VYPE North Central Kansas January 2021 by Austin Chadwick

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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.

Timothy Hawkes, D.O. Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Hawkes specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ligament, cartilage and meniscus injuries, including the treatment of shoulder, hip and knee. Dr. Pyle specializes in non-operative sports medicine, including sports-related injuries, ultrasound-guided joint injections and dry needling, and other general sports medicine such as fatigue, nutrition and concussion management. Together, they lead a team of certified athletic trainers and physical therapists to 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.

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

Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Sports Medicine Physician

Abe Noll, ATC

Cody Moon, ATC

Evan Bowers, ATC

Shelby Barrett, ATC

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A M E R I C A N FA M I LY AT H L E T E S P O T L I G H T

American Family Athlete Profile: Emersyn Funk By Matt Browning Emersyn Funk of Hillsboro is a three-sport athlete for the Trojans, including basketball, cross country and track and field.

Insure carefully, dream fearlessly.

“I was very surprised to be chosen,” Funk said. “It definitely means a lot to me.”

Funk took 15th at the 2A cross country tournament last fall and is a varsity basketball player for the Trojans, who are one of the top teams in the VYPE Salina Power 10 rankings.

Emersyn Funk

Scott Ausherman, Agent Scott Ausherman Agency Inc. 308 W 2nd St, Minneapolis, KS 67467 785-392-3111 1110 18th Street Belleville, KS 66935 785-527-2994 sausherm@amfam.com

Daran Neuschafer, Agent Neuschafer & Associates, Inc. 1528 E Iron Ave Salina, KS 67401-3236 785-827-5150 dneuscha@amfam.com

Laurie L. Debold, Agent Laurie Debold Agency, Inc. 1931 S Ohio St Salina, KS 67401 785-823-3797 ldebold@amfam.com

Jeff Wells, Agent Jeff Wells Agency, Inc. 1000 Elmhurst Blvd Salina, KS 67401-7404 785-827-9339 jwells@amfam.com

“My most memorable moments include playing in the sub-state basketball championship last year and playing my first high school game as a freshman,” Funk said.

Funk is also heavily involved in high school outside of athletics. She is the editor of the yearbook, vice president of her class, while also being in the choir and the school’s musical. While she still has another year of high school, Funk knows she wants to run in college.

“I plan on attending a four-year college and running cross country,” Funk said. “I am undecided on a major.”

HELLAS FIELD OF THE MONTH

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Hellas Field of the Month: Junction City High School

In December of 2020, Hellas Construction completed a field project at Junction City High School, with more work to come. Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus told VYPE Magazine the track construction is next and is expected to be completed this spring with more projects to come. “Future projects include potential baseball/softball fields as well as new soccer fields,” said Westerhaus.

The process from design to completion was an easy one with the help of the Hellas staff. “Every stage of the process in working with Hellas was great. From the plans to installation to final inspection. Great service, great product…very pleased,” said Westerhaus. “This is part of our new high school that is being built west of town on 160 acres and is set to open in August of 2021.” For the students, having new facilities opens a lot of doors for others to enjoy the facilities. “Students will be able to use this field daily for: PE classes, band class, football, soccer, you name it,” said Westerhaus.

The faculty and administration at Junction City are satisfied with the end results and are excited to see what Hellas Construction can accomplish next.

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“ C A L L O F T H E W I L D ” S P OT L I G H T

Goessel’s Dawson Duerksen: Salina Area Outdoors Spotlight Goessel High School senior and crosscountry runner Dawson Duerksen is the spotlight for this month’s “Call of the Wild.” It was his father who first took him fishing and hunting. Later the pair would start trapping as well.

“My dad got me started on hunting as well as fishing from a very young age. Once I was older, we went trapping together and I absolutely loved it,” said Duerksen. “I started hunting when I was very young. I would go out in the woods with my dad and just watch him hunt. I didn’t start hunting for myself until I was in junior high. My dad and I really like to go turkey hunting, but we have started to go deer hunting more as well. I didn’t start trapping until I was in high school. I have only trapped for one full season. I am currently in my second season of trapping right now. I didn’t sell any of my furs the first year I trapped but I am hoping to sell my furs this year.” Being outdoors comes naturally to Duerksen.

