VYPE Kansas – North Central Kansas June 2021

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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: Sierra Gropp

By Matt Browning Sierra Gropp of Concordia was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month for June. Gropp runs the 100-meter and 200-meter for the Panthers’ track and field team.

Insure carefully, dream fearlessly.

Gropp has taken second place twice in each the 100 and 200 this season.

“I am pretty satisfied with how my season has been so far,” Gropp said. “Something I would like to improve before the season comes to an end is my 200m time.”

Gropp started running track in eighth grade and she knew she had a chance to be good.

Sierra Gropp

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

“I pretty much just fell in love with the sport from the beginning,” Gropp said.

“I had competed in gymnastics for many years beforehand so I was pretty athletic to begin with which helped me out a bunch.”

It is easy for Gropp to stay in shape throughout the year, as she is involved in multiple activities.

“In the summer, I participate in the weights program offered by the high school,” Gropp said. “I also coach gymnastics which gives me the opportunity to work out with the gymnasts. Throughout the fall and winter seasons, I stay in shape by cheering.”

Gropp is going to cheer at Cloud County Community College next year and plans to later transfer to Kansas State, where she wants to major in Kinesiology.

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WICHITA WIZARDS

WichitaWizardsBasketball

By Matt Browning

At the time he was living in Grove, OK, recently resigned as the general manager of the professional basketball team in Tulsa.

JUNE 2021

“In mid-September I moved and by October 1st, I announced the team at a news conference with then Mayor Longwell,” Creed said.

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He realized he would have to move to Wichita in order to get the franchise going.

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In May of 2018, Mark Creed formed the Wichita Wizards from the ground up.

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For the rest of 2018, Creed and his staff worked on administrative aspects of the franchise before having the inaugural tryouts in November of 2018. From that tryout they weeded the roster from 81 players to 21.

There were additional cuts in January of 2019 to wean the roster to 16 players.

Now in 2021, the Wizards roster consists of six players from Wichita: Terrence Moore, Brison White, Briston White, Dee Garland, Kevin Gunter and Kaelon Gary.

“It means a lot to me to be able to play in front of the city and make history of being the longest professional basketball

Wichita Wizards team here in Wichita,” said Moore, who played at Heights. “I believe there is a high level of talent in our league, and as our league grows it can only get better from here on out.”

Jermaine Brown, who believes this Wizards team can contend for a championship, coaches the Wizards.

They started the season 5-0.

“It’s been great,” Moore said. “The guys

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

Smoky Valley’s Tanner Luttig: Salina Area Outdoors Spotlight Smoky Valley senior Tanner Luttig loves the sport of wrestling thanks to his grandfather who also taught him a love for the outdoors. “My Grandpa Mike fueled my passion for hunting and fishing at a very young age. He has helped me learn so much about hunting, fishing and life. My brother, Trevor Whittaker has also influenced me. He is my wrestling coach and mentor. We have spent a lot of time together between the wrestling room and hunting,” said Luttig. “I tagged along with my Grandpa when I was old enough to walk but started hunting deer and turkey when I was eight. I started fishing as soon as I could hold a fishing pole.”

me-field ge starts here.

Luttig said he does prefer one activity over the other, but has fun doing both when the opportunity presents itself. “I prefer hunting because I love the anticipation, rush and intensity of hunting. It is very rewarding to harvest game. Fishing is wayMedicine more laid-back and relaxing, Sports is proud to behowever the still rewarding,” said Luttig.

c and o area high schools and colleges.

Every hunter and fisherman have great stories and Luttig is no different.

“I’llHawkes, never D.O. Timothy forget the first time I spooked a deer in the stand, and it scared me more than I scared Sports Medicine and

it. It snorted and almost fell out ofinjuries, the stand,” said Luttig.

Orthopedic Surgeon hat includes education to Iprevent sports sports Being outdoors and around is where Luttig nd preservation of damaged joints nature through surgery andis most comfortable. “I enjoy nature

and getting to observe animals in their surroundings. I enjoy being free and listening to all the sounds of nature,” said Luttig. “Hunting land is sacred. If we don’t respect and iagnosis and ligament, taketreatment care of theof land, we won’tcartilage have landand to hunt and fish on. I want to be able to pass on to myand kidsknee. someday.” e treatmentmyofpassion shoulder, hip Dr. Pyle specializes

ne, including sports-related ultrasound-guided Away from the deer injuries, stand Luttig is involved in other activities including Kays, 4-H g, and other general as fatigue, Club and hissports church.medicine This year such he is serving as the 4H president. As a member of the gement. wrestling team, Luttig said he loves how close he is with his teammates. “Teammates

and coaches become family. I have been wrestling since I was four years old, so I have a

ertified athletic trainers family. and physical therapists to work large extended They would do anything for me, and I’d do the same,” said Luttig.

