VYPE Kansas - NCK May/June 2026

The best comeback stories start at Salina Regional Sports Medicine.

Every champion has a setback. At Salina Regional Health Center, we believe the best comeback stories are built on expert care, thoughtful recovery, and a team that understands what it means to give your all.

From athletic training and injury evaluation to minimally invasive treatments, orthopedic surgery, performance-focused rehab, and more, we are proud to provide full-spectrum sports medicine, all under one system.

Our athletic trainers provide consistent, on-site support for practices, games, and clinical needs, helping high school and college athletes return to activity safely and confidently. And, with our team of fellowship-trained specialists — which includes elite former college athletes — our patients get an athletefirst perspective from day one.

Competitive champions. Recreational team players. Weekend fitness warriors. For every sport and athletic level, we have the specialized expertise to turn your setback into a powerful comeback. Visit salinaregionalsportsmedicine.com to learn more.

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Abilene’s Nolan Wilkins

Abilene junior Nolan Wilkins focused his season on becoming a steady presence his team could count on in every situation, whether at the plate, in the field or in the dugout.

“My primary focus this season was being more consistent in every part of my game,” Wilkins said. “I wanted to become someone my team could rely on every day, whether that was at the plate, in the field, or bringing energy to the dugout.”

That consistency showed up in his production, as Wilkins finished the season hitting .333 while earning Honorable Mention All-League infield honors and Honorable Mention All-State recognition from SIK.

Wilkins said his approach is built on reliability and attention to detail.

“I’d say my biggest strengths are my work ethic, consistency and being coachable,” he said. “I try to stay steady and do the little things right every day. For the team, I use those strengths by being dependable, staying positive.”

Improvement at the plate was a major offseason focus for Wilkins, especially in high-pressure situations.

“One thing I really wanted to improve was my consistency at the plate and overall confidence in pressure situations,” he said. “During the offseason, I spent a lot of time hitting, working on mechanics.”

For Wilkins, success is measured as much by team growth as individual performance.

“A successful season for me would be continuing to improve, staying consistent and helping my teammates however I can,” he said. “For the team, success would mean playing together, competing hard every game.”

Here is just a small sample of some of the projects Hellas was a part of during the 2025-2026 school year:

-Wichita Trinity softball press box

-Obrate Indoor Facility

-DeSoto School District

-Fort Hays State football

-Kansas State football

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Tucker Goss / Ellsworth

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Leadership has become just as important as production for Tucker Goss this season at Ellsworth High School. While the senior has focused on improving his numbers at the plate, he has also embraced the responsibility of guiding a younger baseball team through the season.

Goss entered the year with clear goals for himself o ensively.

“My primary focus this season was getting my batting average higher and being better at the plate,” Goss said. “I wanted to hit a home run, as well as maintaining above a .300 batting average.”

He accomplished both.

After posting a .296 batting average with a .465 on-base percentage last season, Goss raised his average to .360 this spring. He also recorded 27 hits, 13 RBI, two doubles, two triples and one home run.

The jump in production came from the work he put in during the o season.

“I wanted to work on my batting average and my hitting,” Goss said. “In the o season, I spent a lot of time in the weight room getting stronger and building my upper body. Getting stronger really improved my hitting skills.”

While the o ensive numbers stand out, Goss believes his biggest contribution has come as a leader for the Bearcats. With only two seniors on the roster, he understood the importance of helping younger players grow more con dent throughout the season.

“Personally, my strengths are being a leader,” Goss said. “This year we only have two seniors on the team and the rest are underclassmen. Encouraging underclassmen to gain con dence is crucial, especially in baseball.”

Goss said his role has centered on supporting teammates and helping set the tone each day.

“My role this year has been to be a team leader, helping and encouraging my teammates,” he said.

As the postseason approaches, Goss said the team’s focus is on playing its best baseball when it matters most.

“A successful season is a deep run in the playo s,” Goss said. “First, winning the regional game and then seeing where we get put for substate. We want to play our best baseball in the end.”

GETTING YOU BACK IN THE GAME.

takes hard work, passion, and drive to do

Sometimes it takes

your

you

and

At Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, our comprehensive care includes education to prevent injuries, sports performance enhancement, and the healing and preservation of damaged joints through surgery and rehabilitation. When you’re sidelined by injury, our focus is getting you back in the game.

COMMERCIAL TIRE CALL OF THE WILD ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Tripp Stillwell’s passion for the outdoors started early, shaped by time spent in the field with his father and strengthened through years of hunting whenever he has the chance.

“My interest in the outdoors started when I was really young,” Stillwell said. “My dad would always take me deer hunting, and my love for it really began when I shot my first deer.”

That early experience sparked a lasting interest that has carried into his high school years. When he is not playing football or baseball, Stillwell said much of his free time is spent outdoors pursuing hunting opportunities.

“After that, I started duck hunting and deer hunting whenever I had free time,” he said. “When I’m not playing football or baseball, I spend nearly all my spare time hunting.”

Stillwell now hunts both with friends and family, splitting time between waterfowl outings and deer hunting trips with his father.

“I hunt ducks and geese with my friends, and I hunt deer with my dad,” he said.

