VYPE Kansas - SCK March 2026

Circle’s Anderson Helmer

By Hayden Swope

As the golf season approaches, Anderson Helmer of Circle is excited to see new talent emerge and to compete alongside his teammates.

“This season I am excited to see all the new kids coming out and what new talent we have,” Helmer said. “The golf season is so much fun with all the bus rides to the tournaments and playing golf all day with nice weather. As a team I am really excited to see our team compete in tournaments and practice. I believe competing in practice is great for us, with drills and playing against each other on the course. Iron sharpens iron.”

During the offseason, Helmer stayed active by playing basketball and working to improve his golf skills.

“This offseason I decided to play basketball to help me stay in shape and for the love of the game,” Helmer said. “My brother is a freshman this year and it has been a blast to play with him in my final year as a high schooler. I haven’t just been playing basketball; I have for sure been working on my golf game.”

Helmer is focused on lowering his scoring average this year and building consistency both in practice and in competition.

“This season I would like to improve my scoring average on the season,” Helmer said. “Having good practice habits every day at practice. One thing I have done this offseason is trying to have a consistent schedule with my workouts and time management with school.”

As he looks toward the season, Helmer has goals for both his team and himself individually.

“As a team this season we would love to win state,” Helmer said. “The past three years we have had that goal and definitely have been where we want to be going into state. We just haven’t been able to get over the hump after the first day. I believe this year with our team chemistry we can get over that hump as a team.”

WICHITA BASEBALL POLL WINNER

By Matt Browning

Maize’s Gavin Short

Maize baseball player Gavin Short said his offseason was the most productive one he has ever had, and for that reason alone, he’s ready for the season to begin.

“I’m excited to carry that momentum into the season and do my part to help the team,” Short said.

Calling it an offseason may actually be a stretch for Short.

“I stayed committed to my diet and gained 20 pounds while getting stronger and faster,” Short said. “I built a tough schedule each week loaded with hitting, running, lifting, and some throwing. I love the process and hitting is therapeutic to me.”

Short loves baseball, and it’s certainly a passion, but he knows his impact can extend far beyond the game.

“I am focused on improving the mental side of the game this season,” Short said. “I’ll do this by

keeping Christ first in my life and consistently living through the Word. I want to be a multiplier in the dugout. Baseball is a blessing and a platform.”

As a first-team all-league outfielder and second-team allleague pitcher, Short has already accomplished a lot in his high school career. Now, he wants the Eagles to accomplish what they couldn’t last year.

“We want to win state,” Short said. “There are some really good 6A teams, but we have been to state the last two years as the younger team. This year we are ready for a long run.”

By Matt Browning

Rose Hill’s Braxton Frazier

Rose Hill pitcher Braxton Frazier dealt with multiple tears in the UCL of his throwing arm, along with nerve damage and tendinitis in his elbow.

Frazier shut down pitching from July through November but still didn’t feel 100 percent until January.

“It mostly came from overuse from pitching and not doing enough consistent arm care and preparation,” Frazier said.

“During a game, in the third inning my hand suddenly went numb when I threw a pitch. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right, so I shut it down.”

The therapy process was crucial to Frazier’s recovery and became his primary focus when he couldn’t touch a baseball.

“I did heat therapy, scraping, massage work, band exercises, plyo balls, and a lot of stretching to get my arm stronger again,” Frazier said.

The differences for Frazier before and after the injury were dramatic. He now has to be more thorough in his warmup before taking the mound.

“I definitely saw a lot of differences in my ability to throw,” Frazier said. “My mechanics were sloppy and my velocity

was about 10 miles per hour lower than normal. Even now I have to spend a little more time warming up and making sure my arm is ready to throw without discomfort.”

While the injury was discouraging for Frazier, there were some positives that came from adjusting the way he throws.

“During rehab I had to rely more on my legs and core instead of putting all the stress on my arm,” Frazier said.

“At first it felt weird, but now I feel like I’m throwing harder and more efficiently than before.”

Andover’s Seth Benjamin Andover’s Jack Powell

By Blake Chadwick

Coming off another strong season, senior golfer Seth Benjamin enters the year as one of the key leaders for Andover High School. Because of his work ethic, he has developed into one of the area’s most consistent competitors and is looking to finish his high school career with a memorable final season.

“I feel my biggest strength is coming back after having a bad round or a bad hole and staying positive during negative moments,” Benjamin said.

“During my freshman and sophomore years I struggled with that a lot, but over time I’ve gotten better at staying positive and moving on from a bad shot or bad day. Now that I’m a senior, I feel like it’s one of my biggest strengths because it’s something I really focus on during my rounds.”

Benjamin’s love for the game began at an early age.

“I’ve been playing golf ever since I could hold a golf club when I was about two years old in my grandpa’s backyard in California,” Benjamin said.

That early start helped shape the focused approach he brings to the course today. Benjamin often creates pressure situations during practice to replicate the feeling of tournament play.

“When I’m practicing, I set goals to put pressure on myself and make it just like a tournament setting,” Benjamin said. “When I’m playing, my goal is to stay positive and committed to my shots because that helps me end up playing well.”

The senior has set pretty high expectations for his senior season, both individually and as a team.

“My personal goals this year are to beat the scoring average school record and the lowest score school record,” Benjamin said. “Our team goals are to defend our league championship, make it to state, and place in the top five as a team.”

By Blake Chadwick

For most of his life, Jack Powell imagined himself playing tennis in college. The Andover High School senior spent years developing his game and preparing for that opportunity. But after a serious mountain biking accident last summer, Powell gained a new perspective on both tennis and his future.

The accident left Powell with four compression fractures in his spine, forcing him to step away from athletics for several months. The time away gave him the chance to reflect and ultimately changed the direction of his plans.

“I had always thought I would play college tennis,” Powell said. “But during that time I had a lot of time to think about my future. I decided it would be best to focus more on my education. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right one for me.”

While Powell will not pursue college tennis at the varsity level, the sport has still played a major role in shaping his high school experience. After first joining the team about five years ago, what started as a casual interest quickly grew into a passion. He later began training regularly at Crestview Country Club, helping him elevate his game.

“I would say my biggest strengths are my flexibility when it comes to playing and my shot selection,” Powell said. “You never know what’s going to happen in a point, so being ready for anything is really important.”

As a senior, Powell hopes to make the most of his final season by focusing on both performance and enjoyment. After previously putting a lot of pressure on himself in singles, he plans to compete in doubles this year to create a more relaxed environment on the court.

“My goal is to do my best, make a good run at state, and most importantly have fun,” Powell said.

Campus’ Trace Van Arsdale

By Cooper Chadwick

As a two-year starter for Campus high school junior Trace Van Arsdale plays middle infield, center field and pitcher for the Colts.

“Trace is a hard working player that brings his best

attitude and effort each day whether it is a game or practice. As a coach it is great to have someone like Trace on the team because of all the different positions he can play. Trace is like a Swiss Army knife, with the tools and athlete Trace can play any spot in the outfield, middle infield, and pitches on the mound,” head coach Colton Flax said.

Van Arsdale spent a lot of his offseason preparing to be a leader for the Colts this season.

“I’ve gone to a few camps and showcases during the offseason. I have stayed steady in the gym, working on explosive power, and building strength. I make sure to get in 4-6 days a week of glove work, and really breaking down my pitching and swing,” Van Arsdale said.

Being a two-year starter has not stopped Van Arsdale from continuing to work on his game.

“I want to continue to have quality at bats, but get off to a better offensive start this year. I want to prove what I can really do to help the team be successful,” Van Arsdale said. “I have spent many hours at the facility in the cage working on my approach at the plate and really dialing in on my swing.”

Obrate Indoor Facility

By Matt Browning

Hellas Construction recently completed an extensive project—an indoor multipurpose facility—for the Refinery Project in Garden City.

“On this project they designed the turf to have two baseball infields along with two softball infields,” said Michael Selzer, president of Dick Construction. “It also has an 80-yard football field and a soccer field. They also installed our five indoor pickleball courts.”

Not only did Hellas complete the indoor facility, but additional upgrades are also coming to Garden City.

“They are currently doing the turf for our four baseball fields and four softball fields,” Selzer said.

Everything about Hellas left Selzer impressed. From the product to the workmanship, he said the experience was top-notch.

“Hellas has the knowledge and a long history of amazing turf,” Selzer said.

“Their team was great to work with and made the whole process easy and their installers are true craftsmen. Hellas made the process easy from start to finish from Michelle selling the project to John with the project

management to the field crews doing the install. As a contractor you can’t ask for a better partner.”

Selzer said he had no hesitation recommending Hellas to any company or school needing turf renovations.

“I would show them our project and give them Michelle Kuhns’ phone number,” said Selzer. “Their work sells itself.”

HELLAS BUILDS FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH

Hellas provides a complete scope of services for sports surfaces and amenities including manufacturing, design/build, construction, installation, service, and maintenance.

YMCA for All Spotlight Brittney Cuer

By Matt Browning

Brittney Cuer has coached basketball at the YMCA for three years. She began when her twin boys were in Pre-K. She has also coached her daughter’s soccer team.

“My initial reasoning for volunteering at the Y was because I know there is also a need for coaches,” Cuer said. “I also grew up with my parents coaching me in sports and I wanted to be able to give my time and passion for playing sports to other kids, especially my own.”

One of Cuer’s sons was born with a heart defect, which once made the family question whether sports would ever be an option for him. Now that he is able to play, it has given Cuer even more reason to coach.

“When we initially got his diagnosis, we never thought playing sports would be a possibility for him so being able to coach him and watch him compete with his twin brother, have fun and defy all odds has made volunteering so worth it,” Cuer said.

Cuer is fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom while also working part-time at the family business. Life is always busy, but she says she is grateful to have plenty of help.

“I’m not too sure if I will ever be able to balance my life completely but I have a lot of help,” Cuer said. “Having grandparents close by and always present in my life and my children’s lives helps me manage day to day activities.”

Seeing the joy her kids and the other children have for the sports they play is something Cuer cherishes every season.

“Knowing I can have a small, positive impact on the kid’s lives that I get to coach, is something I will always take pride in,” Cuer said.

Maize’s Parker Meirowsky

By Hayden Swope

As his senior season approaches, Maize’s Parker Meirowsky has spent the offseason preparing both physically and mentally to contribute to his team. Meirowsky was a first-team All-League selection at first base last season for the Eagles.

“In the offseason I have been working on putting on healthy weight and continuing to get reps in the cages,” Meirowsky said.

Leadership is also a priority for Meirowsky as he enters his final high school season.

“I am trying to be a good leader for my senior year,” Meirowsky said. “In the offseason we have built lots of team chemistry.”

On the field, Meirowsky has set personal goals aimed at helping his team succeed.

“Individually some of my goals are to get on base and provide for the team as much as I can,” Meirowsky said.

As a team, he hopes the Eagles can reach the ultimate goal of a championship.

“As a team our goal this year is to win a state title,” Meirowsky said. Looking ahead, Meirowsky plans to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level.

“My future plans are to play college baseball at the next level,” Meirowsky said.

