VYPE Kansas – North Central Kansas February 2022

VYPE MAGAZINE IS SPONSORED AND DISTRIBUTED FREE TO KANSAS COMMUNITIES

AVAILABLE AT ADVANCED PT, COMMERCIAL TIRE, HOG WILD BBQ, THE ALLEY & ALL VYPE PARTNERS FEBRUARY 2022

WWW.KSVYPE.COM

FREE

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

Colby Rice MINNEAPOLIS

Hampton Williams SALINA CENTRAL

Avery McComber SALINA SOUTH

Elix Hernandez SALINA CENTRAL

Samuel Alam SACRED HEART

Emma Herrera CANTON-GALVA

Kennedy Adams BELOIT

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, Todd Reilly and Timothy Hawkes. 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

Student of the Month Canton-Galva’s Emma Herrera

By Matt Browning Emma Herrera of Canton-Galva was chosen as the Advanced Physical Therapy Athlete of the Month for February. Herrera plays volleyball, basketball, and softball for the Eagles.

During the volleyball season, Herrera cracked her tibia while stepping on a teammate’s foot and was sidelined from all physical activity until late November.

Advanced Physical Therapy was crucial in Herrera’s recovery.

“This place is amazing,” Herrera said. “I felt like the staff was my family every time I walked in. I felt safe and I knew I was going to get better with these ladies around me.”

There were multiple exercises and treatments Herrera thought were beneficial to her recovery.

“I think standing on one foot and doing calf raises, throwing the weight ball onto a trampoline on my left foot, and making sure I did all of my exercises three times a day really helped everything,” Herrera said. “That’s how my ankle got better. The constant repetition and wanting to get back into sports motivated me.”

Emma Herrera Aside from sports, Herrera also participates in FFA, student council, powerlifting and church youth group.

While she does not know where she wants to go to school, Herrera wants to get into medicine of some kind so she can help people or animals.

Meet Our Therapists!

JOE KNAPP, PT, DPT

LET US GET YOU

BACK IN

THE GAME

Your favorite sport: My favorite exercise is running!

Your favorite activity to get in easy movement: My favorite activity to get in some easier movements is yoga; however, I go to Gina's classes at Hot Asana and they are definitely not always easy!

SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR TO GET SCHEDULED!

Sports you did in high school: I played soccer competitively through high school.

What you treat or specialize in as a physical therapist: I love working in care and prevention of athletic injury in the adolescent athlete. I specifically like working with high school athletes because they are motivated to get better!

Your best tip for student athletes: My best advice for aspiring athletes is to focus more on recovery. Sleep and nutrition are the most important aspects of recovery. If these are not high priority, they need to be!

TO GET SCHEDULED WITH JOE, CALL 855.745.0278!

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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

Salina South’s Kayson Dietz

By Matt Browning Kayson Dietz, a wrestler from Salina South, was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month for February.

Dietz has been ranked all season in the 285-weight class.

“It is a great honor to be selected out of the many other athletes that were an option,” Dietz said.

Dietz, who took sixth at the 5A Tournament last season, has lost only one time this season.

“I feel like I am having a pretty good season so far,” Dietz said.

“I am 18-1 with my only loss being to Rio Gomez (Newton).

I am really looking forward to competing at our regional tournament and hopefully the 5A state tournament.”

Dietz’s main goal this season was to be a state champion, but he knew he had to improve a couple of areas first.

“A couple areas that needed some

Kayson Dietz improvement were leg attacks and my speed,” Dietz said.

Dietz also plays football and runs track for the Cougars.

At this time, Dietz is still undecided about where he wants to go to college, but he wants to play football at the next level and study sports medicine.

SALINA ORTHO MOM OF THE MONTH

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Southeast of Saline’s Amber Sawyers

4

There are always opportunities for parents to get involved with their child’s school activities. For Amber Sawyers, bringing her skill set to the training staff at Southeast of Saline is what made the most sense.

“I am an athletic trainer and Physician Assistant in Orthopedics. I love athletics and so giving back to take care of athletes is something I love to do,” said Sawyers.

As a PA for the varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, Sawyers has the opportunity to have a front row seat to watch her oldest son Eli play basketball. Alec is a freshman at Southeast of Saline and is a wrestler. Kain, a sixth grader and Colt, a fourth grader, both play football, basketball, and baseball for teams in the area.

