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A magazine focusing on all things sports in northwest Kansas

INK. December 2014

High

Octane Phillipsburg’s Luke Jacobs has a motor that just won’t quit.

The Hays Daily News

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Rally time

Members of the Thomas More Prep-Marian volleyball team react after winning a set against Baldwin on Oct. 31 at the Class 4A Division II state volleyball tournament at Salina’s Bicentennial Center.

AUSTIN COLBERT, Sports Ink.

What’s up?

10

3’s

company

A look inside this issue

Fort Hays’ Kenneth Iheme has a close following.

5

12

Panther

Picture

leader

Phillipsburg big man Luke Jacobs making most of his opportunity.

this

8

Winter look-ahead

A look at the top players and teams to watch as the basketball season gets underway.

Focused on a state title for

the Logan volleyball team.

Sports Ink. contributors: Nick McQueen nmcqueen@dailynews.net Austin Colbert acolbert@dailynews.net Jolie Green jgreen@dailynews.net Everett Royer sportsink@dailynews.net On the cover: Phillipsburg senior Luke Jacobs on the field before a 2-1A playoff game in Phillipsburg. Photo by Jolie Green.

Volume 4, Issue 10 Sports Ink. is published and distributed by The Hays Daily News. Copyright © 2014 Harris Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Sports Ink. is a registered trademark of The Hays Daily News, 507 Main, Hays, KS 67601 (785) 628-1081.

Who’s That?

Notable performances in northwest Kansas Tanner Brock

The senior midfielder on the FHSU men’s soccer team wrapped up a spectacular career by earning first-team all-MIAA honors for the third consecutive season and was named the 2014 MIAA Player of the Year. Already the program’s all-time leader in minutes played, the Winfield native led the Tigers in goals this season with six and was second to only senior Diego Cabral in assists. His play helped lead FHSU to its third consecutive NCAA Division II tournament appearance.

Bailey Hageman

A junior libero on the Thomas More Prep-Marian volleyball team, Hageman led the Monarchs to one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the state this season. The team’s defensive captain guided TMP from a six-win campaign in 2013 to a 23-16 record in 2014. The Monarchs earned a trip to the Class 4A Division II state tournament in Salina, their first trip to state since 1985. After TMP went 1-2 in pool play and came within a breath of advancing to the semifinals, Hageman was named to the 4A Division II all-tournament team. She was also named a first-team allMCL player alongside senior teammate Kaylor Gottschalk.

Ethan Nunnery

After injuries pushed the freshman into a more prominent role on the Hays High boys’ soccer team late in the season, Nunnery flourished. He scored his first two career goals in a 5-1 win over Mulvane in the team’s regional semifinal, and was even more impressive in the team’s regional championship game against Augusta. Despite losing 4-3, Nunnery scored all three goals for the Indians to make it five goals over the final two games of the season. Nunnery looks to be a major contributor for Hays High next season.

Kodi Van Laeys

The senior on the Logan High School volleyball team enjoyed a spectacular career playing under her mother, Logan head coach Robin Van Laeys, and ended it in even more spectacular fashion by guiding the Trojans to the Class 1A Division II state title. Logan defeated top-ranked Sharon Springs-Wallace County in two sets, 25-19, 25-21, in the state title match in Hays, earning the school’s first state title in volleyball and third in any sport. Logan finished the season with a 36-7 record.

Luke Jacobs is making the most of his senior year with the Phillipsburg Panthers.

Won’t be beat PHILLIPSBURG — During the 2013-14 wresthe Panthers’ postgame this season. Followtling season, Phillipsburg High School’s Luke ing coach’s talk, each of the four team captains Jacobs was browsing the Internet — particularly stands in front of their kneeled teammates and YouTube — for some spirited motivation recites their individual portion of the for his season and in the weight room. prayer.

