Capital-Journal special section: 2018 Best of Kansas Preps

best of preps 2018

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

about this section INSIDE THIS SECTION

CELEBRATING OUR PREP STARS

By Tim Bisel Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Editor

By Tim Bisel Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Editor

Best of Kansas Preps is a celebration of standout high school athletes presented by The Topeka Capital-Journal in conjunction with its GateHouse Media Kansas sister newspapers.

This commemorative section shines a spotlight on this year’s overall male and female athletes of the year, the most inspirational athlete, the 22 athletes of the year in their respective sports and all other athletes invited to attend the June 19 Best of Kansas Preps banquet.

The inaugural event, which took place June 19 at the Kansas Expocentre’s Exhibition Hall, attracted a crowd of more than 1,200 and featured former Kansas basketball All-American and NBA champion Paul Pierce as guest speaker. The awards banquet honored more than 600 standout high school performers and recognized athletes of the year in 22 sports as well as overall male and female athletes of the year and a most inspirational athlete.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Envista Credit Union and the University of Kansas Health System — St. Francis campus, for joining us in supporting our high school athletes and sharing our vision of producing an amazing event for the state and local community.

The section also revisits featured speaker Paul Pierce’s message during his question-and-answer session with The Capital-Journal’s Rick Peterson and Brent Maycock and offers photo highlights from the event. Pierce covered a wide range of topics during his address, offering advice on handling adversity, explaining what convinced him to become a Kansas Jayhawk and discussing his current career as an NBA analyst for ESPN and ABC.

GET YOUR T-SHIRT WHILE THEY LAST A limited number of Best of Kansas Preps T-shirts are available for $20 apiece, which includes shipping and handling. Shirts can be purchased at cjonline.com/prepshirts and will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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best of preps 2018

male athlete of the year Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Staff

The Topeka Capital-Journal

JAY SOLDNER/THE LEAVEN

CARTER PUTZ, MIEGE

Stepping in to replace All-State quarterback Ryan Willis as an unproven sophomore starter, Putz went on to enjoy the most prolific passing career in Kansas state history.

In leading Miege to three Class 4A Division II state titles and a 37-2 record, Putz set state records for career passing yards (9,295), career touchdown passes (124), career completions (515), career completion percentage (71.9 percent) and single-season touchdown passes (50). Yet for all his accomplishments on the gridiron, the two-time Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year won’t play another down. Instead, he’s headed to Notre Dame to play baseball after a high school career where he was Co-Player of the Year in Class 4A Division I as a senior.

JAY SOLDNER/THE LEAVEN

The Topeka Capital-Journal

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FEmale athlete of the year Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Staff

KAYLA VITZTUM, THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN

Vitztum has been a multi-sport athlete since she was a kid and her senior year at Thomas More Prep-Marian was no exception. A Newman University volleyball signee, Vitztum helped TMP to the Class 3A state volleyball championship in the fall, then led the Monarch basketball team back to the 3A state tournament, where it finished fourth — the third straight top-four showing. She also joined an elite list of TMP basketball players in the 1,000-point club, averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game in her final season. This spring, Vitztum not only led the Monarch girls’ soccer team to the final eight in Class 4-1A, but also competed in track and field, competing in both sports for the second straight year. She became the Mid-Continent League’s all-time career leader in kills (1,040), having 471 in her senior year.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

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best of preps 2018

most inspirational athlete Topeka Capital-Journal Sports Staff

The Topeka Capital-Journal

ISAIAH LUELLEN, ROSSVILLE

A Class 3-2-1A state champion as a junior, Luellen endured a series of offseason knee surgeries that not only left his senior season in doubt, but his future in the sport, as well.

In fact, doctors told him he might not wrestle again.

As if the physical setbacks weren’t a big enough hurdle, Luellen also dealt with the mental burden of seeing his coach, mentor and friend, Cody Lambotte, battle ALS. Luellen not only fought his way back to the mat, but he completed an emotional 23-0 senior season for his second straight 160-pound championship.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Q&A WITH PAUL PIERCE

Basketball legend delivers warm message to Best of Preps audience

It wouldn’t be Pierce’s only run-in with winter weather his first year in Lawrence, as a departing bus and a patch of black ice outside Jayhawker Towers proved a dangerous combination for the scrambling freshman.

“So I come runnin’ — ‘I gotta get to the bus stop, I gotta make this bus,’ ” Pierce recalled. “I take three steps, whoosh, boom, right on the ground. Bus passes me and everything, and I miss the bus.

“I’m like, ‘What’d I get myself into?’ ” Truth is, Pierce didn’t slip often at KU. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 16.4 points and 6.3 rebounds across three stellar collegiate seasons en route to his selection as the No. 10 pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. The 10-time All-Star won an NBA championship and NBA Finals MVP honor in 2008, part of a 19-year professional career that ended with his retirement in 2017.

Reflecting on a stint at KU that set the table for everything that followed, Pierce traced it all back to an official campus visit the then-high schooler took to a Nov. 26, 1994, game against San Diego at Allen Fieldhouse.

“It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. It was just like, ‘I have to come and play here,’ ” Pierce said. “I’ve been to so many basketball games. When I came to KU and saw the game, it just pulled me in and I knew I wanted to come and play for the Kansas Jayhawks.

“It was just my first experience of really seeing what basketball is really about, ’cause people in Southern California, you know, that’s Hollywood. They’re into the acting. They show up to see who else is there. This is like truly homegrown, fanatic basketball, and I truly knew I wanted to come here after just going to one game.”

Once Pierce got to campus, he realized then-coach Roy Williams wasn’t going to be a pushover. The two at times had a contentious relationship, but Pierce credited the Naismith Hall of Famer for laying the foundation and establishing the drive and hard work he needed to be an NBA success.

“You think you’re a five-star recruit, aw yeah, you’re going to come in here, it’s going to be a cakewalk. Nothing was easy with him,” Pierce said. “He really pushed me to the limit. I remember days he kicked me out of practice. But it made me better.”

While Pierce indicated he doesn’t make it back to Lawrence as often as he’d like, he said he still follows the Jayhawks closely, particularly during the NCAA Tournament. He said current coach Bill Self sends him new KU swag — T-shirts, polos, hats — annually.

By Matt Galloway mgalloway@cjonline.com Making his long-awaited Kansas return, Paul Pierce didn’t have to worry about packing a coat this go-round.