Amber Sawyers “I have been involved with all sports. Since starting work in Salina, I have worked on the sidelines of football games as well as state volleyball, basketball, and wrestling. I am always available and have been approached to look at kids at many events,” said Sawyers.

“I just love helping athletes and making sure they can compete.”

The mom of four encourages other parents to get involved and enjoy watching their kids.

“You need to be involved with what your kids do. It keeps you connected to them and their friends and what is going on,” said Sawyers.

HELLAS SPOTLIGHT

Hellas Field of the Month:

City of Great Bend

GO !

Prep Performance of the Month

By Matt Browning The City of Great Bend’s five baseball and softball fields are the Hellas Construction Fields of the Month for February. The Great Bend School District, all city recreation programs and KCAC baseball and softball tournaments use the fields.

“Hellas has specs that sets them apart from other turf companies,” said Chris Umphres, the Assistant Superintendent and Sports Director of Great Bend Recreation. “Hellas has the ability to manufacture and install their own product. These required specs and the ability to get the job done at the level clients demand is a huge asset to cities, schools and recreation departments. There will always be a conflict with selling the decision makers on the benefit of why paying more for a project is worth it. Hellas is worth it.”

The specific turf used on the infields was Hellas Matrix Helix baseball/softball turf height and infill. Hellas put new turf on one full-sized baseball field, three softball fields and one multipurpose field, as well as building a new batting cage and bullpen.

“Hellas was done with our project one month before the deadline,” Umphres said. “Other surrounding communities are still waiting on products to show up on site.

Hellas has the ability to cut out the middleman on most of their products. This streamlined our project and created a great working relationship at every level of employee that had a hand in our project. You can bet that Great Bend will look to partner with Hellas for future projects because of the professionalism and quality of their products.”

Banquets, Booster activities & MORE!

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

Hog Wild Catering

::

Jonathan Dyke of Republic County was chosen as the Hog Wild Athlete of the Month for February. Dyke has been a highly ranked wrestler in the 152-weight class all season.

“I think my proudest moment this season so far has been how well my team and I did at our last dual tournament in Nebraska,” Dyke said. “Our school had numerous illnesses going around the week preceding that tournament, plus it was the first tournament for us following winter break. We were shorthanded and hadn’t gotten much practice. I believe we were missing six or seven varsity wrestlers due to illnesses by the second day of the two-day tournament. My team and I wrestled very well and managed to still take third out of around ten teams. I’m just proud to be part of a team that didn’t back down against such adversity.”

Dyke had two specific goals this season and he has already accomplished one.

“One goal I had was to get my 100 wins, which I reached at our home round robin dual tournament before winter break,” Dyke said. “My last goal for the season is to win state, which I think I have a good chance at this year.”

Outside of wrestling, Dyke also plays football and golf for Republic County. He is also involved in NHS, FBLA, FCA, KAYS and Spanish Club.

Dyke plans to attend Kansas State next season and perhaps wrestle in intramural.

VYPE KANSAS

HELLAS PROVIDES FULL SERVICE SPORTS CONSTRUCTION from manufacturing to design/build, construction to installation, service and maintenance — we have you covered from start to finish.

Jonathan Dyke, Republic County

:: FEBRUARY 2022

2525 Market Place · 785-825-2222

Order online at

GoHogWild.com

VYPEKS.COM

Michelle Kuhns | mkuhns@hellasconstruction.com hellasconstruction.com

::

BUILDING FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH

5

PGR IERSLES ABSO OW N LBI N OG W LSIPNOGT LP IOGLHL TS

Salina South’s

Nina Frees

By Matt Browning

Nina Frees of Salina South had a successful 2021 bowling season, finishing 30th at the 5-1A Tournament.

This season, though, Frees has bigger aspirations and it all starts with being a leader on the Cougars team.

“My goals for this season is to compete and win with my team,” Frees said. “And push each other to become better bowlers mentally and physically.”

Frees had two areas of her game she felt like needed to be worked

on in the offseason in order for her success to continue and even grow this season.

“Some things I am focused on improving this year would be staying more accurate when throwing different lines on the lane,” Frees said. “My weaknesses were not figuring out the bowling pattern till the middle of the first game. So figuring it out before the first game starts would

Nina Frees help a lot.”