Being a University of Nebraska fan, it Each segment is echoed in a bit of a didn’t take long for him to stumble across Nick McQueen whisper by the remaining players. the “Husker Prayer,” which highlights the Then, it gets to Jacobs, where the Cornhuskers’ pregame football routine. team’s vocal leader thunders and the Jolie Green After one listen, Jacobs was hooked team repeats: “Day by and took it this fall to Panther 12th-year day! We get better and PAGE 6 football coach J.B. Covington. better! ’Til we can’t be beat!

They liked it so much, it became a staple for Won’t be beat!”

story by

photos by

Sports Ink.

December 2014

Page 5

Jacobs, right, sacks TMP-Marian quarterback Max Megaffin during the season opener in September at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.

Phillipsburg High School senior lineman Luke Jacobs, right, celebrates with senior Ian Chestnut after a defensive play during the Class 2-1A regional championship game against Salina-Sacred Heart in Phillipsburg.

Page 6

December 2014

If there is anything Covington has learned about Jacobs through his high school career, it’s the 6-foot-7, 220-plus pounder means exactly that.

He simply won’t be beat.

And it led to a highly successful senior football campaign for Jacobs and the Panthers, who two weeks ago were on the verge once again of the school’s first 10win season, and the program’s first trip to a sub-state championship game — due, at least in part, to Jacobs’ physical, in-yourface play.

“He’s a big, physical guy that can run,” Covington said of Jacobs, the team’s starting defensive end and offensive tackle. “Big, athletic kid with a big motor.”

Through a 9-1 start and first-round double-overtime playoff victory, the senior played to those advantages on the field. He racked up eight sacks for a loss of 16 yards and 51 tackles, with five for loss. Coupled with senior Ian Chestnut at the other end (six sacks, five tackles for loss), Jacobs helped the Panthers earn blowout victories in eight of their first nine wins and was part of a defense that came up big when the offense couldn’t muster much in a first-round playoff game against Salina-Sacred Heart.

“I think it’s gone well,” Jacobs said of his senior season, his first with the Panthers as a full-time starter. “Lot more pressure being a senior leading a team, instead of following in other people’s footsteps.”

But he took the challenge and ran with it. More of a role player last season on a senior-laden team that collected nine wins and lost in the sectional round to Scott City in Class 3A, Jacobs knew this year he would take on a bigger role. And Covington knew it was a role the “big man” would fill nicely.

SPORTS INK.

“He’s a big, physical guy that can run.

Big, athletic kid with a big motor.”

- J.B. Covington, Phillipsburg coach on Luke Jacobs

“Great kid, great personality,” Covington said. “He was a little ornery in his younger days, but he’s matured and put all that personality to good use — and all that energy to good use.”

Translation: Jacobs just goes out there and flat gets after it, and he’s been quick to let people know it.

“I don’t really talk much,” Jacobs said.

“Honestly, I just try to get pissed off before the game, get ready to go.”

Why wait until the game starts, right?

“Sit there and just focus on what I’m going to do, what I have to do,” he said.

And though he didn’t garner much attention being part of a deep team last season as a junior, Jacobs made the most of this season — to the point Covington started receiving calls from college recruiters.

“There were a lot of (guys on the 2013 team) that people knew a lot more about,” Covington said. “Luke was kind of hidden in all those guys.

“During the course of the summer, he went to several camps and had a good summer. His name is out there quite a bit more now.”

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It also helped the somewhat unorthodox-looking wrestler was able to break through to the Class 3-2-1A state championships a season ago at 220 pounds and take fifth. Another state medal is something he will look to do again this winter.

Though, if everything went according to he and the Panthers’ plans, he was hoping he wouldn’t have to worry about wrestling until after this weekend’s Class 2-1A state football championship.

“I’m ready to get going, but I want football to last as long as it can,” he said two weeks ago. “Not too worried about wrestling right now. But, pinning people is always fun.”

When he does decide to worry about wrestling, the senior could prove to be a force to be reckoned with on the mat.

While his height might not fit the mold of a typical wrestler, he has been strong enough and quick enough to not let it be a disadvantage. He had just seven losses as a junior.

“He’s pretty effective with what he does,” Covington said. “He doesn’t look like he’d be the quickest kid either, but he’s awfully quick. He’s very, very strong.”

