VYPE North Central Kansas May/June 2022 by Austin Chadwick

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Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sport orthopedic and sports medicine care f

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extensive training and experience you Education and collaboration with our

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

And after surgery, our team of physic you to reduce pain and inflammation,

exercise programs, and helps loosen r progressive therapies to help regain b

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

Hunter Newell SACRED HEART

football, Wichita Wings soccer, plus WSU Shockers to name a few.

The orthopedic care you need to keep

Weston Schrader MINNEAPOLIS

Brooklyn Needham SALINA SOUTH

Jenna Loomis BELOIT

Gus Ruddle MCPHERSON

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 Salina, KS

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

Matthew Pyle, D.O.

Sports Medicine Physician

Abe Noll, ATC

Smoky Valley High School and Southeast of Saline High School

Cody Moon, ATC

Salina Central High School

Evan Bowers, ATC

Salina South High School

Shelby Barrett, ATC Ell-Saline High School

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

Student of the Month Inman’s Grant Thimmesch By Matt Browning Senior Grant Thimmesch of Inman was chosen as the Advanced Physical Therapy Athlete of the Month for May. Thimmesch plays football and track for the Teutons and has dealt with a variety of injuries over his high school career, including a serious shoulder injury that required surgery. “I have been on a rollercoaster of different pains the past two years, and especially with football, which really is a mental game,” Thimmesch said. “I asked myself can I tough it out or do I take a break and hope it heals? And I would get right back

Student of the Month in as soon as I could, and this became very common. But I didn’t want to get it checked until after the season in case they wanted to fix it or something. I didn’t want to lose my season.” Thimmesch has often chosen to play through pain for the benefit of his team, but that does not mean he hasn’t thought about sitting out and fully healing. He played on a torn labrum as a sophomore. “Once I started seeing myself losing playing time and seeing how much

Grant Thimmesch the team needed me, I toughened up and started all the games after that,” Thimmesch said. Thimmesch plans to attend McPherson College and major in Automotive Restoration and also plans on throwing the javelin. After college he wants to restore and preserve old cars and their history.

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

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

D A R A N N E U S C H A F E R ’ S A M E R I C A N F A M I LY I N S U R A N C E A T H L E T E S P O T L I G H T

South’s Brooklyn Needham By Hayden Swope Brooklynn Needham, a track athlete at Salina South High School, was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month. As a senior, Needham has set multiple personal records this season in almost all of her events. Needham participated in high jump and long jump this season, along with the 200-meter and 400-meter dash.

She’s had an impressive season, as Needham placed seventh at regionals, and eighth at the Maize Invitational in the 200-meter dash. She also had a third place medal at Saline County and fifth place victory at Junction City in high jump, and even took third at the Maize meet in long jump. The Cougars’ girls track team were league champions for the first time in 39 years, and Needham played a major role. She helped the team

Brooklyn Needham with a third place run and personal record in the 200-meter dash, fourth and a personal record in high jump, and sixth in long jump. Up until her senior year Needham also played volleyball and soccer for the Cougars, but suffered from injuries throughout the seasons.

SALINA ORTHO MOM OF THE MONTH

South’s Linn Exline

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By Peter Addison

Linn Exline, the current superintendent in Salina, is a proud mother of four and active participant in volunteer programs within the Salina South community. Exline’s children attended school in Salina and participated in several extracurricular activities throughout their time.

“Mohri is 27 and currently works for the Legislative Post Audit. She was involved in theatre, debate, and forensics. Twins Keegan and Maeci both attend Kansas State University and swam while in high school,” she said. “Allyson, our youngest is 16 and currently attends South High now and plays volleyball, swims, and dives.”

Exline’s favorite thing about volunteering is seeing the progress swimmers make, in and out of the swimming environment, from the beginning to the end of season.

“I began officiating when my kids were part of the Salina Aquatics Club,” she said. “I have credentials as a stroke and turn official and as a starter.” Her husband Curt is also a swim official.

“Parents can get involved by talking to a teacher, a coach, or a principal,” she said.

Exline spends the majority of her volunteer efforts with the Salina South and Central swim and dive programs. She was the boys’ swim parent liaison for four years and has been the girls’ swim parent liaison for the last five years. Exline also has experience officiating.