WICHITA SOFTBALL POLL WINNER

a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Clearwater’s Taylor Nielson

By Matt Browning

The 2025 Clearwater softball team finished fourth at the 4A Tournament and ended the season with a 25-6 record. Returning first team all-league outfielder Taylor Nielson is looking forward to seeing what the Indians have in store this year.

“I am excited to see how far our team will go this year and creating all the new memories for my last year with these

girls,” Nielson said.

Last season, Nielson hit .442 with an on-base percentage of .500. She also hit five home runs and drove in 23 runs.

While those numbers are impressive, Nielson has her sights set on even better statistics this season.

“I want to work on speed in the outfield and strengthening my arm a little more,” Nielson said. “I’ve done some workouts that focus on those things.”

Nielson has lofty goals for herself and for the Clearwater softball team in 2026.

“For my senior season, my goal as a team is to make it to state and have an undefeated season up until state,” Nielson said.

“Individually I want to make first team allstate for a second time and have a 1.000 fielding percentage.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Mulvane’s Grey Sanders

Being a senior comes with all the feels and that experience is no different for Mulvane’s Grey Sanders.

“I am super excited to see our team actually go out and perform, but more than anything I’m looking forward to spending time on the baseball field with my friends one last time,” Sanders said.

Sanders’ off-season has been built by different lifting phases as well as a lot of throwing workouts and medicine ball work.

“Over the off-season one of my biggest goals was to develop a high level changeup, so throughout the season I would like to use that effectively.,” Sander said. “In the months before getting on the mound when I was just playing catch, I spun the pitch and got comfortable with pronating the ball how I wanted to, then when I got on the mound we did some pitch design sessions and made little tweaks.”

After losing in the first round of state last year, Sanders has lots of motivation and big goals for his final season.

“I think everyone on the team has the same goal for the team, and that is to win state. My individual goal is to let God guide my season instead of myself, and spread my faith to the rest of the team,” Sanders said. Last year, Sanders earned first team all-state pitcher and first team all-league pitcher. Next year he will attend the University of Kansas to play baseball and would like to be drafted sometime in the future as well.

By Hayden Swope

Bishop Carroll’s Judd Blasi

Bishop Carroll’s Judd Blasi is excited about the opportunity to help lead his team to success while also pursuing personal and team milestones. Last season, Blasi was a first-team All-League selection at second base.

“I’m most excited to help lead my guys to a state championship and get Coach Ebright his 500th career win,” Blasi said.

During the offseason, Blasi focused on strength and skill development to prepare for the upcoming season.

“I have been working out with my trainer Jordan Knox at Untamed Athletes and doing infield training with Aaron Westerman at Midwest Glove Works,” Blasi said.

Offensively, Blasi is looking to increase his power and produce more extra-base hits this year.

“I want to work on more gap-to-gap power and getting more doubles and triples,” Blasi said. “I worked on that by getting stronger and faster in

the weight room with my trainer.”

Heading into the season, Blasi has ambitious goals for both himself and the team.

“My goals are to win a state and league championship, get Coach Ebright to 500 career wins, and break the Bishop Carroll batting average record,” he said.

Following high school, Blasi plans to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level.

“I am going to Barton Community College to continue playing baseball,” Blasi said.

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH

Liza Dugan

Bishop Carroll

As Bishop Carroll looks to build on its recent success, senior Liza Dugan will once again be a key piece for the Golden Eagles.

“Some of my individual strengths are my ability to read the game well and being a technically skilled player who can attack out of the back and create chances for my team,” Dugan said. “I also always track back to help keep the back line organized.”

While her talent stands out, Dugan’s approach to the game focuses heavily on preparation and energy.

“My mindset in practice is determination to work hard and push my teammates,” Dugan said. “We have a good mixture of getting things done while still having fun. Being able to smile and laugh at practice keeps everyone wanting to keep working. During games I focus on confidence, communication, high energy, and playing simple.”

Head coach Greg Rauch said Dugan’s leadership extends well beyond the field.

“Liza is in that upper echelon of high school students,” Rauch said. “She is a National Honor Society member and was voted community coordinator at Bishop Carroll. She was also voted Homecoming Queen, which speaks to what her peers think of her. She is humble, kind, and bubbly in the hallways of our school.”

Rauch believes her competitive spirit and athletic ability have been just as important to the soccer program’s success.

“Liza was an integral part of our historic undefeated state title run last year,” Rauch said. “She scored 10 goals and had 12 assists from the outside back position. She could play anywhere on the field and be dominant.”

Wichita East’s Jordan Kleeman

By Cooper Chadwick

After placing third at state for the 100-yard butterfly and fifth in the 100yard backstroke, Wichita East’s Jordan Kleeman is excited for her final year of swim.

“With it being my senior year I wanted to have fun and be more involved in school activities and with my friends. But now that high school practice has started again I’m falling in love with the sport all over again. It’s great to be back at it,” Kleeman said.

One thing in specific she is excited for this year is relays at Olathe East.

“I love getting to travel with my teammates. The relay meet is also unique because it offers a really fun event called the plunge. It’s where you go off the block and when you hit the water you can’t move or breathe. You win by making it the farthest without doing the following. I also enjoy the random relays that don’t count like the 300 yard butterfly relay is always really fun and it’s great to do something different,” Kleeman said.

One thing different Kleeman did this year was not do club swimming, she feels like it will better her mentality this season.

“I want to enjoy the sport and try not to be as stressed out about my results, while still being competitive and working to be a better overall well rounded swimmer.

During the offseason to help my mentality I went to basketball games and football games with all my friends. While also still staying active with things I enjoy like pickle ball,” Kleeman said.

EMPRISE BANK’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Heights’ Isabel Einwich

By Cooper Chadwick

Wichita Heights’ senior Isabel Einwich has big plans for her senior season, and has the motivation to fuel all her hard work.

“I started running track at about 4 years old with leg braces as support, and started using a racing chair at 9 and never really looked back. It’s given me the ability to see improvement and push myself to be my best. My motivation is and has been for years to see how far I can go with this sport and make myself proud to be an adaptive athlete,” Einwich said.

As the only wheelchair athlete at Heights, Einwich spends a lot of her time training by herself, but that doesn’t stop her from success. Last season Einwich placed second in the 100 meter and first in the 400 meter and 1600 meters, where she is now the Kansas state record holder with a time of 5:37.

Not only is Einwich talented, Heights head coach Brandon McMillen commends her positive attitude and hard work on the track.

“She rarely gets upset with her performances but instead is always focused on how she can do better and be ready for her next race,” McMillen said. “Don’t let her amiable nature fool you though. Once she is on the track, Isabel turns super competitive and pushes herself to the limit every race. She is an athlete through-and-through. She hasn’t stopped training since State and is ready to reach her goals.”

Einwich is still undecided about which college she will be attending she will be studying Communication Sciences and Disorders in undergrad as well as Spanish and American Sign Language.

“Unfortunately there are very few colleges with an adaptive track program so it is very likely I will end up having to compete as an independent if I do not attend one of those schools,” Einwich said

In non-school sports, you can make the team. But in high school sports, you can make history.

Wearing the uniform of your high school comes with a big responsibility. Your community cheers for you. Your teammates count on you. And you have the opportunity to make history by competing for a state championship. Do you have what it takes?

Brayden Henry

By Matt Browning

Hutchinson Community College baseball player Brayden Henry has settled into life as a Blue Dragon, and everything has been just as he hoped.

“So far, my experience at Hutch has been very good,” Henry said. “I have established good relationships with all of my teammates and coaches. Our season is also off to a great start so far, as we are 101.”

There were two significant reasons Henry wanted to attend Hutch CC.

“For me, getting recruited to HCC was very appealing because it was close to home, and our baseball team is very good,” Henry said. “Hutch was also my only offer coming out of senior year. One thing that stands out about Hutch CC is that almost all of the sports programs here are super successful.”

Henry said Hutch CC offers the complete package, and any student considering becoming a Blue Dragon should not hesitate.

“I would tell them to come here because the school has a good academic side of things, and we are also good at sports,” Henry said. “Also, Hutch has a lot more things to do that will kill free time since it is a bigger town than most other junior colleges.”

Kingman’s Parker Beam

By Hayden Swope

Kingman’s Parker Beam is most excited to take the field with friends while chasing team success. Beam was a second team all-league athlete last season.

“I’m excited about getting tan but mostly being able to play with all my friends and hopefully going to state,” Beam said.

During the offseason, Beam stayed active by working on her skills at home with family support.

“To prepare I’ve been hitting and playing catch at home with my parents,” Beam said. This year, Beam is focused on improving her hitting and becoming more consistent at the plate.

“I want to improve my hitting this year and be able to sit on change ups,” Beam said.

“To get better I’ve just been hitting a couple of buckets every other day.”

Beam also has personal goals for her mindset during games, aiming to stay positive and energized.

“A goal I have for myself is trying to stay hype during games and not get mad when I mess up,” Beam said.

As a team, Beam wants to maintain effort and focus, even in challenging situations.

“A goal for the team is to keep fighting during games even if we are losing,” Beam said.

Looking beyond high school, Beam plans to continue her education and pursue a career in teaching.

“My future plans are to attend college at Kansas State and get my bachelor’s degree in education and teach high school geometry,” Beam said.

WICHITA GIRLS SOCCER POLL WINNER

Wichita North’s Aubrey Shurley

By Matt Browning

Wichita North’s Aubrey Shurley was a first-team all-league selection last season, but she knows there are still areas where she can improve.

“My individual goal is to be a consistent player and leader,” Shurley said. “I want to continue improving my skills and be someone my teammates can rely on every day. I want to bring energy and effort every time I am on the field. As a center back, my goal is to help lead our defense, communicate well, and keep our team organized. I also want to bring a positive attitude to every practice and game.”

On the pitch, there are a few fundamentals Shurley believes she can improve to help the Redhawks build on their six-win season from a year ago.

“One area I want to improve on this year is winning balls in the air and taking more players one-on-one,” Shurley said. “I worked on this during the offseason by challenging myself in practice and treating every practice and scrimmage like a game situation.”

Shurley and her teammates put in the work during the offseason, and now she is eager to see how that preparation translates during the regular season.

“I hope we bring our offseason work onto the field,” Shurley said. “I am excited to challenge myself as well as my teammates and build that chemistry as a team, and to represent North High in the best way this season. I’m looking forward to giving my best effort every game and seeing how far we can go together this year as a team.”

By Matt Browning

South Haven’s Kelly Theurer

South Haven’s Kelly Theurer has been involved in SCCDAT for four years, and it was a family connection that first piqued her interest in the club.

“It all got started when my aunt talked to me about it,” Theurer said. “At the time, she was an SCCDAT staff member and was starting to get South Haven more involved in it.”

South Haven students participate in countless activities and promotions throughout the school year.

“Throughout the year, we do various activities such as chalking the sidewalks

around the school for September, which is Suicide Awareness Month,” Theurer said. “In the past, we have decorated lockers around Valentine’s Day and had different guest speakers. During Halloween, we also hand out candy that has a note attached to it that promotes awareness. We also team up with our school’s FCCLA club to help with activities during Red Ribbon Week.”

Theurer said she has made many memories through SCCDAT, but one type of event stands out most.

“Some of my favorite memories from SCCDAT are when we used to participate in various parades, such as the parade during the Sumner County Fair and the Wheat Festival Parade,” Theurer said. “This is when we would show off how diverse we were, how many different schools participate and are active in SCCDAT.”

