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Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Med orthopedic and sports medicine care for nor

IS THE SAME AS OURS.

extensive training and experience you need t

Education and collaboration with our patien

the more you know, the better your recove Joint Education class for patients consider a joint replacement surgery.

And after surgery, our team of physical ther you to reduce pain and inflammation, offers

exercise programs, and helps loosen restrict progressive therapies to help regain balanc

SPORTS THRIVE IN WICHITA. Enjoy everything from pro sports and college events to youth competitions and amateur matches. Check out local favorites like Wichita Thunder ice hockey, Wichita Wind Surge baseball games, Wichita Force indoor

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The orthopedic care you need to keep movin

Jentrie Alderson SE OF SALINE

Makaen Hastings SOLOMON

Todd Reilly, D.O.

Travis Rump, D.O.

Morgan Becker CANTON-GALVA

Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Giselle Nash SALINA SOUTH

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 Salina, KS salinaregionalorthopedicclinic.com 785-452-7366

520 Sal sali 785

The home-field advantage starts here. Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to be the sports medicine provider to area high schools and colleges. We offer comprehensive care that includes education to prevent sports injuries, sports performance, and the healing and preservation of damaged joints through surgery and rehabilitation. Our team of physicians include Dr. Matthew Pyle, Sports Medicine Physician and orthopedic surgeons Drs. Travis Rump and Todd Reilly. They provide specialty sports medicine care, whether it’s general sports medicine such as treating sports injuries, ultrasound guided joint injections, nutrition, concussion management or surgery. Plus, an A-team including certified athletic trainers and physical therapists who work with athletes at every level. At school, on the field or in our clinic, Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine has everything you need to get back in the game and keep you in the game.

Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Sports Medicine Physician

Abe Noll, ATC

Smoky Valley High School and Southeast of Saline High School

Cody Moon, ATC

Salina Central High School

Evan Bowers, ATC

Salina South High School

Shelby Barrett, ATC Ell-Saline High School

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 | Salina, KS | salinaregionalsportsmedicine.com | 785-452-7366

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Student of the Month Student of the Month

Maize South’s Hunter Niemann

The quick recovery and the physical therapy received at Advanced PT allowed Niemann to finish out his senior season and compete once again.

Former football player now probationary firefighter with the Wichita Fire Department, Hunter Niemann knows what it is like to sit on the sidelines after an injury.

“I am a bit over a year through my recovery. After six months I was able to finish my track season, competing again at a high level. Since then, I’ve been able to build on what Advanced Physical Therapy gave me and have felt great. Leg is back to full strength, doing more than what I could do even before surgery. Even with harder workouts and a bigger workload the fire department provides, I’ve still felt at the top of my game,” said Niemann.

During his senior season, Niemann suffered a torn ACL while playing football. The injury would take several months to heal, but he was determined to resume his training. “Advanced Physical Therapy got me to full recovery in just six months where I could resume my training to prepare myself for the Fire Department,” said Niemann. “My favorite part about Advanced Physical Therapy was the friendly atmosphere combined with top-of-the-line equipment and exercises.”

Graduating from high school, playing football was certainly still an option, but for Niemann the call to be a first responder was greater. “Although I love football, firefighting was the better option for me. Despite me not

Hunter Niemann continuing my football career, I am able to do something I enjoy just as much. Without the best road of recovery, living such a physical life may not have been possible,” said Niemann.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment! To locate one of our 22 convenient locations visit or call: aptclinics.com · 866.412.5554

To locate one of our 22 convenient locations visit or call: aptclinics.com · 866.412.5554

A M E R I C A N FA M I LY I N S U R A N C E AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H

Sacred Heart’s Cameron Yohe Sophomore pitcher and outfielder Cameron Yohe loves being part of the varsity baseball team at Sacred Heart. For Yohe, staying the game and helping his team win is like no other feeling in the world.

“The thing I love the most about my team and teammates is that even when we are down, we always find a way to get back in the game and put up a fight. We always try and stay positive and tell each other we are going to win this game,” said Yohe.

Even though he’s only been a member of the team for two seasons, Yohe said he’s made some great memories with his teammates.

“My favorite memory so far is beating Southeast my freshman and sophomore year,” said Yohe. “The part I love the most about being a student-athlete at Sacred Heart is that the teachers are always understanding about homework and schoolwork in general if we have a game that night or the night before. With Sacred Heart being such a

Cameron Yohe small school, everyone is involved in the sports and is all around a great environment.”

Yohe is a member of the Junior Civitan’s, and he plays football in the fall. Away from school, Yohe said he loves being outdoors, spending time with friends and playing any sport he can. Once he has graduated from high school, Yohe said he plans on playing baseball at the collegiate level.

SALINA ORTHO MOM OF THE MONTH

Salina’s Jenn Peckham

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Jenn Peckham is a mother of three student-athletes at Salina Central High School and Lakewood Middle School.