Matthew Pyle, D.O. school, on the field or in our clinic, Salina Regional After high school, Luttig plans to attend Bethany College for two years and wrestlePhysician Sports Medicine ne has everything you need to get back in the game and before going to Fort Hays State University where he will pursue a degree in Animal Science.

G Y M N A S T I C S S P OT L I G H T

Augusta’s Keira Wells: Gymnastics Spotlight Cody Moon, ATC

Evan Bowers, ATC

Shelby Barrett, ATC

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“I guess it’s always come fairly easy to me but it takes a lot of work to learn new skills and perfect them,” Wells said.

Abe Noll, ATC

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Keira Wells of Augusta has always felt like gymnastics has come naturally to her. She has participated in gymnastics since she was three years old.

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Wells spent the majority of her time from December to May practicing and competing in meets.

“We practice about 22 to 24 hours a week,” Wells said. “In the summer we up the hours of training. We practice in the mornings during summer and learn new skills.”

The hard work has certainly paid off for Wells this year as she has accomplished much and has earned significant accolades.

the National Honor Society.”

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Wells hopes to attend college at a Division I University and wants to be a coach for highlevel gymnasts one day.

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

“I am a member of First Baptist Church in Augusta and I volunteer in children’s church there,” Wells said. “I am also a member of

JUNE 2021

Outside of gymnastics, Wells is also active at the high school and community.

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“It was my third time qualifying for the J.O Nationals,” Wells said. “I got a 10.0 on vault and was the back-to-back champ on vault at nationals, and I placed sixth in the allaround out of the nation for my age group.”

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SALINA AREA SPRING SPORTS

SalinaCentral’sWillRyan: Golf Spotlight

By Matt Browning

improved and with repetition my accuracy has come around too.”

Will Ryan of Salina Central was a state-qualifying golfer for the Mustangs this season.

“My game started out rough, but as the season progressed it has definitely improved,” Ryan said. “I shot an 81 at league and followed that up with a 77 at regionals and qualified for state.”

Ryan has significantly grown physically over his four years at Salina Central, which has allowed his length off the tee to become a strength of his game.

“The strongest part of my game is 100% my long drives,” Ryan said. “As I have grown my length off the tee has greatly

Overall, Ryan’s game has improved dramatically from where it was as a freshman.

“Despite losing last year’s season to COVID, I feel my game has improved quite a bit since freshman year,” Ryan said. “My average is about 15 strokes better than it was freshman season.”

Ryan also played soccer for four years at Salina Central.

Next year, he will be attending the University of Kansas, where he plans on majoring in Chemical Engineering.

VYPE North Central Kansas Locations

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

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

Digital Edition Available On WWW.VYPEKS.COM

Student of the Month Kody Neel – Maize South

By Matt Browning Kody Neel of Maize South was chosen as the Advanced Physical Therapy Athlete of the Month for June. Neel completely tore his ACL during his first soccer game of the season last fall and had a small avulsion fracture of the patella using a quad tendon graft to repair.

Neel said he was pleased with Advanced PT and the work they did to build his knee back up.

“I liked the pool and being able to see my leg as we were working,” Neel said. “My

mom liked that they were compassionate but firm about the work I had to do, and didn’t stop just because it was hard for me.”

Neel said there was one particular exercise that he liked the most.

“Early on I felt the straight leg raises were most helpful because I needed to learn to do that just to even get out of bed,” Neel said. “Later when I was working on strength, the clam shells and single leg squats were helpful.”

If he were to recommend Advanced PT, Neel said he would talk about the relationship they have with their patients.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Thomas Hunt, PT, DPT

With COVID, many have become sedentary in their ways. Prolonged periods of lack of activity can have many harmful effects not only for your physical health, but also mental health. Numerous studies have shown the correlation between decreased physical activity and those suffering from depression or other mental disorders.

How does physical activity affect our mental health? Exercise helps properly regulate the “positive” neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are associated with improved mental and biological health. Exercise also helps maintain one of the “negative” neurotransmitters, cortisol, that is commonly associated with stress. While Cortisol is important for short periods of time, it is not for chronic situations and can have harmful effects on the body.

In addition, exercise helps improve quality of sleep. If you are not sleeping well, you are probably in trouble. A lot of good research lately has linked poor sleep quality as a precursor to other chronic conditions.

Exercising in your home is a simple way to get physical. The nice thing is you can keep workouts simple without use of any equipment. Examples of exercises you can do within the home include squats, yoga, walking up and down stairs,

playing with your children or pet, push ups and many more!

Any movement is beneficial for you.