“The part I enjoy most about being outdoors is enjoying all the wildlife around me. The best part about hunting/trapping isn’t about getting an animal, it’s about spending time outdoors and making memories with the people you go out with,” said Duerksen. His future plans include taking a gap year to do a year of service work in Colorado Springs, CO, where he will be doing maintenance for a low-income housing development. After that, he’s planning to go to Hesston College to become a firefighter.

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Digital Edition Available On WWW.VYPEKS.COM

Home lanes for Salina Central, Salina South and Sacred Heart high school bowling!

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ww.thealleysalina.com 785-515-2565 115 E Ash St. Salina, KS 67401

Student of the Month Bo Bacon McPherson High School Being sidelined as an athlete is common. Pushing the limits of one’s body can sometimes bring about the need for physical therapy after the injury has been fixed. McPherson High School’s Bo Bacon knows all to well what that process is like. The football player suffered a knee injury which required surgery and it was Advanced PT that got him back on his feet.

back to 100 percent is crucial for his success on the field and the track. His teammates and friends have supported him through this tough period and he’s excited to return to action. “My friends and family mean a lot to me. They’re always there for me in football and in motocross. My parents and friends that race are like teammates and they always push me to get faster on the bike,” said Bacon. But in every recovery there are moments when you feel it’s never going to end. Bacon experienced that early on in his recovery.

“Advanced PT helped me get strength back in my knee after surgery,” said Bacon. “Everyone there cared about my problem and they all wanted to help and see me get better.”

“The hardest part was not being able to do anything and having to lay in bed for a week or so. Since I’m always doing something, not being able to move was hard for me,” said Bacon.

Also a morocross racer, Bacon puts his body through a lot of stress and having his knee

Now Bacon enjoys working out and spending

time with his friends. Of course being back on the dirt bike is nice as well. Bacon said everyone at Advanced PT was amazing and he’s grateful for all they did to help him get back on his feet. Once he graduates from McPherson High School, Bacon said is plan is to take over his family farm.

GASTROCNEMIUS STRAIN

Aimi Orton, PTA

The Gastrocnemius is located on the lower posterior aspect of the legs and has both a medial and lateral aspect. The muscle’s main roles are to plantar flex the foot (point toes away from yourself) and to assist in flexing (bending) the knee. It is commonly injured in sports which require quick acceleration from a stationary position and quick halts in movement. In many such cases the injury is caused through sudden eccentric overstretch, meaning the muscle is contracted yet lengthened forcibly and abruptly. Some signs and symptoms of a gastrocnemius strain are:

then concentric exercises. In later stages of PT, treatment massage and electrostimulation can be used. Some great tips for preventing gastrocnemius strains are: • Keeping calf muscles strong so they can absorb the energy of sudden physical stress. • Stretching out calf muscles before physical activity: calf raises. Gradually including weights or additional resistance over time. • Learning the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities. This will decrease stress on all muscles, including calf muscles. • Undertaking training prior to competition to ensure readiness to play.

• A sudden pain at the back of the leg, particularly at the muscular tendinous junction.

• Undertaking fitness programs to develop strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

• Difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tiptoe.

• Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training.

• Pain and swelling or bruising in the calf muscle.

• Allowing adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.

• Pain on resisted plantar flexion or contracting the muscles against resistance.

• Wearing the right protective equipment including footwear.

• If the Soleus muscle is damaged pain might be incurred lower in the leg and when contracting the muscle against resistance with the knee bent

• Checking the sporting environment for hazards.

