FALL SPORTS
GROOVE INTO THE FALLING 2024
IOLA • HUMBOLDT • MARMATON VALLEY • CREST YATES CENTER • SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY
Mustangs reloading for 2024
One might think that losing 13 seniors to graduation — including several key starters in both the offensive and defensive lines — that Iola High would take a step back to regroup.
Try telling that to Mustang head coach David Daugharthy.
“If we figure out a couple of things, and get true buy-in and commitment from the players, our expectations are just as high as last year,” Daugharthy said.
The Mustangs, who went 4-5 in 2023 while tying for the district championship, have a number of returnees
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ready to take on a bigger role on and off the field.
A pair of receivers, junior Tre Wilson and senior Cortland Carson, are obvious starting points.
Wilson earned all-conference recognition as a defensive back while averaging 6.9 yards a carry on offense.
And while he had only six receptions on the year, two were good for touchdowns.
Carson had 179 receiving yards and 178 rushing yards as a junior last year, with four touchdowns.
“Both have gotten a lot of time and have made big plays for us in the past,” Daugharthy said. “Both will move
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Iola High’s Ramon Ballin (75) and Jordy Kaufman (21) will take on larger roles for the Mustangs this season.
around as receiver and in the backfield. We’re gonna try and find creative ways to get them the ball. They’re very fast, very explosive. Every time they touch the ball, they can take it to the house.”
The inexperience comes after that.
Sophomore Austin Crooks and junior Jakolby Hill have shared time at quarterback so far. Each brings a unique blend of athleticism and intelligence.
For the past three years, Iola had the services of Landon Weide at QB.
“Landon was pretty dynamic when he ran,” Daugharthy said. “These two can run, but we’re probably gonna be a little less focused on the quarterback runs. They can be pretty successful with quick play-action throws.”
Crooks (1) and Hill (4) enter the season with only five attempted passes between them, however, so getting real-time experience will be critical as both develop.
Junior Easton Weseloh will line up as tailback.
“He’s shown a lot of promise, and we have good depth to push him,” Daugharthy said. “He’s one of the fastest kids we have on the team.”
Weseloh played some last year, almost exclusively at linebacker. Because of the outgoing senior class, he’ll play both sides of the ball this season.
Jordy Kaufman will line up at tight end, where Daugharthy hopes to take advantage of both his blocking and receiving skills.
IOLA FOOTBALL
Tre Wilson
Austin Crooks will split time at quarterback for Iola High this fall.
IHS football
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Grady Dougherty, an all-league performer on the offensive and defensive lines, will likely stay entrenched there, unless Daugharthy seeks to take advantage of his pass-catching skills and line him up at tight end as well.
Senior Demarco Ross, who started last year, will be joined by seniors Everett Glaze and Gavin Jones on the line.
“Our line is probably smaller than many of the teams we’ll face, but we’ve got some good speed out there,” Daugharthy said. “We want to get our experienced guys on the field, so we’re probably gonna have a lot of two-way players.”
Iola has the capability of making its special teams stand out this season.
Sophomore Kale Pratt should give Iola an added dimension in the kicking game. In fact, his field goal in Iola’s season-opener against Baldwin proved to be decisive in the 23-20 victory.
And Wilson’s dynamic talents include a booming punting ability.
IOLA is hardly in a unique position, as far as the Pioneer League goes, when it comes to replacing key contributors.
In fact, all of the other Pioneer League schools are replacing their starting quarterbacks from a year ago.
“Last year was a special one for the Pioneer League, and we had a lot of good teams,” Daugharthy said. “If it was any other season, we’d probably have competed for a league title. But we had lots of good teams out there.”
As for 2024, Daugharthy expects Wellsville to be at the top, while Prairie View “probably has the best two players in the league. Santa Fe Trail is always tough. Burlington, Girard and Anderson County will be tough when it comes to district.”
And the perpetually optimistic Daugharthy says Iola should find itself in the mix as well.
Seniors lead way for Iola volleyball in ‘24
Amanda Holman has some high hopes for Iola High’s volleyball season in 2024.
“Our goals are high but attainable,” head coach Holman said. “We really want to break the school win record this year. I think we have the crew to do that.”
Indeed, a club loaded with seniors — many of whom have started since they were underclassmen — gives plenty of room for optimism.
After an up-and-down start to 2023, the Mustangs found their groove and went 16-7 down the stretch before bowing out in the Class 3A Substate Tournament.
Front-line seniors Reese Curry and Alana Mader both earned first-team All-Pioneer League recognition.
Curry, an outside hitter, led the team with 279 kills and 47 aces, while Mader, a middle hitter, racked up 240 kills and led the Mustangs with 71 blocks at the net.
Another senior, Kaysin Crusinbery, the team’s primary setter, earned second-team all-league recognition in 2023, a campaign in which she racked up 634 assists.
