VYPE Kansas - NCK April 2026

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By Matt Browning

Abilene’s Kit Barbieri

Abilene’s Kit Barbieri is a three-event runner for the Cowboys, and her focus throughout the offseason has been improving in the 300-meter hurdles so she can be a valuable contributor to the 4x1 and 4x4 relay teams.

“I’m working on my speed and endurance to contribute to every race I’m in,” Barbieri said. “Ultimately, the goal is to make it to state, therefore, I want to do whatever I can to make that possible for not only me, but also my teammates.”

Despite being a two-time state qualifier for Abilene, Barbieri continues to strive for improvement.

“I’m always looking for ways to get better,” Barbieri said. “Whether that’s fixing my technique or pushing through the workouts, I can use that to help my team by setting a strong example at practice that they can feed off of.”

There was no downtime for Barbieri throughout the offseason as she prepared for the high school track season.

“To improve my performance this season, I wanted to build my physical strength so that I could be more powerful on the track,” Barbieri said. “I worked on this by staying consistent in the weight room during the off-season, staying active in other sports year-round, and showing up every day ready to work.”

There are multiple levels of success for Barbieri and her teammates this season.

“A successful season for my team and I would involve improved performances and competitive success,” Barbieri said. “This means setting PR’s, placing in our events, and pushing our limits in every competition.”

Wichita Trinity Softball

By Matt Browning

Wichita Trinity Academy has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its softball facility with the addition of a permanent seating structure and press box, thanks to a recently completed project by Hellas Construction.

The new installation includes more than 250 permanent seats, providing a long-term solution for fans and creating a more professional atmosphere for games. Prior to the upgrade, the school lacked permanent stands, making the project a priority for improving the experience for both spectators and student-athletes.

“This project gave us a permanent, high-quality structure that fit what we needed for our softball facility,” said Dan Beckler, Trinity AD. “Before this project, we did not have permanent stands, but we had a desire to create a better setup for our fans and community that support the studentathletes.”

From start to finish, the project delivered on expectations, with consistent communication and an organized approach standing out as key

components of the experience.

“Our experience with Hellas was very positive from start to finish,” Beckler said. “They did a great job of communicating updates on a regular basis, which helped keep everything clear and moving forward. Once the project began, they came in, did the work, and followed through with a quality product. The process felt organized and professional, and we always felt informed along the way.”

Beyond meeting functional needs, the new structure has also elevated the overall appearance of the facility.

“In the end, they delivered something that not only met our needs, but also looked great,” Beckler said.

Trinity officials said they would strongly recommend Hellas to other schools or organizations considering similar upgrades.

“I would absolutely recommend Hellas to another school or organization,” Beckler said. “They communicated well, handled the project professionally, and built a great product for us.”

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Miller Coffman / Clay Center

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Clay Center’s Miller Coffman and jaw-dropping stats last year. He hit .433 which earned him first team all-league honors. He hopes for status quo this season as he leads the Tigers.

“My main focus is just to be better than last year,” Coffman said. “Specifically getting on base because that's my main job for this team.”

Being able to get on base – whether that is with a hit or walk –is crucial to Coffman’s game and it sets the table for the rest of the Clay Center offense.

“I'm good at getting on base,” Coffman said. “I think it's huge to just have baserunners and an opportunity to score runs, and our team is good at capitalizing when we have runners on base.”

While Coffman’s offensive stats were impressive, he wanted to make better contact at the plate.

“I wanted to hit the ball harder and more often,” Coffman said. “I got a little bigger and worked in the cages quite a bit.”

Despite going 19-6, Clay Center fell in the first round of the Class 4A Tournament a year ago.

Aside from the quick exit at state, Coffman and his teammates have similar goals for 2026.

“Our team always has a few goals, which are to win every game, win regionals, and win state, because losing isn't fun,” Coffman said.

Concordia’s Charlize Cash

By Matt Browning

For Charlize Cash, the outdoors has always felt like home. Growing up surrounded by family traditions rooted in nature, Cash said her appreciation began long before she could fully understand it.

“My love for the outdoors started at a really young age,” she said. “We have been camping with my family for as long as I can remember.”

Some of her earliest memories take place at her grandfather’s farm, where a simple pond became the backdrop for countless summer days.

“At my grandpa’s farm, there is a pond where we fish and swim,” Cash said. “My initial love for the outdoors is how peaceful it is and the stars at night.”

That sense of calm, combined with time spent with family, helped shape a passion that continues to grow. Much of that time has been spent alongside her father, who shares her love for fishing.

“My dad goes fishing a lot, so anytime that I can go with him when I am not practicing sports, I do,” she said. “I always go with my dad and his friends.”

Like any outdoor enthusiast, Cash has built plenty of memories along the way — some more successful than others. One moment, in particular, still stands out.

“One specific memory that stands out for me is when we were at a pond, and I thought I could jump over the edge of the pond where the water looked dried up,” she said. “I did not make it and lost my shoe in the mud.”

Even so, those experiences have only added to her enjoyment of the outdoors, especially when it comes to friendly competition with her dad.

“My greatest accomplishment when fishing is anytime I out fish my dad,” Cash said with a laugh. “Which is about 50% of the time.”

As she prepares for the next chapter — continuing her basketball career at Bethel College — Cash hopes to make the most of her time outside before heading off.

“I hope to do a lot of camping and catch many big fish before I go off to Bethel College to play basketball,” she said.

COMMERCIAL TIRE CALL OF THE WILD ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

By Matt Browning

For Salina Central’s Gannon Cole, a love for the outdoors isn’t something that developed overnight — it’s been a constant part of his life.