As far as the immediate treatment of a gastrocnemius strain, or of any soft tissue injury, treatment consists of the RICER protocol – rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral to a sports medicine professional. RICE protocol should be followed for 48–72 hours. The aim is to reduce the bleeding and damage in the muscle. The leg should be rested in an elevated position with an ice pack applied for 20 minutes every two hours (never apply ice directly to the skin). A correctly sized compression bandage should be applied to limit bleeding and swelling in the injured area. The ‘No HARM’ protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area. As pain decreases, gentle exercise and stretching can usually begin in addition to treatment recommended by a sports medicine professional. Rehabilitation should be conducted with caution and under the supervision of a sport medicine professional due to the risk of injury recurrence. Recovery can often be quite a slow process. Conservative treatment should include gentle passive stretching, then isometric,

• Drinking water before, during and after play. • Avoiding activities that cause pain. If pain does occur, discontinuing the activity immediately and commencing RICER. If you or anyone you know is currently dealing with a calf strain, feel free to stop by any of our many APT clinics so we can help you! Blog information put together by Aimi Orton, PTA Information pulled from: https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/gastrocnemius-calfstrain/ https://www.physio-pedia.com/Calf_Strain

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

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PICTURE THIS: SALIN

Salina Central Boys Basketball

Salina Central Girls Basketball

523 S Santa Fe Ave • Salina, KS 6740 www.salinaortho.com • 785-823-2215

Congratulations to all the 2020-21 Dotted Line Signees! Good luck at the next level! 523 S Santa Fe Ave, Ste. B • Salina, KS 6740 785-827-0457

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Sterling Boys Basketball

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SalinaOrtho.com 523 S Santa Fe Ave • Salina, KS 6740 Salina Ortho Physical Therapy • 785-823-2215

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Girls Basketball

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Buhler Boys Swim By Matt Browning The Buhler boys swimming team have set three school records and have three state consideration times so far this season.

“Our goals for success are more about personal growth and less about times,” Buhler coach Shane DeWeese said. “We set time goals for each swimmer and some have State times or school records as goals, but we require that every swimmer swim at least two different strokes each year. Most of the swimmers have to do every stroke and we’ve already accomplished most of that at our third meet.”

Last season, the Crusaders took fifth at the 4-1A tournament and returns many of those swimmers this season, which is just the program’s second season overall.

Some of the top performers thus far include sophomore Mitchel Cross, who set the school record in the 500 free and is also on the medley relay team. Junior Kaleb Webster leads the Crusaders in the 50 free and the 100 back. Senior Colton Webster has the 11th highest dive score in the state, while fellow senior

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA Visit Wichita is proud to support sports in Wichita. Athletes, fans and events have a tremendous impact on our community, and we’re committed to helping bring more sports to our city. Learn more about how sports contribute to making Wichita a great place to live, work and play, head to VisitWichita.com/SportCity.

VisitWichita.com | 800.288.9424 Parents, coaches, principals, teachers and fans can nominate a deserving team by contacting Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or Mike.cooper@vype.com

Clayton Webster has the 17th highest dive score in the state.

Sophomore Spencer ‘Penn’ Hines set a new school record in the 200 IM early in the season.

“My hope is to swim in our maximum number of meets and have minimum quarantine time,” DeWeese said. “We’ve had a few swimmers out so far, but thankfully not a large amount. Since it’s our second year as a program, we were looking to increase our team size.”

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COACH OF THE M

• Sports medicine: ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and resection, and shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy •OTotal hipNT Hand knee-replacement surgery

Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. All you need to keep moving forward.

Little River’s Wayne Morrow: Salina Regional Coach of the Month By Matt Browning Wayne Morrow, the boys basketball coach at Little River, leads a Redskins team that is one of the highest ranked teams in the VYPE Salina Area Power 10. This is Morrow’s 29th year as a head coach, but last season was his first since 2008.

“I’m not sure how to measure my individual coaching accomplishments, as it’s always about the whole team and how everyone responds and learns their roles,” Morrow said. “My goal is to give every player and team the tools they need to become the best player and team they can be.” Discipline, chemistry and fundamentals are the backbones to Morrow’s coaching philosophy. He said it does not matter what offense

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

or defense his teams run, just as long as they are sound within his philosophy.