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And even though he doesn’t compete in the spring, Covington would like nothing more than to have Jacobs be out there to throw the javelin come April and May. Covington said he has no doubt Jacobs could contend for a state championship in the event.

“He’s got a motor that never quits, and he gets after it,” the coach said. “He’s one of the vocal leaders on our team. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, either, and if someone is not doing their job, he holds them responsible.”

Nick McQueen, Sports Ink.

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Area players to keep Boys Brady Werth, sr., Hays High — The Indians’ man in the middle returns for his senior season after earning his second straight WAC Player of the Year award as a junior. Helping the Indians to a 23-2 record and state appearance in Class 5A, Werth averaged a double-double last season with 15.1 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Kyle Patrick, sr., Otis-Bison (pictured) — A rare player among the 1A ranks, the 6-foot6 senior posted big numbers last season for 14-9 Otis-Bison. He averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds and 5.4 assists, and was an all-area selection first-teamer by the HDN. Connor Katt, sr., Hoxie ­— If Hoxie hopes to continue its strong tradition with new head coach Jake Moss, Katt might be key. The thirdleading scorer from a season ago, Katt will look to fill a void left open by the graduation of all-state players Kade Spresser (now at Fort Hays State University) and Chase Kennedy. Katt averaged 11.6 points and 3.2 steals per game as a junior.

Nate Klinge, sr., Wallace County — Klinge is one of three returning starters for Wallace County, which lost just two games, including a two-point setback in the Class 1A Division II state title game to Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton.

One of the most fast-paced teams in the state, Klinge has the opportunity to put up some big numbers in Wallace County’s offense.

Kameron Schmidt, sr., TMP — Under Joe Hertel, TMP-Marian will face basically a

new schedule this year in its first full season as a member of the MCL. Schmidt is the top returning scorer for the Monarchs, and could be counted on even more with Max Megaffin possibly missing the season after an injury sustained during football season.

Jaden Williams/Justin Wilftong, srs., Stockton — Now seniors, the often-injured “twin tower” duo in Stockton looks poised for a strong final campaign. At 6-foot-5, and 6-foot-4, respectively, the two are a matchup problem for many teams in Class 1A Division I. Bryan Dome, sr., Victoria — The returning starting point guard, Dome averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals last year for the Knights, who will have a new head coach this season.

Brandt Wolters, sr., Osborne — The Bulldogs’ 6-foot-1 senior forward, Wolters averaged 16.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game as a junior.

Brent Gehring, sr., Plainville — The Cardinals’ second-leading scorer last season on a team that finished 23-3 and fell in the Class 2A state championship game, Gehring will look to step up as the leader after the graduation of two-time HDN Player of the Year Hadley Gillum, now at Fort Hays State University.

Brendon Brenner, jr., Ellis — At 6-foot5, Brenner averaged 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Railers a year ago, including 3.7 offensive boards per night.

p tabs on in 2014-15 Girls Carly Heim, sr. (pictured)/Hoxie girls’ team — The Hoxie girls, under longtime coach Shelly Hoyt, are not known for having girls put up big numbers. The Indians just put up wins. The count is up to 73 straight won, with three Class 1A Division I state titles. Heim has been a part of all of it, and has been a consistent player through the previous three seasons. Not much seems to change for the Indians this season.

Shayna Rogge, sr., Triplains-Brewster — Rogge was an integral part of last season’s 17-5 record for the Titans, one of the best in the history of the combined programs. Rogge led the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points, and grabbed 9.3 rebounds per game. Her role could increase even more this season with the graduation of guard Brittany Plummer, who also averaged double figures.

Alexcia Deutscher, jr., Ellis — Deutscher, 5-foot-9, will enter her third season as a starter for the Railers. As a freshman, she averaged 18 points per game, then 16 points per game as a sophomore last season.

Rachael Kuhlman, sr., Wallace County — Kuhlman averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for Wallace County last season as the Wildcats were 16-6 with a sub-state championship game loss.