Elza Clift continues to thrive in her role as the team’s libero. She had 425 digs.
Another senior, Mariah Jelinek, had 273 digs and
Alana Mader (6) returns for Iola High volleyball this fall.
served at a 96% clip. “Mariah may have come off the bench, but she got as much playing time as our starters,” Holman said.
Lily Lohman, a junior, thrived up front, both as a middle blocker and right side hitter. She had 40 blocks on the year.
“We bring a lot of experience and commitment into the season,” Holman said. “Many of the players continued to play and improve in the offseason.”
Two sophomores, Dally Curry and Zoie Hesse, also will play larger roles for the Mustangs this season.
“Dally has put in a lot of work in the offseason,” Holman said. “She will be another big hitter.”
Hesse also should provide power and blocking abilities up front. “She is really starting to get the feel of the game and see the court.”
Iola High’s Zoie Hesse (20) and Kaysin Crusinbery (12) are expected to be leading contributors for the Mustang volleyball team this fall.
Elza Clift
Excitement grows for cross country
A huge jump in numbers has led to a jump in excitement for Iola High’s cross country team.
The Mustangs added several newcomers, including enough to field a full girls team, head coach Brittany Daugharthy noted.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” she said. “Last year, we only had two girls on the entire roster.”
With talented holdovers on both squads, Daugharthy is hopeful Iola will be able to send multiple qualifiers for the season-ending state cross country meet.
On the boys side, senior Cole Moyer and sophomore Keegan Hill are expected to lead the way.
Hill, who qualified as a distance runner for the state track meet in the spring, has continued to improve, and was the fastest runner at a 5K alumni run over the summer.
“Keegan likes a challenge,” she said. “I think he’ll stand out for us. And Cole knows he’ll have to compete with Keegan if he wants to keep his spot as our No. 1 runner.”
They’ll be joined by senior Kale Godfrey, who ran cross country in middle school, but hasn’t done so until this year at the high school level.
Returning seniors Madelyn Wanker and Alyssa Williams will anchor the girls squad with a pack of underclassmen ready to make their mark. They’ll be joined by juniors Mahailie Genoble and Cristina Lopez, sophomore Lynsie Fehr and incoming freshmen Brecken Bycroft, Sydney Ebberts and Khole Martin.
The senior class, for the most part, marks a significant milestone for Daugharthy, who is in her seventh year with the cross country program, including the last four as head coach.
“These are the kids who have been with me all the way since they were in middle school,” she said. “It’s so helpful to have kids who stay with cross country, because they like the people around them and they work well together.”
It’s too soon to tell how the postseason will
shape up, especially now that Iola is running in Class 3A. Up until last season, the Mustangs had run in Class 4A.
While the schools are smaller, there are more of them, Daugharthy said.
“The boys could put something together this year,” she said. “No matter where you go, you’re gonna go up against some great runners.”
IOLA
CROSS COUNTRY
Iola High’s Keegan Hill, left, and Lynsie Fehr run cross country for Iola High this fall.
Iola tennis squad serves up aces
Chris Belknap isn’t keen on the term “rebuilding” as his Iola High tennis squad hits the courts in 2024.
The Mustangs have bid adieu to three-time state qualifier Keira Fawson, with several opportunities to be the team’s top singles and doubles teams for the upcoming season.
In fact, Fawson was one of five outgoing seniors.
“With 10 kids (this season), we’re not really reloading,” Belknap said. “We’re just filling in spots.”
Three have emerged in the battle to be either the no. 1 and no. 2 singles players: Melanie Palmer, Bethany Miller and Abigail Jerome.
Palmer and Jerome were both parts of doubles teams in 2023, but are looking at singles play with their former partners having graduated.
“I have no idea how those competitions will turn out,” Belknap said. “They’ll have to play for it.”
Iola’s no. 1 doubles team, Kyndal Bycroft and Harper Desmarteau, began to find their rhythm as 2023 progressed.
“They’re both good athletes and they play well together,” Belknap said. “
Iola has others ready to emerge as well. Madelyn Ashworth will team up with Marlee Westhoff.
Westhoff
a shot for Iola High.
“Maya Shaughnessy is new this year,” Belknap said. “Donneasha Loving is from Paola, having never played before. Evie Schooler, a freshman, played with us over the summer.
“We could easily get to state with one or two of our groups, if they put in the work and continue to get better,” he said.
Iola High’s Kyndal Bycroft will play doubles with teammate Harper Desmarteau this fall. Marlee
returns
Iola High’s cheer squad members are front from left, Kali Joy, Stephanie Fees, Hailey Stogsdill, Brooklyn Ellis, Peyton Weast, Kinsey Schinstock, Tessa Brutchin and Blayke Patterson; second row, coach Paiton Richards, Lainey Oswald, Ben Heiman, Abby Jerome, Harlei Gregg, Ainslee Glasgow and coach Torrie Lewis. Not pictured: Kyndal Bycroft COURTESY
Cheer team brings spirit, on and off the field
Paiton Richards and Torrie Lewis remember well when they were students and cheerleaders at Iola High School a decade or so ago.