In conclusion, this time of year is rough, and it is tough on all of us in many ways, especially in the middle of the pandemic. Try and get moving and physically active in any way you can. Physical activity is not just good for you physically but also mentally. If you are struggling to find creative ways to workout within your home, please reach out to one of our therapists and we would be happy to lead you in the right direction!

Respectfully, Thomas Hunt, PT, DPT. Citations: Kim SY, Park JH, Lee MY, Oh KS, Shin DW, Shin YC. Physical activity and the prevention of depression: A cohort study. Gen Hosp Psychiatry.

2019 Sep-Oct;60:90-97. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.07.010.

Epub 2019 Jul 26. PMID: 31376646.

Carek PJ, Laibstain SE, Carek SM. Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2011;41(1):15-28. doi: 10.2190/PM.41.1.c. PMID: 21495519.

Rebar AL, Stanton R, Geard D, Short C, Duncan MJ, Vandelanotte C. A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations. Health Psychol Rev. 2015;9(3):366-78. doi: 10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901. Epub 2015 Jul 3. PMID: 25739893.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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

SALINA AREA MOM OF THE MONTH

Abilene’s Allison Buechman:Momofthe Month Spotlight Allison Buechman is the attendance secretary at Abilene High School and she is this month’s Salina Ortho Mom of the Month.

Allison has two student-athletes at Abilene High School and she is very involved in all of their activities. Logan Buechman is a senior football player and wrestler, while daughter Lyndsey Buechman is a junior and is involved in wrestling, works as a football manager and participates in track.

“Both kids are also involved in Dickinson County 4-H, Church Youth group, have part-time jobs, and Logan is in FFA and Lyndsey is on the Yearbook staff and is the main contact and in charge of the Red Cross Blood drives for our Church,” said Allison.

Volunteering to help the football and wrestling teams has Allison wearing a lot of hats.

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“I organize the meals and meal sign-up for football and wrestling seasons. I help prepare, set up, deliver, and clean up from all meals throughout both seasons. This year was particularly challenging due to Covid-19 restrictions but with the help of a few other

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Allison Buechman & family

parents, we made a new plan of action and was able to make it fun and still healthy and plentiful for the kids,” said Allison. “I also take the team photo for the wrestling team poster, always one of my favorites and this year I scheduled and organized the senior football photo session for posters and photos.”

Allison said she feels it is important to be involved and show support for their studentathletes in high school.

“Showing your kids that you support them in all the activities that they do is incredibly important. Just being there shows that you are invested in their life choices and allows them to grow into responsible and caring young men and women,” said Allison.

Allison said being a volunteer is a great experience.

“Just being able to do that to help these kids whether they may need it or not is a joyful and heartwarming experience. I say it is the little things that matter the most to show how much

you care,” said Allison.

And there are always other volunteers who help each other make the experience for the students as fun as possible. Allison mentioned Brooke Woodworth with her breakfast pizza and her husband Andy for his endless support. Allison said the senior parents have been amazing this year with their creativity and dedication to the students. Wrestling parents and grandparents deserve praise as well, Allison explained.

“I have to give a shout out to all of the wrestling families. In the four years that I have assisted/ helped or been the organizer there is not one parent that has not signed up or stepped up to bring food/drinks, bag items, pick up or deliver.

The two parents that I want to shout out to the most here is Heather Unruh for her wonderful and famous chocolate chip cookies that the kids have grown to appreciate and expect and to Shayla Mohr who handed this off to me and has continued to help as her daughter was a manager this year, she has continued to help out whenever needed.”

S A L I N A A R E A P L AY E R TO WAT C H

Beloit’s Kimberlyn Nichols: Player to Watch Spotlight With another impressive season under her belt, Kimberlyn Nichols is proud of her team’s effort this season and what they were able to accomplish.

“We are currently 8-4 on the season. It has gone well, and we are continuing to improve as a team,” said Nichols.

Nichols has faced 181 batters with the season nearing completion. Her ability to get batters to chase pitches and get them to hit ground balls are two things that make her a very effective pitcher.

Nichols started playing softball at the age of nine. Now a junior at Beloit High School, Nichols said her teammates mean more to her than they know.

“My team and teammates mean so much to me. We are such a close-knit group on and off the field. Everyone is so positive, and we all work together as a team,” said Nichols.

It was a family member who first encouraged her to start playing softball.

Now she is a very successful player and looking forward to life after high school.

“My dad encouraged me to play softball and to start pitching,” said Nichols. “After I graduate, I plan to major in Elementary Education at an undecided college.”

Also a member of the volleyball team, Nichols said her academics are always a priority over sports.

She is involved in many clubs at school and works hard to maintain good marks in school.