The former consensus All-American with KU basketball was the keynote speaker at Tuesday night’s Best of Kansas Preps event at Kansas Expocentre, returning to the area for the first time since a 2011 alumni game at Allen Fieldhouse. Speaking in front of more than 1,200 high school athletes and their families, Pierce covered a wide range of topics in his Q&A with The Topeka Capital-Journal, with a large portion dedicated to his time with the Jayhawks.

As Pierce revealed, his KU origins included an early culture shock that played out in late 1995 when the Inglewood, Calif., product experienced his first snow storm.

“Coming from California, I never needed a winter coat,” Pierce said. “I remember the first day it snowed, I get dressed like a regular day, I go outside and it’s snowing. I turned back around and went back up to my dorm room, and I think I sat in my dorm room for, like, three days.”

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best of preps 2018

Q&A WITH PAUL PIERCE

“Coach Self is a great coach,” Pierce said. “The thing is, I never played for coach Self, but me and him talk all the time. He makes me feel like I’m still — and I am — part of the KU family.”

Here are other highlights from Pierce’s Q&A: THE NEXT PHASE — Pierce, 40, said he’s enjoying “a pretty smooth adjustment” into retirement, which includes a role as a studio analyst for ESPN and ABC’s coverage of the NBA. “It’s fun because I still get to talk about the game,” Pierce said. “I can be around the game, I travel, and so I’m still connected with the players and keep up on a day-to-day basis on what’s going on.

“It’s not easy getting up and not waking up, putting the tank top on, going and practicing for three hours when you’ve been doing that your whole life. But I’m not as fast as I used to be, I don’t jump as high as I used to jump, so for me to sit behind that table and talk about them now, it’s perfect.”

So where does the superstar-turned-pundit think LeBron James will land when the forward hits free agency this summer?

“That’s the toughest question of the night,” Pierce said. “Well, I know he has two homes in California, in Los Angeles, I know that. I’ve heard rumors that his son is checking into a school in California, I’ve heard that. But I don’t know. Hey, I didn’t think he was going to go to Miami and he went to Miami.

“LeBron’s a great player, man. It feels like the whole world of NBA hinges on his decisions every summer and then everybody else falls into place. But I have huge respect for him and what he’s done for the game.”

The Topeka Capital-Journal

The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Q&A WITH PAUL PIERCE CHEF PAUL?

e perhaps le in college wer hi w d oo w rd ha one of made on the where he learned The strides Pierce e in the kitchen, ad m he e os th only matched by to cook. life skills — how eek to ask his most valued to four times a w up om m s hi d lle id he ca In fact, Pierce sa cipes. re cipe.’ That r la cu about parti that spaghetti re ed ne I , om M , In mom like, ‘Hey at,” Pierce said. “…

“I would call my leftovers with th t but go n, ve iro u’ to Yo . w ys ho da hes, I knew ot cl n could last a few ow y m h a e how to was me. It just gave m high school I knew ing was huge for ok co at th , ge lle when I got to co ence. down the street sense of independ couldn’t just drive I n. was ow y m on be in California, so it “I hard to learn to ing that she was be man. e a us to ho in ’s up om ym just to grow ly, al on rs back home to m pe e, at t out of the st good for me to ge independent.” ht me a lot to be ug ta ge lle co ly Real

PREP ADVERS ITY

Pierce, a thre e-sport athlet e at Inglewoo cut from the d High School varsity basket , revealed he ball team as a eventual McD was sophomore, a onald’s All-Am to ugh setback fo erican. r the “It was rough, ” Pierce said.

“You really fin you’re going d out about yo to be as an ad urself as a kid, ult. I think from just not giving who that point on in, not giving , from being cu up, not accept t and ing ‘No,’ I was always like th at.”

SLEEP SECRET

ct to learn about him, Pierce Asked for a fact fans might not expe an issue that’s created a playful back admitted he is a notorious snorer, ce. and-forth with his wife, Julie Pier she in the middle of the night and then me rds “My wife, she video reco just “I’m . said ce Pier g,” so embarrassin sends it to me in the morning. It’s .” gram Insta on it put sn’t doe glad she

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best of preps 2018

The Topeka Capital-Journal

The Truth: Best of Kansas Preps banquet draws a crowd Whether they came to hear The Truth or honor their favorite high school athletes, folks from Holcomb to Holton flocked to the Kansas Expocentre on June 19 for the inaugural Best of Kansas Preps banquet.

More than 1,200 attendees packed into Exhibition Hall to hear former Kansas and NBA basketball superstar Paul Pierce speak. Prior to Pierce’s Q&A with The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Rick Peterson and Brent Maycock, 22 athletes were recognized as the most outstanding in their respective sports. Following Pierce’s talk, Rossville’s Isaiah Luellen was named this year’s most inspirational athlete, TMPMarian’s Kayla Vitztum was named female athlete of the year and Miege’s Carter Putz was honored as male athlete of the year.

Boys cross country athlete of the year Lakelin Conrad, of Wichita Collegiate, takes a selfie with featured guest Paul Pierce on June 19 during the Best of Kansas Preps banquet at the Kansas Expocentre.

[THAD ALLTON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

We hope you enjoy these snapshots from the event.

The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Brent Maycock, left, presents Arkansas City’s Marcus Robinson with his wrestler of the year award June 19 during the Best of Kansas [CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL] Preps banquet at the Kansas Expocentre

The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Matt Galloway introduces former Kansas and NBA great Paul Pierce on June 19 during the Best of Kansas Preps banquet at the Kansas Expocentre.

[CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

The Topeka Capital-Journal

best of preps 2018

Topeka Capital-Journal publisher Stephen Wade, left, introduces master of ceremonies Bruce Steinbrock, assistant athletic director at Washburn University, on June 19 during the Best of Kansas Preps banquet at the Kansas Expocentre.

[CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

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Proud parents of Best of Kansas Preps award winners take pictures of their children on stage at the end of the celebration on June 19 at the Kansas Expocentre.

[THAD ALLTON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

Topeka CapitalJournal publisher Stephen Wade welcomes the crowd at the inaugural Best of Kansas Preps banquet on June 19 at the Kansas Expocentre.

[CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Rick Peterson, left, presents Hayden’s Amanda Desch with her volleyball player of the year award June 19 during the Best of Kansas Preps banquet [CHRIS NEAL/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL] at the Kansas Expocentre.

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BOYS cross country

The Topeka Capital-Journal

GIRLS cross country

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Lakelin Conrad, Wichita Collegiate

A senior, Conrad is a three-time state individual champion. Conrad captured the Class 4A individual state championship the last two seasons after finishing third at state as a sophomore. As a freshman Conrad won the 3A individual championship. Conrad is also one of Kansas’ top tennis players, with a pair of 4A runner-up singles finishes and two team titles entering his senior season.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Olivia Sovereign, St. Thomas Aquinas

Only a junior, Sovereign has already won a pair of Class 5A individual state championships after finishing second as a freshman. Sovereign helped lead the Saints to back-to-back 5A team titles in 2015 and 2016 before a third-place finish last fall.

