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Circle’s Wyatt Sharp

For Wyatt Sharp, success this golf season has been about more than scores and medals. The Circle High School standout has embraced a leadership role while continuing to establish himself as one of the top golfers in Kansas Class 4A.

“My focus for this season has been to help the new kids coming up and go into this season having fun and finish as strong as possible,” Sharp said.

That leadership mentality has helped create a positive atmosphere for Circle while also pushing Sharp to another impressive campaign. His low round this season is a 71, and he has recorded one tournament win along with five top-10 finishes. Sharp currently sits sixth in the state rankings for Class 4A.

While the numbers stand out, Sharp takes just as much pride in helping teammates improve their games.

“One of my best strengths is helping others on the team,” he said. “I really enjoy helping them grow their skills with ball striking and putting, or giving them rides and just trying to help strengthen the mental side of their game.”

Sharp said one of the biggest areas of growth for him personally has come mentally. Along with working on his swing, he has focused heavily on staying composed and controlling what he can during competition.

“My swing coach and I have really tried to find some ways for me to help with my mental side of the game and not allowing myself to get caught up in what I can’t control,” Sharp said.

That mindset has become one of the biggest lessons of his career.

“My biggest takeaway has been learning and focusing solely on what I can control in each moment,” he said.

Sharp’s consistency has been evident over the past two seasons. Last year, he also posted a low round of 71 while collecting two wins and five top-10 finishes. This spring, he hopes to help Circle close the year with a strong postseason push.

“Coming up to the end of the season we are all looking for a top three at state and maybe just a little better,” Sharp said.

Maize’s Yareli Garcia

This soccer season for Maize’s Yareli Garcia has centered on growth, adaptability and building confidence on both sides of her game.

“My primary focus this season was to get a better first touch and becoming more confident using my left foot,” Garcia said. “I wanted to become more consistent with my left foot, help my team succeed, and continue developing my skills on both ends of the game.”

That development showed up in her play, as Garcia said she improved her ability to distribute the ball and earned new opportunities across the field from her coach.

“I have accomplished better passes with my left foot and been moved around on the field by my coach,” she said. “Knowing that my coach trust me enough to try me in new place, so I can grow as player and try new positions.”

Garcia has been used in multiple roles, relying on her speed and aggressiveness to impact games in different areas. She describes herself as a versatile player capable of contributing both defensively and in attack.

“My strengths is my speed, my ability to move the ball forward from the defensive side of the field, and being aggressive on the field,” Garcia said. “In the forward my speed and crossing the ball. I utilize my strength as a universal player up top and in the back by creating chances in the forward and supporting my middle defender. My use my speed and aggressive movement to stay unpredictable, pressure opponents, and control the pace of the fight.”

Heading into the season, Garcia also focused on improving her consistency and expanding her ability to create scoring opportunities for her team. Much of that work came during the offseason, when she committed time to training with teammates and refining her technical skills.

“Creating opportunities for me and my team, leading them to victory,” she said. “I want to become a better player on the field and outside of the field. I have trained with friends before the season started and went on runs, also did drills to work on my touches.”

For Garcia, success is measured not only in wins, but in connection and enjoyment within the team dynamic.

“A successful season looks like a family to me,” she said. “Where we all connect with one another and have fun playing the sport we love. We connect passes and work together to get what we want at the end of the game. We need to make sure we get our business done but also having an amazing time playing with one another.”

Wichita Heights’ Joshua Banks

Wichita Heights runner Joshua Banks has spent this season focused on consistency, improvement and contributing to his team’s success every time he steps on the track.

“My primary focus this season was becoming more consistent and continuing to improve my times at every meet,” Banks said. “I wanted to push myself both mentally and physically, help my team score points, and finish the season stronger than I started.”

That mindset has guided Banks through both training and competition, as he has worked to lower his times while building on lessons from the offseason. One of his biggest priorities was improving endurance and overall speed, something he addressed through year-round training and competing in multiple sports.

This past fall, Banks ran cross country for Heights, an experience he said helped build stamina and mental toughness. He also trained with the Shocker Track Club during the winter, where he focused on speed and form in a competitive but supportive environment.

“It was pretty hard at first to be motivated to run for so long,” Banks said, “but by just showing up and motivation from my coaches, the work became easier and I saw improvement not only in cross country but track as well.”

Banks said his strengths come from both his effort and his mindset on and off the track.

“I would consider my work ethic and determination to be some of my biggest strengths,” he said. “I try to lead by example by giving maximum effort at practices and meets. I believe that when others see me working hard, it will encourage them to do the same. Which overall will help the team improve daily. I also believe my faith in God is one of my biggest strengths as it gives me confidence to perform well and reminds me that there is nothing to fear.”

That confidence has translated into measurable progress. Banks entered the season with a personal-best time of 57.51 seconds in the 400-meter dash and has since dropped that mark to 55.30.

For Banks, success goes beyond times and placements. He defines it through growth, consistency and team performance.

“A successful season would mean seeing improvement from everyone on the team and reaching the goals we set at the beginning of the year,” he said. “To me, a successful season is not just defined by the performance at a meet, but the hard-work and effort that is put in throughout the week.”

Drew Chrisman, PT, DPT

Favorite sport: Track and Field

Favorite activity/exercise to get in easy movement: Commuting to work on my bike has been a great way to get the blood flowing, get some easy cardio, and provide an opportunity to mentally transfer from home to work and vice versa.

Sports (if any) you played in high school: MidDistance Track, Cross Country

What you treat/specialize in: I treat general orthopedics, but I love working with high school athletes struggling with knee pain. I had the same struggle and never visited a PT, so athletes succeeding here means a lot to me.

Best tip for high school athletes: Strive for great posture and always stretch your calves.

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Andover’s Brody Fox

Andover golfer Brody Fox is closing out a standout high school career defined by consistency, growth and a steady presence in high-pressure moments, while also preparing to continue his golf career at Friends University.

Fox said his goals this season centered on competing at a high level every tournament and helping lead his team in postseason play.

“My primary focus this high school season was to place in every tournament and shoot solid scores under pressure,” Fox said. “I want to accomplish a top 5 at 5A state. A back to back regional win for the team and hopefully a state title with my team.”

A major part of Fox’s game, he said, is his ability to stay mentally steady during long tournament rounds — something he credits as one of his biggest strengths.

“I would say one of my biggest strengths is keeping a positive mindset,” Fox said. “In golf you can’t hit every shot perfect every time. So being able to keep a positive mindset throughout a tournament is a great skill. Also being able to hit the ball far is a positive when you are on the course. Having a good team mentality is also important because we all joke with each other which makes us closer as a team.”

He also pointed to the influence of Andover coach Ryan Harshaw in helping the Trojans maintain composure throughout the season.

“My coach, Ryan Harshaw, has helped our team continue to be positive with course management, talking us through difficult shots, and staying positive even if it’s a bad shot,” Fox said.

Improvement has been a key focus for Fox throughout the year, especially in consistency off the tee and recovery after mistakes.

“I wanted to work on hitting more fairways and greens throughout tournament rounds,” Fox said. “Shooting low scores and being able to comeback after a bad hole is also something I worked on a lot.”

In the offseason, Fox worked with swing coach Seth Bryan to refine his swing mechanics and add distance.

“I worked on swinging my swing and being able to use my body and length to be able to hit the ball farther with my Coach Seth Bryan,” Fox said. “Being able to get up and down from tough situations has helped me become a better golfer all around. I’ve picked up a ton of speed in the off season as well.”

For Fox, success this year is measured both individually and as part of the team.

“A successful season for me would be to continue playing solid golf winning regionals and also having a great run at state this year,” he said. “A successful season for my team would be winning regionals and state!”

Andover’s Lili Thiessen

Lili Thiessen has spent her final high school soccer season trying to do more than score goals.

Off the field, Thiessen focused on reshaping the team culture at Andover, prioritizing intensity, respect and unity within a program she said had previously dealt with internal challenges.

“My primary focus for this season was creating a team atmosphere that valued intensity and respect for one another,” Thiessen said. “In the past, we’ve struggled with drama and toxicity within the team, so I decided to change that in the ways that I could control.”

On the field, her goals were just as clear — and just as demanding.

“My personal goals were to score 15 goals, beat our cross-town rivals, Andover Central, and have fun during my last season of high school soccer,” she said. “I am elated to say that my team and myself have achieved each of those.”

A senior captain and the team’s only returning starter in her final season, Thiessen said leadership became one of her defining responsibilities.