“I don’t remember a time when me and my brother weren’t outside hunting or fishing with our dad,” Cole said. “I had always loved fishing with my dad, which is kind of what started my passion for outdoors, but it really took off when I shot my first turkey when I was in sixth grade.”

Since then, Cole has immersed himself in hunting and fishing, taking advantage of nearly every opportunity he gets. Even with a demanding schedule that includes sports and school, his commitment to the outdoors rarely wavers.

“Anytime there’s a chance that I could be hunting or fishing, I take it,” he said. “With sports, there were times when our bus would get back from a football game after midnight and I’d be in a duck blind before 5:00 a.m. the next morning, because I just love it so much.”

Cole’s dedication often stretches beyond early mornings. He spends time scouting after practices and, when possible, heads out into the field in the evenings.

“I scout after practice, and there are some nights when I hunt after practice if I can,” he said. “Fishing wise, anytime I have a chance I do it.”

While he frequently hunts with friends, Cole says time spent outdoors with family remains most meaningful.

“I hunt with my friends a lot of times, but I will always look to hunt with my dad and brother,” he said.

“My dad is big into fishing and hunting too, so I fish a lot with him.”

Balancing athletics, academics and his passion for the outdoors hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something Cole has learned to manage.

“Trying to find a balance between hunting and fishing, and sports (and school) was really tough for me,” he said. “I always want to go hunting and fishing, but I also want to be the best athlete I can, so I put a lot of time into both.”

That dedication has led to memorable moments in the field. One of his favorite experiences came late in goose season during a hunt with friends.

“One of the last hunts of goose season, I went on a buddy hunt with two of my friends and we ended up shooting a three-man limit with two bands,” Cole said. “It really just felt like our hard work for the whole season paid off.”

By Matt Browning

Smoky Valley’s Dalton Eastep

Entering his fifth season as head coach, Dalton Eastep has built his baseball program at Smoky Valley around a simple but impactful idea: maximizing each player’s potential.

Eastep, who previously served as an assistant under former coach Troy Miller, has also spent time coaching middle school football at Smoky Valley, including three seasons as head coach after five years as an assistant. That range of experience has helped shape his approach to working with studentathletes.

“My coaching philosophy is all about a player’s capacity,” Eastep said. “Getting players, especially in middle school and high school, to realize the closer you can play to your capacity, the more you grow that capacity.”

Rather than focusing on comparisons, Eastep emphasizes development within each player’s current abilities.

“We get far too caught up in comparison and trying to reach outside of our abilities, that we often struggle to maximize what we are actually capable of,” he said. “Focus on what you can do now, do it to the best of your abilities, and those abilities will grow with the rest of your successes.”

That mindset has shown up in key moments for the Vikings, particularly in games that required depth and resilience on the mound.

One of Eastep’s favorite memories came during a challenging stretch last season when Smoky Valley faced both Lyons and Southeast of Saline in the same week. With limited

pitching depth, the Vikings still managed to deliver in crucial situations.

“Our guys battled and put together extremely important pitching performances,” Eastep said. “When you’re limited in depth, it takes a ton of buy-in to a certain plan to make things work. Our guys were awesome in those games.”

More recently, Smoky Valley turned in another standout performance in a doubleheader sweep of Hillsboro on April 10. Three sophomores — Kaleb Burgardt, Kylan Lindquist and Carson Jader — combined to pitch every inning, allowing just two earned runs while striking out 15 in 13-1 and 8-2 victories.

“Seeing a group do exactly what you ask them to do, and see them succeed from it, is about as close as it gets to perfect from a coaching perspective,” Eastep said.

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SE-Saline’s Malachi Hopkins

By Matt Browning

Senior standout Malachi Hopkins is approaching his final season at Southeast of Saline with a clear mindset: push beyond limits and chase a state title.

“My primary focus this year was to give it all I got and even when that’s all I got give more,” Hopkins said. “If I keep working hard and push past the mind then it’s a winning game from there.”

That mentality comes after a strong junior campaign in which Hopkins placed sixth at the state meet in the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 8 inches. He also qualified in multiple events, finishing ninth in the 110-meter hurdles in 15.03 seconds, while posting marks of 5-10 in the high jump and 43.09 seconds in the 300 hurdles.

Now, Hopkins has his sights set higher.

“I hope to get a state title in long jump, coming close last year along with breaking my school record,” he said. “Showing the younger athletes all it takes is hard work and dedication.”

Beyond his individual goals, Hopkins has embraced a leadership role within the program. He said younger athletes often look to him for guidance, something he takes seriously as he helps shape the team’s culture.

“One of my strengths is leadership,” Hopkins said. “Many of the younger athletes come to me asking me to help them

understand this technique we are working on or how they can improve their time and distance.”

He makes a point to be available, whether it’s offering technical advice or encouragement before competition.

“I utilize this by helping those when I see it or when I’m asked, making sure everyone is ready to compete,” he said.

Technically, Hopkins has focused on refining key aspects of his events, particularly in the long jump. He emphasized improving his glide phase and explosiveness off the takeoff, areas he attacked during the offseason.

“This season I really wanted to work on my glide phase in long jump, getting up but also carrying it,” Hopkins said. “I also wanted to work on my explosiveness in the get off.”

Canton-Galva’s John Erskin

By Matt Browning

John Erskin has spent this track and field season focused on refinement, resilience and running faster in the sprint events for Canton-Galva.

This season, he has recorded a 12.32 in the 100-meter dash and a 24.67 in the 200-meter dash while anchoring the 4x100 relay. His personal bests from the 2024 season stand at 11.26 in the 100 and 23.44 in the 200.