Linn Exline & Family

Because Exline is balancing roles between parent, volunteer, and community leader she has a unique perspective on the Salina community. She believes parental involvement is crucial to student success and suggests interested parents seek out volunteer opportunities in small classrooms, chaperoning field trips, or serving as team liaisons.

HELLAS SPOTLIGHT

Hellas Construction Field of the Month: Fort Hays State Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke and athletic staff at Fort Hays State University are very familiar with the quality of work the Hellas Construction team can provide a school. Several years ago, Hellas replaced surfaces that were outdated. Hellas returned this spring to add another update to the facilities at Fort Hays State.

“We had our first experience with Hellas and Matrix turf back in 2013 when they replaced our existing turf on our football and constructed our surface in our SchmidtBickle Indoor Training Facility, which was 65 yards long and regulation 53 yards wide,” said Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke. “This facility has made a significant impact on our programs and the turf had held up very well. Our student-athletes love it. Most recently, Hellas resurfaced our existing soccer turf this spring and is currently constructing

GO ! Prep Performance of the Month

Jack Lanning,

Marion High School a new artificial turf playing surface for our softball facility.”

The student-athletes at Fort Hays State are eager to test the new surface.

“All of our athletes from both sports are extremely excited. Hellas has been extremely responsive when called upon for any repairs needed. We feel like we’ve had excellent installations and professional service. We’re looking forward to the completion of our current softball facility project,” said Hammeke.

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Jack Lanning of Marion has been chosen the Hog Wild Performance of the Month for May. In the Warriors’ doubleheader sweep over Moundridge, Lanning went 4-8 with three runs scored. “I feel honored to be chosen for the VYPE magazine,” Lanning said. “I’ve put a lot of work in with baseball and I’m glad it’s finally starting to show. I hope that I can keep moving in the right direction and that this is just the beginning of my athletic achievement.” Lanning has been pleased with his season so far, but he knows he is just scratching the surface of his abilities. “I still have many things to improve on with my baseball skills,” Lanning said. “The end goal for me isn’t personally my own stats and achievements but how we finish as a team which I’m hoping is a deep postseason run with my teammates.” Being an aggressive base runner is something Lanning takes the most pride in, as he has stolen 19 bases. “I like to have a mentality of when I get on my goal is to do whatever it takes to score,” Lanning said. Lanning also plays basketball and football for Marion and outside of athletics; he also is involved in StuCo and NHS.

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BUILDING FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH

PSRAEL I N A B O Y S T E N N I S S P O T L I G H T

McPherson’s Wesley Wurm

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 Salina, KS Salina, KS By Matt Browning season not finishing the way he salinaregionalorthopedicclinic.com salinaregionalsportsmedicine.com and his team would have hoped. of McPherson hew Pyle, D.O.Wesley Wurm 785-452-7366 785-452-7366

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was voted the Salina Area Boys Tennis Player of the Year. Wurm, along with doubles partner Tyler Bontrager, took third at the 4A Tournament.

“I’ve always played tennis because it’s fun, and I never expected to be given an award like this, especially when the players around me are so good,” Wurm said. “It’s an honor, and I am very thankful.” Enjoying himself and always reminding himself to have fun was crucial for Wurm, despite the

“I played very well and had fun, and that’s what matters,” Wurm said. “Obviously, I wanted to win 2/14/22 3:19 PM state, either with my partner in doubles or as a team, but we didn’t. I left it all on the court, so I am pleased with my season.” Wurm has always had exceptional ability, but being able to be consistent with that ability has eluded him. That changed this year and it showed in Wurm’s results. “Last year I had a hard time being consistent with my serve and

S A L I N A B OY S G O L F S P O T L I G H T

Wesley Wurm groundstrokes every match, but this year I worked on those two things a lot and had consistent shots throughout the season,” Wurm said. “This allowed my partner and I to set up plays that could give us points very easily, and it was very fun.”

McPherson’s Gus Ruddle

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By Matt Browning

Gus Ruddle of McPherson was voted the Salina Area Boys Golfer of the Year. Ruddle took 12th at the 4A Tournament a week after winning the Buhler Regional.

“It (winning the poll) means a lot to me because of the work I put into the game over the past four years,” Ruddle said.

