an athletic girl who’s a good putter with a decent short game,” he said. “She hasn’t played much golf, but she’s a good athlete. She may help by the end of the year. Reynolds will be a good golfer. Temperance Donecker has some experience golfing.

The Indians have been slowed by extreme heat, which has prevented regular practice after school.

Arianna Hemken/ Breanna Hemken (24-8) also return after a fourthplace CKL finish. In regional doubles, Sterling downed Larned. Sterling’s Ella Wellman/

Sunny Carder downed Larned’s Sarah Manry/ Reese Watkins, 6-1, 6-1. Sterling’s Kate Rowland/ Karissa Wilson beat Larned’s Hemken/

Hemken, 6-4, 6-0. Hemken/Hemken edged past Manry/Watkins 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) in the consolation round to qualify for the state

“We’re fortunate to have a lit driving range where we’ve been able to hit some golf balls and play a couple of holes after 7 p.m.,” Collins said. “It’s been a challenge.”

Collins knows Larned Country Club well after serving as the golf course superintendent.

LARNED ROSTER SENIORS—Joselyn Clawson (S 73RD, 108; R 17TH, 108; 22ND, 112; CKL 6TH, 104; 9TH, 107); Jaidyn Pinkston JUNIORS—Autumn Holopirek (CKL, 40TH, 140); Erin Tims (S

85TH, 123; R 12TH, 105; 38TH, 131; CKL 13TH, 126)

SOPHOMORE— Temperance Donecker (R 46TH, 134; CKL 16TH, 130)

NINTH-GRADERS—Kinley Atteberry; Taeten Reynolds

INDIAN SCHEDULE 8-30—at Hutchinson (Crazy Horse) 9-7—at Cimarron 9-11—at Pratt 9-14—Larned

9-18—at Russell 9-25—at Lake Barton 10-2—at Hays 10-3—CKL at Pratt 10-9—at 3-1A regional, Goodland 10-16/17—at 3-1A state, Emporia

tournament. Hemken/ Hemken defeated Ashland’s Jennifer Laufenburg/Jaya Milburn 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 for fifth place at regionals. Larned’s No. 1 doubles Sarah Manry/Reese Watkins (14-9) placed fourth in the CKL meet. No. 1 singles Holt and No. 1 doubles Hemken/ Hemken headline an experienced varsity lineup.

“The girls have worked hard so far this season,” Lessard said. “They are looking forward to begin competition. The varsity and junior varsity teams will be very competitive again this year. The rest of the varsity lineup has not been finalized.”

Lessard said junior Isabella Bailey and sophomores Cassie Manry and Maggie Haas will vie for the two remaining varsity spots, but all three will see varsity action.

Others who

will contribute are sophomores Liliana McKenna, Keirstin Pinkston, and Leah Pinkston. Freshmen Jozlyn Mead, Faith Kelty, Emma McNett, Aspyn Kingsbury and Alexis Stewart.

LARNED ROSTER SENIORS—Abby Holt (SQ 4TH, 25-6; D 22-10; D 19-9; CKL 2ND); Ariana Hemken/Breanna Hemken (D SQ 24-8; CKL 4TH; 15-11; 12-7); Reese Watkins (D 16-13; CKL 4TH) JUNIORS—Isabella Bailey, Madeline Hamrick, Liliana McKenna SOPHOMORES—Maggie

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 15 “We Care About Your Health” 620-804-6100 Best Wishes to All Area Athletes! No job too big or too small Family Owned Since 1950 Licensed and Insured 620-285-2097 Gravel, Concrete Work, Demo and Equipment Rental PARTS FOR: Steve, Julie, Jim, Kevin, and Michael Larned Auto Parts O 620-285-3195 We Support Our Area Athletes! www.ptkansas.com 117 W. 6th Street Larned 620-285-6011 Vertigo, Balance & Neurological Rehabilitation Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation Neck & Back Pain Shoulder Pain ASTYM Therapy Manual & Manipulative Therapy Is pain preventing you u from doing the things you u want to do? C Carrie Hildebrand Physical Therapist Shawn Jecha Physical Therapist Assistant Dr. Kevyn Soupiset Dr. Physical Therapist Dr. Ashley Peintner Dr. AshleyPeintner Physical Therapist

ERIN TIMS JOCELYN CLAWSON

Haas, Cassie Manry, Keirstin Pinkston, Leah Pinkston NINTH-GRADERS—Jozlyn Mead, Faith Kelty, Emma McNett, Aspyn Kingsbury, Alexis Stewart. LARNED SCHEDULE 8-24—at Dodge City JV 8-31—Larned 9-5—at Great Bend 9-7—at Great Bend JV 9-9—at Pratt 9-12—at Ellinwood; at Hoisington JV 9-14—Larned 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-18—at Hoisington JV 9-19—at Claflin; at Lyons JV 9-18—at Scott City 9-23—at Pratt JV 9-30—Central Kansas at Lindsborg 10-6/7—at 3-1A regional 10-14/15—at 3-1A state, Topeka Larned features three state qualifiers JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune 2023 Larned Indian girls tennis team. JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune 2023 Larned Indian girls golf team.

New coach sparks Indian football

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LARNED – Larned football coach Brady Keith grew up living and breathing Indian football. Now, it’s his chance to reenergize the Indians (3-6, 1-3), who lost 52-6 to Beloit in the 2A playoffs.

“I’m a little bit of a “Larned die hard,” so it’s been a blessing to have this opportunity,” Keith said. “Larned is home and always will be. I don’t take the opportunity lightly. Our football staff has two other alumni Cory Johnson and Adam Apley, so it’s been cool to be aligned with guys who share the same passion.”

The Indians will play on a new artificial playing surface, which fits perfectly.

“There is a feeling that we are a new program – the new field has added to that,” Keith said. “There are some philosophical/ psychological advantages that the new surface has given us.” Keith wants the Indians to play football with an underdog mentality.

“When I played, we struggled until Coach A.B. Stokes laid a foundation,” he said. “I’ve always seen myself as an underdog/and have a chip on my shoulder. We pass that attitude to our players. It motivates us.”

Keith carries confidence the Indians will compete favorably.

“We have confidence. We’ve focused on fundamentals, strength and conditioning, accountability and culture,” Keith said. “Our success will depend on how disciplined and physical we play. If you want to be included in the conversation with top 2A programs, you have to play disciplined and physical football.”

Two-year returning starters are RB/DB Brady Hope, RB/ LB Luke Fischer; OL/LB Ty Smith (33 tackles) and DB Carson Shaver. Other returning players are C Ricky Slattery; T/DL Michael Graff; DB WR/DB Cade Colglazier and OL/DL Carter Crosby. In 2021, Defensively, Hope (27 tackles, 3 interceptions); Graff (29 tackles) and Shaver (3 interceptions) contributed. Smith earned first-team All-CKL linebacker honors and honorable mention offensive line. RB Hope earned second team honors.

Smith, Hope, Fischer and Shaver will be team leaders.

“They we’re selected as team captains by their teammates. They know what’s at stake this season,” Keith said. “Ty Smith, Brady Hope, Luke Fischer and Carson Shaver are guys that teams in our league are aware of. We have other guys who will make themselves known

pretty quick.” Keith believes a consistent running attack will set the tone. “We have to invest in our run game to have success,” he said. “Being able to establish

a run game is another facet of our long term plan. Luckily, we are going to have some very talented ball carriers. That all being said, we’ll throw when the defense gives it to us.” Smith leads the defense as

hard-hitting linebacker. “We’re

Shaver, ATH/S, 6-0, 155, 11 3—Deacon Martin, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, 11 4—Tristan Regan, WR/LB, 5-11, 160, 10 5—Landis Hagerman, WR/DB, 5-5, 100, 9 6—Hunter Pontius, RB/DB, 5-7, 130, 9 7—Andres Martinez, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, 9 8—Anthony Gonzales, QB/DB, 5-11, 145, 9 10—Mason Miller, QB/DB, 5-10, 155, 10

11—Ty Smith, OL/LB, 6-0, 210, 12

19—Luke Krehbiel, WR/DB, 5-5, 130, 10

13—Grady Pinkston, WR/DB, 5-5, 125, 10

14—Cade Colglazier, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, 12

15—Corbin Nance, WR/DB, 5-6, 160, 11

16—Jeron Debes, WR/DB, 5-7, 125, 12

17—Devan Sharrai, WR/DB, 5-5, 120, 10

19—Matheu Wilder, FB/DB, 5-5, 135, 9

20—Kooper Rasmussen, RB/DL, 5-10, 160, 10 21—David Colglazier, RB/LB, 5-10, 150, 10

22—Cordell Hammeke, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, 12 23—Brady Hope, ATH/DB, 5-10, 150, 12 24—Lane Elam, WR/DB, 6-2, 140, 10 25—Luke Fischer, RB/LB, 6-2, 200, 12 26—Mylo Nelson, TE/LB, 5-10, 140, 9

27—Slade Sundahl, RB/DB, 5-5, 120, 9 28—Zev Cox, WR/DB, 5-5, 125, 9

29—Crispyn Wilson, WR/DB, 5-10 160, 9 30—James Garetto, TE/LB, 5-10, 165, 9

33—Dalen Rasmussen, WR/LB, 5-11, 165, 11 35—Dylan Roberds,

16 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

we’re fast

going to focus on being gap sound and sure tacklers and using our speed as our advantage.”

undersized, but

and athletic,”

said. “We’re

JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune

LARNED FOOTBALL RETURNING STARTERS—RB/DB Brady Hope; RB/LB Luke Fischer; OL/LB Ty Smith; C Ricky Slattery; T/DL Michael Graff; DB Carson Shaver; WR/DB Cade Colglazier, OL/DL Carter Crosby 2A-DISTRICT 7—Hoisington 8-3 (4-0); Cimarron 2-7 (2-2); Lakin 6-3 (3-1), Larned 3-6 (1-3), SW Heights 2-7 (0-4) INDIAN ROSTER 1—Talon Reynolds, WR/DB, 5-9, 145, 12 2—Carson

(Above) Quarterback Carson Shaver rolls left for short yardage. (Below Left) Luke Fischer gets past an Ellsworth defender. (Below Right) Brady Hope makes a tackle against Ellsworth.