“Azbey Peckham is a sophomore at Central. She is on the basketball team and swim team. She also plays club basketball with the Thunderbolts made up of girls from North Central Kansas,” Jenn said. “Danielle Peckham is in eighth grade at Lakewood Middle School. She is on the volleyball team and track team. She also plays volleyball with Kansas Krush volleyball club and Hannah Peckham is in sixth grade at Lakewood Middle School. She plays softball for the Salina Braves and has been part of this team since kindergarten. She also plays basketball for No Limits.” Jenn serves as a parent liaison for the swim team which carries several duties. “Being the parent liaison involves communicating between Coach Sheforgen and the parents, coordinating events for the team, securing volunteers to help run the home meets, and hosting team dinners. I have an excellent counterpart as the Salina South

Jenn Peckham parent liaison in Linn Exline. She is experienced in this, so she is showing me the ropes,” Jenn said. This year she also took on the responsibility of being the announcer at home meets. “Salina Central has a lot of opportunities to participate in activities in addition to just athletics. I love that there seems to be a place for everyone no matter what their interests are,” said Jenn. “We are fortunate to be a part of teams that have a lot of parents who jump in to make things happen.”

HELLAS SPOTLIGHT

Hellas Field of the Month: Elite Indoor Sports Facility By Matt Browning The Elite Indoor Sports Facility was chosen as the Hellas Construction Field of the Month for April. Hellas provided a new playing surface from base work to turf.

“Hellas is the premier turf company in the country, and I would recommend them for all of your athletic facility needs,” said general manager Matt Baty. “I look forward to expanding our relationship over many years.” The objective for the renovation was to provide baseball and softball players in the Wichita area with the premiere training facility in the region.

“We currently have a 20,000 square foot facility on the campus mainly used for hitting, pitching, classroom sessions and strength and conditioning,” Baty said. “Now we have over 48,000

GO ! Prep Performance of the Month Kali Briar, Sterling High School

square feet of facilities on one campus. Hellas helped create a playing surface that is safe and plays with true hops and speed of the game.” Baty also said working with Hellas was an easy process, one that he was impressed with.

“Michelle (Kuhns) is the best,” Baty said. “I have had the privilege of knowing her since her South High coaching and AD days. She knows her product well, she knows what athletes and organizations need, and she is on it from beginning to well after the project is completed.”

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Kali Briar from Sterling was voted the Hog Wild Performance of the Month for April after she scored 12 points, on four three-pointers, for the Black Bears in their 47-38 2A championship victory over Garden Plain. While Briar was one of Sterling’s leading scorers this season, she does not view herself as a scorer first. “I do work hard on my shooting game and take pride in that,” Briar said. “But my job as the point guard is to facilitate the floor and get the ball where it needs to be.” The Black Bears started slow against Garden Plain, but Briar said they never felt any sense of panic. “We executed better as the game went along,” Briar said. “Once we gained the lead, we never got behind again and made big plays when we needed to.” Briar said this season felt different than last season’s state title because of the bullseye on Sterling’s back. “We won last year and were ranked No. 1 all season,” Briar said. “That means everyone wants to beat you and give you their best. We had a big target on our back, but we stuck it out together and battled one game at a time.”

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BUILDING FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH

PSRAEL I N A G I R L S S O C C E R S P O T L I G H T

Salina South’s Anahyssa & Giselle Nash By Matt Browning Anahyssa and Giselle Nash of Salina South finished first and second in the Salina Area Preseason Girls Soccer Player of the Year poll. The two were separated by just a few votes. “I am so grateful and honored to even be selected because I know that I am being noticed for my hard work,” Giselle said. “Even better that my little sister was up there with me.” “I’m honored to be nominated for this poll,” Anahyssa said. “It’s even more amazing to come in second after my big sister. After my freshman year season, I feel like my hard work and skills were being noticed.” Both Anahyssa and Giselle worked on

similar parts of their games over the offseason.

“During my offseason I have been working on everything with my trainer, especially working on change of speed, awareness, shooting, and moves,” Giselle said.

Anahyssa Nash

“I’ve worked with my trainer on moving quicker on and off the ball,” Anahyssa said. “From passing and moving drills to footwork.” Last season, Giselle scored 14 goals, while assisting on seven others, while Anahyssa recorded 10 goals and six assists.

Both sisters have the desire to play soccer at the next level, but currently they do not know where.

Giselle Nash

SALINA GIRLS TRACK SPOTLIGHT

Southeast of Saline’s Jentrie Alderson

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By Matt Browning

Jentrie Alderson from Southeast of Saline is as decorated as any runner in the state. She won the Class 3A cross country meet in the fall and is the defending 3A champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races. Next year Alderson will be running at Pittsburg State.

All of the awards and accolades reaffirm what Alderson believes in that hard work will always pay off at some point. “My accomplishments are the reason I have never given up,” Alderson said. “Having many great accomplishments showed me that hard work does pay off. I didn’t work hard to show everyone what I could achieve, but rather to show myself what I was capable of.”