Ruddle said his season was a mixed bag of results, but he was proud of how his team battled against adversity. “I wasn’t overly excited with the outcome of the season, but we battled against tough conditions all season long,”

Ruddle said. “I met some of my goals I set for the year and fell short of some others that I would’ve liked to meet.” Mental toughness was something Ruddle had to work on this season. With conditions that were less than ideal the majority of the time, being able to overcome them was crucial. “I would say the battle with the mental aspect of golf is where I grew the most as a player, which is the hardest thing to overcome when you are struggling with weather and not playing to what you wanted,” Ruddle said. “I think

Gus Ruddle the biggest takeaway I got to take with me this season would be the mindset to just keep grinding hard and putting in the effort to get the results you want.”

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LAYTIME SERIOUSLY.

YOUR PASSION FOR SPORTS IS THE SAME AS OURS. SALINA AREA COACH SPOTLIGHT

SE Saline’s Trenton Douglass By Matt Browning

Trenton Douglas, a three-sport coach at Southeast ofMatthew Saline,.just Travis Rump, D.O. Pyle, D.O. eon Orthopedic Surgeon Sportsat Medicine Physician completed his 10th year the school, as an assistant coach for the Trojans’ football, basketball and track and field s_Med_Vype_7.375x4.85_V2.indd 1 programs.

.O.

“I hope I have a positive impact on the kids and have helped them become better players and better men,” Douglas said. “I have been very fortunate to be able to help some outstanding coaches in boys’ basketball (Bryson Flax, Jeff Wells, Chance Ptacek) and football (Mitch Gebhardt) and their leadership in guiding extremely successful programs has been a huge influence on myself and our boys.”

Southeast of Saline has had some significant success in boys’ basketball

520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 since Douglas has been on staff and Salina, KS those memories stand out more than salinaregionalorthopedicclinic.com others. 785-452-7366

“I have had the good fortune of being an assistant on all three state tournament teams, each team finishing in third place,” Douglas said. “Those runs through the substate championship, all the way to the Saturday game at the state tournament have been amazing experiences. I have had the privilege to coach someTHRIVE of the best teams ever SPORTS IN WICHITA. to play at Enjoy SES.” everything from pro

and college events Douglassports is a 1996 graduate of to youth competitions and amateur Southeast of Saline, so the allure out local ofmatches. working Check and coaching atfavorites home is like Wichita Thunder ice hockey, something that he doesn’t see going Wichita Wind Surge baseball away anytime soon. games, Wichita Force indoor “Working at SES and being able to football, Wichita Wings soccer, experience a lot of success where you plus WSU Shockers to name a few.

SALINA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

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

2/14/22 3:19 PM

Trenton Douglass grew up is very fulfilling and gives me a great sense of pride,” Douglas said. “I can’t say that I wouldn’t ever leave because you never know what opportunities may arise in the future, but I enjoy what I do and work with excellent people and kids at SES.”

McPherson’s Danica Branch

Go to VisitWichita.com for more upcoming sporting events.

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By Matt Browning

Danica Branch of McPherson was chosen for the Salina Girls Swimming Spotlight for May.

Branch had a successful season for the Bullpups, as she finished inside the top 25 of every event she has entered, including being the top ranked swimmer in the 500 free for nearly the entire season.

in my 100 butterfly,” Branch said. “I had been working on getting my second 50 faster and it has helped me a ton. I’ve cut almost three seconds from last season and now I am not that far off from breaking the school record in it.”

Swimming is the only sport and club Branch participates in at McPherson, although She has made a state time she swims for the Wichita in every event she has Aquashocks during her participated in this season, after offseason and plans to do so winning silver medals in the 50 again this summer. free and backstroke a year ago. Being just a sophomore, “I’ve seen a lot of improvement Branch will continue her ascent

Danica Branch to being the top swimmer in the state next year.

DRIVE TO ZERO

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Jenna Loomis, Beloit High School Beloit High School softball player Jenna Loomis started playing softball when she was only five years old. Now a senior, Loomis said she has enjoyed playing softball all these years. “When I was in the fifth grade, I joined our local traveling team and have played ever since. My older siblings played baseball and softball, so I grew up at the ballparks and always wanted to play. Besides my family, Tyler Odle and Beloit Blaze were the biggest influence on my softball career. I have played for Tyler since I was in the fifth grade and would not be the player I am today without him,” said Loomis. Building great relationships is something Loomis is good at. Whether it’s with teammates or classmates, Loomis has worked hard to have an impact on everyone around her.