She also believes there are many reasons students should consider getting involved.

“I would definitely recommend joining SCCDAT, as it brings lots of different opportunities for various things,” Theurer said. “It teaches you facts about your community and state that you probably wouldn’t know any other way. It brings you opportunities to meet new people from different schools, and you get to team up to make plans to help your schools and communities.”

In 2023, Over 79% of youth reported there was no chance or very little chance of being seen as “cool’ if they used marijuana.

In 2023, over 91% of youth reported they have NOT had alcohol in the past 30 days.

Hutchinson’s Brooke Hogan

By Blake Chadwick

A senior’s goals are to always leave the program better than they found it, and of course win a state championship. Hutchinson softball senior Brooke Hogan is no different. Hogan is more than ready to continue to step up her leadership role as she knows just how integral it will be to the team’s success.

“My biggest strengths are my leadership and confidence on the field,” Hogan said. “I use my voice a lot to keep everyone focused and ready for the next play. I try to keep the energy positive and help everyone do their best.”

Hogan has been around the game for most of her life, first picking up a glove when she was about five years old. Since then, softball has grown into a major part of her life and something she continues to build around every season.

“I’ve been playing softball for as long as I can remember,” Hogan said. “I fell in love with the sport early and it’s been a big part of my life ever since.”

For Hogan, preparation and mindset play a major role in how she approaches both practice and games. She focuses on staying positive, learning from mistakes, and making sure she’s doing everything possible to help the team succeed.

“My mindset is about staying focused and thinking about the next play,” Hogan said. “I try to keep my energy up, support my teammates, and learn from every moment. If I make a mistake, I shake it off and keep playing.”

That mentality has helped strengthen the chemistry within the Hutchinson team this season.

“Our biggest strengths are how connected we are and the trust we have,” Hogan said. “We work hard together, support each other no matter what, and never give up.”

Wichita Collegiate Boys Basketball

By Cooper Chadwick

With only four days of work with his team over the summer ,head coach Nate Schmitt coached Wichita Collegiate to its first state title since 2016.

Despite success in the end there were some challenges for Collegiate’s first-year coach.

“Timing. Took the job late. Unexpectedly moving my family across the state. Only got four days with the team over the summer due to the transition. Other than that, the transition was easy due to the state of the program and the amazing job Coach Fiegel did building it over the last 30 years,” Schmitt said.

In the state title game Collegiate beat Burlington 55-43 with senior Sebastian HinesTurner scoring 33 points and 17 of those coming in the third quarter for the Spartans. As well as senior AJ Batiste adding to that with 12 points and nine rebounds.

“ Can’t say enough about the seniors. They are amazing. They led the way for us! I met with them so many times about what they wanted to accomplish, what I wanted to incorporate into the program and they made it happen. So happy for them and the rest of the team,” Schmitt said.

With a new coach it’s hard to get a team to buy in, especially to get them to buy in enough to win a state championship, but that’s what Schmitt had to do for the Spartans.

“Trust and invest into building relationships with all of them. We set goals and established a road map. The coaching staff believed, encouraged them and helped them navigate through everything to get it done. They did this, I was just there to support,” Schmitt said.

WICHITA COLLEGIATE’S

Wichita Northwest’s

JJ Grove

By Cooper Chadwick

Excited for his final year with the Grizzlies, Wichita Northwest JJ Grove is playing with no regrets his senior season.

Over the offseason, Grove worked on improving his strength but unlike other athletes he focused a lot on his nutrition and recovery.

“My mom helps so much with my nutrition and me eating healthy. And recovery is just as important and my dad, Dr. Jesse Grove helps with that,” Grove said.

Even though this offseason’s highlight was nutrition and recovery, Grove still has time to strengthen some of his shortcomings.

“This year I want to improve on my power aspect. This season I want to prove I can be an extra base machine and hit it all over the field,” Grove said. “This offseason to achieve this goal I made minor tweaks to my swing and focused on core work. I think it will end up paying off.”

As a shortstop for the Grizzlies, Grove is a leader who leads his team by example, and even though he is not the most outspoken, he believes that doing the right things consistently will rub off on others.

Last season, Grove earned first team all-league and second team all-state. This year Grove isn’t too focused on the awards but hopes his hard work will be seen.

“I just want to play to the best of my ability and improve everything. Everything can be improved upon, I love to get better and show what I can do,” Grove said.

Norwich FFA

By Matt Browning

For a school the size of Norwich, having 55 members in its FFA program is remarkable.

Sponsor Lacie Harshbarger believes the program’s high level of involvement appeals to both veteran and novice students.

“Norwich FFA stays active throughout the year, attending at least one Career Development Event per month, encouraging our members to serve the community through various service projects, participating in additional events to explore agricultural careers, and advocating for agriculture within our school,” Harshbarger said.

Becoming a member of Norwich’s FFA program is easy.

“Getting involved in FFA at Norwich is simple — students just need to enroll in an agricultural education course,” Harshbarger said. “Students who enroll in an agricultural education course are automatically enrolled in FFA through the affiliate program.”

Norwich’s FFA chapter includes students from a wide range of agricultural backgrounds.

“Our members include traditional agriculture students who work or live on farms, as well as nontraditional students who do not live or work on a farm,” Harshbarger said.

Norwich FFA students compete not only locally against other Kansas schools, but also at broader levels.

“This year alone, Norwich FFA members have placed in several Career Development Events,” Harshbarger said. “Three students applied for their American Degree, and another three applied for their State FFA Degree.”

Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Annabelle Schaefer KTA “Driving Change” Athlete Spotlight

By Matt Browning

The Kapaun Mount Carmel girls soccer team finished third at the 5A Tournament last season and returning first team all-state defender Annabelle Schaefer has plans for the Crusaders to be even better in 2026.

“I think the team’s biggest goal this year is to place better than we did last season, and I think we have the ability to do so,” Schaefer said. “We are returning a lot of the team from last year and I think the talent we lost is easily gained back by some of the younger girls who are ready to step up.”

Schaefer said Kapaun’s team chemistry is one of the reasons why it was so successful last season and also one of the reasons why she is excited to get the season going.

“We all click with each other and I would say last year that really benefited the team,” Schaefer said. “We all like to have fun but we also know when to push each other, because we all have the same end goal which is to win.”

While Schaefer was one of the best players in Class 5A last season, she still wants to be more confident.

“At the end of the day I just can’t be as hard on my myself and realize mistakes are part of the game,” Schaefer said. “I think once I am able to do that, I will have max confidence with the ball on or off my feet.”

Hutchinson’s Kohlbie Craft Hutchinson Trinity’s Sam Vogel

By Hayden Swope

Hutchinson’s Kohlbie Craft is excited about the potential of her team and what it can accomplish this season.

“I’m excited about the group of girls we have this year and I think we could have a great season,” Craft said.

During the offseason, Craft stayed active by playing with her club team and facing competition from various colleges, while also focusing on improving her skills.

“In the offseason I played with my club team and played different colleges. I also have been working a lot defensively and offensively on being consistent,” Craft said.

Craft is focused on improving her pitching this season, particularly her ability to control the strike zone and work ahead in the count.

“One area that I want to improve on this year is pitching, being more consistent on hitting my spots and working ahead in the count,” Craft said. “I pitched during my practices and worked on these specific things.”

She has also set goals for both herself and her team for the upcoming season.

“My team goal is to make it to regionals and to go to state,” Craft said. “My individual goal this year is to be consistent offensively and defensively pitching.”

Looking ahead, Craft plans to continue her softball career at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in business.

“I have signed to play softball at Hutchinson Community College and will major in Business Administration,” Craft said.

By Blake Chadwick

Trinity Catholic senior Sam Vogel is one of the best players in the state and will be a key part in a deep playoff run this season.

“My biggest strengths are being able to keep my composure in high-pressure situations and helping coach my teammates so they can get better,” Vogel said. “Our team’s biggest strength is that we can have fun while also staying serious about what we want to accomplish. We have a great group of guys who are willing to compete and work to get better.”

Vogel has been around the game nearly his entire life. After beginning in youth leagues at a young age, he started playing travel baseball at eight years old with the Inman Crushers.

“Practice is a place where I can make mistakes and fix them,” Vogel said.

“It’s where I slow things down and focus on the details so I can improve the weaker parts of my game. During games, my mindset shifts. I trust the work I’ve already put in and play with confidence.”

After falling short last season, Vogel and the Celtics have a clear goal heading into the new year.

“Our team goal is to go all the way and win the state championship,” Vogel said. “That’s been our focus since last season ended.”

Individually, Vogel hopes to continue his success on the mound while also contributing defensively in the infield.

“My personal goal is to win nine or ten games as a pitcher and limit my errors in the infield,” Vogel said. “I’ve been working hard on my pitching form and doing drills that help me read the ball better off the bat.”

The Science of Sleep: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to the Best Sleeping Positions

We spend roughly 2,500 hours a year asleep. While we often focus on the quantity of sleep, physical therapists focus on the mechanics. Research published in The Journal of Physical Therapy Science suggests that poor sleep posture is a leading contributor to “waking spinal symptoms”—the stiffness and aches you feel the moment you move in the morning.

The goal of any sleep position is Neutral Spinal Alignment: keeping your ears, shoulders, and hips in a relatively straight line to minimize mechanical stress on your joints and ligaments. Here is how to optimize your sleep based on current clinical evidence.

1. The Back Sleeper (Supine)

The Verdict: Often considered the “gold standard” for spinal neutrality.

The Evidence: Lying on your back allows for the most even distribution of body weight. Studies show this position minimizes “spinal deviation,” meaning your vertebrae are less likely to rotate or tilt unnaturally.

• The PT Pro-Tip: Place a small, firm pillow under your knees.

• Why it works: Clinical data shows that elevating the knees reduces “lumbar lordosis” (the arch in your lower back), which takes the pressure off your lumbar discs and facet joints.

• Best for: People with hip or lower back pain.

• Caveat: If you struggle with snoring or sleep apnea, this position can cause the tongue to collapse backward, narrowing the airway. In these cases, a side-lying position is medically preferred.

2. The Side Sleeper (Lateral)

The Verdict: The most popular position and highly effective for respiratory and digestive health.

The Evidence: Research in Nature and Science of Sleep indicates that side sleeping (particularly on the left) can improve circulation and reduce acid reflux. However, without support, the “top” leg often falls forward, twisting the pelvis.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

• The PT Pro-Tip: Use a firm pillow between your knees and a contoured pillow for your neck.

To locate one of our 23

• Why it works: A pillow between the knees keeps the hips “stacked,” preventing the pelvis from rotating and pulling on the lower back. For the neck, a pillow height of 7–11cm is shown to best maintain the cervical curve.

• Best for: Pregnancy, obstructive sleep apnea, and those with certain types of back pain.

3. The Stomach Sleeper (Prone)

The Verdict: Generally discouraged by healthcare providers.

The Evidence: Multiple studies, including those from the Mayo Clinic, link stomach sleeping to increased neck pain. Because you cannot breathe through your pillow, you must rotate your neck to 90 degrees for hours—putting significant “compressive load” on your cervical joints.