“I strive to be the type of leader that leads out of love and positive feedback, instead of tearing people down with negativity,” she said.

That leadership has helped fuel a standout offensive season. Transitioning into a center forward role, Thiessen said she has scored against every opponent except Eisenhower and Wichita East, tallying 20 goals so far.

Last season, Andover finished 7-7-2, and Thiessen earned AVCTL Division II All-League honorable mention while playing primarily in the midfield.

This year, the Trojans have taken a step forward, posting a 12-4 record with close losses to Eisenhower (twice), Maize South and Maize.

“We haven’t lost to any teams by more than one goal, besides Eisenhower,” she said. “I think we are always an underestimated team, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish in the postseason.”

Beyond statistics, Thiessen said her competitive drive and passion for soccer continue to shape her success and preparation for the next level.

“Being a captain, and the only starting senior, leadership is something that I had to establish from the get-go,” she said. “Additionally, my competitiveness has been a part of my personality since I was very young. I believe the reason I’ve scored most of my goals is because I battle until it crosses the line.”

As she looks toward college soccer, Thiessen has also placed a strong emphasis on fitness, training last fall with Sporting Wichita under coach Qaies Al-Amood to prepare for the demands ahead.

“This past fall, I had the opportunity to play club soccer for Sporting Wichita under Coach Qaies Al-Amood,” she said. “The way that Coach Qaies consistently made drills that tested our bodies’ limits, had us run fitness tests, and made every practice intense gave me the opportunity to be in some of the best shape of my life.”

For Thiessen, success is measured in more than wins and goals — it’s also about legacy.

“A successful season for me looks like creating a team that will be successful in the future, after I’m gone,” she said. “I hope to establish a standard of intensity, but simultaneously a mindset of grace and love for each other that will carry on for the teams to come.”

Campus’ Madilyn Harris

Campus softball standout Madilyn Harris has embraced a leadership role this season while continuing to develop her versatility and defensive range in the outfield.

Heading into the year, Harris said her main focus was helping guide a younger group of players while also sharpening her own game in key areas.

“For this season I wanted to focus on being a leader,” Harris said. “I knew we’d have a lot of younger girls coming up from JV to be a part of the outfield with me.”

That responsibility pushed her to not only communicate more on the field but also improve the technical parts of her defensive play. Harris said she specifically targeted advanced outfield skills such as diving plays and tracking balls at the wall.

“I wanted to improve my skills, like diving and robbing more home runs, by learning the footwork and other aspects that go into doing that,” she said. “Since the start of the season I have in fact done both of those!”

One of Harris’ biggest assets has been her ability to cover ground and adapt to different positions when needed. She has spent time across the outfield and has also contributed in the infield when called upon.

“My strengths would be my range in the outfield, and being able to play anywhere on the field,” Harris said. “I’ve continuously been used around the outfield, and even playing second base.”

Her aggressive approach in the outfield has made her a consistent presence on defense, even if she admits it sometimes leads to competitive overlap with teammates.

“There’s been multiple times where I’ve been a ball hog and stealing catches from my other outfielders,” she said.

During the offseason, Harris worked to refine the more technical aspects of her defensive game, focusing on reads, timing and tracking ability, especially on deep fly balls.

“I wanted to work on the extra skills it takes to be an outfielder,” she said.

“I was never the best at diving, and being able to track balls over the fences. So I’ve been primarily working on those skills to better myself in the outfield.”

She credited continued work with experienced mentors for helping her take the next step in her development.

“In my off seasons I continue to work with softball mentors that coach college players around the world,” Harris said.

As the season heads into postseason play, Harris said team success remains the top priority. Campus enters regionals riding momentum and a winning streak, with goals of advancing to state.

“A successful season for my team and I would be for all of us to meet our personal goals and continuing to get better, with doing that comes wins!” she said. “We are about to go into regionals with a winning streak right now, and want to continue that by all working together and being the team we know we are. This will help us get to state, and battle through it!”

Harris has also made a strong impact at the plate, posting a .327 batting average with an OPS of .937, adding offensive production to her defensive versatility as Campus continues its postseason push.

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

-Wichita Trinity softball press box

-Obrate Indoor Facility

-DeSoto School District

-Fort Hays State football

-Kansas State football

If your school, organization or facility needs a facelift, Hellas Construction is the company for you!

YMCA for All Spotlight Kelly Hardwell

Since 2022, Kelly Hardwell has spent countless hours at the YMCA helping young athletes grow both on and off the basketball court.

Hardwell volunteers as a coach for girls and boys basketball, focusing on teaching fundamentals while also building confidence and character in the athletes he works with.

“I coach girls and boys basketball, working primarily with young athletes to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game that I love,” Hardwell said.

What began as a way to stay connected to basketball quickly became something more meaningful. Through coaching, Hardwell discovered a passion for mentoring and leading young athletes.

“Volunteering has helped me realize how much I enjoy mentoring and leading young athletes,” Hardwell said. “I’ve learned that I’m very patient, adaptable and able to connect with kids at different skill levels and personalities.”

Hardwell said the experience has also taught him the importance of consistency and encouragement, lessons that extend far beyond sports.

“It’s shown me how important consistency and encouragement are — not just in sports, but in helping kids grow as individuals,” he said.

Some of Hardwell’s favorite moments as a volunteer come from watching athletes overcome challenges and gain confidence through hard work and perseverance.

“Moments like a player scoring their first basket, diving on the floor for a loose ball, and seeing the joy on their faces when they’ve failed multiple times and finally succeed,” Hardwell said. “Those moments make the experience meaningful.”

He also credited parents for placing trust in him as a coach and mentor.

“My parents have all been amazing and trusting me to help mold their children,” Hardwell said.

For anyone interested in volunteering, Hardwell encourages people to take the first step and focus on making a positive impact.

“I would recommend just getting started and being open to the experience,” Hardwell said. “You don’t have to be perfect — you just need to be consistent, positive and willing to learn.”

He believes the relationships built through volunteering can leave a lasting impact on both the coach and the athletes involved.

“The impact you make might seem small at first, but it can be lasting for the kids and families you work with,” Hardwell said.

Hutchinson’s Jaden Durant

Success this season was measured by more than wins and losses for Hutchinson’s Jaden Durant. It was about proving that her team could compete with anyone on the field and learning how to battle together for every inning.

“My primary focus was to make this year better than the rest because we got so close to beating really good teams,” Durant said. “I wanted to prove that we could compete, not only to the outside world but to ourselves.”

That mentality became part of the identity Durant helped create for her team throughout the season. She said one of her biggest goals was making sure her team competed from the first pitch to the last out.

“The main thing I wanted to accomplish was to compete for all 14 innings and I would like to say we did that very often,” she said.

While Durant worked hard to improve her own game, she believes one of her greatest strengths comes from the energy and encouragement she brings to the dugout.

“I would say my biggest strength is how encouraging I am,” Durant said. “No matter the circumstances, my voice will always be heard.”

Durant said she tries to keep her teammates focused on positivity, even during difficult moments in games. Whether the team is winning or trailing, she makes it a priority to celebrate small victories and keep spirits high.

“Say someone had a great hit in a game that wasn’t going in our favor, I am the first person to cheer them on and probably the loudest,” she said. “Many of my teammates have learned to listen to my voice during the game and that made me feel very good about the way I encourage the team.”

Durant also made major strides in her own development this season. She identified hitting and improving her reads in the outfield as two key areas she wanted to strengthen after struggling offensively at times the previous year.

“My hitting hasn’t been the strongest and my goals as a hitter are to become a runner if no one was on and move the runner,” Durant said. During the offseason, she dedicated extra time to improving alongside her club coaches, focusing on making stronger contact while also learning situational hitting techniques.

“In the offseason, I worked a ton with my club coaches on hitting harder but also learning how to hit behind runners and place the ball better,” she said. “During this time, I gained more confidence which also helped me prepare for the upcoming season.”

The work paid off. Durant finished the season with a .318 batting average, a .383 on-base percentage and a .914 fielding percentage.

Although the season ended earlier than the team hoped, Durant still considers the year a success because of the growth the team showed together.

“Even though our season ended short, I would say our season was successful because we played together as a team,” Durant said. “We fought every inning and proved to ourselves we can hang with any team as long as we played for each other.”

Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Carson Bachrodt

Carson Bachrodt has set a high standard for himself this season, balancing individual goals with a focus on leadership for the Kapaun Mount Carmel boys golf team.

“My primary focus this season is to become a better golfer, but also become the best leader and teammate I can be,” Bachrodt said. “At the start of the year, I had 3 goals: Win 3 tournaments, place top 3 at State, and fire a round of 65 or better.”