Sovereign was named the Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year for 2017-2018.

Boys cross country

Girls cross country

ELITE ATHLETES

ELITE ATHLETES

Trenton Cochran,

Kerby Depenbusch,

David Lutgen,

Riley Beach,

Taylor Briggs,

Hannah Burks,

Ethan Marshall,

Hadley Splechter,

Jack Thomas,

Halle Johnson,

Clara Mayfield,

Autumn Princ,

Gardner-Edgerton

Aquinas

Great Bend

Yates Center

Beloit-St. John’s

Scott City

Blue Valley Northwest

Bennington

Chapman

Manhattan

Beloit

Sylvan-Lucas

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

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FOOTBALL

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Carter Putz, Bishop Miege

A 6-foot, 195-pound senior quarterback, Putz passed for 2,844 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior, leading Miege to its third straight Class 4A Division I state title. He passed for 9,336 yards and 124 TDs in his career. Putz is Kansas’ record-holder for career passing yards and TDs. He was 37-2 as starter and named the Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

[JAY SOLDNER/THE LEAVEN]

FOOTBALL

ELITE ATHLETES

Milton Braasch,

Dylan Downing,

Breece Hall,

Braden Howell,

Marshall Kellner,

Brody Kooser,

Dalton Kuhn,

Graham Mertz,

Joe Michalski,

AJ Vang,

SM East

Derby

Miege

Smith Center

Wichita Northwest

Blue Valley North

Carroll

Aquinas

DeSoto

Goddard

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

boys SOCCER

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Noah Mabry, Valley West

Blue

Mabry, a senior forward, was named the Class 6A co-offensive player of the year last fall after leading the Jaguars to a 15-5-1 record and the 6A state championship. Mabry finished his career as Blue Valley West’s school record-holder for single-season goals (40) and career goals (60). He was named a first-team All-American as a senior.

[SUBMITTED]

boys soccer ELITE ATHLETES

Jake Ashford, Mill Valley

Nate Awbrey,

Miguel Baca,

Manhattan

Jackson Lewallen, Andover Central

Cody Benedict,

Dodge City

Collyn Lowry, SM East

Kapaun

Ethan Martinez, Miege

Alex Rotert, Miege

Jake Glass,

Blue Valley Southwest

Chase Klusman,

Olathe Northwest

Cooper Wilson,

Blue Valley West

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

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girls SOCCER

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Gracely Briley, Blue Valley Southwest

A three-year starter for Blue Valley Southwest, Briley led the Timberwolves to the Class 5A state title as a junior and senior, earning first-team All-Class 5A honors each year after being a second-team pick as a sophomore.

She scored 41 career goals and had 21 career assists and as a senior was named the Class 5A offensive player of the year. The University of Kansas signee was the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas for girls soccer.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

girls soccer ELITE ATHLETES

Nicolette Callaghan, SM West

Laiken Hein, McPherson

Jillian Patton,

Blue Valley Southwest

Aislinn Hughes, McPherson

Marissa Popoola, Blue Valley West

Kelly Lemke,

Washburn Rural

Sophia Stram, Miege

Ella Martin, Miege

Sara Watson, Spring Hill

Riley Minard,

Blue Valley Southwest

Taylor Weins,

Olathe Northwest

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BOYS basketball

GIRLS basketball

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

[USA BASKETBALL]

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Bishop Miege

A 6-foot-9 junior, Robinson-Earl was a first-team All-State selection for the second straight year after leading Miege to its third straight Class 4A Division I state championship. Robinson-Earl was named the Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year after averaging 21.3 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 67 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free-throw line for the 22-3 Stags. He was named the Eastern Kansas League’s most valuable player.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/ GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

GIRLS basketball

ELITE ATHLETES

Hayden

Gilbert Peters, South Gray

Ben Pyle

McPherson

Taylor Robertson, McPherson

A 5-foot-9 senior, Robertson led McPherson to the Class 4A Division I state title, averaging 23.9 points and hitting 105 3-pointers on the season. Robertson, who will play at Oklahoma, scored 1,912 points in her career with 322 3-pointers. Robertson shot 90.5 percent from the free-throw line and 47.7 percent from 3-point range. She also averaged 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals.

BOYS basketball

Zach Harvey,

The Topeka Capital-Journal

ELITE ATHLETES

Joseph Pleasant,

Blue Valley Northwest

Kennedy Brown, Derby

Tristan Gegg,

Labette County

Sydney Wilson, Olathe East

Emily Ryan,

Central Plains,

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

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BOYS bowling

GIRLS bowling

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Blake Massey, Washburn Rural

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Massey ended his high school career in grand fashion, winning the Class 6A individual championship with a 795 series and bowling a perfect 300 game in his first game at state. Massey led the Junior Blues to a second-place team finish at state. Massey was named to the All-6A All-State first team, selected by the state’s coaches.

[SUBMITTED]

Lauren Lust, Salina South

Lust dominated the Class 5A-1A state tournament, claiming the individual championship by 31 pins with a 690 series. She bowled a 253 in her second game and finished her state performance with a 248 game. Lust led Salina South to a third-place team finish in the state tournament and she was named to the 5A-1A All-State firstteam by the state’s coaches.

BOYS bowling

GIRLS bowling

ELITE ATHLETES

Gabriel Alvarez,

Wichita Northwest

Brandon Bonta,

Wichita Northwest

Dillon Malone, Carroll

ELITE ATHLETES

Bryce Moore, Great Bend

Jordan Freed, Topeka West

Cayla Bortz,

Shawnee Heights

Piper Reams, Campus

Alexandria Carter, Carroll

Makaila Cowdin, Topeka West

Laura Seiler, Carroll

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

gymnastics

volleyball

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Sydney Weeks, Olathe Northwest

Weeks capped her senior season with a dominating performance in the 2017 state meet. Weeks won championships in three individual events and was the Kansas allaround champion. Weeks won the balance beam, floor exercise and vault competition and led Northwest to the team championship.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Amanda Desch, Hayden

Desch completed her high school career by leading the Wildcats to their third straight Class 4A Division II state championship. Desch was named the 4A-II player of the year and was picked as the city co-player of the year. She was a two-time first-team All-City pick and first-team All-Centennial League. Desch finished the season with 362 kills, 53 blocks, 416 assists and 283 digs while serving at 93.9 percent with 23 aces.