“I am involved in Student Council, National Honors Society, SAFE, Science club, and Yearbook,” said Nichols.

The pitcher said she has made some great memories on and off the field with her teammates at Beloit High School and she is thankful for the coaching she has received as a student-athlete.

Kimberlyn Nichols “I’ve enjoyed the great coaching staff we have at Beloit and the constant support they give,” said Nichols. “My favorite memory as an athlete at Beloit is winning softball Regionals and going to state in 2019.”

This summer Nichols plans to continue playing softball with her club team, the Kansas Crushers 18U.

Supporting Local Area Athletes, Coaches and the Community

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Steve Sjogren, PT

Jessica Murphy, DPT

Nate Lee, DPT

Val Forrester, OTR, L, CHT

• Convenient hours include early mornings and evenings.

• Direct patient access.

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523 S. Santa Fe Ave., Salina, KS · 785.823.2215

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JUNE 2021

• Clear, consistent communication between therapist, physician, and patient regarding progress.

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• Ongoing patient education on diagnosis, treatment plans, and prescribed home exercise programs.

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Stacia Brenneman, PT

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TEAM OF THE MONTH Haven Softball

By Matt Browning The Haven softball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for June. The Wildcats swept a doubleheader at Lyons on April 23.

“We had an idea we’d be a pretty good team in our league and worthy of being in the mix for a regional championship based on returning and incoming players and their previous accomplishments,” Haven head coach Darin Ashworth said.

In the Wildcats first 10-0 victory over Lyons, BrieAnn Brawner scored four runs and drove in two more, while Sadie Estill went 3-for-4 with three runs driven in.

In game two, also a 10-0 win, Estill drove in three more runs, while Annie Yoder and Brooke Brawner also drove home three.

Pitchers Maguire Estill and Brooke Brawner combined to allow only ten hits in the doubleheader.

“Both Magurie and Brooke are having excellent seasons at the plate as well, which was expected based on their freshman and sophomore campaigns,” Ashworth said. “But we are getting nice seasons from junior Amie Yoder, sophomore BrieAnn Brawner and freshman Sadie Estill also.”

With so much talent on the roster, Ashworth thinks

his players have just one thing on their mind in regards to the season.

“With the pitching and experience we have returning, winning a regional championship and returning state is probably our baseline for a successful season,” Ashworth said. “But I’m also guessing that the players would say that playing on Friday in Manhattan is their expectation for a successful 2021.”

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

BLOOD, SWEAT & TITLES. Congratulations to KSHSAA and all the 2021 State Champions.

You’ve earned the title through your commitment and continued pursuit of excellence in the athletic arena.

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See how this Sports City gets in the game at VisitWichita.com.

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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.

ClayCenter’sDawnRichter: Salina Regional Coach of the Month

By Matt Browning Dawn Richter, the softball coach at Clay Center, has been chosen the Salina Regional Coach of the Month for June. Richter is in her 17th season as the head coach of the Tigers.

“I have always been a short game kind of a coach,” Richter said. “On the first day at practice I tell my players if you don’t learn how to bunt you will never play varsity. Bunts cause havoc and I will sacrifice anyone to move the runner into scoring position! Bunting is practiced everyday at my practice. I also believe you have to make softball fun and your team will work even harder for you so I work hard to keep practices fun but very competitive.”

Richter first started at Clay Center in 1996 when the program first started,

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

but she took four years off when her daughter was playing in college.

“I returned to become the head coach at Clay Center High School now for 17 years and have enjoyed so many softball girls who have come through the program,” Richter said. “The reward of my job is to send girls off to play on a college scholarship and to get to see them play.”

Clay Center has been one of the top teams in Class 4A this season, even though Richter only returned two starters from what would have been last year’s team.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and competitive practices to gel a lot of

new faces,” Richter said. “I have a senior pitcher in Clara Edwards who is a great leader on and off the field along with five other seniors who have really taken the reins on this team.”

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

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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.

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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

SALINA AREA ATHLETES

Salina South’s Stella Gestl: The Alley Bowler of the Month It was at the age of 14 when Stella Gestl, a senior at Salina South High School, first decided she wanted to give bowling a try. The senior has enjoyed her time with the South bowling team and is glad she decided to compete as a Cougar.

GO !

Prep Performance of the Month

“I love that our team will cheer one another on no matter the game to make sure we keep attitudes up and have an overall good time,” said Gestl.

This season Gestl was able to not only improve on her game, but in her words, it was her best season in four years as a team member.

“The season was really good for me, my best out of all four years. My favorite memory bowling at South was getting to meet new people and find out how much passion and love I have for the spot,” said Gestl.

The senior has big plans after graduation in May as she looks forward to the next chapter in her life as a college student and bowler.