• If you must sleep this way:

Place a flat pillow under your pelvis to prevent your lower back from sagging into a painful arch.

Use a very thin head pillow (or none at all) to reduce the angle of neck rotation.

The Role of Your Mattress and Pillow

Evidence-based research consistently points toward two hardware factors:

1. Medium-Firm Mattresses: A landmark study in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses were significantly more effective at reducing back pain than very firm ones, as they provide a balance of support and pressure relief.

2. Pillow Material: Recent trials suggest that latex and memory foam pillows maintain their shape better than feather pillows, leading to lower frequencies of waking neck pain.

When to Seek Professional Advice

“Sleeping through the pain” is not a long-term strategy. If you wake up with numbness, tingling in your hands, or sharp back pain that lasts more than 30 minutes, it’s time to consult a professional.

A Physical Therapist doesn’t just look at how you sleep; we look at how you move. We can identify the muscle imbalances or joint stiffness that make certain positions uncomfortable and give you a customized “sleep prescription.”

Derby’s Sanaa Truett

By Joanna Chadwick

The 2025 state track meet at Cessna Stadium was doubly important for Derby’s Sanaa Truett.

She took third in Class 6A in the 300 hurdles in 45.65, and she immediately set her goals for the 2026 season.

See, Truett was just 0.4 seconds from breaking the Panthers’ school record.

Truett also ran the opening leg of the 400 relay for Derby, helping the team finish eighth in 6A while setting the school record in 48.98 seconds.

This season she’ll do the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and possibly long jump.

The 300 hurdles is special, though.

“My favorite event is the 300 hurdles because it’s more of a longer distance and less pressure,” Truett said.

Hurdles is all about pressure, though. Pressure to get a good start, be fast, be technically and mentally strong.

“What it takes to do hurdles is confidence and keeping your form tight so you can go over the hurdles without extra movement,” she said.

“... Something I love about hurdles is when I’m racing, I don’t focus as much on the running in between. I focus more on the hurdle, which helps me in the race.” Derby’s hurdles coach Hannah Neuschafer said that combining speed and technique is so tough, especially in the 300 hurdles.

“She has to maintain her speed while attacking each hurdle, precisely hitting all her steps, and demonstrating correct form for the fastest time,” Neuschafer said. “Sanaa has worked very hard so that her technical side is automatic, allowing her to be aggressive and drive to win.”

Over the past three seasons, Truett has grown in the sport and as an athlete.

“I have found myself and where I fit in the track space, and so I am better at the events I do now,” she said.

Neuschafer added: “The biggest improvement has been her confidence and consistency. Earlier in her career she was still figuring out the rhythm of the race, but now she attacks each hurdle with confidence. She’s really matured as a competitor and has continued to get better year after year.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Mulvane’s Parker Clubb

By Cooper Chadwick

Mulvane’s senior pitcher, Parker Clubb, who is signed to play at the University of Louisville, is excited to play his last high school season.

“I am excited to go out and compete one last time for a state championship with my childhood friends. We have a loaded squad this year so I am looking forward to seeing all of our hard work we put in this offseason show up on the field,” Clubb said.

Clubb does virtual school through Mulvane, which gives him a unique opportunity to focus more on baseball and have more time on his hands to perfect his craft.

“I am at the facility every day from about 10:00-3:00 working with my strength coach, Clint Vancuren, on the lifting side and my hitting coach, Derek Norris, on the hitting side. Another key piece in my training regimen is my pitching coach, Dave Sanders, he’s worked with me since I was nine and am extremely blessed to have him in my life,” Clubb said.

Last season, Clubb earned all-league first team, as well as all-state first team.

“Parker is a phenomenal player for us. He has been our number 1 pitcher for the last two years and is at the top of our team offensively every year as well,” head coach Steve Nelson said.

Even though Clubb has already committed to play Division I baseball he still put in tons of work this offseason to improve his game.

“One area I am wanting to improve on is being more aggressive at the plate and showcasing more power this year.,” Clubb said. “This offseason to improve on that I worked on establishing a plan while in the box and building an aggressive mindset while up at the plate. Also doing challenging drills off the machine to simulate a game.”

Campus’ Kyra Caudillo

By Blake Chadwick

Coming into her senior season, Kyra Caudillo has established herself as one of the key leaders for the Campus High School softball program.

“She is a responsible, respectful, and dependable young woman who holds herself to high standards,” head coach Emily Prichard said. “In the classroom, she is focused and motivated and consistently puts strong effort into her work.”

Caudillo’s connection and love for the game began at an early age, and her passion for softball has continued to grow throughout her career.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was five years old, so about 12 years now,” Caudillo said.

Her mindset remains focused on improvement while also enjoying the competitive moments with her teammates.

“When I’m practicing, I want to improve,” Caudillo said. “When I’m playing, I want to showcase my skills to the best of my ability and have fun with my team while trying to win.”

As a senior, Caudillo has set both personal and team goals for the season. She hopes to finish her high school career strong while helping the program continue to grow.

“My personal goal is to finish this year strong and have fun,” Caudillo said. “I also want to leave an impression on the girls younger than me. A team goal this year is to go to state, and we plan to do that by practicing hard and working together as a team. We know we have the skills and want to show everyone that.”

On the field, Prichard says Caudillo provides stability in one of the most demanding positions.

“As a softball player and catcher, she is the steady presence behind the plate that every team needs,” Prichard said. “She is coachable, receptive to feedback, and constantly working to improve her skills. She leads by example through her work ethic, competitiveness, and positive attitude.”

WICHITA GIRLS SWIM POLL WINNER

Wichita East’s Kaitlyn Ly

By Matt Browning

Wichita East’s Kaitlyn Ly was one of the top swimmers in the City League last season. She was the 100 breaststroke champion and also took second in the 200 individual medley.

“I am most excited to be with both my returning and new teammates this season,” Ly said. “Additionally, I am excited to work hard with them at practice and see our improvement as the season progresses.”

From a technical standpoint, Ly is already one of the best, so she has focused more on being mentally tough this season.

“I did more mental preparation rather than physically participating in club swimming as I spent my fall semester running a lot for cross country,” Ly said.

From winning specific meets to focusing on specific times, Ly has set several goals

she wants to accomplish this season.

“For me individually, I want to further improve my time in the 200 IM specifically,” Ly said.

“Additionally, I want to be a finalist in both of my individual events at state. I hope that I can make A finals in at least one of my events. For the team, I would love to see us be back to back GWAL champions for the second year in a row.”

Oxford’s Katelyn Gillenwater

By Cooper Chadwick

Oxford has a very special player in catcher Katelyn Gillenwater. Gillenwater is a senior for the Wildcats and is ready for her last season of high school softball.

“I am most excited about getting closer with all of my teammates and just having fun together,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater has been doing a lot this summer to prepare for her senior year.

“I’ve done a little bit of hitting during the off season,” Gillenwater said.

Oxford’s senior also wants to focus on staying out of her head this season and play every game like it’s her last.

Gillenwater has a few big plans for herself and her team this year as well.

“An individual goal I have for this season is to not be so hard on myself and learn how to shake off my mistakes. A team goal we have is to put 110% into everything we do,” Gillenwater said.

Last year Gillenwater had a batting average of .318 and made honorable mention all-league. This year she is extra motivated to do better.

“My motivation for this season is that this is my last year playing with the girls I’ve grown up playing with so I need to try my hardest,” Gillenwater said.

Next year Gillenwater will attend college and after that will join the Air Force.

Andover Central’s Allison Saunders Andover Central’s Ethan Armendariz

By Cooper Chadwick

Looking to obtain yet another school record, senior Allison Suander’s has big plans for her final year with Andover Central.

Saunders is a very decorated athlete with the Jaguars. She is the 300-meter hurdle record holder, Class 5A state champion in the 300-meter hurdles and runner up in high jump and 100-meter hurdles.

“Allison is the definition of a competitor. Every time that she steps onto the track, you know that

you are going to get the best effort that she has,” head coach Aren Coppoc said when asked about Saunders.

Saunders’ offseason is not like many other dedicated athletes, she does not run indoor track and field but she makes up for it with her own workout plan.

“I have a set workout schedule to train multiple times a week and I have been taking advantage of the warm weather in the winter to start doing sprint and endurance workouts,” Saunders said.

Saunders also understands she has weaknesses, but instead of just accepting them she works to change them.

“My biggest weakness has always been the start of my races, so I am hoping to work on acceleration and block starts,” Saunders said. “I have been working in collaboration with my current and future coaches to develop a plan to target my issues in my race starts. I am specifically focusing on my power coming out of the blocks with good form, which takes a lot of trial and error alongside endlessly watching videos of myself to adjust my starts.”

By Hayden Swope

With a handful of experienced and talented track and field athletes, Andover Central often makes a name for themselves at the KSHSAA State Meet every season.

The Jaguars are always looking to bring home some hardware, and it isn’t that much different for a competitive junior on the team.

Andover Central’s Ethan Armendariz knows what it takes to make himself seen, and the work on and off the track hasn’t slowed down.

The senior took second in the long jump, eighth in the triple jump and tenth in the high jump at the Andover regional last season. He did this after winning the long jump event at the AVCTL Division II meet.

At the state meet Armendariz fell just short of taking home first place, and this year he’s back for some much wanted revenge. Making it to finals and taking second has only fueled Armendariz’s drive even more the long track season ahead. Be on the lookout for this driven senior, as Armendariz plans to bring it all the way home for the Jaguars this June.

By Matt Browning

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Haven Softball

The optimism is high for the Haven softball team this season.

The Wildcats return three all-state players — Mayzie Warden, Morgan O’Neal and Avery Brawner — along with four other starters from last year’s 24-5 squad.

“I think we have the potential to be one of the top teams in 3A,” said head coach Darin Ashworth. “We’ve finished in the top three on five occasions in the last decade and I believe that this team is capable of that level of achievement.”

Simply reaching the state tournament is no longer the benchmark for Haven.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY VISIT WICHITA

“For this season to be a success we need to not only make it to state, but I would say a successful season means making past the quarterfinals,” Ashworth said.

The Wildcats’ core trio — Warden, O’Neal and Brawner — are among the premier players in Class 3A. Warden tallied 50 hits and scored 50 runs last season. O’Neal hit .587 with a 1.669 OPS, while Brawner posted a 23-5 record in the circle with a 2.54 ERA.

“These three combined for 147 hits, 145 runs scored, 37 doubles, 2 triples and 13 home runs last year batting from the top three spots in the lineup,” Ashworth said. “Collectively, they have been named allleague eight times and all-state six times.”

Visit Wichita is proud to support sports in Wichita. Athletes, fans and events have a tremendous impact on our community, and we’re committed to helping bring more sports to our city. Learn more about how sports contribute to making Wichita a great place to live, work and play, head to VisitWichita.com/SportCity.

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Beyond the top of the order, Ashworth is looking for others to rise and complete the lineup.

“To be a state title contender, you can’t have 7-8-9 type hitters batting 4-5-6 –can’t have six bottom third of the order hitters in your lineup,” Ashworth said. “We will need to have some girls develop into confident hitters that can drive the ball consistently and add some length to the lineup. Whoever that is - returning players or incoming freshmen – they will have to become legitimate middle of the order bats and not 7-8-9 hitters masquerading as middle of the order bats for us to make a valid run at a state championship.”