gymnastics

volleyball

ELITE ATHLETES

Talia Gay, Free State

HaIley Ross,

SM Northwest

ELITE ATHLETES

Allison Coens,

St. James Academy

Anna Dixon, Louisburg

Kailey Jo Ince, Hesston

Katie Glatczak, Centralia

Taylor Kuper,

Olathe Northwest

Eden Hiebert, Goessel

Gracie Van Driel, Rose Hill

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BOYS GOLF

GIRLS GOLF

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Parker Beal, Washburn Rural

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

With birdies on his final two holes of this year’s Class 6A state tournament, Beal became just the third male golfer in Topeka history to capture two individual state golf titles. Beal shot a 3-under 69 at Iron Horse Golf Club to win this year’s title by one stroke and also captured the 2016 state title as a sophomore, shooting a 68 to win by two shots. A three-time All-State pick and four-time All-City and All-Centennial League performer, Beal captured two league individual titles and his scoring average of 73.6 ranks second in school history.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Mia Tovkach, Gardner-Edgerton

Tovkach, a junior, won her second Class 6A state individual championship last fall, shooting an even-par 72 at the state meet. Tovkach is a three-time state medalist, finishing second individually her sophomore season.

BOYS GOLF

GIRLS GOLF

ELITE ATHLETES

Brady Beougher, Stockton

ELITE ATHLETES

Grant Brenneman, Hesston

Grant Herrenbruck, Sacred Heart

Keegan Ellington, Andover Central

Garett McNulty, Riley County

Cole Elmore, Sacred Heart

Michael Winslow, Aquinas

Hsiang Chin, TMP-Marian

Ellie Cobb,

Salina Central

Molly Saporito,

Blue Valley West

Abby Glynn,

Washburn Rural

Caroline Setter, Hayden

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

BASEBALL

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

LOGAN PITTMAN, BLUE VALLEY

Blue Valley’s ace in its run to two straight Class 6A state titles, Pittman was unbeatable as a senior. He went 8-0 with a 1.84 ERA, striking out 37 batters in 54 innings. He was the winning pitcher in the state quarterfinal this season and was named the Class 6A pitcher of the year by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

baseball

ELITE ATHLETES

Blake Bevan,

Derek Bycroft,

Peyton Carson,

Jordan Ellison,

Josh Fiene,

Kurt Golubski,

Tyler Halstead,

Jace Kaminska,

Cade Miller,

Hunter O’Toole,

Carter Putz, Miege

Rock Creek

Bluestem

Riley County

Iola

Caney Valley

Shawnee Heights

West Elk

Wichita Heights

Arkansas City

BV Northwest

Paola

Carson Zenger,

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

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SOFTBALL

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

LAUREN MILLS,

SEAMAN

Following a breakout junior season in which she belted 16 home runs, Mills entered her senior season as one of the most feared power hitters in the state. Intentionally walked seven times in one doubleheader alone, Mills rarely got pitches to hit, but made the most when she did. The Wichita State signee hit .696 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors. She also pitched, going 8-1 with a 3.43 ERA.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

SOFTBALL

ELITE ATHLETES

Kaleigh Bayless, Shawnee Heights

Sydnee Crain, Girard

Daryn Lamprecht, Silver Lake

Maci Eck,

Morgan Mavers, Independence

Shayna Espy,

Andale

Olathe Northwest

Maryssa Rollin, Olathe South

Sara Roszak, Free State

Maguire Estill, Haven

Aniya Holt,

Shawnee Heights

Kaylin Watkins, Carroll

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

BOYS SWIMMING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Zeke Metz, Seaman

Metz led Seaman to the Class 5A-1A state team championship, with the Vikings becoming the first-ever Topeka school to win a team championship in that sport. Metz was named the 5A-1A swimmer of the state meet after winning individual state titles in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle and helping Seaman to a championship in the 400 free relay and a second-place finish in the 200 medley relay.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Boys SWIMMING ELITE ATHLETES

Miguel Bernal,

Evan Eskilson,

Tarrin Fisher,

Aidan Gantenbein,

Preston Harrison,

Lex Hernandez-Nietling,

Max Hernandez-Nietling,

Aidan Holbrook,

Stephen Johnson,

Hugh McPherson,

Ben Patton,

Ryan Richards,

Wichita North

Miege

Free State

SM East

Washburn Rural

Lawrence

Wichita Heights

Wichita East

Manhattan

Wichita Trinity

Miege

Blue Valley

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

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GIRLS SWIMMING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MEGAN KEIL, DERBY

After winning a pair of Class 6A state titles as a junior, Keil duplicated the effort as a senior. She broke her own state record in winning the 50-yard freestyle and then won her second straight 100-yard freestyle, earning athlete of the meet honors.

Making her feat more impressive and satisfying this year, Keil was able to maintain her elite swimmer status while doubling up in the spring as a state track qualifier for the Panthers.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Girls SWIMMING ELITE ATHLETES

Ella Blake,

Lawrence Seabury

Claire Campbell, Free State

Anika Lam,

Olathe North

Astrid Dirkzwager, Wichita East

Emma Linscott, SM East

Sarah Graven,

Jessie Paxton, Aquinas

Cassie Grunhard,

Blue Valley Southwest Miege

Sydney Schmidt, Carroll

Emily Guo, Lawrence

Lexie Shelton, Carroll

Natalie Knapp, Kapaun

Haylee Weiss, Emporia

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The Topeka Capital Journal

BOYS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Michael Hoffer,

Shawnee Heights

A senior, Hoffer won four gold medals in the Class 5A state track championships to cap an outstanding high school career. Hoffer, a threesport athlete at Heights, won individual state titles in the high jump (6-foot-10), the long jump (23-43/4) and the triple jump (46-91/4) and he also ran a 48.8-second leg on the T-Birds’ winning 1,600-meter relay team as Heights finished second in 5A as a team.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Boys TRACK & FIELD ELITE ATHLETES

Lakelin Conrad,

Wichita Collegiate

Tayezhan Crough, Hutchinson

David Lutgen,

Beloit-St. John’s

Sam Hankins, Manhattan

Gilbert Peters, South Gray

Lane Peters, Pike Valley

Joseph Holthusen, Carroll

Timmy Lambert, Smoky Valley

Hadley Splechter, Yates Center

Wes Shaw, Hillsboro

Peyton Lane, Clay Center

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sunday july 1 2018 • G 25

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MCKENZIE WILKS, PITTSBURG

A Class 5A state champion in the 800 and 1,600 as a junior, Wilks set her sights on pulling the distance triple as a senior. She accomplished the feat in dominating fashion. Wilks won the 3,200 by 15 seconds on Friday and then came back Saturday to win the 800 and 1,600, breaking a 35-year-old state meet record in the 1,600 by nearly two seconds in 4 minutes, 56.29 seconds.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Girls TRACK & FIELD ELITE ATHLETES