Outside of bowling, Frees also plays golf and softball for Salina South. Next season, Frees plans on playing softball and majoring in criminal justice at the University of Central Missouri.

B OY S B OW L I N G S P O T L I G H T

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Salina South’s

6

Campbell Peterson

By Matt Browning

Campbell Peterson of Salina South took 48th at the 5-1A State Bowling Tournament last season and has big plans for this season.

“My goals for this season are to achieve a first-place finish in at least one meet and to make state with my team,” Peterson said.

There were some fundamentals that Peterson focused on improving over the offseason so that the goals he set forth could be more attainable.

“I am working to improve my ball speed and consistency,” Peterson

said. “During the off-season, the main thing I worked on was following through with my arm.”

Getting to the state tournament as a team is important for Peterson and he thinks the Cougars have the firepower to not only get there but make some noise too.

“I think that our team will be contenders at the state tournament,” Peterson said. “When

Campbell Peterson our team is focused, we have the potential to do very well at meets and at regionals.”

Peterson also runs cross country and track at Salina South, but when he gets to college he wants to bowl. At this time, he has no plans as to where that will be.

A SCHOLARSHIP FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN

ARE YOU:

• A 2022 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR • HAVE A 2.75 OR ABOVE CUMULATIVE G.P.A. • INTERESTED IN TECHNICAL OR GENERAL EDUCATION • ENROLLING IN A FULL TIME SCHEDULE (12 HOURS) • STARTING CLASSES IN FALL 2022

YOU QUALIFY!

APPLY NOW JULY 1, 2022

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE LIMITED! DEADLINE IS:

Find out more by visiting WSUTECH.edu/FutureYou

VISIT WICHITA TEAM OF THE MONTH

Ell-Saline Girls Basketball

By Matt Browning The Ell-Saline girls basketball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for February. The Cardinals traveled to Hutchinson Trinity and Remington throughout league play defeating the Celtics and falling to the Broncos.

Ell-Saline has been ranked in the VYPE basketball rankings throughout the month of January after winning only six games last season.

“Most of these girls played on a very successful softball team and know how winning feels,” said head coach Bill Gies. “We are benefiting from that now as well as from the girls being more comfortable with their role on the team.”

Defense and rebounding are vital

to the Cardinals success and four players lead the way in those areas: Sadie Bradley, Raleigh Kramer, Bayleigh Schneider and Keala Wilson.

“Senior Sadie Bradley is a solid defensive player along with Raleigh Kramer, who works hard on the boards and contributes points as well,” Gies said. “Bayleigh Schneider has been scoring more as of late and has been important. Keala Wilson has been great on the boards all season.”

SALINA AREA WRESTLING SPOTLIGHT

While the marked improvement has been a nice accomplishment for the Cardinals, there is still plenty left to achieve this season.

“Our goal is to be in the top four of our league and to represent our school in the state tournament this year,” Gies said. “Improving on last year is what we planned on, worked for. We are having more success than the last couple of seasons, but we have bigger plans.”

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Salina Central’s Elix Hernandez

8

By Matt Browning Elix Hernandez of Salina Central was voted the Salina Area Preseason Wrestler of the Year. He received over 6,000 votes which was more than 36 percent of the overall vote.

“It means a lot to me to be able to win this poll because there were some great wrestlers in this voting and some of them I’ve grown up wrestling with,” Hernandez said. “It makes me feel great to know I have the respect and support throughout the state, not only just my school, family and community in my 12 years of wrestling. It’s definitely been easier to compete knowing you’ve got that kind of support behind you.”

Last season, Hernandez took fourth

at regionals, third at substate and then fifth at the 5A Tournament.

He finished with a record of 9-6 due to missing half of the season because of injury.

Staying healthy is a key focus for Hernandez this season which could lead to even more success.

“My goals for this season are to have an injury-free season, compete all

Elix Hernandez year, finish at least in the top three at state and be a senior leader to my team,” Hernandez said.

After graduation Hernandez plans on joining the Marine Corps.

DRIVE TO ZERO

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Kennedy Adams, Beloit High School Beloit High School junior Kennedy Adams is a very active student-athlete. Last year she joined the SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) Program, which is designed to helped educate the importance of seatbelt safety to other students. For Adams, being a role model to her peers is important.