ELEVATE THE GAME

Experience championship-level women’s basketball in Wichita!

The Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) Semifinals and Championship take over Charles Koch Arena at Wichita State University, March 30 and April 1. Watch elite Division I teams compete for the WBIT title in an electrifying postseason tournament. Be there as the next champion is crowned!

By Matt Browning

Valley Center’s Abreya Perry

Becoming a more powerful hitter is what Valley Center softball player Abreya Perry focused on throughout the offseason.

“I want to up the amount of home runs I hit,” Perry said. “My sophomore season I got injured in my shoulder and that took me out of that year. My junior year I wasn’t as strong as I wanted to be, so this offseason I’ve been trying to work on strength.”

Perry was an all-state selection last year for the Hornets, but more than any accolade or award, she considers herself lucky to have the teammates she does.

“I am most excited for one last season with some of my best friends,” Perry said. “High school softball is an amazing opportunity for me to play the sport I love with people I have been going to school with for years.”

In order for Valley Center to reach its potential, Perry said her team needs to be able to rely on each other no matter the situation.

“This year the goals I have for the team is just upping our confidence,” Perry said. “We tend to play timid sometimes, and that doesn’t help us in the long run. Going into every game with confidence and trusting in each other’s gifts will get us very far.”

Campus’ Laney Welch

By Matt Browning

From the very first day senior Laney Welch saw the Campus business program in action, she knew she wanted to get involved.

“I knew I wanted to be a part of the business program when I saw the members of Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas (YEK) lead market day,” Welch said. “Seeing them have fun while also running market day made it look exciting and full of opportunity.”

From the moment her application to the business program was approved, Welch has been moving full speed ahead.

“Since then, I have been actively involved in the business program and have continued pursuing my passion throughout my senior year,” Welch said. Welch has had several business-related internships within Campus High School, and she hopes those experiences will help her once she enters the real world.

“The business program here at Campus has opened up countless opportunities and given me so much knowledge,” Welch said. “From understanding how student loans work to planning my future, which will be beneficial for me after high school.”

If another Campus student is interested in getting into business, Welch said they shouldn’t let such a great opportunity pass them by.

“This is the best thing you can do for yourself while in high school even if you’re not sure what you want to do after high school,” Welch said. “Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the people I have met at Campus, especially Zac Kliewer. His mentorship and leadership have really inspired me to become more involved, and I truly believe everyone needs a role model like him.”

Don’t

Just Bank Here.

Win the Game Here.

PRAIRIE STAR HEALTH CENTER’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Hutchinson Trinity’s Drew Dechant

By Blake Chadwick

The senior has years of experience across multiple levels of baseball and a commitment to setting the tone for his teammates.

“One of my biggest strengths is the experience and leadership I’ve gained over the years,” Dechant said. “I’ve played on a lot of different teams, from rec ball to summer scout teams, and those experiences have helped me learn how to lead whatever team I’m on.”

That leadership has helped shape the identity of the Trinity team this season. According to Dechant, the strong bond between teammates has been one of the biggest reasons for the team’s confidence heading into the year.

“Our biggest strength right now is our brotherhood,” Dechant said. “We all get along and have fun, and in my opinion having fun leads to confidence and success.”

Dechant has been around the game for most of his life, spending the past 13 years developing his skills and learning the nuances of the sport. His mindset remains simple both in practice and in games.

“My mindset is the same whether I’m practicing or playing,” Dechant said. “I just want to be the best I can be that day and help everyone around me play better.”

That mentality has helped Dechant step into a leadership role for a team that features several players committed to building a winning culture. He credits teammates such as Sam Vogel, Kaid McElgunn, Gage Schroeder, and Bryan Maya for helping maintain that focus.

“Thankfully I’m not the only leader on this team,” Dechant said. “When you have that many guys who care about the team, it makes it easier for everyone to stay focused and work toward the same goal.”

For Dechant, the long-term goal for the Celtics remains clear.

“Our team goal is to get to state,” Dechant said. “We’re focused on doing that one game at a time.”

Udall’s Jordan and James Hornecker

By Matt Browning

For Udall brothers Jordan and James Hornecker, having their dad in the military has come with both pros and cons.

On the plus side, Jordan has seen his future influenced by his father’s career.

“As of right now I want to pursue a career in piloting,” Jordan said. “Growing up, my father has always worked in the air force so I have always been around and interested in airplanes.”

On the other hand, James has had to deal with challenges that most kids don’t experience.

“When I was younger when my dad was deployed it was a little difficult because I didn’t see him as much,” James said.

Still, there are parts of being a military kid that have proved beneficial, both at a young age and now in high school.

“I feel like compared to others around me I have been taught to be more disciplined,” Jordan said.

“This shows up in other areas of my life too, like sports, where I stay consistent in the gym and put in the work to improve. I also feel like I was taught stronger manners than many people around me, and to be more mindful and respectful.”

For James, being a military kid may have changed the trajectory of his future.

“It (being a military kid) influenced me to be a better person and maybe follow him and join the military,” James said.

Wichita Southeast’s Loyd Mwangi

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Southeast’s

Loyd Mwangi

was an all-league outfielder last season, but he’s not done growing to be the best athlete he can be just yet.

“I’m most excited about being able to improve my game while having the chance to play the sport I love,” Mwangi said.

Over the offseason, Mwangi spent time training for the spring season ahead.

“I have done a lot of BP and catching and throwing bull pins,” Mwangi said.

On top of helping lead his team to a state championship title, Mwangi also has some personal goals he’s hoping he gets to cross off his list.

“One of my biggest goals this season is to be able to have a batting average of 300,” Mwangi said.

After high school, Mwangi hopes to further his baseball career at the next level, but is still unsure as to where that will be.

“I would like to play baseball in college, but I’m picky as to where,” Mwangi said.

Wichita East’s Anahree Smith

By Blake Chadwick

For Wichita East senior Anahree Smith, perseverance has become one of the defining traits of who she has been during her career as an East high Blue Ace.

“I would say my biggest strength is keeping my head up,” Smith said. “Even in a bad situation I’m able to keep pushing through.”

Smith first began her track and field journey in eighth grade, when she started throwing shot put. As her high school career progressed, she expanded her skill set and added discus during her freshman year. Since then, she has continued working to refine both events while developing the experience that comes with competing at the varsity level.

Her approach to the sport centers around growth and learning from each opportunity she gets on the field.

“My mindset is focused on growing as an athlete,” Smith said. “When I’m practicing or competing, I like to recognize what I’ve done wrong and, if given the chance, try to fix it.”

Now as a senior, Smith has already felt more of the leadership burden and looks at it as a healthy challenge for her.

“I try to be an example for the younger athletes on the team in whatever way I can,” Smith said.

Looking ahead, Smith’s personal goals remain simple: continue improving and refining her skills wherever she can. At the same time, she hopes the team can achieve one of its biggest goals this season—competing for a state championship.

Wichita Heights’ Aaliyah Bolden

By Blake Chadwick

For Aaliyah Bolden, the Wichita Heights senior has turned years of dedication into one of the top sprint resumes in the area, all while emerging as a leader for her team.

Bolden first found the sport in 7th grade, encouraged by her parents to give it a shot. What started as something new quickly became something she loved, and over time, something she excelled at.

“Track has taught me a lot about discipline, perseverance, and believing in yourself even when things get tough,” Bolden said.

Now in her final season, Bolden’s biggest strengths go beyond just her times. Her work ethic and determination set the tone for those around her, helping create a competitive and supportive environment within the program.

“In practice, I focus on the little things so they show up in meets,” she said.

“When I step on the track, I trust my training and compete at my highest level.”

Wichita Heights as a team feeds off that same mentality. According to Bolden, the group’s ability to push one another has been a key factor in their growth.

“As a team, one of our biggest strengths is how we push each other,” Bolden said. “Everyone wants to improve and compete at a high level.”

Head coach Rajiv Foster has seen that growth firsthand, especially from the very beginning of her high school career.

“Aaliyah is a great kid that worked her tail off to get to the level she’s running at,” Foster said. “After her first meet as a freshman, we knew she had something special and worked to maximize her potential.”

CAMPUS BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Campus’ Tiana Murphy

By Blake Chadwick

For Tiana Murphy, toughness and determination have defined her career with the Campus girls wrestling program. Now a senior competing at 110 pounds, Murphy has developed into one of the experienced leaders for the Colts while building an impressive resume along the way.

Murphy first stepped onto the mat four years ago and has steadily grown into a consistent competitor. Over the course of her career, she has compiled a 115–60 record, qualified for the state tournament three times, and earned a state medal once.

“My biggest strength is my mat wrestling,” Murphy said. Murphy credits her mindset in both practice and competition for helping her reach that level.

“My mindset when practicing or wrestling is that the harder I work, the more I’m going to earn,” Murphy said. That work ethic has fueled Murphy’s goals throughout her senior season.

“My goal is to place at state, and as a team we want

to compete and keep improving by practicing hard and focusing on the right things,” Murphy said. Murphy has also taken on a leadership role for Campus as a team captain, helping guide younger wrestlers and setting the tone through her effort and experience.

Her success on the mat has also opened doors at the next level. Murphy says she has heard from several colleges about continuing her wrestling career, including Colby Community College, York University, and Ottawa University Arizona.

Campus coach Jamie Cruce says Murphy’s perseverance has been one of the most impressive parts of her career.

“We are proud of the way Tiana battled through injury and continued to compete,” Cruce said. “We look forward to seeing her take on life with the same toughness she has learned and shown through wrestling.”

Sedgwick’s Noah Little

By Matt Browning

Sedgwick’s Noah Little is the defending 2A champion in both the triple and long jump. Has already winning a state championship lessened Little’s motivation?

“My individual goals for this season are pretty similar to what they are every year, but just with further marks and shorter times,” Little said.

“I really am aiming to hit 48 feet in triple jump and 23 feet in the long jump. I got pretty close a few times last year to both of those but came up short so those are what I really am trying for.”

Little’s offseason was spent in the weight room and on the track, much like previous years.

“Things that I’ve been doing in the offseason to prepare for this season is a lot of lifting and running,” Little said. “Staying in the weightroom and on the track has always been a big part of my offseason routines keeping me healthy and ready for the upcoming season.”

Wichita Heights’ Jessiah Dingle

By Matt Browning

Wichita Heights senior midfielder Jessiah Dingle was an honorable mention all-league selection last season.

But instead of focusing on stats or accolades, she knows what matters most.

“If I’m being honest, I do not look at my personal stats,” Dingle said. “I try to focus more on what the team has accomplished and what we can do better in the next game.”

As Dingle heads into her final season as a Falcon soccer player, she has many goals she hopes to accomplish.

“I want to keep the bond that I have with the team even after the season ends,” Dingle said. “They are sisters to me, and I will cherish that forever. Win or lose, I’ll have sisters for life. As for the team, I want us to be more vocal and not be afraid to hold one another accountable if someone isn’t playing well.”

From a tactical standpoint, Dingle hopes to improve on the offensive side of the ball.

“One way I worked on that in the offseason was going to the soccer field by myself to work on shooting, long balls and drills to better develop my footwork,” Dingle said.