His track resume also includes early experience on a championship relay team. As a freshman in 2023, Erskin served as an alternate on the Canton-Galva 4x100meter relay that won the Class 1A state championship.

“My primary focus this season is to improve my performance in the sprint events, specifically by lowering my time to 11.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash and breaking 23 seconds in the 200-meter dash,” Erskin said. “In addition to these goals, I also aim to make my parents proud through my effort and dedication.”

A sprinter with a mix of individual goals and relay responsibility, Erskin has leaned on his experience and speed to contribute in multiple ways for the team. He has served as a consistent presence in the sprint lineup and as a key piece of the 4x100-meter relay, where he runs the anchor leg.

“I would consider my main strengths to be my explosive speed, as well as my experience as an upperclassman,” Erskin said. “I utilize these strengths by contributing points in sprint events (excluding the 400-meter dash) and serving as a reliable anchor for the 4x100-meter relay. Additionally, my experience allows me to help guide younger

sprinters on the team, particularly by offering advice on running form and block starts.”

While his speed has made him a dependable runner, Erskin said one of his biggest focuses this season has been mental growth, especially learning how to respond to adversity during competition.

“One area I wanted to improve this season is my ability to handle setbacks and accept losses more constructively,” he said. “In the past, I have struggled with maintaining a positive mindset after a poor performance, which affected both my individual events and how I supported my team. This season, I am working to stay focused and maintain a better attitude regardless of outcomes.”

Reese Goetz

By Matt Browning

For softball player Reese Goetz, the decision to continue her athletic and academic career at Hutchinson Community College came down to a combination of strong facilities, supportive coaches and a welcoming team environment.

“When I was being recruited, the facilities really stood out to me,” Goetz said. “They have a really nice indoor — filled with snacks — and I was also told that the spring of my freshman year the field would be turfed. I’ve always liked turfed fields, so I was really excited when I heard about it.” Beyond the facilities, the coaching staff made a lasting impression during her recruitment process.

“The coaches also were a big part of it because they were fun to be around, and Ray would be at all my games in the summer,” Goetz said.

Since arriving on campus, Goetz said her experience has exceeded expectations, both on and off the field.

“My experience so far has been great,” she said. “My freshman year I was nervous about not getting along with my teammates, but I had no problems. I will never forget any of them and the memories we made.”

Now in her sophomore season, Goetz continues to build strong connections while also setting high expectations for her team.

“So far my sophomore year has been just as great,” she said. “I love the freshmen that Rose and Ray brought in, and I think we have a real shot at going to Nationals in Alabama this year.”

The relationships she has formed have been one of the most meaningful parts of her time at Hutchinson.

“Sometimes I wish Hutch was a four-year so I could have more time with these girls because they really have become my best friends,” Goetz said.

Goetz also pointed to the overall success of the school’s athletic programs as something that stands out.

“I think one thing that stands out to me about Hutch is how good most of our athletics are,” she said. “A lot of our programs have done really good the past couple of years here. And you also see most people going on to keep playing at higher levels after Hutch.”

Butler BASH! 2026

Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, Butler Bash is a day of hands-on activities exposing more than 200 area middle school students to various fields in the Construction Industry. Industry members and Butler Community College are partnering to provide a fun and safe learning experience.

INSTRUCTORS

LEARNING COMPRESSION ECHNIQUE

Salina South’s Jalen Cheeks

By Matt Browning

Last season, Salina South’s Jalen Cheeks made significant strides in his two main events, triple jump and 800 meter.

Now the plan is to take last year’s momentum and continue it into the 2026 season.

“I want to focus more on my triple jump and 800 meter this season,” Cheeks said. “I felt last season was a huge step personally and I’m excited to build on it. I would say placing at regionals for triple jump is my biggest personal goal.”

The triple jump is the event that Cheeks really thrives in. Last season his best jump 39-10.

“My biggest strength for triple jump I would say is being able to jump through my phases with good form on both legs so I can hit my mark no matter which foot is forward,” Cheeks said.

When it comes to the 800, Cheeks thinks his offseason preparation will pay off in a huge way.

“I want to cut some time off my 800, because I think we have strong enough guys to produce a strong 4x8,” Cheeks said. “During the offseason I play football and basketball so I don’t have much rest but I’d say just staying in the weight room has helped across all three sports.”

Salina South’s Jakub Szyndlar

By Matt Browning

Salina South’s Jakub Szyndlar saw significant progress in his javelin throwing toward the end of his junior season.

He hopes that momentum carries into a successful senior campaign.

“I want to build on the groundwork that I set at the end of last season,” Szyndlar said. “Improving not only in my form but also how far I go in the season. I have my sights set on making state for the first time in my career for Javelin. State, however, isn’t the only thing on my mind for this season. I also aim to get first place at a meet. It sounds very simple but when you have strong competition, it drives me to get as much practice in as I can.”

Throwing is something that relaxes Szyndlar, and he wants to bring that mindset with him to practice each day.

“I want to work on my attitude coming into practice,” Szyndlar said. “After a long day at school, I need to come ready to practice and focus on my form. It is a lot more enjoyable when I can let everything go from that day and simply throw.”

Szyndlar is also in a fortunate position, as he has a family connection that helps him continue developing his skills.

“During the offseason, I practice throwing with my aunt and we both took part in the Sunflower State Games,” Szyndlar said. “She taught me how to throw so when I work with her; it is not only a great bonding experience but helps keep my technique fresh for the spring.”