Dana Baker,

Olathe North

Elle Barrett, McPherson

Molly Born,

Taylor Briggs,

Sydney Johnson,

Aarika Lister,

Paige McDaniel,

Cristal Mosely,

Shelby Ohlde,

Emma Ruddle,

Kayla Smith,

Samantha VanHoecke,

Wellsville

Wichita Southeast

SM Northwest

Linn

Chapman

McPherson

Beloit

Valley Heights

Leavenworth

Paola

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

BOYS TENNIS

GIRLS TENNIS

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Bruno Serra, Blue Valley West

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

A junior, Serra capped a 21-1 season with the Class 6A state singles championship, topping twin brother Rafael in the championship match, 6-3, 6-3, as the Jaguars won their second straight state team championship. As sophomores the Serras teamed up to win the 6A doubles championship, posting a 16-0 record on the season.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

Brooklyn Hunter, Hayden

A junior, Hunter has won three Class 4A state singles championships, posting a 21-0 record as a junior. Hunter is 58-1 in her career and is one of just five players who have won three 4A state singles championships. Hunter has won six state championships overall, also starring for the Wildcat volleyball team which has won three straight 4AII state titles. A three-sport standout, Hunter was also All-City in basketball and has played in three state tournaments, helping the Wildcats finish second as a freshman.

Boys TENNIS

Girls TENNIS

ELITE ATHLETES

Wonjoon Cho,

Wichita Collegiate

Nolan Schrader, McPherson

Kaden Stewart, McPherson

ELITE ATHLETES

Brett Seaton, Olathe West

Bryson Toubassi,

Wichita Independent

Evelyn Chang,

Blue Valley North

Lily McNeill, KC Christian

Callie Flanagan, Bleu Valley North

Ellie Kuckelman, Blue Valley North

Clara Whitaker, Kapaun

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WRESTLING

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Marcus Robinson,

Arkansas City

Robinson won his fourth state championship as a senior, taking the 138-pound Class 4A title to help the Bulldogs win the team championship.

Earlier in his career Robinson won 5A state titles at 106 pounds as a freshman, 113 pounds as a sophomore and 126 pounds as a junior. Robinson finished his high school career with a 161-25 record. Robinson was named the 4A wrestler of the year.

[FILE PHOTOGRAPH/GATEHOUSE KANSAS]

WRESTLING ELITE ATHLETES

Kasdon Arehart,

Christopher Ball,

Jake Beeson,

Kendall Beitz,

Cordel Duhart,

Terrell Garraway,

Brian Gates,

Trey Hoerner,

Jace Koelzer,

Isaiah Luellen,

Dayton Porsch,

Josh Seabolt,

Michael Spangler,

Riley Tubbs,

Wichita South

Abilene

Hoisington

Olathe South

Arkansas City

Rossville

Eureka

Hoxie

Blue Valley Southwest Olathe North

Cimarron

Kapaun

Hutchinson

Wabaunsee

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

BEST OF PREPS ALL-STARS BASEBALL

Kyle Abrahamson, Free State Cale Adams, Silver Lake Alex Barger, Larned Reese Bayliff, Wichita Trinity Chandler Bloomer, Ottawa Andrew Brautman, Arkansas City Tanner Buckley, Shawnee Heights Jackson Cobb, Seaman Paden Cornelson, Holcomb Lane Coulter, Circle Scott Duensing, BV Northwest Noah Eichelberger, Moundridge Cooper Elliott, Andover Central Dalton Engle, Riley County Zach Farmer, Salina Central Tucker Gehrt, Rock Creek Micah Grover, Cheney Brody Hanna, Maize South Peyton Harvey, Little River Junior Hernandez, Ellis Ethan Kickhaefer, Salina Central Ryan Koval, Olathe South Mitchell Lady, Shawnee Heights Chris Leddy, Moundridge Jackson Lewallen, Andover Central Chris Lozar, Syracuse Connor Mackay, DeSoto Casey Mayes, Andover Houston McFarlane, Wichita Heights Jerad Miller, Oskaloosa Nick Modes, Paola Jon Moll, Olathe South Aaron Mosher, Wellsville Ty Nelson, Riley County

Jared Parenti, Ottawa Kadin Pearson, Valley Center AJ Peters, Carroll Austin Quick, Free State Josh Salazar, Nickerson Lawson Schultz, Buhler Jalen Shaddix, Moscow Jared Sharp, BV Southwest Kyle Shiever, Olathe Northwest Cal Shimkus, Oxford Cole Srajer, Marion Levi Swensen, Little River Kaden Tichenor, Holcomb Zach Todd, SM West Khalil Thrasher, Eudora Jack Wagner, Maize South Logan Waldschmidt, Kingman Dylan Werries, McPherson Ricardo Yanez, KC Turner Austin Zellers, Andover Central.

Cole Zimmerman, TMP-Marian.

BOYS BASKETBALL Tyler Brown, Derby Tate Busse, St. Francis Luke Evans, Carroll Cooper Kaifes, Mill Valley Brett Liebl, Central Plains Garrett Luinstra, Free State Gabe Pieschl, Marysville Dylan Vincent, Eisenhower Martin Vogts, Rock Creek Larry White, Topeka High

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Carly Bachelor, Washburn Rural Elisa Backes, Salina Central Christianna Carr, Manhattan Sydnee Crain, Girard Sarah Beth Gueldner, Olathe Northwest Laura Macke, Nemaha Central Abby Ogle, Baldwin E’Lease Stafford, Lawrence Brianna Vogts, Olpe Sereena Weledji, Aquinas

BOYS BOWLING

Noah Belt, Seaman Jordan Black, Great Bend Tyler Gromlovits, Junction City Matthew Hedden, Derby Caleb James, Andover Central Nathan Mercer, Shawnee Heights Taylor Miller, McPherson Clayton Ouellette, McPherson Spencer Raney, Circle Cole Runyan, Wichita Collegiate Aaron Slaughter, KC Piper Parker Tippin, Carroll Devon Urbano, Wichita North

