Capital-Journal Special section: 2018 Topeka and Shawnee County Sports Council Sports Awards

INSPIRATIONAL AND OUTSTANDING ATHLETES | ANNUAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

THURSDAY | JUNE 28, 2018 | DOWNTOWN RAMADA HOTEL

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BANQUET INFORMATION A G E N DA / S P E A K E R S WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS — Stephen Wade, Topeka publisher/Kansas senior group publisher DINNER — Ramada Downtown Hotel and Convention Center CELEBRATION OF HONOREES — Bruce Steinbrock,Assistant athletic director of Washburn University and master of ceremonies • Fall sports celebration Outstanding Female Athlete | Fall Outstanding Male Athlete | Fall • Hall of Fame induction Bob Chipman | Washburn University • Winter sports celebration Outstanding Female Athlete | Winter Outstanding Male Athlete | Winter • Hall of Fame induction Gerald Christensen | Topeka Thunderbolt Track • Spring sports celebration Outstanding Female Athlete | Spring Outstanding Male Athlete | Spring • Hall of Fame induction Tanner Gardner | Shawnee Heights (2003) • Most Inspirational celebration Most Inspirational Female nominees Most Inspirational Male nominees Most Inspirational Female

Most Inspirational Male • Most Outstanding Athletes of 2017-2018 Most Outstanding Female Most Outstanding Male CLOSING REMARKS — Stephen Wade, Topeka publisher/ Kansas senior group publisher GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS

S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U Our corporate partners join the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Council as proud supporters of high schools in Topeka and Shawnee County as well as the athletes who made the 2017-18 school year so memorable.

• Presenting sponsor The Topeka Capital-Journal • Gold sponsors Capitol Federal Foundation, Ramada Hotel and Convention Center • Silver sponsors Cytek Media, PepsiCo • Bronze sponsors Framewoods-Southwind Art Gallery, Washburn University Foundation, Westside Stamp & Awards, CoreFirst Bank & Trust, Team Nill Bros. Sports, Schwerdt Design Group

BEHIND THE SCENES HALL OF FAME SELECTION COMMITTEE — Ken Berry, Vince Frye, Bill McDonald, Tom Meier, Rick Peterson, Doug Reynolds and Joe Schrag.

SPORTS AWARDS BANQUET SELECTION COMMITTEE — Jake Lebahn, Dan Lucero, Brent Maycock, Rick Peterson and Bruce Steinbrock (coordinator).

SPORTS AWARDS BANQUET PLANNING COMMITTEE — Mike Bell, Jaime Cuevas, Brad Dietz, Vince Frye, Penny Lane, Richard Mariani, Doug Reynolds, Bruce Steinbrock and Annette Wiles.

SHAWNEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS — Hayden Wildcats, Highland Park Scots, Rossville Bulldawgs, Seaman Vikings, Shawnee Heights T-Birds, Silver Lake Eagles, Topeka High Trojans, Topeka West Chargers and Washburn Rural Junior Blues.

O R D E R I N G YO U R T I C K E T S Tickets for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards banquet presented by The Topeka Capital-Journal can be purchased online at https://www.cityspin.com/northeastkansas/e/ topeks-shawnee-county-hall-of-fame-awards-banquet Deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. Monday, June 25.

View the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Council Hall of Fame at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

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FA L L S P O R T S

OUTSTANDING FEMALE MARISSA BATES | SILVER LAKE

ABAGAIL GLYNN | WASHBURN RURAL

SPORT: VOLLEYBALL | GPA: 3.91 PARENTS: JANICE BATES

SPORT: GOLF | GPA: 4.42 PARENTS: MATT and JOY GLYNN

A four-year starter for the Eagles, Bates helped lead Silver Lake to Class 3A state titles in 2014 and 2016 and a runner-up finish in 2015 as well as three Mid-East League championships. A tremendous leaper for her size, Bates recorded 490 kills as a senior and was a first-team All-Class 3A selection for the second straight year. She also had 44 aces and 270 digs as a senior and will continue her volleyball career at Pittsburg State.

Glynn was a staple for a Washburn Rural golf team that captured three Class 6A state titles in her four years on the squad, including two straight as a junior and senior. Glynn finished runner-up at the 2017 state tournament and was a four-time All-City and All-Centennial League selection and two-time All-State pick. She captured league titles as a sophomore and junior and posted a scoring average of 75.6.

SYDNIE CROW | SEAMAN SPORT: TENNIS | GPA: 3.17 PARENTS: THOMAS and GEORGIANNE CROW

Seaman’s team captain as a senior, Crow finished her career as a three-time letter winner and two-time state qualifier for the Vikings. She was a first-team All-City selection as a senior, taking third in the city meet at No. 1 singles. She was fifth at the Class 5A regional tournament to earn her second straight trip to state.

AMANDA DESCH | HAYDEN SPORT: VOLLEYBALL | GPA: 4.37 PARENTS: BRIAN and MELINDA DESCH

Desch was a four-year starter for Hayden, helping the Wildcats to a runner-up Class 4A Division II state finish as a freshman before finishing her career with three straight state championships. Desch made the All-State Tournament team each of the title seasons and was first-team All-4A II as a junior and senior, earning player of the year honors each year as well. She recorded 391 kills as a junior and 362 as a senior and was the city co-player of the year as a senior. Desch has signed to play volleyball at Central Oklahoma.

EMMA PALMER | TOPEKA WEST SPORT: CROSS COUNTRY | GPA: 4.00 PARENTS: DONALD and SHAWNA PALMER

A four-year letterwinner for the Charger cross country team, Palmer was captain her final two seasons. She qualified for the Class 5A state meet as a freshman and was an honorable mention All-City selection that year as well. She was the Chargers’ runner of the year as a junior. “She worked hard during the summer to prepare for a successful fall season,” West coach Donald Palmer said. “Emma had injuries her sophomore and junior seasons which affected her meeting her goals, but that did not stop her from being a leader through her work and encouraging other runners.”

ANALISA RAMOS | HIGHLAND PARK SPORT: VOLLEYBALL | GPA: 4.16 PARENTS: MICHAEL and SOPHIA RAMOS

Even though an early-season injury hampered Ramos, she never relented in her commitment to the Scot program, leading from the bench before returning to the court later in the season. Once she returned, Ramos was a key player both offensively and defensively for the Scots and contributed heavily to Highland Park’s improvement as a program. Her spirit and passion was a shining example for Highland Park’s younger players. She will play in college at Central Methodist University.

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JOLIE REGNIER | TOPEKA HIGH

ELAENA STEFFEN SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

SPORT: VOLLEYBALL | GPA: 4.24 PARENTS: PAUL and LISA REGNIER

SPORT: GOLF | GPA: 4.00 PARENTS: DONALD and ANGELA STEFFEN

Regnier was a three-year starter for the Trojan volleyball team and was Topeka High’s biggest force at the net, recording 151 kills and 62 blocks as a senior. A year-round player, Regnier’s instincts and knowledge of the game keyed her success and she was active off the court, involved in various activities both in and out of school. Regnier has signed with Ottawa University to play volleyball.