WR/DB, 6-2, 145, 12 42—Zane Lakin, TE/LB, 6-0, 170, 9 43—Landon Haney, TE/LB, 5-10, 185, 11 44—Mikel Wilder, WR/LB, 5-11, 160, 11 50—Camden Bird, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, 11 53—Michael Graff, T/DL, 5-9, 200, 12 55—Ricky Slattery, C/DL, 5-8, 245, 12 56—Angel Bowersox, OL/LB, 5-10, 200, 11 57—Kylier Greene, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, 9 58—Christopher Slattery, OL/DL, 5-9, 230, 11 59—Jacob King, OL/DL, 5-9, 180, 10 62—Mario Rohling, OL/DL, 5-9, 190, 9 63—Andrew Stewart, OL/DL, 5-11, 190, 11 73—Joseph Wilder, OL/DL, 5-6, 220, 11 75—Keaton Bartley, OL/DL, 5-8, 240, 10 76—Elijah Webster, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, 10 77—Carter Crosby, OLDL, 6-2, 295, 11 82—Jace Holopirek, TE/DL, 5-6, 145, 9 INDIAN SCHEDULE 9-1—Pratt 9-8—at Lyons 9-15—Smoky Valley 9-22—at Nickerson 9-29—*at Cimarron 10-6—*SW Heights 10-13—*at Hoisington 10-20—*Lakin 10-27—2A playoffs Have Sports news or story ideas? FAX them to (620) 792-8381 attention to Jim Misunas or e-mail them to jmisunas@gbtribune.com

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

MACKSVILLE – Macksville’s volleyball team 25-10 (3-5 CPL) is loaded with quality experience. The Mustangs downed Kinsley

25-15, 25-20 and Skyline

19-25, 25-18, 25-23 and lost to fourth-place state finisher Pretty Prairie 25-12, 25-19 for a state tournament berth.

Macksville’s only state volleyball appearance resulted in a third place1A

finish in 2003.

Macksville’s well-rounded first team Central Prairie League selection Mayce Russell (377 serves received, 266 digs, 273 serves, 217 winners, 13 blocks) excels in all facets of the game.

“Mayce is surrounded by a core of veterans including 5-9 second-team All-CPL Kambry Adams, 5-9 junior Logan Sanders, and 5-3 Roxanne Carrillo,” said Macksville coach Jennifer Gillespie.

Macksville’s 2022 statis-

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

MACKSVILLE – Macksville state cross country qualifier Sheridyn Black and regional qualifier Maria Garcia headline a 6-athlete roster for coach Mike Hullman. Black placed 64th at the 2021 state cross country meet. Garcia placed 36th and Black finished 50th at last year’s regional meet.

“Sheridyn Black showed she was capable of running and surprised herself at the end of the season,” Hullman said. “She’ll step up to help the team. Maria Garcia needs to believe

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

MACKSVILLE – The Macksville Mustangs (9-1, 5-0) rolled past South Gray 54-6 before losing 46-0 to Atwood Rawlins County in poor field conditions. The Mustangs enjoyed its best record since 2011 and have qualified for the 8-man playoffs in six consecutive seasons.

Returning statters feature

first-team All Central Prairie RB/ LB Hector Gomez; first team AllCPL LG/MLB Ervey Triana; RB/ LB Jason Cleveland; WR Aiden Katz; honorable mention AllCPL WR/S Orion Guevara and honorable mention DE James Granger.

First-year Macksville football coach Morgan Grippin played football at Great Bend. He’s

tics featured Adams (293 serves, 175 serves received, 190 digs, 205 winners, 21 blocks); Carrillo (384 serves received, 285 serves, 205 digs, 16 winners); and Sanders (290 serves, 127 winners, 52 digs, 30 blocks).

Macksville’s junior class of 5-7 Laney Butler (132 serves received), and 5-5 Isabela Ortiz (235 serves, 102 assists, 46 digs, 18 blocks) provide varsity experience.

Russell, Adams, Sanders, Carrillo, Palser, Butler,

in her ability.” Other team members are Anthony Alvarado, Alexandra Lopez, Alycia Fulls and Aiden Gandara.

MACKSVILLE ROSTER SENIORS—Sheridyn Black (S 64TH, R 22ND, 50TH, CPL 24TH); Anthony Alvarado

JUNIOR—Alexandra Lopez SOPHOMORE—Maria Garcia (R 36TH; CPL 12TH); Alycia Fulls NINTH-GRADE—Aiden Gandara

MUSTANG SCHEDULE

8-31—at Pretty Prairie

9-9—at Pratt

9-14—at Stafford CC

9-21—at Larned

9-28—at Pratt

10-5—at Sterling

10-12—at Central Prairie, Ness City

10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—at 1A state, Wamego

coached at Cheylin (Max Keltz), Larned (Al Troyer) and Chaparral (Justin Burke).

“We return an exciting running back and a solid receiving core, and two of our top tacklers,” Grippin said. “We have pieces to build around. I expect us to be a tough football team. We’ve got to develop depth in key spots. We’ll try to win the district and make a playoff push.”

Kendall Grippin will inherit the quarterback spot and look to throw to the playmakers.

“Offensively, we’ll play fast and allow athletes and skill positions to make plays,” Grippin said. “Our run/pass mix will depend on the strengths and weaknesses of our opponent.”

RB Gomez will anchor the offense after 1,338 yards and 24 rushing scores in two seasons.

Ortiz returning – how far can Macksville climb the Central Prairie ladder in 2023?

“This year’s squad will return eight players with extensive varsity experience,” said coach Gillespie. “They look to compete for a Central Prairie League title, defend their Pawnee Heights tournament championship for a third time, and make a deep playoff run.”

A core of veterans return including Sanders, Carrillo,

Butler, 5-6 junior Morgan Sebes and Ortiz.

Sophomores Abagael Foster, Kira Figger and freshmen Kinzie Grizzell, Ashtyn Foster, and Cecelia Brozek,will round out the squad.

Head coach Gillespie is assisted by Taylor Casper.

MUSTANG ROSTER

SENIORS—Logan Sanders, 5-9, MH; Roxanne Carrillo, 5-3, Libero/ DS; Mayce Russell, 5-6, OH; Kambry Adams, 5-9, OH

JUNIORS—Laney Butler, 5-7, S/ OH; Morgan Sebes, 5-6, MH/OH; Isabela Ortiz, 5-5, S/RH SOPHOMORES—Abagael Foster,

5-7, MH/OH; Kira Figger, 5-3, OH/ DS NINTH-GRADERS—Kinzie Grizzell, 5-3, S; Ashtyn Foster, 5-5, OH; Cecelia Brozek, 5-5, OH

MUSTANG SCHEDULE *CPL 8-29—at Greensburg/Hodgeman County/Norwich 8-31—at La Crosse/Otis-Bison

9-5—Stafford/Ness City 9-7—at Deerfield/Kinsley 9-12—at St. John/Stafford/ Burrton 9-16—at Rozel-Burdett Tournament 9-19—at Ellinwood/St. John 9-23—at Greensburg Tournament 9-26—*Central Plains, Kinsley 9-30—at Ellinwood JV Tournament 10-3—*Ness City/Otis-Bison 10-10—*at La Crosse, Victoria 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 1A substate

He had 321 yards receiving and seven TDs in two years.

“Hector Gomez is a fast and agile HB with speed/strength and ability to change directions,” Grippin said. “Gomez is a dual threat in the run and pass game.”

Cleveland has gained 547 yards rushing with 11 scores and 366 yards receiving with seven TDs.

“Jason Cleveland is a fast and explosive WR/TE for us who will help stretch the field and lead as a senior,” Grippin said.

Linebacker Triana accounted for 112 tackles, 11 per game last season. Guevara had 34 tackles, Cleveland 30 and Gomez 26.

“Ervey Triana is a tackling machine who will lead the defense towards our goals,” Grippin said. “He will help with his blocking ability on offense. Our defense

will look to swarm to the ball and create turnovers.”

Grippin commented on other chief contributors.

“James Granger is a returning DE who had great success last season.

Ariel Marquez is a WR/HB who looks to contribute with speed and power “Orion Guevara is a fast and shifty WR who brings the speed threat.

“Gavin Rose will contribute with his ability to catch the ball.

Grippin believes the Mustangs will play as many as seven players on both sides of the football.

“We will rotate a few others to give our starters some breaks,” he said.