One of his most memorable experiences came out west, where he reached a major milestone in the field.

“My greatest accomplishment so far is harvesting an elk in Utah,” Stillwell said. “It was an amazing experience, and I was able to do it thanks to my dad.”

Concordia Baseball Coach Skyler Hittle

The game of baseball has always been about more than wins and losses for Concordia baseball coach Skyler Hittle.

In his first season as interim head coach at Concordia High School, Hittle has centered his program around relationships, accountability and helping players grow beyond the diamond.

“My coaching philosophy is built around relationships, accountability, and helping young people become better men long after baseball is over,” Hittle said. “Baseball is important, but I believe the game is really a vehicle to teach discipline, toughness, teamwork and how to handle adversity.”

Hittle’s path to the dugout has included coaching in several different capacities. Before taking over the Panthers baseball program, he served as a head junior high wrestling coach, assistant high school wrestling coach, assistant high school track coach and assistant junior high football coach.

While baseball is the sport he currently leads, Hittle said the foundation of coaching remains the same no matter the activity.

“I want our players to know they are valued beyond what they do on the field,” he said. “I try to coach each player hard while also caring about them as a person.”

Hittle emphasized the importance of building trust with players while maintaining high expectations.

“Players grow the most when they are challenged, encouraged and held accountable in a positive environment,” he said. “Our goal is to create a culture where players compete for each other, take pride in doing things the right way, and understand that effort, attitude and character matter every day.”

Though victories and championships are memorable, Hittle said

the moments that stay with him the longest are often the most personal ones.

“It might be a freshman getting their first varsity hit or throwing their first varsity inning after having to battle all year for that opportunity,” Hittle said.

He also recalled seeing players overcome struggles away from the field and finding confidence through the game.

“There are moments with players who may be battling things off the field and then they have a moment during a game where, for a little while, they feel like king of the world,” he said. “Watching teammates celebrate them and seeing that smile and confidence come out is incredibly meaningful as a coach.”

One of the most rewarding parts of coaching, according to Hittle, is watching players mature throughout their high school careers. “Some players come into the program unsure of themselves, and over four years you watch them mature into young men who lead by example, mentor younger players and leave the program better than when they arrived,” he said.

For any type of sports or age-related orthopedic condition, count on Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine for the region’s most innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate care. Our multidisciplinary team serves adults and children with everything from general orthopedics to robotic joint replacement, trauma care, and sports medicine.

“Our job is to help improve quality of life,” says orthopedic surgeon Travis Rump, D.O. “We do everything we can to help people get back to the things they enjoy.”

Salina Central’s Isak Howe

After missing an entire season because of a devastating ankle injury, Isak Howe has returned stronger than ever for Salina Central High School.

The senior runner has turned perseverance, discipline and leadership into a standout final high school track and field season while helping lead the Mustangs’ relay teams toward a potential state berth.

“My primary focus for this season was simply to continually improve each week, which I have been doing,” Howe said. “I wanted to break my record in the 400 from last year.”

He already accomplished that goal.

After running a personal-best 53.94 in the 400-meter dash last season, Howe recently posted a 52-second split in the 4x400 relay at the Salina Central Invitational on May 8. The Mustangs finished the race in 3:26.22, while the 4x800 relay team clocked an 8:32.55 — both among the top regional times and helping place the 4x400 among the top 20 times in Kansas across all classifications.

For Howe, the success is about much more than times on a stopwatch. “What I would consider to be my strengths are leadership, integrity and perseverance,” Howe said. “Track is not only what you see during the races and practice. That is 5% of the total. Ninety-five percent is shown outside of the meets and the practices — the food that you eat, how much sleep you earn each night, and the recovery time and routines implemented each day.”

That commitment became especially important after Howe suffered a triplane fracture in his left ankle along with a torn Achilles tendon on the same foot during his sophomore year. The injury forced him to miss the entire season and required seven months of recovery.

“I am thankful where I am at currently because I know what it is like to be brought low as I was,” Howe said. “My heart is filled with gratitude to even be able to continue walking again, so I am very blessed to have the opportunity to continue running my senior year.”

Howe said much of his improvement this season came from focusing on the technical aspects of running. He worked extensively on posture, cadence and running form while also dedicating extra time to stretching, recovery and strength training.

“It’s the small things that make up the bigger puzzle piece after all,” Howe said. “When you learn how to put all of the pieces together, it creates a beautiful picture.”

His dedication has helped him become one of Salina Central’s vocal leaders both on and off the track.

“I utilize this for my team by being uplifting day in and day out, not afraid to receive constructive criticism or learn things to help me improve, and always willing to lend others a hand if they need it,” Howe said.

The senior credits his faith as a major part of his journey and motivation throughout the season.

“Jesus taught us to love as He loves,” Howe said. “It is meant to be shared with the world.”

Now, Howe hopes to finish his high school career with a trip to the state meet after previously serving as an alternate on state-qualifying relay teams during his freshman and junior seasons.

“A successful season for my teammates, coaches and I would be to continue to improve each week and ultimately qualify for state and place high,” Howe said. “I would like to continue to push in these last few weeks toward state, running toward a 50-second 400 split in the 4x400.”

Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop

It has been about growth, leadership and making the most of every opportunity alongside a close-knit team chasing big goals for Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop.

“My primary focus for my senior season was improvement and enjoying it,” Bishop said. “With it being my last season, I wanted to continually get better and take in every moment.”

Bishop has already built an impressive résumé during his career. In 2025, he earned league medals in four events, placed ninth in the 800-meter run at the state meet and was named MVP at Smoky Valley High School. This spring, he has continued to add to his accomplishments by placing in multiple events at state-level competitions while helping lead the Vikings’ relay teams into contention.

His individual times speak to his versatility and endurance. Bishop has posted marks of 2:02 in the 800 and 51.1 in the 400 this season while also contributing to relay times of 3:26 in the 4x400 and 8:28 in the 4x800.

Still, Bishop points to the relationships within the program as the biggest highlight of the season.

“I have never had this strong of a bond with my team throughout my four years of track and field,” Bishop said. “I know we can make an impact at the championship race.”

That team-first mentality has helped fuel both his personal development and the success of the Vikings’ relay squads. Bishop said his biggest strengths are his determination and willingness to outwork the competition.

“I would consider my strengths to be my drive and my effort,” Bishop said. “Things like running twice a day to reach goal mileage and pushing myself in workouts so I can obtain my goals.”

He said that mindset becomes especially important in relay events where trust and chemistry are critical.

“I utilize this mindset in our team relays, 4x800 and 4x400 specifically, to do everything I can to win,” Bishop said. “We all trust in each other and

our relationship is our team’s biggest strength.”

Coming into the season, Bishop targeted the 800 as an event where he wanted to improve the most after finding success there during last year’s postseason. To elevate his performance, he dedicated himself to year-round preparation.

“I needed to work on my anaerobic and aerobic sides of training, but also simple things like mindset,” Bishop said.

His offseason work included training with the Winter Soldiers club in Salina, a program he credits with helping him continue to improve over the last two winters.

The season did not come without adversity. An early hamstring injury temporarily slowed his progress, but Bishop remained focused on returning stronger as the postseason approached.

“I had a hamstring injury early on in the season, slowing my progress, but bouncing back later in the season will allow my team and I to make some noise when it matters,” he said.

SIMPLY HYGIENE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Maize South’s Sydney Schumaker

As Sydney Schumaker prepares to graduate from Maize South High School and begin her college journey at Fort Hays State University, she leaves behind a legacy built on leadership, perseverance and service.

Schumaker stayed involved in a variety of activities during her high school career, participating in tennis, diving, National Honor Society and math club. While balancing academics and athletics, she said one of her proudest accomplishments came on the tennis court.

“I’m most proud of being runners-up at tennis state in doubles my sophomore year,” Schumaker said.

Her experiences in sports helped shape her mindset and taught her lessons she plans to carry into the future.

“Tennis and dive have taught me to not give up when things get hard,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to go for things even if you are aware of how badly they will end.”

Schumaker also credits those around her for motivating her to keep pushing forward, especially her best friend.

“My best friend inspires me every day with how hardworking she is,” she said. “Regardless of the things she has going on, she always makes time for the people she loves.”

Beyond competition and academics, Schumaker values the opportunity to represent her school in a positive way.

“My favorite part of representing my school is setting a good example,” she said. “Showing good sportsmanship and having a good attitude is what builds a good reputation for a school.”

Service has also been an important part of her high school experience, particularly

through volunteering with Simply Hygiene.

Schumaker said the organization’s mission stands out because it addresses needs many people overlook.

“Simply Hygiene offers a service many think is not an issue, and helps those in need,” she said.

She added that volunteering has allowed her to make a difference while strengthening connections within the community.

“Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give back and build a stronger community,” Schumaker said.

The welcoming environment created by Simply Hygiene is another reason the organization has meant so much to her.

“The community is amazing and I feel very welcomed each time I arrive,” she said. “Everyone is welcome, and everyone can help out.”

As she reflects on her time at Maize South, Schumaker expressed gratitude for those who helped make opportunities like these possible.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Bradshaw for running the Maize South National Honors Society so well,” she said. “He enables us to help amazing nonprofit organizations like this one.”

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Southeast of Saline’s Regan Duran Ell-Saline’s Delaney Fouard

For Southeast of Saline High School junior Regan Duran, success in track and field is about more than medals and records. It is about growth, leadership and sharing unforgettable moments with teammates.

Duran has already built an impressive résumé across multiple sports, but her focus this spring has remained clear.

“My primary focus for this season is to make it to the state track meet in May,” Duran said. “That is my favorite part of track and the feeling when you get there with your team is unreal.”

That pursuit has helped fuel one of the best seasons of her high school career. Duran recently broke the school record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.9 seconds after narrowly missing multiple records earlier in the season.

“This year I have come very close to breaking the 4x8, 4x4 and 200m school records,” Duran said. “Finally breaking the 200m record last Friday at the home meet was exciting. I love getting to work at that goal of having my name added to the list every season.”

Her versatility has become one of her greatest strengths for the Trojans. After previously focusing on the 400 and 800-meter races, Duran expanded into the 100 and 200 this season and quickly found success.