Now in their second year as co-coaches for the IHS cheer squad, their emphasis has been to bring back a few Mustang traditions.
Chief among them was to attend summer camps and clinics, including the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) Cheer Camp in El Dorado over the summer.
Such events can be rather intimidating to newcomers.
The teammates rise at 5 a.m. for grueling hours of practice, drills, and most importantly, showing spirit.
“It’s tough mentally, emotionally and physically,” Richards said. “You go hard all day, every day.”
“And you have to be max cheerful all day long,” Lewis added. Those caught pouting are sent packing for the day.
But wait, there’s more. The camp also stresses self-discipline, motivation and drive. “It’s beyond just cheering on the sidelines,” Richards said. “It’s a huge team bonding experience. They’re pushed to their limits physical, emotionally.”
Because Iola, which frequently dominated such events in years past, hadn’t gone for several years, Richards and Lewis were eager to see how the squad would do this summer.
Turns out, they did quite well, earning the third-place trophy for spirit evaluations. The individual cheerleaders brought home two superior ribbons, and a much-coveted
spirit stick, “and a TON of knowledge,” Richards said.
Sophomore Ben Heiman, the squad’s first yell leader in several years, received a “pin it forward” award and was named to the All-American cheer squad, as did junior Tessa Brutchin and sophomore Abby Jerome.
All-Americans are afforded scholarships for college, and the opportunity for national events, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, or other events at Disneyland and in Hawaii.
Iola High cheerleader Kyndal Bycroft, foreground, greets Iola Elementary School student Charlee Granere for the first day of classes in August.
Other cheerleaders are, from left, Tessa Brutchin, Stephanie Fees and yell leader Ben Heiman.
Senior Brooklyn Ellis, meanwhile, was extended an offer to try out to be a UCA staffer in the future.
The clinic is part of the team’s aspirations to become more involved in community events. To wit, the cheerleaders greeted elementary school students on the first day of classes in August, and will seek out other public events through the school year.
“We try to do things together at least once a month for team bonding,” she said. “We want to show them their character matters.”
Mustang golfers get into swing of things
IOLA GOLF
Iola High’s Brooklyn Holloway, Briley Prather and Janae Griffin made history this fall when they competed in the school’s first-ever girls golf tournament.
The girls program was approved this summer by school administrators and school board members after enough girls expressed an interest in playing.
In prior years, the girls were relegated to the spring, as part of the boys team.
The change means they’ll also get to take advantage of shorter tee boxes and the opportunity to vie for league and state tournament glory.
Holloway and Prather have made their marks, with
having won medals already.
Holloway, in fact, has medaled in both of her events, including her first-ever varsity level competition.
“Both Brooklyn and Briley have good swings, and they’re very positive out there on the course,” head coach Tristan Carson said. “That’s half the battle on the golf course.”
Rounding out the roster are newcomers. Griffin is a senior; Layla Fry is a junior; CJ Hill and Kira Hill are freshmen.
For those girls, it’s a matter of instilling the basics of a swing and an ideal mental approach, Carson said.
Iola High’s Brooklyn Holloway has thrived on the girls golf team.
Expectations stay high at Humboldt
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s football program lost only two seniors of note from 2023.
That said, “we’ve got some big shoes to fill,” head coach Logan Wyrick said.
The Cubs enter 2024 without the services of the recently graduated Sam Hull and Garren Goodner, both of whom earned all-state recognition, and both of whom started all four years of high school.
“Each year, you’ve got to replace key athletes and this year is no different,” Wyrick said.
To Humboldt’s benefit is a core group of seniors, many of whom also have started since they were ninth-graders.
The senior-heavy roster, in fact, has Wyrick and the Cub faithful hope they can meet, or exceed, the program’s string of postseason success.
The Cubs return nine starters, plus two others that started at least half the season on either side of the ball.
Filling the holes left by Hull and Goodner will be incumbent on Humboldt’s success, Wyrick said.
“Hull was a big weapon that we will most likely not replace with one individual, but with a group of five or six athletes who all have a large amount of playing experience,” he said.
Quarterback Blake Ellis, who both threw and ran for more than 1,000 yards last year, returns as the key cog in Humboldt’s run-first attack. Cole Mathes (783 yards rushing; 136 yards receiving) returns as starting running back as well. Junior Mason Sterling, seniors Logan Page, Jacob Harrington, Brody Gunderman and Asher Hart will become bigger targets in the aerial attack.
Replacing Goodner might be a bit tougher.
“Our ability to find his replacement as soon as possible will be what causes growing pains or success for us early on,” Wyrick said.