Those goals have been backed by consistent results, including multiple top finishes and a steady scoring average throughout the season.

Bachrodt has already claimed victories at the Wichita Collegiate School Invitational, where he shot a 73 to finish first, and the Auggie Navarro City Boys Championship, where

he posted rounds of 64 and 66 to win the title. He also tied for first at the Wichita Collegiate Classic with a 67. His current scoring average sits at 73.7.

For Bachrodt, improvement has been driven as much by mindset and effort as by raw talent.

“My strengths are my dedication and my drive that I have to get better,” he said. “This is not only good for me, but also for my team because when they see me striving to get improve, they also want to push themselves.”

A major area of growth this season has been his short game, an aspect he targeted in the offseason with consistent, focused practice.

“I wanted to work on improving my short game the most this season,” Bachrodt said. “I realized I was losing a lot of shots around the greens so I decided to devote a heavy portion of my practice time to my chipping and putting. Whether this was doing putting drills or a chipping game with my teammates, I spent hours every single day doing so.”

That work has helped shape what he considers a successful season both individually and for his team.

“A successful season for me would be winning several tournaments, having a scoring average of 72, and placing top 3 at state as an individual,” he said. “For our team, I would say a successful season would be winning several tournaments as well as the most important one, the State Championship.”

Bishop Carroll’s Landon Englert

Bishop Carroll long distance runner Landon Englert has one goal this season: proving he belongs among the state’s elite longdistance runners.

Englert entered the spring with lofty expectations after a breakout junior campaign that included all-state finishes and conference honors. Now, the senior has his sights set even higher as he chases state medals, personal records and a school record that has stood for nearly four decades.

“My primary focus on this track season is becoming one of the fastest runners in the state of Kansas for the 1600 and 3200,” Englert said. “Some things I wanted to accomplish are placing top 8 at state in the 1600 and placing top 5 in the 3200 at state.”

One of his biggest goals is rewriting the school record book in the 3200-meter run. The current Bishop Carroll record of 9 minutes, 16 seconds was set in 1987.

“I also want to break Bishop Carroll’s school record in the 3200,” Englert said.

Englert already has built an impressive resume. Last season, he posted personal-best times of 9:34 in the 3200, 4:30 in the 1600 and 2:04 in the 800. He earned all-city honors in the Greater Wichita Athletic League in the 3200 and 4x800 relay, won regional titles in both events and finished all-state in the 3200 and 4x800 relay.

His momentum continued into cross-country season, where he earned all-metro first-team honors and recorded a personal-best time of 15:41.

This spring, Englert has continued lowering his times with personal records of 4:23 in the 1600 and 2:02 in the 800.

A major reason for his success has been his ability to thrive in distance races and remain composed in competitive situations.

“I would consider one of my strengths being able to handle the longer distances well,” Englert said. “Typically the longer the race, the better I am. Another strength would be that I consider myself a good racer. I am able to respond to moves in races pretty well.”

Englert said those strengths also help his teammates during races.

“I utilize these strengths for my team by helping teammates out in races, whether that is taking the lead for a teammate or making a surge in the middle of a race,” he said.

During the offseason, Englert focused heavily on improving the finishing aspects of his races and becoming more comfortable running at the front of the pack.

“Some things I wanted to work on this season were learning how to race in the front of a race and my explosiveness and foot speed for the end of my races,” Englert said.

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Easton

Carter / Clearwater

For Easton Carter, success this season has been measured by much more than statistics. The Clearwater standout has embraced a leadership role while helping guide a young team through the ups and downs of the season.

“My main focus was playing free and being a leader for the young team we have this year,” Carter said. “I wanted to take some underclassmen under my wing and work with them throughout the season on mental and physical challenges.”

Carter said his experience and mentality have become some of his biggest strengths, especially when it comes to helping teammates handle pressure- lled moments during games.

“My strengths come from my experience and mentality,” he said. “I utilize these strengths by talking through situations with my teammates and how I would approach them.”

After learning from di cult moments in previous seasons, Carter made it a priority to improve his composure in pressure situations. He speci cally re ected on last year’s regional tournament and used the o season as an opportunity to prepare himself mentally against tougher competition.

“I wanted to work on staying calm in the big moments,” Carter said. “Last regionals, I tried to do too much at the plate, so this o season I faced good competition. That way, every at-bat that came my way this season was just another at-bat.”

Although an injury earlier this season shifted some of his focus away from personal production, Carter said his attention has remained centered on the team and its overall success.

“Due to an injury earlier this season, I have focused on my team and not the stats,” he said.

For Carter, a successful season is not solely determined by wins and losses, but by the way Clearwater competes every time it takes the eld.

“A successful season would be us competing hard every game and putting ourselves in a position to win in the postseason,” Carter said.

Wichita East’s

Alyssa Awtrey

Alyssa Awtrey has built her season around leadership, consistency and connection in the midfield for Wichita East, focusing less on individual recognition and more on team development.

“My main focus this season was helping our team grow together and continue improving every game,” Awtrey said. “I wanted us to build strong chemistry, stay motivated, and meet the goals we set for ourselves as a team. Personally, I wanted to become a more confident and dependable midfielder who could contribute wherever needed.”

Operating in the center of the field and also spending time at center back, Awtrey has embraced a leadership role that requires awareness and communication. Her presence has helped stabilize Wichita East’s shape and tempo throughout matches.

“I would consider my voice, decision making, and composure to be some of my strengths,” she said. “By being in the back line/defensive mid, it allows me to see the field and being able to communicate what I see to my team is important. Responsible decision making and composure are also extremely vital as I am in the center of the field and me and my other midfielders control the tempo. My strengths help me to keep the team stable and and connected.”

Beyond tactics and performance, Awtrey also prioritized building relationships within the program. She said creating a stronger team environment was just as important as on-field development.

“I wanted to work on bonding with the girls and creating a fun but committed environment for the team,” she said. “During the offseason, me and a few other girls coordinated team dinners at each others houses to get a chance to bond in a different environment.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Awtrey defines success as steady improvement and unity rather than wins alone.

“A successful season for me would be seeing our team grow together and continue improving throughout the season,” she said. “Even if we do not win every game, I want us to stay motivated, meet the goals we set as a team, and continue building strong chemistry and trust with each other. I think success is about the progress we make, the effort we give, and how we support each other on and off the field.”

Wichita East’s Rowan Guebara

The final stretch of Rowan Guebara’s high school career at Wichita East High School has been about more than stats or accolades. It has been about relationships, growth and finishing strong with the group of teammates she has built over the years.

“My primary focus this season was to finish off my high school career with a good group of ladies and to enjoy every moment,” Guebara said. “I wanted to accomplish having a closer relationship with my teammates.”

That focus has shaped both her approach on and off the field, as she has worked to be a consistent presence for a program that has been trending upward. Wichita East has already surpassed its win total from the past three seasons, with goals still set higher as postseason play approaches.

A successful season, Guebara said, would mean pushing deeper into the playoffs than in years past.

“A successful season for this team would be to hopefully play more than one regional game,” she said.

“I think we already have a successful season for this program by having more wins than the past three years.”

Individually, Guebara has leaned on confidence and determination as her biggest strengths. She has tried to translate that mindset into leadership, especially for younger or less experienced teammates.

“I would consider my strengths to be my determination to play well with a high confidence,” Guebara said. “I utilized my confidence to hopefully uplift my teammates and be someone they would look up to.”

That leadership mindset has also influenced her personal goals. Rather than focusing solely on numbers, Guebara said she wanted to ensure she could look back on her senior season with appreciation for the journey.

“This season I wanted to work on having a positive attitude to end the season and look back and enjoy the past four years of softball with Wichita East High,” she said.

Her preparation has continued outside of team practices. During the offseason, Guebara committed time to sharpening fundamentals, including hitting and pitching work at home.

“During the offseason I worked on a lot of tee work and hitting into my net while I was at home,” she said. “I would also work on my snaps and grips for pitching. Another thing I did was play catch when I had the chances.”

Eisenhower’s Luke Springer

Eisenhower senior golfer Luke Springer is focused on making the most of his final high school season while helping lead a team built to contend for a state championship.

“My main focus this year is to enjoy the last year of high school golf,” Springer said. “The seniors on our team just want to be good examples to the rest of the team. I’ve been taking one tournament at a time, and I try to help my team out as much as possible.”

Springer has also leaned heavily on the mental side of his game, which he says has been one of his biggest strengths throughout his career.

