The Will to Win: Spring Sports 2024

Have you recently lost Medicaid coverage or received a denial letter from KanCare? If so, you can still enroll for health insurance under a Special Enrollment Period! Stop by and see us. Our Certified Navigators are happy to help and can even offer assistance with Medicaid renewal forms. It’s your health. Your life. Your future. And we’re here to help.

Iola High’s

Iola has unfinished business

In reflecting upon his first year at the helm of Iola High’s baseball program, Sherman Ashmore looks back with pride.

“We had great kids with zero problems off the field, and on the field we did a lot of good things.”

Iola won a loaded Pioneer League, and had two seniors move on to play at the collegiate level.

But after roaring to an 11-1 start, “things kind of got away from us,” Ashmore recalled.

The Mustangs wound up dropping five of their last six, including a 1-0 loss in a pitchers’ duel to Baldwin in the Class 4A Regional Playoffs, thus preventing a return trip to the state tournament.

But rather than dwell in disappointment, Ashmore is using it as an incentive for the returning players.

“It’s been fun to dangle that carrot in front of them,” he said, as to what could

have been. Should have been.

“Overall, I’m really happy about the year, and while we didn’t like the way it ended, it’s also given some good teachable moments,” Ashmore said. “The guys know we can’t just put ‘Iola’ on our chests and expect to win.”

Iola has several pieces in place to replicate, and even exceed, last year’s success, he noted, and it starts with the pitching.

The pitching staff will be anchored by one of the state’s most talented 1-2 pitching combos in seniors Korbin Cloud and Mac Leonard.

Cloud has emerged as the team’s ace since his sophomore season, and was dazzling as a junior, going 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA. In 37.2 innings pitched, he struck out 42 batters, while allowing 30 hits.

“We feel good every time he steps on the mound,” Ashmore said. “He throws

Tre Wilson became the team’s starting catcher as a freshman in 2023.

a ton of strikes, and gets ahead in the count. He’s always been a fast, big curveball and changeup kind of guy. We’re challenging him to throw a tighter slider this year. He has four pitches he keeps in the zone, and he’s bumped up his velocity quite a bit.”

With Cloud 1A on the pitching staff, that leaves Leonard as 1B.

Leonard went 2-1 with a 1.94 ERA, striking out 22 over 36 innings.

But with an expanded schedule this season — teams can play up to 25 regular season games, up from 20 in years past — pitching depth is critical.

Enter juniors Gavin Jones and Grady Dougherty and seniors Landon Weide and Ashton Hesse.

“Gavin threw some of our non-conference games last year, and late-inning stuff,” Ashmore said. “And Landon is as athletic as they come at our level. He came in on relief.”

Dougherty and Hesse have both fared well in Iola’s offseason throwing program, Ashmore said. The key for both will be staying in the strike zone.

“And Easton Weseloh has been a pleasant surprise as a sophomore,” he added.

“I could go on and on,” Ashmore said, “But you can only throw one at a time.”

IOLA’S biggest challenges will likely come at the plate. “We’re gonna have to find ways to score runs,” Ashmore said.

Weide, an all-league performer in both football and basketball, will suit up at short and bat leadoff, as he did last season, hitting .368 with 24 runs in 18 games.

“He is tough to strike out, and with his speed, when he gets on base, good things are gonna happen,” Ashmore said.

Cloud, who hit .474 with 17 RBIs in 2023, will likely bat second.

Wilson, whose .328 average and 20 RBIs as a freshman put him second on the team in both categories, will likely be in the 3 or 4 spot, with Dougherty (.282) alternating slots in the batting order.

Leonard will likely play at second base when he’s not pitching, while Weseloh and senior Ben Kerr will both see time at third base.

“And while our infield is locked up, our outfield is pretty wide open,” Ashmore said. “Everybody knows there is an opportunity to get playing time.”

Iola High’s Korbin Cloud will headline the Mustang pitching staff once again in 2024.

Iola High School softball has high hopes

A young Iola High softball squad showed the world just how potent the Mustangs could be on the diamond when it mattered most.

The Mustangs, who entered the Class 4A Regional Playoffs as the 15th seed (out of 16 teams) were paired with Atchison, one of the top teams in the state.

What transpired in the ensuing seven innings became what IHS head coach Chris Weide described as the biggest event in his six years as head coach, a 14-6 Mustang whitewash.

Alas, the fun ended in the regional championship game. Iola rallied late, but came up two runs shy with a 6-4 loss to Fort Scott.

But amid the sting of disappointment came the realization that better things could be in the offing, sooner rather than later.

Fast forward to this spring, and hope springs eternal once again for Iola’s junior-laden Mustang roster.

Iola returns six starters, headlined by junior pitcher

Elza Clift and her classmate, second-team allleague catcher Reese Curry.

“Reese brings experience, leadership, a great arm and a great bat,” Weide said. “Elza brings heart, speed, and a ton of athleticism.”

As a sophomore, Curry ranked second on the team with a .354 batting average, while driving in a team-leading 20 runs over 21 games.

Clift was a mainstay on the mound, throwing a mind-numbing 120 innings (out of a possible 124 for the entire team), while striking out 89.