Being part of programs like SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) allows Loomis to get out and meet more of her classmates. As for what’s next academically, Loomis said she plans on attending college in the fall. “My plans after graduation are to attend FHSU and major in medical diagnostic imaging,” Loomis said. “My plans this summer are to lifeguard and work on my family’s farm.” Loomis said this season was fun even though she is the only senior on the team.

“I am the only senior and most of the varsity team that I have played with for many years graduated last year, so I am playing with a whole new group of girls. I was sad that we didn’t get to have a season last year, but I am enjoying the opportunity to get to play with some new girls this year,” said Loomis. VYPE KANSAS

“My teammates have become some of my closest friends over the years. I have built some great relationships with them and their families,” Loomis said. “I am the

president of our National Honor Society chapter and secretary of Beloit High FFA. I am also a yearbook editor, and a member of different clubs like future med, science, history, chess and the SAFE program.”

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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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Hutchinson’s Clayton Evans

Clayton Evans, the head softball coach at Hutchinson High School, was named the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon of the Month profile for May. Evans is in his seventh season as the Salthawks’ softball coach, after coaching baseball for two years. “I try to relate softball as much as possible to real life,” Evans said. “Mistakes happen and we have to learn from them and get better. Softball is a game of failure as a hitter, and we have to be able to respond positively to that. Life can be difficult and when it is, we have to be able to get through it with the help of others if needed. The same goes for sports and especially softball.” The relationship Evans and his program have with Hutchinson Community College is something

that he values. He thinks it builds interest within his program. “I’m always watching how they run things and ask questions if I have any,” Evans said. “They’re always willing to help and explain drills to me and why they do them. I love talking softball with them. My high school girls and I watch games as much as possible.” Evans recently dealt with a lifechanging injury that has allowed him to become closer to his players. “I was recently paralyzed from the waist down and seeing my girls step up and help me as needed and get me back to coaching is something I’ll never forget,” Evans said. “I hope I can be an example of how an individual has to keep going and with the help of others we can accomplish what we want to.”

SOFTBALL TEAM SPOTLIGHT

SE of Saline’s Softball Spotlight

SE of Saline That was a real push also reminding them that they are now the big girls and there are little girls looking up to them, watching them, and wanting to be like them.” Ptacek hopes having young girls excited to watch her team play will help continue to build the program over the next several years. One thing Ptacek says was encouraging this year and she is hoping to see again next year, is how her team has bought in. “They’re all in,” she says. “They are willing to play roles, cheer for each other, and are happy when others are successful. They understand it’s not about individuals. It’s about the success of the team.”

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Despite not being able to name a singular player that tries to take the reins and lead, Ptacek says that’s not a problem because there is a core group of girls that make sure everyone is ready to work. “We have eight to ten girls that just absolutely love the game of softball,” she says. “They want to be playing all the time. I have to kick them off the field at the end of practice because they just want the reps. We almost have to limit what they do instead of encouraging them to work harder.” In that core group is Ptacek’s daughter, sophomore Brielle Ptacek. “I’ve coached her team since she was like four years old,” Ptacek says. “Those girls have been at my high school practices since they were small watching the ‘big girls’ practice.

VYPE KANSAS

By Chris Cox After a hard-fought spring season, the Southeast of Saline Trojans were disappointed to bring home just a district title. However, head coach Pesha Ptacek is confident that her Trojans can bounce back and be even better next year. “The vast majority of the team is sophomores and juniors,” Ptacek says. “We’re excited about the kids we have coming back next year and even the year after next, we should have a significant portion of our team returning.” While most coaches rely on one or two key players, Ptacek considers herself lucky because she has an entire roster she can rely on. “Everybody plays their role really well and that’s kind of our superpower as a team,” she says. “If one girl is off, we have confidence that another girl can step up. We have three really, really good pitchers. I would say we are a very balanced team.”