Abby Glynn

Hard work and determination earned Steffen a spot on Shawnee Heights’ varsity squad all four years of high school. Her length was a key to her game and helped her qualify for the Class 5A state tournament three times. Steffen captured a regional title as a junior and was third at regionals as a senior. Steffen will continue her golf career in college at Baker University.

Sydnie Crow

Elaena Steffen

Marissa Bates

Amanda Desch

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FA L L S P O R T S

OUTSTANDING MALE JOSH BOYD | SILVER LAKE

TANNER MATTHIAS | TOPEKA HIGH

SPORT: FOOTBALL | GPA: 3.60 PARENTS: RICHARD and SHAYLA BOYD

SPORT: FOOTBALL | GPA: 4.20 | PARENTS: TODD MATTHIAS and WALT and TAMARA ALEXANDER

A four-year starter at linebacker for the Eagles, Boyd was a driving force for a defense that consistently was one of the stingiest in Class 3A. A two-time All-Class 3A first-team selection by The Capital-Journal and threetime All-Mid-East League selection, Boyd had 126 tackles as a senior, including 10 tackles for loss. Boyd has signed with Truman State.

Matthias was a three-year starter for the Trojans on the offensive line and was a two-time first-team All-Centennial League selection. He earned All-City Top 11 and All-Class 6A honors as a senior and has been selected to play in the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Matthias was captain for the Trojans this season and is a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, making the Superior High Honor Roll at Topeka High all four years. “Tanner is not only a fantastic student, but his leadership skills, his true loyalty to his teammates and the respect he treats everyone with is the true measure of his character,” Trojan coach Walt Alexander said.

CADE HOLMES | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS SPORT: FOOTBALL | GPA: 4.00 PARENTS: DOUG and SUSAN HOLMES

Regarded as one of the best offensive linemen to ever play at Shawnee Heights, Holmes was a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the T-Birds, helping lead them to the Centennial League title as a senior. He was a first-team All-Class 5A and first-team all-league selection as a senior, paving the way for a first-team all-league running back and quarterback. He made more than 100 tackles in his career from his defensive tackle position and has signed with Butler Community College for football. Holmes also played basketball and was this year’s Class 5A state shot put champion in track and field.

TY HURLA | SEAMAN SPORT: SOCCER | GPA: 3.18 PARENTS: BRIAN and JENNIFER HURLA

Hurla was captain for the Seaman boys’ soccer team for three straight years and led the Vikings to the first Centennial League title in program history in 2016. Hurla earned first-team all-league and All-City honors as a senior. “Ty is a perfect example of what a student-athlete should look like,” Seaman coach Craig Rocastle said. “Ty is reliable, respectful and responsible, and his work ethic during practice and games is consistently at a high level. He has a winning mentality and makes other players better.” Hurla has signed with Madison College in Wisconsin for soccer.

ELLIOT MEHRENS | TOPEKA WEST SPORT: FOOTBALL | GPA: 3.65 PARENTS: ANDRE and ALLISON MEHRENS

Mehrens played three different sports during his career at West, participating in track one year and earning letters in football and basketball for three years. He was second-team All-Centennial League as a senior and was honorable mention All-City in football and basketball. A four-year member of the honor roll, Mehrens plans to play basketball at McPherson College. “Elliot exhibits sports excellence at Topeka West by his commitment and loyalty to his teammates and coaches,” West football coach Ryan Kelly said. “In my experience, he never missed a practice, game or offseason workout and displayed excellent leadership, providing a positive example for his peers whether they were older or younger than him.”

PARKER RAMIREZ | HAYDEN SPORT: CROSS COUNTRY | GPA: 4.35 PARENTS: JESSE RAMIREZ and BROOKE PORRAS

Coming off an injury-plagued junior season, Ramirez was called upon to lead a young Hayden squad as this year’s team captain. He led Hayden to a team berth for the Class 4A state meet, becoming a four-time state qualifier for the Wildcats. Ramirez earned first-team All-City honors as a junior and senior and was honorable mention all-league as a senior. Ramirez also competed in track and debate for Hayden and earned a top-10 class ranking at Hayden.

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WILL WHITE | HIGHLAND PARK

MATTHEW WOLFE | WASHBURN RURAL

SPORT: FOOTBALL | GPA: 3.67 PARENTS: PHIL and TERESA WHITE

SPORT: SOCCER | GPA: N/A PARENTS: ROGER and MARY WOLFE

White was a bright spot for a Scot football team that struggled as a whole, starring in all three aspects of the game. White played receiver, quarterback, defensive back and punted for the Scots, earning first-team All-Centennial League honors at defensive back and honorable mention at quarterback and punter.

White rushed for 544 yards and six touchdowns on 87 attempts, passed for 430 yards and three TDs and caught 11 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also earned first-team All-Class 5A honors from the Kansas Football Coaches Association at defensive back and will play football at Fort Hays State.

With Washburn Rural having to replace a large senior class from its 2016 squad, Wolfe stepped up and led the Junior Blues to their 23rd straight Centennial League title while enjoying one of the best individual seasons ever by a Junior Blues player. A first-team All-Class 6A, All-City and all-league selection, Wolfe scored 17 goals and had 10 assists in leading Rural to a 15-4 mark.

Five of those goals came in one game, and Wolfe finished the year being named the Centennial League player of the year.

Cade Holmes

Matthew Wolfe

Ty Hurla

Parker Ramirez

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2 0 1 8 H A L L O F FA M E I N D U C T E E

BOB CHIPMAN Chipman a winner at every level Former Washburn basketball coach ranks 16th all-time with 808 wins

Coming out of Flint, Mich., Bob Chipman was recruited as a junior college basketball player by legendary Kansas State coach Jack Hartman in 1970. While playing for the Wildcats from 1971 to 1973, Chipman’s teams won the Big Eight championship and made it to the NCAA Division I Elite Eight both years.

At Genesee Junior College in his hometown of Flint, Chipman led the Bears to a 45-9 record in two seasons.

He was named the team’s MVP and the school’s athlete of the year. He was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Chipman completed 38 seasons as Washburn University men’s

basketball coach, retiring at the end of the 2016-17 season with a career record of 808-353. He is the MIAA’s all-time winningest coach with 569 wins. His overall win total of 808 ranks 16th all-time among NCAA coaches at all levels. He led the Ichabods to 12 MIAA regular season titles and five postseason MIAA

tournament championships, the most by any conference school.

Chipman led the Ichabods to the NAIA national championship in 1987 and an NCAA national runner-up finish in 2001. He coached 23 different All-Americans, 26 all-region selections, nine MIAA most valuable players, 19 all-MIAA first-team selections and 65 all-MIAA honorees since joining the NCAA ranks.