6A EAST—Gardner Edgerton 9-4; Olathe North 8-2; Olathe West 8-3; Washburn Rural 8-3, Olathe South 7-3; BV NW 6-4; Olathe Northwest 8-4; Blue Valley 5-5; BV West 5-6; SMNW 3-6; Olathe East 2-7; SM North 2-7; KC Wyandotte 2-7; BV North 1-8; SM South 1-8; SW West 0-9 WEST— Manhattan 13-0, Derby 9-3, Wichita NW 8-3; Junction City 7-3; Garden City 7-3; Free State 5-4; Wichita East 6-4, Lawrence 6-4; Wichita South 3-6; Topeka High 1-8, Wichita SE 1-8; Campus 1-8; Wichita North 0-9 5A EAST—Mill Valley 12-1, DeSoto 9-2, KC Sumner 7-3, Pittsburg 7-4, Topeka Highland Park 6-3, Shawnee Heights 5-5, BV SW 6-6, Spring Hill 5-5, Topeka Seaman 4-5, Leavenworth 3-6, Lansing 3-6, KC Washington 3-6, Topeka West 1-8, KC Harmon 0-8, KC Turner 0-9 WEST—Maize 12-1, Hays 10-1, Hutchinson 8-3, Wichita Carroll 7-3, Great bend 7-3, Valley Center 7-3, Goddard 5-4, Maize South 4-5, Wichita Kapaun 5-5, Liberal 3-6, Goddard Eisenhower 3-6, ASndover 3-6, Newton 3-6, Wichita West 2-7, Emporia 2-8, Salina South 0-9 4A EAST—SM Miege 11-2, Chanute 9-1, Atchison 9-1, Aquinas 9-3; Eudroa 8-2; Louisburg 8-2, Basehor 6-3, KC Piper 7-4, Coffeyville 6-4, St. James 6-5; Tonganoxie 4-5, Paola 3-6, Ottawa 2-7, Bonner Springs 2-7, Fort Scott 2-7, Labette County 2-7, KC Schlagle 1-8, Independence 1-8 WEST—Wamego 12-1, McPherson 10-2, Circle 8-3, Andover Central 7-4, Wellington 5-4, Buhler 4-5, Abilene 4-5, Rose Hill 4-6, Arkansas City 3-7, Augusta 2-7, Winfield 2-8, Ulyses 1-8; Mulvane 1-8 3A 1—Galena 7-3, Frontenac 6-4, Parsons 5-4, Columbus 5-6, Baxter Springs 3-6 2—Girard 10-1, Burlington 5-4, Prairie View 4-5, Anderson County 3-6, Iola 2-7 3—Wellsville 9-1, KC Ward 7-3, Santa Fe Trail 2-7, Baldwin 1-7, Osawatomie 0-9 4—Holton 11-2, Topeka Hayden 10-2, Perry Lecompton 3-6, Royal Valley 2-7, Jefferson West 1-8 5—Concordia 8-3, Rock Creek 9-2, Clay Center 8-4, Hiawatha 2-7, Marysville 3-6 6—Wichita Collegiate 8-2, Hesston 6-4, Chapman 3-6, Clearwater 3-6, Wichita Trinity 2-7 7—Andale 13-0, Cheney 8-3, Pratt 7-3, Smoky Valley 4-5, Nickerson 1-8 8—Scott City 8-2, Holcomb 7-2, Hugoton 6-3, Colby 3-6, Goodland 2-7 2A 1—Caney Valley 8-3, Cherryvale 5-4, Fredonia 4-5, Neodesha 2-7, Riverton 1-8 2—Osage City 8-2, Humboldt 8-3, Council Grove 7-3, West Franklin 5-4, Eureka 3-6 3—Silver Lake 6-3, Atchison County 6-3, Rossville 5-5, Atchison Maur Hill 3-6, Pleasant Ridge 2-7 4—Nemaha Central 13-0, Sabetha 9-3, Minneapolis 5-4, Riley County 3-7, Horton 1-8 5—SE Saline 11-1, Ellsworth 8-2, Halstead 3-6, Hillsboro 2-7, Lyons 0-9 6—Kingman 12-1, Chaparral 7-2, Garden Plain 4-5, Haven 4-5, Douglass 4-5 7—Hoisington 8-3, Lakin 6-3, Larned 3-6, Cimarron 2-7, SW Heights 2-7 8—Beloit 8-3, Norton 6-4, Russell 6-4, Hays TMP 4-5, Phillipsburg 3-6 1A 1—Pittsburg Colgan 8-2, Erie 3-6, Arma Northeast 3-6, Cherokee Southeast 1-8, Uniontown 1-8 2—Jayhawk Linn 8-2, Olpe 8-3, Pleasanton 7-3, Central Heights 3-6, Northern Heights 0-9 3—St. Marys 11-2, Jefferson North 6-4, Mission Valley 3-6, McLouth 2-7, Oskaloosa 1-8, Valley Falls 1-8 4—Centralia 11-1, Troy 8-2, Jackson Heights 4-5, WathenaRiverside 3-6, Onaga 2-7, 5—Wabaunsee 9-2, Smith Center 8-3, Salina Sacred Heart 4-5, Valley Heights 2-7, Republic County 1-8 6—Marion 6-4, Sedgwick 5-5, Remington 2-7, Belle Plaine 1-8, Bluestem 0-9 7—Inman 11-2, Conway Springs 7-4, Hutchinson Trinity 6-3, Sterling 4-5, Medicine Lodge 3-6, Ellinwood 3-6 8—Oakley 6-4, Plainville 4-6, Ellis 3-6, Syracuse 1-8, Stanton County 0-8 8-MAN 1 1—West Elk 8-1, Oswego 6-3, Sedan 4-5, Yates Center 1-8, Flinthills 3-7, Cedar Vale/Dexter 0-8 2— Burlingame 10-2, Chase County 9-2, Lyndon 8-3, Madison/Hamilton 6-4, Topeka Cair Paravel 3-5, Shawnee Maranatha 1-8 3— South Sumner 9-1, Wichita Independent 8-2, Attica/Argonia 5-4, BurdenCentral 5-4, Oxford 4-5, Udall 1-8 4—Little River 11-2, Moundridge 6-4, Goessel 3-6, Herington 3-6, Pretty Prairie 3-6, Solomon 2-7 5—Clifton Clyde 7-2, Ell Saline 6-3, Washington County 5-4, Lincoln 3-6, Rock Hills 2-7, Bennington 0-8 6—Hill City 10-2, Rawlins County 8-3, Hoxie 7-3, Quinter 4-6, Oberlin 2-7, Stockton 0-9 7—Macksville 9-1, WaKeeney Trego 6-4, Ness City 5-4, La Crosse 4-5, Skyline 1-8, Kiowa County 0-8 8—Wichita County 13-0, Meade 9-2, Sublette 4-5; Elkhart 2-6, South Gray 2-7, Spearville 2-7 8-MAN 2 x-no team 1—Lebo 8-3, Crest 7-3, St. Paul 4-5. Marmaton Valley 4-5, Hartford 2-7, Marais Des Cygnes 0-9 2—Canton Galva 11-1, Hutchinson Central Christian 4-6, Norwich 3-6, Rural Vista 2-7, Fairfield 0-9 3—Axtell 13-0, Hanover 5-5, Frankfort 4-6, Linn 3-6, Doniphan West 2-7, Blue Valley 2-7 4—Osborne 9-2, Beloit-St. John’s 6-3, Downs-Lakeside 5-4, Pike Valley 3-6, Wakefield 2-7 5—Victoria 10-1, SylvanLucas 7-3, Central Plains 2-7, x-Wilson 2-7, Otis-Bison 1-8 6—Thunder Ridge 11-2, Wallace County 7-4, St. Francis 4-5, Logan/Palco 1-8, Wheatland/Grinnell 1-8 7—Stafford 8-1, South Barber 6-3, Kinsley 4-5, South Central 4-5, St. John 1-8 8—Dighton 11-1, Minneola 8-2, Bucklin 6-4, Hodgeman County 6-4, Satanta 2-7 6-MAN 1—Waverly 10-1, Wetmore 7-3, Peabody 6-4, Centre 3-6, Altoona Midway 3-6, Southern Coffey 1-8, Chetopa 0-8 2—Cunningham 12-0, Tescott 9-2, Burrton 6-4, Natoma 5-5, Rozel Pawnee Heights 4-6, Southern Cloud 1-7, Chase 0-8 3—Ashland 9-2, Ingalls 6-3, Deerfield 5-4, Moscow 4-4, Rolla 1-6 4—Cheylin 9-2, Northern Valley 7-3, Tribune Greeley County 4-5, Rexford Golden Plains 3-7, Triplains/Brewster 2-7, Ransom-Western Plains/ Healy 0-9 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 17