Dingle is not just a soccer player at Heights. She wears many different hats throughout the school year.

“During the offseason, I spent my time playing club soccer with Sporting Wichita and playing basketball and flag football,” Dingle said.

“I try to stay as active as I can. I also spend a lot of time in the weight room to further develop my body outside of basketball and soccer.”

College coaches have given Little advice on what he needs to improve in order to compete at the next level.

“Something that I really want to improve on this year is my speed down the runway with my jumping events,” Little said. “A lot of college coaches have told me that if I could get my speed up on my approach that I could have some really great marks this year so I was keeping that in mind a lot this offseason.”

Wichita Northwest’s Kiera Smith

By Cooper Chadwick

Looking to get her name out there more, Wichita Northwest senior Kiera Smith hopes all the work she has put in will do just that.

“I really want to improve on my 200 time and I want to make it to state in that and not just one solo event this year,” Smith said. “I’ve been working on staying conditioned and pushing even when tired because that’s a problem of mine is getting too tired towards the end but I won’t let that stop me this year.”

Smith runs the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100 meter for the Grizzlies and has big plans for those events this year.

“I really would like to get top three at state and break the 11s. I also want to win state with my 4x1 relay because we have been 2nd in 2024 and 3rd in 2025 so I need that victory,” Smith said.

As a senior for the Grizzlies, Smith is a leader on her track team and feels like a lot of the girls look up to her.

A big area of motivation for anyone is to get a college offer, but for Smith it’s the motivation for big division one offers that drives her.

Last year, Smith ran her fastest 100-meter time at state with a 12.03, then her 200-meter was a 25.65.

“My motivation for this season is wanting to get a better offer in a bigger d1 college, so that would push me all season,” Smith said.

By Matt Browning

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Wichita Collegiate’s Charlie Gentile

Wichita Collegiate’s Charlie Gentile is the defending Class 3-1A singles state champion, but that hasn’t stopped the senior from setting lofty goals for 2026.

“Individually, I hope to go undefeated in all matches, singles or doubles,” Gentile said. “I have always had the mentality to set my goals as high as possible. When I began my career, I hoped to win four state titles in a row. While I wasn’t able to achieve it, my motivation to be great has not diminished.”

After losing in the semifinals during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Gentile realized there was an aspect of his game that needed improvement.

“I lost in the semifinals to guys that were older than me and in better physical condition,” Gentile said. “Other losses in my career have occurred because I played more aggressively to avoid playing in longer matches. Training for basketball has improved my stamina tremendously and I am excited to see how it translates to tennis.”

Gentile said joining the basketball team has been a positive experience.

“This past year, I decided to join the basketball team which took up a lot of my time so I wasn’t able to train much tennis,” Gentile said. “While my game with the racquet hasn’t improved, I am in the best physical shape of my life because of basketball offseason training and practices during the season.”

Wichita Heights’ Secret Dye

By Hayden Swope

As the track season quickly approaches, Secret Dye is eager to see how her hard work will pay off on the track.

Dye took second in the 100 meter hurdles at the City League track meet and then took second in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles at the Wichita Northwest regional.

She capped her year by taking fourth in both events at the 6A Tournament.

Dye thinks those results are just the appetizer for what will be the main course in 2026.

“I’m really excited for this season because I know how much work I’ve put in and how much I still want to accomplish,” Dye said. With a busy spring schedule, Dye will hold lots of opportunities to push herself to be the best she can be.

“My goal is to keep improving every meet, pushing my limits, and competing at the highest level possible,” Dye said.

Her focus this year is on competing at the state championship and giving her best effort in every event.

“I’m focused on making it to the state championship and giving it everything I have, and hopefully finishing the season by bringing home a gold medal,” Dye said.

ALEXANDRIA JOHNSON’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Maize’s Gabi Uffendell Goddard’s Kane Dunlavy

By Blake Chadwick

Senior Gabi Uffendell will be a huge part of the Maize High Eagles success.

“My biggest strength is being able to play anywhere my coach puts me,” Uffendell said. “I also try to hide my frustrations when I make a mistake or have a bad game, and I like being able to pick up my teammates when they are down.”

The senior’s approach to practice and games reflects the competitive mindset she brings to the field.

“I like to practice how I will play in a game,” Uffendell said. “I treat practice like a pregame warmup. My mindset when practicing is that it’s okay to make mistakes because I’d rather make them in practice than in games. When I’m playing, I try to take one play at a time and play like it could be my last game.”

Uffendell hopes to leave a strong example for the younger players in the program while helping the team make a deep postseason run.

“My goal this year is to be a good role model for the underclassmen and just have fun,” Uffendell said. “Our team goal is definitely to make it to state and win, but also to enjoy playing together one last time before us seniors head to college.”

Head coach Jeff Topping says Uffendell’s work ethic and versatility have made her one of the most valuable players in the program.

“Gabi is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” Topping said. “She plays every game like it is her last and leads by example.”

Topping also points to her all-around ability as a major strength.

“Gabi is a very talented athlete who excels in both softball and flag football,”

Topping said. “In softball she’s a true five-tool player. She can hit, throw, field, catch, and run with the best of them.”

By Blake Chadwick

For Kane Dunlavy, the game of baseball has always been about putting in work. The Goddard junior has spent years developing his game, and now he’s stepping into a bigger role as someone his team can rely on.

Dunlavy, who has been playing baseball since he was five years old, knows that this Goddard team can be really special. The energy and bond between players have helped create a positive environment that shows up every time they take the field.

“Our biggest strengths are the bonds we have with one another and the energy we bring to the dugout,” Dunlavy said.

That energy carries over into how Dunlavy approaches both practice and games.

“My mindset is to go all out no matter what I’m doing,” Dunlavy said. “I just listen to my coaches and teammates and give my all to whatever they need me to do.”

With the season underway, Dunlavy and his teammates have their sights set on a big goal.

“Our team goal is to go to state and win it all,” Dunlavy said. “I have 100 percent confidence in my coaches and teammates to do it.”

Individually, Dunlavy is focused on continuing to grow into a stronger leader. While he naturally leads by example, he’s pushing himself to become more vocal and impactful for his team.

“I lead by example, but one of my goals is to become a more vocal leader,” Dunlavy said. “I want to be the best teammate I can be.”

Looking ahead, Dunlavy hopes to continue his baseball career at the next level while pursuing a future in physical therapy. Even with those long-term goals, his focus remains on the present—helping his team succeed and continuing to build a strong culture within the Goddard program.

“I think the biggest thing for our program is continuing to build the culture,” Dunlavy said. “Setting a standard for what it means to be a great teammate and how we go about things every day.”

Augusta’s Becca Skov

By Cooper Chadwick

Looking to have a successful season her senior year, Augusta’s Becca Skov is excited to work with her new coaches.

“This season, I am hoping to improve as a team and individually. Over the last three years we haven’t had the best seasons, but with the team we have and our new coaches, I think we can greatly improve from the last few years,” Skov said.

Skov mostly plays third base but also some middle infield and outfield to help her team out wherever she can. Being a senior also has pushed Skov into a more leadership role.

“For my team, I really try to be a leader for the younger girls. I want to be able to show them the right attitude to have every day and the amount of effort to put in. I also want to be accountable and push other girls to work hard so we can be better as a team,” Skov said.

To be a good leader you also need to lead by example and that is one thing Skov does for Augusta.

“During the offseason, I have been running and working out to stay in shape. I have also been working a lot on my hitting and going to lessons every week,” Skov said. “I am wanting to improve my batting average and on base percentage. I want them both to be higher this season than they have been in the past. I also work with my club team coaches and work on hitting different kinds of pitches.”

After high school Skov plans to attend Butler Community College to play softball. Even though Skov’s softball career isn’t coming to an end, she still wants to end on a high note.

“I want my stats to show improvement from last year. I also want to be someone that my teammates can rely on when they need to,” Skov said.

ELEVATE THE GAME

Experience championship-level women’s basketball in Wichita!

The Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) Semifinals and Championship take over Charles Koch Arena at Wichita State University, March 30 and April 1. Watch elite Division I teams compete for the WBIT title in an electrifying postseason tournament. Be there as the next champion is crowned!

Simply Hygiene was founded in January 2019 to bring heal th, hope, dignity, and compassion to members of our community by providing access to hygiene essentials. Each month, we distribute over 200,000 hygiene products f rom our warehouse through our school and nonprof it partners each item is shared with a sincere, heartfel t desire to make a difference.

Unfortunately, items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper and toothpaste are not covered by government assistance. Simply Hygiene is the only hygiene hub of its kind in South Central Kansas, partnering with over 225 schools and 100 nonprof its to distribute essential hygiene supplies. Our partners can place monthly orders at no cost to them based on the needs they see among their clients, providing access to hygiene items for over 103,000 people each month.

Our mission is to empower people with essential hygiene products that promote heal th and hope. It’s hard to focus on schoolwork when you are embarrassed about not having deodorant, unable to ask for help without a toothbrush, or missing school because of a lack of feminine hygiene products. People lack self-conf idence and miss school and work for want of basic hygiene essentials. It is staggering how many in our community go without these essentials.

We are committed now, more than ever, to our mission to empower people with essential hygiene products. We believe that every act of giving—no matter how small—has a ripple effect in kindness and love, creating lasting change. Our vision is a community where access to basic hygiene leads to greater wellness and opportunities for everyone. We are incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received f rom our community. The impact is immediate in the lives and futures of those we serve.

“We hear f rom our patients that having access to hygiene products has not only helped reduce the f inancial burden, but also restores personal dignity, improves self-esteem, and helps them to fur ther social, educational and employment oppor tunities.”

-Heal thCore Clinic

“Being able to provide these items for our students and families has reduced barriers to promote heal th and success in and out of the school environment.”

-New ton Public Schools

Presented by

Garden Plain’s Jaicey Stuhlsatz

By Matt Browning

Garden Plain senior volleyball and basketball player Jaicey Stuhlsatz chose to volunteer and host a hygiene drive at her high school because helping others is something she is passionate about.

“I like to volunteer and help those in need,” Stuhlsatz said. “Simply Hygiene gave me that opportunity and it opened me up to seeing what all goes on behind the scenes.”

Stuhlsatz said Simply Hygiene has inspired her to become a better person and provide the same kind of guidance to others.

“Not only is it an amazing drive that helps so many people and organizations but it is also run by people who care,” Stuhlsatz said. “When I helped out this stuck out to me and it was heartwarming to see and be a part of. This experience has pushed me to be a better person and has fueled my drive to be a more active

member of my community.”

Stuhlsatz said many people inspired her throughout her high school career, starting with Lance Gordon.

“Thank you to Lance Gordon for all the volunteering opportunities he offers to us students,” Stuhlsatz said. “I also want to say thank you to all my coaches who have supported me and taught me to be a hard worker and a resilient person. I am so thankful for every team I have been a part of that has taught me to be a team player and why it’s important to show up for others.”

Valley Center’s Emily Freeby

By Hayden Swope

Emily Freeby is excited to return to the field and enjoy one final season of the sport she loves as graduation approaches.

“I am excited to be back out on the field and have a fun senior season with my friends before high school is over,” Freeby said. “This is my last time playing the sport I love and grew up with and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career than with my friends on the field with me.”