IOLA SOFTBALL

HEAD

She will likely get a bit of a respite from handling 100% of the pitching duties in 2024, due to the emergence of incoming freshman Zoie

Iola High’s Elza Clift will pitch and bat leadoff in 2024.

Mustangs on your marks

David Daugharthy has a simple goal for his Iola High track and field athletes in 2024: To get a little better every day.

“Our goal has always been to take what we can do personally and try to improve upon ourselves,” said Daugharthy, who served as an assistant track coach under his brother Dana for the past several years before the two traded positions this spring. “Either you get a PR (personal record) or we’ve wasted a meet,” he said.

Such a mentality may not always mean a lot in terms of team scores, but should pay off by season’s end as athletes vie for a state track berth.

In 2024, Iola returns two state qualifiers, both hurdlers, in senior Rio Lohman and sophomore MaHallie Genoble.

Lohman qualified in the 100-meter hurdles, while Genoble booked her ticket to state in the 300-meter hurdles race.

“They both really pushed each other last year,” Daugharthy noted. “Rio is pretty tall, which gives her the advantage in the 100, but MaHallie has the grit to thrive in the 300-meters.”

Nevertheless both will be gunning for a return trip to Wichita in both distances in 2024.

“The bright spot on our team may be the hurdlers overall,” Daugharthy noted. Junior Cortland Carson, has shed about 20 pounds from his sophomore season, while Maddox Riley, a sophomore, earned a top-three finish at the Pioneer League meet.

“Maddox didn’t quite put together his best race at regionals, but we think he

Iola High’s Rio Lohman qualified for the state track meet in the 100-meter hurdles in 2023.

will improve,” Daugharthy said. “And I’m really excited to see what Cortland can do out there.”

Iola also looks to establish itself in the throwing disciplines. Jaydon Morrison, a senior, narrowly missed out on a state trip as a junior in the discus. “He’s been working a lot on his technique,” Daugharthy said.

Meanwhile, Charles Rogers, a senior, offers intriguing possibilities in the shot put. “He’s built like a tank,” Daugharthy said.

Junior Cole Moyer returns as one of Iola’s top distance runners, while freshman Keegan Hill ran well during the cross country season.

“They should both be solid for us,” Daugharthy said. “We have a lot of

IHS GIRLS TRACK

freshmen and younger kids who have done well as distance runners. We have some good pieces.”

WHAT remains to be seen is how Iola’s sprinters will fare on the track.

“It’s also to-be-determined for our jumpers,” Daugharthy said. “Jackie Fager almost made it to state last year as a triple jumper. She could be in for a big season this time around.”

Daugharthy also is anxious to see how his other incoming freshmen do at the high school level.

Thus far in 2023-24, Iola’s football, volleyball, cross country and basketball teams all showed marked improvement from last year, particularly in terms of peaking at the end of their respective seasons.

“The tone has been set” for track and field already, he said. “Granted, for some of the kids, this is the only sport they do. But there’s gonna be some carryover. A lot of our kids have proven to be leaders.”

High hopes: IHS

Continued from Page 5

Hesse, who will likely suit up at shortstop, if she’s not called on to pitch.

“Zoie Hesse has one of the most powerful bats I’ve seen,” Weide said.

Even so, Iola’s core is its junior class. The Class of 2025’s mainstays include Kaysin Crusinbery at first base, Kyndal Bycroft in left, Harper Desmarteau in center and Alana Mader in right, while Kinsey Schinstock will likely see time at third base or catcher, “where she’ll make an impact,” Weide predicted.

“Kyndal, Alana, and Kaysin bring starting experience, effort and great attitudes that should rub off on the other players,” he added. “Harper brings a great glove in center field with a ton of range to chase down softballs in the gaps.”

Weide also envisions contributions coming early and often from freshman Brooklyn Holloway.

“Brooklyn has speed, pop in her bat, and the ability to track down fly balls in the outfield,” Weide noted.

Reese Curry

IHS golfers make their statement

In one of the most unique golf stories around, Iola High has qualified three golfers for the state tournament over the past three years.

And all three return to the course this spring.

In 2021, senior Christopher Holloway qualified for state his freshman year, narrowly missing out on a return trip as a sophomore and junior.

In 2022, Xander Sellman, who had missed state by a stroke as a freshman, qualified as a sophomore and came up painstakingly close last year as a junior.

And in 2023, Brennen Coffield capped his freshman year with a trip to the Class 4A State Tournament.

With all three back in the fold, as well as head coach Jeremy Sellman’s largest team of golfers, his sights are set for some fun on the links in 2024.

to earn team trophies, and perhaps qualify for state as a foursome.

There are some intriguing candidates already.

Sellman expects junior Ethan Harris to step up and take the reins as a team leader. And incoming freshman Joshua Wanker already has shown potential to compete at the varsity level.

Sophomore Briley Prather, one of three girls on the IHS squad, saw plenty of experience as a freshman.

“She’s the glue that keeps the team together and relaxed,” Sellman said.

Prather will be joined on the course with senior Keira Fawson and junior Madeleine Wanker as the only girls on the Mustang roster.