“I wanted to get involved in more school activities and thought SAFE would be a great place to start. I like what SAFE stands for and wanted to be a good role model for those younger than me,” said Adams. “I have enjoyed working with my peers to find ways to promote safe driving. The main message we try to convey is the importance of wearing your seatbelt no matter what.”

“Our school has been very lucky, and we are still able to meet as a whole group periodically. We just did a prize giveaway sponsored by SAFE for our students and it was a lot of fun,” said Adams.

While a member of the Spanish Club, Science Club, B Club and History Club, somehow Adams will find the time to participate in cheer and track this spring. Once she graduates from Beloit High School, Adams plans to attend college and major in

Elementary Education. She enjoys spending her free time with friends and family.

VYPE KANSAS

During the pandemic, the members of SAFE continue to

work to keep their fellow students aware of the importance of seatbelt safety.

:: NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

:: FEBRUARY 2022

::

www.ktsro.org/impaired-driving

VYPEKS.COM

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

9

GIRLS BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT

Area Girls Basketball

Loaded w i t h Ta l e nt

By Matt Browning Andover Central girls basketball coach Stana Jefferson has seen

many talented players in the state over her tenure with the Jaguars.

From Jackie McFarland at Derby to Erika Mattingly at Wichita South

to Central’s very own Tiffany Bias, Jefferson has coached or coached against some of the state’s best during the 21st century.

But the talent currently in the Wichita and Salina areas can

certainly rival any other time period.

In VYPE’s coverage area alone,

there are currently 11 confirmed

players who have either committed or are being recruited by Division

I schools and four more who have either committed or are being

recruited by Division II schools. the season, too.

This does not include the past two

years, which saw three City League players (Laniah Randle, Taylor

Jameson and Ella Anciaux) sign

and Karenna Gerber) sign with Division II schools.

Needless to say, this era of Kansas

girls basketball will be looked back as a golden one.

“The quality of girls basketball is probably as high as it’s ever

both Division I players. Archer

12-15 players play at the D1 and

list to Iowa State, Kansas State,

coach Casey Carlson said. “Just in

this area alone I could see at least

D2 level over the next two to three years.”

Let’s take a look at the players who have already committed

to Division I or II schools or are actively being recruited:

-Zyanna Walker from Wichita Heights has committed to

Louisville. Walker, who is ranked No. 38 in the nation according to

ESPN.com, did not play last season due to a knee injury. Walker’s

teammate Cayanna Stanley has trimmed her list of schools to

two Division I programs and one Division II program.

-Brittany Harshaw

Creighton. Harshaw was

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

a first team all-state

selection last year while averaging 18 points

and six rebounds per game. Ellie Stearns,

Harshaw’s teammate,

has committed to Fort

Ava Jones Clearwater

Hampton Williams Salina Central

been in the state,” said Clearwater

has committed to

:: VYPE KANSAS

10

more area players (Kylee Scheer

from Andover Central

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

That number is likely to grow after

with Division I schools and two

Hays State.

-Derby’s Maryn Archer and Addy Brown are

has committed to Arkansas,

while Brown has trimmed her

Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas Tech. Brown was a first team

all-state player last season, while

Archer sat out due to a knee injury, but was all-state as a freshman.

-Ava Jones from Nickerson has

committed to Arizona State. Just a junior, Jones put up monster

numbers last season. She averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds and was named first team all-state.

-Salina Central’s Aubrie Kierscht

has committed to Navy, after her all-state season a year ago. Her

teammates, Mykayla Cunningham,

has interest from multiple Division I and Division II schools, while

Hampton Williams has committed to Abilene Christian.

-Teammates Carli Carlson and

Elizabeth Tjaden from Clearwater are getting looks from mid major Division I programs, as well as high-end Division II schools.

Carlson’s recruiting has picked

up now that she is fully healthy

following a season-ending knee injury last year. Tjaden is just a sophomore.

Aubrie Kierscht Salina Central -Avery Lowe from Maize South has committed to Kearney University,

a Division II program that won the MIAA last season.

-Maycee James from Goddard had several Division II looks, but ultimately chose Butler

Community College and will likely get the same kind of offers when she moves on from Butler.

-Winfield sophomore Aleah Moree is starting to see the recruiting process for her pick up, as she

is getting Division II looks, but

Division I schools are monitoring her development.