Little River’s Kal-El Robinson

By Blake Chadwick

For most athletes, pressure can be overwhelming, but for Little River’s Kal-El Robinson—named after Superman—pressure is part of the process. It’s something he embraces rather than avoids. For Robinson, pressure is earned through preparation, and it’s where he believes his best performances come.

“We compete in practice every day and push each other,” Robinson said.

That competitive mindset has helped shape Robinson into not just a competitor, but a leader. Whether in practice or on game day, his focus remains the same: bringing effort, staying locked in and trusting the work.

“No matter what is going on, I always try to compete the best I can,” Robinson said.

The senior’s approach also carries over into how he impacts those around him. He leads by example, setting the tone with his energy and work ethic while pushing his teammates to match that standard. It’s not about being the loudest voice, but about being someone others can rely on.

“I want to make it to state in every event,” Robinson said.

For the Little River senior, his track days may be coming to an end, but he will still bring his competitive mindset into his next endeavors. His plan after high school is to attend Hutchinson Community College to earn an associate degree in accounting and then transfer to Kansas University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting.

SCOTT AUSHERMAN AMERICAN FAMILY ATHLETE

Minneapolis’ Bladen Johnson

By Cooper Chadwick

Batting .375 with nine RBIs early in the season, junior Bladen Johnson has been a steady presence at the plate for Minneapolis.

Johnson plays first base and pitches for Minneapolis and has high expectations for himself this season.

“I want to be able to strike people out when I get on the mound, and on the offensive side of baseball, I want to have double-digit RBIs by the end of this year,” Johnson said.

Now in his first year as an upperclassman, Johnson is embracing the opportunity to take on a larger role.

“I was excited about just being able to play baseball; it’s really fun, and nothing is better than being with your friends and playing a sport you love,” Johnson said.

Johnson is also team-focused and has high hopes for what the season could bring.

“Some goals I have for the team are that I want to make a deep state run. We have the right guys to do it, and our record might not show it, but we are a good baseball team, and if we keep working hard, we’re going to do good things come playoff time,” Johnson said.

Last season, Johnson batted .214 with nine hits and two doubles. This season, his role and production have grown.

“When I get up to the plate and there are runners in scoring position, my coaches know I’m going to drive them in,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s college plans are undecided, but he would like to continue his baseball career at the next level.

“I’ve loved playing it since I was a little kid, so I have a lot of love for the game,” Johnson said.

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Minneapolis Softball

By Matt Browning

The Minneapolis softball team went 21-5 last season and qualified for the Class 3A Tournament, but the Lions lost a significant amount of talent from that squad.

However, head coach Bryan Weatherman

remains optimistic about his team’s chances in 2026.

“We are replacing six seniors, but we can be as successful as last year,” Weatherman said. “We do not have a senior in the lineup and feel we can be highly competitive this year

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and into the future. Advancing to state is all about matchups and regional location, but I would like for us to be in a situation this year where we have a chance to play in a game that decides whether we advance or not.”

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Minneapolis will rely on three key returners as its foundation: Kaegan Hardesty (P/3B), Miley McClure (SS) and Baylee Randall-Hurt (1B).

Last season, Hardesty hit .476 while also posting an 8-2 record in the circle. McClure hit .479 with 43 RBIs, and Randall-Hurt hit .379 with nine doubles. Weatherman believes two factors will be critical to the Lions’ success this season.

“We need to develop a second pitcher and get production from the bottom of our lineup,” Weatherman said. “These two things would be my main concerns.”

Dotted Line.... Salina Area Signings

SE-Saline’s Kanyon Douglas

By Blake Chadwick

Southeast of Saline senior sprinter Kanyon Douglas has spent the last four years building a reputation defined by effort, consistency and a constant push to improve.

As a senior, Douglas competes primarily in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay, where his mindset has always centered on one thing: getting better every time he steps on the track.

“My strengths are working hard and pushing myself to be the best I can be,” Douglas said. That approach has shaped his career and helped him reach one of his key highlights so far, qualifying for the state meet in the 4x100 relay.

“My goals are to win league and regionals,” Douglas said.

That shared expectation has helped set the tone for a program built on winning.

Looking beyond high school, Douglas plans to take a different path from athletics at the next level. He will attend McPherson College to study automotive restoration, with long-term goals of graduating and eventually opening his own restoration shop.

Even without continuing sports in college, Douglas leaves no doubt about how he views his final season. He appreciates the recognition from his coach and the trust placed in his work ethic.

“I try to push myself every day, and it is set in my brain to always do everything I can to be at my best and keep going past that,” he said.

Salina Central’s Phoebe Bohrer

By Cooper Chadwick

Salina Central senior Phoebe Bohrer competes in the 800-meter run and high jump for the Mustangs and is ready to go all out in her final season.

“I am most excited for the upcoming season, exceeding my personal goals and making new PRs,” Bohrer said.

During the offseason, Bohrer stays active in multiple sports. She runs cross country in the fall and competes in wrestling in the winter, while also focusing on improving her track performance.

“I am wanting to improve my overall speed and strength. Doing other sports and staying active really helped with that,” Bohrer said.

Competing as a three-sport athlete has helped Bohrer stay in shape yearround, making it easier to transition between seasons.

Bohrer’s main goal this year is to qualify for state and set new personal records in her events. Each season, her focus is on continual improvement, even as reaching new PRs becomes more challenging. Bohrer plans to attend Butler Community College to study nursing, a demanding academic program.

“This is going to be my last year being on a sports team. I am not continuing sports in college due to my major during college. Last year, best year,” Bohrer said.

Salina Central’s Chance Hogan

By Matt Browning

For Salina Central’s Chance Hogan, improvement at the plate has been just as important as his dominance on the mound this season.