GIRLS BOWLING

Jadyn Barr, Andover Central Kishno Bell, Seaman Kayleigh Cuiksa, Mulvane De’Anne Donnell, KC Schlagle Madisyn Hansen, Wichita East Addie Herzberg, Wichita East Sydney Miller, Olathe East Kaylie Nelson, Wichita Northwest Darienne Roberts, Augusta Addy Schiffelbein, Mulvane Kelli Stewart, Augusta Jordan Vsetecka, Great Bend Faith Whited, Garden City

FOOTBALL

Payden Cornelsen

File photograph/GateHouse Kansas

Nick Allen, Blue Valley Southwest Jack Blumer, Marysville Josh Boyd, Silver Lake Jack Burns, Miege Andrew Callahan, Fort Scott Evan Clark, Derby Jax Dineen, Free State Miles Emery, Blue Valley North Broc Ginavan, Frontenac Trey Gilbert, Holcomb DeShawn Hanika, Hayden Mitchell Henry, Nemaha Central Dante Jackson Lawrence Matthew Lange, Conway Springs Trevor Little, Galena Brent Peavler, Hayden Wyatt Seidl, McPherson Elliot Strahm, Sabetha Dexton Swinehart, Lyndon Ky Thomas, Topeka High Ivan Webb, KC Schlagle

BOYS GOLF

Sion Audrain, Garden City Jack Baker, Kapaun Ryan Bender, Blue Valley North Joe Bultman, SM Northwest Branden Bussman, Frankfort Davis Cooper, Blue Valley North Andrew Cunningham, Aquinas Chase Dillon, Wamego Trae Gehring, Pretty Prairie Christian Ghilardi, SM Northwest Austin Hardwick, Frankfort Tate Herrenbruck, Sacred Heart Jake Huffaker, SE-Saline Garin Ihrig, Goodland Braden Leitner, Atwood Dalton Mai, WaKeeney Nick Mason, Mill Valley Tradgon McCrae, Hays Cameron Rozean, TMP-Marian Blake Saffell, Wellington Gentry Scheve, Emporia Cooper Schultz, Andover Central Kameron Shaw, Sacred Heart Quentin Shaw, Sacred Heart Trey Sides, Phillipsburg Tyler Trudo, Eisenhower Cade Uhlenhake, Blue Valley West Trevor Watson, Caney Valley Peyton Wilson, Andover Central Ty Wilson, Wellington Steele Wolters, Osborne

GIRLS GOLF

Kenni Henson, Derby Rosie Klausner, Olathe Northwest Megan Lucas, Washburn Rural

BOYS SOCCER

Jens Ahlen, Tonganoxie Darrius Armstrong, McPherson Aidan Bates, Blue Valley Southwest Braeden Beard, Olathe Northwest Alex Bevis, Carroll Richard Bowman, Miege Devin Cape, McPherson Ian Carroll, Mill Valley Charley Colby, SM East Jacob Cromly, Andover Central Eddie Del Toro, Dodge City Brian Desanto, Olathe South Ethan Diedel, Blue Valley Southwest Modou Faburay, Manhattan Connor Faith, Blue Valley West Bryce Fimreite, Andover Central John Fitzgerald, Olathe East Kyle Franklin, Mill Valley Collin Freking, Washburn Rural Isaiah Frese, Tonganoxie Corbyn Howard, Carroll Reid Howard, Aquinas Zeb Huseman, Tonganoxie Tucker Johnson, Basehor-Linwood Davis Joseph, Andover Central Evan Kaloupek, Olathe Northwest

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BEST OF PREPS ALL-STARS

GIRLS SOCCER

Hanleigh Allen, Carroll Carly Bachelor, Washburn Rural

Mallory Stegman, Maize Ava Stram, MIege Maguire Sullivan, Carroll Jessica Thomas, KC Piper Peyton Wagoner, Mill Valley Brynn Walker, Wichita East Anna Watson, Spring Hill Emily Wilson, KC Piper

SOFTBALL

Makayla Akin, Seaman Ashlyn Anderson, Gardner-Edgerton Grace Banes, KC Piper Sydney Bangert, Kingman Brylie Bassett, Oskaloosa Natalie Bevan, Bluestem Jaycee Blazek, Republic County Olivia Bruno, Washburn Rural Hannah Burnett, Independence Tatum Clopton, Free State Lexi Cobb, Silver Lake Camryn Compton, Riverton Jamee Compton, Riverton Briana Cruz, Pratt Olivia Depew, Derby Clara Edwards, Clay Center Chloe Enderud, Udall Kyla Etter, Eudora Delainey Fenoglio, Tonganoxie Abbey Fischer, Shawnee Heights Bailey Flewelling, Holton Audrey Flowers, Baldwin Jessica Garcia, Mill Valley Jaycee Ginter, Shawnee Heights Shaylun Grosstephan, Girard Alexis Hafenstine, Wabaunsee Sieana Hall, Baldwin Kasey Hamilton, Washburn Rural Elizabeth Hays, Spring Hill Emmiley Hendrixson, Haven Abbi Hill, Bluestem Ellie Hogle, Silver Lake Kari Holzrichter, Aquinas Jacque Hulse, Smoky Valley Lauren Johnson, Maize South Ashtyn Jurging, Bluestem Allison Kearney, Valley Falls Kelcie Kippes, Rossville Demi Kunkel, Rock Creek

TP-00013556

Sion Audrain

Bailey Belcher, Louisburg Megan Biehl, SM West Michaela Bowers, McPherson Josie Boyle, Baldwin Payge Bush, Mill Valley Alexis Christopherson, Blue Valley West Gaby Crowell, Maize South Caitlin Countryman, Baldwin Molly Cummings, Blue Valley West Kaylen Dawson, Spring Hill Macyn Decker, Washburn Rural Maggie Epp, Buhler Cassie Forcellini, Blue Valley Southwest Sierra Fury, Kapaun Nayeli Gallo, Wichita North Adell Gore, Basehor-Linwood Anahy Guevara, Wichita East Claire Hedlund, McPherson Riley Hett, McPherson Mallory Heying, Aquinas Katie Hise, SM East Maya Hodison, Free State Megan Homoly, Miege Alexis House, SM South Madison Irish, Mill Valley Tessa Irvine, Manhattan Kyli Jackson, Aquinas Emily Jensen, Wichita Northwest Kaylie Kappelman, Olathe Northwest Jessie Kynaston, McPherson Ashlyn Lakin, Maize Sydney Leslie, SM West Lanie Mannebach, Miege Rachel Marshall, Maize Sydney Martens, Valley Center Ashton McCory, Carroll Megan Michaelis, Kapaun Brianna Moore, Derby Grace O’Keefe, Aquinas Andree Orcutt, Blue Valley West Angela Palmer, Maize South Liz Palmer, Maize Cailey Perkins, Manhattan Margaret Pigott, Aquinas Gabi Rodriguez, KC Piper Macy Ruffalo, Blue Valley Southwest Cali Schechinger, Blue Valley Southwest Mackenzie Scholtz, Louisburg Mallory Smith, Spring Hill