“My strengths are being resilient and confident,” Duran said. “I have learned that if I focus really hard on what I want to accomplish, no goal is unreachable. It may not come overnight, but now that I’m a junior, I am really seeing my times drop.”

That flexibility has allowed Duran to contribute points in nearly every meet while also serving as a key piece of Southeast of Saline’s relay teams. She runs the opening leg on both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, a role she embraces.

“I take pride in being able to leave my team with a great start every time we compete,” Duran said. “I am a big help with keeping my team calm and focused on our race plan before our relays.”

Her leadership extends beyond the track. Duran is a multi-sport athlete who has competed in cross country and basketball while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. She is involved in STUCO, FFA, NHS and Science Club and has consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of her class.

In cross country, Duran helped Southeast of Saline win the 2023 Class 3A state championship and finish third at state in 2024 while earning all-league honors. In basketball, she helped the Trojans win league titles in 2023 and 2024 and reach the sub-state finals this past season.

Her accomplishments in track continue to grow as well. Duran was part of a fifth-place state finish in the 4x800 relay in 2024 and later qualified individually in the 400. This season, she helped the 4x400 qualify for state, earned a fourth-place finish in the 4x800 relay and placed sixth in the 800-meter run.

Even with those accomplishments, Duran believes mindset has been the biggest key to her development. “My coach Luke Gleason always says, ‘The two things you can control in your race are: mindset and effort,’” Duran said. “I have really used this idea to focus on the mental parts of running.”

Ell-Saline High School senior Delaney Fouard adjusted her track and field role this season after a hip injury from cross country limited her ability to run distance events, leading her into a new event and a new mindset in the throwing circle.

Fouard, who previously stayed involved as a track manager, decided this spring to try shot put for the first time. The shift wasn’t about replacing what she lost, but about staying connected to her team in a different way. “My main focus was being on the team, learning something new, and having fun,” Fouard said.

With no prior throwing experience, Fouard spent the winter learning basic mechanics before gradually progressing to using a regulation shot in the spring. The learning curve was steep, but she embraced the process while focusing on steady improvement and team support.

One of her biggest contributions, she said, came off the field. “I am a good cheerleader and like cheering on my teammates. I try to bring a positive attitude to everything I do,” Fouard said.

Rather than setting strict performance goals, Fouard defined success by growth and participation.

“Winning and placing is always fun, but for me this season was successful by just getting to be a part of it. Growing and learning while getting PR’s is fun and makes you feel successful. The whole idea is to get better,” she said.

McPherson’s Paxton Ingles

Paxton Ingles has made mental toughness the centerpiece of his golf season, using a stronger mindset and steady improvement around the greens to elevate his game and help anchor a McPherson team with high expectations.

Ingles said his primary focus this season was not just physical skill, but consistency under pressure.

“My primary focus for this season was improving mentally,” Ingles said. “Mental toughness is the best thing to have in a sport like golf.”

That mindset shift has translated into measurable success on the course. After dealing with a difficult year personally last season, Ingles said he approached this year differently and saw significant growth in his performance and attitude.

“Last year was a tough year mentally for me, my grandmother was sick and it really took a toll on me and I didn’t shoot the best,” Ingles said. “But this year I’ve learned to be happy about the things that have happened, and this year I’ve improved tremendously.”

On the course, Ingles has become a reliable contributor for a McPherson squad that entered the season with high expectations and a No. 1 ranking. The team’s goal, he said, is clear from the start.

“We were ranked in the number 1 slot,” Ingles said. “We expect nothing less than a plaque that says state champs at the end of it.”

Individually, Ingles has worked to become more consistent and impactful for his team, avoiding the highs-and-lows pattern that can define competitive golf seasons.

“My main goal for accomplishments was to make as big of an impact as I can for the team,” Ingles said. “Having that one guy that can be either winning tournaments or shooting in the hundreds is the person I didn’t want to be.”

A key part of his improvement has come from sharpening his short game, especially around the greens, where he dedicated significant time to practice and repetition.

“I really wanted to improve on my short game around the green,” Ingles said. “Whether that’s from 50 yards or putting from the fringe, I wanted to improve on all levels around the greens and it’s helped me tremendously. I would sit in my basement and chip and put for hours on end.”

Ingles points to his tee shots as one of his biggest strengths, noting how crucial positioning is in setting up the rest of each hole.

“I would say my tee shots are my strength,” he said. “Getting the ball in the right place can help set up every other shot. It can really make or break a round.”

That combination of driving accuracy, improved short game, and mental growth has been reflected in his results. During the 2024-25 season, Ingles recorded two top-10 finishes and three top-20 finishes, with a low round of 78. In 2025-26, he has taken another step forward with four top-10 finishes and five top-20 finishes, including a fourth-place finish at the El Dorado Invitational, third at the Derby Invitational, second at the McPherson Invitational, and a first-place finish at the Rose Hill Invitational.

SCOTT AUSHERMAN AMERICAN

Minneapolis’ Aiden Anderson

For Minneapolis senior Aiden Anderson, success on the baseball diamond has never been about overpowering opponents. Instead, Anderson has built his game around trust, preparation and experience.

