YMCA #YiBelong Spotlight Michael Alberson

By Matt Browning Coaching basketball at the Wichita YMCA goes beyond fundamentals and scoreboards for Michael Alberson, who has been coaching at the Y for five years.

good to me; I have the benefit of paid leave and use it when necessary to coach early games during the week.”

Alberson said the impact a coach can have on his players should be more than sport.

“Mentoring and Coaching young boys as they mature into young men; it is priceless to see the impact a coach has on the young men’s lives,” Alberson said. “And Fellowship and building coalitions with coaches, referees and YMCA Farha Staffing, which sets positive examples on how people should work together and respect each other even in highly competitive environments.”

Visit Salina Winning Edge Player Of The Month

Bishop Carroll’s Grace Long

By Hayden Swope

The Bishop Carroll girls soccer team brings back first team all-city and second team all-state player Grace Long this season. Long was chosen as the Visit Salina/Salina Chamber Athlete of the Month.

“I’ve seen a lot of talented kids featured in VYPE, so I am grateful to be chosen for this recognition,” Long said. “Plus, it’s always nice to see girls soccer get some well deserved attention and exposure.”

Long stayed in shape over the offseason by training and working with the best in preparation for the upcoming season.

“As an attacking midfielder, I am always trying to improve my touch, passing, and speed of play,” Long said. “My coach at the Rush Club, Adam Hunter, preaches that we need to be technically and tactically strong soccer players.”

With a good balance of young and experienced players, Long believes that the Golden Eagles can make a good run in the postseason.

“I would like to see our team repeat as City League champions and win state, although I know that will be a challenge with so many great teams in 5A,” Long said. “We have a lot of experienced and skilled veteran players, along with

Grace Long

eagerness and talent from young players. Coach Greg Rauch and his assistants always work very hard to help us succeed.”

Long is not only a leader on the field, but in the classroom as well.

“I am Student Body President, and it has been very rewarding and fulfilling to be able to serve the students of Bishop Carroll,” Long said. “I am also a member of the National Honors Society and the school newspaper. I played volleyball for three years as well. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities Bishop Carroll has provided.”

Long plans to attend Newman University to continue playing soccer in the fall, as well as major in Biology or Nursing.