“My strength is my mental game,” he said. “I have always been pretty calm even when things don’t go my way.”

As he has grown into a leadership role, Springer said one of his main goals this season was to improve consistency, particularly off the tee and with wedge shots. He credited targeted practice and smarter course management for helping him take steps forward.

“The main thing I wanted to improve on was being more consistent off the tee, and also with wedge shots,” Springer said. “I’ve really worked on picking my spot in the fairway to help hit more fairways.”

Eisenhower has emerged as one of the top programs in the state, finishing third in 2023 and 2024 before placing second in 2025. Springer said the team’s expectations have only grown.

“Our team’s goal is to win state,” he said. “We have six really good players that can go low.”

As his high school career winds down, Springer said his focus remains simple: enjoy the moment and compete for a championship with his teammates.

Maize’s Tinley Travis

The goal this season for Maize’s Tinley Travis was clear: help her team finally earn the chance to host regionals after falling just short in previous years.

“My primary focus for this season was to host regionals,” Travis said. “We have been one game away every season, so we worked hard to secure our hosting spot this season.”

To reach that goal, Travis said the team focused on fundamentals and consistency, putting extra emphasis on the small details that often decide close games.

“To accomplish this, we focused a lot on the little things, base running, communication, and team chemistry,” she said.

One of Travis’ biggest strengths on the field is her leadership through communication, especially in her role working with the pitching staff.

“I would consider my biggest strength to be communication,” she said. “Talking on the field is very important not only for the team but for our pitchers.”

She said that constant communication plays a major role in building confidence and keeping the defense organized during high-pressure moments.

“I utilize this mostly by talking to my pitchers,” Travis said. “Pitching and catching is very hard, and when they have a voice behind them it helps their confidence.”

Along with leadership, Travis has focused heavily on improving her defense, particularly her lateral movement at shortstop. After a strong season last year, she said she still pushed herself to grow.

“My main focus this season has been defense, specifically moving laterally,” she said. “I came off a pretty good season last year, but I wasn’t satisfied and knew I could do better this year.”

That mindset carried into extra work outside of practice, where she and her teammates put in additional reps to sharpen their skills.

“After workouts on the weekdays, a few of us softball girls would go out to the field and hit each other ground balls and work on making athletic plays look routine,” she said.

For Travis, success this season goes beyond wins and losses.

“A successful season to me would be that we all step off the field no matter when our season ends knowing we have given it our all and most of all had fun doing it,” she said. “We are hoping to go to state and you never know what can happen, but knowing we have given it our all is the end goal.”

Andover’s Tatum Ford set a clear standard for his season on the golf course: consistency, growth and team success.

“My primary focus this season was to give it my all and be the best player and teammate that I could be for myself and my team,” Ford said. “My main goal that I want to accomplish is making it to state and winning as a team.”

Ford built his game around a reliable short game, especially when pressure mounted. He pointed to his chipping and putting as key strengths that helped him steady rounds throughout the season.

“I would consider my strengths as my chipping and putting,” Ford said. “I utilize that for my team by saving par on tough holes with my chipping and putting.”

That ability to recover and limit damage showed up consistently in his results. Ford posted a season scoring average of 81.2 and produced multiple top-15 finishes, including a 76 for 10th place at the AVCTL Division 2 league meet at Terradyne Country Club and a 77 for ninth at the Andover Central Invitational at Terradyne.

He also recorded a 78 at the WCS Classic at Crestview Country Club for a tied-10th finish, a 78 at the 5A state preview at Emporia Municipal Golf Course for a tied15th finish, and an 82 at the WCS Invitational at Tallgrass Country Club. At the I-135 Shootout, Ford posted rounds of 78 and 79 across Sand Creek Station and Hesston Golf Course.

His postseason experience included a 94 at regionals

at Rolling Hills Country Club and rounds of 81 and 79 at the Class 5A state tournament in Emporia.

Looking back, Ford said his offseason focus centered on refinement and composure under pressure.

“What I wanted to work on this season was my short game and my mental game,” he said. “During the offseason I practiced my short game and trying to stay focused and calm to improve my mental game.”

For Ford, success is measured both individually and collectively.

“A successful season for me would be ending the year strong in the postseason and making a good run at state,” he said. “A successful season for the team would be taking home the state championship.”

Kingman’s

Trenton Clark

Trenton Clark’s focus this season wasn’t just about putting up numbers. For the Kingman standout, it was about consistency, leadership and helping his team stay on a winning track.

“My primary focus for this season is to get better and keep my team on a winning streak,” Clark said.

“Some things I want to accomplish this season is to make sure we have a good positive attitude and stay competitive.”

That mindset showed up both on and off the field as Clark worked to set the tone for his teammates.

“My strengths are staying competitive,” he said. “I utilize this for my team by keeping a positive attitude during the whole season.”

Clark also emphasized growth as a key goal throughout the year, both individually and as part of the program’s culture.

“Some things I wanted to work on this season is getting better and having more pride in the sport,” he said.

During the offseason, Clark stayed committed to improving his game and helping his team build momentum before the season even began.

“Things I did in the offseason is lifting, staying focused on the sport, and keeping my team focused on the sports too,” he said.

For Clark, success isn’t only measured in stats — it’s measured in how the team performs together.

“A successful season to me is a winning streak and staying positive even if we’re down,” he said.

Still, Clark’s impact on the field was significant. He recorded 21 catches for 384 receiving yards and six touchdowns, averaging 42.7 yards per game. He also added 819 kickoff return yards on 25 attempts and 105 return yards on seven returns. On defense, he totaled 24 tackles, along with an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. His efforts earned him second-team CPL receiver honors.

Compared to last season, his production grew significantly after finishing with just four catches for 69 yards in a single game.

For Clark, though, the focus remains forward — building on progress and continuing to compete at a high level for Kingman.

Hutchinson’s Jack Yoder

The Hutchinson Salthawks return a host of talented seniors from last year’s team that finished the season18-10. One of those returners, senior centerfielder Jack Yoder, believes that if the team can just manage to keep things simple, they have a chance to go far in the postseason, “The goal is to focus on the next play. We started out at splitting a doubleheader with Pratt, and we had zero errors, so that’s a really good sign.”

As for his own goals, the two-time Honorable Mention AllAVCTL outfielder believes that he also must take a “next play” approach, “I just need to make sure I stay out of my own head. My goal is to stay positive and make sure I don’t dwell on mistakes. I just need to move on and focus on the next at bat or play.”

Yoder spent a lot of time in the cages during the off-season getting in as many swings as possible. However, in the end, he

still feels that an elementary approach is going to be the key to success, “I want to be someone who just gets the job for the betterment of the team. I’m really excited to spend a little more time with the guys. We just have to put a few pieces together to finish out some games and we should be successful.”

Jack credits his love for the game to his father’s influence, “He played in college and introduced it to me at a young age, and he still always finds ways to help me improve.” Yoder was also a four-year starter in soccer for the Salthawks and has garnered Honorable Mention and Second-Team All-AVCTL honors on the pitch.

Yoder should finish high school with a staggering 5.4 weighted G.P.A. and has plans to attend Kansas State University next fall to pursue a degree in architecture.

Wellington’s Camden White

For Camden White, involvement has always been about more than athletics and activities.

The Wellington student has spent his high school years finding ways to lead, encourage others and make a positive impact both in school and in the community.

White has been heavily involved in athletics during high school. He earned varsity letters in tennis during his freshman and sophomore years and added another varsity letter in basketball this season. He also spent his freshman and sophomore seasons as a starter on the junior varsity basketball team before earning varsity playing time this year.

Outside of sports, White is involved in National Honor Society and participates in the Wellington youth group at Wellington Methodist Church. This year, he also helped coach a youth basketball team alongside several of his friends.

One of the activities that has had the biggest impact on White’s high school experience has been his involvement in SCCDAT.

White said he first joined SCCDAT as a freshman after being encouraged by his older sister, who had also been involved in the organization during high school.

“My sister had been in SCCDAT while in high school and she encouraged me to join,” White said. “I also wanted to be more involved in school activities and be a positive role model.”

Since joining the organization, White said SCCDAT has helped him grow personally while also giving him opportunities to encourage younger students to make positive choices.

“SCCDAT has helped me to become more outgoing and meet new people,” White said. “It has also made me want to encourage people to not drink or do drugs.”

Throughout the year, SCCDAT hosts activities and events designed to promote drug-free lifestyles and positive decision-making among students. White said the friendships and interactions built through those events have become some of his favorite high school memories.