Still, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare. Kyler Isbell, an all-league and all-district offensive lineman in 2023, returns. Mark McCullough, a junior, was one of only two underclassmen who started last season.
Defensively, the Cubs return seven full-time start-
Humboldt High’s Blake Ellis returns for his senior year, and his third year as starting quarterback.
ers and five regular contributors. Sterling and Hart will man the secondary; Chase DeMeritt, Mathes and Isbell will settle in as linebackers.
Page, who served as a sort of Swiss army knife player on offense last year, will return to line up at defensive end. Taner King also returns at defensive tackle.
“We have a lot of size we can rotate up front, but also with the depth we have in our secondary and linebackers, we can be a fast and athletic group and can be very successful,” Wyrick said.
With 10 seniors expected to play large roles in the Cubs’ success, Wyrick is bullish on the team’s chances.
He also recognizes Humboldt’s program is built for sustained success with its depth.
“We hope to develop some underclassmen who can contribute,” he said.
High’s Cole Mathes will suit up at running back and linebacker for the Cubs this season. Below, Matthew McCullough (73) will play on the line.
HUMBOLDT FOOTBALL
Humboldt
Lady Cubs bring the thunder in 2024
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High has the makings of a special season on the volleyball court in 2024.
Loads of talent? Check.
Senior leadership? Check.
A hunger to erase the disappointment of a substate semifinal loss that ended 2023’s campaign? Check.
The Lady Cubs return six starters from last season’s 31-win squad that included an unbeaten romp through the Tri-Valley League.
Setting the stage is as potent a one-two punch as you’ll see in these parts.
Senior Shelby Shaughnessy and junior Skylar Hottenstein both earned All-Pioneer League first-team honors in 2023.
Shaughnessy made the middle of the court her domain throughout the season. She racked up 401 kills, more than 10 a match, while hitting at a 37% clip. She also racked up 59 aces, 59 blocks and 339 digs on the season.
Hottenstein, meanwhile, made her mark on the opposite end of the spectrum as libero or defensive specialist.
She had 590 digs as a sophomore in 2023, nearly 15 a match, while serving up 84 aces on 94% serving and had a passing rating of 2.39.
And for as gifted as both girls are athletically, it’s their mental approach that sets them apart, noted head coach
HUMBOLDT
VOLLEYBALL
Humboldt High’s Skylar Hottenstein serves for the Lady Cubs.
Humboldt High returns a loaded roster in 2024, including, clockwise from upper left, Ricklyn Hillmon (24) and Lakyn Meadows (13); Shelby Shaughnessy (14); and Karingten Hall (16) and Laney Hull (10).
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Terry Meadows, who frequently praises Shaughnessy’s ability to see the other side of the court as she attacks. Hottenstein, too, can control the action from the back line.
Another junior, Ricklyn Hillmon, earned honorable mention All-TVL honors last fall as well. She had 245 kills, more than six per match, while blocking 43 shots on the season.
That trio will be joined by returning starters Chanlynn Wrestler, outside hitter, Cassidy Friend, defensive specialist, and Laney Hull, opposite-side hitter.
As if that wasn’t enough, senior Karingten Hall joins the Lady Cubs after sitting out last year due to transfer rules.
Also new to the varsity this year are sophomore Lakyn Meadows and freshman Bailey Daniels.
“Both will be setting for us this year,” Meadows said. “Lakyn did a great job for the JV team last season and has some great hands.”
Humboldt harriers harbor high hopes
HUMBOLDT CROSS COUNTRY
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s girls are out to defend their 2023 Tri-Valley League cross country championship, while the boys are looking to improve on their runner-up finish from a year ago.
There are plenty of returnees to help spearhead that charge, head coach Eric Carlson said.
“We always have a goal to compete for the league title on both sides,” Carlson said. “If we can stay injury-free, we should have a good shot to compete for the league championship on the girls’ and boys’ side. In addition, we hope to make a push for team qualifiers for the state meet.”
Senior Anna Heisler earned first-team all-league honors for the girls team, while juniors Tori Melendez and Mallory Sinclair earned honorable mention. Sophie Barlow, a mainstay on the squad through her high school career, returns as a senior, while Jo Ellison comes back for her sophomore year.
Senior Colden Cook returns to lead the boys team, having won first-team all-league honors last year as a junior. He’s joined by fellow senior Brigg Shannon, sophomores Jack Works, Emmitt Carson and Thatcher Mueller and incoming freshman Carter Collins.
“We didn’t get much training over the summer, which will hinder our success early on,” Carlson predicted. “But by the time league, regionals and hopefully state roll around, we should be hitting our stride.”
Humboldt High’s Anna Heisler, left, and Tori Melendez return for the Lady Cub cross country team.
Brigg Shannon runs for Humboldt cross country.
Pieces in place for Wildcat playoff run
MORAN — Marmaton
Valley High’s Wildcats put together a Three Rivers League championship run in 2023, the school’s first in 11 years.