Kirsten Burger, jr., Thunder Ridge — A starter since her freshman season, Burger played a key role as Thunder Ridge finished third last season in Class 1A Division I, and looks to start for the

third straight year for the Longhorns.

Megan Koenigsman, soph., TMP — Koenigsman is part of a talented sophomore class that burst onto the scene last year. The Monarchs finished 7-14, but lost many close games.

Regan Casey, jr., Natoma — As a sophomore, the 5-foot-6 guard averaged 15.8 points, five rebounds, and 5.1 steals for 8-14 Natoma last season.

Kadee Braun, sr., Logan — The Trojans didn’t put up a lot of points in a 10-11 campaign, but Braun was the team leader with 7.7 a night.

Braun, at 6-foot, is a big rebounder. She collected nine boards a game last year, and had at least one block per contest.

Kami Miller, jr., Golden Plains — With the graduation of Hailee Spresser and Jordan Christensen, Miller’s role increases if the Bulldogs hope to make it back to the 1A Division II state tourney for a third straight time. Miller averaged 6.3 points per game as a sophomore, and dished out 2.6 assists and led the team with 2.3 steals per game.

Alyssa Oborny, sr., La Crosse — One of five returning starters for the Leopards, Oborny was the team’s leading scorer last season with 9.6 points per night, and grabbed three rebounds per game with 2.8 steals.

Taylor Regan, soph., Otis-Bison — Regan stepped into a starting role as a freshman for Otis-Bison, part of a young, talented group for the Cougars.

2917 Vine, Hays 785-625-4830

Kenneth Iheme, second from left, joins family members for a photo after the final home game at Lewis Field Stadium this fall. In addition to his triplet sisters Krystal, far left, and Chelsea, far right, are his parents, Franca and Douglass Iheme, center.

Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Sports Ink.

3’s company Wichita triplets glad to wear FHSU’s black & Gold

I

Kenneth Iheme

Page 10

t’s been well documented the past two years how a pair of twin brothers on the Fort Hays State University football team support each other.

But Kenneth Iheme has one up on older teammates Nathan and Daniel Lindsey.

Iheme, who came on strong during his sophomore season for the Tigers this fall, has not

December 2014

just one, but two, siblings born on the same day who also are students at Fort Hays and who provide him plenty of family support.

Unlike the Lindseys, who are identical twins and hard to tell apart, Iheme is easy to distinguish from his other triplet siblings — sisters Chelsea and Krystal.

SPORTS INK.

But, Iheme said, he feels part of a threesome, on and off the field.

He wears No. 3 on his jersey for two reasons.

It’s the same number NFL great Barry Sanders wore during his high school days at Wichita North, and well, three has always been one of Iheme’s favorite numbers since he came into the world as a third of a trio.

So when he was officially issued a number last fall after redshirting his first year at Fort Hays in 2012-13, he chose No. 3.

Iheme was just 5 years old during Sanders’ final year in the NFL. But he heard plenty of stories about the local great-turned-pro while growing up.

Iheme, who at 5-foot-8, 185 pounds is about the same size as Sanders was in college at Oklahoma State, wore No. 20 in high school at Wichita Heights, the same number Sanders wore during his Hall of Fame NFL career with the Detroit Lions.

“Going into last season, it was available,” Iheme said of the No. 3 Tiger jersey that had been worn by teammate Edward Smith, who was still on the team but switched to No. 1.

“Since that was Barry Sanders’ number, and since I’m a triplet, I thought it would be cool to have 3.”

Iheme also thinks it’s cool that his sisters changed their minds and decided to follow him to Hays, where he is enrolled in the business management program.

Chelsea and Krystal, who have shared a bedroom since little on and still live in the same apartment, were headed to Emporia State after high school.

While accompanying their brother and parents to Hays when he came to check out the Fort Hays campus, and the Tiger football and track programs, back in 2012, all three liked what they saw.

“Scholarships were better at Fort Hays,” said Chelsea, a psychology major.