Chipman guided his teams to 16 national tournament appearances, 12 in the NCAA and four in the NAIA. His teams averaged 22 wins a year and he coached 24 of the 26 20-win

seasons in Washburn history. He was inducted into the Washburn University Hall of Fame in 2004.

Washburn was 34-20 all-time in the MIAA Tournament in Chipman’s tournament-record 25 appearances.

He has more victories (34) and tournament championships (5) than any other coach. Chipman was inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame in a June 2017 ceremony.

After winning the 1986-87 NAIA national championship, Chipman received conference, district and national coach of the year awards. In addition, he was named MIAA coach of the year in 1992, 1993 and 2004.

He was Kodak district coach of the year for the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1993 and men’s four-year college coach of the year by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association in 1994 and 2001.

Chipman credits his former coaches and his family as major factors in his coaching success. His wife, Carol, has been there “every game in every way,” Chipman said. His daughter, Kelsey, was a four-year letter-winner for the Kansas State volleyball team.

Kelsey received her master’s degree from Washburn University and is now a family nurse practitioner in Manhattan. His son, Bobby, played for his dad four years and was part of an MIAA championship team. Bobby graduated with master’s and law degrees from Washburn, and is now an attorney practicing in Los Angeles.

Bob and Carol Chipman proudly call Topeka and Shawnee County their home.

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WINTER SPORTS

OUTSTANDING FEMALE KISHNO BELL | SEAMAN

MADISON ELLIS | HAYDEN

SPORT: BOWLING | GPA: 4.08 PARENTS: TROY and MIKKI BELL

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 4.08 PARENTS: FRANK and VICKI ELLIS

A student of her sport, Bell was a four-time first-team All-City selection for the Viking bowling team. She was Class 5A state runner-up as a sophomore, rolling a 699 series and 270 game, then took eighth at state as a senior. She placed fifth in the Centennial League meet three times in her career and was a four-time first-team all-league pick.

“She is always wanting to know more and work harder than she has the day before,” Seaman coach Bob Benoit said. “Her attitude is second to none and you always see her helping others and pulling for others even when things aren’t going good for her.”

Bell also played softball for Seaman, but will bowl in college at Baker University.

A four-sport athlete for Hayden, Ellis was an honorable mention All-City selection in basketball as a senior, helping the Wildcats to two straight Class 4A Division II state tournament appearances. She averaged 6.5 points and 1.7 assists as a senior. “Madison played many roles for us this year, providing depth, handling the ball, scoring and defending,” Hayden coach Luke Noll said. “She was a valuable leader to our team and carried herself very well the entire season.” Ellis also played soccer, softball and volleyball for the Wildcats.

MORGAN CARRANZA | TOPEKA HIGH SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 3.00 PARENTS: KEVIN and BARB CARRANZA

Carranza lettered in basketball and soccer all four years, starting in basketball as a senior. She was the team’s Miss Hustle winner as a junior and Miss Defense as a senior, leading the Trojans in steals as a senior with 39, while also ranking second in assists (31) and first in 3-point shooting percentage (52 percent). Carranza was an honorable mention All-City selection in basketball and soccer and will play soccer in college at Johnson County Community College.

MAKAILA COWDIN | TOPEKA WEST SPORT: BOWLING | GPA: 4.20 | PARENTS: AARON COWDIN

Cowdin joined the West bowling team as a freshman with no experience, but evolved into one of the Chargers’ key performers during her career. She was a member of the 2015 Class 5A state championship team and was a first-team All-Class 5A selection this season. She battled bicep tendinitis as a sophomore and junior, but came back to win four events as a senior and medaled at league, regionals and state, placing fourth at state. She was a two-time All-City and All-Centennial League performer.

ALIJAH MCCRACKEN | HIGHLAND PARK SPORT: BOWLING | GPA: 4.12 | PARENTS: ERIC MCCRACKEN and ANTOINETTE MOORE

McCracken was a three-year letter winner for the Scot bowling team. She also competed in tennis, cross country and softball during her high school career as well as performing for the Highland Park band. “She takes advantage of every opportunity to grow and develop into a well-rounded student-athlete and citizen,” Highland Park coach Kirsten Zamarippa said.

KENDALL MICHALSKI | WASHBURN RURAL SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 3.80 PARENTS: JOE and BRENDA MICHALSKI

A key member of Washburn Rural’s basketball team for four years, Michalski started her career as a deadly spot-up shooter but worked every year to become a well-rounded player. After averaging 10.8 points and shooting 44.7 percent from 3-point range as a junior, Michalski averaged 11.6 points and shot 38.6 percent from 3 as a senior, also adding 3.3 assists and 2 rebounds per game. A first-team All-City selection as a junior and senior, Michalski earned honorable mention All-Class 6A honors as a senior. “Kendall is one of the toughest players we have ever had,” Rural coach Kevin Bordewick said.

“She played through several broken noses and illnesses throughout her career, but always came to practice to get better and work hard.”

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LYDIA OSTENSON | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

JALYN PORTER | ROSSVILLE

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 3.82 PARENTS: JOHN and GAEL OSTENSON

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 4.00 PARENTS: DUSTY and JODI PORTER

Taking over as a starter as a sophomore, Ostenson became Shawnee Heights’ unquestioned best player and leader as a junior and senior, leading the T-Birds in scoring and rebounding. Despite having opposing team’s defenses designed to stop her, Ostenson averaged 14 points as a junior and 16 as a senior. She also averaged 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals as a senior and was a first-team All-City selection.

Ostenson also was a key starter for the Heights volleyball team and a starter on two straight 5A state championship softball teams.

A two-year starter for the Bulldawgs, Porter was a first-team All-Mid-East League selection as a senior after averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

She led the team in steals, free throws made and attempted and ranked second in points, rebounds, assists, 3-pointers and 3-point percentage. “Jalyn was the definition of a team leader and true athlete,” Rossville coach Michael Bell said. “She defended the opponent’s best player and worked diligently on all aspects of her game. I always said if you had five Jalyn Porters out on the court, your opponents would have trouble scoring and you’d win a lot of games.”

Jalyn Porter

Kishno Bell

Lydia Ostenson

Madison Ellis

Kendall Michalski

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WINTER SPORTS

OUTSTANDING MALE FISCHER CARR | TOPEKA HIGH

DESHAWN HANIKA | HAYDEN

SPORT: SWIMMING | GPA: N/A PARENTS: MARK and MARRA CARR

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 3.0 PARENTS: BRAD and KIM HANIKA

A first-year swimmer as a senior for the Trojans, Carr had an immediate impact despite his relative inexperience. He helped Topeka High qualify two relays for the Class 6A state meet and another get a state consideration time. A second-team All-City selection, Carr finished fourth in the 100-yard freestyle at the city meet and seventh in the 50 freestyle while helping two relays to top-four finishes. He also placed top seven in both individual events at the Centennial League meet.