With a roster brimming with talent back in the fold this fall, head coach Max Mickunas thinks the Wildcats could be in for something special.
“We’ve got a talented team, a really talented team,” Mickunas said. “We have a bunch of good kids who are coach-able.”
Leading the charge is the senior quarterback-receiving tandem of Brayden Lawson and Jaedon Granere, both of whom have started since their freshman season.
BY HALIE LUKEN/MVHS
Lawson, at quarterback, threw for 1,474 yards and 30 touchdowns, while rushing for 645 yards and eight more scores.
Lawson’s size, speed and accuracy make him a multifaceted player, said Mickunas.
“Not many quarterbacks also play on the defensive line,” he noted. “Brayden can run you over, and his throwing has improved tremendously. I expect him to
be lights out this season.”
Granere’s speed also has an added power boost to the season.
“He’s gained 10 pounds of muscle since last season,” Mickunas said. “He’s just got an ability to beat you deep and he’s tough to tackle. And he’s grown into his body a bit more this year. As far as number 1 receivers, he’s one the best you’re gonna find.”
But Marmaton Valley is more than a one-two punch.
Junior Tyler Lord became a dynamic playmaker in his own right to end last season.
“While Jaedon is a pure athlete, Tyler is a good route runner,” Mickunas said.
Sophomore Cooper Scharff, who qualified for the state track meet as a sprinter, also saw his role in MV’s offense grow as a running back, making it difficult for defenses
Brayden Lawson (8) is a multi-year starter at quarterback for Marmaton Valley High.
PHOTO
to maintain their focus
Junior Tod Stevenson, who broke his collarbone early last season, will suit up at receiver and defensive back. Senior Kele Michael, also sidelined in 2023 with a broken ankle, will be a key defensive back, Mickunas said.
WHILE the skill position players will receive the bulk of the attention, Marmaton Valley’s offensive line has some key returnees as well.
“Our offensive line is severely underrated,” Mickunas said. “They’re just as good as anybody we’ll face. Some of these kids are a bit younger, but they’re stepping into the lineup.”
Brothers Chris and Mason Ferguson should start immediately, while Dagan Barney continues to progress, Mickunas said.”
“Our linemen kind of have a chip on their shoulders,” he said. “People always hear about our skill position kids, but our line will be what makes it work. I’m really excited for them.”
With 20 signed up to play football this year, the team’s largest yet under Mickunas, he sees several of the younger athletes waiting for their chances to contribute.
“Our eighth grade kids went 7-1 last year,” Mickunas noted. “They’re gonna help us in practice and make us even better. Some will push for playing time quickly. I’m really excited about that group.”
Mickunas said hopes are high, but his team will remain focused on the task at hand.
“We are just gonna take it one day at a time, one game at a time,” he said. “We’ll prepare for each opponent to be the best version of us.”
Marmaton Valley High’s Tyler Lord, above, and Cooper Scharff, below, return for the Wildcats this fall. PHOTOS BY HALIE LUKEN/MVHS
Wildcat runners hit the course
MORAN — With no seniors, and limited experience, Marmaton Valley High’s cross country runners are young, but eager.
“They’ve been through this at junior high, which is always helpful, but it’s a matter of getting used to running
at this level,” head coach Stephen Smith said.
Junior Sophia Heim is the team’s most experienced runner as well as Marmaton Valley’s only girl at the high school level.
Junior Blayne Endicott, sophomore Brendon Newman and freshmen Thomas Allee and Colin Ard fill out the boys team.
With limited exposure, “we’ve got a lot of things we need to figure out,” Smith said. “We’ve talked about our goals, and what it would take to qualify for state. They know what kind of time, and the type of work they’ll have to put in to make it happen.”
Sophia Heim, left, and Brendon Newman lead a young Marmaton Valley squad in 2024.
MV rebuild in works
MORAN — It’s safe to say Marmaton Valley High volleyball is in rebuilding mode.
After bidding adieu to senior standouts Janae Granere and Payton Scharff in 2023, the Wildcats nevertheless harbor high hopes for this season and beyond.
The good news is with 16 players, this year’s roster is even larger than in 2023, head coach Megan Blythe said.
“We’ll have a young team this year,” she noted. “We do have a lot of sophomores and freshmen compared to juniors and seniors. We’re still working on fundamentals, and we’ve already seen a couple who have that desire to work. That’s gonna translate well to success on the court.”
Seniors Piper Barney and Khiana Haynes will lead the way.
“Piper is a tremendous athlete who brings a lot of technical skill,” Blythe said. “She’s also been helpful in showing our sophomores how to fine-tune their kills at blocking and serving.”
Haynes will serve as the team’s primary setter.
“She’s got some back-row hitting skills, and has really improved on that,” Blythe said.
Junior Kylah Sander saw some varsity experience as a sophomore, and has improved dramatically on her allaround game since last year, Blythe said.