“We see each other all the time,” said Krystal, who is in the pre-med program and wants to become a doctor.

Now, Iheme’s triplet siblings get a chance to continue watching him play football, and it also makes it convenient for Mom and Dad to see all three of their youngest children on the same visit.

The Ihemes, already the parents of three young children, weren’t all that surprised when they learned they would be doubling their number of children all in one day back in February of 1994.

After all, one of Franca’s sisters also has triplets. And Franca herself is a twin, and her twin sister was pregnant with quintuSports Ink.

EVERETT ROYER • Sports Ink. Fort Hays State University students Chelsea and Krystal Iheme are a common sight in the student section at home football games, often in the front row of Lewis Field Stadium, cheering on their triplet brother, Kenneth.

plets before miscarrying.

So the Ihemes welcomed the trio of babies into their home on Feb. 27, 1994, and youngest brother Kenneth began following in the footsteps of his two older brothers.

He started playing tackle football in fourth grade, and hasn’t quit since.

Although slowed by a shoulder injury for part of this past season, Iheme was second on the team in rushing through 10 games with 482 yards and was first among regular players in yards-per-carry at 4.5.

Iheme’s parents aren’t able to make every game because of work commitments, but they sure did have fun watching their youngest son play in FHSU’s final home game on Nov. 7.

Iheme — who had a breakout game on the road the week before, with 149 yards rushing and a touchdown in a 24-17 come-from-behind road victory over the University of Nebraska-Kearney — broke loose for a 17-yard run late in the game with Missouri Southern on Senior Day at Lewis Field Stadium.

He then tacked on three consecutive 1-yard runs, including one for the Tigers’ final touchdown in a 49-41 victory that assured FHSU of a winning season. The Tigers, who finished 6-5 a year ago, were 6-4 heading into their season finale on Nov. 15 at Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

The family was all smiles after the Missouri Southern win as it game-planned where to eat because Mom and Dad were spending the night in Hays.

December 2014

The Ihemes, natives of Nigeria, where Douglas’ main sport was soccer, came to America by way of Hesston College in central Kansas, where Douglas earned a scholarship in its business program.

He eventually transferred to nearby Wichita State University, Franca attended culinary school, and they decided Wichita was a good place to raise their family.

One of Kenneth’s older brothers tried soccer as a youngster, but Kenneth’s two mainstays were football and track, both which brought him to Fort Hays.

Iheme gave up track this year to concentrate on football, where he is part of a rebuilding program under Coach Chris Brown at Fort Hays, which this year posted its first back-to-back winning seasons since 2003 and ’04.

As far as numbers go, Iheme might never repeat the 21-touchdown season he posted as a high school senior.

But as long as the Tigers are constantly improving, he doesn’t care.

“We’re getting really close as a team; we’re bonding more, and it shows,” said Kenneth, who stayed in Hays last summer to work out with fellow team members.

He also likes the bond he has with his closest siblings, the ones who still find themselves answering to the “trips” or the “babies.”

“I look out for them,” Kenneth said with a grin, nodding toward his sisters. “And I really appreciate all their support.”

Diane Gasper O’Brien, Sports Ink. Page 11

Picture this Focused

on a state

title for the

High School

Logan

volleyball team.

Trojan junior Makayla Hilburn attempts a dig against Wallace County in the title match.

The Trojans celebrate with the trophy after the state-title win at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Logan senior Justice Bonner, left, senior Kadee Braun, center, and senior Courtney Schneider hug after the Trojans defeated Sharon Springs-Wallace County to win the Class 1A Division II state volleyball championship on Nov. 1 at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Pool play

Logan def. Argonia, 25-19, 25-12 Axtell def. Logan, 27-25, 25-16 Logan def. St. John’s-Tipton, 25-20, 25-21

Semifinals

Logan def. Fowler, 25-12, 25-15

Championship

Logan def. Wallace County, 25-19, 25-21

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TOOL RENTAL

Brady dinkel

Victoria High School junior

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by

TOP: Sophomore Kayla Hofaker attempts a block against Wallace County.