A three-year starter for the Hayden basketball team, Hanika was the Wildcats’ main post presence during his tenure and was a key factor in two straight appearances at the Class 4A Division II state tournament. Hanika averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds as a senior, helping the Wildcats capture the state title after a third-place finish in 2017. He was second-team All-City, AllCentennial League and All-Class 4A Division II as a senior. A two-sport standout, Hanika will play football in college, signing with Butler Community College.

KORIYON CARR | TOPEKA WEST

ISAIAH LUELLEN | ROSSVILLE

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 3.04 PARENTS: BRIQUEL HARRISON

SPORT: WRESTLING | GPA: 3.69 PARENTS: MIKE and JONETTE LUELLEN

Carr was a major catalyst in Topeka West’s turnaround, starting all four years and leading the Chargers to a 15-7 record as a senior. Carr earned Centennial League player of the year honors as a senior and was a two-time second-team All-Class 5A selection and first-team All-City selection. He finished his career third on Topeka West’s career scoring chart, No. 2 on the assist chart and No. 3 for career 3-pointers made. He’s one of six Chargers to score at least 1,000 points in his career. Carr has signed with Neosho County Community College and will play in the KBCA All-Star game this summer.

Luellen was a four-time state placer in Class 3-21A, finishing no worse than fourth at state during his career. After a fourth-place finish as a freshman and runner-up finish as a sophomore, Luellen joined his older brother, Isaac, as a state champion as a junior, winning the 160-pound title. Offseason knee surgeries threatened to wipe out his senior season and college career, but Luellen not only fought back to return to the mat, but went 27-0 and captured his second straight 160-pound state title. A USAW national finalist in 2018, the Fort Hays State-bound Luellen was the Class 3-2-1A wrestler of the year and finished his high school career with a 139-16 record.

TARRIN FISHER | WASHBURN RURAL SPORT: SWIMMING | GPA: 4.11 PARENTS: TRACY and HOLLY FISHER

A Class 6A state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke as a junior, Fisher doubled his gold medal haul as a senior. Not only did he defend his title in the 100 breaststroke, he broke the 6A state meet record, posting a winning time of 56.15 seconds to shave .10 seconds off the old record set in 2009. Fisher also captured the state title in the 200 individual medley, earning first-team All-State honors for the second straight year as well as athlete of the meet honors.

Headed to Brigham Young to swim collegiately, Fisher was a four-time All-City selection and fourtime All-Centennial League performer.

NATHAN MERCER | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS SPORT: BOWLING | GPA: N/A PARENTS: SCOTT and SHAWNA MERCER

A leader for the Shawnee Heights bowling team since his freshman year, Mercer’s impact went beyond results as he helped younger T-Birds learn the technical side of bowling. His performance on the lanes was just as key for the T-Birds as Mercer captured the Centennial League title three of his four seasons. His 227 average as a senior was highest in the city and he was a four-time first-team All-City and all-league selection. Mercer earned first-team All-Class 5A honors twice and second-team honors twice and placed 14th at state this year. He will bowl for Kansas Wesleyan in college.

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ZEKE METZ | SEAMAN SPORT: SWIMMING | GPA: 3.42 PARENTS: KEN METZ and NATALIE HAAG

A Class 5A state champion in the 500-yard freestyle as a junior, Metz was only giving a hint of what was to come as a senior. Simply put, he took things to another level and Seaman swimming to another level as the Vikings became the first Topeka swim program to capture a state title. Metz not only won three state golds as a senior, but set 5-1A state meet records in four events — the 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle and the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays. A two-time first-team All-State selection, Metz was named athlete of the state meet as a senior. Metz also was a four-time first-team All-City and AllCentennial League performer and holds three league and two city records as well as six school records.

Zeke Metz

ANGELO PLAKIO HIGHLAND PARK SPORT: WRESTLING | GPA: 3.96 PARENTS: FRANCISCO and ANGELA PLAKIO

A four-year wrestler, Plakio qualified for the Class 5A state tournament as a senior and finished the season with a 32-13 record. He finished runner-up in the Centennial League meet and was a first-team All-City selection. “Angelo has exhibited his real strength in his work ethic, determination and the attitude to excel and succeed,” Highland Park coach Freddy Maisberger said. “Going beyond normal expectations is common for Angelo. ‘Quit’ is a word certainly not in his vocabulary and he encourages teammates to follow suit.” A three-sport performer for the Scots, Plakio will play football in college at Baker University.

DeShawn Hanika

Nathan Mercer

Jordan Priddy

Isaiah Luellen

JORDAN PRIDDY SILVER LAKE SPORT: WRESTLING | GPA: 3.16 PARENTS: KASEY and CINDY PRIDDY

One of the most successful wrestlers in Silver Lake history, Priddy was a four-time Mid-East League champion and four-time state placer. He reached the Class 3-2-1A state finals three times, finishing second as a sophomore and senior and winning the 126-pound title as a junior. Priddy led the Eagles to four top-10 finishes at the state meet and 28-1 dual records as a junior and senior. His career record was 133-22.

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2 0 1 8 H A L L O F FA M E I N D U C T E E

GERALD CHRISTENSEN ‘Coach Chris’ a mentor to hundreds Topeka trailblazer directed Thunderbolt Track Club from 1965-2009 After Gerald “Chris” Christensen lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in May 2017, hundreds of former athletes, coaching colleagues and countless others took to Facebook and other social media outlets to speak about the effect he had on their lives. The accolades were not just about his coaching abilities and the technical training he provided, but the incredible way he inspired and motivated those around him to be better today than they were yesterday.

“I got involved with the Thunderbolt track team and that’s when I took off, former Shawnee Heights state champion Marcel Carter said. “Coach Chris was a big part of my success. He would take me to national meets where I could go get that exposure and even during my college recruiting it was me, my dad and Chris that would go visit schools.”

Christensen’s early childhood and adulthood shaped his depth of compassion for helping not only the elite athlete but any child that dared to dream he or she could succeed.

Without a father to mentor his own growth, he made it his life’s mission to make sure no youth ever was without a cheerleader in his or her corner.

He attended Kansas State and later Emporia State, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His teaching and coaching career began in Whiting, followed by positions in Jamestown and Norton.

It was in western Kansas that the idea of a summer girls track club was formed by using his own funds when

local females were denied opportunities to train and compete in track meets. Recruited to join the staff at the Kansas State Department of Education in 1965, Chris brought his enthusiasm for track and field to the capital city.

The Topeka Thunderbolt Track Club, where he was volunteer head coach from 1965 until 2009, provided track and field skills for thousands of young men and women throughout Kansas, including his own children. Membership dues were often paid by scholarships so no child was ever turned away for lack of ability to pay. Many of his athletes went

on to compete in college and become professional runners.