File photograph/GateHouse Kansas

Gunnar Murray

File photograph/GateHouse Kansas

Alyssa Lohmeyer, Wabaunsee Madison Loos, Udall Qwynn Marquez, Independence Morgan Mauk, Humboldt Riley McNemar, Galena Audrey Miller, Tonganoxie Peyton Moeder, Mill Valley Trinity Morris, Seaman Abby Oliver, Wabaunsee Maci Omli, Eisenhower Lydia Ostenson, Shawnee Heights Betsy Parmley, Baldwin Kimi Patterson, McLouth Paige Petefish, Shawnee Heights Brylee Potter, Chase County Abby Pressgrove, Silver Lake Adeline Reese, Remington Shyann Reid, Udall Jordan Richards, Olathe Northwest Paige Robbins, Blue Valley Sophia Rockhold, Oskaloosa Grace Ruehle, Dodge City Alexis Rymer, KC Piper Eboni Sapien, Holcomb Chevelle Sartin, Arkansas City Lyssa Schabel, Independence Hannah Schmidt, Olathe North Autymn Schreiner, Wabaunsee Gabby Schultz, Gardner-Edgerton Reagan Smith, Carroll Regan Smith, Spring Hill Shelby Smith, Girard Sierra Smith, Eudora Kamryn Sparks, KC Piper Alex Stanek, Blue Valley Maddie Stipsits, Olathe North Jordan Stringfield, Wellsville Kinsey Stuewe, Wabaunsee Laken Vandegrift, Chase County Myka Watkins, Burlington

BOYS SWIMMING

John Amrein, St. James Academy William Backer, Blue Valley Northwest Nick Callahan, St. James Academy Danny Christie, Leavenworth Tyler Cunningham Ryan Downing, Bonner Springs Joshua Florence, Seaman

Shawnee Heights Track & Field Coaches,

Kaleigh “KK” Bayless #17,

Congratulations on your dedication and hard work in taking a handful of athletes to a runner up State Championship.

1 Great Catcher + 2 Softball State Championships + 2 Undefeated Seasons =

The Hoffer Family

1 Proud Dad

TP-00013557

George Kriwiel, Wichita Trinity Andrew Lanier, Olathe South Dawson Lee, Carroll Diego Loya, Miege Jackson May, Basehor-Linwood Ryan McCully, Kapaun Ethan Nunnery, Hays Blake Olmsted, Salina Central Alejandro Orona, Wichita North Calvin Pomeroy, Wichita Trinity Trevor Prondzinski, Olathe South Luke Rafanan, Blue Valley Southwest Caleb Ragland, Olathe Northwest Kyle Reese, Olathe South Matthew Ricci, Blue Valley Southwest Andre Rizzi, Olathe East Ethan Rodriguez, DeSoto Grant Ryals, Louisburg Ambrose Stefan, Louisburg Skyler Stuckey, Carroll Will Thompson, Maize Parker Tinkler, Blue Valley West Colton Trowbridge, Andover Central Aiden Veal, Mill Valley Zachary Wagner, Hays Matthew Weaver, Blue Valley Southwest Curt Whigham, Aquinas Landon Wirt, Aquinas Matt Wolfe, Washburn Rural Alex Zachgo, Kapaun Isaac Ziglinski, Miege

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BEST OF PREPS ALL-STARS Kevin Glenn, Blue Valley West Logan McMonigle, Blue Valley North Keetan Munsell, Salina South Evan Root, SM East Aidan Scott, Wichita Independent Cameron Stanley, Seaman Harry Tjaden, St. James Academy

GIRLS SWIMMING

Addi Barnes, Blue Valley West Brooklyn Blasdel, Maize Makenna Bluitt, SM West Claire Conover, Kapaun Ava Ford, Miege Trinity Hall, Lansing Payton Krug, Free State Rachel Lyle, Blue Valley Northwest Madison Martin, Wichita Independent Maci McCullough, Wichita West Joely Merriman, SM North Elizabeth Mitsch, Kapaun Cayla Prophater, Blue Valley North Katerina Savvides, Wichita East Addi Schroeder, Hesston Kelsey Taylor, Maize Julia Whitfield, Wichita East

BOYS TENNIS

Aaron Bowlin, Maranatha Alex Downing, Blue Valley Northwest Brent Fallon, Blue Valley Northwest Will Hayes, Salina Central Reed McHenry, Salina Central Daniel Siemers, Maranatha

GIRLS TENNIS

Eleanor Baldwin, Kapaun Hannah Geoffrey, Wichita Collegiate Kelly House, Kapaun Ashley Hubbard, Hesston Sydney Lair, Wichita Collegiate Makaiya Russell, Hesston

Rylee Gleason, Kinsley Mary Goetz, St. James Academy Halle Johnson, Bennington Jill Jones, St. James Academy Madison Lueger, Centralia Rachel Miller, Lakeside Katherine Moore, St. James Academy Layne Needham, Cheney Keiana Newman, Junction City Jamya O’Quinn, Moundridge Autumn Princ, Sylvan-Lucas Hannah Robinson, St. James Academy Grace Rowland, Sterling Skyler Saunders, Valley Heights Abby Smarsh, Andale Jessie Stindt, SM East Markita Swanagan, Leavenworth Sabrina Thomas, Kiowa County Bailey Turner, Olathe East Faith Turner, Pittsburg Claire Zarybnicky, Hanover

VOLLEYBALL

Rylee Alexander, South Central Kate Allen, Heritage Christian Lacey Angello, Lansing Taylor Antonovich, Newton Paige Baird, Northern Valley Carly Bachelor, Washburn Rural Elle Barrett, McPherson Marissa Bates, Silver Lake Cydney Bergmann, Concordia Caroline Bien, Aquinas Ellie Bolton, St. James Academy Jaden Chase, Olathe Northwest Brooklyn Cink, Manhattan Savannah Crossland, Heritage Christian Macy Doebele, Hanover Kelsey Doll, Sacred Heart