Coach Sellman said he would appeal to school administrators to see if the girls can compete next year in the fall, during the typical girls golf season.

Because they play on boys teams, and with boys rules, it means Prather, Fawson and Wanker must also tee off from the boys tee boxes, typically several yards farther back from where the girls normally start.

“They do a good job, but this would be a bit more fair for them,” Coach Sellman said. Iola High’s Xander Sellman hits an approach shot.

“We should be pretty good,” Coach Sellman said. “We should be a tough team mentally as we develop and mature.”

With Holloway and the younger Sellman — Coach Sellman’s son — the Mustangs have a pair of golfers who exhibit leadership on the course for their teammates, and a true understanding of the game.

In fact, the pair give Coach Sellman something he’s yet to experience in his four years at the helm at IHS — a senior on his roster.

With the foundation in place, it’s incumbent upon some of the younger players to step up in order for Iola

Mustang tennis makes net gains

An extremely young and largely untested Iola High tennis team took to the courts last spring and began to find its way to success.

Fast forward a year and now, this still relatively young squad has a year’s worth of experience and confidence under its belt.

“I’m pretty stoked,” Mustang head coach Chris Belknap said. “We should do well in both the singles and doubles competitions.”

junior, and Harley Blankenship. Larney will likely team up with Donovan Nee this season.

“Konner understands the sport, and Donovan is around tennis a lot. And Harley has the talent that, if he sticks with the sport, should be a state qualifier by the time he’s a senior. You can see that already.”

“It’s great having these kids come out for tennis, but I’d rather have them all four years,” he said.

In losing only one senior from 2023, Iola returns its top two singles players and its top doubles team.

Sophomores Payton Kern and Trapper Boren will once again compete in singles, with weekly competitions between the two determining who plays in the no. 1 singles position and who settles for the second-tier opponents.

Kern had the upper hand for most of last season, although Boren has closed the gap as he’s gained more experience, Belknap noted.

“Payton has a good mental game when it comes to singles play,” Belknap said. “With tennis, there’s a lot that’s going on in your head. Once you make a mistake, you start to press, and then you start messing up even more.

“Payton is the opposite. He doesn’t let a whole lot bother him. It’s a skill that Boren is learning in leaps and bounds as well,” Belknap noted.

Junior Ethan Riebel started out as a singles player when he was a freshman, but shifted to doubles to team up with then-freshman Brody Thompson.

Among the others to watch out for are Konner Larney,

We’ve got spirit! How about you?

Iola High’s Payton Kern will once again focus on singles matches in 2024.

Humboldt eyes another state run

HUMBOLDT — 2023 was a magical year on the diamond for Humboldt High baseball.

The Cubs ran roughshod through the Tri-Valley League, barreled their way through the Class 3A regional playoffs and wound up a base hit away from playing for a state title.

“The guys will use that loss to motivate them to come back even stronger this year,” Cub head coach Mike Miller said.

But even while Humboldt lost the services of all-everything senior Trey Sommer to graduation, much of last year’s powerhouse returns.

“We lost a big piece of our rotation and a big bat from our lineup but I think we have some guys ready to step into those roles,” Miller noted.

Leading the way will be returning pitchers juniors Logan Page and Kyler Isbell.

Page went 6-1 on the 2023 season with two saves. He struck out a mind-boggling 75 batters in 44 innings, while compiling a 2.36 ERA. At the plate, Page hit at a .312 clip with 24 hits, a pair of triples and 27 RBIs in 26 games.

Isbell went 2-2 with two saves. In 37 innings, he struck out 35 and posted a sterling 1.13 ERA.

“We have several guys who had good innings for us last year, and who will be expected to have a bigger role this season to round out our rotation,” Miller said.

“I expect us to be a strong defensive team once again. Offensively, we had several guys that really came on strong towards the end of the season and provided some big sparks to our lineup in some really key situations. Top to bottom, I feel really good about our lineup and really expect big things from them.”

Senior Sam Hull returns after hitting .458 with 52 hits, four home runs, 41 RBIs and 51 runs, good enough to earn all-league and first-team all-state recognition.

Blake Ellis hit a lofty .413 with 31 hits, 10 doubles, 22 RBIs and 34 runs, also netting all-league honors.

But wait, there’s more.

Junior Colden Cook hit .422 as a sophomore, racking up 38 hits with nine doubles and 32 RBIs. Cole Mathes hit .368 with 21 RBIs, and Jacob Harrington battled .321 with eight doubles and 18 RBIs. Mason Sterling batted .275 during his freshman campaign.

But even with that much firepower, another TVL title is hardly a given, Miller noted.

“There were some very young teams last year that really improved as the year went on,” he said. “Caney Valley is a team that always seems to be in contention for the league title. We’ve played some really good games with them the last couple of years.

“We always have a goal of winning the league, and it’s no different this year,” he concluded.

Humboldt High’s Mason Sterling bats in a preseason scrimmage.

Lady Cubs hope to extend TVL run

HUMBOLDT — There’s an adage in sports that some teams don’t go through rebuilding seasons: they just reload.