MACKSVILLE MUSTANGS COACH—Morgan Grippin (0-0, 1ST year) EIGHT-MAN 1, DISTRICT 7—Macksville 9-1 (5-0), WaKeeney Trego 6-4 (4-1), Ness City 5-4 (3-2), La Crosse 4-5 (2-3), Skyline 1-8 (0-4), Kiowa County 0-8 (0-5 RETURNING STARTERS—RB/LB Hector Gomez; LG/MLB Ervey Triana; RB/LB Jason Cleveland; WR Aiden Katz; WR/S Orion Guevara MACKSVILLE ROSTER 1—Orion Guevara, 5-8, 135, WR/DB, 11 2—Hector Gomez, 5-8, 155, RB/DB, 11 3—Parker Burr, 5-3, 110, WR/DB, 11 4—Aiden Katz, 5-7, 135, WR/DB, 12 5—Ariel Marquez, 5-9, 160, QB/LB, 10 7—Keven Holguin, 5-7, 130, WR/DB, 11 8—Raymond Saavedra, 5-8, 140, WR//LB, 10 10—Ty Hall, 5-9, 140, OL/DL, 11 11—Austin Neighbors, 5-5, 125, WR/DB, 11 12—Jason Cleveland, 6-0, 170, RB/S, 12 13—Kendall Grippin, 6-0, 155, QB/DE, 11 21—Ervey Triana, 5-9, 180, OL/ILB, 12 24—Shain Granger, 6-4, 165, OL/DE, 10 32—James Granger, 6-5, 200, OL/DE, 11 75—Ty Clawson, 6-0, 205, OL/DE, 10 81—Gavin Rose, 5-8, 150, RB/DB, 10 85—Devin Lee, 5-8, 165, OL/DL, 11 Devon McMurphy, 5-9 200, 11 2023 MUSTANG SCHEDULE 9-1—at St. John 9-8—Central Plains 9-15—Medicine Lodge 9-22—*at WaKeeney Trego 9-29—*at La Crosse 10-6—*Ness City 10-13—*Skyline 10-20—*at Kiowa County 10-27—8-man playoffs Mustang VB seeks CPL, regional success

headlines Mustang runners HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune Macksville’s Sheridan Black is the lone returning state qualifier. Mustang FB returns six veteran players Prep football districts

Black

Smith leads Tiger runners

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ST. JOHN – St. John’s Quade Smith (18:05.3) earned 13TH medalist honors at Wamego Country Club. Smith (18;12.0) qualified for 1A state with a seventh-place finish at Ness City. Smith earned runner-up Central Prairie League honors.

The Tigers ended an amazing 7-year streak of qualifying for the state meet last year. St. John’s boys placed first (2016), second (2017, 2018), fourth (2015) and fifth (2019, 2020).

“Quade was healthy last year and finished 13THh at 1A state,” said St. John coach Joel Delp. “At the end of the year, he was running at a high level. He’s in good shape to start

the season. He has experience running at Wamego, both at their invitational and at the state meet. He’s an excellent leader by example.”

Smith battled through injuries to help the Tigers qualify as a team as a freshman. He placed 13TH last year after a 49TH-place finish in 2021.

Sophomore Rafael Gonzalez and junior Josh Chapman are the other returning team members.

“Both ran quality races at the JV level, but we need them to step up and run on the varsity team,’ Delp said.

Overall, coach Delp is anxious to see the runners progress.

“They’ve been willing to work. Quade is pushing himself. The other

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ST. JOHN – St. John’s first-team All Central Prairie League Heidi Fisher and second team All-Central Prairie Mariah Sanders headline an experienced lineup. Fisher and Sanders handle virtually all of the serves received defensively. They provide a dynamic duo with blocks and serving.

Last year, St. John (20-14) downed La Crosse 25-16, 25-18 and lost to 1A state qualifier Pretty Prairie 25-16, 25-18. Other St. John players who gained varsity experience last year are Mia Meyer, Karly Rochenbach, Lydia Reed and Averi Fisher. Reed will be one of the dominant Central Prairie League players at the net.

Promising newcomers are Lily Brummer, Allison Lopez, Tara Dowling and Gentri Bright.

St. John Tiger volleyball

TalentedfeatureTigers all-league duo

coach Trish Wade has guided the Tigers to a proud winning tradition. Wade, a Barton Cougar volleyball Hall of famer, led the Tigers to state volleyball titles in 2008 (43-2), 2010 (41-4) and 2011 (43-2). Dean Rausch coached the Tigers (32-1) to the 1993 state title.

boys have been grouped up competing with each other. They are a good group to coach. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do.”

Freshman Kaden Foote competed on the junior high level last year.

“Kaden is a promising

young runner,” Delp said. “He’ll be able to compete at the varsity level at some point this year.”

Newcomers are senior Ian Dunn, junior Naoto Joboji and freshman Garrett Dunn.

“They’ve worked hard in practice.,’ Delp said.

“They need to gain some experience. They will be solid runners.”

ST. JOHN TIGERS SENIOR—Ian Dunn JUNIORS—Josh Chapman (S 85TH, R 60TH, 69TH, CPL JV 1ST), Quade Smith (S 13TH, 49TH, R 7TH, 18TH; CPL 2ND);

Tigers seek steady improvement

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ST. JOHN – For St. John, it’s been a 10-year drought after the Tigers’ last football playoff appearance in 2012. The Tigers (1-8) have compiled a record of 11-77 the past 10 seasons.

However, the undermanned Tigers showed progress by beating Otis-Bison 28-6 before losing 36-30 to South Barber and 12-8 to Ness City. It’s clear the Tigers have made some improvement. In 2021, the Tigers were shut out six times and scored more than one touchdown on one game.

St. John football coach Justin Nusser starts his fourth season in his hometown after playing football for the Tigers’ initial 8-man squad in 2000. Fort Hays State

graduate Nusser has coached at 2A Plainville, 1A Stafford and worked as an assistant junior high coach at St. John.

“We expect to compete with an ‘every play matters mentality,” Nusser said. “We want to control the tempo on offense and play physically up front. We need to play assignment-sound football on defense. We need a focus on improving our pass coverage game.”

The Tigers are headlined by second team Central Prairie nose guard Tegan Tanner and honorable mention wide receiver Alan Valenzuela.

18 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

ST. JOHN STARTERS C/DL Randy Calvillo; RG/NG Tegan Tanner; WR-CB Alan Valenzuela; OL/LB Abelardo Llanas; DT Daniel Portillo; WR/DE Eli Foote; LG Aden Adame 8-MAN 2 DISTRICT 7— South Barber 7-3 (3-1), Stafford 8-1 (4-0), Kinsley 4-5 (2-2), South Central 3-6 (1-3), St. John 1-8 (0-4) TIGER ROSTER 1—Abelardo Llanas, 6-0, 155, OL/DL 12 2—Victor Salcido, 11 3—Dorian Villanueva, 5-9, 155, 12 5—Alan Valenzuela, 6-0, 145, WR/CB, 12 7—Braxton Alpers, 5-9, 145, QB, 10 15—Victor Salcido, 5-5, 120, 11 21—Juan Ibarra, 5-8, 125, WR/QB, 10 25—Jace Reyes, 5-7, 145, 10 30—Aden Adame, 5-9, 190, G, 11 34—Daniel Portillo, 5-7, 195, 10 36—Christopher Fernandez, 5-9, 155, WR/QB, 11 58—Julio Lozano, 5-8, 190, OL/DL, 10 42—Keaton Burns, 5-8, 180, 10 60—Randy Calvillo, 5-5, 220, C/DL, 12 72—Tegan Tanner, 6-3, 250, C/NG, 12 88—Eli Foote, 5-9, 160, WR/DE, 12 89—Weston Peterson, 5-6, 130, 10 Brandon Henkle, 9 Benny Sheets, 9 Miguel Gonzalez, 9 William Martin, 9 Jericho Mawriter, 9 TIGER SCHEDULE *DISTRICT 9-1—Macksville 9-8—at Ness City 9-15—at Otis-Bison 9-22—Wichita County 9-29—*at Stafford 10-6—*South Barber 10-13—*at Kinsley 10-20—*South Central 10-26—8-man playoffs

NINTH-GRADERS—Garrett Dunn, Kaden Foote ST. JOHN SCHEDULE 9-2—at TMP Hays 9-9—at Wamego 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned JV meet 9-23—at Lawrence Rim Rock 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Prairie League at Ness City 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—at 1A state, Wamego

Naoto Joboji SOPHOMORE—Rafael Gonzalez (R 45TH),

ST. JOHN ROSTER 1—Mia Meyer, 10 2—Lily Brummer 3—Allison Lopez 4—Mariah Sanders, MB, 12 5—Karly Rochenbach, 10 7—Tara Dowling 9—Heidi Fisher, 5-6, OH, 12 11—Lydia Reed, MB, 11 20—Averi Fisher, 10 23—Jorja Blakeslee, 11 ST. JOHN SCHEDULE 8-28—at Burrton/Halstead 8-29—at Larned 9-1—at Pratt Skyline Tournament 9-4—at Hoisington/Haven 9-6—Medicine Lodge/Halstead 9-11—at Stafford/Burrton/ Macksville 9-18—*Ellinwood/Macksville 9-22—at Hoisington Tournament 9-25—*at Otis-Bison/Victoria 9-27—at Ellsworth/Russell 10-2—*at Kinsley/La Crosse 10-10—*at Ness City/Central Plains 10-13—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-20—at 1A substate

COURTESY PHOTOS Dick Smith

Sanders

COURTESY PHOTOS Dick Smith

Mariah

Heidi Fisher

The 2023 St. John cross country team coached by Joel Delp features Kaden Foote, Rafael Gonzalez, Naoto Joboji, Josh Chapman, Ian Dunn, Quade Smith, Garrett Dunn.