During the offseason, Freeby has been practicing at home with a focus on improving her pitching skills.

“I have been practicing at home and really focusing on the fundamentals,” she said. “I worked a lot on my special pitches—drop ball, change up, and screwball.”

This season, Freeby is focused on improving both her accuracy and spin in the pitching circle.

“I want to improve on my accuracy with my pitches as well as my spin on my ball,” she said.

Her personal goal for the season is to enjoy every moment while also helping her team grow closer and perform at its best.

“My goal for me is to have as much fun as possible and soak up every opportunity,” Freeby said. “My goal for the team is to bond closer, work together, and come out on top. I also want all of us seniors to help the underclassmen as much as possible before we leave.”

Looking ahead, Freeby plans to continue her education while pursuing a career in real estate.

“My future plans are to attend Wichita State University for business management and go into real estate,” Freeby said.

Bishop Carroll’s Max Farber

By Matt Browning

Bishop Carroll golfer Max Farber recently completed an offseason training program that is unusual for the sport. The senior, who is committed to Washburn, finished in a tie for sixth at last season’s 5A Golf Tournament.

“I am currently coming off about 18 weeks of marathon training which I really feel like I grew a lot from both mentally and physically,” Farber said. “Mental strength was my biggest focus through the offseason and those hard days of training and getting the miles in did an amazing job preparing me. It really taught me a lot about myself. I’ve always had the skills to be a great player but I knew there had been a mental roadblock in the way for quite some time. I needed a way to separate myself as a person from the score next to my name and I think that is my biggest advantage going into this season.”

Farber believes that the training could prove valuable if he faces adversity this season — something he anticipates as he sets ambitious goals for both himself and his team.

“I want to continue improving through my season on the mental aspect of the game,” Farber said. “I feel like

I’ve laid some great groundwork going into this season and I can’t wait to see the fruits of that labor pay off.”

The Golden Eagles did not place inside the top three at state last year, leaving Farber to view the 2026 season as unfinished business for both himself and the team.

“There is the obvious goal to go out and win state both as an individual and as a team,” Farber said. “I have put myself in contention at state multiple times and I know that I havev the game to finish the job this year. Our team has a ton of talent and I have no doubt we can walk away with a win.”

Chaparral’s Daxton Hostetler, Ty Hadsall, and Kale Greve

By Hayden Swope

With baseball season finally here, Chaparral is gearing up to take on the long spring season. Three strong athletes return to make the season a little easier. Daxton Hostetler, Ty Hadsall, and Kale Greve couldn’t be more excited to take the field together again.

“I am most excited about the amount of talent we have throughout the team along with the brotherhood we all have,” Hadsall said.

Hopes of making it far into the postseason are high, and Hostetler is ready to make more memories both on and off the field.

“I am excited to see how we will come together losing two key players and who will step up to have a run at state,” Hostetler said. “I am also excited about the post-game meals from the team moms.”

Throughout the years of playing together, the Roadrunners have made it far, but not completed one of their biggest

goals. This season, Greve knows they have to put it all out on the line.

“A goal as a team is to go to state,” Greve said. “We’ve made progress all three years and this year I think we have the team to make the next jump to the state tournament.”

There wasn’t much off-time for these athletes, as they all spent the offseason training and conditioning to strengthen themselves.

“In the offseason I have worked at arm care and consistency at the plate during summer ball,” Hadsall said.

“During the offseason I went to weights in the summer along with playing summer ball. I also play football and basketball so I move well during baseball,” Greve said.

With this being one of best teams Chaparral has seen in a while, expectations and standards are high as the Roadrunners are set to compete soon.

“A team goal we have is to get to state and get better every day,” Hostetler said.

By Blake Chadwick

Derby Softball Seniors

For the Derby softball senior class, this season is about finishing a story that has been years in the making.

Head coach Christy Weve believes the foundation laid by this senior group is what makes Derby a serious contender.

“We have high expectations for this season,” Weve said. “Our seniors bring experience and leadership that will help guide us and stay focused throughout the season.”

That senior class—Karlie Demel, Charlie Ayalla, Ashlyn Hamilton, Kayla Cooper, and Olivia Parra— has grown together over the years, helping shape a culture that values accountability, trust, and playing for one another.

For Charlie Ayalla, being part of Derby softball starts with selflessness.

“Playing for Derby means being selfless to better the people around you,” Ayalla said. “You have to work your hardest not just for yourself, but for every teammate around you.”

That mindset has helped build a tight-knit group, something Karlie Demel says is the foundation of the team’s success.

“To play for Derby means family,” Demel said. “We all truly love each other and want to see each other succeed, because when everyone succeeds, the whole team succeeds.”

That bond has translated into consistent success, including multiple trips to the state tournament. But for this senior group, the expectation goes beyond just getting there.

“We have a standard on this team,” Demel said. “We want to host regionals to give ourselves the best chance to make it to state. Once we get there, it’s about leaving it all out on the field.”

Senior Kayla Cooper echoed that same focus, emphasizing both the pride of being part of the program and the work it takes to reach the ultimate goal.

“It is a privilege and honor to play for Derby,” Cooper said. “Being part of such a competitive program means a lot, and we all take pride in that.”

For Cooper and her teammates, the mission is clear. “My main goal is to win state,” she said. “We’ve come close, and it would be a dream to end our senior year with a championship.”

According to Cooper, achieving that goal comes down to trust, chemistry, and a commitment to improving every single day.

“You have to truly know your teammates and trust them,” Cooper said. “That’s what builds chemistry, and that’s what it takes to win.”

Circle’s Kendyl Acker

By Cooper Chadwick

As a senior, Circle’s Kendyl Acker plays catcher and first base and hopes to help lead her team to success this year.

“We have big goals this season and we have a lot of returning experience. I am looking forward to seeing how the team grows together! We are blessed with so much talent and have already accomplished so much together but we are not done yet and I am excited to see everyone working hard for common goals,” Acker said

This offseason, Acker focused on many different facets of her game in hopes to become even more well-rounded this season.

“I have been taking weekly hitting lessons since summer ball ended. I also started a 12-week catching program. I have been working on my strength and conditioning every week in the weight room as well,” Acker said.

As a senior and a leader, Acker made it her goal to work on her positivity and communication.

“I want to use that to encourage a competitive, positive team dynamic throughout the entire season! I want to continue to help build a strong mental game for not only myself but also my

Home

a Longer Stay

teammates, as well as strengthening team culture! Dug outs win games,” Acker said.

Acker is more than ready for her senior year. She is motivated because she knows the potential that her team has this season.

“Not only are we stacked with talent as a team, but I truly believe we have great leadership and have all the pieces needed to make a great run at a state title,” Acker said.

South Haven’s Brecken Hutsler

By Hayden Swope

South Haven’s Brecken Hutsler is excited not only to grow as a player but also to strengthen the bonds with her teammates as the season gets underway.

“The thing I am most looking forward to this upcoming season is to not only grow as a player but as a teammate too,” Hutsler said.

“Every season is a new beginning and as a senior, I’m excited to see how much more I can improve my skills. I’m also very excited to continue to build a bond with some of the most amazing teammates I have ever had. I do think the thing I am most looking forward to out of everything though, is competing and being able to represent my school and community, and use the skills we gain during practice during a game.”

This year, Hutsler is focused on improving her hitting while continuing to refine her overall game.

“I think the biggest thing I want to improve on this season is my hitting,” Hutsler said.

“While I like where I’m at right now, there’s always room for improvement. To help me reach my goal, I did the work and soft toss during the offseason.”

Hutsler also has goals for both his personal growth and her team’s performance.

“My goal for myself this year is to improve my mental toughness,” she said. “The goal I

have for our team as a whole is to constantly be supporting each other and building stronger communication on the field.”

After high school, Hutsler plans to continue his education while pursuing a degree in agribusiness.

“My plans after high school are to attend Butler Community College in El Dorado and pursue a degree in Agribusiness,” Hutsler said.

Wichita Collegiate’s Isaac Vanderburg

By Hayden Swope

Isaac Vanderburg of Wichita

Collegiate is looking forward to one final opportunity to compete alongside teammates he has grown up playing with for years.

“I’m most excited to play with all the kids I’ve been going to school with since elementary school for the last time,” Vanderburg said. “The majority of the team this year has multiple years of varsity experience coming into this year, and will be more comfortable this season.”

During the offseason, Vanderburg has focused on recovering from a significant injury he suffered during football season.

“I’ve been rehabbing my knee after a severe fracture during football season,” Vanderburg said. “I’ve been working every day in order to be able to play this upcoming year.”

Once he was cleared to resume baseball activities, Vanderburg made it a priority to spend as much time as possible working on his swing.

“As soon as I was cleared to swing, I’ve been in the cages every day getting better to stay dependable at the plate,” Vanderburg said.

After falling short in the regional championship in each of the past two seasons, Vanderburg and his

teammates are determined to break through this year.

“We’ve fallen short in the regional championship each of the last two years, and this year we are looking to get over that hump,” Vanderburg said.

Following graduation, Vanderburg already has plans in place for his education and long-term career goals.

“I will be attending the University of Tennessee next year to study Finance, and then I want to go to law school after graduation,” Vanderburg said.

Bluestem’s Dakota Whiteside

By Blake Chadwick

Making an immediate impact at the varsity level is never easy, especially for a freshman. But for Dakota Whiteside, stepping into that opportunity with the Bluestem softball program is something she’s embracing early in her high school career.

Whiteside enters the season as a freshman, but her experience in the game has already helped prepare her for the moment. Having played softball for nine years, including five seasons of travel ball, she has developed a strong understanding of the game and what it takes to compete.

“My biggest strength is probably my field awareness and knowledge,” Whiteside said. “I know my runners, my outs, and the possible plays for wherever the ball could be hit on every pitch.”

While many freshmen are still adjusting to the speed of the high school game, she has already developed a mindset focused on preparation and consistency.

“My practice mindset is knowing every single rep counts,” Whiteside said. “Lazy reps cause lazy habits, which leads to laziness in game performance.”

Her approach during games is equally focused, as she works to stay mentally steady regardless of the situation.

“When something happens in a game, I know I can’t go back and change it,” Whiteside said. “So I focus on the next play and don’t let the last one affect me, whether it was good or bad.”

While Whiteside is just beginning her high school career, she already understands the importance of team culture and leadership. Bluestem has faced challenges with injuries and a smaller roster this season, but the team continues to show resilience.

“Our biggest strength as a team is that we keep working hard even with low numbers and injuries,” Whiteside said. “We still show up with a good attitude every day.”

Whiteside’s personal goals this season focus on building confidence and performing to

the best of her ability, while also helping the team maintain a positive and competitive environment.

Even as a freshman, she hopes to play a role in helping the program grow.

“I try to help by getting more people interested in coming out for softball and helping teammates whenever they need it,” Whiteside said. If Whiteside continues developing the way she has early on, her freshman season could be just the beginning of a promising career for Bluestem softball.

Maize South’s Kanyon Akers

By Cooper Chadwick

Coming off of an injury, Maize South senior pitcher Kanyon Akers is excited to play his final season with the guys he’s grown up with.