“After I graduate, I plan to attend Wichita State University and study Pre-Vet Science and bowl,” said Gestl.

When she’s not at school or doing homework, you can usually find Gestl, you guessed it, at the bowling alley.

“I enjoy bowling, going on drives and listening to records in my free time.”

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

Chase Poague

Dylan Sprecker & Chase Poague Southeast of Saline High School

By Matt Browning Dylan Sprecker and Chase Poague of Southeast of Saline were chosen for the Hog Wild Performance of the Month for June.

Poague took first in the 200-meter, 110 hurdles, and 300 hurdles at the Beloit Relays, while Sprecker took first in the 3200 at the Smoky Valley Invitational.

"So far it’s been a great season for my team and I,” Poague said. “We have worked hard in the off season to be successful when it’s time to step on the track. We have great team chemistry, and I am very excited that all of this hard work is paying off.

“It’s been a great season so far, but there is still work to be done,” Sprecker said. “Our biggest meets are coming up and the competition will be tough.”

Poague has set personal records in all three events he runs in this season, while Sprecker has made PRs in the 1600 and 3200.

While those accomplishments certainly mean something to both runners, they know more improvement can take place.

“Having a state best time in the 300 hurdles feels incredible,” Poague said.

“However, I know there are other great hurdlers and at any given meet someone else could take the lead.”

“I think of it as motivation,” Sprecker added. “There is always room for improvement.”

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Banquets, Booster activities & MORE!

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

Dylan Sprecker

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

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US ARMY ROTC SPOTLIGHT

TWO SCHOOLS, ONE MISSION: LEADERSHIP

MEET THE CADETS

Cierra ' Wilson

Hometown: Shawnee, KS Major: Interior Design

w/ a minor in Construction Management

Why Pitt State?

Why join ROTC? I join for the educational and job opportunities, however during the first semester I gained new friendships and learned more about myself than I ever thought I would.

My ability to compete like a student-athlete and a boost in my confidence has made for a positive transition to college.

Do you have any hobbies? basketball, singing, video games Favorite place to eat - and order there?

China Go - orange chicken, beef broccoli, and fried rice Favorite movie?

Home Alone 3 Favorite artist and song?

Kendrick Lamar feat. Mary J. Blige – Now or Never Favorite app or game?

Instagram

Text 'TeamROTC' to GoArmy (462769)

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My favorite thing about Pitt State is the campus; it is full of plants that you would not normally see in Kansas.

Why join ROTC? I wanted to be a part of a group that helped push me mentally and physically. I have made new friends with similar interests and it is a great group to get up early and work out with.

Do you have any hobbies? lifting weights, photography, camping and hunting Favorite place to eat - and order there?

Mall Deli - the meatball grinder with a side of baked beans Favorite movie?

Dear John or The Notebook Favorite artist and song?• NF (Nate Feuerstein) - My Stress Favorite app or game?

Catan

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For more on ROTC opportunities in Kansas, call 620-235-4898.

Sitivi Wong-Mageo Hometown:Leone,American Samoa

Major: Accounting

Why WSU?

The facilities and help from WSU staff are things that I enjoy while living on campus.

DRIVE TO ZERO

STUDENT OF THE MONTH Cayden Cassel, Salina South HS The pandemic certainly slowed or stopped many of the school activities students were involved in, but for Cayden Cassel of South High School, getting the message out about seatbelt safety was still a top priority.

accidents. In addition, we heard from various speakers and met other students from across the state that partake in similar programs at their schools.”

Also a member of National Honor Society for two years and BPA (Business Professionals of America) for three years, Cassel has plenty on his plate. Add being a member of the band and Link Crew for four years, you wonder how he gets it all done.

Let’s not forget, he also plays tennis for South High School and has done so for three seasons.

Cassel joined the SAFE program his freshman year of high school and has been a member ever since.

Cassel said it is important to share the message of seatbelt safety with his classmates.

“I thought it was a good program to get involve with because of the importance of seatbelts and vast number of lives they have saved,” said Cassel. “I enjoyed going to the state conference in Wichita. While there we were shown a multitude of videos and how seatbelts have played a significant role in saving lives during

“I try to reiterate that you must wear a seatbelt at all times no matter the circumstance, as your life depends on it,” said Cassel.

The senior plans to attend Wichita State University and major in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. Away from school,

Cassel said he enjoys studying and hanging out with his friends.

“I have been employed with Freddy’s Frozen Custard for two years. If I’m not working or studying, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing X box, spending time with family and traveling, even if it’s only a day trip.”

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“Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to meet as a group this year, however on May 10th we will be conducting a seatbelt check for everyone entering school’s parking lots. We will then tally up those numbers and provide them to Officer Falk so that she can give us a percentage of those who do wear their seatbelts,” said Cassel.