Sophomores Taylen Blevins and Emma Michael will likely be immediate contributors.
Freshman Evva Sander — Kylah Sander’s cousin — brings with her a wave of confidence that can be rare for underclassmen, Blythe said.
“That’s what I look for,” she said, “girls who want to be out there.”
Losing players like Granere and Scharff to graduation obviously makes it tough, but in the long run, the remaining Wildcats should persevere.
“They realize that one person can’t do it all,” she said. “I love seeing the girls naturally inclined to trust each other. Our younger players got to see the older players with their own habits and their own expectations, and hopefully they can learn from it. We are building a program where we want a tradition of encouragement and working hard.”
Marmaton Valley High senior Piper Barney returns for the Wildcats in 2024. PHOTO BY HALIE LUKEN/MVHS
Lancers running for glory
COLONY — Crest High’s run into the history books took on an exciting chapter in 2023 when the Lady Lancer cross country squad took second place in the state.
With the team’s top three runners — Josie Walter, Peyton Schmidt and Aubrey Allen — back in the fold this fall, hopes are as high as ever, head coach Kaitlyn Cummings said.
“That’s the thing about those three is they have the determination and drive to be out there every day,” Cummings said. “They push through when it’s hard. Even if they have a hard week, they just keep on trucking.
“We want the pressure of going for that state title,” she added. “That’s a goal for us. We’d love to win state.”
The trio of juniors will be joined by incoming freshman Kallei Robb, which is pivotal, because regional and state teams require at least four runners to qualify for team trophies.
And with a roster of only four runners, staying healthy is crucial.
“So far, everybody is good health-wise,” she said.
Cummings also harbors high hopes for some team hardware on the boys side.
For the first time “in a while,” Crest has enough runners for a full boys squad.
Senior Gunner Ellington, who missed qualifying for state by one place as a junior, will be joined this year by fellow seniors Elijah Taylor and Ryan West and freshmen Grady Allen and Jimmy Ayers.
“Ryan, Gunner and Elijah have been with us the past two years,” Cummings said. “I’m really excited to see how they do. Jimmy has grown 2 or 3 inches since the past year and seems to be running better.”
Crest High’s Peyton Schmidt, above, and Elijah Taylor, left, return in 2024.
New leaders emerge for Crest VB
COLONY —
For the first time since 2020, Crest High’s volleyball team will suit up without the services of Kayla Hermreck, arguably one of the best to ever hit the floor for the Lady Lancers.
But don’t you dare suggest Crest is in rebuild mode.
Even without Hermreck, who is now playing for Butler Community College, and fellow graduate Brooklynn Jones, Crest has plenty of returning talent to stay at or near the top of the Three Rivers League in 2024.
“We lost a lot, but our junior class played a lot of varsity last year,” head coach Carly Crow said. “There’s a lot of potential there.
“This year’s squad should be a lot more spread out” in terms of offensive production, Crow predicted. “We won’t rely on just one person, but multiple players who can share the burden equally.”
Senior Karlee Boots, the Lady Lancers’ outside hitter,
played a big part in Crest’s 28-win squad from a year ago.
“She’s a very strong hitter,” Crow said.
Junior Kinley Edgerton played in the middle in 2023. And is known for her defensive ability.
“She’s just a very solid, all-around player,” Crow said.
Another junior, Kaelin Nilges, will play on the outside. Her defense should be a team strength.
Sophomore Hanna Schmidt brings a layer of athleticism.
“She can jump out of the gym,” Crow said. “It’s a matter of fine-tuning her game.”
Senior Cursten Allen brings two years of varsity experience and Delaney Ramsey, another senior, did not play last year, “but she’s already stepped right in and done a good job for us.”
Crest’s talent level is on par with most of the schools it will play in 2024.
“The good news for us is there are three of them who are multi-sport athletes, but you can tell that volleyball is their main sport.”
Indeed, Nilges and Edgerton both have shined on the basketball court, and Schmidt qualified for state track last year as a jumper and hurdler.
“You can probably figure it out just by watching them on the volleyball court,” Crow said. “They get very passionate.”
Crest, which tied for the Three Rivers League title in 2023, will have to overcome foes like Jayhawk-Linn and newcomer Central Heights to repeat, Crow predicted.
Crow, in her first year at the helm for the Lady Lancers, is eager to get things rolling.
“This team was already good last year,” she said. “Now we’re looking for improvement. Chemistry-wise, they’re very close-knit, very cohesive. They’re smart, they work well together and they’re very driven. I don’t know what else I can ask for as a coach.”
Crest High’s Kaelin Nilges
Lancers loaded for another run
COLONY — There’s something to be said for a small school football program that loses a number of talented seniors to graduation on a regular basis, yet barely misses a beat.
Crest High may have reached that threshold.
The Lancers bid adieu to a quartet of long-time starters in 2023, after losing a whopping 11 graduates the year before that.