With all of this talent in the

area, Jefferson thinks it has and

will continue to do wonders for the younger generation of girls interested in basketball.

“It is absolutely an incredible

thing for the younger generation watching these girls play and

receive lots of attention and be

on center stage,” Jefferson said.

“Watching them receive college

scholarships has to motivate them to strive to reach those goals. It is great for the game.”

B A S K E T B A L L P OW E R R A N K I N G S

VYPE Power Rankings as of February 1

BOYS Salina Area Hillsboro (1) Hanover (2) Inman (3) SE-Saline (6) Solomon (5) Elyria Christian (4) Abilene (8) Salina Sacred Heart (9) Moundridge (10) Clifton-Clyde (NR) Others: Beloit, Concordia, Council Grove, Goessel, Little River, McPherson, Sterling Wichita Large School Andover Central (3)

Andover (4) Buhler (5)

Wichita Northwest (7) Andale (8)

Maize South (NR) Derby (NR)

Others: Circle, Clearwater,

Maize, Rose Hill, Wichita South Wichita Southeast, Clearwater Wichita Small School

GIRLS Salina Area Sterling (1) Salina Central (2) Little River (4) Smoky Valley (8)

Cheney (1)

SE-Saline (5)

Hesston (2)

Norwich (3)

Wichita Collegiate (4) Berean Academy (5)

Dexter/Cedar Vale (6) Remington (7)

Haven (8)

Wichita Trinity (NR)

Others: Attica,

McPherson (3) Ell-Saline (6) Clay Center (NR) Hanover (9) Others: Beloit/St. John’s Tipton, Bennington, Clifton-Clyde, Elyria Christian, Goessel, Herington, Hillsboro

Independent

Wellington (2)

Conway, Springs,

Sedgwick, Wichita

School Derby (1)

Goddard (9)

Hutchinson (3)

East, Winfield, Wichita Small School

Berean Academy (3) Cheney (9)

Nickerson (1)

Pretty Prairie (6) Norwich (2)

Bluestem (7)

Hutchinson Central Christian (5)

South Haven (8) Attica (NR)

Garden Plain (4)

Others: Burrton, Chaparral, Fairfield, Flinthills, Haven, Oxford, Remington

VYPEKS.COM

Wichita Heights (5)

Others: Circle, Maize, Wichita

::

Bishop Carroll (4)

Wichita Southeast (6)

FEBRUARY 2022

Wichita Large

Clearwater (10)

::

Caldwell,

Andale (8)

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

(10)

Moundridge (7)

Andover Central (7)

::

Wichita Classical

Frank Wichert Hillsboro

Spencer Coup Solomon

Valley Center (10)

VYPE KANSAS

Kapaun Mount Carmel (1)

Wichita Heights (2)

11

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Dusty Trail

12

In his 27th year of teaching and coaching at Bishop Carroll High School, former Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon and current Bishop Carroll head football coach Dusty Trail has spent a career teaching some of the same lessons he learned from his former coach and father to his student-athletes over the years.

sophomore year in college in my hometown of Osborne, Kansas and started coaching football at Fort Hays State University after I was done playing,” Trail said. I coached at FHSU for four years then started my high school coaching career in Princeton, TX. I coached there for two years before heading to Bishop Carroll.”

“My dad was probably my biggest mentor and influence in getting me into the profession. At HCC my two biggest influences, who got me thinking about coaching, were Tom Saia and Pat Becher. They both coached me at HCC, because I did track there as well. They helped form me into the type of coach I wanted to be, later on, because of the type of family men they were and what they taught me about being a positive influence on those around you,” said Trail.

The former quarterback turned safety remembers what it was like to be a student-athlete in high school and being focused on the moment, not recruiting.

The coaching path for Trail started while he was still in college.

“I started coaching baseball summer leagues after my

“Back in the day, I don’t remember thinking about trying to get noticed by colleges. I was just trying to be the best player and teammate I could be to help the team win a championship,” Trail said. “Getting noticed just kind of happened because of that. I think the same attitude is still true today, but now there are a lot more avenues for self-promotion with social media.

I think this makes it much harder on college coaches to identify the players they want because they

now get inundated with highlight reels of players from all over the country, at all levels, that want that opportunity, and it can be overwhelming for them. Athletic talent will always get recognized first, so put time and energy into making yourself the best athlete you can possibly be.”