“Chris was one of the biggest influences on my life and one thing he said always stuck with me: ‘Let’s go to work when we go to the track,’ “ said Dan O’Mara, who won state titles at Hayden, went on to become an AllAmerican thrower for K-State and now coaches at Northern Iowa.

From 1992-03 Christensen chaired officiating for the Missouri Valley ASATF while also serving as executive director of that association.

“All we had to do is say, ‘Chris,

we’ve got a meet on this day,’ and he’d take care of it, K-State coach Cliff Rovelto said. “I think he had a very, very significant impact on the sport in the state of Kansas.

He was inducted into the Department of Health, Physical Education and Education Hall of Honor at Emporia State University in 2007.

Christensen is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen, son Bryan (Claudia) and daughter Cindee (Kyle Williams), all of Topeka, his son Eric (Kelly) in Lee’s Summit, Mo., six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

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SPRING SPORTS

OUTSTANDING FEMALE KALEIGH BAYLESS | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

JENNA LENHERR | HAYDEN

SPORT: SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.73 | PARENTS: KLAY BAYLESS and CONDESSDA CAMPOS

SPORT: TRACK AND FIELD | GPA: 4.50 PARENTS: JEFF and JANET LENHERR

Bayless was a four-year starter for Shawnee Heights at catcher, helping the T-Birds to two straight Class 5A state championships, each of those title seasons undefeated campaigns. Heights was 86-8 during her career and Bayless is a three-time first-team All-Class 5A selection. She finished top three on the team in RBIs all four seasons and this year hit .545 with four home runs and 38 RBIs. Bayless has signed with Mid-America Nazarene.

Lenherr was a multi-year standout in the throws for Hayden. She finished third in the discus and shot put at the City Meet as a senior and was seventh in the discus at the Centennial League meet. “Jenna is like a player-coach,” Hayden coach Dejuan Gardenhire said. “A great leader with the throwers, she is all about team first. She’s someone you would like to have as a coach and has a bright future.”

ASHLEY BLENDEN | TOPEKA WEST SPORT: SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.87 | PARENTS: BRIAN and TANYA BLENDEN

Overcoming physical obstacles early in her career, including three major surgeries on her arm, Blenden became Topeka West’s ace as a sophomore and threw two-thirds of the team’s innings during her final three seasons. Each season, she also improved at the plate, hitting .491 as a senior with a home run and 14 RBIs. Blenden has signed with Kansas City Kansas Community College after striking out 44 hitters as a senior. “She works harder than anyone just to be able to compete,” West coach Lori Zook said. “She has never used any of (her ailments) as an excuse. She is the type of athlete that every coach loves to have on their team.”

MACYN DECKER | WASHBURN RURAL SPORT: SOCCER | GPA: 4.24 | PARENTS: MARK and MAURI DECKER

A four-year starter and team captain as a senior, Decker was the Centennial League player of the year this season after scoring eight goals and recording 19 assists. She was first-team All-City, all-league and All-Class 6A as a junior and senior and scored 41 career goals and had 44 career assists, ranking sixth and third in school history in those categories, respectively. Rural was 73-9-1 during her career and played in two state championship games. Decker has signed with Fort Hays State.

LAUREN MILLS | SEAMAN SPORT: SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.26 PARENTS: JASON and APRIL MILLS

Mills was one of the most feared and respected power hitters in the state, drawing seven intentional walks in one doubleheader this season alone. The 2018 Kansas Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, Mills hit .696 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs in just 56 at-bats.

She hit over .700 as a sophomore and junior, finishing with a career average of .731 and 37 home runs and 129 RBIs, while striking out just six times in her career. She also went 16-3 as a pitcher and was the Centennial League and city player of the year.

KAYEVONNE SMITH HIGHLAND PARK SPORT: SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.91 | PARENTS: RAY CUSHINBERRY JR. and KILA SMITH

A four-year letter winner for the Highland Park softball team, Smith was a coach’s dream. “Kayevonne has exemplified the type of work ethic every teacher and coach wishes for in a student-athlete,” Highland Park coach Melissa Gomez said. “She displays a real love for her team and for her school. Her coaches sincerely felt privileged to have the opportunity to work with her the last four seasons.”

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 17

ALANI SNOOK | TOPEKA HIGH SPORT: SOCCER | GPA: 4.10 | PARENTS: DEREK and LORI SNOOK

Snook was named team captain for the Topeka High soccer team as a junior and senior and was a four-year starter for the Trojans. As a center defender, she packed some offensive punch, finishing her career with eight goals and 22 assists. Snook will play soccer at Allen Community College.

Macyn Decker

Kaleigh Bayless

Lauren Mills

Jenna Lenherr

18 | Sunday, June 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

OUTSTANDING MALE CALE ADAMS | SILVER LAKE

SAMUEL FAIDLEY | TOPEKA HIGH

SPORT: BASEBALL | GPA: 3.90 PARENTS: CHAD and CARLA ADAMS

SPORT: TENNIS | GPA: 3.30 | PARENTS: LINDA FAIDLEY

Adams had an immediate impact as a freshman for the Silver Lake baseball team, going 4-0 with a save and 1.60 ERA. He stayed a steady force on the mound for the Eagles throughout his career, finishing with a 14-5 career record with a 1.85 ERA and 156 strikeouts. He also developed at the plate, hitting .400 as a junior and .338 as a senior, finishing his career with 45 RBIs and 48 runs scored.

“Cale exhibits excellence through his approach and follow-through with his performance,” Silver Lake coach Alan Cunningham said.

PARKER BEAL | WASHBURN RURAL SPORT: GOLF | GPA: 4.26 PARENTS: DAN and PAULA BEAL

With birdies on his final two holes of this year’s Class 6A state tournament, Beal became just the third male golfer in city history to capture two individual state golf titles. Beal also won the Class 6A state crown as a sophomore and was a three-time All-State pick and four-time All-City and All-Centennial League performer, capturing two league individual titles. His scoring average of 73.6 ranks second in school history. “Parker will leave behind a golf legacy at Washburn Rural from the individual titles that he compiled but most importantly the team wins he contributed to,” Rural coach Jared Goehring said.

JACKSON COBB | SEAMAN SPORT: BASEBALL | GPA: 3.63 PARENTS: BRIAN and JO COBB

Cobb helped lead Seaman to the Class 5A state championship as a senior and state-tournament berths every year. He was a first-team All-5A, All-City and All-Centennial League selection and ranked among the city leaders in batting average, home runs and RBIs. Cobb has signed with the University of Kansas.

A hearing-impaired athlete, Faidley didn’t let his disability prohibit him from being a valuable member of the Topeka High tennis and bowling teams. Faidley was a varsity starter for two years in tennis and was team captain this year. He also bowled varsity for four years for the Trojans.