It’s a description aptly befitting of Humboldt High softball coach Brad Piley, whose Lady Cubs have won nine consecutive Tri-Valley League titles. Last year, the Cubs narrowly missed out on a state tournament berth. The girls surrendered the lead in the top of the seventh inning of the regional championship, and lost by one run.

And even though Humboldt lost the services of five senior starters from 2023, and with only one senior on this year’s bunch, Piley’s expectations remain skyhigh.

“We’re looking forward to a good year,” Piley said. “We may be young, but we’ve got girls with a lot of experience.”

Perhaps most importantly, Humboldt returns its starting pitcher junior Shelby Shaughnessy who will take the mound from Day 1, with sophomore Taevyn Baylor and freshman Jo Ellison also expected to pitch.

“Shelby has a lot of experience, and she’s done a great job,” Piley said. “Taevyn wasn’t able to pitch much last year because of a back injury, but she can do well. And Jo already has shown what she can do.”

When not pitching, the athletic Baylor will play center field.

Chanlynn Wrestler, junior, caught some for Humboldt in 2023, and will likely get the catching duties this spring as well.

Rylan Covey, Humboldt’s only returning senior, was a reserve on last year’s team and will play first base.

Sophomore Laney Hull was used primarily as a courtesy runner last year as a freshman. This year, Piley has her penciled in at shortstop. She’ll also likely bat leadoff, to take advantage of her speed.

COACH: Brad Piley

Rylan Covey 12

Lizzy Neely 11

Shelby Shaughnessy 11

Rylan Covey is the lone senior on Humboldt High’s softball team in 2024

But that’s it in terms of varsity experience for a team accustomed to battling for league and regional championships on an annual basis.

“And we really haven’t been able to practice much so far this spring,” Piley said, pointing out the timing of spring break, coupled with Humboldt’s run to the basketball substate semifinals.

But there are encouraging signs. In a preseason scrimmage against 2023 state qualifier Jayhawk-Linn, the Lady Cubs rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the last inning.

Of the nine freshmen, many have played travel softball in the past as well.

At the plate, Humboldt should offer a tantalizing mix of speed and power.

“Our first four or five batters all have good speed,” Piley said. “Laney has been working at slapping at the ball. She’s getting better at it. Shelby has been hitting the ball well, and Taevyn hits the ball hard.

“Skylar Hottenstein will play second,” he continued. “She’s just so consistent when she’s out there.”

It’s too soon to tell which of the talented freshmen will make their marks as the season progresses, he noted.

Piley is uncertain which TVL teams will be gunning to end Humboldt’s streak.

“It usually comes down to us and Bluestem,” he said. “I’m not sure who they graduated, but they usually have a good pitcher coming through.”

GOOD LUCK CUBS!

Humboldt High’s Shelby Shaughnessy pitches during a preseason scrimmage.

Humboldt track finds its groove

HUMBOLDT — Of the 30 athletes on Humboldt High’s track and field roster there are seven — three boys and four girls — competing in dual sports.

In order to make that happen, it means adjusting which athletes go to which meets through March and April, head coach Eric Carlson explained.

“There may be a few smaller meets, ones where we only take three or four kids,” he noted. “While in others, we’ll have a full squad.”

The flexible scheduling allows more athletes to do track and simultaneously play baseball, softball or golf, Carlson said.

He has no problem sharing his athletes, recognizing the primary focus for Humboldt track is on the final three meets of the season, at the league, regional and finally the state meets.

“We don’t really care what you do until those three meets,” he said. “It’s not unlike how college track teams operate.”

There are several enticing athletes donning cleats for the orange and black this spring, starting with senior hurdler Mateo Miller, who qualified for state in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles races as a junior.

“He’s running strong again this year,” Carlson said. “We expect him to do well.”

On the girls side, three of Humboldt’s four compet-

See HUMBOLDT TRACK — PAGE 19

Mateo Miller runs a 300-meter hurdles race for Humboldt High in 2023.

Cub golf numbers hit record high

HUMBOLDT — Sixteen golfers — nine boys and seven girls — will hit the links this spring for Humboldt High, the largest team Humboldt has fielded under head coach Bret Hauser.

“If we can keep these numbers up, it really bodes well for the future,” Hauser said.

But with those 16 participants, there’s precious little varsity experience. Five golfers return from 2023, and of those, none played enough at the varsity level to earn a team letter.

So, yeah, fresh blood is the theme.

Sam Jennings

Leading the charge is junior Curt Shannon, who has been a part of the Cub golf squad since his freshman campaign. He and sophomores Layne Ellison and Creed Shannon comprise the bulk of Humboldt’s returning experience.

Sprinkled in among the newcomers are four seniors, including two standouts in other disciplines.

Sam Hull, a highly decorated football, basketball and baseball player throughout his high school career, will hit the course for the first time this spring, alongside classmate Mateo Miller, a state-qualifying hurdler on the track and field team.

“My four seniors are out for their first season of high school golf, but they all played quite a bit on their own last summer and fall,” Hauser said. “I’m hopeful their practice will lead to some success for

Stella Cannon-Smith 12

Sam Hull 12

them.”

And don’t let the lack of experience douse Hauser’s hopes for some hardware.