Trying to defend her titles wasn’t necessarily the focus of Alderson’s offseason regime. Instead, she wanted to work on being more consistent on all of the events she competes in.

“I really wanted to improve my overall endurance but also to get better at the 800-meter pace which is one of my events that I struggle most with,” Alderson said. “My training consisted of miles balanced with good speed work.”

When setting goals, Alderson doesn’t look at specific times. It’s simpler than that. “One of my main goals is being able to PR,” Alderson said. “I don’t set myself a certain number but just to be able to run faster than the race before. Of

Jentrie Alderson course, I have certain times that I want to run, but I try to focus on doing the best I can each race.”

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S A L I N A A R E A B OY S T R AC K S P O T L I G H T

Canton-Galva’s Morgan Becker By Matt Browning Morgan Becker of CantonGalva was voted the Salina Area Preseason Boys Track Athlete of the Year. Becker placed 6th in the 3200 meters at the 1A State Tournament last season.

“I wasn’t able to do much running over the offseason due to some health issues, but I worked on getting stronger and more explosive in the weight room,” Becker said. “My individual goals are to improve in every event

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“I know there are a lot of other athletes that would be

offseason so he was unable to train the way he would have liked.

Morgan Becker very deserving of this, so it makes me feel accomplished that I received the most votes,” Becker said. “I have been working hard for the past four years and I also know that other athletes have been working just as hard, so it puts a little bit of pressure on me to perform well, which I enjoy.” Becker dealt with some health issues over the

I did last year and make it to state. As a team my goal would be for us to win our league meet.”

Becker, a senior, has also run cross country for four years and participates in robotics. Next year Becker plans to continue his running career at Washburn and study physical therapy.

DRIVE TO ZERO

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Emily Adams, Salina South High School Emily Adams is a senior at Salina South, and she is a member of the SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) at school. The senior first got involved in the program at a very young age. “I’ve been involved in SAFE since I was a little girl because my dad is a police officer. Growing up I have been told terrible stories that families have had to go through because someone wouldn’t put down their phone,” said Adams. Being part of changing the culture amongst her peers is important to Adams. Helping to spread the word about being a safe driver has become a passion for Adams. “I have enjoyed bringing awareness to others wearing their seatbelts and not being on their phones while they are driving,” said Adams. “It is important to share the message from the SAFE program because you never know what the outcome of texting and driving may cause. The accident could be even worse if you don’t have your seatbelt on.”

As a student at South Adams has been involved in other activities including Color-Guard for the last four years. “I have done ColorGuard for the last four years and the last two years I have been one of the captains on the Color-Guard team. I have also been part of FCCLA since my sophomore year of high school. I am also currently a culinary intern at Salina South High School,” said Adams. Her future plans include attending college and working towards her goal of working in the education field.

Away from school, Adams said she enjoys reading, baking, cooking and practicing her color-guard skills. VYPE KANSAS

“I plan on working while going to Cloud County Community College in Concordia online in the fall. After I get my associates degree, I would love to become either a para at Salina High School South or become

a substitute for USD 305 to help other people and kids that are on an IEP just like me,” said Adams.

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:: APRIL 2022

www.ktsro.org/impaired-driving

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SAFE is a statewide program supported by the Kansas Department of Transportation

SOFTBALL TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Ell-Saline Softball Spotlight By Chris Cox After making it to the state tournament last year, Ell-Saline has set even loftier goals this year.

“The seniors set the team goals,” says head coach Kris Bell. “Those are: to win regionals, to win our league, and to make it to the finals at state.”

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The four seniors leading the EllSaline Cardinals this year are Sadie Bradley, Raynee Hardesty, Raleigh Kramer, and Marcinia McNabb. According to Bell all four bring something a little different to the table as leaders.

“Raleigh has been pitching for us since she was a freshman and is really helpful with the younger girls,” says Bell. “Sadie is our positive role model and keeps the team positive. Marcinia is our catcher and leads behind the plate and on the field. When we are on defense, she takes control. Raynee is hurt right now but she has really stepped up by helping the younger girls with their batting.” While the four seniors are the unquestioned leaders, Bell has girls of all grade levels that she is

expecting to step up for her Cardinals this year.

“Meryn Came is a junior this year,” says Bell. “She didn’t play a lot Ell-Saline Cardinals of varsity for us see what she brings to the varsity last year, but towards the end of level this year,” she says. “Another the year she made some key plays freshman is Taelor Hardesty who for us and I’m excited to see what is Raynee’s sister. She is playing she can do in the infield for us this third base while Raynee is hurt year.” and has a good bat. I’m excited to A sophomore Bell is excited to see see what she can do.” take that next step is Brin Hecker. One thing that makes this year’s “She’s our first baseman and last Ell-Saline group special in Bell’s year she made all-league as a eyes is their tightness. freshman,” Bell says. “She’s got a “This is a very close-knit group of good bat and I’m excited to have girls,” says Bell. “They’re a family. her step up and be a leader on the They like to have fun, but they infield.” work hard. This is probably one Bell is also excited about a couple of the hardest working teams I’ve of freshmen. had. They always want to do better “Valerie VanZant is a pitcher that is and are always trying to perfect new to Ell-Saline and I’m excited to things.”