“The game can be fairly simple if I don’t try to do too much and mess things up,” Morrow said. “It’s getting them to play extremely hard day in and day out on both ends of the floor, getting them to love playing together and sharing the ball and getting them to make good fundamental decisions that have been my greatest coaching challenges over the years.”

Little River went 23-3 last season and advanced to the Class 1A Division I semifinals before the COVID-19 shutdown. The Redskins return the majority of that team this year, which makes them one of the favorites to

win a state championship.

“This year the greatest challenge is to get them to keep striving to improve,” Morrow said. “I know that we can be a very good team, but I also know we have some tough challenges ahead, and we need to get better in some areas. We’ll get most team’s best shot.”

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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. Education and collaboration with our patients are priorities because

FEBRUARY 2021

the more you know, the better your recovery. Like our monthly Joint Education class for patients considering or have scheduled a joint replacement surgery.

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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The orthopedic care you need to keep moving forward.

Timothy Hawkes, D.O.

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon

Travis Rump, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

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

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

S T U D E N T- A T H L E T E S P O T L I G H T S

Ellsworth’s Rachel Sebesta: FFA Spotlight Ellsworth High School senior Rachel Sebesta entered her fifth year with FFA and she is currently serving as the chapter president. Sebesta first joined the FFA in the eighth grade after her family encouraged her to do so. “My parents encouraged me to join but my older brother Lukas was truly the spark that got me engaged. He would tell me about how much fun events were and I wanted to experience the same thing,” said Sebesta.

GO ! Prep Performance of the Month

If being president of the chapter wasn’t enough, Sebesta has made the most of her Rachel Sebesta opportunities with FFA. “I currently serve as the North Central District FFA Reporter. I participate in a wide range of Career Development Events (CDEs for short) such as Range Management, Agricultural Communications, Entomology, Discussion Meet, and my personal favorite, Meats Evaluation and Technology,” said Sebesta. “I am also involved in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) like Discussion Meet, Ritual, Extemporaneous Speaking, FFA Quiz Bowl, and Prepared Public Speaking. I help my community through service projects such as our Agricultural Literacy Program for kindergarten and first grade students and collecting Christmas trees for fish habitats in Wilson Lake.”

Sebesta also shows several varieties of animals through FFA. “My favorite thing in FFA is networking with people from across the state and even across the US,” she said. “FFA gives over 700,000 students something in common: an interest in the industry that fuels our nation.” Her other activities include National Honor Society, Marching Band, Pep Band, Drumline, Musical, Math Relays and Scholar’s Bowl. “I also am a fouryear tennis letterman and I manage men’s tennis,” said Sebesta. “Following graduation, I will attend Kansas State University to major in Agricultural Education.”

Mankato-Rock Hills’ Karrigan Dustan: FFA Spotlight

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With graduation just around the corner, Dustan is excited to start the next chapter of her life. “After graduation, I plan to attend Manhattan Christian College to major in Pastoral Ministry,” said Dustan.

But FFA holds a special place for Dustan and being part of it during her high school years has allowed her to make lifelong friends and experience new things away from school. “I enjoy the lifelong connections made through FFA. These are true friendships that encourage and bring out your best self,” said Dustan.

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As a student at Rock Hill, Dustan is involved in many other activities including FBLA, Forensics Club, National Honor Society, and student council. She’s also a multi-sport athlete competing in cheer, volleyball, basketball and golf. And if that wasn’t enough of a resume the senior is also in Dance.

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It was the eighth grade when she first tested the waters in FFA, and she has not slowed down since. Dustan is currently serving as an officer and always looking Karrigan Dustan for new opportunities through FFA. “I am a chapter and North Central District FFA officer. I enjoy competing in Ag Comm, Public Speaking, and Job Interview contests. My SAE is agricultural advocacy to younger students,” said Dustan.