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www.ktsro.org/impaired-driving

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

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A SCHOLARSHIP FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN

ARE YOU:

• A 2021 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 2021

YOU QUALIFY! APPLY NOW JULY 1, 2021

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE LIMITED! DEADLINE IS:

Find out more by visiting WSUTECH.edu/FutureYou

K A N S A S S H R I N E B OW L

Kansas Shrine Bowl 48th Returns in June

By Matt Browning The 2021 Kansas Shrine Bowl will be held Saturday, June 26th at 7pm at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. All players will be representing their high school, the Kansas Shrine Bowl and most importantly the Shriners Hospitals for Children and their patients. All proceeds from the game go to benefit the network of 22 hospitals.

Prior to the game will be the annual parade at 10am and the Farmers Fan Fest, presented

by Leah D. Smith Farmers Insurance, from 3:30 to 6:30 where there will be food trucks, yard games, music and much more. The first 200 people get free hamburgers.

Other activities prior to the game include the Hospital Gowans Stadium · Hutchinson, KS Experience Day, the Kansas Shrine Bowl KansasShrineBowl.com Golf Tournament on #MoreThanAGame #ForTheKids June 25th at Crazy Horse Sports Club and Golf Course and Trevor Erickson (Chapman), the Strong Legs 5K Run. Kenny Fehrman (Wellington), Jayden Garrison (Cheney), For more information on Doug Grider (Halstead), Jack all of the events, plus ticket Hawver (Hutchinson), Nick information, please visit Herrman (Collegiate), Jake kansasshrinebowl.com.

Johnson (Maize South), A.J. Johnson (Salina South), Wetu For traffic safety resources, visit Kalomo (Northwest), Isaiah ktsro.org/focus-areas.

Maikori (Andover), Darby Roper The following VYPE-area players (Haven), Josh Sanders (Maize), will be participating in the 2021 Jonah Scott (McPherson), Shrine Bowl: Maximus Shannon (Ark City), Jake Shope (Goddard), Ethan Julius Bolden (Northwest), Stuhlsatz (Kapaun), Cayden Noah Bolticoff (Rose Hill), Winter (Andale), Aiden Kendall Carter Brown (Inman), Tanner (Newton), Jarrett Christenson Cash (Clearwater), Spencer (Buhler).

Davidson (Minneapolis),

Saturday, June 26th, 2021

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The pregame banquet will take place on Friday, June 25th at 6pm in the Meadowlark Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band playing at the Bretz & Young

Arena, right next to the Meadowlark Building.

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HELLAS SPOTLIGHT

Hellas Field of the Month: North Dakota State Track

By Matt Browning The North Dakota State track and field team installed Z5000 epiQ Tracks surface for the 2022 outdoor season.

The Bison have won 12 straight women’s outdoor track Summit League titles and 10 straight men’s outdoor track Summit League titles.

Schlanser Track will feature a green track with gold exchange zones. The Z5000 is an Olympic quality, World Athletics certified track system that has all-encompassing superiority of cushion, control, energy return, and performance, perfect for major venues. It’s eco-friendly, poured-inplace in multi-layers, resulting in a resilient, all-weather surface resistant to the elements.

World Athletics was founded to fulfill the need for a world governing

authority, for a competition program, for standardized technical equipment and for a list of official world records.

“The NDSU Athletic Dept. is committed to excellence for its student athletes,” said Michelle Kuhns, Hellas Regional Vice President. “In one of the most difficult years for most people, the NDSU community rallied to reach the donation goals for the project.

This is commitment by all involved with NDSU. Working with NDSU is an

honor and I am very excited to see this amazing facility complete.”

North Dakota State will join 10 other Division I programs who have track surfaces manufactured and installed

by Hellas Construction.

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT

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Salina South’s Maeci Exline: Swim Spotlight

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Salina South High School’s Maeci Exline is a senior and a member of the varsity swim team. This season Exline is swimming four events and could not wait to get back to competition.

“I swim backstroke in the 200 medley relay, the 500 freestyle, the 100 backstroke, and the 400 freestyle relay,” said Exline.

It was early in elementary school when Exline and her parents decided to start swimming for more than just the fun of it. This year she was joined on the varsity team by her younger sister.

“I first started swimming competitively when I joined the Salina Aquatics Club in third grade,” said Exline. “I love being on the same team as my sister.

We have been swimming with each other in the aquatics club for nine years and being able to continue with

that in high school is really fun for the both of us.”

Exline said being a member of the varsity team at South is special and the students at South are unlike any other.

“I love how supportive my teammates are, not only towards our team but to the other teams we compete against,” said Exline.