SOFTBALL TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Canton-Galva Softball Spotlight By Chris Cox Entering her second year leading the Canton-Galva softball program, head coach Reann Buchanan is looking to build on the gains they made last season. “This year we want to have at least a .500 season,” she says. “The goal would be better than that. But we really want to go out and beat some of the teams that we saw last year and had a chance to beat.” Leading the way for Canton-Galva this year are three seniors, Gracie Kidd, Taygen O’Hara, and Nicole Miller.

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“We hope to see some good things from those girls,” Buchanan says. “Gracie and Taygen are our main pitchers and Nicole is our slap hitter. All three girls are good hitters for us. Off the field, they have gotten together with the girls and organized a group text message. On the field, they try to take charge and guide our younger girls. They are some of my most competitive girls I have. They also lead our team in different drills as team captains. They’ll each make a team and go against each other.”

One thing that makes Canton-Galva unique is their co-op partner-ship with Elyria Christian. Since Elyria does not Canton-Galva Eagles have a softball Dawes hit because I’ve seen some or baseball team, students from good things from them,” Buchanan Elyria are able to travel to Cantonsays. Galva and compete with those That mix of experience and youth Canton-Galva teams. Buchanan combined with the small school says Kidd, O’Hara, and Miller have done a great job helping the Elyria community of Canton-Galva has allowed this year’s squad to bond students feel welcomed. and become a family according to “They have taken those girls (Julia Buchanan. Allen and Raegan Hawkinson) under their wing and have tried to “We work as a family and that’s make them feel as welcome as they one of our biggest strengths,” says Buchanan. “We are very good can,” says Buchanan. at reading each other. The girls While those three seniors are key, take care of each other. They’ve Buchanan knows she’ll also need known each other since they were contributions from her younger kindergartners, so, they know how players as well. each other are feeling and play off “I’m really looking forward of that. We really push positivity to seeing freshman Raegan so that we can uplift everyone on Hawkinson and sophomores Julia the team. Allen, Jordan Friesen, and Kinsey

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By Matt Browning

Jim Preston, who is the head baseball coach at Hutchinson, was chosen for the Blue Dragon Spotlight for April. Preston is a native of Hutchinson and played on the Salthawks 1974 state championship team. Since being hired as the head coach in 2016, Preston has two specific games that stand out to him. “In 2017 HHS played in the regional baseball tournament in Dodge City,” Preston said. “We beat Dodge City in the regional finals 9-5 in nine innings to reach the State 6A

Hutchinson’s Jim Preston

tournament in Lawrence. In 2019 HHS played in the regional baseball tournament in Lawrence. Down 9-3 to Lawrence Free-State, HHS rallied for seven runs in the seventh but lost the game 11-10 in 9 innings. Lawrence Free-State went on to place second at the 6A tournament in Lawrence.”

in 1975 coached by the legendary Gene Torczon,” Preston said. “I then went on to play baseball at Kansas State and graduated in 1978. I returned to the Hutchinson area and became Coach Torczon’s assistant for 2 years. Teaching the game of baseball to young men is truly a passion for me.”

Ever since high school, Preston has been interested in coaching baseball and getting young people to be passionate about the game.

Preston lists the use of facilities and being able to watch each other’s games as some of the reasons why the Hutchinson High School baseball program has such a great relationship with Hutchinson Community College.

“I became interested in coaching baseball after I played on the first Hutchinson Community College baseball team

COMMERCIAL TIRE’S CALL OF THE WILD

Minneapolis’ Megan Atkinson Minneapolis High School’s Megan Atkinson is a senior this season and a pitcher/catcher for the varsity softball team. Head coach Addie Billinger said of Atkinson, “Megan is an athlete all coaches love to have. She has a coachable attitude, and she is prepared every practice to put in the work. It’s a rare day to see her without a smile.” Atkinson said she loves being part of the team.

“I enjoy being a part of a positive team that with a positive attitude we work hard, and we encourage our teammates. I would like this team to stay positive and to try our best no matter what obstacle is in our way.”

Megan Atkinson “Trap shooting is very exhilarating, and it has a lot of precautions that go into it. If you are wanting to participate in trap shooting, make sure that you are comfortable with shooting and comfortable with being around other people with guns.”

Also a trap shooter, Atkinson said she enjoys the sport that she has participated in since the eighth grade.

“Trap shooting has been a lot of fun. I got started when my brother found out about it and he was the one who really got me in it. In trap I only compete in league I don’t go to the league competition or travel anywhere I stay local and compete,” said Atkinson.