COURTESY PHOTOS Dick Smith Alan Valenzuela stiff-arms an Otis-Bison defender during a game last season.

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

STAFFORD – Stafford football coach Mitch Engelken engineered a major turnaround with an 8-1 record and District championship. The Trojans (8-1, 4-0) lost a 32-30 shootout to Bucklin in the playoffs. Engelken has enjoyed success at Axtell, Osborne and Solomon, all winning 8-man programs.

The Stafford Trojans earned the school’s first football playoff victory in school history with a 54-28 victory over South Haven in 2018. The Trojans have qualified for the 8-man playoffs seven times.

The Trojans feature returning experience with OL/DL Alexis Garcia; second team All-Central Prairie FB/DE Brody Kershenske; second team All-CPL OL/DL Axel Ortiz; FB/LB Dylan Brozek; second team All-CPL RB/LB Cody Knoche and honorable mention WR/CB Jimi Oleson.

“Our overall goals and expectations remain the same,” Engleken said. “We’ll play fast, play together, and be assignment sound. We have size and athleticism to go with solid experience. My personal goal is

to pushing them to give 100% each day. We want to raise the bar for Stafford football. We’ll learn from our mistakes while finding ways to play through our strengths.”

Knoche enjoyed a breakout season with 990 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

“Cody Knoche unknowingly tore his meniscus early in the season, but he did not let it slow him,” he said. “We look for him and others to lead our team to another successful season.”

Kerschenske led the defense with 77 stops, and 18.5 tackles for loss. Brozek had 40 tackles and Knoche contributed 29.

“Brody Kerschenske selflessly volunteered to move to the offensive line when needed,” Engelken said. “It was a big help to our success. He’ll step into a larger leadership role as a senior.”

Oleson scored four TDs with 364 yards receiving.

“Jimi Oleson was an excellent addition to our team on both sides of the ball,” he said. “He works hard every day.”

Graduating six solid seniors will be a challenge to replace. But Engelken that’s what building a program is about.

STAFFORD – First-year Stafford volleyball coach Marlena Hunley received good news – Stafford’s finest girls athlete Katelyn McCloskey will spark the Trojans’ volleyball team after spending the past three years playing football.

McCloskey has compiled wrestling records of 24-10 and 24-12 the past two seasons.

“Our success was a great step in the right direction,” he said. “It’ll be a challenge to replace their skill on-and-off the field. But it will be exciting to see our team identity.” With 21 players, Engelken sees signs of progress.

“Participation numbers are up at 21 players,” he said. “It’s a great number that we’re excited about. We have a 4-game junior varsity season scheduled, which we didn’t have last year.”

STAFFORD TROJANS EIGHT-MAN 2, NO. 6 —Stafford

RETURNING

STAFFORD – The Valadez family will be a familiar name for the Stafford cross country team with junior Joseph Valadez, sophomore Josue Valadez and freshman Joel Valadez competing for the Trojans.

“They all are related, but Joel and Josue are brothers,” said Stafford cross country coach Mark Mock. “They

The Trojans (1-32) lost to Argonia at last year’s 1A regionals. Stafford earned their lone victory over Chase.

The Trojans pushed Healy/Western Plains to three sets.

Stafford veterans who played last year include seniors Kirstin Langley, Anna Alpers, Jauzalynn Blanton and Madilyn Hearn and sophomores Kynlee Hearn and Trynity Pope.

get along and challenge each other. They’ve been a great encouragement to one another.” Mock believes Josue and Joel will perform at a high level.

“Josue and Joel will be strong runners because of all the work they’ve put in this summer,” Mock said. “With four high school boys runners, we can com-

pete as a team. Our boys are focused on competing and taking on the season. Time will tell, but with those two leading our team, Joseph Valadez, Sky Stockham, and eighth-grader Gabriel Chapman have a lot to strive for. They are capable of great things.”

STAFFORD ROSTER

JUNIOR—Joseph Valadez

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 19

(8-1, 4-0); South Barber (6-3, 3-1); Kinsley (4-5, 2-2); South Central (4-5, 1-3); St. John (1-8, 0-4)

STARTERS—OL/DL Alexis Garcia; FB/DE Brody Kershenske; OL/DL Axel Ortiz; FB/LB Dylan Brozek; RB/LB Cody Knoche; WR/CB Jimi Oleson

ROSTER 0—Gary Smiley, 5-6, 130, WR/DB, 9 1—James Engelbrecht, 5-8, 150, TB/DB, 9 2—Jacob Simmons, 5-10, 158, QB/CB, 10 3—Landon Baird, 5-9, 140, WR/DB, 11 4—Cody Knoche, 6-1, 170, TB/LB, 11 6—Sam Lowther, 6-0, 135, PK, 11 7—Jimi Oleson, 6-0, 160, WR/CB, 12 9—Pedro Berenguei, 6-2, 165, WR/DB, K, 10—Tuff Pope, 5-7, 150, QB/DB, 9 12—Dylan Brozek, 6-0, 170, FB/LB, 10 15—Brody Kerschenske, 6-5, 215, TE/OL/ DE, 12 21—Brock Downing, 6-1, 195, OL/DL, 11 25—Alexis Garcia, 5-10, 215, OL/DL, 12 29—Dominic Rios, 5-8, 205, OL/DL, 12 32—Jackson Mead, 5-7, 170, TE/OL/LB, 9 33—Jacob Johnson, 5-10, 180, OL/DL, 9 58—Axel Ortiz, 5-11, 235, OL/DL, 11 59—Trevor Kirkpatrick, 5-10, 180, OL/DL, 11 68—Jan Tort, 6-3, 160, WR/DB/K, 11 69—Kenton Sherrill, 6-3, 285, OL/DL, 11 78—Tanner Denio, 5-7, 175, OL/DL, 9 STAFFORD SCHEDULE 9-1—Fairfield 9-8—at Skyline 9-15—Hutchinson Central Christian 9-22—*at South Central 9-29—*St. John 10-6—at Norwich 10-12—*at South Barber 10-20—*Kinsley 10-26—8-man playoffs

TROJAN

SOPHOMORE—Josue

36TH) NINTH-GRADERS—Joel Valadez, Sky Stockham STAFFORD SCHEDULE 8-31—at Pretty Prairie 9-9—at Pratt 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned 9-26—at Lyons 9-28—at Pratt 10-5—at North Newton 10-12—Heart of the Plains 10-21—at 1A regionals 10-28—at 1A state, Victoria SMS CROSS COUNTRY--8-31—at Pretty Prairie; 9-9—at Pratt; 9-14—at Stafford CC; 9-26—at Lyons; 9-28—at Pratt

Valadez (R

STAFFORD ROSTER 1—Kirstin Langley, 12 2—Kynlee Hearn, 5-1, 10 4—Katelyn McCloskey, 12 5—Anna Alpers, 12 6—Jauzalynn Blanton, 12 9—Emily Delgadillo, 9 10—Peyton Roush, 9 11—Aubrey Dove, 9 12—Bailey Wiley, 9 14—Trynity Pope, 10 15—Madilyn Hearn, 5-2, 12 17—Ines Garcia, 12 22—Emma Mathes, 9 Coaches—Marlena Hunley, Cariisa Hearn Manager Taylor Denio TROJAN SCHEDULE 8-26—at South Barber Tournament 8-30—at Otis-Bison/Cunningham 9-5—at Macksville/Ness City 9-9—at Otis/LaCrosse Tournament 9-12—at St. John/Burrton/Macksville 9-16—at Rozel-Burdett Tournament 9-19—Norwich/Fairfield 9-26—at Attica/Hutchinson Central Christian 10-3—at Skyline/South Barber 10-5—at Larned/Kinsley 10-10—at Pretty Prairie/Cunningham 10-14—at Heart of the Plains 10-21—at 1A regional Trojans seek encore performance COURTESY PHOTOS Dick Smith (Above) Stafford’s Cody Knoche carries the ball during a game against St. John last season. (Below) Jimi Oleson gets in on a tackle. McCloskey will boost Trojan spikers Valadez family sparks Trojan runners

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

OTIS – The Otis-Bison Cougars return four experienced volleyball players to bolster confidence in the Central Prairie League. The Cougars (16-19) lost to Pawnee Heights 25-22, 25-16 in last year’s 1A regional play. In 2020, the Cougars advanced to the Class 1A Division 2 state quarterfinals despite a losing record.

Two-year starters MH Zoey Schwindt (242 serves received, 183 digs, 167 serves, 88 winners, 43 blocks) and Libero Destiny Mitchell (376 serves received, 378 serves, 317 digs, 88 winners) headline a defensive oriented lineup. Hope Lumpkins (265 serves received, 252 serves, 212 digs) and Emma Bahr (221 assists, 185 serves, 110 digs) return with varsity experience.

Otis-Bison showcased its defensive ability with a third-place finish at the opening Healy Tournament.

Lily Schwindt, Madyson Chapman, Grace Smith and Briana Croisant played superbly as Otis-Bison coach Janelle Maier wants everyone contributing.

The Cougars defeated Western Plains 25-17, 25-19 by scoring the final eight points to capture third place. They also defeated Rolla and Triplains/Brewster 25-19, 25-19. Eventual runner-up Golden Plains downed the Cougars 25-20, 25-20

and Healy champion Greeley County rallied for a 25-15, 25-21 semifinal victory after trailing 19-15 in the second set.