“I want the boys to put up a fight for medal contention,” he said. “The Tri-Valley League graduated a lot of seniors, so the top 10 slots are fairly open for anyone to take. I’d like to see a few of the boys making a run at an individual league medal.

Because most of Humboldt’s golfers are self-taught, Hauser was able to hit the ground running at practice. “They have quite a few of the basic skills down. This year will be focused on making improvements and getting better. While the team is young, we may not get many accolades, but they’ll be able to grow as a group and build a firm foundation for the next several years.”

Of note, five of the seven girls on the roster are incoming freshmen, and all are new to the sport.

Because of the large numbers, Hauser’s assistant coach, Janel Piley, is working individually with the freshmen girls.

The aim, Hauser said, is to convince Humboldt school officials to develop a full-fledged girls team that would compete in the fall.

“This year will be about improving from day to day, week to week, and meet to meet,” he said.

COACH Bret Hauser

MV hopes to continue upward trend

MORAN — A young Marmaton Valley High baseball team took its lumps early in the season in 2023, but as time progressed, the Wildcats soon became a force to be reckoned with.

After stumbling out of the gate by dropping five of their first six, the Wildcats ended the season by going 5-7, falling in the Class 2-1A Substate Playoffs against Pittsburg’s St. Mary’s Colgan.

“We ended the year on a really good note,” Wildcat head coach Adam Borth said. “I have that confidence they’re gonna carry over to this year, and then next year and the years after that.”

The Wildcats return all but two regulars from last year’s squad, and with most of those juniors and younger, the foundation is in place for a special brand of baseball at Marmaton Valley, Borth noted.

How special will hinge upon pitching.

Among the mainstays on the mound are junior Kele Michael, a transfer student from Iola who practiced with the team last year but was not allowed to participate in any games, as well as sophomores Garrett Morrison and Tyler Lord and junior Dominic Smith.

“Kele will be a good addition and Garrett pitched for us off and on last year. We had enough pitching, so we didn’t need to start him a whole lot.”

But with teams increasing their regular seasons to as many as 25 games, it’s incumbent upon Marmaton Valley to have five or six dependable arms.

“When you’re playing three doubleheaders in a week’s time, you really need your pitching to step up,” Borth said.

Offensively, the Wildcats lost only two seniors. Problem was, those two seniors — Dylan Drake and Wyatt Ard — led Marmaton Valley across the board in batting average, home runs and RBIs.

“We have to replace a lot of offense right there,” Borth said.

And, as has become the norm with small school baseball, flexibility in the lineup is vital.

“We’re going to have to play more small ball this year,” Borth said. “We don’t have somebody who can

COACH Adam Borth

Daniel Fewins is the only senior on Marmaton Valley High’s baseball team. PHOTO BY HALIE LUKEN/MVHS

hit the ball over the fence every game. We’ll need to work on making solid contact, moving runners over, stealing bases. We aren’t going to win games by 10, but we’d be happy to win games by two or three runs.”

Lord, as a freshman, assimilated nicely to the leadoff spot in 2023. Borth envisions him there again.

Morrison also will likely bat at or near the top of the lineup.

Smith will likely be counted on as a run producer, as will freshman Mason Ferguson and his brother Chris, a sophomore.

“You can tell those guys have a lot of baseball background,” Borth said. “They’ll contribute.”

This year’s only senior, Daniel Fewins, will likely line up in the corner outfield positions.

Others like Brayden Lawson, Brevyn Campbell and Brendon Newman should see plenty of playing time as dual sport athletes also taking part in track and field.

“Their commitment is at a whole other level,” Borth said. “We couldn’t have a team without them.

“Much of the season will be a ‘plug and play,’ approach,” he continued. “A lot of times, whoever is pitching will determine who is catching, and who is playing where on the infield. Really, nobody has a set spot.”

Ascending to the top of the Three Rivers League standings will be a special challenge unto itself.

Crest has planted itself as the king of the mountain for the past three years, Borth noted.

“And seeing what they have coming along, you know they’re not going anywhere,” he said. “Northeast will be strong. And Southeast has had our number. We’ve really struggled against them the last couple of years.

“Honestly, there’s a lot of parity in the Three Rivers League, and you never know with baseball, where a few kids on one team can make a world of difference,” he said. “Our team this year can be very special. “There’s a lot of good that can come of it. We are trying to build a good culture, and we have good kids on and off the field, and in the classroom.”

Humboldt track: PRs aplenty for Cubs

Continued from Page 14

itors in last year’s state-qualifying 4x800-meter relay team will be back in the fold in Skylar Hottenstein, Ricklyn Hillmon and Anna Heisler. Alternates Tori Melendez and Mallory St. Clair also are back.

The only missing component, junior McKenna Jones, is out for the year because of injury.

“We’re hopeful they do well again this year,” Carlson said.

Sophomore Laney Hull returns having narrowly missed out on qualifying for state last year in both the 100-meter hurdles and high jump, finishing fifth at regionals in both. (The top four go to state.) Hull missed out in the high jump by 2 inches. In the hurdles, she missed qualifying by only .05 seconds.