By Matt Browning Todd Palic from Marion was chosen as the Hog Wild Performance of the Month for starting his wrestling season 10-0. Palic is one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the 195-pound weight class. “So far I have thought my season has gone well,” Palic said. “I have yet to wrestle any ranked opponents but I am looking forward to that opportunity. As of right now I am 10 and 0 winning all matches by pins.” Palic lost in the 3-1A quarterfinals last season at 182 and finished fifth, which was a steady improvement from 2019 where he did not place. The hope is that he takes another step this season. “Being successful to me means showing improvement from year to year and being able to have all your hard work pay off in the end,” Palic said. At Marion, Palic is also involved in football and track. He was an all-league linebacker for the Warriors. Outside of sports he participates in FBLA. Next year, Palic plans to attend Manhattan’s School of Linemen.

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Karrigan Dustan is a senior at MankatoRock Hills High School and is very active in FFA. Dustan serves as chapter president and district president. Being involved with FFA runs in the family. “My parents have been in FFA; therefore, I decided to join to see what it was like,” said Dustan.

Todd Palic, Marion High School

“IMAGE MAKER”

STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Salina Imaging recognizes students that are exhibiting a positive image that is defined as, “The general impression that a person, organization, or product presents to the public.

Aubrie Kierscht Salina Central Salina Central’s Aubrie Kierscht is one of the more exciting players to watch in the area. Her play on the court is electric and her ability to score makes her a dangerous player to try and defend. Her basketball journey started at a very young age. “I’ve had a ball in my hand since day one. Before I could walk, I would sit in awe watching the game I have now grown to love,” said Kierscht. The combo guard has made some great memories during her high school career, but Kierscht said playing for Central and representing the school, her peers and those who came before her has been an honor.

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“There’s been so many memories here at Central. Just being able to put on a Central jersey is something I’ll never forget. Having that name across my chest each and every night is something I take great pride in. I’m

hoping to make a couple more memories this season and next,” said Kierscht. “As most teams do, we want to win the state title, but our team is uncommon. We prepare like no other and have great coaches alongside us making sure we do everything in our power to make this goal a reality. I want to make these last two years something special. We want to come out with rings on our fingers.”

Kierscht and her teammates at Central are used to playing in big games. In fact, they thrive on it. “There’s no other group of girls I’d rather go to war with each and every night. We have big goals and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve these goals. I expect myself to give 110 percent and expect nothing less from them. We won’t be satisfied until the end goal is achieved,” said Kierscht. For Kierscht, who was recently accepted into the Naval Academy, faith comes first.

“Faith is number one. Everything I achieve is for God’s glory. At school, I am a part

Aubrie Kierscht of our FCA program. I am grateful we have the opportunity to come together in fellowship with other classmates and teammates,” said Kierscht. “I’m so excited for the future! I’ve asked God to lead me where I’m supposed to go, and I truly believe this is the place. There’s no other coaching staff I’d rather play for. During my time at Navy, I want to accomplish many things both individually and as a team.”

Timothy Hawkes, D.O. Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgeon

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

Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Sports Medicine Physician

Abe Noll, ATC

Cody Moon, ATC

Evan Bowers, ATC

Shelby Barrett, ATC

DRIVE TO ZERO STUDENT OF THE MONTH Mallorie Church, Tescott Mallorie Church is a sophomore at Tescott High School where she is a member of the SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) program. As a freshman, Church looked into the program and realized it was something she would enjoy being part of. Helping other students and being part of a group that helps save lives was a big reason Church wanted to devote some of her time to the program. “I first started being a safe member last year as a freshman,” said Church. The SAFE program is a teen-run, peer-to-peer program focusing on increasing teen restraint compliance through education, positive rewards and enforcement. Church said she got involved because she wanted to help her fellow students.

Church is involved in other activities at Tescott High School. She is a member of the varsity basketball team and volleyball team. She also runs track and is involved in cheer. Playing sports and being involved

“I think it helps students be aware of the safety of seatbelts,” said Church. “After high school I plan on attending college.” Away from school and sports you can usually find Church spending time outside and hanging out with friends and family. The sophomore said the SAFE program is a great way to get involved in your community and do something to help keep other students safe and make them aware of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt. She offers this advice to anyone who may want to join the SAFE team at Tescott High School. “I would tell them what we do why we do it and how much fun it is saving lives,” said Church.