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SALINA ORTHO SIGNINGS

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Dotted Line..... 2022 Signings

McPherson’s Ella SchmidKansas Wesleyan Volleyball

Inman’s Hannah MartiskoKansas State Rowing

McPherson’s Joseph WittCentral Christian College Soccer

Abilene’s Kaleb BeckerWilliam & Jewell College Basketball

McPherson’s Madison DobsonUniversity of St Mary Tennis

McPherson’s Tytin GoebelPratt Community College Baseball

COMMERCIAL TIRE’S CALL OF THE WILD

Central-Burden’s Emma Garrison By Matt Browning Emma Garrison of Central-Burden was chosen as the Call of the Wild recipient for the month of May. Garrison is an avid hunter and fisherman. “Any chance I get I am heading out to the water or the blind,” she said. “No matter what time of year, there is always something I am trying to hunt or catch.” Garrison not only fishes for fun, but also competes and has significant success. “I have competed in numerous fishing tournaments, and won a tournament with a 19.11-pound, three-fish limit bag,” Garrison said. When it is hunting season, Garrison is always keeping tabs on the deer, no matter the time of day. “During season I am constantly checking my phone to see if my trail cameras have gone off,” she said. Garrison has a personal favorite

Emma Garrison to hunt, and it gives her a different kind of feel than any other game she hunts. “My personal favorite to hunt would be turkeys,” Garrison said. “Waking up before the sunrise and calling to the gobblers while they are in the trees is my kind of adrenaline rush. My family gets tired of hearing about my hunting/ fishing addiction, but I talk their ears off anyway.”

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

The Alley Bowler of the Month:

Salina Central’s Annabelle Lesage VYPE KANSAS

Annabelle Lesage

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I am part of my school’s HOSA Club,” said Lesage. Lesage has big plans for life after high school. “After I graduate, I plan to go to Washburn University and further my education in health science and art,” said Lesage. In her free time, Lesage said she enjoys drawing and hanging out with friends.

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In her first season as a bowler for Salina Central High School, Annabelle Lesage said she has loved connecting with her teammates and being part of a great team at Central. “I love the connections I have made and the support of my teammates,” said Lesage. Lesage said there were many things she loved about being part of the team, but the travel was the best. “So far, my favorite memory as a bowler is traveling with my teammates to different events,” said Lesage. Only a sophomore, Lesage is eager to see what next season will hold for her and her teammates on the lanes. But bowling is not the only activity in which the sophomore is involved. “I play softball in the spring, and

WE TAKE OUR LAYTIME SERIOUSLY. TEAM OF THE MONTH

OUR PASSION FOR SPORTS IS THE SAME AS OURS.

Valley Center’s Softball

By Matt Browning

The Valley Center softball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for May. The Hornets have been one of the top teams in Class 5A this season this season, as they won the 5A championship. Valley Center swept doubleheaders at Salina South and Salina Central this season.

The Hornets have a couple of players on their team with interesting stories.

Shortstop Lucy Hooper’s dad is Kevin Hooper, who played baseball at Wichita

State and in the big leagues. He is currently an infield instructor with the Atlanta Braves.

expectations so far and that is winning the league.”

Turner is 8-0 with a 2.34 ERA, while striking out 34 batters. Hooper is Pitcher Tori Turner was in a terrible batting .484 this season, Macy car accident heading to a softball SPORTS THRIVE INwhile WICHITA. George is batting .527 with six home tournament in Oklahoma City last Enjoy everything from pro summer and had to be life-flighted back runs. to Wichita. She suffered serious injuries And it goes on and on for the Hornets to sports and college events to her pitching shoulder. who are a threat to win 5A.

competitions and amateur “This year our expectations were youth “Sometimes it’s luck who you play pretty high,” head coach Corey Jones first Check but it is always good,” matches. out somebody local favorites said. “We went to state last year with Jones said. “If we move runners and nine sophomores and a freshman inlike Wichita Thunder hockey, have good pitching, I likeice our chances. the lineup, so we had everybody back Defense will keep us in the game .” for this season. We have met one of the Wichita Wind Surge baseball

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

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

plus WSU Shockers to name Visit Wichita celebrates the athletes in our community and applauds their Mike Cooper at 316.218.3579 or dedication. We’re proud to cheer them on, and we’re excited to bring a variety of Mike.cooper@vype.com action-packed sporting events to Wichita – the heart of the country. Here are a few you won’t want to miss: • 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 Go to VisitWichita.com for more upcoming sporting events.

a few.