Heading into the season, Anderson knew exactly what kind of pitcher he wanted to be for his team.

“My primary focus on this baseball season was to fill the zone and let my defense behind me work because I knew I wouldn’t be able to overpower hitters,” Anderson said.

That mindset helped Anderson embrace a leadership role on a relatively young Minneapolis squad. While his approach may not rely on high velocity, he understands how to attack hitters and keep them uncomfortable at the plate.

“I feel like my biggest strength was being able to bring some experience to the team being it was fairly young, as well as being able to use my offspeeds to my advantage,” Anderson said.

Much of that success came from the work Anderson put in during the offseason.

Determined to become a more complete pitcher, he focused heavily on improving the movement and effectiveness of his secondary pitches.

“This offseason, one thing that I really wanted to focus on was improving my off-speed pitches so I wasn’t just lobbing fastballs middle-middle,” Anderson said. “Working out over the summer made it to where I was able to throw a bit harder and get more spin on my off-speeds.”

Anderson measures success by more than statistics. Individually, he wants to continue developing both on the mound and at the plate. As a team leader, he also hopes to help Minneapolis continue moving forward.

“A successful season in my eyes would be a year where I better myself and am able to shut down more teams at the plate while improving my batting,” Anderson said. “For the team, a successful season would include a better record than the past couple of years, as well as everyone focusing on the skills they need to improve on and acting on that.”

FAMILY ATHLETE

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TEAM OF THE MONTH

Southeast of Saline Softball

With only one senior on the roster and a lineup filled with inexperienced players, the Southeast of Saline softball team entered the season with questions surrounding how quickly the younger players would develop. Instead, the Trojans have turned youth into one of their biggest strengths.

Southeast of Saline has stormed to a 21-1 record, captured the NCAA league title with a perfect 12-0 mark and earned the No. 1 seed in its regional tournament. What has stood out most, however, is the chemistry that has developed within the team.

“We are an extremely young team with only one senior,” said head coach Tyler Smith. “The last two seasons we had large graduating classes of seven in each class, so we had a lot of spots to fill with inexperienced players. Each one of our young players has not only met expectations, but exceeded them.”

That growth has helped create what the coach described as a “family feel” around the program, something that has fueled the Trojans’ success throughout the spring.

“There is a family feel to the team which has propelled us to a 21-1 start and the 1-seed in our region,”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

Smith said.

While the record has been impressive, Southeast of Saline believes one of its most important moments came in defeat. An earlyseason loss exposed weaknesses the team needed to address, and the response helped shape the Trojans into a more complete ballclub.

“Our only goal is to play our best ball in May,” Smith said. “An early-season loss exposed some weaknesses that we had and the team accepted constructive criticism and has turned that loss into one of the most valuable experiences of the season.”

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Rather than focusing on postseason pressure or outside expectations, the Trojans have emphasized controlling what they can control as the playoffs approach.

“We want to keep playing our best ball as late-May and the postseason approach,” Smith said. “We want to stay focused on playing against the ball — controlling what we can control and let the chips fall where they may.”

Southeast of Saline has been led by standout performances from several underclassmen, including junior pitcher Karlee Zurfluh and sophomore shortstop Reese Heinrich.

Zurfluh has dominated in the circle with a 14-0 record, a 0.26 ERA and 113 strikeouts. Heinrich has provided a spark offensively and on the bases, batting .492 with a 1.372 OPS, one home run, 23 RBIs and 46 stolen bases.

The Trojans’ success has become even more meaningful considering the uncertainty surrounding the program before the season began. According to the coach, several upperclassmen chose not to play this spring, leaving the team searching for answers during the preseason.

“We had numerous upperclassmen decide not to play this season,” Smith said. “As we held preseason meetings I told the team that, ‘Those who will stay will be champions.’”

Dotted Line.... Salina Area Signings

Salina Central’s

Tommy Payne

Tommy Payne, a 12th-grade student at Salina Central High School, is entering his final golf season with a strong sense of determination and excitement. As a senior leader on the team, Payne is especially focused on the collective success of the squad. With a solid varsity lineup this year, he is eager to compete and showcase the improvements he has made in the offseason.

Over the past year, Payne has dedicated significant time to refining his skills, particularly his short game. Working closely with the golf professional at his local course, he has emphasized consistency in chipping and putting, both areas he recognizes as crucial to lowering scores. Throughout the winter, he stayed committed by practicing on putting mats and rehearsing short chips at home, building repetition and confidence.

Payne has set clear goals for his senior season. Individually, he hopes to break par, a milestone that would mark a major achievement in his high school career. However, his primary focus remains on team success. He is motivated to see his teammates thrive and hopes to help lead them to a tournament victory, recognizing the hard work they have all invested.

Last season, Payne posted an average score of 83, with a low round of 78. He earned All-AVCTL Division 2 League honors, placed 12th in league competition, and finished 3rd at regionals. He also qualified for the state tournament.

Beyond golf, Payne stays active with basketball, workouts, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, he plans to attend Kansas State University to study biology on a pre-dental track, while also joining the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Salina South’s Marcus Chavez

For Salina South High School golfer Marcus Chavez, success this season came down to two simple goals: compete hard and enjoy the game.