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“I love knowing that by teaching kids now to wear their seatbelt could save their lives or a loved ones now or in the future,” said Church.

in school activities is important to Church. She said it’s a priority of hers to help educate her peers on safety issue and the importance of seatbelts. Once she adds high school graduate to her list of accomplishments, Church plans to attend college and possibly playing sports at the next level.

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

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T H E A L L E Y B OW L E R O F T H E M O N T H

Salina Central’s Keegan Gebhardt: Bowler of the Month Spotlight presented by The Alley By Matt Browning Keegan Gebhardt of Salina Central was chosen as The Alley Bowler of the Month for February. Gebhardt was a part of the Mustangs 5A state championship team last season as a sophomore. “It’s been amazing to be part of a successful team,” Gebhardt said.

Last season, Gebhardt had the fourth best average on a Salina Central team that had the best scoring average in the state. At the 5A Tournament, Gebhardt finished 12th with a score of 681. He is hoping that he can improve on those numbers this season, where the Mustangs bring significant talent from last year. “My goals for this season are to have a good year for the team and individually,” Gebhardt said.

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“My college plans are to attend somewhere that has a good bowling program,” Gebhardt said.

ww.thealleysalina.com 785-515-2565 115 E Ash St. Salina, KS 67401

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Being just a junior, Gebhardt does not have any concrete plans for the future, but he hopes bowling is a part of it. Right now, that is all he participates in at Salina Central.

Keegan Gebhardt

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The Alley of Salina

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Located in downtown Salina at the corner of Santa Fe and Ash

T C E P S E R L A U T U M P I H S N A M S T SPOR

AND

M. R O F I N U L O SCHO H G I H R U O Y COME WITH

Kansas

This message presented by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

2020 DOTTED LINE

Dotted Line..... 2020 Signings

Claire Broxterman-Smoky Valley HS-Bethel College-Softball

Isabelle Peters-Smoky Valley-Pitt State-Track and Field

Addie Heitschnidt-Smoky Valley-McPherson College-Volleyball

Bri Franklin-Smoky Valley-Kansas Wesleyan-Volleyball

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Congratulations to all the Congratulations to all the 2020-21 Dotted Line Signees! Good luck at the next level! 2020-21 Dotted Line Signee

Good luck at the next level! ::

Quality Orthopaedic Care When You Need It

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OUR DIFFERENCES ADD UP

• Experience Counts! With over 40 years of orthopedic service our providers Quality Orthopaedic are ABOS Board Certified. Byron L. Grauerholz, MD When You Need I • We are where you live work and play. Including satellite clinics, for most Gary L. Harbin, MD patients, we are a short drive away. • Experience Counts! With over 40 years of orthopedic service our providers Todd M. Herrenbruck, MD • As a private practice we bring a more personal level of care to our Michael J. Johnson, MD are ABOS Board Certified. patients. Our highly regarded relationship with Salina Surgical Hospital Lindsy Newton, ByronPA-C L. Grauerholz, M giveswhere us added reach, treat and servesatellite our patients. • We are youcapabilities live worktoand play. Including clinics, for most Amber Sawyers,Gary PA-C, L.ATC Harbin, MD Jennifer Alexander, APRN patients, are a short drive • As we we move forward, how can away. we continue to keep compassion and Todd M. Herrenbruck, M at the forefront of everything we do? In remaining patient-focused, • As aquality private practice we bring a more personal level of care to our Michael J. Johnson, M we ensure that when other professionals join us, they share this view.

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patients. Our highly regarded relationship with Salina Surgical Hospital gives us added capabilities to reach, treat and serve our patients. 523 S. Santa Fe Ave · Salina, KS 67401 · 785.823.2215 · Salinaortho.com • As we move forward, how can we continue to keep compassion and quality at the forefront of everything we do? In remaining patient-focused,

Lindsy Newton, PA-C Amber Sawyers, PA-C, Jennifer Alexander,19 APR

S PA N G L E S A T H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H

Sacred Heart’s Ellie Woodall: Spangles Athlete of the Month Spotlight For as long as she can remember, Ellie Woodall of Sacred Heart has had a basketball in her hands. Now a junior, Woodall first started playing basketball in the first grade. This season the point guard is enjoying the fruits of her labor and she loves playing with this group of girls.