HAYDEN FEDERICO | HAYDEN SPORT: TENNIS | GPA: 3.0 PARENTS: JOHN and JOELLE FEDERICO

The Centennial League boys tennis player of the year as a senior, Federico captured the league doubles crown with partner Sean Sandstrom.

The duo also took fourth at the Class 4A state tournament and finished the season with a 28-3 record and city championship. Federico qualified for state all four years and was a three-time state medalist. “Hayden doesn’t rely strictly on his natural athletic ability, but works hard to improve his skill over the course of the season,” Hayden coach James Sandstrom said. Federico also started for the Wildcat boys basketball team, which captured the Class 4A Division II state title this year.

MICHAEL HOFFER | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS SPORT: TRACK AND FIELD | GPA: 3.45 GUARDIAN: BARBARA HOFFER

Hoffer finished his high school career as one of the most decorated track athletes in city history, earning six gold medals in his career. Hoffer won the Class 5A state high jump title three straight years and as a senior also won the long jump and triple jump and was on the T-Birds’ winning 1,600 relay. An AAU national champion in 2016 and runner-up in 2017, Hoffer set the Centennial League record in the long jump this year with a leap of 24 feet, 3 inches. His personal best in the high jump is 7 feet and he’ll continue his track career at Nebraska after also playing football and basketball for the T-Birds.

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 19

ADAM WOOD | TOPEKA WEST SPORT: BASEBALL | GPA: 4.16 | PARENTS: DAVID and MONICA WOOD

Wood was a four-year starter for the Charger baseball team, hitting over .300 all four years, including over .400 as a sophomore and junior. He played outfield, shortstop and second base for West and had a fielding percentage of .900 or better each year. “If you think about how you want a student-athlete to be, Adam would be the poster boy for that,” West coach John Tetuan said. “He was there for his teammates in every way he could be.” Wood also was a state champion bowler for the Chargers and will bowl at Newman University in college.

Michael Hoffer

Cale Adams

Parker Beal

Jackson Cobb

Hayden Federico

20 | Sunday, June 24, 2018

2 0 1 8 H A L L O F FA M E I N D U C T E E

TANNER GARDNER Gardner a success on, off mat Shawnee Heights wrestling standout a three-time All-American at Stanford

Tanner Gardner graduated from Shawnee Heights in 2003, where he lettered in wrestling all four years and also was a member of the T-Birds’ golf team.

At Shawnee Heights, Gardner wrestled for coach Bob Gonzales, winning multiple city, Centennial League and Class 5A regional championships.

Gardner won undefeated state championships both his junior and senior seasons, posting a perfect 80-0 record over that period.

In addition to his high school career, Gardner competed extensively on the USA and FILA national wrestling circuits, winning the 2002 Greco-Roman Junior National Championship while

earning All-America honors in freestyle with a third-place finish. He also placed fifth at the Greco-Roman Junior Nationals in 2003.

Gardner carried a 4.0 grade point average at Shawnee Heights and was named to Wrestling USA’s Academic All-American Dream Team.

After graduating from Shawnee Heights, Gardner earned a wrestling scholarship to Stanford University where he had a stellar career as a fouryear starter. After posting a 23-17

record his freshman season in 2004, he improved every season, going 37-17 in 2006, 42-5 in 2007 and 43-3 in 2008, his senior year.

Gardner earned his third NCAA All-America honor in 2008, cementing his place as the first three-time All-American in Stanford wrestling history. Gardner still holds many Stanford wrestling records, including the most career wins, most single-season wins and most single-season pins.

Gardner finished his college career with 145 victories while also registering a school-record 43 wins in a season and a school-record 19 pins in a year.

He was a two-time NCAA Academic

All-American and a winner of the Pac-10 Medal, which is awarded annually to each member institution’s outstanding male and female student-athlete based on the exhibition of the greatest combination of performance and achievement in scholarship, athletics and leadership.

Recently, Gardner was named to the Pac-12 Conference’s Wrestling All-Century Team. The team consists of the conference’s 28 most talented wrestlers from the past 100 years.

Gardner graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and a master’s in sociology. After graduation, Gardner worked at the Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm and the world’s leading adviser on business strategy.

Gardner earned his master’s in business administration from Harvard, where he also served as a graduate assistant wrestling coach for the Crimson.

“This is a young man that was motivated to be successful in everything, from wrestling to learning how to play the piano to being an Eagle Scout and earning all his 21 merit badges in the course of his summer prior to going to high school,’’ Gonzales said.

“These are major accomplishments in life that some of us haven’t ever mastered. He always pushed himself to the limit.’’

Since 2014 Gardner has worked at Rice University, where he serves as the chief operating officer in the department of athletics.

Tanner, his wife (Emily) and son (John Henry) currently reside in Houston. His parents continue to reside in Topeka.

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 21

22 | Sunday, June 24, 2018

FEMALE AND MALE

MOST INSPIRATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE MADELINE HATESOHL | TOPEKA HIGH SPORT: SWIMMING | GPA: 3.70 | PARENTS: SHANNON SOLANDER

Hatesohl was the only fourth-year swimmer on the Topeka High swimming team this year and was team captain. A four-time state qualifier, she was first-team All-Cty and won the 100-yard breaststroke at the City Meet and was Centennial League runner-up in the same event. Hatesohl also was captain of the debate team, vice president of the National Honors Society, a member of the congressional debate team and a Questbridge National College Match Finalist. Hatesohl will attend the University of Kansas.

JOSIE HUTCHESON | SHAWNEE HEIGHTS SPORT: SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.90 PARENTS: DAN and JEANIE HUTCHESON

As a senior, Hutcheson was finally able to crack the starting lineup for the Shawnee Heights’ softball team. The night before her first start, however, Hutcheson learned that her grandmother had suffered multiple heart attacks, which led to her being in hospice. Hutcheson didn’t let the setback affect her and she went on to have a huge senior season, hitting .532 and playing three different positions on the infield in helping the T-Birds capture their second straight Class 5A state title. Hutcheson was named team MVP by her teammates, who considered her the hardestworking player on the team.

EMILY JOWERS | SEAMAN SPORT: CROSS COUNTRY/SOCCER | GPA: 4.42 PARENTS: RAYMOND and GWEN JOWERS

Jowers competed in cross country and track during her four years at Seaman, earning postseason honors in both sports. During that time, her coaches noted her work ethic being second to none as she “outworks her teammates — whether it’s lifting, running or training, she pushes herself beyond her comfort zone.” But it was her efforts off the field that impressed Viking soccer coach Tim Collins even more. A volunteer for Vikings United, a club for developmentally challenge students, Jowers was selfless in giving her time and effort in making those around her better in every way she could.