Even so, Crest’s roster runs 24 deep, comparable to some 11-man football teams in the area.
The numbers are a testament to the work the athletes have put into keeping Crest in the upper echelons of the Three Rivers League, head coach Nick McAnulty said.
“There is a tradition for
Crest High’s talented pool of skill position players include, above, Gentry McGhee, and below, Kade Nilges.
these kids, and they’re not afraid of the work to maintain it,” McAnulty said. “I get after them pretty good in practice, and they keep moving forward. We have a lot of guys who like to be physical. That goes a long way in a football season.”
Depth should be a key strength for the Lancers in 2024, with Denton Ramsey, Kade Nilges, Jensen Barker and Gentry McGhee all rushing for at least 100 yards on the season. Ramsey and Nilges also were popular targets in the passing game.
Running the show will likely be Drake Weir, a junior, who saw time at quarterback at the middle school level, but volunteered to play on the offensive line in 2023.
“He’s a complete quarterback who can run and throw,” McAnulty said. “He’s very intelligent and big-bodied.”
Barker will likely be the featured back, while Nilges will see time in the backfield and at tight end.
Ramsey and McGhee, two of the faster players on the team, will line up at receiver. “They’re home run hitters,” McAnulty said, capable of taking a short pass a long way.
“Gentry really picked it up toward the end of the year,” the coach said. “Denton had some good weeks.”
Henry White, a junior, whose 2023 season was cut short due to an ankle injury, also offers some speed.
Elijah Taylor and Teagen Allen both saw action on the line last year, and will look to start.
“Elijah is a little undersized, but he’s quick,” McAnulty said. “Teagen has good size. We’re working on his tech-
nique.”
The Lancers also have a pair of freshmen who may make an impact before the season expires.
“Kole Walter got bigger, stronger and faster after he finished middle school,” McAnulty said. “And Daylan Nicholas is a good-sized freshman. He’ll definitely be in the mix for kicker.”
“I have high expectations,” McAnulty said. “The goal for us every year is to win our district. We just have to put it all together.”
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Building blocks in place for Wildcats
YATES CENTER — An ongoing youth movement at Yates Center High should take another step forward in 2024.
Six of the Wildcats are sophomores, many of whom saw extensive action during a winless 2023 campaign.
“We have a very young group, but they are extremely
Have a wonderful school year!
hard workers and they have put in the work this past summer,” head coach Ryan Panko said.
Fortunately, the Wildcats return most of their offensive and defensive lines from a year ago.
Sophomores Jordan Bishop and Jayda Rice will join juniors Blake Morrison and Eli Hess on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Sophomores Jeremiah Jones and Evan McVey will suit up at linebacker. Jones also will play on the offensive line; McVey at tight end.
Another sophomore, Colton Burkholder, will line up at running back and defensive back.
The Wildcats have only one senior, Eric Zajac, and he’s another newcomer.
But what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with size and strength, Panko said.
“He will have an immediate impact for us.”
Staying healthy, against what promises to be a tough schedule, is paramount in seeing the Wildcats end a two-season-strong losing streak, although it’s noteworthy victories during the 2022 campaign didn’t count when the Wildcats had to go down to six-man football
Jeremiah Jones (55) is one of several promising underclassmen suiting up this fall for Yates Center High.
to complete the season.
But there is more than just blind optimism involved with predicting brighter days ahead for Yates Center football.
His freshmen and sophomores, many of whom have played under Panko since they were in junior high, have been regular participants in offseason strength and conditioning drills.
“Give them some time, and they should be pretty stout,” he said.
Panko can’t help but reflect on the not-so-distant past, when a freshman and sophomore-dominated roster suited up for Yates Center in 2019.
That squad went winless before improving to .500 the next season.
By 2021, the Wildcats were league champions.
Might there be a parallel run in store? Panko isn’t betting against it.
“I’ve seen this movie before,” he said.
Yates Center runners hit the course
YATES CENTER — Asher Arnold is just a sophomore, yet also a seasoned veteran on the cross country circuit.
Such is life in a school with only two runners on the roster. Freshman Isaac Stoll is the other.
Arnold, who also ran cross country through middle school, improved rapidly as a freshman, head coach Kari King said.
“He will bring great leadership to the team,” King said.
Arnold and Stoll will be joined at meets by middle-schoolers Joseph Bishop, an eighth-grader and seventh-grader Decembyr Garrett.
And while it’s too early to do much at the high school level this year, King noted Elliot Ard will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Freshman Ben Cook already has shown promise at quarterback for Yates Center High.
Wildcats seek TRL supremacy
YATES CENTER — Success on the volleyball court in 2024 may hinge on Yates Center High’s ability to fill the leadership roles left vacant by the loss of last year’s senior class, head coach Carrie Cummings said.
On the bright side, the nine returning lettermen, and four returning starters, all have different qualities that should combine to make for success on the court.