DRAMA ON ICE

JUNE 22 – 25, 2022 • INTRUST BANK ARENA • WICHITA, KANSAS

THE 2022 NATIONAL THEATRE ON ICE COMPETITION is in Wichita this June at INTRUST Bank Arena. See teams from around the country combine the grace of figure skating with the impact of theater and dance.

Go to VisitWichita.com for more upcoming sporting events.

S C O T T A U S H E R M A N ’ S A M E R I C A N F A M I LY I N S U R A N C E A T H L E T E S P O T L I G H T

Minneapolis’ Weston Schrader By Hayden Swope Weston Schrader, a baseball player from Minneapolis, was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month for May. Schrader has played baseball all four years of high school and played in the state tournament game last season. “It is an honor to be selected as one of the American Family Insurance athletes,” Schrader said. “I have been blessed to be a part of Minneapolis athletics for the last four years playing football and baseball. Baseball has and will always be my favorite sport.”

Making it back to the state tournament was something Schrader and his team focused on this season, but unfortunately, they came up just short. “One of my goals this season was to get back to the 3A State Tournament in Manhattan,” Schrader said. “I was blessed to have played on last year’s fourth place team as third basemen, catcher, and closing pitcher. I also was involved with our third-place team in 2019. Although we played our final game this year in regionals, I am still proud of my team this year.”

Weston Schrader Schrader said he will miss the memories he had with his team but will always remember an important game going into regionals.

“The most memorable moment was our doubleheader sweep over Concordia,” Schrader said. “We played good team baseball all around and it felt good to get a couple more wins going into regionals.” After high school, Schrader will attend Kansas State University to major in Animal Science while working to compete on the livestock and meat judging teams.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER PROFILE

South’s Parker Benoit By Peter Addison

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Parker Benoit is a baseball player through and through. Parker’s passion for the sport began at an early age.

“I have been playing baseball ever since I could walk,” he said.

Benoit, primarily a first baseman who can play third base if called upon, doesn’t play any other sports. Baseball has always had a positive impact on Benoit’s life. Some of his most memorable moments occurred on or around the field with his teammates and coaches. “My favorite part of being on the team is making friendships and memories that won’t be forgotten,” he said.

Benoit finds inspiration on and off the field from his friends, family, and coaches. One individual in particular stands out amongst the rest.

“Mason Lundgrin has been my favorite influence in life and in the game of baseball,” he said. Lundgrin, a former student at Salina South, currently plays baseball at Lipscomb University and Benoit hopes to follow a similar path as Lundgrin. To achieve these goals, Benoit seeks out advice and words of encouragement from

Parker Benoit all of the positive influences in his life. However, a recent speech by coach Tyler Smith resonated with Benoit.

“My favorite memory while attending South High would have to be coach Tyler Smith’s speech at my graduation,” he said. Those words of encouragement have inspired Benoit to follow his dreams. When asked about his future plans Benoit responded that after high school, he wants to play baseball on the collegiate level and pursue a degree in business.

COACH OF THE MONTH

Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic’s Coach of the Month: SE of Saline’s Mike Garretson By Matt Browning

Mike Garretson, the head baseball coach at Southeast of Saline, was chosen as the Salina Regional Coach of the Month for May. The Trojans have been one of the top teams in Class 3A this season. Garretson has been the head baseball coach at Southeast of Saline since 2003 and before that was the head softball coach for the Trojans from 1996 to 2002.

“That’s a lot of players that have been tremendous to work with and a lot of assistant coaches who have worked very hard to help out young guys, share their knowledge and put in hours of effort,” Garretson said. Garretson said the pipeline of talent for Southeast of Saline is due to how each of his players enjoys playing the game of baseball.

“I have tons of memories from funny things that happen on the practice field or in the dugout to games that were exciting,” Garretson said. “We’ve just been fortunate to have lots of kids who love to play ball together and it’s been a joy to practice with them and go compete against other teams.”

Trying to enjoy the moment and soak up the time playing for Southeast of Saline is what Garretson preaches to his teams. “Although the wording may change over the years, the basic message has always been to hustle, be dependable, and enjoy this time, the game, your peers - even the ups and downs,” Garretson said. The Trojans were expected to be a solid team this season and they have not disappointed, thanks to Evan Nickleson, Bryce Cooper, Jayton

Coach Garretson Mathis, Clayton Meier and Hart Nurnberg.