Carlson expects throwers Garren Goodner and Carson Peters to make strides, as well as Lady Cub athletes Kenisyn Hottenstein and Kinley Tucker.

“I expect big things from Garren and Carson,” he said. “And I’ll be disappointed if either Kenisyn or Kinley ar-

en’t at state this year.”

Newcomers like Kage Daniels, Thatcher Mueller and Carly Weilert also could be among the best in the area by season’s end.

“Kage is a good athlete,” he said. “It’s a matter of finding the right fit. And Thatcher ran well in cross country for us in the fall. Carly has a good throwing arm. If she can work out her technique, she could do some big things for us.”

Humboldt High’s Laney Hull competes in the high jump.

Marmaton Valley track strikes gold

Moran — A special season could be in the offing for Marmaton Valley High’s track and field team.

The Wildcat squad is one of the largest in recent memory, headlined by a trio of state track medalists in Janae Granere and Piper Barney on the girls side and Jaedon Granere for the boys.

“We’ve got good leaders,” Wildcat head coach Steve Smith said. “A lot of our younger kids look up to these guys. We’re hoping these larger numbers translate into more success.”

There’s already plenty of success for Barney and the Graneres.

Barney reset the school record in the 300-meter hurdles while earning a state track medal.

And she’s been neck and neck with Janae Granere in both the long jump and triple jump.

Speaking of which, Janae Granere — a Pittsburg State University signee — will look to better her school records in both the triple jump and 400-meter dash. And she’s within an eyelash of owning the long jump record as well.

But first things first.

Smith said Granere will likely ease into her track schedule because of an ankle injury suffered late in the

Marmaton Valley High’s Janae Granere, from left, Jaedon Granere and Piper Barney hope to qualify for the state track meet once again in 2024.

“We want her to be successful, but we absolutely want her to be healthy,” Smith said.

Barney and Granere will likely suit up once again for the girls 4x400-meter relay team. An injury late in the year in 2023 derailed that squad’s chances at state.

“We have some kids who can fill out that relay team,” Smith said. “We might use Kylah (Sander) or Maria (Forero). It’s too soon to tell.”

Jaedon Granere has made a name for himself in the sprints, punching his ticket to state as both a freshman and sophomore.

“He looks strong again this year,” Smith said.

As for the others, there is a host of athletes looking to make their marks in throwing events.

And a strong contingent of incoming freshmen will be heard from sooner or later.

“When it’s this early, we like to wait before we decide who’s going to compete where,” Smith said. “It’s quite a bit different from junior high. Let’s see how they start before we start putting kids in places.”

Lesleigh Cary throws the javelin for Marmaton Valley High in 2023.

Building on CHS hardball tradition

COLONY — You’d think a team that bids adieu to a star-studded senior class that anchored three consecutive league championships would expect to take a step back, particularly in the Class 2-1A ranks.

Try telling that to Crest High’s Lancers.

Despite losing nearly all of its starting lineup to graduation, Crest returns a number of contributors, and other reserves biding their time, to the baseball diamond in 2024.

“My expectation is to win the league again,” Lancer head coach Roland Weir said. “We have a team that can do it. Our goals will remain the same each year, to win league and win regionals.”

But with only 13 players on the roster, finding the right spots for this year’s lineup will be a work in progress.

Leading the way is senior Rogan Weir, who led all Lancer starters with a jaw-dropping .549 batting average, along with 28 hits, seven doubles and 31 RBIs. Those stats netted him first-team all-league and allstate recognition.

Fellow senior Ryan Golden, who hit at a .318 clip and averaged a run and an RBI a game, also will take a leading role on this year’s team.

Both will help anchor a Lancer pitching staff that combined to pitch only eight innings in 2023.

Junior Kade Nilges and sophomores Drake Weir and Jensen Barker also will be counted on to contribute.

“We’re still trying to figure out the top of the order,” Coach Weir said. “We’ve got speed. We need to work on plate awareness.”

And while the stable of arms — and bats, for that matter — are cause for optimism, the team’s success will largely hinge upon how well Crest plays defense.

“We’ve got some work to do,” Weir said. “Ryan and Rogan were the only ones who played a lot of varsity the last two or three years. Others have seen some action, but not like they’re going to this year.”

His message to his team has been simple.

While it’s tough for schools Crest’s size to lose a senior class that sent four players on to play at the colle-

Crest High’s Drake Weir will play several roles, including pitcher, for the Lancers in 2024.

giate level— Trevor Church, Stetson Setter, Avery Blaufuss and Jack White — Weir does not expect a dropoff.

“These kids have had to play behind a talented group of seniors for the last two to three years,” Weir said. “Now it’s their turn to keep the program going, to keep moving forward.

“They’ve tasted winning,” he continued. “They’ve been involved and seen that good things can happen. They’re more than capable of accomplishing it.”

Lady Lancers on road to success

COLONY — A winning atmosphere has enveloped the girls sports scene at Crest High this year.

Both the Lady Lancer volleyball and basketball teams ascended to the top of the Three Rivers League standings in 2023-24.

And with many of the same athletes suiting up for the softball team, second-year head coach Kelley Ball is optimistic brighter days are ahead.