1A COUGAR ROSTER

0—Destiny Mitchell, 5-0, L, 11

1—Hope Lumpkins, 5-5, L, 12

2—Zoey Schwindt, 5-8,

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

OTIS — Otis-Bison junior Destiny Mitchell checked off two goals – Central Prairie League cross country champion and top 10 state medalist. Mitchell ran a career-best time to place ninth in 1A last year.

“Destiny is a hard worker who loves to compete,” said Otis-Bison coach Stan Ewy. “It’ll be interesting to see what she does this year. She’s a dual sport athlete in volleyball and cross country, so we have to be creative in our practices. She runs in the morning, so it won’t interfere with volleyball practice. Her goal is to letter in every sport she competes in. She also plays basketball and cheerleads.”

Ewy rejoins the coaching staff after Amy Blackburn coached cross country last year.

“Coach Blackburn did an outstanding job, so I’m going to build on what they did last year,” Ewy said. “It’s great to be back coaching. I enjoy working with the student/athletes and being around and learning from other coaches.”

The Cougars feature five girls.

“It’s a good nucleus of returning girls, plus an addition of a senior and sophomore,” Ewy said. “They are great athletes, and hard workers. They make coaching fun. With five girls out, it will be neat to see what they can do in post-season.”

Coach Ewy commented on the Cougar

runners.

“Ava Kenyon finished strong as she placed in the CPL, but came up short at regionals,” Ewy said. “She qualified for state track in the 400 meters. She’s a football and basketball cheerleader who has placed high in cheerleading events.

“Abigail Rodriquez has been hampered by past injuries. She’s a good athlete. I’ve had an opportunity to coach her in basketball. I know what kind of competitor she is.

“Emma McMillan is a competitor. She runs hurdles in track and qualified for state in the javelin. It’s exciting to see her perform.

“Delilah Reever likes to compete and does what’s asked of her. I had the opportunity to coach her in junior high track and basketball as a freshman. She’s not afraid to try different events, so I was glad she went out for cross country.”

ROSTER

COUGAR

SENIORS—Ava Kenyon (REG 29TH, CPL 7TH, 13TH); Emma McMillan; Abigail Rodriguez (CPL 14TH, 18TH) JUNIOR—Destiny Mitchell (S 9TH, 38TH; REG 6TH, 8TH; CPL 1ST, 2ND) SOPHOMORE—Deliah Reever

COUGAR SCHEDULE 8-31—at Lake Barton 9-9—at Pratt 9-14—at Stafford CC 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Ness City 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—Central Prairie at Ness City 10-21—at 1A regional 10-28—1A state at Wamego

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

OTIS — The Otis-Bison Cougars have endured three consecutive losing seasons after enjoying a strong football tradition. The Cougars qualified for the 2019 state playoffs and earned runnerup state trophies in 1987 and 2010. The Cougars started practice with a 12-player roster for 8-man football. Several veteran players elected to not play football. The Cougars face a tall challenge to be competitive.

“Our key is to stay

healthy. We lack of depth in every position,” said Otis-Bison coach Tom Lumpkins. “A single injury would have us looking at doing things differently to make it work. We look to be competitive and work a tough schedule to improve record from last year. The 8-Man Division 2 Cougars will employ spread formations and off-balance looks last year. Defensively, the Cougars plan a 2-4-2 defense.

“We’ll operate from a spread offense to get our athletes in open space with the football to make plays,”

he said. “We will incorporate a 2-4-2 defense to utilize our speed and talent in the backfield.”

Key returners are seniors WR/LB Eston Juno, RB/DB Hayden Morrison, juniors QB/S Jake Hoopingarner, OL/LB Logan Maier, OL/ DL Ismael Cortez and sophomores WR/S Gavin Alloway, OL/DL Kelson Juno and TE/DL Louis McVey.

Konner Schenk is a first year football player as a sophomore we will look to develop into a key role on the Cougar offensive and defensive line.

8-MAN 2 DISTRICT 5— Victoria 10-1 (4-0), Sylvan-Lucas 7-3 (3-1), Central Plains 2-7 (2-2), Otis-Bison 1-8 (0-4) COUGAR ROSTER 1—Jake Hoopingarner, QB/DB/P, 150, 11 7—Gavin Alloway, WR/RB/DB, 135, 10 10—Kelson Juno, OL/DL, 190, 10 11—Eston Juno, TE/RB/LB, 12 15—Hayden Morrison, RB/DB/K, 155, 12 55—Logan Maier, G/DE, 180, 11 58—Louis McVey, OL/DL, 165, 10 Ismael Cortez, OL/DL, 10 Konner Schenk, OL/DL, 9 COUGAR SCHEDULE 9-1—La Crosse 9-8—at Kinsley 9-15—St. John 9-22—*Sylvan-Lucas 9-29—at Dighton 10-6—*at Central Plains 10-13—Reno County Home School 10-20—*at Victoria 10-27—8-man playoffs

MH, 11 3—Lily Schwindt, 9 4—Madyson Chapman, 5-4, MH, 10 6—Grace Smith, 5-3, OH, 10 7—Emma Bahr, 5-6, S, 10 10—Marissa Pechanac, 9 12—Kaylee Ficken, 5-6, OH, 11 14—Briana Croisant, 5-4, S, 11 17—Nevaeh McVey, 5-6, MH, 12 COUGAR SCHEDULE *CPL 9-27—at Healy Tournament (3RD, 3-2) 8-29—Stafford/Cunningham 8-31—at La Crosse/Macksville 9-5—at Ellinwood/Chase 9-9—at Otis-La Crosse Tournament 9-12—at Ness City/Quinter 9-19—*at Central Plains/La Crosse 9-23—at Hoisington Tournament 9-26—*at St. John/Victoria 10-3—*Macksville/Ness City 10-7—at Chase JV Tournament 10-10—*at Ellinwood/Kinsley 10-14—Central Prairie League at Ellinwood 10-21—at 1A substate 20 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 Proud to Support The Otis-Bison Cougars! 785-387-2240 www.agencyoneotis.com scotthiggason@agencyoneotis.com Scott & Kim Higgason That New Place Bar & Grill 309 Main, Olmitz 620-586-3234 OPEN: 11am-10pm Mon.-Weds. 11am-11pm Fri. & Sat.; Closed Thurs. and Sun. GRILL CLOSES AT 9pm COURTESY PHOTO DALE RIGGS The 2023 Otis-Bison girls volleyball team features front row—10 Marissa Pechanec, 6 Grace Smith, 4 Madyson Chapman, 0 Destiny Mitchell; second row—3 Lily Schwindt, 12 Kaylee Ficken, 7 Emma Bahr, 14 Briana Croisant, 2 Zoey Schwindt; back row—1 Hope Lumpkins, 17 Neveah McVey. Cougar volleyball returns standouts Cougars face challenging numbers game Destiny Mitchell sparks Cougar runners COURTESY PHOTO The 2023 Otis-Bison cross country team features front row Destiny Mitchell, Ava Kenyon, Delilah Reever; back row—manager Nevaeh McVey, Emma McMillan, Abigail Rodriguez, manager Marissa Reever, coach Stan Ewy. Call 1-800-950-8742 to subscribe today!

Cards primed to be state contender

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON — There’s only one ckeckmark left for Hoisington football coach Zach Baird — a 2A state football championship trophy.

“Our goal is to win a state football championship,” said Hoisington coach Zac Baird. “Our guys improved physically during a good summer. They’ve given themselves a chance to be successful.”

Hoisington features first-team All-Central Kansas League OL/ DL Caiden Hoffman and versatile QB-DB Tony Moore. Other veteran returnees are firt-time CKL LB Teron Kraft, DB Tony Moore and PK Taylen Morales. They join second team All-CKL QB Moore, LB Ian Smith and honorable mention DB Mason Alderdice.

The Cardinals ended an 8-3 season with a 44-21 setback to Southeast of Saline in the 2022 playoffs. The Cardinals own a 10year playoff streak highlighted by a state championship 27-20 loss to Rossville in 2020.

Moore rushed for 992 yards and 12 scores and threw for 656 yards and 11 scores in a big-play passing game.

“Tony is a gifted athlete with good speed and strength,” Baird said. “The sky is the limit. What makes Tony special is his football IQ. He learns things very quickly. He can go back and recall information.”

Moore shows ability to be a run/ pass threat

“Tony’s skill set allows us to do different things offensively,” Baird said. “Tony Moore will take a huge step. He’s a special athlete that makes plays you can’t coach. We threw the ball effectively last year.”

All-state prospect Hoffman (6-3, 310) is being recruited at the Division 2 level after anchoring a ground game that averaged 290 yards last season.

“Caiden Hoffman has worked hard to improve his strength and

quickness. His primary strength is his size because he can flat out move people,” Baird said. “It goes under the radar how good his feet are. Caiden looks better athletically. We’ll need him to play at an all-state level on both sides of the football.”

The backfield exhibits balance with Kraft (616, 10 TDs); Alderdice (568, 5 TDs); Ian Smith (551, 5 TDs) and Jason Robinson (136, 3 TDs).