“After injuring my shoulder last spring during the Andover Central game, I wasn’t able to return to the field defensively until regionals and could only contribute as a DH. In the fall, what we thought was part of the recovery process turned out to be a torn labrum that

required surgery. It was unexpected and meant being out much longer than I had planned. Because of that, just being able to compete alongside my teammates this season means everything,” Akers said.

Due to his injury, Akers was not able to spend his offseason exactly how he wanted to, but he still made sure everything he did will lead him to success this season.

“Most of my offseason was focused on rehabilitation and rebuilding strength in my shoulder after surgery. Physical therapy became part of my daily routine. I worked on shoulder stability, mobility, and gradually progressing through a structured throwing program. As I was cleared for more activity, I focused on strength training and conditioning while continuing to develop as a hitter,” Akers said.

Akers is also a captain this year for the Mavericks and he takes that position and responsibility very seriously.

“I believe how we practice determines how we play. I make sure we practice with intensity and focus — like we’re preparing to beat the opponent we’re facing that week.

I want our team to compete at a high level in every drill, every rep, and every inning,” Akers said.

Rose Hill’s Kenzie Minks

Rose Hill senior softball Kenzie Minks is primed to be one of the top players in the AVCTL Division IV this season.

Minks said one her greatest strength is her ability to be the best possible teammate for the Rockets.

“I would say my biggest strength is encouraging my teammates and helping them be the best they can be,” Minks said.

“When some of my teammates are down, I try to make them smile and laugh so they can get out of it. Our team’s biggest strength is our chemistry. Even though we have a pretty young team, we get along really well.”

Minks has spent much of her life around the game, building both her skills and passion for softball over the years.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was seven, so about 10 years,” Minks said.

As a senior pitcher, Minks has set both individual and team goals for the upcoming season.

“My personal goal is to have really good pitching stats and hit some home runs,” Minks said. “Our team goal is to grow and

improve by focusing on the little things and watching that translate into games. Since we’re a young team, development will be huge for us.”

Minks also hopes her leadership will help younger players stay confident and motivated throughout the season.

“I would say I’m an encouraging leader for my team,” Minks said. “I try to keep everyone positive and motivated.”

Augusta’s Brody Haskell

By Cooper Chadwick

Augusta’s senior Brody Haskell won’t be done with baseball after he finishes his season with the Orioles. He plans to go to Butler Community College and hopefully play at a university after that.

Haskell spent a lot of this offseason preparing for his senior year with the Orioles.

“Working out with my summer team and going to the optional workouts my high school team provides has kept me involved with baseball,” Haskell said.

One specific thing that Haskell made a point of emphasis this summer was his defense.

“I take a lot of pride in my defense, and I believe I can get to any ball near me. I want to be more consistent and have less errors than the previous year,” Haskell said.

Haskell plays shortstop and last year was first team all-state. He hit close to .500, as well as being the league MVP.

Being a member of the varsity team for all four years, Haskell has a big role on and off the field.

“My job is to be a leader and enhance the performance of my teammates by being a good teammate, while also handling my

business the right way,” Haskell said.

Haskell is excited to play this one last season with his teammates and hopes to end the year strong.

“I have been playing baseball for up to 15 years now and it is something that I have loved for my whole life. Playing one last season with the kids I grew up with means a lot, and I want to take full advantage of it,” Haskell said.

Mulvane’s Reed Hackleman

By Blake Chadwick

As the Mulvane High School baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, senior Reed Hackleman is ready to take on a leadership role for the Wildcats. With years of experience alongside many of his teammates and a strong commitment to improving his game, Hackleman is focused on helping Mulvane compete for a state championship in his final season.

“I would say our team’s biggest strengths are our camaraderie and our baseball IQ,” Hackleman said. “We have all played together since we were younger, which is where that camaraderie began. Another strength is our coaching staff. Each one of them believes in every player, maintains a positive attitude, and encourages us daily.”

Hackleman, who has been playing for nearly 13 years, has always held himself to the highest standard. And now as a senior, that standard raises even more.

“When I’m playing, I go out there believing in myself and staying confident so I can succeed,” Hackleman said. “When I’m practicing, I have the mindset that I can always improve in every aspect of my game.”

As his senior season begins, Hackleman hopes to make the most of his final year representing his hometown while chasing the ultimate goal with his teammates.

“My personal goal is to enjoy my senior year while representing my hometown and bringing

home a state title,” Hackleman said. “Our team goal is pretty similar. We want to enjoy being around each other and have fun, but winning state is definitely our number one goal.”

Hackleman has also grown into a leadership role for the Wildcats, focusing on setting the tone through effort and consistency.

“I would describe my leadership style as leading more by actions than words,” Hackleman said. “I try to demonstrate hustle and give 100 percent effort at all times. As younger players started to follow my example, my verbal leadership grew as well.”

Need School Spirit?

Conway Springs’ Jase Downey

By Hayden Swope

As his senior season approaches, Conway Springs’ Jase Downey is looking forward to making the most of his final year alongside the teammates he has grown with throughout his high school career.

“I am very excited to be playing with my teammates for the final time, it’s been a fun time being with them and I look forward to practices and games every day because of them,” Downey said. “I am also excited to show myself off a little bit, I

have worked hard this offseason and I am looking forward to being able to put what I’ve done in the offseason onto the field.”

During the offseason, Downey stayed busy by putting in consistent work and attending multiple camps to continue developing his game.

“I have been doing plenty of workouts, I haven’t been able to work out with my trainer Clint Vancurren because of car troubles, but he has workouts set up in an app that I use to help guide me through my workouts,” Downey said. “Here lately though, I have been practicing with my summer team, coached by Ryan Jones, and he has helped me a lot.”

Even with strong statistical numbers in previous seasons, Downey believes there are still several areas where he can continue to grow.

“There are few things I want to improve on this year, the first one is being a leader, both vocally and with my actions,” Downey said. “I tend to get down on myself easily and I need to have good body language to really keep our team up. The second area is hitting. I have changed how some of my body moves when I swing so that I can do some more damage.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Buhler’s Jared Miller

Earning second team all-league outfielder last year with Buhler, senior Jared Miller will play a vital role in the success of the Crusaders.

“Jared is a fun guy to have around and this will be Jared’s 3rd year playing a key role for us at the Varsity Level. Defensively he plays with reckless abandonment and flies to every baseball hit in the outfield. Offensively, we look for him to hit in the top part of our lineup to put a ton of pressure on the defense with his ability to lay down a bunt, stretch singles into doubles and will always have the green light to steal a base,” head coach John Neill said.

To help better his game for his senior year, Miller worked a lot on increasing his pitching velocity.

“I have been doing various arm care exercises and workouts to improve my arm for this upcoming season,” Miller said.

Individually, Miller is hoping all his time he put in during the offseason will show on the field this season.

As a senior, Miller is a leader and a tone setter for the Crusaders and this year he plans to give it his all.

“I’ve always loved playing baseball since I was a kid so just making my last season worth it,” Miller said.

El Dorado’s Grady Scanlon

By Hayden Swope

El Dorado’s Grady Scanlon is eager to see how the work he has put in throughout his career will show up on the field for his final season.

“I’m most excited to see how all my hard work from my last three years will pay off in my last high school season,” Scanlon said.

To get ready for the upcoming season, Scanlon has focused on staying consistent with his training and workouts.

“To prepare for the season I’ve been working out and training multiple times a week,” Scanlon said.

While the physical side of the game is important, Scanlon has also been placing an emphasis on strengthening the mental side of baseball.

“One area that I want to improve on is more of the mental side of the game,” Scanlon said. “Some ways that I’ve kind of worked on the mental side is by trying to not let things bother me that usually could when I’m in my training.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Scanlon has both team and individual goals he hopes to accomplish.

“A goal that I have for my team is to just compete and give it our all every time

we step on the field,” Scanlon said. “A personal goal for me is to break the season’s stolen base record.”

After his high school career comes to a close, Scanlon already has plans in place to continue his baseball journey at the next level.

“My plans after high school are to go to Butler Community College and continue playing baseball,” Scanlon said.

Haven’s Mayzie Warden

By Hayden Swope

As the new season approaches, Haven’s Mayzie Warden is excited to see how her team develops and grows together throughout the year. Warden was a first team All-League and All-State outfielder last season.

“This season I’m most excited to watch our team grow into our full potential,” Warden said. “It’s always super fun to watch the other girls grow into their roles and gain their confidence.”

Throughout the offseason, Warden has spent plenty of time working on her game and staying active in other sports as well.

“During the offseason, you can often find me at the field, hitting front toss off my dad,” Warden said. “We focus on applying the right swings on the right pitches and fine tuning the fundamentals of my swing. I also play volleyball in the fall.”

Heading into the season, Warden is focused on improving one key area of her offensive game.

“This year I’d like to improve my consistency at the plate, which is really

just knowing what swing to use and what pitches you hit well,” Warden said.

She also has several goals for what she hopes the team can accomplish together this year.

“Some goals I have for the team this year are to decrease our strikeouts as a team, go to state, win CKL league, and to enhance our small ball game,” Warden said.

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Fin al 15th

5K Memorial Run/Walk

Run to Believe: Kyle and Kylie’s Story

Sweethearts since they met at Maize High School, Kyle Thornburg and Kylie Jobe have been honored every year starting in 2012 with a special memorial event, “Run2Believe,” a 5k run/walk created to bring awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving. In March of 2011, Kyle (22) and Kylie (20) became victims of a drunk driver as they returned home from a trip over spring break. They were killed in a tragic accident on I-70 when a 27- year-old man entered the interstate going the wrong direction. The driver had a blood alcohol level of .23, almost three times the legal limit. Devastatingly, three lives were lost that night.

The Run2Believe has been an annual event since 2012, originally held the Saturday ending Spring Break, however in May of 2021 was changed to the first Saturday in May. People from the community, old and new friends, participated and donated. Proceeds from the run continue to benefit the Maize Education Foundation, which annually provides scholarships to two Maize students in Kyle’s name; and the Oklahoma State University Foundation, which also awards a scholarship every year in Kylie’s name. Since the tragedy, lawmakers and the Kansas Department of Transportation worked hard to establish the “Kyle Thornburg and Kylie Jobe Believe Act” Memorial Marker. Senate Bill #245 was signed on March 21, 2016 and the couple was honored with Kansas’s first Lost to DUI Roadside Memorial Marker. On April 9, 2019, the marker was placed at milepost 210 on I-70, where the accident occurred. The Memorial Marker serves as a constant reminder for everyone to make responsible decisions in their lives and to Not Drink and Drive.

This year, 2026, will be the 15th and Final year for this event. But it will not be the end of remembering the widespread impact Kyle and Kylie made on the lives of so many. It will also not end the goal to reduce the number of lives lost to drunk drivers. The endowed scholarships will continue to be awarded to deserving college students every year. Although it was a very difficult decision to discontinue the Run2Believe event, we can always look back at the joy of reuniting every year with friends and family to celebrate the remarkable lives of Kyle and Kylie.

MHS Booster-Presenting Sponsor

Co-sponsors

 Fugate Enterprise

 RCB Bank

 Old Chicago

 Frankenberry

 Holmberg Wellness

 Remax Premier

 Legacy Bank

 Heartland Credit

 Meritrust

 Dudley's Irish Pub