“Some of my favorite memories were hanging out with my friends during events put on by SCCDAT,” White said. “Another one is meeting new people and encouraging kids to make good life decisions and not do drugs.”

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.

Wichita East’s Kayden Morrison

Kayden Morrison of Wichita East set out this season with a clear goal: help his team finish with a winning record and knock off opponents the Aces had not beaten during his time in the program.

That goal has started to become reality, highlighted by key wins over Kapaun Mount Carmel, Wichita Heights and Andover Central.

“My main focus for the season was to have a winning record and beat teams that we haven’t beat since I’ve been here,” Morrison said.

Morrison has anchored the pitching staff, leaning on confidence as his biggest strength on the mound.

“I think my biggest strength is my confidence especially while I’m on the mound,” he said. “It helps me stay locked in and perform better and can also hype up our team giving us more energy.”

That confidence has translated into noticeable growth this season. After an offseason focused on refining mechanics and building velocity through a structured throwing program, Morrison said he entered the year with a sharper, more efficient delivery and the goal of becoming a more dominant presence on the mound.

“This season I wanted to become a better and more feared pitcher,” he said. “I did a throwing program in the winter and it has definitely helped. I gained velo and really refined and tuned my mechanics making them more efficient.”

For Morrison, success goes beyond individual numbers and is defined by team results and postseason progress.

“A successful season would mean a winning record as well as a run in the playoffs,” he said.

Brecken Hutsler

Involvement in both 4-H and FFA has been about far more than livestock projects and conventions for Brecken Hutsler. It has been an opportunity to grow as a leader, build friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Hutsler said agriculture-based organizations have been part of life for years, beginning with 4-H at a young age before joining FFA during sophomore year after the program became available at school.

“I was in 4-H for as long as I could remember,” Hutsler said. “I then joined FFA when it came to our school in the middle of my sophomore year.”

Through both organizations, Hutsler discovered the value of stepping outside of a comfort zone and embracing new opportunities. Leadership development became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

“I think the most rewarding part of being in these organizations is being able to watch yourself grow as a leader,” Hutsler said. “It has helped me to step out of my comfort zone tremendously and taught me to always say yes to new opportunities.”

Many of Hutsler’s favorite memories center around the relationships formed along the way. In 4-H, countless hours spent caring for livestock alongside close friends created lasting bonds and valuable lessons in responsibility and dedication.

“The most specific memory I have from 4-H was raising my hogs with my best friends and the countless hours in the barn with my animals,” Hutsler said.

FFA also provided memorable experiences, especially during the organization’s first trip to the state convention in Manhattan.

“The best FFA memory I have is the very first year my school attended state convention in Manhattan, Kansas, and we all sat in the lobby of the hotel with many different schools playing board games and making new friendships,” Hutsler said. Looking back on the experiences gained through 4-H and FFA, Hutsler encourages others to become involved and take advantage of everything the organizations have to offer.

“If someone was interested in joining either of these organizations, my advice for them would be to just do it,” Hutsler said. “The memories, friendships and lifelong skills you gain while being active in these organizations is something you will never forget.”

Wichita Trinity Academy’s Camdon Kilgore KTA “Driving Change” Athlete Spotlight

Leadership has become the driving force behind Camdon Kilgore’s season for Wichita Trinity Academy. While the numbers at the plate continue to stand out, Kilgore said his biggest priority this spring has been helping the younger players continue the program’s winning standard after last year’s success.

“My focus for this season was to become a leader on the team,” Kilgore said. “I want to accomplish bringing the younger guys on the team up to the level we ended on last year and keep everything going.”

Kilgore has embraced that responsibility both on and off the field. He describes himself as a vocal leader who tries to set the tone through his work ethic and consistency.

“I would say one of my strengths is being an example on the field and being a leader to the younger guys,” Kilgore said. “I would say I am a vocal leader and help everyone when needed.”

That leadership has been paired with major offensive production. After hitting .398 last season with 49 RBI, 37 hits, 12 doubles, three triples and three home runs, Kilgore has elevated his game even further this year. He is batting .482 with 41 hits, 37 RBI, nine doubles and four home runs.

The improvement did not happen by accident.

Kilgore spent much of the offseason focused on becoming a more complete hitter. He said the work began with countless hours at the facility and continued in the weight room while refining his mechanics with coaches.

“Some things I wanted to work on were hitting,” Kilgore said. “This offseason I went to our facility and hit six times a week and worked with my coaches. They helped me with my mechanics. I also spent a ton of time in the weight room.”

The dedication has translated directly into results and helped Kilgore emerge as one of Trinity’s key offensive leaders. His performance has already earned him honorable mention all-state honors, honorable mention all-league catcher recognition and allmetro second-team honors.

Still, Kilgore measures success by more than statistics.

“Success for me would be being mature on the field and grinding every day for my team,” Kilgore said. “And for the team, us winning another state title.”

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Derby’s Karlie Demel

Consistency has been the best thing about the Derby Panthers softball team. In a year where they have dominated day in and day out, a 20-0 start comes down to being extremely consistent.

“I think leadership looks way different this year,” Demel said. “The senior class is a very united front and we are all super close friends, so nothing really drama-filled or anything like that is even a possibility on our team.”

That connection has translated directly onto the field.

“We all play off of each other super well and our energy is 100%, 100% of the time,” said Demel, who placed in state in tennis doubles and basketball this school year. “We intimidate a lot of teams by never getting down on ourselves when someone goes wrong and really being able to lean on each other in the tough moments.”

As a senior, Demel has taken on the challenge of balancing everything that comes with her final year, while still performing at a high level.

“I try to just be where my feet are and enjoy the opportunities God has given me,” Demel said. “It might look like a lot on my plate to some people and it can get stressful, but I have an amazing support system and a village of supporters behind me in everything that I do.”

Even with an undefeated record and a target on their backs every night, Derby has continued to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.

“Being one of the only undefeated schools in the state, and the only undefeated team in 6A, every game that we play is our next toughest battle,” Demel said. “Every team that we play wants to be the one to knock us off and end our hot streak. So I think how we handle adversity is staying close as a team, never letting outside noise get to us, and knowing what our goals are and knowing that they are not out of reach.”

At the center of it all, the consistency and winning, has been the bond the team has shared.

“My favorite part of the season is whenever I get to be around my teammates,” Demel said. “It is truly different this year the way we get along, everyone is always laughing and having a good time, but at the same time we are all focused and determined to win. So I think every moment is my new favorite moment with them and they are making my last few weeks as a panther unforgettable.”

For Demel and the Panthers, that combination of connection, focus and belief has been the reason they have been so successful.

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Wichita Trinity’s Alex Majors

Alex Majors entered his senior season at Wichita Trinity with a simple goal: enjoy every round.

“My primary focus going into my senior season was to have as much fun as possible,” Majors said. “I’ve always struggled with my mental game on the course and usually didn’t enjoy my rounds unless I played great. In contrast this season, whether I play good or bad, I have a great time.”

That shift in mindset has not only changed his experience on the course, but also strengthened one of his biggest assets as a player.

“To build off my last answer, my mental game is my greatest strength,” Majors said. “Staying level headed in golf is necessary for playing consistent golf and being someone my teammates can rely on. Going into the postseason with more pressure, this will be key to helping my team to the state title.”

While mental toughness has defined his growth, Majors also focused on simplifying his physical approach to the game.

“I wanted to be more a feel player this year — I often get too focused on swing mechanics,” Majors said. “Over the offseason I just developed the ‘feels’ that help me have a good swing without thinking too much about my swing.”

For Majors, success is measured in both team achievement and personal perspective.

“Obviously I want to win the state championship, however, all that matters to me is that my teammates and I tried our best,” Majors said. “With that, I believe if we all try our best and work hard then we can achieve the title.”

The results have reflected his growth. After posting a 79.2 scoring average last season, Majors has improved to a 77.2 average this year, highlighted by a Central Plains League and regional runner-up finish. He has also earned one individual win this season.

As the postseason approaches, Majors is focused on keeping the same mindset that has carried him through his senior year—one centered on trust, calm, and enjoying the game.

RACHEL JANES’ SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS

Campus’s Tristan Synder

For Campus High School senior Tristan Synder, this tennis season was about more than wins and losses. It was about growth, confidence and learning how to trust the work he put in behind the scenes.

“My primary focus this season was fixing a lot of my technique and playing a lot more confident,” Synder said. “I realized that I need to trust myself more, because if I didn’t, I would baby every hit and that would cause me to give my opponent easy shots.”