“We have a bunch of pieces in the backfield,” Baird said. “Tony Moore and Teron Kraft will get a big workload. They’ll build off good years. We like what Mason Alderdice, Jason Robinson, Ian Smith and Taylen Morales bring to our backfield. Ian will move to a slot. He has a skill set where he can

do everything. Mason is electric in space, and runs great routes. Jason Robinson is back healthy and gives us a big threat. Taylen Morales has a huge upside and will get some opportunities.” Developing depth at receiver is a goal. “We bring back guys who will step up and give us threats on the edge,” Baird said. “Sophomore Mason Martin looked really good during the summer at wide receiver. There are some other young guys that can make plays out there as well. A rock-solid defense features Kraft (66 tackles), Smith (56), Moore (42), Gage Britt (36), Alderdice (35) and Hoffman (34). In 2021, Smith accounted for 38 stops and Jason Robinson (37, 3

interceptions).

“We feel good about our defense,” Baird said. “We bring a lot of guys back who had solid years. We get a healthy Jason Robinson, which will be a big boost. We need to develop defensive lineman who can get pressure without having to dial up blitzes.” Baird believes Smith and Kraft will anchor the defense.

“Ian Smith is one of the hardest working kids we’ve ever had. Ian has gotten better athletically and will be our leader defensively,” Baird said. “Teron Kraft will make huge strides during his junior year. He’s bigger, faster and stronger. With him and Ian both returning at ILB we feel like our defense will be a strength for us. Baird has borrowed Flexbone

concepts from St. Thomas Aquinas coach Randy Dreiling, who led Hutchinson High to seven state football championships.

“Option football, puts stress on the defense and force 1-on-1s in space. I’ve always been a big fan of Flexbone option football,” he said. “Our kids like that style. Our coaches can teach the small details when a scheme fits your players’ skills and mentality.”

HOISINGTON CARDINALS Coach Zach Baird (87-18, 11TH) RETURNING STARTERS—QB/S Tony Moore; FB/MLB Ian Smith; RG/NG Caiden Hoffman; TE/OLB Gage Britt; WB/CB Mason Alderdice; MLB Teron Kraft; RB/S Jason Robinson; PK Taylen Morales; OL/DL Caleb Birzer 2A-DISTRiCT 7—Hoisington 8-3 (4-0); Lakin 6-3 (3-1), Cimarron 2-7 (2-2); Larned 3-6 (1-3), SW Heights 2-7 (0-4)

2023 CARDINAL ROSTER 1—Rhen Galla, 5-10, 140, QB/CB, 11 2—Mason Martin, 6-1, 150, QB/WR, 10 3—C.J. Bryant, 5-11, 160, RB/OLB, 4—Mason Alderice, 5-6, 130, RB/CB, 12 5—Teron Kraft, 5-8,

Cossel, SB-FS, 9 15—Kaideen Chambers, RB/OLB, 9 16—Kyler Dean Russell, 5-10, 153, RB/ OLB, 11 17—Carson Mason, RB/SS, 10 18—Brier Thompson, 5-10, 127, WR/DB, 11 19—Ryker Stout, RS, SB/OLB, 9 20—Taylen Morales, 5-9, 137, RB/PK, 10 22—Jhaydyn Turner, 5-3, 120, WR/CB, 10 23—Preston Merlau, RB/MLB, 6-0, 170, 9 24—Corbin Holinde, TE/OLB, 9 25—Drew Hekele, 6-1, 153, WR/OLB, 9 27—Thomas Higgins, 5-7, 130, WR/OLB, 9 30—Gage Britt, 6-2, 187, TE/WR/OLB, 12 43—Brady Corbett, TE/MLB, 9 52—Leyton Mooney, C/MLB, 9 53—Knoxly Nettleingham, G, 9 56—Carter Delzeit, T/DE, 9 57—Colin Mater, 10 60—Exavier Chambers, C, 11 62—Layton Hoffman, 10 63—Kayden Kennon, 5-8, 145, T/DE, 11 69—Caleb Birzer, 5-10, 240, RG/DL, 12 70—Karson Kinman, G/C, 9 71—Gavin Jackson, T, 9 72—Brayden Stevenson, 6-0, 215, RT/ MLB, 11 76—Caiden Hoffman, 6-3, 310, RG/DT, 12

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON —

Second-year Hoisington

coach Mykela Riedl built momentum (23-15, 4-5

CKL 4TH) with a postseason victory over Hesston 25-8, 25-21 before losing to 3A state qualifier Smoky Valley 25-12, 25-11.

The Cardinals feature an experienced lineup with two-year starters secondteam All-CKL Jordyn Boxberger, Kylee Hahn and Mallory Mooney along with honorable mention CKL Gabby Reif and Shellamae Farmer.

Other contributors will be Ellie Crawford, Kelsi Maier, Central Plains transfer Mollie Steiner and freshman Sofia Simic, who has played elite club

volleyball. Returning starter Paige Lamatsch will be sidelined with a knee surgery. Coach Riedl commented on her top returning players.

“Outside hitter Jordyn Boxberger plays all six rotations due to her consistency. She’s smart and looks to play aggressive when attacking. She finds a way to make big defensive plays and helps control the court.

“Kylee Hahn has become a true weapon. She puts the ball down as hard as she can. She reads hitters and is a great middle blocker.

“Mallory Mooney glides across the net and gets her hands high. She is a huge block, which helps our defense get in good positions. She’s a strong attacker who

can put the ball down.

“Our setter Shellamae Farmer communicates and is a great leader. She plays defense and gets balls up. She’s quick. She brings balls back into the court.

“Libero Gabby Reif reads very well on defense and moves to where the ball is going. She covers her position across the middle back and covers balls in front of the 10-foot line. I don’t know how she does it.”

Riedl will run both a 6-2 and a 5-1 offense.

“We have strong hitters in all six rotations,” said Riedl. “We’re working on making our offense quicker and having players run several different attacks to open up spots.”

The Cardinals’ defense is based on anticipation.

“ Defensively, we’re working on discipline and getting good position before the hitter hits the ball, so we can make good moves no matter where the ball goes,” she said. “We don’t want any balls touching inside our court without full effort and someone getting a hand on it.”

Defending Central Kansas League champion and 2A state champion Hillsboro, runner-up Smoky Valley and Halstead figure to headline the league race.

“Experience will be a major key for the Lady Cardinals,” Riedl said. “These girls are familiar with playing tough volleyball and know what the CKL is made of. These girls have unfinished business on their minds. We want to be at the top of the league.”

After finishing fourth in the CKL in 2022, Riedl wants to move up the ladder.

“It’s not going to be easy, but our goal is to place higher than fourth,” she said. “We can become a team that is better than Hoisington has seen in a while. I tell the girls, ‘fixing the little things is what turns good teams into great teams.’ Just like everyone else, our goal is to become state contenders. If we reach that goal, we will continue to make more goals for the postseason.”

CARDINAL

12—Jaidyn Stevenson, 5-1, DS, 9

13—Josie Moshier, 5-5, S, 10

14—Ellie Crawford, 5-10, S, 11

15—Brynn Tarlton, 5-2, S, 9

16—Kylee Hahn, 5-10, MB, 12

17—Kinley Wilkens, 5-10, MB/OH, 9 18—Sofia Simic, 5-11, OH, 9

19—Carly Lamatsch, 5-7, OH, 9 20—Mallory Mooney, 5-9, MB, 12 21—Marley Bittel, 5-7, OH, 9 22—Addi Hanzlick, 5-8, MB, 9 23—Presley Brungardt, 5-8, MB, 11 25—Kelsie Maier, 5-10, RS, 10 26—Monroe Walker, 5-5, OH, 9 27—Mollie Steiner, 5-5, DS, 12 28—Nevaeh Graves, 5-8,

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170, RB/OLB, 11 6—Jason Robinson, 5-10, 148,

11 8—Ian Smith,

195, RB/MLB, 12 9—Kalob Lamb, WR/DB, 10 10—Taylor

5-10, 150,

11 11—Tony

190,

12 12—Brady

153,

13—Kolter

14—Logan

CARDINAL SCHEDULE *DISTRICT 9-1—Hesston 9-8—at

9-15—Lyons 9-22—*SW

9-29—at

10-6—*at

10-13—*Larned 10-20—*at

10-27—2A

RB/CB/FS,

5-10,

Kaiser,

TE/WR,

Moore, 6-1,

QB/FS,

Reif, 5-9,

RB/LB, 11

Hahn, 5-11, 131, QB, 9

Halstead

Heights

Pratt

Lakin

Cimarron

playoff

ROSTER 0/30—Gabby Reif, 5-6,

Baldwin,

DS/L,

2/24—Rylee Vaughn, 5-3, Libero, 10 4—Marly Brewer, 5-2, S, 9 5—Madeline Kolas, 5-2, DS/OH, 10 6—Annabelle, 5-2, DS/S, 9 7—Shellamae Farmer, 5-5, S, 12 8—Gintry Schremmer, 5-4, DS, 10 9—Jordyn Boxberger, 5-7,

Libero, 11 1/10—Kayle

5-3,

OH, 12 11—Kaydence Rudy, 5-1, S, 9

MB,RS, 9 31—Peyton Schneider, 5-9, OH/RS, 11 32—Mayci Gruis, 6-0, MD/RS, 9 34—Kinder Welch, 5-6, MB, 9 Paige Lamatsch, 5-7, 12 CARDINAL SCHEDULE *CKL 8-22—at Hays Jamboree 8-26—at Central Kansas League, Haven; at Ness City JV, 9 8-31—Holcomb/Dodge City 9-5—at St. John/*Haven 9-9—Hoisington JV Tournament 9-12—*Pratt, *Larned 9-16—at Russell Tournament 9-19—*at Smoky Valley/Cheney 9-23—Hoisington Tournament 9-26—*at Halstead/*Hesston 9-28—at Larned/Ellinwood/Hill City 10-3—*at Lyons/Russell 10-5—SE Saline/*Hesston 10-10—*at Hillsboro/*Nickerson 10-12—at Hutchinson Trinity/ Ellsworth 10-21—at 3A regional Cardinal volleyball returns All-CKL trio HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune Hoisington High School’s Tony Moore carries during a football jamboree on Aug. 22.