MIDDLE: Senior Justice Bonner passes to a teammate against Wallace County. BOTTOM: Kodi Van Laeys goes up for a kill against the Wildcats in the title match.

Dinkel, the quarterback for the Knights’ football team, played a stellar October and a great start to November in the EightMan Division II state playoffs. In the Knights’ second-round victory Nov. 8, Dinkel accounted for seven touchdowns, throwing five and running for two as the Knights won their 10th straight game, 64-12, on the road against Minneola.

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A star in the making?

A

s the Kansas State University football season winds down and the Wildcats begin their bowl preparation, you can’t help but look toward 2015. As usual, the main question is about how to replace key starters, such as receiver Tyler Lockett and quarterback Jake Waters, after they graduate — a discussion that might include Hays High School’s Alex Delton.

Western Kansas is no stranger to producing great Wildcats. Hays High’s Marcus Watts and Smith Center’s Mark Simoneau and Braden Wilson are K-State legends. The 2014 roster included La Crosse’s Kip Keeley and Levi Morss, Quinter’s Zach Nemechek, Colby’s Adam Weber, Scott City’s Luke Hayes and Colborn Couchman, and Phillipsburg’s Sean Newlan.

But Delton’s story could be different. Rated a thee-star recruit by Rivals.com, the 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback has already signed a financial aid agreement with the university. He plans to graduate from Hays High in December and begin taking classes at K-State in January. While many of the kids listed above either walked on or came in under the radar, few from this area have seen the attention that Delton has received over the past year.

A three-year starter for the Indians, Delton emerged as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state following his sophomore season. He followed with equally impressive junior and senior campaigns, his elite speed far and The closer away his greatest asset. As a senior in 2014, Delton rushed for 1,519 yards and passed for 1,402 more, Austin his 30 total touchdowns helping lead Hays High to a 7-2 record and Western Athletic Conference championship.

Now the question becomes whether or not Delton can carry these same electrifying skills from high school into the Big 12.

Delton is not being seen as just some recruit, but the centerpiece of K-State’s up and coming recruiting class. He was the first in the class to commit to the Wildcats and as of mid-November was the only quarterback on the list.

And talking to Delton throughout the season, one thing was clear: Not only does he intend to start at QB for the Wildcats, but he intends to start sooner rather than later. Typically, freshmen don’t see much playing time under longtime KSU coach Bill Snyder, who turned 75 in October. But with Delton’s rare speed and the fact he could be working with the team all spring, it’s not completely out of the question to think he could be in a position to push for the starting job next fall.

With Waters graduating after a two-year stint coming from Iowa Western Community College, the door is wide open for the next Wildcat signal caller to step up. The job would have likely gone to would be senior Daniel Sams, a very Delton-esque athlete, until he decided to transfer to McNeese State prior to the 2014 season. The favorite for the position next season is the team’s current backup, sophomore Joe Hubener, from Cheney. Iowa native Jesse Ertz, a redshirt freshman, is also in the picture. Plus, with Snyder’s ability to get junior college players, adding a transfer into the mix is very possible still.

Neither Hubener nor Ertz were highly touted recruits like Delton, which is reason to believe Delton’s raw athleticism could give him a leg up, especially considering his style of play is

perfectly suited for Snyder’s offense. But will an extra semester be enough time for Delton to learn the offense and gain enough confidence — both in himself and from the coaching staff — to unseat not one but two players with at least two years in the program already?

Obviously, nobody can answer these questions right now. But it will be worth watching as spring practice gets underway. A wildcard scenario could be Delton switching positions, his speed making him a viable weapon at receiver or in the secondary. But he was recruited by K-State to be a quarterback, a position Delton would like to stay at, so I don’t see him changing.

But whether that holds true and whether or not Delton sees the field in 2015 is completely up to a 75-year-old wizard in a windbreaker that always seems to pick the right guy to lead the K-State offense.

And maybe that right guy will be Delton, at least at some point in the future.

Colbert

Page 14

December 2014

SPORTS INK.

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