“My focus this season was to try my best and have fun,” Chavez said.

That mindset helped Chavez put together one of his strongest seasons yet for the Cougars. Known for his ability to drive the ball long distances, Chavez leaned on one of his biggest strengths throughout the year.

“My strengths are hitting the ball far,” he said.

While power off the tee was a major asset, Chavez said consistency became a key point of emphasis during the season. He focused on improving his overall stroke consistency in hopes of lowering scores and becoming a more complete golfer.

“This season I wanted to work on becoming more consistent with my strokes,” Chavez said.

The work paid off as Chavez finished the year with a 93.2 scoring average and recorded two rounds in the 80s. His best performance came at the league tournament, where he fired a season-best 82 and earned a 10th-place finish.

“That was my best finish of the season,” Chavez said.

Chavez said team success remained just as important as individual improvement throughout the year.

“A successful season for my team and I would be for all of us to play great and shoot a good score,” he said.

With steady improvement and a strong approach to the game, Chavez showed growth throughout the season while continuing to be a valuable contributor for Salina South.

McPherson’s Daniel Bowen

Daniel Bowen’s season at McPherson High School wasn’t defined only by results on the scoreboard, but by a deliberate push to grow into a more complete player and teammate.

Bowen, a fullback, said his primary focus this season was expanding his technical skills while also strengthening relationships within the team.

“This season my primary focus was to master the things that were my not-so-strong suits, for example my technical ability, as well as strengthening my relationships with my teammates,” Bowen said. “I wanted to accomplish making it to state and inevitably to the final, along with becoming someone that people will look up to in the future.”

On the field, Bowen played a key role in McPherson’s defensive structure while also contributing offensively. He finished the season with one goal and seven assists from his position at fullback, helping spark transition play and create scoring opportunities from the back line.

McPherson finished the year with a strong run, winning regionals, placing second in league play and coming within one win of qualifying for state.

For Bowen, success wasn’t measured strictly in wins and losses.

“For me success isn’t completely based on your record or what you win, but also how your team is with each other outside of the team,” he said. “Because if you have some teammates that don’t like each other outside of practice then your team can’t and will not be able to play to your best capacity, which threatens your record.”

Bowen pointed to his speed, size and overall athletic ability as his biggest physical strengths. Mentally, he credited his positivity and leadership in keeping team morale steady throughout the season.

“I feel that my physical strengths are my speed, my size and my athletic ability,” Bowen said. “My mental strengths are my ability to be a good teammate and being able to keep the positive mind of the team.”

Still, he said one of his biggest areas of growth was technical ability, especially the ability to control the ball under pressure and improve consistency.

“The difference between a good player and a great player is what they can do with and without the ball,” Bowen said. “The best way to improve in the offseason is any drill where the ball is stuck to your foot, whether that is juggling or cone drills. They all help you improve.”

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Bennington’s Rylee Benien

This softball season for Bennington’s Rylee Benien was less about individual milestones and more about building something lasting with her teammates.

“This year, a big focus for our team was continuing to grow together,” Benien said. “Since many of us have played with each other for the past few years, we already had a strong bond. Because of that, we made it a goal to improve our fundamentals and overall skills as a team.”

Individually, Benien also targeted growth behind the plate, focusing on becoming a more confident and reliable catcher.

“A personal goal of mine this year was to improve my catching skills so I could gain more confidence and trust myself to perform at the level I know I’m capable of,” she said.

One of Benien’s biggest strengths has been her work ethic, something she said she leans on to help elevate the program around her.

“One of my strengths is that I’m always willing to put in the extra work to help our team be the best we can be,” Benien said. “I try to use that by staying committed, working hard in practices and games, and pushing myself to improve so I can contribute as much as possible to the team’s success.”

That mindset also guided her offseason focus, where she worked to step into a larger leadership role.

“One thing I wanted to work on this season was stepping up and filling a big leadership role on the team,” she said. “I wanted to help set a good example and be someone my teammates could rely on. In the offseason, I worked on improving my mindset and communication so I could better support and encourage my teammates while also continuing to work on my own skills.”

For Benien and her teammates, success is measured by more than wins and losses.

“A successful season for me and my team would look like us continuing to build our bond and learning how to work even better together,” she said. “Our end goal is to make a strong run at regionals and eventually make it to state.”

On the field, Benien backed up her leadership with production. She was named 2024 honorable mention all-league and earned first-team all-league and honorable mention all-state honors in 2025. She has maintained a batting average above .300 in all three years of her career, along with 11 doubles and four home runs this season. Defensively, she posted a 1.000 fielding percentage in 18 of 21 games and recently reached a milestone alongside her battery mate, pitcher Haylee Blake, with 400 combined strikeouts.

Sylvan-Lucas’ Cody Charvat

Cody Charvat is the kind of student-athlete who measures success by more than wins and losses. The Sylvan-Lucas High School sophomore competes in football, basketball and baseball, and his high school experience already has been filled with moments that tested both his talent and his character.