“I think that it is important to keep cheering on and supporting others even when the meet is not going as well as it should. It is rewarding to know that I represent my high school.

I want people to look at our school and see something great, so I strive to be my best while representing it. South High School has a student body that is very open and accepting of everyone.

The environment is always fun and

Maeci Exline positive, making the years go by fast.”

Her plans after graduation include opening a new chapter in her young life as a college student.

“After I graduate, I plan on going to Kansas State University to obtain a BSN and then going on to KU Med to become a Neonatologist or a pediatric doctor,” said Exline.

On her free time Exline said she enjoys watching movies and hanging out with friends and family.

2021 DOTTED LINE

DottedLine.....2021Signings

Courtney Eickbush-McPhersonMcPherson College-XC-Track

Karik Elliott-Smoky ValleyBethel College-Tennis

Cody Achilles-McPhersonEmporia State-XC-Track

Kenzee Godwin-McPhersonButler CC-Soccer

McKinley Johnson-Smoky valleyHutchinson CC-Volleyball

Emma Malm-McPhersonTabor College-Basketball

Jonah Scott-McPhersonBaker University-Football

Jayton Alexander-McPhersonTabor College-Football

Kassidy Beam-McPhersonTabor College-Basketball

Brycen Labertew-McPhersonWashburn University-Football

Congratulations to all the Congratulations to all the 2020-21 Dotted Line Signees!

Good luck at the next level!

2020-21 Dotted Line Signee

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

Quality Orthopaedic Care When You Need It

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OUR DIFFERENCES ADD UP

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Good luck at the next level!

• 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.

OUR DIFFERENCES ADD UP

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:: VYPEKS.COM

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

SALINA AREA SPRING SPORTS

Ellsworth’s Natalie Rolfs

By Matt Browning Natalie Rolfs of Ellsworth admitted she dealt with inconsistency at the beginning of the season, but she has found her groove as the season winds down.

Rolfs has had an OPS over .800 all season and has also been better defensively as she has cut down her errors while registering a fielding percentage also above .800.

“With extra practice with my coaches I have improved since the first of the season,” Rolfs said. “My errors have gone down and my hitting percentage has gone up.

There is always room to grow my game.”

Ellsworth has exceeded expectations this season and Rolfs has been pleasantly surprised with the way the season has gone.

“To be 100 percent honest, no,” Rolfs said about if she thought Ellsworth was going to be this good. “We work hard in practice and put in the time we need to get better.”

While playing well in the postseason is something Rolfs wants the Bearcats to achieve, she just wants her teammates to enjoy the rest of the season.

“My idea of a successful season is being competitive at the regional tournament and having the opportunity to make it to state,” Rolfs said. “Along with having fun

Natalie Rolfs with my teammates and having a good time.”

Rolfs hopes to play softball in college and plans to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

Inman’s Carter Brown

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By Matt Browning

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Carter Brown of Inman emerged this season as one of the best multi-sport athletes in Class 2A, as he was an all-league football player in the fall and now is one of the Teutons’ top players on their baseball team.

While football is the sport Brown will be playing in college, he still has the love for baseball.

“I have always had a love for baseball and I have played the

game for over 10 years,” Brown said. “I don’t know when I got decent at baseball but I try to be the best teammate and player every time I step on the field.”

Throughout the season, Inman has established itself as one of the top teams in Class 2-1A, as they have sat near the top of the regional standings, losing only two games.

“I feel like we have had a pretty good season so far with only losing two games,” Brown said.

“I think we can improve on base running and situational hitting but most of all we need to keep playing good baseball.”

Carter Brown Next year, Brown will be playing football at Dodge City Community College.

l player who is the tendent.

SALINA AREA SPRING SPORTS

Ell-Saline’sHannahBackhus

By Matt Browning Hannah Backhus of Ell-Saline has emerged in 2021 as one of the top players in the Heart of America League.

As a versatile and speedy

outfielder, BackhusMatthew has led the Pyle, D.O. Timothy Hawkes, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician Orthopedic and Sports Cardinals to one of the top records Medicine Surgeon in Class 2-1A this season.

“I did believe that we would have a successful year,” Backhus said.

“After not being able to play last year, due to Covid, everyone on the team was even more excited to play and focused on working Travis Rump, D.O. hard. WeOrthopedic have a Surgeon lot of talent with

underclassmen. And of course, us seniors really wanted to end with a winning record.”

Being able to just appreciate playing again was important for Backhus, but that does not mean she and the rest of the Cardinals don’t have big plans for the season.

“This year has already been successful, because we get to play,” Backhus said. “But our goal is state.”

Backhus is very involved at Ell-Saline and not just in sports. While she plays volleyball and basketball to go along with softball, Backhus also participates in FFA, FCA and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Hannah Backhus Next year, Backhus plans to attend Kansas State, where she wants to major in Agriculture Business.