Alaina Dunlavy, Hesston Emilee Ebert, Frankfort Kara Eilert, Beloit-St. John’s Hannah Engelken, Blue Valley West Gracie Golay, Wichita Trinity Faith Hammontree, Heritage Christian Delany Herold, Sylvan-Lucas Sydney Hillmer, Hayden Reagan Karlin, Garden City Cyra Kelley, Nickerson Madison Lueger, Centralia Laura Macke, Nemaha Central Trisha Mathewson, Axtell Sophie McMullen, Louisburg Lacey Mitchell, Otis-Bison Emily Monson, Cheney Riley Oglevie, Ulysses Shelby Ohlde, Linn Jana Owens, Blue Valley West Maggie Peterson, Wichita Trinity Morgan Schrag, Pretty Prairie Karlie Schmidt, Lansing Zoe Schultz, Wheatland-Grinnell Kelsey Simmons, Santa Fe Trail Kayla Smith, Valley Heights Serena Sparks, Miege Cora Vineyard, Argonia Kayla Vitztum, TMP-Marian Jessica Williams, Concordia Emily Witt, Rose Hill Savanna Wuest, Goessel Savannah Yost, TMP-Marian Carolina Zabroske, Aquinas

WRESTLING

Austin Andres, Goddard Kolby Beitz, Eureka Gabe Buckbee, Arkansas City Gavin Carter, Washburn Rural

Javier Contreras, Olathe North Chris Cox, Hoxie Gavin Cullor, Prairie View Kolby Droegemeier, Wabaunsee Rhett Edmonson, McPherson Troy Fisher, Goddard Jackson Flowers, Gardner-Edgerton Wyatt Hayes, Scott City Wyatt Hendrickson, Newton Jason Henschel, Goddard Cameron Hunt, El Dorado Nick Jouret, Olathe South Garrett Lange, Goddard Cruz Lara, Bonner Springs Preston Martin, Paola Justus McDaniel, Scott City Braden Morgan, El Dorado Bishop Murray, Washburn Rural Gunnar Murray, Washburn Rural Noah Nemer, Spring Hill Devin Onwugbufor, Maize Jevon Parrish, Olathe North Tylar Patrick, Wamego Wyatt Pedigo, Hoisington Logan Pirl, Goddard Montez Robinson, Arkansas City Jacob Sisson, Phillipsburg Keegan Slyter, Olathe North Elliot Strahm, Sabetha Grant Treaster, Newton Elwin Trejo, Liberal Jon Trowbridge, Basehor-Linwood Mason Turner, KC Schlagle Duwayne Villalpando, Maize Connor Ward, Mill Valley Triston Willis, Derby Bubba Wilson, Manhattan

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Caden Bach, Northern Valley Devin Berens, Stanton County Dylan Boeckman, Centralia Federico Harvey, Campus Darrien Holloway, Osborne Jason Irwin, Carroll LeeRoi Johnson, Tonganoxie Cameron Key, Miege Julian Lacey, Olathe Northwest Austin Mullens, Liberal Tyler Palic, Marion Toby Penner, Berean Academy Braden Rose, Buhler Tyler Watts, Caney Valley

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Paige Baird, Northern Valley Aftin Conway, Osborne Jacy Dalinghaus, Nemaha Central Aubry Donley, Lincoln

Brooklyn Hunter

File photograph/GateHouse Kansas

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sunday july 1 2018 • G 31

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Envista commits to giving back to community Employees tally hundreds of volunteer hours

L

ast October, Envista Credit Union Tara Dimick, Envista’s senior vice launched an initiative during president of business development, said the volunteering International Credit Union initiative was so “What makes me proud to be a Week to encourage its leadership and staff part of Team Envista is the way we successful the credit union decided to try to make a difference take care of our community and it again in April during in Topeka through people, the way I can walk into my National Volunteer Week. volunteering. branch and feel welcomed with Employees again were smiling faces. Envista to me is not The credit union offered a half day to volunteer, this time at just a place of work, but a home.” provided a half day of the NOTO Arts Center, — ENVISTA CREDIT UNION EMPLOYEE volunteer time to each of TAYLOR SHAMBURG Helping Hands Humane its 130 employees, which Society, Topeka Habitat they could use to help for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House three local nonprofit organizations — or Community Resources Council. The Topeka Habitat for Humanity, Helping result: 315 volunteer hours, reflecting a Hands Humane Society or Harvesters contribution of $6,206.45.

— The Community Food Network.

Envista president and CEO Ron Together, the employees logged 288 Smeltzer was among the volunteers 1/2 volunteer hours, an approximate lending a hand at a painting project in contribution of $5,684.32. the NOTO Arts District.

“There’s a lot more energy, “There’s a time and place to write enthusiasm and creativity in the town a check, but when you go out into than I’ve seen since I’ve been here, the community, you feel the need. and if you’re a Topekan you’ve got to It becomes real. You are involved support that. So, why not me? I’ve got directly,” he said. to support that, too,” said Envista’s championing Smeltzer when asked “Envista empowers you as an of volunteerism helps why he was volunteering. employee to make decisions and attract customers and Envista Credit Union, be who you are.” makes recruiting and 3626 S.W. Wanamaker — ENVISTA CREDIT UNION EMPLOYEE retaining employees KATE WHITE Road, was established in easier.

Topeka in 1957, the result “The majority of our staff is of partnerships and mergers of credit unions over several years. Topeka is the millennials. Their values and our values home office, with seven locations in the about community involvement closely parallel each other,” Smeltzer said. capital city and branches in Lawrence “We hire good people who tend to and Hutchinson. be caring people. They take pride As a member-owned organization, (in volunteering), and it makes them Smeltzer said, its customers want to feel good to do something positive. see the credit union actively helping And the stronger our community, the people and giving back to the stronger we are.” community.

Envista Credit Union branch manager Lacy Barnhart hands out Kona Ice treats to Stormont Vail Health workers to show appreciation for the service they provide to the Topeka Envista Credit Union branch manager

community.

Envista Credit Union’s Keelei Hamilton

[SUBMITTED}

plays with a dog while volunteering at the Helping Hands Humane Society

Lacy Barnhart hands out Kona Ice treats to Stormont Vail Health

Envista Credit Union employees

workers to show appreciation for the

volunteer at Harvesters Inc. during

service they provide to the Topeka

International Credit Union Week in

community.

October 2017. From left are Envista [SUBMITTED}

president and CEO Ron Smeltzer and employees Liz Steffen and Jordan Hesseltine.

[SUBMITTED}

during National Volunteer Week in April

[SUBMITTED}

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The Topeka Capital-Journal

Belt Kick up the rewards and break away from annual fees.

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