Leading the way will be sophomore Cayten Cummings and junior Kinley Morrison. Cummings earned second-team All-Three Rivers League recognition as a freshman. She was second on the team in kills and digs, and led the Wildcats in assists in 2023.
Morrison, a junior, will play as a middle hitter. She was second on the team last year in blocks.
“With Cayten, we will look to her as our terminator and playmaker,” Coach Cummings said. “Kinley will be up at the net blocking, hoping to add to her total. She also will be a top kill-getter for us.”
Outside hitter Mylin Tidd also returns. The sophomore was second on the team in aces, and led Yates Center in digs.
“Mylin is going to transition to more of a defensive role for us,” Cummings said. “She likes to get on the floor.”
Senior Jaycie Randall is one of the smaller players on the team, “but she makes up for us in grit and enthusiasm,” Cummings said.
Several newcomers will step into starting roles quickly.
Junior Wylee Shaffer will play as a setter and outside hitter. “She is smart and has played lots of volleyball.”
Junior Madison Hall will serve as a utility player, while senior Tayla Baker already has valuable leadership skills.
Another freshman, Makenzi Morrison, will see varsity action almost immediately.
“She has very good skills and should be able to contribute,” Cummings said.
With a loaded junior varsity squad, Coach Cummings is optimistic Yates Center should be a force to be reckoned with for the near and distant future.
Kinley Morrison returns for Yates Center High in 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHE HAMMAN
LE ROY — With only eight players on its roster, Southern Coffey County High’s Titans will need to stay healthy in order to succeed this year, even in the 6-man football ranks.
The Titans have some enticing building blocks in place, third-year head coach Brian Rand said.
And while they lost some offensive playmakers to graduation, they have senior center and nose guard Seth Gleue to help keep things in order.
“He sets the tone on the line on both sides of the ball, and pushes the younger guys to get better,” Rand said.
Fellow senior Isaac Higdon is a holdover in the backfield from a year ago, where injuries cut short his 2023 campaign.
“He was showing great progress in the backfield, and as a defensive back,” Rand said. “His leadership on and off the field is a key to our success.”
Sophomore Cyrus Nickel stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, and served as a jack of all trades.
“He was asked to run almost every position and I think that made him a better ball player,” Rand said.
Junior Trey Winn also has shown improvement, while classmate John Rolf will look to rebound after injuries took their toll on him in 2023.
“I look forward to seeing his progress,” Rand said.
Sophomore Josh Snyder and junior Caydon Mizer will be counted on to fill bigger roles this season, Rand said.
Lady Titans back in Three Rivers League
SCC
VOLLEYBALL
Head coach: Jeff True
Kennedy Gunlock 12
Emily Ludolph 12
Karley Ohl 12
Brianna Summers 12
Dergan True 12
Kaytlynn Winn 12
Melissa Edwards 11
Miley Patterson 11
Layla Decker 10
Cheyenne Dyke 9
Annabelle Lehmann 9
LE ROY — There is talent on the Southern Coffey County High volleyball roster this season, including several contributors from the Lady Titans’ 2022 squad, which wound up losing in the substate championship game to the eventual state champion Lebo.
But after back-to-back years of heavy losses to graduation, being competitive will depend on being healthy, head coach Jeff True said.
“We do not have a lot of established depth at this point. Consistency in our passing and serving will be important.”
Senior Karley Ohl returns as both an outside hitter and middle hitter. She earned honorable mention All-Lyon County League and second team All-Grassland District in 2023 averaging a team-high 2.3 kills per set —162 for the year — and racking up 24 blocks. Her kills total was almost equivalent to the rest of the roster; her blocks total nearly doubled the rest of the squad.
She’ll be joined by fellow seniors Emily Ludolph and Dergan True, both of whom will line up as middle and outside hitters. Ludolph and True also led SCC with 30 and 20 service aces in 2023, followed by Ohl with 15.
Senior defensive specialist Kennedy Gunlock also proved her worth last year, with 145 digs, half the team’s combined total.
“This group of seniors should be excellent leaders,” Coach True said. “We have a couple of big spots to fill on the starting roster. We will be asking for them to really step up this year.”
True will look to senior middle hitter Katy Winn, sophomore Layla Decker and freshmen Cheyenne Dyke and Miley Patterson to acclimate themselves quickly to varsity competition.
“Our goals are to get better each day, and be competitive each day in practice and on game days,” he said.
This year also marks SCC’s return to the Three Rivers League after playing the past several years within the Lyon County League.
Southern Coffey County was a TRL school dating back to when it was still Le Roy High School. It remained in the Three Rivers even after Le Roy and Gridley schools consolidated into a single district, becoming Southern Coffey County in 2003, and switching to LCL not long after.
Southern Coffey County High’s Dergan True, left, and Kennedy Gunlock take part in a preseason practice.