That confidence did not come overnight. Synder said he gradually rebuilt his game during practices, focusing on improving his mechanics while developing a stronger mindset on the court.

The results showed in his progression from 2025 to 2026. After posting a 4-15 singles record and 4-2 doubles mark in 2025, Synder improved to 8-5 in singles and 13-6 in doubles this season. He also earned multiple tournament finishes, including two third-place medals, one second-place finish and one first-place medal.

Synder credits much of that success to the strengths he developed throughout his career.

“I would say my biggest strength is my serve, my mental, and my positivity on and off court,” he said.

His serve became one of the most reliable parts of his game through constant repetition and practice.

“My serve is one of my most consistent shots,” Synder said. “I practiced it so much that I didn’t double fault for two whole meets.”

He also worked tirelessly to improve his forehand and add more power and spin to his game during the offseason. Alongside teammates after school, Synder studied videos and refined his form until he found a style that fit him best.

“I was able to find a serve that fit me well, a kick serve,” he said. “Learning that serve helped a lot because the amount of spin I would put on it would either cause the return to go out or an easy shot for me to put away.”

Beyond his own performance, Synder became a steady source of encouragement for his teammates, especially when transitioning into doubles competition.

“The way this helped my team is that I was able to be a role model this season by helping the team keep a positive attitude,” Synder said. “When I switched to doubles, I was able to always keep the spirits high and keep the synergy flowing.”

Although Synder and his doubles partner narrowly missed qualifying for state, he said the season still left a lasting impact on him.

“I’ve learned so much more from losing games than I have from winning,” he said. “Being able to understand why we lose changes the way we think about our next match.”

Looking back, Synder said he is grateful for everything tennis brought into his life after first picking up the sport during his freshman year.

“Though I’m sad to see it go, I’m very happy I picked it up one random day freshman year,” he said.

Campus’ Lainey Rhea

At Campus, Lainey Rhea has found a strong connection to the school’s business department through hands-on experience, classroom opportunities, and relationships built along the way.

Rhea said her interest in the program began with the people and possibilities she encountered early in high school.

“What initially led my interest into the business department was the amazing teachers and opportunities it holds,” Rhea said. “I have been taking business classes since my freshman year and over time have made so many friendships within those classes.”

Since then, Rhea has continued to build her experience across multiple roles within the program. She helps run the department’s 060 TikTok and Instagram account, works as an intern at Valley State Bank, and is also involved in the school coffee shop. Those opportunities, she said, have helped her develop real-world skills while still in high school.

Through her coursework and hands-on learning, Rhea has gained practical knowledge she says will benefit her beyond graduation, even though her future plans may not directly include business.

“As of right now I do not have an interest in business after high school, but it is a great backup,” Rhea said. “These business classes taught me how to handle money, create long-lasting business partnerships, and communication skills.”

For students considering joining the program, Rhea encourages starting with foundational courses that introduce core concepts and prepare students for more advanced experiences such as the coffee shop and banking internship opportunities.

“If a prospective student was interested in the business programs at Campus, I would recommend taking YEK, Be Your Own Boss, and Life On Your Own,” Rhea said. “Those classes would be their foundation classes to eventually get them into Coffee Shop and Bank.”

Oxford’s Chase Douglas

This track and field season has been about more than just individual success for Oxford’s Chase Douglas. It has been about helping his team win, chasing school history and ending his high school career on a high note.

Douglas entered the season with clear goals in mind, particularly in the 4x100-meter relay and triple jump.

“My primary focus for this season was to make it to state for the 4x100 and triple jump and place to get a medal,” Douglas said. “I wanted to accomplish breaking our school record in the 4x100 and we did running a 43.99 while the previous record was 44.28 set in 1999.”

Breaking a record that had stood for more than two decades marked one of the biggest accomplishments of Douglas’ career and highlighted the progress the Oxford relay team has made this spring.

Douglas credits his versatility as one of his biggest strengths and something that benefits his team in multiple events throughout a meet.

“I would consider my strengths being I am a jack-of-all-trades type of guy,” Douglas said. “I kind of do a little bit of everything so whenever my coach needs points in a meet he’ll put me in a different event and I’ll place pretty good to make sure my team has a better chance of winning the track meet.”

That willingness to compete wherever needed has helped Douglas become one of Oxford’s most dependable athletes. Whether sprinting, jumping or contributing in relay events, he embraces the opportunity to help the Wildcats compete for team titles.

During the offseason, Douglas focused heavily on improving his explosiveness and technique, particularly in his starts and triple jump form.

“I wanted to work on my block starts and acceleration as well as my triple jump,” Douglas said. “For my block starts and acceleration I’m still working on it but I am feeling faster coming out of the blocks this season compared to last year.”

Douglas also sought outside training to elevate his triple jump performance.

“For my triple jump I am currently being trained by a WSU track athlete that does triple jump,” Douglas said. “He is a great coach and trainer and he has taught me a lot of things to help me get better throughout this season.”

The added work has already paid off. Douglas posted a personal record of 41 feet, 6 inches in the triple jump this season while continuing to contribute to Oxford’s relay success.

A successful season, in Douglas’ eyes, would include both personal and team accomplishments.

“A successful season would be me making it to state in triple jump and the 4x100 and winning our league and regional as well as breaking personal records that I’ve set for myself,” Douglas said. “Last year we fell short in league and lost by only two points but last year we won our regionals so I’m looking to go back-toback to end off on a good high school career.”

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Cheney Softball

The Cheney Cardinals softball team was not entirely sure how quickly things would come together. What followed, however, was a season that exceeded expectations and turned into one defined by chemistry, resilience and belief.

“This team really likes to be around each other on a daily basis,” Cheney coach Justin Batt said. “They encourage each other and are always positive. They work hard and have fun doing it.”

The Cardinals leaned heavily on a talented sophomore class that quickly adjusted to the varsity level and helped Cheney become a contender in the league race sooner than expected.

“We knew this team had potential and thought we would be successful as the year went along,” Batt said. “We only returned four starters from last year’s team. We knew our sophomore class was talented, but didn’t know how soon they would get up to speed. We were very pleased with how this team came together early on in the season and really exceeded our early expectations.”

Cheney accomplished one of its primary goals by putting itself in position to

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compete for a league championship.

Although the Cardinals fell short Monday against Wichita Trinity Knights softball, the season is far from over.

“We wanted to put ourselves in a position to play for a league championship, and we were able to do that,” Batt said. “Unfortunately, we came up short against a good Wichita Trinity team on Monday.”

Now, Cheney has shifted its focus toward postseason play and extending the season as long as possible.

“Obviously, this team wants to play as long as it possibly can,” Batt said. “So, a regional championship would be our next goal.”

The Cardinals have relied on production throughout the lineup. Karli Inslee has contributed both in the circle and at the plate while batting .366. Kennedy Frieden has added consistency at second base with a .345 average, while shortstop Kenadi Thome leads the team with a .431 average. Outfielder Kendyll Walker is batting .415, and pitcher Lilly Stanley has posted a 2.10 ERA.

Still, the coach believes the team’s

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identity extends far beyond statistics.

“When you look back on this team years down the road, what I’ll remember most is just how these young ladies came together as a group so fast and how they supported each other 100% of the time,” Batt said. “This team never quits. They don’t quit with two strikes, they don’t quit with two outs in an inning, and they don’t quit if they get behind.”

Andover Central’s Jackson Friesen

For Jackson Friesen, golf this season has been about more than scores and standings. It has been about enjoying the game, staying positive and helping lift his team.

“My primary goal this season was to make sure I enjoyed it,” Friesen said. “My goal this season was to have fun playing golf and try to get our team to state.”

Friesen has embraced a leadership role at Andover Central, focusing on energy and encouragement throughout the year.

“I think my strengths would be being positive and always trying to hype up my teammates even when things are rough,” he said. “I think for the team I just try to make it a fun environment.”

On the course, Friesen worked to improve consistency, especially off the tee and on approach shots, while also managing back issues that affected him last season. He credited offseason work with a swing coach and physical therapy for helping him make adjustments.

“This offseason I practiced a lot with my swing coach and really worked on slowing down my tempo to help me hit the ball more consistently out of the middle of the face and help out my back,” Friesen said. “I did physical therapy and stretched a lot to get over the issues. As well as working in my takeaway.”

Friesen narrowly missed qualifying for state last year, a motivation that has carried into this season as both he and the team push toward a breakthrough.

“I missed it last year individually at regionals at Rolling Hills by just a shot and our team missed it by just a shot as well,” he said. “I think for the team we would all be really happy being able to go to state as a team.”