For coach Trail, his time at Hutchinson CC was a special one.

“HCC is a great place because of the community support and the tight knit community feel. I felt at home in Hutchinson, got help and support from some great local people, and made some great friends there,” Trail said. “My advice for new players would be to embrace the culture and the community in Hutchinson and do your best to make a positive impact on that culture and in the community. You will come out of it with a truly positive experience for yourself which will impact your life in the future and enrich the football program and the community as a whole.”

COMMERCIAL TIRE’S CALL OF THE WILD

Bennington’s Trista Watson Bennington High School senior Trista Watson is well known for her exploits on the court. From basketball to volleyball, Watson is a versatile player no matter which ball is being tossed around. She’s also a member of the track team and the cheer squad. On the basketball team, Watson can play guard or post, depending on what head coach Tracy Piepho needs on the floor. It’s a family atmosphere at Bennington.

“Basketball is a great way to have fun with friends. My teammates are all so supportive, caring and fun. I love the family atmosphere the most,” Watson said.

Outside of sports Watson also enjoys being part of the SAFE program, Mentor Magic, FFA, FCA, and National Honor Society. She also loves the outdoors.

“I love being outdoors,” Watson said.

“All my favorite hobbies involve the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping and the sun. I have been around hunting my whole life but in the last two year I have done a lot more pheasant and deer hunting. It all started with a family friend asking me to go pheasant hunting with them.”

Trista Watson This year she spent deer hunting season chasing a 12-point buck that eventually got away. But Watson said it’s important for everyone to take care of the land and understand why it’s important to harvest wild game.

“I believe it is important that people take care of the land and game so that we can continue to hunt and keep the animals safe while helping to regulate a healthy population.”

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: Avery McComber

:: VYPEKS.COM

The senior plans to attend the University of Kansas next fall and, of course, join the bowling club.

FEBRUARY 2022

I think about the changes I need to make to strike more and get my ball to react the way I want it to. I also enjoy being able to compete alongside my closest friends and our ability to help one another out,” said McComber.

::

“I enjoy being able to grow as I compete. Every day I hit the lanes

Avery McComber

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

McComber is active at Salina South.

She serves as the HOSA President and BPA Vice-President. She is a member of the Drama Club, Link Crew and Mathletes. She also played golf her sophomore year.

::

“I thought it looked interesting with Mr. White from Computer Apps II along with a few bowlers in the class. They all said wonderful things and I truly just wanted something to do,” said McComber. “I love the atmosphere and chemistry the girl’s team has at South High. We all bowl on the same league year-round and have the same classes. We’ve been together for years now and they are all my friends. Other teams only hang out during their respective seasons.

It’s not like that with bowling.”

VYPE KANSAS

During her freshman year, Avery McComber decided she wanted to join the bowling team after speaking with a teacher and a few members of the team.

13

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Augusta Wrestling

By Matt Browning The Augusta wrestling team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for February. The Orioles have won every tournament they have competed in so far, including their own tournament, where Smoky Valley was in the field.

“We are having a good season up to this point,” Augusta head coach Brandon Terry said. “We have won all three tournaments we have competed in. More importantly, our kids are hungry, working hard, and having fun.”

The Orioles have had five wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes throughout the entire season, including Marcus Terry and Garrett Davis, who have been No. 1 or No. 2 all season.

Augusta has the depth to be a factor at the Class 4A Tournament.

“I feel like we have a shot if the cards fall the right way,” Terry said. “We are trying not to worry about anything other than working hard, getting better, and having fun along the way.”

The Orioles have 13 juniors on their roster and four of their ranked wrestlers are juniors.

“Eight of our 14 varsity wrestlers are juniors, so we do have a lot of experience in the junior class,” Terry said. “We have 13 juniors on our team and many of them have wrestled together since they started out as six & eight year olds.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA Visit Wichita celebrates the athletes in our community and applauds their dedication. We’re proud to cheer them on, and we’re excited to bring a variety of action-packed sporting events to Wichita – the heart of the country. Here are a few you won’t want to miss: • March 26 & 28: NCAA – Women’s Basketball Championship • 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 at 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

SPORTS THRIVE IN WICHITA. Come out and see 250 of the best college wrestlers in the nation right here in Wichita. Purchase tickets to the NAIA Wrestling Championship, March 4-5, at Hartman Arena.