Atkinson plans on attending Cloud County to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education. She is undecided if she will continue playing softball.

T H E A L L E Y ’ S B OW L E R O F T H E M O N T H

The Alley Bowler of the Month:

Salina Central’s Keaton Myers

there.”

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“I am not sure what I am going to do after I graduate but I plan to use the rest of high school to figure it out. I would love to keep bowling in my life in some way. Whether I find an amateur league or just do it for fun, I would like to keep doing it,” said Myers.

APRIL 2022

Myers said he is unsure about his future after high school. At the moment he is focused on grades, bowling, being part of the D&D Club, the gifted program, band, Boy Scouts and theater.

“The Salina Central bowling team is very welcoming and positive. All of my teammates have something unique to offer and none of them are exactly the same,” Myers said. “My favorite memory as a bowler is going to Taco Bell after a meet and learning it was one of my friends first time eating

Keaton Myers

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Now a freshman at Central, Myers said he’s enjoyed the team atmosphere and being part of a great program.

“I first started bowling at a summer camp in 2014. I wasn’t too good, but it was fun enough for me to stay interested in it until I could compete through the school. My dad was an avid bowler back in the day, so he was happy to help me practice for the team,” said Myers.

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It was a trip to summer camp that introduced Salina Central High School’s Keaton Myers to bowling. From then on, Myers knew he wanted to continue pursuing the sport like his father.

WE TAKE OUR PLAYTIME SERIOUSLY. TEAM OF THE MONTH YOUR PASSION FOR SPORTS IS THE SAME AS OURS.

Garden Plain Girls’ Basketball By Matt Browning The Garden Plain girls’ basketball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for the Owls performance in the Class 2A state tournament. Garden Plain upset twoseeded Pittsburg Colgan in the first round then Smith Center in the semifinals before falling to Sterling in the finals.

Brooke Hammond, Sydney Puetz and Maddie Rolfs all scored double figures at least once in the state tournament.

“Our expectation was to compete at a high level in our league and postseason,” head coach Kody Kasselman said. “We feel we played our most consistent basketball in the last two weeks of the season and made a nice run to end the season. I’m very proud of our kids.”

Kasselman credited the Owls’ rugged league schedule and midseason tournament for their performance in the state tournament.

“As far as the key, we play a schedule during the regular SPORTS THRIVE IN WICHITA. season and mid-season tournament that prepares us to handle adversity,” Kasselman said. “We feel that prepares Enjoy everything from us pro best for moments like the postseason.”

sports and college events to

Heading into the championship game with Sterling, youth amateur Kasselman said Gardencompetitions Plain embraced the and underdog role.

Check out local favorites “There wasmatches. no pressure on us,” Kasselman said. “Enjoy the moment and take it to them. Sterling is a great team, and we like Wichita Thunder ice hockey, have the utmost respect for their coaches and players.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

Wichita Wind Surge baseball games, Wichita Force indoor football, Wichita Wings Parents, coaches, principals, teacherssoccer, and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting

plus WSU Shockers to name Visit Wichita celebrates the athletes in our community and applauds their Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or dedication. We’re proud to cheer them on, and we’re excited to bring a variety of Mike.cooper@vype.com action-packed sporting events to Wichita – the heart of the country. Here are a few you won’t want to miss: • May 27-28: KSHSAA – 5A Girl’s Soccer State Championship • July 6-16: USA Boxing – National Junior Olympics & Summer Boxing Festival • July 22-25 & 28: The Basketball Tournament (TBT) • Aug. 7-13: USA Waterski National Championships • Aug. 19-20: American Cornhole League Pro Shootout Learn more about these competitions and more Go to VisitWichita.com at VisitWichita.com | 800.288.9424 for more upcoming sporting events.

a few.

WE TAKE OUR PLAYTIME SERIOUSLY. YOUR PASSION FOR SPORTS IS THE SAME AS OURS.

Go to VisitWichita.com for more upcoming sporting events.

A M E R I C A N FA M I LY I N S U R A N C E AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H

Minneapolis’ Braedee Weatherman Like many of her peers, Braedee Weatherman of Minneapolis High School started her softball career at a very young age.

“I was in the second grade when I first started playing softball,” said Weatherman. Now a freshman with the Minneapolis varsity team, Weatherman said she is excited to play at a higher level. “The thing I love most about playing with the varsity team is the level of competition I see as a pitcher and the relationships with my teammates.

Speaking of positions, Weatherman will likely see time in other positions this season. While she is a pitcher, Weatherman can play shortstop and some outfield. She also plays on a travel team named Wildfire Select. Weatherman is setting goals for herself and the team.

Braedee Weatherman “One of my personal goals is to become a more competitive pitcher and improve my hitting, and a goal we have as a team is to improve on our record from the previous season,” said Weatherman.