Hogan said his primary focus has been refining his swing, working to stay disciplined and drive the ball with consistency to all parts of the field.

“My primary focus for this season was my swing,” Hogan said. “I have been practicing staying back on the ball and driving it to both sides of the field.”

Hogan earned honorable mention honors last season as both a pitcher and a second baseman, and he continues to build on that recognition with his allaround play this spring.

While his offensive approach continues to develop, Hogan has already established himself as a key contributor through his pitching and defense. His ability to control games from the mound has been a major asset for Salina Central.

“My strengths this season is my defense and my pitching,” he said. “I have been able to keep batters off balance and work around them throwing back to back complete game shut outs.”

Hogan credits much of his improvement to the work he put in during the offseason, particularly alongside his brother, Dakota. The focus was on building a more controlled and relaxed approach at the plate.

“Things I really wanted to improve was my swing and making sure I am relaxed up there to get the job done when it’s needed,” Hogan said. “I worked this offseason with my brother Dakota making sure I’m staying back and not lunging for the ball.”

That steady, detail-oriented mindset carries over into his vision for the season, both individually and as a team. Hogan emphasized execution and consistency as the foundation for success.

“A successful season for the team would be to keep executing the little things and to keep winning games and to make it back to the 5A state tournament,” he said. “For me a successful season would be to keep doing my job and executing.”

Canton-Galva’s MaKinlee Hoppes GALEN SHIELDS’ STATE

By Hayden Swope

As her senior season approaches, Canton-Galva’s MaKinlee Hoppes is looking forward to competing alongside familiar faces while embracing both the individual and team aspects of the sport.

“I am excited to be able to compete against the same people I have been competing against since junior high,” Hoppes said. “Being a senior, there is something special about seeing familiar faces and knowing that we are all reaching such important milestones in our lives. I’m also excited about having a 4x4 team this year. Last year our track team only had five girls so we could not do any relays, but this year we have 14 girls. I am excited to see what our girl’s team can accomplish this year and how we can improve each meet to reach our own individual goals.”

Hoppes has stayed active during the offseason, balancing multiple sports while continuing to train for track.

“In the offseason my dad made me personal workouts that helped with different aspects of javelin,” Hoppes said. “I played volleyball and basketball so I have kept in pretty good shape for the 4x4 and different running events that I will partake in throughout the season.”

Heading into the season, she is focused on improving both physically and mentally.

“I want to be in really good shape this season and keep a positive attitude,” Hoppes said. “I have worked on having a positive attitude throughout the year by competing in other sports. I like to lift my teammates up no matter what the outcome of the competition is. Our team conditioned for a couple weeks before our first meet, but I intend to continue to get into better shape throughout the season.”

With clear goals for herself and her team as they work toward postseason competition, Hoppes is ready to see what they will accomplish.

“Our track coach will only bring us to regionals if we are top 10 in our events,” Hoppes said. “One of my individual goals is to make it to regionals in two events this year and truly compete for a spot to go to state. Some team goals I have is for us to all support each other and hopefully have more than half our team going to regionals by the end of the season.”

Looking ahead, she plans to continue her education while pursuing a career in business.

“My future plans are to attend Hutchinson Community College to complete my associates and then move on to a four year university to earn my degree in a business related major,” Hoppes said.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Salina South’s Chase Freeman

By Matt Browning

Chase Freeman focused his season on becoming a reliable contributor to the Salina South varsity golf roster, aiming to help the team post competitive scores and advance toward state competition.

“My primary focus on the season was being a strong part of the varsity roster, one that would help the overall team with scores to get to state,” Freeman said.

Freeman said his biggest strength on the course is his mental approach to the game.

“I consider my mindset to be my greatest strength,” Freeman said. “I can easily remain calm and collected, and this allows me to avoid many mental barriers. Golf is very mental, and keeping a good attitude is necessary to play well and give competitive scores to my team.”

To improve his consistency, Freeman dedicated extra time to refining his ball striking on the driving range.

“I wanted to work on my consistency,” Freeman said. “Sometimes I can play great, and at other times I look like I’ve never touched a club in my life. To acquire this I spent a lot of time on the range working on my ball striking.”

Freeman defined a successful season as maintaining scores in the low 80s to low 90s while helping Salina South compete at a high level.

“A successful season for me would be to have me shoot in the low 90’s or 80’s,” Freeman said. “This would mean I’m able to contribute well, and hopefully we can make it far in state again.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Moundridge’s Heath Churchill

Helping Moundridge’s boys finish second at state last year, senior Heath Churchill is excited to see how much he and his teammates have improved since then.

Churchill competes in the high jump, 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and the 4x400-meter relay for Moundridge. His versatility gives him the opportunity to score valuable points and help the team win meets.

“I play a decent role for our team. I have placed in all my events at state these past years, so I hope that trend continues,” Churchill said.

Last season, Churchill cleared 6 feet, 8 inches in the high jump, ran 15.04 seconds in the 110 hurdles and 39.27 seconds in the 300 hurdles. He was the 2025 state runner-up in the high jump and placed third in the 300 hurdles. He also helped lead his team to a fifth-place finish in the 4x400 relay.

Looking to continue competing in track and field after high school, the Moundridge senior spent much of his offseason training on the track.

“Lifting weights and getting stronger…I want to improve on both of my hurdle times,” Churchill said. “Doing workouts to get faster.”

Churchill has big goals for himself and his team this season.

“Some individual goals are to make it to state in all my events, and a team goal is to win state since we were runner-up last year,” Churchill said.