MARCH 4 - 5

UGH EVE O R RY TH

WE LOVE SPORTS. .

TWIS T & TURN

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’ Colby Rice

By Matt Browning Colby Rice of Minneapolis was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month for February. Rice is currently playing basketball for the Lions.

“It is an honor to be given this award and I am very grateful for it,” Rice said. “It means a lot to me because I am not the type of person who is used to getting a lot of recognition as a student-athlete.

I strive to do what is right when no one is watching.”

Rice wanted to focus on his leadership this season for Minneapolis and that leadership has been crucial because the Lions have struggled so far.

“I know we haven’t been playing up to our full potential,” Rice said.

“Although we are a senior-led team we don’t have a lot of varsity experience from previous years.

That leads me to what I am looking forward to the most which is seeing

Colby Rice how we grow and improve as a team and individually.”

Rice also plays football and baseball at Minneapolis and outside of sports he is also the treasurer of National Honor Society and is the president of the Leadership Team.

Next year Rice is going to play baseball at Tabor and wants to pursue a major in Sports Management or Secondary Education (math).

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

WICHITA COLLEGIATE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

16

Engage.

Encourage.

Empower.

Come for a visit and learn why Wichita Collegiate Spartans win both on the field and in the classroom.

9115 East 13th Street phone: 316.634.0433 visit: www.wcsks.com

Wichita Collegiate’s Haley Allen

By Matt Browning Haley Allen, who plays basketball, was chosen the Collegiate Athlete of the Month for February. Allen plays a significant role for the Lady Spartans.

“My experience at Collegiate has been great,” Allen said. “I love the atmosphere of the school.”

Allen, who started coming to Collegiate as a freshman, has arecommendation for any student interested in attending Collegiate concerning the dynamic between the students and teachers.

“I would encourage them (prospective students) to come to Collegiate It has given me so many opportunities and amazing experiences,” Allen said. “The teachers all have the student’s best interests in mind and want to see them succeed.”

Outside of basketball, Allen also participates in volleyball at Collegiate.

Outside of sports, she is heavily involved in Young Life.

“The school has a large community involved with Young Life and it’s a great environment to be in,” Allen said.

Haley Allen Next year, Allen will be attending the University of Arkansas and plans to major in Business or Economics.

COACH OF THE MONTH 520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 • Salina, KS 785-452-7366

Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic’s Coach of the Month: Clay Center’s Brandon Pigorsch

By Matt Browning Brandon Pigorsch, the wrestling coach of Clay Center, was chosen as the Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic’s Coach of the Month for February.

The Tigers are one of the top ranked teams in Class 4A.

“My philosophy is to create a diligent and hard-working mindset within my athletes,” Pigorsch said.

“I get my athletes to realize how wrestling can relate to their life outside of the sport and how many of the skills that they learn as wrestlers can help them become successful adults. I preach to the wrestlers to never give up and to

always give a courageous effort.”

Pigorsch is in his 12th year at Clay Center after spending one year as an assistant at York College in Nebraska. He teaches Special Education at Clay Center Middle School.

His greatest accomplishment as the head coach is winning the 2010 state championship.

This season, the Tigers have a deep and talented roster that can be a contender if they continue to improve according to Pigorsch.

“My expectations are to improve each week as the season progresses,” Pigorsch said. “I

feel that our team is young and talented with lots of room to grow and make improvements.

If our team can make the right improvements, I feel that we can be a top 3 team in Class 4A.”

Move forward with us.

Education and collaboration with our patients are priorities because

The orthopedic care you need to keep moving forward.

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

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.

::

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

VYPE KANSAS

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.

:: FEBRUARY 2022

Orthopedic Surgeon

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

VYPEKS.COM

Travis Rump, D.O.

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

::

Timothy Hawkes, D.O.

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon

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

17

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 Samuel Alam

By Matt Browning Samuel Alam of Salina Sacred Heart was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month for February. Alam plays basketball for the Knights.

“This is a really cool thing,” Alam said. “I am honored and excited to be chosen for this.”

Alam said he has seen significant growth in his game since the start of the season and that the defensive side of the floor has been his focus.

“If I’m unable to be much help on the offensive end then I can make up for it by being great at defense which definitely helps my team,” Alam said. “I enjoy defense more than offense, so I always love to improve on defense.”