In her free time the freshman said she enjoys shooting baskets in the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER PROFILE

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Salina Central’s Andrew Eikleberry

Golf is difficult enough just playing for fun. Add in the stress of competing against someone and you ramp up the anxiety to new levels. For Salina Central High School senior Andrew Eikleberry, having the ability to thrive in those environments is one reason the game of golf appealed to him.

“My team goal for this season is a state appearance. Central hasn’t sent a team to state in a few years and it’s time we represent. My individual goal is to medal in the majority of meets this year. A strong mental game makes a good golfer. The ability to focus, concentrate and keep a good swing for four hours is difficult,” Eikleberry said. “I have been playing golf for close to eight years now. My dad got me started by signing me up for the First Tee program. I’m sure he signed me up just to get a break from me, but I really took to it.” Like every other golfer, Eikleberry has a favorite course and a best

Andrew Eikleberry round he’s shot over 18 holes.

“My home course and favorite place to play is the Salina Municipal golf course,” said Eikleberry. “My best round was a 70 at Salina Municipal during the summer. It was my first time hitting par.”

In his free time, Eikleberry said he enjoys fishing when the weather is right and spending time with friends. His future plans include attending Kansas State University at the Aerospace and Technology campus while pursuing his professional pilot degree.

COACH OF THE MONTH

Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic’s Coach of the Month: Solomon’s Kyler Stein By Matt Browning Kyler Stein, the head boys’ basketball coach at Solomon, was chosen as the Salina Regional Coach of the Month for April. Stein led the Gorillas to a fourth-place finish in the Class 1A-DI Tournament last month.

Solomon was Stein’s first coaching and teaching job as he graduated from Kansas State last May. “This year it was awesome to see the community rally around the team,” Stein said. “The excitement and energy in the town was just tremendous after our sub-state victory. It was the first time in 104 years that the Solomon boys have made it to the state tournament. To break that drought with this group of guys was very special to me.”

Stein said his coaching philosophy is built on developing relationships with his players and making sure every detail is covered.

“Developing strong relationships is very crucial,” Stein said. “I recognize every kid is different, they respond differently, they learn differently, and we have to coach each kid slightly differently.”

Throughout the season, the Gorillas had multiple players out, so Stein and his staff had to adjust to not having their full lineup. That adversity made the conclusion to the season even sweeter.

“In the sub-state championship, we were down five with 20 seconds left. In the state tournament against the two-seed, we were down 12 heading into the fourth quarter,” Stein said. “In

Coach Stein both these situations we competed every single possession and we battled through adversity to come out on top. This team simply never gave up and always played hard, and that’s something you can’t always coach.”

Move forward with us. Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is the leader in orthopedic and sports medicine care for north-central Kansas, with the extensive training and experience you need to keep you moving forward.

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The orthopedic care you need to keep moving forward.

And after surgery, our team of physical therapists works closely with you to reduce pain and inflammation, offers easy-to-access homeexercise programs, and helps loosen restricted joints and tendons with progressive therapies to help regain balance and stability.

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Education and collaboration with our patients are priorities because the more you know, the better your recovery. Like our virtual Joint Education class for patients considering or have scheduled a joint replacement surgery.

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Orthopedic Surgeon

Travis Rump, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 Salina, KS salinaregionalsportsmedicine.com 785-452-7366

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Todd Reilly, D.O.

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 Salina, KS salinaregionalorthopedicclinic.com 785-452-7366

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A M E R I C A N FA M I LY I N S U R A N C E AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H

Salina Central’s Annie Loucks Annie Loucks is a varsity softball player for Salina Central and is in her final season for the Lady Mustangs. Loucks said she will likely attend Fort Hays State University next year but is still debating what she would like to study. “I’m most likely going to study either criminal justice or marine biology,” said Loucks. Being a student-athlete at Central has been a great experience for Loucks.

“Being able to wear a Central jersey has always felt like an honor to me and I’m glad I get to share that feeling with all my teammates,” said Loucks. “It’s sad to know that I only have about a month left of high school sports.” Loucks also played three years

Annie Loucks of basketball for Central, and she is involved in the Salina Central Choraliers, which is a vocal program at school. Loucks said she has loved every minute with her teammates. “Every day I look forward to hitting the field with my team. The softball program is an amazing one thanks to our coaching staff,” said Loucks.

S A L I N A O R T H O M R I & P H Y S I C A L T H E R A P Y I M AG E M A K E R O F T H E M O N T H

Salina’s Chana Wolfe

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By Matt Browning

Chana Wolfe, who plays softball for Salina South, was chosen as the Salina Imaging Athlete of the Month for April. Wolfe earned second team all-league honors a year ago as a pitcher.

“It is really awesome to have been selected to be athlete of the month,” Wolfe said. “It means a lot to see that my hard work is paying off.” The Cougars brought back nearly their entire roster from last season and Wolfe said that has been a benefit this season.