56 EXPRESS TIRE & SERVICE ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Marion’s Jesse Snyder

By Matt Browning

Rather than focusing on speed or acceleration, Marion’s Jesse Snyder emphasized strength during the offseason to improve his performance.

“Throughout my off season I have focused more on improving on my lifts such as hang clean and squat to really work on explosive power,” Snyder said. “Since December I have managed to improve my squat by over 20 pounds along with 15 added to my hang clean.”

Snyder identified a key weakness from last season and has made it a priority to address it.

“For this upcoming season I am focusing on being more explosive with my starts as last year it was a noticeable weak point with all of my races,” Snyder said. “While my starts may not be the best, I have a decent top speed that has helped earn points for me and my team at various track meets.”

Snyder is also part of Marion’s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, both of which feature a strong group of athletes. He is optimistic about the team’s potential for a successful postseason.

“This season I would like to get my 400 time below 50 seconds since if I do, I have no doubt in my mind that our 4x400 relay consisting of myself, Trip Peterson, Wyatt Soyez, and Landon Hendricks will have a shot at winning state,” Snyder said. “A successful season for Marion would be if a large group of our athletes could qualify for state like last year as we had nearly 30 make it either in solo event or on a relay card.”

Wichita Trinity’s Grace Barrett

By Matt Browning

For Wichita Trinity Academy senior Grace Barrett, volunteering is more than an activity— it is a way to give back, especially through her work with local organizations like Simply Hygiene.

Barrett, who is involved in volleyball, student council, Young Life, and Wyldlife leadership at Trinity, said her passion for service has grown through both school and athletics.

“I love volunteering. It helps me share the gracious gifts I have been blessed with other people, and giving my time to others is one of my favorite things as well,” Barrett said.

That mindset carried over when her school basketball team participated in a volunteer day at Simply Hygiene, an experience she said left a lasting impact.

“Throughout school basketball this year, we decided to have a volunteering day with the team, and we chose Simply Hygiene, and we could not have made a better choice,” Barrett

said. “We wanted to give our time to a local organization that is on the front lines of helping people in our own community and beyond.”

Barrett said the experience also showed her how accessible service opportunities can be for students who want to get involved.

“I want people to know that hygiene is easy to volunteer with them,” she said. “The workers at the facility are so kind and love having lots of helping hands when packing items. It truly is so easy to begin volunteering.”

LAND SALES

PROUD TO SPONSOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

SEAN THOMAS

Land Agent

BY MATT BROWNING

Carter Melton’s passion for the outdoors started long before he could fully participate in it.

“My dad would take me with his friends to the river to hunt ducks,” Melton said. “My cousin and I would explore around and build forts. When I was old enough to bring a gun, I would usually sit still a little better.”

Those early mornings in duck blinds helped shape a love for hunting and fishing that continues to play a major role in his life today. Even now, Melton finds ways to stay connected to the outdoors despite a busy schedule filled with sports.

“I usually spend quite a bit of time in the outdoors hunting and fishing,” he said. “A few buddies and I have started to go fishing after baseball practice. Being involved in sports makes it tough to find the time with them being such a commitment.”

Apervitiam tra? Catiam rem scerfectuium egitam is, st virmihilica ina, si sena, consita esciame tabemus huc ignones ium iu in derra nit; norbem, dum is in te, conditus es tem termihineque andent? Ulturbis aperei senteri verbis bonem caecon diem tasdam alest prit, ut visulic finare obsentinte condi praverc eremus consulicae terfect ustrae adempost Catiqua sedet, ellare pre egilicaequam partemus? Licasti, que mentum publis.

Still, Melton makes the most of every opportunity he gets. Whether it’s time with friends or competing, he values every moment.

“I love going and shooting for the trap team every Sunday,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to get better with my shotgun and

CARTER MELTON

JOHN SMITH

as well as compete, which I love.”

While much of his time outdoors is spent with others, Melton also appreciates the quiet side of hunting.

“I usually hunt with a group, but when I sit in the tree stand for deer I am usually by myself,” he said. “Being with a group creates great memories and is very enjoyable, but something about going out by yourself and enjoying being out feels amazing.”

Over the years, Melton has built a collection of memories that continue to fuel his passion. One of those dates back to his time living in Belleville before moving to McPherson.

“My friend Aden Morris and I would ride our four-wheelers all over and fish as many ponds as we could get permission on almost every day of summer,” Melton said. “We would sometimes get up well before sunrise and go just because we thought they ‘bit harder’ earlier.”

Those long summer days often ended with a familiar stop.

Habi sertem senatius haelumus? quitatrum nessolum mus interec telingu liamdium Patum poteriste con dem ignatur quam me in

“Our favorite spot to eat those days was definitely Dairy Queen, and we had a special route to get there so we would not get in trouble,” he said.

sessulius; no. Sci se movit re nimula resimo egeres et fecon vitam obserfir intem nuntem teres? Go nequem essullatim interurnis actum noniu inpre nemquodi, cus con vivivirma, nos fortervivem facent que atium nostilin patque crudet; ia plicatque tem conovena, pro haberniae aut vehebat uusque publiciam sendiem nox sedet iam sentis. Lus tifenit dum imis omne atamque ina, ere tabem virmihiliemo vestrum perorit, ne estam int quemus abutem prestercere notam popubli ceperfesim dii temorum publium factam omne publinteri fortabem eo tus in

SCHOOL NAME

GO

PREP PERFORMANCE

MCPHERSON HIGH SCHOOL

Ellsworth’s Reagan Hansen

By Hayden Swope

As the season nears, Ellsworth’s Reagan Hansen is driven by a familiar goal — qualifying for the state meet — while embracing the camaraderie of a tight-knit team.