Crest mainstays Brooklynn Jones, Kayla Nilges, Kinley Edgerton, Delaney Ramsey, Kaylee Allen and Cursten Allen will return to the diamond this year.

Perhaps most importantly, Crest returns both of its starting pitchers in Jones and Lilian Blaufuss to the mound.

“Brooklynn has good speed and control,” Ball said. “She’ll usually start the first game of our doubleheaders. Lily will go in the second game.”

Cursten Allen did the bulk of the catching last season.

Aylee Beckmon and McKenna Powell will likely vie for the starting first baseman’s job.

“Our batting improved last year, and it’s something we hope to continue improving,” Ball said. “We do have good speed at the top of the lineup.”

The biggest need may be simple confidence.

Crest struggled to a 4-18 mark in 2023.

“I told the girls we have the talent to work our way to the top of the league,” Ball said. “This is a team that can go far if we put out the effort and the drive.”

Ball predicts Crest will have to deal with TRL foes Yates Center and Southeast to finish in the upper echelon. “Those are both teams we’ve struggled with in the past.

Kaylee Allen plays an infield spot for Crest High this season.

Crest High’s Liliana Blaufuss delivers a pitch.

Crest squad seeks track supremacy

COLONY — With a seemingly endless stable of talented, young runners, Crest High is primed for another banner year in track and field.

The conversation starts with Crest’s girls squad, which returns the bulk of last season’s regional champion team.

“We’re definitely trying to build on last year’s success,” Lancer head coach Kaitlyn Cummings said. “These kids are very competitive and very team-oriented. And they’re very driven.”

They’re also very fast.

Buoyed by sophomores Josie Walter and Peyton Schmidt, both of whom medaled at the state track meet in the 3200-meter run, Crest’s girls have had an unprecedented string of success, both in track and cross country. The Lady Lancers have won back-to-back cross country regionals on top of last year’s track crown.

But the team’s talent extends beyond those two.

Incoming freshmen Hanna and Jacee Schmidt both have become standout runners as well, as has sophomore Aubrey Allen.

And that’s not forgetting the lone senior on the girls roster, Mia Coleman, who qualified for state in the 100-meter hurdles.

Some combination of the aforementioned runners will certainly be counted on for a litany of relay races. The 4x100-, 4x800- and 4x400-meter quartets all qualified for state in 2023.

As for others, Cummings said Lizzie Ellington, another sophomore, will compete in throwing events.

On the boys side, Jerry Rodriguez, Gentry McGhee and Brenton Edgerton comprised three-quarters of last

season’s state-qualifying 4x100-meter relay team, having lost Ethan Godderz to graduation.

“We’ll have to do some race-offs to see who’s going to be on the relays this year,” Cummings said.

McGhee and Rodriguez also will compete in jumping events. “And Jerry is going to try the discus,” she added.

Having lost only two athletes to graduation, and with few seniors on this year’s roster — one girl and three boys — Cummings hopes the Lancers are creating a tradition so enticing youngsters in middle school and below will want to follow suit.

“I think the kids are seeing the success they’ve had in this and other sports and are wanting to build on it,” she said. “I’m excited to see what we can do.”

Crest High’s Josie Walter is the defending Class 1A Regional 1600- and 3200-meter champion.

Crest High’s Jacob Zimmerman runs a hurdles race.

Yates Center track team reborn

Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say back on the track.

Because of so few kids signing up for track and field in 2023, the school canceled its season altogether.

But with a number of youngsters once again taking an interest, Wildcat head coach Tyler Panko is back in charge of Wildcat Track 2.0.

“We had some pretty small classes, and then we had kids who just didn’t want to participate,” Panko said. “But that’s on the upswing, both in terms of numbers and in kids who want to take part.”

This year’s team has 11 athletes, primarily underclassmen.

Of those, freshman Jaylynn Birk, who shined at the middle school level, already has shown she may be a force to contend with at high school.

“She ran a 2:42 in the 800 meters,” Panko said. “She

See TRACK REBORN — PAGE 30

YATES CENTER — Yates Center’s High’s Wildcats are back on track.

Yates Center High’s Colton Burkholder runs in a recent practice.

Yates Center High’s Vanessa Ballin will throw the discus this season.

YATES CENTER BASEBALL

Tristan Ballin, upper left, and Jacob Meigs will once again hit the baseball diamond for Yates Center High this spring.

Teamwork approach suits YC

YATES CENTER — A developing Yates Center High baseball team will once again benefit from an infusion of talent from nearby Altoona-Midway.

Because Altoona-Midway is not large enough to field a team on its own, school administrators have allowed its athletes to suit up for Yates Center.

That means the Wildcats will get to utilize the talents of seniors like Jacob Meigs and sophomores like William Stackhouse, both of whom were leaders on a resurgent A-M basketball team over the winter.

Tack on some returning talent from Yates Center, such as senior Tristan Ballin and sophomore Blake Morrison, and second-year head coach Jarrod McVey has high hopes for success on the diamond in 2024.

“Jacob and Tristan bring a lot of experience and good leadership,” McVey said. “Blake and William also bring a lot of athleticism and some good experience at the varsity level.”