DEJA ROBERTS HIGHLAND PARK SPORT: VOLLEYBALL/SOFTBALL | GPA: 3.00| PARENTS: ANTONIO and CARLA BROOKS

Roberts played both volleyball and softball for the Scots during her high school career and plans to play softball in college at Coffeyville Community College. “Over the past two years, Deja has inspired others because of her hard work,” Scot volleyball coach Marcie Hartwig said.

“Other athletes can see that when Deja steps foot on the court she is in work mode. The effort she puts in throughout the season pays off in spades, allowing her to be the utility player the team needs. This inspires the other athletes to continue to work hard and do their best so they can improve their skills as well and ultimately help their team succeed.”

BAYLIE SIGMUND WASHBURN RURAL SPORT: VOLLEYBALL/ BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL GPA: N/A | PARENTS: SCOTT and MICHELLE SIGMUND

A three-sport standout, Sigmund was a starter her final two seasons of each sport, helping all three teams to third-place finishes at their respective Class 6A state tournaments as a senior. “Baylie has displayed an excellent work ethic throughout her career, especially being a three-sport athlete,” Rural volleyball and basketball coach Kevin Bordewick said. “She rarely missed a summer workout in any of her sports and is a great role model for a lot of younger kids.

They have worked with her at our camps and love to come to her games and watch her play. She is an inspiration for them to be a top-notch student, a person of great character and a person who genuinely cares about others.”

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 23

AMANDA YOUNG | HAYDEN SPORT: VOLLEYBALL/BASKETBALL MANAGER GPA: 3.80 | PARENTS: MARK and TERRY YOUNG

Born with Down’s Syndrome, Young never let her disability hold her back from exceeding her potential. She served as manager for the volleyball and basketball teams all four years and rarely missed a practice or games. She got a chance to start on senior night in each sport, serving two aces in volleyball and making her only shot attempt in basketball. “Amanda is an inspiration not only to our volleyball team, but our whole school,” Hayden coach Jesica Farmer-Walter said. “Her smile and passion for life is infectious, touching all that meet her. Amanda faces her challenges with confidence and courage and is a role model for others to follow.”

INSPIRATIONAL MALE JETT CANFIELD | HAYDEN SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 4.10 PARENTS: JORDAN and EILEEN CANFIELD

A four-year starter at point guard for Hayden, Canfield helped lead the Wildcats to a third-place finish in the Class 4A Division II state tournament as a junior and a state championship as a senior. In between the two seasons, Canfield was diagnosed with a severe groin pull/hernia, which he battled all summer. When the injury didn’t improve, he got another evaluation and found he had a fracture in his pelvic bone cause by a shredded abductor.

Instead of having immediate surgery and missing his senior year, Canfield opted to play through the pain and missed only a handful of practices and games while helping Hayden to the state title. He had surgery immediately after the season and has completed 11 weeks of rehabilitation as he prepares for his college career at Creighton.

CAMERON CRIPPS | TOPEKA HIGH SPORT: BOWLING | GPA: 3.67 PARENTS: LARRY and JENA CRIPPS

Cripps never let his hearing disability become a hindrance in his athletic career. He competed in both football and bowling, specializing in the latter. He posted a 164 average as a senior, improving by nearly 40 pins from his junior season, and was a state qualifier during his career. “Cameron has shown throughout the years perseverance and leadership, regardless of his disability,” High bowling coach Heather Campbell said. “He is friendly and encouraging to others on the team, competitors and first-year bowlers who he often helped with their approach and mark. Cameron is very reliable and I know if I asked him to do something, I could count on it getting done. He is an inspiration because he truly shows what you can do if you really show up in life and don’t give up.”

CHRIS ELLIS TOPEKA WEST SPORT: FOOTBALL/ BASKETBALL | GPA: 4.08 | PARENTS: MELVIN ELLIS and JOHANNA GASTELUM JONES

An honor student throughout his days at Topeka West, Ellis was a student-athlete who “made others around him better with his unselfish work ethic that was infectious to his teammates,” West coach Rick Bloomquist said. “Clearly he was the hardest working player on the varsity level. Being loyal, dependable and selfless are his greatest attributes.” A knee injury cut short his senior basketball season, but Ellis will play football in college at Butler Community College after being one of the Chargers’ top offensive players as a junior and senior.

Continued on page 24

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INSPIRATIONAL MALE NATHAN HEINEN | SEAMAN

GUNNAR MURRAY WASHBURN RURAL

SPORT: BASKETBALL | GPA: 4.00 PARENTS: DARON and LAURA HEINEN

SPORT: WRESTLING | GPA: 3.28 PARENTS: GREG and SHAELA MURRAY

Heinen was a three-sport standout for the Vikings, competing in cross country, basketball and track and field, while also playing soccer as a freshman and sophomore. He was a two-time All-City selection and two-time second-team All-Centennial League performer in cross country, scoring at state all four years. He emerged as a consistent scorer for the basketball team as a senior and was a solid track performer as a senior. He balanced his busy athletic schedule to excel academically as well.

Murray leaves Washburn Rural as one of the most decorated wrestlers in program history, posting a 121-19 career record and placing at the Class 6A state tournament three times. He was the 126-pound state champion as a senior and was a three-time Centennial League champion and two-time state finalist. Murray ranks No. 1 in career wins for the Junior Blues and led Rural to a runner-up team finish as a senior. “Through his attitude, mindset and work ethic, he has set the model for excellence in our mat room,” Rural coach Damon Parker said. “He was the catalyst for the turnaround of our entire program.”

MITCHELL LADY SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

EDDIE TISCARENO | HIGHLAND PARK

SPORT: FOOTBALL/BASEBALL | GPA: 3.94 PARENTS: RICHARD and JULIA LADY

SPORT: SOCCER | GPA: 3.92 | PARENTS: ANTONIO TISCARENO and SANDRA V. MONCADA

Undersized as a youth, Lady was told by his parents that to succeed, he’d have to be faster and more skilled than his bigger teammates.

Lady took the message to heart. He put in countless hours on the field and in the weight room, fueled by a tremendous work ethic. He didn’t miss a football offseason workout in four years of high school and often came early and left late from practices. As a senior, he quarterbacked Shawnee Heights to the Centennial League title and in baseball he hit .565 with 17 RBIs, earning first-team All-Class 5A honors.

Mitchell Lady

Tiscareno was the team captain for the Highland Park soccer team as both a junior and senior. “He truly is an inspiration to soccer teammates and student peers,” Scots coach Colin Moriarty said. “He makes himself readily available to go beyond normal expectations in helping others any time a need is demonstrated. His generosity and work ethic were clearly a positive influence on his teammates and their effort as a whole.” Tiscareno is a candidate for the 2018 Fiesta Mexicana Royalty and will attend Allen County Community College to study criminal justice.