Cardinal golf features state veterans

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON — Hoisington first-year golf coach Mac Holman welcomes four varsity veterans who helped the Cardinals to a fifth-place 3-1A state fin-

ish at Hutchinson’s Carey Park Golf Course. The Cardinals target a return to the 3-1A state tournament, which is scheduled Oct. 16-17 at Emporia Municipal Golf Course.

Tricia Schremmer earned 14TH-medalist

honors. Lexus Petersilie 44TH (209); Ally Karst, 48TH, 216; and Kaylee Shives 51ST, 22. Hoisington’s girls golf team (415) placed runnerup to qualify for the 3-1A state golf tournament at Larned. The Cardinals

counted 15TH-place Lexus Petersilie (107) and 18TH-place Schremmer (109). Karst was 28TH (118) and Shives finished 43RD (132).

CARDINAL GOLF SENIORS—Tricia

Cardinal tennis returns four players

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON – The Hoisington Cardinal tennis team returns singles player Hailey Petersilie (10-12), the doubles team Claire Crutcher/Reese Merlau (4-5) and doubles player Lauren Higgins who teamed with graduated Rayna Bray (13-14) in doubles.

At 3-1A regionals, Phillipsburg’s Alivia Solida defeated Hailey Petersilie, 6-0, 6-1; Crutcher/ Merlau defeated Lyons’

Shelby Johnston/Kendal Webb, 9-1 and lost 6-1, 6-0 to Ellsworth’s Inarie Rippert/Calli Sheridan. WaKeeney Trego’s Kya O’Banion/Anna Salsam downed Bray/Higgins, 6-0, 6-2. At the Central Kansas League tournament, Smoky Valley’s No. 2 doubles Kayla Norberg/ Lily Heline defeated Bray, 6-0, 6-0 in the championship match. No. 2 singles Hailey Petersili defeated Nickerson’s Carly Bontrager, 9-8 (7-4) for seventh

place. No. 1 doubles Crutcher/Merlau placed seventh with a 9-3 victory over Lyons’ Shelby Johnston/Kendal Webb.

“Our returning varsity players all had a strong season,” said Hoisington coach Taylor Smith. “We have eight seniors and five juniors, so we’ll see leadership being exemplified during the season. Our depth is good.”

Smith plans to mix and match players to determine the best lineup.

“We’re excited with the potential,” Smith said.

“Our expectations are to be playing better at the end of the season. We’d love to get qualifiers for the state tournament. The girls are hungry for that chance.” Smith is confident her experienced lineup will compete favorably.

“We have a strong team,” she said. “Our main goal is to compete with everyone we are on the court against. If our players are doing the best they can, the success will come naturally. Our obvious expectations are to

Tarlton leads cross country

BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON –

Hoisington’s state cross country qualifier Kamden Tarlton (17:01.8) placed 22ND, just missing top 20 honors at Lawrence’s Rim Rock Farm. Tarlton (17:40.41) qualified for 3A state cross country with a fourth-place regional finish. He’s placed fourth and ninth in the Central Kansas League meet.

“Kamden has been very dedicated with his summer base and he’s excited,” said Hoisington coach Lisa Thompson. “He’s a hard worker, focused on being consistent. He looks to finish in the top of our league, region and medal at state.”

The Cardinal boys placed fourth, barely missed qualifying for state as a team.

“We were a spot short and left disappointed,” Thompson said. “That bad taste is still there. Hopefully, it’s a motivator as we start the season.”

The Cardinals feature past state qualifiers Eli Lewis (57TH) and Nathan Norvell (99TH) along with regional runners Michael Hipp (29TH) and Alex Mater (34TH). Junior varsity runners Landon Beaver and Kasey Andereck are projected to step up.

“We want to compete tough in our league and finish in the top 3,” she said. “We plan to compete. Regionals has not always been kin. The boys have a goal of qualifying for state and have two All-League runners.”

The girls return regional runner Vada Kaiser (49TH). Newcomers are Tristin Compton and Tianna Lutters. “Vada Kaiser looks to improve on her experience,” Thompson said. “Tristin enjoyed a great middle school career. She wants to excel at the high school level. Tianna looks to be real solid. We’re excited to see her race. She’s a volleyball crossover but has run track.”

CARDINAL RUNNERS

SENIORS—Vada Kaiser (R 49TH, CKL 27TH); Eli Lewis (S 57TH,

secure a spot in the state tournament. We believe our players are equipped to do that this season.”

The Cardinals feature a 22-player roster.

“We gain seven freshmen who played middle school tennis,” Smith said. We have high quality girls. The future looks bright for our program.”

CARDINAL ROSTER SENIORS—Hailey Petersilie (S 10-12; CKL 7TH), Lauren Higgins (D 13-14; CKL 2ND), Emma Grandclair, Daijah Jones, Lyrica Orosco, Kendall Mason, Jessica Lovett, Carly Delzeit JUNIORS—Claire Crutcher/Reese Merlau (D 4-5; CKL 7TH), Bailey

Speech language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Stroke

Dementia

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Brain Tumor

Alzheimer's Disease

Huntington's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Traumatic Brain Injury

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Myasthenia Gravis

Cleft Palate

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sensory Processing Disorder

Pediatric Speech/Language Delays

COPD

GERD

Esophageal Stricture

Encephalopathy

Vocal Cord Dysfunction

22 GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 250 W 9TH STREET HOISINGTON, KS

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107; 18TH, 109, 18TH, 110; CKL 1ST, 9TH, 110); Ally Karst (S 48TH 209; 85TH, 109; R 28TH, 118; 52ND, 146) JUNIORS—Kaylee Shives (S 49TH, 223; R 43RD, 132), Lexus Petersille (S 55TH, 108; R 12TH, 102; 15TH, 107); CKL 9TH, 9TH, 110); Kassy Petersille, Micayla Ehler, Laka Ferguson, Ashlynn Steinert, Mea Sneath CARDINAL SCHEDULE 8-29—at Hutchinson, Crazy Horse 9-5—at Medicine Lodge 9-11—at Prat 9-14—at Larned 9-18—at Russell 9-21—at Hutchinson, Crazy Horse 9-25—Lake Barton 9-28—at Medicine Lodge JV 10-2—at Hays 10-3—Central Kansas League, at Pratt 10-9—at 3/1A regionals at Goodland 10-16/17—at 3/1A state, Emporia

Schremmer (S 14TH, 184; 6TH, 191;

15TH,

SOPHOMORES—Melody

Heather

SCHEDULE 8-28—at Ellsworth

8-29—Hoisington

8-31—at

at Phillipsburg

9-5—Hoisington

WaKeeney JV 9-9—at Great Bend 9-12—Hoisington JV 9-14—at Ellsworth 9-16—at Pratt JV 9-18—Hoisington JV 9-19—at Lyons JV 9-21—at WaKeeney JV 9-23—at WaKeeney; at Pratt JV 9-26—at Ellsworth; at Tribune JV 9-28—at Scott City JV 9-30—at Central Kansas League, Lindsborg 10-6/7—at 3-1A regional 10-13/14—at 3-1A state, Topeka

George, Haylee Holinde, Gracie Bonham-DeBolt (IR)

Braddy,

Ward NINTH-GRADERS—Jaylin Kolas, Kaelyn Axman, Kaylen Noffsinger, Piper Jacobs, Mietta Kaiser, Kassie Linsner, Addi Gotts CARDINAL

Larned;

9-7—at

TRIBUNE PHOTOS Tricia Schremmer Kaylee Shives Ally Karst Lexus Petersilie

R 15TH, 28THH, CKL 14TH); Alex Mater (S 95TH, R 34TH, 49TH, CKL 32ND); Michael Hipp (R 29TH) JUNIORS—Kasey Andereck (CKL JV 11th); Nathan Norvell (S 99TH, R 35TH, 66TH, CKL JV 43rd); Kamden Tarlton (S 22ND; 43RD, R 4TH, 12TH, CKL 4TH, 9TH); Landon Beaver SOPHOMORES—Kyler Jensen, Tianna Lutters NINTH-GRADERS—Tristin Compton, Brody Rossman, DJ Wyant, Jesse Thoren HOISINGTON SCHEDULE 8-31—Lake Barton 9-7—at Hesston 9-14—at Herington 9-21—at Larned 9-28—at Ness City 10-5—at Sterling 10-12—at Central Kansas League, Pratt 10-21—at 2A regional 10-28—at 2A state, Wamego

KAMDEN TARLTON