Alam also plans to play tennis this spring for Salina Sacred Heart, and he is a part of Culture Club, Chess Club and is a Junior Civilian.

Even though he still has a few years

Samuel Alam to think about what he wants to do with his life, Alam already has a clear-cut plan.

“My future plans are to either become a chemical engineer because I like learning about chemistry and I think I would enjoy it,” Alam said. “If I don’t do that then I will go into something that deals with finance and business.

I love learning about money and investing so I think that would also be a really fun career. I would like to go to college at either the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.”

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

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Salina Central’s Hampton Williams

18

Salina Central’s Hampton Williams is a two-sport athlete in basketball, and volleyball for the Lady Mustangs. She has been a four-year letter winner in both sports. This season Hampton is one of four seniors leading the team on the basketball court. Last season she was named to second team AllAVCTL as a junior and led the Lady Mustangs in rebounds.

Listed as a forward, Hampton is versatile enough to play multiple positions and is being recruited at both the small forward and power forward positions.

“I can play anywhere on the court,” she said. “I was recruited to play a 3 or 4 position and I plan on playing for Abilene Christian University in Texas where I want to be a pre-med major.”

Hampton is known for being relentless on the court and working hard on every play with or without the ball. Her passion for the game is obvious when you watch her play and the relationships she’s built with teammates comes through on the court.

Hampton Williams “I love how my teammates support one another and how we hold each other accountable. They are some of my best friends and that makes it fun to just go out there and play,” said Hampton.

Away from school, Hampton said she enjoys visiting her brothers, working out and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys getting out and seeing new things.

Sign your name,

earn $1,000!

•Apply to Salina Tech

by March 30 •Join our Signing Day event on April 14 •Sign your Letter of Intent •Earn a $1,000 scholarship for 2022-23

Fastest-growing college in Kansas!

785-309-3100 | salinatech.edu

Order Your Copy at WWW.VYPEKS.COM

SALINA ORTHO SIGNINGS

Dotted Line..... 2022 Signings

Avery Haxton, Ellsworth Tabor College - Basketball

Burton Harshman, Marion HS Kansas Wesleyan - Track & Field

Ella Gotti, Sacred Heart Kansas Wesleyan - Soccer

Lauren Aden, Inman HS Hutchinson CC - Cross Country

Madison Burge, Inman HS Hutchinson CC - Cheer

Reagan Brake, Inman HS Ohio Wesleyan - Volleyball

Evie Elder, McPherson HS John Brown - XC and Track

Lexi Milne, Inman HS Tabor College - Dance and Cheer

Trey Buckbee, McPherson HS Drake University - Football

VYPE KANSAS

:: NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

:: FEBRUARY 2022

:: VYPEKS.COM

21

SALINA ORTHO SIGNINGS

VYPE KANSAS

::

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

::

FEBRUARY 2022

::

VYPEKS.COM

Dotted Line..... 2022 Signings

22

Emily Whorton, McPherson Wichita State University - Track and Field

Grace Witte, McPherson Central Community College - Soccer

Olivia Rodriguez-McPherson McPherson College - Soccer

Sophia Herrera, McPherson Colby Community College - Softball

Sydney Achilles, McPherson Washburn University - Soccer

Tailynn Buettgenbach, McPherson Emporia State University - Track and Field

T N E M E V E ACHI CTION A F S I SAT

AND

.

M R O F I N U L OO H C S H G I H R OU Y H T I W E M O C

Kansas VYPE KANSAS

:: NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

:: FEBRUARY 2022

:: VYPEKS.COM

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

23 NIA-019-2015Campaign-PrintAd-Softball-8.5x11-FNL-AllUp.indd 17

RES:

press ready

12/15/14 11:06 AM

A SCHOLARSHIP FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN

ARE YOU:

• A 2022 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR • HAVE A 2.75 OR ABOVE CUMULATIVE G.P.A. • INTERESTED IN TECHNICAL OR GENERAL EDUCATION • ENROLLING IN A FULL TIME SCHEDULE (12 HOURS) • STARTING CLASSES IN FALL 2022

YOU QUALIFY!

APPLY NOW JULY 1, 2022

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE LIMITED! DEADLINE IS:

Find out more by visiting WSUTECH.edu/FutureYou