“They are dependable and give it their all,” Garretson said. “They are a joy to be on the field with each day.”

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

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The orthopedic care you need to keep moving forward.

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

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

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Orthopedic Surgeon

Travis Rump, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon

Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician

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

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Todd Reilly, D.O.

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

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J E F F W E L L S ’ A M E R I C A N FA M I LY I N S U R A N C E A T H L E T E S P O T L I G H T

Sacred Heart’s Hunter Newell By Hayden Swope Hunter Newell, a golfer from Salina Sacred Heart, was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month. Only a sophomore, Newell was very appreciative of being voted as the athlete for May. “It means a lot to be a chosen athlete by American Family Insurance,” Newell said. “There are a lot of great athletes at Sacred Heart who represent our school well, so I am very grateful to be picked.” Newell wanted to improve his performance in many ways, all while trying to accomplish one main goal.

“My focus at the beginning of the season was to shoot as many rounds in the 70’s as possible,” Newell said. “In the postseason, I am hoping that I can take top ten at state and hopefully our team can win the state championship. I feel very accomplished in what I did this year on and off the course.” Newell took third at the McPherson Invitational, shooting a 78, and also walked away with his favorite memory from the season.

At the rain-shortened state tournament, he shot 82 and the Knights won the team title yet again. “The most memorable moment probably

Hunter Newell happened at the McPherson Invitational,” Newell said. “The wind was blowing 40 miles per hour, and it started icing on us before we started. We all had to play well to beat McPherson at their home course. As we finished, we were trying to add up the scores to see if we won. When we figured out that we had won, we celebrated because it was the first tournament victory of the year for us.”

While still undecided on his future, Newell does want to continue golfing at a college level. “I am hopefully going to go to college for golf on a scholarship, but if that doesn’t work out, I plan on going to the University of Arizona to work on computer engineering.” Newell said.

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

South’s Carter Copes

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By Matt Browning

Carter Copes of Salina South was chosen as the Salina Image Athlete of the Month for May. Copes is one of top jumpers in both the high jump and triple jump in Class 5A.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be in the magazine,” Copes said. “Salina has a lot of athletes who are good competitors, and it is great that I’ve been selected. To me, that means that the hard work and dedication to my sport has been noticed.”

Copes took first place in the triple jump at the Andover Invitational and at the Saline County Invitational, where he recorded his personal record. In the high jump, Copes won the Andover Invitational and took second at the Buhler Invitational, where he recorded his personal record. “So far my season has been

Carter Copes good,” Copes said. “I’m just trying to continue to get better and be a student of my craft. I’m pleased but not satisfied with the season. I want to keep working and continue to score points for the team.” Copes also plays basketball and football at Salina South and next year will be going to Tabor to jump.

TRACK TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Marion Track Spotlight By Chris Cox Track and field is a sport filled with individual events, individual performances, and individual recognition. But what often goes overlooked by those outside of the track and field world is the team aspect of the sport.

Marion High School track and field coach Grant Thierolf says because his athletes take the team aspect of the sport seriously, a lot of his athletes find success. “Tristen Dye (Jr) is a cross country kid and leads in the distance runs. He sets the tone in practice,” says Thierolf. “I’ve also been very pleased with McKinnon Waner (Jr). She leads both the boys and girls in the throws. She gets them organized and where they need to be. Jonathan Frese (Soph) is a quiet leader. He always wins in the sprints. We have a number of kids who

set the tone. Campbell Winter (Sr) and Grayce Tankersley (Sr) are also leaders for us. They make sure everyone is at the standard we want to be at.” With Frese finishing his sophomore year, and only six seniors set to graduate, Thierolf likes how his team is set for the next couple of years.

“Luke Wessel (Fr) in a distance runner that kept getting better and better as the year went along,” Thierolf says. “We also have a young girl jumper in Kenna Wesner (Fr) who placed in every meet in the long jump and triple jump. She has a good chance to be a good jumper and hurdler. Gabby Newell (Soph) has also done a nice job in the hurdles. A couple of other freshmen girls in Taryn Kraus and Addison Cooper could be very good if they continue to work and get stronger. On the

Thierolf says he’s proud that his team has bought in to what he and his assistants like to preach.