“I love all the girls on the team,” Wolfe said. “We are sisters on and off the field. We have gelled really well, being our second year for most of us playing together.” Being mentally tough was an area Wolfe wanted to improve on this season.

Chana Wolfe “Going out there and doing what I know how to do and controlling what I can control (was what I wanted to focus on),” Wolfe said.

Next year, Wolfe plans on continuing her softball and academic career at Mid-American Christian University in Oklahoma City, where she wants to study business management and sports administration.

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SALINA AREA TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Beloit Softball Spotlight By Chris Cox With 11 seniors and several other returning players from last year’s team, Beloit head softball coach Tyler Odle believes his Lady Trojans are poised to make a pretty deep run this year. “I feel like where we might have been a bit on our heels last year, we will be in more of an attack mode this year,” Odle says. “We’re banking on having more confidence this year. I like to have a loud dugout and be, maybe, a little rowdy. The last three games last year they were really getting into it. I hope we get that sooner this year.”

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Leading the way for Beloit will be the pitcher-catcher combo of seniors Kimberlyn Nichols and Trinity McMillan.

“Trinity McMillan is our catcher and she’s just tough as nails and never complains,” Odle says. “Kimberlyn Nichols is one of our starting pitchers. She’s rock solid.

Beloit Lady Trojans She hardly ever walks people and challenges batters. The rest of the seniors are also tough kids but like to have fun. We are really going to lean on our seniors to get us through the year.” Odle believes the team’s willingness to help each other and do the little things is what will set this year’s squad apart.

“We preach servant leadership and they seemed to have really grasped that,” says Odle. “They do a lot of hard work in practice. I’m not just talking about running or things like that, but they put the bases out and take the bases in. They make sure the field is in good shape and that everything is put away. These girls all do those little things.”

Odle also says while year’s team is focused on the goal of getting past regionals, and is constantly working to achieve that, they are also having a lot of fun while putting in that hard work.

“They really enjoy the game and have fun playing,” says Odle. “We have fun in practice. They play music, they make TikToks, and they dance. They work hard, too. I really think they enjoy the game.”

On top of enjoying softball, Odle says he is impressed with the Lady Trojans off the field. “These kids are smart,” Odle says. “We have a lot of kids that are really good at school. We also try to play with class and try not to be cocky. We want our bats to speak for ourselves.”

SALINA ORTHO SIGNINGS

Dotted Line..... 2022 Signings

Gracie Lambert-Smoky Valley Hutchinson CC-Track

Haven Lysell-Smoky Valley Oklahoma Baptist-Football

Keegan Schrag-Inman Hutchinson CC-Cheer

Kellon Johnsen-Smoky Valley Freinds University-Music

Logan Wonser-Goessel McPherson College-Cheer

Lyna Lehrman-Goessel Bethany College-Basketball

Peyton Jones-Sacred Heart Bethany College-Baseball

Reagan Brake-Inman HS Ohio Wesleyan-Volleyball

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SALINA AREA SPOTLIGHT

All-VYPE Basketball SALINA AREA GIRLS

Shahan, Hillsboro

Player of the Year – Aubrie Kierscht, Salina Central

First Team Ceegan Atkins, Hanover

Coach of the Year – Jill Rowland, Sterling

Kali Briar, Sterling

Bennie Horsch, Sterling

SALINA AREA BOYS

Aubrie Kierscht, Salina Central

First Team

Karsyn Schlesener, SE-Saline

Logan Churchill, Moundridge

Second Team

Tanner Heckel, Inman

Lily Boughfman, Little River

Seth Madron, McPherson

Kate Eichelberger, Moundridge

Brekyn Ratzlaff, Hillsboro

Lauren Labertew, McPherson

Eli Sawyers, SE-Saline

Zaylee Werth, Hillsboro

Caiden Duerksen, Goessel; Sid Dupliss, Salina Central; Max Ehrlich, Salina Sacred Heart; Emmitt Jueneman, Hanover; Braxton Lafferty, Little River; Eli Larson, Bennington; Trent Long, Clifton-Clyde; Tejon McDaniel, Salina South; Nakari Morrical-Palmer, Southeast of Saline; Matthew Potucek, Hillsboro; Zach Surface, Sterling; Keyan Wiggers, Elyria Christian

Second Team

Hampton Williams, Salina Central Honorable Mention

Sadie Beagley, Sterling; Caitlyn Belote, Lyons; Mykayla Cunningham, Salina Central; Aleyna Eck, Little River; Ryland Hawkinson, Elyria Christian; Adrian Hazelwood, Smoky Valley; Peyton Howard, McPherson; Tristyn Kriermier, Herington; Kylee Penner, Elyria Christian; Sydney Peterson, Salina South; Savannah

Kaleb Becker, Abilene

Cav Carlgren, Concordia

Makaen Hastings, Solomon

Landon Kaufman, Moundridge Grayson Ratzlaff, Hillsboro Honorable Mention

Eli Brunk, Inman; Keegan Dimler, Hanover;