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

ClayCenter’sCarsonFloersch

By Matt Browning

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Outside of golf, Floersch also runs cross country, where he has been a part of the Clay Center’s two-time state qualifying team. Floersch also plays basketball and is in the choir.

JUNE 2021

When the high school golf season

concludes, Floersch still plays in several other tournaments including local and MJGA events.

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“Everyone in my family and extended family golfs, so I guess lots of hours on the course has just made me a decent golfer,” Floersch said.

Carson Floersch

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS

Part of that consistency has been eliminating critical mistakes that

Golf has always played a critical part of Floersch’s life, as he started playing when he was two years old. He played in a wide variety of junior tournaments and The First Tee program growing up.

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“I’m playing more consistent golf this season and have improved over my freshman year,” Floersch said. “I spent a lot of time on the golf course after in person classes were cancelled last year.”

“I need to minimize the number of holes that I get doubles or worse and I’m working on more consistent ball striking,” Floersch said.

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Carson Floersch of Clay Center has established himself as one of the top golfers in Class 4A. Floersch has had one of the top 10 scoring averages all season.

may have hampered Floersch in previous seasons.

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SALINA AREA SPRING SPORTS

me-field McPherson’sConnerGlazner age starts here.

By Matt Browning

Conner Glazner of McPherson was one ofMedicine the remaining players leftover edic and Sports is proud to be the from McPherson’s 2018 state r to area high schools and colleges. championship team.

Tennis has been the predominant focus for Glazner this season, as that is the only sport or club he participates in at McPherson.

Timothy Hawkes, D.O. But tennis does not stop for Sports Medicine and

Glazner once the high schoolSurgeon Orthopedic Glazner and his doublessports partner, e that includes education to prevent injuries, sports concludes.

Brennan Gipson, were to season g and preservation of damaged jointscounted throughon surgery and lead the Bullpups in the 2020 season “During the offseason, I play and they did just that. tennis in the summer through e diagnosis and treatment of ligament, cartilage and MAC Advantage, the tennis The doubles team won 4A and the treatment of shoulder, hip and knee.

Dr. Pyle specializes program that Janie Bremyer runs,” McPherson took fourth asultrasound-guided a team. dicine, including sports-related injuries, Glazner said. “I also take lessons dling, and other sports medicine “It general was great to get back onsuch the as fatigue, from players and coaches.” anagement. court after missing last year, yet it Next year, Glazner will be was disconcerting to knowtherapists that this to work f certified athletic trainers and physical attending Texas A&M University Matthew Pyle, D.O. season,” Glazner At school, onwas the my fieldlast or in our clinic, Salinasaid.

Regional where he plans on majoring inPhysician Sports Medicine “I’m trying make theback mostinofthe it game and icine has everything you to need to get electrical engineering, with a focus and have worked very hard in the on computers. offseason to make sure that I do.”

Conner Glazner

Sterling’s Tyus Wilson

By Matt Browning

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Between his accolades and accomplishments in basketball and track and field, Sterling’s Tyus Wilson has made quite the name for himself.

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Wilson was a first team all-league forward for the Black Bears, which went 18-6 and lost to Hoxie in the 2A quarterfinals. In track, Wilson recorded PRs in all three of his events (high jump, long jump and 110 hurdles). He is also the defending 2A champion in high jump.

“Yes, it’s definitely been a fun year for me,” Wilson said. “After not getting to compete last year, this has

been an experience that has taught me to not take things for granted.

I’m just going out every week and having fun with it, doing what I Abe Noll, ATC Cody Moon, ATC can.”

Wilson said he knew at the age of 11 that his jumping ability was a gift.

“I jumped at the AAU Junior Olympics in Detroit, Michigan Bowers, ATC boys’ Shelby Barrett, ATC and broke theEvan 11-year-old national record for the high jump,” Wilson said. “At that point, I knew it was a talent that God had blessed me with and I’ve just been working to get better at it ever since.”

During the school year, Wilson works out four days a week, then heads to his job after. He still tries to work on various aspects of track as much as possible, though.

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

“I do try to get to the track about once or twice a week just to work on my

Tyus Wilson

approach and do speed development type drills but other than that, I’m just a regular high school kid with big dreams,” Wilson said.

Next year, Wilson plans to continue his track and field career at Nebraska and he hopes to participate in the 2024 or 2028 Olympic games.

BLOOD, SWEAT & TITLES. Congratulations to KSHSAA and all the 2021 State Champions.

You’ve earned the title through your commitment and continued pursuit of excellence in the athletic arena.

See how this Sports City gets in the game at VisitWichita.com.