“When you work hard, good things happen to you,” he says. “That’s one thing we’ve prided ourselves on. We’re going to work hard and we’re going to work smart. If you do that, and stay injury free, typically good things happen.” Finally, Thierolf also attributes the success of the Marion track and field program to his assistants Deanna Thierolf, Charlotte Waner, Jerry Smith, and Shaun Craft.

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Marion Track

boy’s side, Landon Dye (Soph) and Kayden Nelson (Soph) are throwers that have a chance to be very good but need to get stronger. All of them have a chance to be a very good track athletes over the next few years.”

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For more information in Kansas call Josh 913-731-3382.

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WSU TECH TEAM SPOTLIGHT

WSU wins AAC with help from Kansas Track Athletes

Ca mpus of A ppl i e d S c i e n c e s a nd Technol o g y

But it all came together.” WSU had so much local flavor on its team this season and a pair of Visual Standards those Kansas athletes led the day three charge for the Shockers. Beloit’s Brady Palen and Davis Dubbert took second and third in the high jump. Freshman Ridge Estes, from Bucklin took third in the discus while freshman Jaleel Montgomery from Wichita ran a personal best time of 10.50 in the 100-meter. The Shockers had 24 athletes from Kansas on their men’s roster. Rainbolt said being able to get local athletes, no matter

7-2018

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how talented, has been important for the growth and sustainability of the program. “It’s been unbelievably significant,” Rainbolt said. “It’s not always the top talent, too. We have developed those athletes. A lot of that has happened.” Athletes like Estes, who are from a small schools and communities, might not have been recruited by many schools, but Rainbolt and his staff have a developmental program in place that taps into unlocked potential. With the new age of college athletics like Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, being able to develop athletes has become even more crucial. “It’s more important to stay in our lane,” Rainbolt said. “We believe in what we do. We think it’s a winning formula and strategy.” Photos Courtesy of Wichita State University

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By Matt Browning The Wichita State men’s track team ended Houston’s fiveyear conference championship streak by knocking off the Cougars in the 2022 AAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. It was the program’s first ever league title. The Shockers entered the third day of the championship with an 89-14 lead on Houston, but their predictive form chart still showed a 19-point loss. But they had a couple of breaks go their way, which resulted in the school’s first men’s championship since 2017. “All year we felt like we had a team that could battle for the championship,” Wichita State coach Steve Rainbolt said. “It still seemed like an awfully big goal, almost like a dream.

SALINA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Republic County’s Blake Aurand Blake Aurand, a track athlete at Republic County is the type of student-athlete every coach would like to see on their roster. “Growing up playing sports, I constantly looked up to the high school athletes,” Aurand said. “This was a huge honor to me, as I hope that some kid can see

this honor and strive to do their best in the future as well.” Aurand spent his offseason improving his skills for the upcoming season and was able to perform very well in competition.

“The biggest thing that I’ve been preparing for is my high jump,” Aurand said. “Since last year was my

first year trying it, I have a lot of areas of improvement I can work on from my take off to the form I use going over the bar.” Aurand is also involved in football, basketball, FBLA, FFA, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Science club, and FCCLA, and plans to attend Kansas State University for industrial engineering.

2022 KIAAA AWARDS District Athletic Director of the Year Award Winners District 1 - Jeff Fuss CAA, Lyons HS District 2 - Scott Burger, Sabetha HS District 3 - Gary Howard CAA, Spring Hill District 4 - Kevin Armstrong, RAA Hutchinson HS Middle School - Amy Wright, Paola MS

Kansas Athletic Director of the Year

Carp Winner Gary Mussleman, KSHSAA Retired

Sportswriter of the Year Shawn Beldon, Spectrum Sports KC

Sportscaster of the Year

Kevin Armstrong RAA, Hutchinson HS

Glen Grunwald, Eagle Radio Hutchinson

NIAAA State Award of Merit

KIAAA Jack Dresslar Scholarship Winners

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

*Keleb Becker, Abilene Trenna Whitmore, Washburn Rural *Ella Mackiewiz, Shawnee Northwest Alexandra Schreiner, Kingdom

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(* represents those nominated as the section 5 scholarship candidates)

CONGRATULATIONS Blake Aurand

Enroll now for fall classes

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