Player of the Year – Seth Madron, McPherson Coach of the Year – Darrel Knoll, Hillsboro

SALINA AREA SPOTLIGHT

Salina Central’s Brooks Richardson

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By Matt Browning

Last season Brooks Richardson of Salina Central was selected as a first team all-league designated hitter. He hit .481 with 23 extra base hits and 66 runs batted in. All of this was accomplished as a sophomore.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive accolades and honors because of the experiences I’ve had starting at a young age,” Richardson said. “My summer team is strong, consisting of some of the best area players. We have had the opportunity of playing in many states against great competition and winning a state title at age 13. Experiencing some success at a young age has given me the drive to want to achieve more.” It’s difficult to envision his numbers getting better, but Richardson focused on just that this past offseason. As a team, Salina Central went 14-9 last season, so Richardson is hoping for bigger things as a team too. “As a hitter I spent time working on adjusting to off-speed pitches,” Richardson said, “and to drive more baseballs into the right center gap for

2022 KIAAA AWARDS District Athletic Director of the Year Award Winners

Brooks Richardson extra base hits. Like most teams, to win our league and advance on to the postseason to play in the 5A state tournament would be our ultimate goal.”

Even though he has two years of high school left, Richardson is already preparing himself for collegiate baseball. “I am working to maintain a good GPA in hopes of receiving both academic and athletic scholarships with the goal of playing baseball in college,” Richardson said.

District 1 - Jeff Fuss CAA, Lyons HS District 2 - Scott Burger, Sabetha HS District 3 - Gary Howard CAA, Spring Hill District 4 - Kevin Armstrong, RAA Hutchinson HS Middle School - Amy Wright, Paola MS

Kansas Athletic Director of the Year

Carp Winner Gary Mussleman, KSHSAA Retired

Sportswriter of the Year Shawn Beldon, Spectrum Sports KC

Sportscaster of the Year

Kevin Armstrong RAA, Hutchinson HS

Glen Grunwald, Eagle Radio Hutchinson

NIAAA State Award of Merit

KIAAA Jack Dresslar Scholarship Winners

Penny Lane CAA, Washburn Rural Art Newcomer Promising Athletic Director Nick Barnes, Halstead HS

*Keleb Becker, Abilene Trenna Whitmore, Washburn Rural *Ella Mackiewiz, Shawnee Northwest Alexandra Schreiner, Kingdom (* represents those nominated as the section 5 scholarship candidates)

CONGRATULATIONS

B OY S B A S K E T B A L L P L A Y E R S P O T L I G H T

Solomon’s Makaen Hastings By Matt Browning Makaen Hastings of Solomon was voted the Salina Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Hastings, who was second team All-VYPE, averaged 20 points, five assists, three rebounds and three assists per game for the Gorillas. “It feels great to be recognized as one of the top players in the area, and all of the hard work and time I’ve put into basketball has been noticed by my community and people around,” Hastings said.

Hastings said he and his teammates often referenced Solomon’s sub-state loss last season to Little River as motivation to get over the hump this season. The Gorillas took fourth at the

Class 1A DI Tournament.

“As a team, getting blown out by 40 last year in the sub-state championship then making it to state this year was a huge accomplishment and something that I am very grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of,” Hastings said. In this year’s sub-state final against Clifton-Clyde, Solomon was down five points with 20 seconds to go. What happened after that is a moment Hastings will never forget.

“Coach Stein looked like the only one in the huddle that believed in us and told us not to give up,” Hastings said. “With our defense, we ended up getting a stop that

Makaen Hastings led to me getting back-to-back (bucket)-and-one plays to take the lead and win the game.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Sterling’s Bennie Horsch By Matt Browning

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Horsch will be playing volleyball at Barton County Community College next year and wants to study nursing or elementary education.

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After every game when we would go into the locker room, we would scream how many wins we had and at state counting to 26 was my favorite thing.”

“A memory that has stood out to me is going 26-0,” Horsch said. “This was something we players all wanted to accomplish this year.

Bennie Horsch

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As the defending 2A champion,

That one loss in 2021 stood out to Horsch and the Black Bears, so they wanted an unblemished record to conclude this season.

“Being voted for POY overwhelmed me,” said Horsch. “All eight of the other players deserved this. I am beyond thankful for all the support I have gotten these past four years. I couldn’t be prouder of my teammates and wouldn’t be the player I am today without them pushing me.”

“Last year was a very different feeling than this year,” Horsch said. “This year we knew walking into the season that we would have a huge target on our backs. Last year only losing one game and being state champions and walking into this year with the returning starters made us feel attacked.”

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Bennie Horsch of Sterling was voted as the Salina Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Horsch, who was first team AllVYPE, averaged 13 points, six rebounds and six assists per game for the Black Bears who were the undefeated 2A state champions.

Horsch said Sterling felt the pressure of trying to repeat.

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