“I am most excited for the opportunity to make it to state,” Hansen said. “I have been trying to make it and have gotten closer and closer every year. We also have a great team, combined of runners, throwers and jumpers and it is so special to be able to cheer each other on and see everyone grow as an athlete!”

Hansen has put in extensive offseason work, balancing multiple sports while continuing to refine her technique in the throwing events. Her commitment includes time spent with a longtime coach and competing in summer meets.

“I have been working constantly to become better at throwing,” Hansen said. “This year was a little different as I have been training to sign for volleyball, but I do spend a lot of time with my outside throwing coach Caleb Svaty who has been my coach for four years now. He has helped me so much. In the summers I attend AAU track meets which has helped me better myself and open my mind up to more techniques! The main workouts are shoulder/hip flexibility and lifting. Making sure you have strong shoulders and hips is huge with throwing.”

A key focus for Hansen has been improving her form, particularly maintaining proper separation throughout her throws.

“One area I have focused on is separation in my throws,” Hansen said. “I have worked to make sure that my shoulders do not get out in front of me

during my throws. Some ways to do that is doing my form without a discus and just working form non-stop until I get it right and then slowly add in movement and implements.”

Coming off a strong season, Hansen believes her added strength and continued development will lead to even better results this spring.

“I have definitely gotten a lot stronger than last year so I should be seeing these numbers climbing,” Hansen said. “I signed to go to Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to continue my volleyball career and pursue my nursing degree.”

FIND US AT LOCAL MARKETS

By Blake Chadwick

Inman’s Riley Roots

Riley Roots is a senior at Inman High School who has built his identity as a distance runner through consistency.

The senior competes in the 1,600 meters, 3,200 meters and 4x800 relay and has become one of the most dependable athletes in the program, contributing at a high level across multiple events.

One of Roots’ biggest strengths is his dedication to the process. He describes himself as someone who works hard year-round, not just during the season but especially in the offseason when development often matters most. That commitment has translated into strong performances and steady growth throughout his high school career.

Roots has been involved in track since junior high, but his impact grew in high school. He owns school records in the 3,200 meters (10:02) and the 4x800 relay (8:25), where he also runs the leadoff leg. Along the way, he has earned state medals in both cross country and track, establishing himself as one of Inman’s top distance runners in recent years. His 1,600-meter personal best of 4:45 further reflects his range and consistency.

“My personal goal is to continue to work hard day in and day out and improve on my times that I got this past season and make it back to state in my events,” Roots said. “The goal I have for the team is to help the 4x800 relay team make it back to state and once again medal.”

He also sees the bigger picture for his program and hopes the boys team can reach its highest potential together.

“It would be a dream of mine as well if the boys team as a whole could win a team state championship,” he said.

Sylvan-Lucas’ Harlee Nelson

By Blake Chadwick

Harlee Nelson is a senior at Sylvan-Lucas who has built her softball career through years of experience, consistency and leadership in the circle and on the infield. The senior has played high school softball for four years and competed in travel softball for eight, giving her a strong foundation that shows in her competitiveness and approach to the game.

Nelson plays both pitcher and shortstop and brings a level of intensity and confidence to both positions.

Over the course of her career, Nelson has reached several milestones. She has surpassed 300 career strikeouts and 100 career stolen bases while also earning honorable mention honors in both her sophomore and junior seasons. Those accomplishments reflect her impact on the mound and her ability to contribute in multiple ways offensively and defensively.

Looking at her senior season, Nelson’s focus is less on individual numbers and more on team growth and development. She said her personal goal is to help her team become stronger and more confident as the season progresses. Her team goal is straightforward — build consistency, compete together and finish with a winning record.

BRM FARMS

Nelson also understands the importance of leadership beyond performance. She has taken on a role helping younger players adjust to the program and continue developing their skills.

“We are working together to show the younger girls new things and help them learn,” Nelson said. “We encourage them to be the best that they can be.”

By Blake Chadwick

Republic County Track

The Republic County track and field program continues to build a culture centered on daily improvement, strong finishes and consistent competitiveness across boys and girls events.

Now in his 10th year coaching track, head coach Blake Erkenbrack has shaped the program around steady growth and accountability.

“My coaching philosophy is to try to get better every day,” Erkenbrack said.

That mindset has helped the program take meaningful steps forward each season, including a strong performance last year when Republic County athletes combined for 10 state medals. The focus now is on continuing that upward trend and competing at an even higher level this spring.

“Last year we had 10 athletes medal at the state track meet. We hope to improve on that this year,” Erkenbrack said.

On the girls side, the team is led by a strong core of upperclassmen who bring experience and state meet success.

Senior Kylie Stone leads the group in the throws, competing in discus and javelin after placing fourth at state in discus last season. Seniors Dakota Clausen-Peters and Ava Thumann are key pieces in the 800, 4x400 and 4x800 relay groups, with both helping the 4x800 relay earn a sixth-place finish at state last year. Junior Kymry Hoesli also returns as part of that relay group while contributing in the 4x400.

The boys team features a balanced mix of returning state performers and emerging athletes across sprints, distance, hurdles and

field events.

Senior Aden Morris competes in high jump, long jump and relays and was part of the 4x800 team that placed seventh at state. Senior Brekyn Gaither returns in the 800 and relay groups, while junior Levi White brings speed to the 100 and 200 and adds value to the 4x100 relay after earning a state medal in 2024. Sophomores Grady Siemsen and Owen Harms continue to develop in distance and hurdles, with Harms coming off a sixth-place finish at state in the 110-meter hurdles while also competing in the 300 hurdles and relays. Through all events and levels, the program identity remains consistent.