Baylie Sigmund

Emily Jowers

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 25

T O P E K A S H AW N E E C O U N T Y S P O R T S C O U N C I L

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2018

Bob Chipman, Washburn University Gerald Christensen, Topeka Thunderbolts Tanner Gardner, Shawnee Heights

2017

Jocelyn Bentley, Highland Park Mark Elliott, Silver Lake Gary Woodland, Shawnee Heights

2016

Judy Dyer, Topeka High Steve Tilford, Topeka High Clardy Vinson, Topeka High

2015

Ken Darting, Highland Park

Bill McDonald, Topeka West Sheri Norris, Topeka West

2014

Ed Delk, Highland Park C.J. Hamilton, Silver Lake

2013

Dode Lesser, Seaman Ben Meseke, Hayden Troy Wilson, Shawnee Heights

2012

Nadira (Hazim) Patrick, Topeka West James Patrick, Highland Park Margaret Thompson Murdock, Hayden

2011

2008

2010

2007

Ken Bueltel, Hayden Warren Seitz, Topeka West Brenda Shaffer-Dahl, Shawnee Heights

Shelley (Foster) Duffey, Seaman Delvy Lewis, Washburn Rural Ron Paradis, Washburn Rural Joe Schrag, Topeka West Dean Smith, Topeka High

2009

Bob Hentzen, Topeka Capital-Journal Tom Meier, Hayden Mark Turgeon, Hayden

Dale Cushinberry, Highland Park Lee Dodson, Topeka High Fred Slaughter, Topeka High

Preston Carrington, Topeka High Tom Dinkel, Shawnee Heights Willie Nicklin, Topeka High

2006

Ken Berry, Washburn Rural Melvin Douglas, Highland Park Lon Kruger, Silver Lake Billie Jean Moore, Highland Park Mike Torrez, Topeka High

26 | Sunday, June 24, 2018

T O P E K A S H AW N E E C O U N T Y S P O R T S C O U N C I L

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS (2005-2017) OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Will Geary, Topeka High OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Erika Lane, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Bryant Guillen, Seaman OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Megan Lockwood, Silver Lake OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Ryan Colombo, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Sarah Pimentel, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Simon Beatty, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Erika Lane, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Will Geary, Topeka High

2017

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Jazz Sweet, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Jacob Bradshaw, Rossville OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Marissa Patterson, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Trey Brown, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Faith Rottinghaus, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Zach Shima, Topeka West MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Mallory Shuler, Washburn Rural MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Walker Bassett, Seaman MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Jazz Sweet, Shawnee Heights MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Trey Brown, Shawnee Heights

2012

2016

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Taylor White, Silver Lake OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Tucker Horak, Rossville OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Jordan Lenherr, Hayden OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Bailey Kelly, Seaman OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Hailey Reed, Seaman OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Tommy Hunter, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Jaylynn Evans-Patterson, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Akex Sheikh, Shawnee Heights MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Taylor White, Silver Lake MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Tucker Horak, Rossville

2015

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Madeline Hill, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Jacob Head, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Tatyana Legette, Seaman

Former Shawnee Heights standout Jazz Sweet, the most outstanding female athlete of the 2016-17 school year, helped Nebraska win an NCAA volleyball championship this past season as a freshman. [FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER John Martin Schmidt, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Megan Deiter, Silver Lake OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Brogan Heinen, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Regan Braun, Topeka West MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Zach Holmes, Shawnee Heights MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Tatyana Legette, Seaman MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Jacob Head, Hayden

2014

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Addie Barry, Hayden OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Austin Tillman, Topeka High

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Mandy Madden, Topeka High OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Tagen Lambotte, Rossville OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Savannah Moore, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Blake Hunter, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Mary Kate Franklin, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Dailin Kruger, Silver Lake MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Addie Barry, Hayden MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Tagen Lambotte, Rossville

2013

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Alyssa Carney, Washburn Rural

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Brooke LaRue, Hayden OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Anthony Schmiedeler, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Shanise Brooks, Highland Park OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Collin Strobel, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Mandy Wilson, Rossville OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Jacob Morgan, Washburn Rural MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Samantha Minihan, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Matt Taylor, Rossville MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Shanise Brooks, Highland Park MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Jacob Morgan, Washburn Rural

2011

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Jayde Reid, Hayden OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Jacob Hurla, Seaman OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Daria Sprew, Topeka High OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Grant Rogers, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Taylor Zordel, Washburn Rural

Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 27

OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Eric Cheray, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Megan Wherrell, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Kurt Walker, Hayden MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Taylor Zordel, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Grant Rogers, Washburn Rural

2010

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Kelsey Lewis, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Matt Buhler, Rossville OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Alexa Bordewick, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Alex North, Topeka West OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Avery Clifton, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Shanan Engroff, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Lindsay Larkin, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Tanner Cady, Rossville MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Avery Clifton, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Matt Buhler, Rossville

2009

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Kacia Turner, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL TJ McGreevy, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Aubree Luebbe, Hayden OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Jeff Reid, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Paige Ladenburger, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Robbie Rea, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Amanda Stadler, Hayden MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Keaton VanderHart, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Paige Ladenburger, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE TJ McGreevy, Hayden

2008

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Alexandra O’Neal, Hayden

Former Silver Lake star Megan Deiter, the county’s most outstanding spring female in 2015, helped Washburn reach the NCAA Division II softball tournament this past season. Deiter was named MIAA pitcher of the year. [FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL] OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Duane Zlatnik, Rossville OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Nicole Tomes, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Adrian Herrera, Highland Park OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Micah Wesley, Topeka High OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Trent Speaker, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Amanda Pfannenstiel, Silver Lake MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Jordan Cooper, Shawnee Heights MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Alexandra O’Neal, Hayden MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Duane Zlatnik, Rossville

2007

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Sydney Messick, Seaman OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Ryan Geist, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Jackie Hoyt, Topeka High OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Kyle Weems, Highland Park

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Jackie Wolff, Topeka West OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Iain Trimble, Shawnee Heights MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Kaylee Clausen, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Stephone Stephens, Seaman MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Sydney Messick, Seaman MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Iain Trimble, Shawnee Heights

2006

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Kelsey Chipman, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Ben Carlson, Seaman OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Kaylee Manns, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Nicholas Rockefeller, Washburn Rural OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Marci Fundis, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Brandon Wenger, Seaman MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Amelia Maxfield, Topeka High

MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Shane Winkenwader, Topeka West MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Kaylee Manns, Washburn Rural MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Ben Carlson, Seaman

2005

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-FALL Stephanie Johns, Topeka High OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-FALL Nick Stringer, Hayden OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-WINTER Julia Hale, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-WINTER Jay Tunnell, Topeka West OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE-SPRING Jessica Mainz, Shawnee Heights OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE-SPRING Jared Huske, Highland Park MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE Tanya Pfannenstiel, Silver Lake MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE ATHLETE Sean McManus, Hayden MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE Jessica Mainz, Shawnee Heights MOST OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE Jared Huske, Highland Park