“My team is a family. I love them because of the welcoming family atmosphere. We’re all best friends; it’s great,” said Woodall.

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Playing at Sacred Heart is more than just a place to get a high school education. For Woodall it’s a place where she knows the support for her, and her

teammates will always be present.

“Sacred Heart is a great place to be a studentathlete because the teachers are willing to work with you outside of class time, that way I can be sure to perform well in and outside of the classroom,” said Woodall.

The junior is undecided on where she will attend college, but her goal is to attend a four-year university and study Diagnostic Imaging. Outside of basketball, Woodall

Ellie Woodall is the co-editor of the yearbook, serves as a junior house/ community leader and plays volleyball in the fall and runs track in the spring.

S A L I N A A R E A T E AC H E R S P OT L I G H T S

Clay Center’s Dawn Murphy: Teacher of the Month Any student who passed through the hallways at Clay Center High School in the last 22 years has probably crossed paths with Dawn Murphy. The English teacher was called by one of her peers as, “one of the most compassionate, caring, and hardest working teachers you will ever meet.” Murphy started her career as an educator 26 years ago. She landed at Clay Center four years into her career and decided to make it her home.

“I currently teach mostly seniors— English Composition I and II, Public Speaking, English 12/Technical Writing, and Film as Literature,” said Murphy. “I love working with seniors at a time in life when they’re making important decisions like what their post-graduation plans will be and helping them pursue those plans. I also love reading their writing—they have amazing ideas.” Ask a teacher why they entered the

profession and most will tell you they were inspired by a teacher as a student. For Murphy, that inspiration came in the form of many teachers over the years.

“I had a lot of great teachers, but in particular I had a social studies teacher and an English teacher in high school who made teaching look really important and fun. They inspired me to pursue a teaching career,” said Murphy. Dealing with the pandemic has forced educators to find new ways to reach their students. This challenge is not lost on Murphy thanks to Clay Center’s ability to remain open and the use of new technology, Murphy and her peers are meeting the challenge head-on and succeeding.

“We’ve been fortunate in Clay Center to remain in face-to-face schooling throughout the year. However, like most districts, we’ve had a lot of quarantined students at different times, so I’ve used

Dawn Murphy our online learning systems (Canvas and Schoology) to organize instruction,” said Murphy. “It’s also all about flexibility; for example, quarantined students can give their speeches or collaborate with other students on projects via Zoom. Communication has been extremely important. I try to use our commons area and even our gym to spread out and give students mask breaks during class time.”

Smoky Valley’s James Henderson: Teacher of the Month

“I know it’s cliche, “They don’t care how much you know and until they know how much you care.”

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“I wish I could push myself like I did when I was 25, but I do okay for an old man,” said Henderson.

In his free time Henderson enjoys working out when time allows it.

FEBRUARY 2021

Since the spring of 2020, teaching and coaching have taken on a new look.

Henderson offers this advice to any student considering teaching as their profession.

“What I enjoy most about being an educator is developing positive relationships with the students and my colleagues,” said Henderson.

“Teaching is coaching, and coaching is teaching. Yes, you can carry techniques from the classroom onto the football field and the opposite is also true. Of course, I’m not teaching my math students to block and tackle. However, I am teaching both the math students and the football players how to be successful in the game of life,” said Henderson. ““I’ve been coaching and teaching in the Smoky Valley District for 32 years.”

James Henderson

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There are many things coach Henderson enjoys about being an educator.

Teaching in the classroom and on the football, field are one in the same for Henderson.

“My high school math teacher was a tremendous influence on me. Coincidentally, I grew up living across the street from him. Also, my father was a savvy businessman and really impressed upon me how important it was to be good at math to be successful in almost everything,” said Henderson.