Among the accomplishments he remembers most, Charvat points to the football season and the basketball season, when both teams finished just one game short of reaching the state tournament. For many athletes, coming that close can be frustrating, but for Charvat it also reinforced how much can be learned through competition. He said sports have taught him “to show leadership and sportsmanship,” a lesson that reaches beyond the field and court.

Those qualities also shape the way he views the people around him. Charvat said teammate Vance Dohl has left the biggest impression on him because “he never gets mad or gives up on the court or field.” That steady example matches the advice Charvat said has meant the most to him: “never give up and keep trying.” Together, those thoughts reveal an athlete who values poise, persistence and the ability to keep moving forward when the stakes are high.

Marion’s Eli Klenda

After a standout cross country season, Marion’s Eli Klenda entered track season with one clear goal in mind: getting faster when it mattered most.

“I really wanted to get faster this season in order to close faster at the end of races,” Klenda said.

That focus has helped fuel another strong year for the Marion athlete, who has already built an impressive résumé with a fifth-place finish individually at the 2025 state cross country meet and a third-place finish in the 4x800 relay at the 2025 state track meet. Klenda has also earned All-State Academic honors in both 2024 and 2025.

Klenda said one of his biggest strengths is his work ethic, something he believes benefits not only himself but also his teammates.

His life is not centered only on sports. Charvat said he is active in his local CYO church group and in National Honor Society, commitments that show he takes pride in serving both his school and community. He also appreciates the place he calls home, saying his favorite part of town is that his family lives close to the lake.

That balance between competition, community and gratitude says a great deal about who Charvat is becoming. He said he would like to thank his parents and grandparents for believing in him and teaching him life lessons. As he continues to build his career at Sylvan-Lucas, Charvat appears determined to carry those lessons with him in every season, using perseverance and leadership as the standard for whatever comes next.

“I would say I’m very hard working and willing to go the extra mile,” he said. “I use this to push my teammates to help them succeed.”

That leadership extended beyond the regular season. During the winter, Klenda helped organize and lead a running group as he worked to improve his endurance and maintain the conditioning he developed during cross country season.

“I wanted to gain on the fitness I carried over from cross country and build an even stronger aerobic base,” Klenda said. “I helped lead a winter running group that ran together this winter to help achieve this goal.”

Klenda’s commitment to improvement has helped set the tone for Marion’s program as the team continues to chase postseason success. Individually, he has his sights set on qualifying for state competition once again, while also helping elevate the team as a whole. “A successful season to me would look like qualifying for state,” Klenda said. “For our team, placing top three at our league meet and qualifying a good amount of people for state would be successful.”

Rock Hills’ Ethan Wirth

Rock Hills High School senior Ethan Wirth has built his high school career around versatility, steady work and a team-first mindset, competing in football, basketball and golf while also serving his community in meaningful ways.

Wirth said one of the proudest moments of his athletic career came in 2025, when Rock Hills finished as the team runner-up at the KSHSAA state golf tournament. For a multi-sport athlete, that finish stands out as both a competitive achievement and a reflection of the work it takes to help a team succeed at the highest level.

That team-centered approach shows up in the way Wirth talks about what sports have taught him. He said athletics helped him become “a better teammate” while also teaching him how to work well with others and develop patience, lessons that carry beyond competition and into everyday life. Those qualities have helped shape the kind of senior teammate and leader he has become at Rock Hills.

Wirth also credits the people around him for leaving a lasting impact. He said Ty Vance is the teammate who has impressed him most because he pushes him every day in practice and meets while also making the experience fun. In the classroom, Wirth pointed to Mr.

Ost in the wood shop as his favorite teacher, saying he enjoys hands-on learning and building projects. Away from sports, Wirth stays active in his community through volunteer work with youth sports leagues, summer programs, vacation Bible schools, community events and Eagle Scout construction projects. He said one of his favorite things about his hometown is that “everyone knows each other and is very helpful,” a small-town trait that clearly matters to him.

The advice Wirth carries with him came from his grandfather: “Failure is not an option”. He also said he is thankful for his parents and teachers for standing by him and helping him whenever needed, support that has helped guide him through his high school journey.

Follow Ethan on Instagram Ewirth_14

Rock Hills’ Boys Golf

Rock Hills brings back a veteran boys golf lineup that believes it is ready for another deep postseason run under coach Jamie Harvey. Coming off a state runner-up finish last season, the group has been anxiously awaiting the chance to compete with state on its home course and is eager to deliver a strong performance in what could be the final state event there.

Senior Ethan Wirth headlines the roster as the team’s most valuable player. A steady presence throughout his career, Wirth has been one of Rock Hills’ most consistent golfers and sets the standard in the classroom, at practice and in the community. He has been among the team’s top scorers at state in each of the past three seasons, placing second and sixth individually over the last two years. His scoring was a major factor in Rock Hills’ runner-up team finish a year ago and continues to anchor the lineup’s confidence.

Sophomore Colin Wirth is an underclassman to watch after emerging as another promising piece in the lineup. His continued development gives Rock Hills important depth as it works to stay near the top of the leaderboard throughout the spring and handle the pressure of postseason play.