“We always want to finish strong, whether it is daily at practice or throughout the season,” Erkenbrack said.

Benefits of Walking With a Weighted Vest

Walking is one of the most accessible and sustainable forms of exercise. It supports cardiovascular health, improves blood sugar control, helps manage body weight, and is generally easy on the joints. For many people, especially as they age, walking becomes the foundation of staying active because it feels safe, predictable, and repeatable.

The challenge is that walking places a relatively low and consistent load on the body. Weighted walking builds on the benefits of regular walking by increasing the physical demand without changing the movement itself.

Load vs Capacity and Why Weighted Walking Helps

Load is the stress you place on your body. Capacity is what your body can currently tolerate. Progress happens when load slightly exceeds capacity and injuries happens when load exceeds capacity too much or too quickly.

Normal walking applies low, predictable forces through the hips, knees, ankles, and spine. That makes it joint-friendly and sustainable, but over time it stops challenging muscles, connective tissue, and bone enough to drive adaptation.

As we age, capacity gradually declines. Muscle strength decreases, tendons and ligaments tolerate less stress, and bone becomes less responsive to low-level loading, especially around peri- and post-menopause. Walking may still feel tiring, but it no longer sends a strong enough signal to improve strength or resilience.

Adding external weight increases load while keeping the same familiar movement. You are still walking, but the muscles work harder, connective tissue experiences more tension, and the cardiovascular system must respond to a higher demand. This makes weighted walking a useful progression for people who want more benefit without running, jumping, or high-impact exercise.

Weighted Walking and Bone Density: What the Research Really Says

Weighted walking is often promoted as a way to improve bone density. The idea makes intuitive sense, since bone responds to mechanical stress. However, the research does not strongly support weighted walking alone as a bone-building intervention.

Walking by itself has limited evidence for improving bone density. Studies involving weighted vests often combine them with high-impact exercise such as jumping. In those cases, it is unclear whether benefits come from the vest, the impact exercise, or both together.

More recent randomized clinical trials in older adults show that even prolonged daily use of weighted vests does not prevent hip bone loss during intentional weight loss. What consistently shows the strongest benefit for bone density is high-intensity resistance training combined with impact or plyometric loading. That type of exercise produces higher strain and faster loading rates that bones respond to more effectively.

The honest takeaway is that weighted walking is not a stand-alone solution for improving bone density. It does not replace resistance training or impact exercise when bone health is the primary goal. That does not make it ineffective. It simply means its value lies elsewhere.

The Real Benefits of Walking With a Weighted Vest

The primary benefits of weighted walking are related to capacity, not bone density.

Adding weight increases cardiovascular demand without requiring faster speeds or impact. Heart rate rises at slower paces, and energy cost increases. For people who dislike running or cannot tolerate it, weighted walking can provide meaningful cardio stimulus while staying joint-friendly.

Weighted walking also improves lower-body and trunk load tolerance. Tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues adapt to the greater demands, making them more resilient.

From a physical therapy perspective, weighted walking can function as pre-hab. Instead of waiting for pain or injury, it builds resilience ahead of time. It can also act as a bridge between basic walking and more demanding strength or impact training.

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How to Use a Weighted Vest Safely and Effectively

Adding weight should make walking more challenging, not uncomfortable or risky.

How the load is applied matters.

Different Weighted Devices

Weighted vests are the most common option. They fit snugly around the torso and distribute weight evenly across the chest and back. This centered load feels stable and balanced, which many people prefer. The downsides are heat buildup, potential breathing restriction, and discomfort at higher weights.

Backpacks and rucksacks are also effective. Without hip straps, they load the shoulders and spine more. With a proper hip belt, some of the load transfers to the hips and lower body. In simple terms, less weight sits on the spine and shoulders and more is supported by the pelvis and legs. Neither option is better, just different.

Heavier weights are often more comfortable in backpacks or rucks with hip straps than in vests. Overall, there is no single best device. Fit and comfort matter more than the type.

How Much Weight Is Enough and How Much Is Too Much

Many people begin weighted walking with about 20 pounds for men and 10 pounds for women. These are common starting points, not requirements. Body size, current fitness level, and goals all influence where to start. The goal is to add enough load to make walking meaningfully harder, not to see how much weight you can carry.

As load increases, walking speed naturally slows and total distance often decreases. That is expected. More weight is not automatically better. The goal is to a load that creates the desired challenge while still allowing balance, normal stride, and recovery.

There is also a point where added weight stops providing additional benefit and begins increasing risk. Heavier loads place more stress on the feet, knees, hips, and low back. In a military context, historian Colonel S.L.A. Marshall noted in his 1950 book The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation that marching performance and injury risk worsened as carried loads approached one-third of bodyweight. Those observations were made for operational demands, not fitness or health. They help illustrate that some loads are possible when required, but less optimal for long-term training.

How to Begin & Progress Weighted Walking

Start with your normal walking distance. Do not add weight and increase mileage at the same time, and begin with one to two weighted walks per week.

Over time, add 5 to 10 pounds every few weeks if your body tolerates it well. Increase distance only after the current load feels comfortable, and increase walking frequency last.

Final Thoughts

Weighted walking can build capacity, confidence, and durability while preserving the benefits that make walking such a valuable form of exercise.

If you have a history of pain, balance concerns, or prior injuries, guidance matters. A physical therapist can assess gait, load tolerance, and starting capacity, then help build a progression plan that supports your goals while minimizing injury risk. Find a PT near you using the tool below.