Friesen posted a career-low round of 72 (+1) and carries a career scoring average of 84.4. This season, he has lowered that mark to an 80.3 average with a top finish of fifth place and multiple top-10 and top-20 performances.

“We got first today in league and hope to carry that over to our regional to make it to state,” he said.

Andover Central’s David Thomison

David Thomison of Andover Central focused this track and field season on enjoying the sport, building team chemistry and improving his performance across distance events.

“My primary focus this track and field season was to have fun, grow as team, build new friendships and train hard,” Thomison said.

Thomison said one of his biggest strengths is his mindset in distance running and his ability to support those around him.

“Some of my strengths are finding joy in the ‘patience’ of running long distances, inspiring my teammates to improve times and excel to their best ability,” he said. “Also, I love cheering them on during their races.”

To reach his goals of improving times, staying healthy and refining his skill set, Thomison said he committed to a structured offseason and consistent training plan.

“My goals for this season were to improve my times, not get injured and overall hone my skill,” he said. “To accomplish these goals, I rested longer during the off season before starting winter training. I ran 35-40 miles a week and followed my coaches’ guidance for work-outs.”

He said success for both himself and the team has come from consistency, improvement and strong chemistry.

“A successful season for my team would be for everyone to stay healthy and feel satisfied with their overall improvement,” Thomison said. “Honestly, our season has been successful because we’ve had awesome team chemistry, finding friendship and spending time together outside of training and events.”

After battling injury last year, Thomison said his return to health has played a major role in his improvement across events.

“Last year, I was injured and struggling to compete,” he said. “I ran a 2:06 in the open 800. In the mile, I ran a 4:52 and in the 2 mile, a 10:45. So far this year I have been healthy and have run 2:02 in the open 800, 4:42 in the mile, and 10:04 in the 2 mile.”

Valley Center’s RayJ Logan

The goal for Valley Center’s RayJ Logan was simple: compete with the best teams in the league and continue building consistency as a group for Valley Center High School basketball.

“My primary focus for the past season was mainly to compete with the best of the best in our league and to steadily improve as a team,” Logan said. “I wanted to accomplish a regional title, but we just came up short by a couple points.”

Even with the disappointment of narrowly missing a regional championship, Logan helped lead Valley Center to a successful season while emerging as one of the team’s leaders on both ends of the floor.

Logan averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game while earning Second Team All-AVCTL Division I honors along with 5A honorable mention recognition.

One of the biggest areas Logan focused on throughout the year was becoming more disruptive defensively. He said improving his activity and awareness on defense became a priority during the offseason.

“Some things I wanted to work on this season was my defense and being active on defense and being disruptive on that end of the floor,” Logan said. “Things I did in the offseason to

improve that is learning how to be in passing lanes as well as learning when to reach to end up with a steal.”

That work translated directly to the court, where Logan became a consistent playmaker defensively and helped set the tone with his energy and communication.

“What I consider to be a strength for me would be being vocal on the floor and as well as in practice,” Logan said. “I utilize this by talking to and encouraging my teammates.”

For Logan, success has always been tied to team accomplishments as much as individual growth. He said building a winning culture and competing in the postseason were major benchmarks for the season.

“A successful season for my team and I would consist of a winning record and as well as competing in the postseason,” Logan said.

Eli Benge

For Eli Benge, growing up in a military family has meant learning lessons about sacrifice, strength and appreciation from someone he admires most — his father.

Benge’s dad has spent the last 22 years serving in the military, beginning his career by recruiting people into the National Guard before steadily rising through the ranks. Today, he serves as a command sergeant major and, according to Eli, became one of the fastest individuals in history to achieve the rank of E-9.

Watching that journey unfold has left a lasting impact on Eli.

“I love my dad and appreciate everything he has done for me,” Benge said. “Through the years, me and him have had to overcome a lot of things — him growing up and me growing up through high school — to become the man he is today.”

While Eli said having a father in the military was not necessarily difficult, there were challenges that came with it, especially when his dad was away for long periods of time.

“It was rather frustrating because he’s gone more often than normal,” Benge said. “Luckily my dad has a big heart and makes time for me through high school to make sports and my life a mandatory thing.”

Those experiences helped shape Eli’s perspective on family and resilience. He said one of the biggest lessons he has learned is to never take time with loved ones for granted.

“Things can be a struggle no matter where or what he’s doing,” Benge said. “But knowing he’s the command

sergeant major, you know he’s going to be safe. It has improved me to be strong even if things would go south and I would have to fill the shoes of my father.”

Beyond strength, Eli said his father’s service taught him gratitude and perspective, especially for children growing up in military households.

“If you’re a kid or an older teenager and you’re going through a rough time not seeing your dad or mother because of the military, just remember they are doing these things for you,” Benge said. “If things would go south, they would do anything to get back to make sure you’re OK and doing great. They never have the thought of not wanting to make you happy.”

Although Eli does not plan to follow his father directly into the military, he still wants to dedicate his future to serving others. He hopes to become either a patrol officer or sheriff, continuing the family’s commitment to protecting and helping people in a different way.

EMPRISE BANK’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita East’s Korbyn Werner

Korbyn Werner of Wichita East set clear goals heading into the season, focusing on leadership and production on both sides of the game.

“My primary focus this season was being a team leader and to achieve a .400 batting average by the end of the season and have at least 25 strikeouts,” Werner said.

Werner said his impact comes from his defensive reliability at shortstop, along with his ability to make consistent contact at the plate and use his speed on the bases.

“I consider my defense at shortstop and my contact hitting along with my speed as my main strengths,” Werner said. “I used these in various ways as I can bunt the ball and make it to first base quickly. I can also do a job and put the ball in play in crucial games and situations, and I make the simple and some hard plays at shortstop that are important for winning games.”

In preparation for the season, Werner focused on adding strength and improving his power at the plate. He worked throughout the offseason to reach those goals.

“Some things I wanted to work on was getting stronger along with hitting harder,” Werner said. “I hit with a hitting coach (Knox) with Untamed Athletes and I believe that I succeeded at being able to hit harder. And I went to the gym almost every day in the summer with the main goal of gaining muscle for sports.”

For Werner, success is measured both by team results and personal achievement.

“A successful season for me would look like the team having a positive record and having a chance at a regional championship,” Werner said. “For me personally it would be completing my individual goals.”

DEAN JONES’ STATE FARM ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Northwest’s Amaia Alvarez

Leadership became a major point of emphasis this season for Amaia Alvarez as the Wichita Northwest senior stepped into a new role as one of the team captains.

While Alvarez has always focused on improving her technical skills and overall development on the field, this season brought a different perspective as she looked to lead the Grizzlies both on and off the field.

“My personal goals during every soccer season is to improve and develop my own skills and technique,” Alvarez said. “However, this season was a little different since I was a senior and voted as one of the team captains. This season I primarily focused on becoming a good leader, role model, and support system for my other teammates.”

Alvarez said she took pride in helping create a positive environment for her teammates while continuing to develop her own game. She believes her work ethic and determination have become defining traits in both athletics and academics.

“I believe that my biggest strength on the field and in the classroom is my work ethic and determination,” Alvarez said. “I utilize these skills to benefit my team by performing my best ability for each game, encouraging others to do the same, contributing to the uplifting playing tone, and continuing to play till the end.”

That mindset has helped Alvarez become a player her teammates can rely on during difficult moments. She hopes the example she sets will continue to impact the program after her playing career is over.

“I hope these role modeled skills will positively influence my teammates to do the same on the field and in whatever future goals and aspirations they pursue,” Alvarez said.

One of Alvarez’s biggest points of emphasis entering the season was improving her shooting placement. To accomplish that goal, she spent the offseason competing with FC Wichita during the fall and winter club seasons.

“Something I wanted to personally improve on this season was my shooting placement,” Alvarez said. “By the spring school season, I have grown more confident in my shooting abilities with both my left and right feet.” Alvarez said the extra work especially improved the accuracy of her left foot, giving her more confidence offensively.

“While my right foot is my more dominant foot, my left footed shots have become more precise and accurate from my work in the offseason,” Alvarez said.

Although Northwest fell short of its goal of winning the Titan Classic tournament, Alvarez believes the team made major strides throughout the season and established a strong foundation for the future.

“From the development I have seen from our team this season, I believe that we have a good chance at taking gold next year,” Alvarez said.

Wichita Southeast’s

Phillip Johnson

Growth this season for Wichita Southeast’s Phillip Johnson has been about becoming a more dependable player and finding ways to impact the game in every opportunity he gets.