Each of the four will be counted on in multiple roles.

Ballin will play first base, catch or pitch. Likewise, Meigs will alternate between the pitcher’s mound and shortstop, while Stackhouse will be anywhere on the infield or outfield — if he’s not pitching.

Morrison is penciled in at third base.

Several are vying for playing time in the other starting spots, including Garrison Brittain, Kage Beck, Kev-

See YATES CENTER — PAGE 30

Diamonds are a ‘Cat’s best friend

YATES CENTER — Yates Center High’s softball team offers a tantalizing blend of speed, power and experience as the Wildcats hope to improve upon last year’s 18-5 record.

At the helm is first-year head coach Kayla Estes, who takes over a squad that finished one win shy of the Class 2-1A State Tournament.

And while the Wildcats were hit hard by graduation, the squad returns a number of key components to 2024.

“We have a lot of young talent coming in as well,” Estes said.

Among the key returns are seniors Lauren McConaghie, Peyton Petit and Kamdyn Trahan.

“Lauren shows tremendous leadership,” Estes said. “She holds her teammates accountable daily. The team respects her because she creates a positive atmosphere on and off the field. She never misses a rep and puts her all into every drill.”

Petit and Trahan will be counted on in the outfield, where their speed allows them to cover much of the field.

Junior Avery Eakin also is something of a defensive wiz.

“She’s not afraid to commit to making diving catches and making big plays,” Estes said. “She’s dedicated to working hard and giving everything she’s got.”

Junior Jacie Randall will be counted on for her versatility. “She will be great behind the plate. She’s very coachable with a strong work ethic,” Estes said.

Sophomore Wylee Shaffer is a quick learner, one who’s not afraid to ask questions and apply what she’s learned, the coach continued. Sophomore Kinley Morrison follows in that mold. “She’s the type of athlete who excels in constructive criticism,” Estes said. “She

YATES CENTER SOFTBALL

is not afraid to be challenged.”

Several newcomers are expected to make an impact as well. Sophomore Lauren Schultz’s aggressiveness has become evident early on.

“She goes all out all the time,” Estes said. “She’s not afraid of failure. This is a trait that’s hard to come by in young athletes. Her work ethic is going to pay off as we get into the season.”

Others like junior Macie Schultz and newcomers Rylie Smith, CeCille Ngunjiri, Madison Hall, Aubrey Chambers and Anna Merando will fill out the lineup.

Cayten Cummings, Jayda Rice and Mylinn Tidd also will be counted on to provide some power at the plate.

Wylee Shaffer plays first base for Yates Center.

Titans on track

SOUTHERN COFFEY CO. TRACK

LE ROY — Southern Coffey County High’s track and field team may be light on numbers, but they’ll be loaded with optimism for a successful 2024.

The Titan squad consists of a dozen athletes, including junior Emily Ludolph, who qualified for the Class 1A State Track Meet last year in the shot put. Ludolph will throw the discus this year as well.

Senior Reeston Cox returns to throw the javelin this spring, as will junior Karley Ohl and sophomore John Rolf.

Rolf also is slated to run in the 400-meter dash.

“Staying healthy is always a key,” veteran SCC head coach Jeff True said. “Hopefully, we can avoid most of that through good preparation and training. Our goal is to get stronger and improve every day.”

Track reborn

Continued from Page 27

would have qualified for state as an eighth-grader.”

And despite Birk’s reluctance to run long distances, Panko figures the 800- and 400-meters are right up her alley.

“She’s a strong runner, and she has a nice stride,” Panko said. “She’s gonna be our best chance to make it to state.”

Meanwhile, two young throwers also have raised eyebrows.

Sophomore Rylee Shaffer will throw the javelin and discuss. “She’s gonna do quite well,” Panko said.

He’s also keeping his eye on freshman Jayda Rice, who on top of track and basketball, was the starting center for the Wildcat football team last fall.

“Jayda is strongest in the shot put,” Panko said. “The biggest thing is how well she transitions from a 6-pound shot they throw in middle school to the 8-pound shot in high school. That can take some time to get used to.”

On the boys side, three freshmen and one junior comprise the YCHS Wildcat squad.

Of those, freshman Colton Burkholder has won 3200- and 800-meter runs at the middle school level.

“We’re trying to turn him into a sprinter,” Panko said. “That can be tough for a freshman. The boys will get better and faster as they grow. He’ll do well and compete.”

But inasmuch as the Wildcats will vie for every medal they can, Panko is simply excited to once again have a team.

“I’m excited to have kids who want to be out here,” he said. “They’re good kids who work hard. Sometimes, people take having sports like track and field for granted. Hopefully we can build on this.”

Yates Center

Continued from Page 28

in Brown, Keagen Tadlock and newcomers Kaiden Rutherford, a transfer from Iola, and freshman Evan McVey.

“They will be vital to the team’s success on and off the diamond this season,” Coach McVey said. “I’m excited for the upcoming season and grateful for the opportunity to coach such a great group of young men as we all continue to work hard together to restore Wildcat pride on and off the field with sportsmanship, competitiveness and character.”

Reeston Cox throws for Southern Coffey County.