“The current conditions have made it extremely difficult to teach math. I like to monitor my students as they work and provide specific feedback when they are in the classroom. The immediate feedback that you can provide them in person is so crucial for their learning. Most of the time, in a remote setting, it just isn’t feasible to provide that necessary immediate feedback,” said Henderson.

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James Henderson is a math teacher and football coach at Smoky Valley High School. Henderson started his teaching and coaching career in the fall of 1987. Like many of his peers, it was a teacher who influenced him to enter the profession.

BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHTS

Beloit-St. John Basketball By Matt Browning There are quite a few similarities between the boys and girl’s programs at Beloit/St. John’s-Tipton. Both teams are ranked in the VYPE Salina Power 10 Poll.

Both teams have rosters that possess the threat of making the 1A DII Tournament. But most importantly, the head coaches share the same last name. Lance and Leah Bergmann have been married for 13 years and 12 of those years Lance has been the head coach of the Blue Jays’ boy’s program. Leah took over the girls program last year. Needless to say, basketball is an important part of the Bergmann family.

“She (Leah) may only be in her second year, but she likes to let people know she has been calling the shots for all of my seasons,” Lance said. “We are a very competitive family and basketball is a passion of ours. Our four kids really enjoy us coaching and being around the game.”

The boy’s program has had tremendous

success over the past seven years. The Blue Jays made it to the 1A semifinals in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with a state championship in 2014. While they have not made the semifinals since 2016, they have gone 74-17 since 2017. This season’s team has dealt with adversity relating to the COVID-19 pandemic but has shown signs that make Lance encouraged.

“My expectations were to be a team that fought for everything and never gave up,” Lance said. “We hope to improve every day and outwork the teams we play. After watching the improvement from our football team’s first game to the last game, I was hoping to see the same improvement in basketball. Our expectations are high on defense and believe it will be key for us to win games and hopefully make a run late in the season.” Similar to the boy’s program, the Blue Jays’ girls program has had significant success over the past decade with state

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Abilene Basketball

By Matt Browning

Cowboys’ head coach, replacing longtime head man, Terry Taylor.

But that hasn’t stopped the Cowboys from flashing glimpses of their potential.

With a challenging schedule and the difficulty navigating a season amidst the pandemic, all Graefe is focusing on is making the Cowboys better on a daily basis.

The Abilene boys basketball team has already encountered two interruptions to their season before the end of the first semester thanks to COVID-19 and with the fluid nature of the season, more could be on the way. Abilene, which is a highly ranked team in the VYPE Salina-Area Power 10, defeated two schools (Southeast of Saline and Augusta) that were highly thought of in the preseason.

“In the first three games of the season we have shown glimpses of being a good team,” said head coach Erik Graefe. “Part of that inconsistency can be attributed to a couple of COVID interruptions, but we need to accept responsibility for the inconsistency as well.” This is Graefe’s first year as the

Bergmann family tournament appearances in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2018. They took a small step back last season going 16-6, but Leah thinks her team is continuing to build off her first season.

“I wanted to continue to build on the foundations we set last year,” Leah said. “Being a new coach, the girls had to learn and adjust to new things. With this being my second year, and having returning girls, I expected us to pick up where we left off and to continue to build off the progress we made last year.”

Graefe was the junior varsity coach under Taylor for six years and in that span, Abilene won its league six times and finished third at the 4A tournament in 2017.

“We want to become a program that competes with every opponent on our schedule,” Graefe said.

Abilene returned three starters this year in Kaleb Becker, Avery Bryson and Josh Stuber and they have been solid thus far as all three were averaging double figures as of press time. But there have also been others who have emerged as well.

Kaleb Becker “Blaise McVan, who in the past has been an offensive threat for us, has expanded his game and accepted the responsibility to be a defensive presence as well,” said Graefe. “Grant Heintz was huge for us in our win at Augusta.” McVan is averaging over seven points per game, while Heintz is averaging over three points per game.