Junior Ty Vance is also expected to play a key role following significant improvement over the past two seasons. Vance has become a rising performer for Rock Hills, and his scoring helped the team to several strong finishes, including last year’s state runner-up showing. He added a standout moment of his own by taking fifth individually at state, reinforcing the strength of the team’s upper tier.

Whitley Frost reflects the dependable presence and leadership Rock Hills values on and off the course. With experience at the top, emerging talent in the younger classes and the added motivation of hosting state, Rock Hills appears well positioned to chase another memorable season filled with high expectations.

THE TRUSTED LEADER IN LAND SALES

PROUD TO SPONSOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

SEAN THOMAS

Land Agent JOHN SMITH

For Braxton Burgess, the outdoors has always been less of a hobby and more of a constant backdrop to life.

“Since can I can remember. I would always rather be outside,” Burgess said. “Trips to my grandparents’ farms provided many memories for me! I started fishing at a young age and enjoy the relaxation that comes with it! I am not competitive at all in fishing it’s just something I enjoy.”

That early connection to nature has carried through his life in McPherson, where fishing and time outside remain his favorite ways to unwind. While some outdoor enthusiasts chase competition or trophies, Burgess said his motivation is much simpler: time, peace and reflection.

He fishes whenever he gets the chance, often on his own or with his brother when schedules line up.

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.

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.

“I love to fish anytime I have the chance,” he said. “Usually I fish alone or if my brother is home we go together. We fished more together when we were younger!”

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

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

BRAXTON BURGESS

JOHN SMITH

Though fishing is his main outlet, Burgess also participates in trap shooting with his high school team, giving him another way to stay connected to the outdoors and his peers.

His most meaningful memories outdoors, however, come from family. One experience in particular stands out, tied to a relative who helped shape his early love for fishing.

“My great uncle, who lost his battle a few years with cancer, was the one who taught me how to unhook a fish and bait a line,” Burgess said. “I never minded the worms or the feel of the fish.”

Those moments, he said, are part of what made the outdoors feel natural and welcoming from a young age.

For Burgess, there is no single defining catch or trophy moment that stands above the rest. Instead, the value of outdoor time is found in what it provides mentally and emotionally.

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

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

“Nothing particular but why I love it is just relaxing with my thoughts,” he said. “Life gets busy and for me being outdoors allows me to reset and I am able to be thankful for all that God provides!”

SCHOOL NAME INTERESTED

SCHOOL NAME

MCPHERSON HIGH SCHOOL

GO

PREP PERFORMANCE

PREP PERFORMANCE

Beyond the Tissue: How Physical Therapy Supports Your Mental Health

As we enter May, Mental Health Awareness Month brings a muchneeded focus to the internal battles many of us face. But for the millions of people living with chronic pain1, mental and emotional health are not separate conversations: they are one and the same. When physical pain begins to limit how you show up for those who count on you, the fear of “letting them down” can be as debilitating as the injury itself. You aren’t alone in this. Our recent study 2of over 1,200 patients revealed that 85.3% are living with chronic pain, and 65% report significant mental health challenges related to that pain. One patient put it simply: “Pain affects my mental health more than people realize”.

At its core, pain is not just a tissue problem; it is a whole-person problem. Physical therapy is the bridge that connects your physical recovery to your mental resilience. Here is how we use four specific pillars to treat the person, not just the diagnosis.

1. Movement as a Mood Regulator

Physical therapy guided aerobic and resistance exercise is one of the most effective ways to elevate your mood and reduce anxiety. For the 82% of patients who say pain currently limits their daily activities, movement isn’t just about strength, it’s about regaining the ability to enjoy their life. By regulating stress hormones like cortisol, a tailored exercise plan provides a natural neurological reset.

2. Education and Clinical Validation

We know that 65% of patients report that stress, fear, and frustration significantly worsen their physical symptoms. Because only 42% of people feel optimistic about managing their pain long-term, we prioritize patient education. By understanding the science of how pain works, and feeling heard by your clinician, you can move from uncertainty to confidence. We validate your experience, ensuring you have a clear roadmap that reduces the threat signals in your brain.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

3. Breathing: The Nervous System Reset

enters a state of fight-or-flight.3 Targeted breathing exercises are a clinical tool used in physical therapy to down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system. These techniques help manage the physical onset of panic and stress, providing you with a “reset button” you can use anywhere.

4. Restoring Your Sleep

Pain and sleep deprivation exist in a punishing cycle: 46% of patients report that pain interferes with their sleep, yet poor sleep makes the body more sensitive to pain4. We focus on improving physical comfort and advising on how to optimize sleep habits. This ensures you get the restorative rest necessary for cognitive focus and emotional stability.

Why the “Whole-Person” Approach Works

When mental health is ignored in physical care, recovery feels uncertain and optimism for the future erodes. That’s why include your mental and emotional well-being as the foundation of care. And the results speak for themselves: 90% of our patients would recommend physical therapy to others because they felt heard and understood. Your mental health is too important to leave out of your recovery plan. Book a Physical Therapy Appointment Today to create a personalized roadmap that addresses your pain, your stress, and your goals for a stronger life.

To locate one of our 23

For the 37% of people dealing with severe pain levels, the body often