Johnson said his primary focus entering the year was improving his consistency while becoming a bigger contributor for Wichita Southeast High School.

“My primary focus this season was to improve my consistency and overall impact on the field,” Johnson said. “I wanted to become more reliable in my position and contribute more to the team’s success.”

That focus translated into measurable improvement on both sides of the ball. Johnson posted a .351 batting average this season after hitting .311 a year ago. On the mound, he nearly doubled his strikeout total, recording 14 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched after finishing with seven strikeouts in 12.1 innings last season.

Johnson credited much of that improvement to the work he put in before the season even began.

“This season, I really wanted to work on my speed, decision making, and overall game awareness,” he said. “During the offseason, I focused on conditioning and strength training to prepare myself better.”

He also emphasized refining the fundamentals and making sure he entered the season ready to compete at a higher level.

“I spent time working on fundamentals and making sure I came into the season more prepared than before,” Johnson said.

Johnson believes some of his biggest strengths come from the way he approaches the game every day. He points to his discipline, work ethic and willingness to learn as qualities that help both him and his teammates.

“I consider my strengths to be my work ethic and discipline,” Johnson said. “I try to use these strengths by staying consistent in practice, maintaining a positive mindset, and always looking for ways to improve.”

He added that being coachable and encouraging teammates are also important parts of his role.

“I also take pride in being coachable and supporting my teammates,” Johnson said.

As the season progressed, Johnson felt one of his biggest accomplishments was elevating his level of play while competing with more confidence.

“One of my main goals was to elevate my performance compared to last season and play with more confidence,” he said.

For Johnson, success is measured not only by statistics, but also by how the team competes together throughout the season.

“A successful season for me and my team would be one where we could compete at a high level, achieve our goals and give the best effort every game,” Johnson said.

WICHITA COLLEGIATE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Collegiate’s Jai Johnson

For most freshmen, stepping into varsity track and field can be an adjustment. For Wichita Collegiate’s Jai Johnson, it has quickly turned into a breakout season.

Competing in track and field for the first time, Johnson has emerged as one of the top young athletes in the area, excelling in the long jump and sprint events while helping Wichita Collegiate stay competitive in meets throughout the spring.

“My primary focus this season was to see where I stood among other athletes since this was my first year ever competing in track and field,” Johnson said. “One of my biggest goals was to chase my dad’s school long jump record of 22-foot-9.”

Johnson already has posted a personal-best jump of 21-4 this season, putting him within striking distance of the family record despite being only a freshman.

“As only a freshman, I know I still have plenty of time to improve, and I’m getting better every day with the goal of breaking that record before I graduate,” Johnson said.

Consistency has been one of the biggest reasons for Johnson’s early success. He regularly jumps over 21 feet in the long jump and has consistently found himself near the top of the podium.

Johnson has won four of his six long jump competitions this season while also posting strong times in the sprints, including an 11.00 in the 100-meter dash, 22.4 in the 200 and 52.00 in the 400.

“Some of my strengths are my consistency in the long jump, where I regularly jump 21-3, and my ability to place in the top three or win at nearly every meet,” Johnson said. “My speed is another major strength, and as I continue to develop, I know I’ll only get faster and jump farther.”

Johnson said he takes pride in using those strengths to contribute points for the Spartans in multiple events.

“I use those strengths to help score points for my team and contribute however I can,” Johnson said.

Even with the immediate success, Johnson said there were several areas he focused on improving throughout the season, especially with technique and mechanics.

“This season, I also wanted to improve my block starts and my form in the long jump,” Johnson said. “Early in the season, my starts were not as strong, and I had a tendency to run with my head down. As the season progressed, I focused on correcting those details, and it helped me PR at almost every meet.”

Johnson’s transition into track also came with little preparation time. After helping Wichita Collegiate win a state championship in basketball, he had only a short turnaround before beginning track season.

“Coming from football and basketball, I never really had a true offseason for track,” Johnson said. “After winning a state championship in basketball, I only had about a week or two to recover and prepare for track season, especially since this was my first year competing in the sport.”

Despite the learning curve, Johnson has already established himself as one of Wichita Collegiate’s most versatile athletes.

As the postseason approaches, his goals remain centered on team success and continuing to improve on the state stage.

“For me, a successful season would be qualifying for state, placing high in the long jump at state, and helping my team score enough points to compete for a state championship,” Johnson said.

Wichita North’s Jashawn Tolefree

This track and field season has been about proving hard work and perseverance can overcome setbacks for Jashawn Tolefree. The Wichita North High School standout has his sights set on competing at the next level while continuing to raise the bar in the triple jump.

“My main focus for this year is to get a scholarship for track and basketball and also to break my school triple jump record of 48 feet,” Tolefree said.

That determination has become one of his defining traits. Tolefree said his biggest strength is his refusal to quit, even during difficult moments.

“What I would consider to be my strength is the will to never give up even when things don’t go my way,” he said. “I utilize it for my team by staying hopeful and cheering on my teammates even when I’m not playing.”

After battling knee pain last season, Tolefree entered the offseason focused on recovery and preparation. The injury cost him an opportunity to reach the state meet in 2025, missing qualification by the slimmest of margins.

“One thing I really needed to work on in my offseason was my knee pain,” Tolefree said. “So I did lots of knee recovery exercises to make sure they were ready for

next season.”

The work has paid off. Last season, Tolefree posted a personal record of 42 feet, 9 inches in the triple jump and was ranked third at regionals before narrowly missing a trip to state.

“Last year I lost the chance to get to state because of my knee pain, and I literally lost by a fingernail,” he said. This spring has been a different story. Tolefree has elevated his personal record to 45-7 and now sits ranked first in his regional while also placing himself among the top 10 triple jumpers in Kansas.

“What a successful season would look like for me and my team is me getting top 10 at state meet,” Tolefree said.

ALEXANDRIA JOHNSON’S SHELTER ATHLETE

Hutchinson Central Christian’s Cael Kooiman Wichita Collegiate’s Logan Clay

For Hutchinson Central Christian golfer Cael Kooiman, this season has been about refining both the physical and mental sides of his game. After helping lead the Cougars to a team state championship last season, Kooiman entered the year with higher expectations and a sharper focus on consistency.

“A few focuses I had this year were to get the mental part of my golf game better and making my swing more repeatable and consistent,” Kooiman said. “Some things I always want to accomplish in a golf season is to win tournaments.”

Kooiman has already put together another strong season on the course. He has one tournament victory and five top-five finishes this year, continuing the momentum from last season when he won two tournaments, including a regional title, while finishing seventh individually at state.

Even with those accomplishments, Kooiman believes there is still another level he can reach.

“I wanted to make a more repeatable, reliable golf swing,” Kooiman said. “I work on it in the offseason by hitting many balls in our school golf simulator.”

That dedication has helped make Kooiman one of the most dependable golfers in the area. He credits his ability to stay composed under pressure as one of the biggest strengths in his game.

“I would say one of my strengths is that I’m capable of hitting really great shots and I also consider myself pretty good under pressure,” Kooiman said.

That confidence and consistency have also made him an important piece of Hutchinson Central Christian’s lineup. Kooiman understands that every round matters in a team setting, especially during postseason play.

“I would say I help my team out the most by just playing the best golf I can play and maybe making up for a bad day one of my teammates had,” Kooiman said.

After experiencing the thrill of a team state championship last season, Kooiman has his sights set on even bigger goals this spring. While helping the Cougars return to state remains important, he is also chasing individual success.

“Make it to state as a team and win state individually,” Kooiman said when asked what a successful season would look like.”

The goal for the season for Wichita Collegiate’s Logan Clay has been clear from the start: reach elite distances in both the discus and javelin while helping lead a small but competitive team onto the state podium.

“My primary focus for this season was to throw over 200 feet in the discus and over 180 in the javelin,” Clay said. “I am so close to both of my goals and I know I’ll get them by the end of the season.”

Clay has already taken major steps toward those marks while continuing to build on an already decorated high school career. In 2025, he finished as the Class 3A state runner-up in the discus with a throw of 178 feet, 3 inches. That same season, he recorded a personal-best discus mark of 191-1.75 and a javelin throw of 169-2.

This year, Clay has elevated his performances even further, setting school records in both events. He has thrown 199-6 in the discus and 178 feet in the javelin, and also captured a KSHSAA K-State Relays championship in the discus with a mark of 183-8.25.

A key factor in his progression, Clay said, has been his attention to technique.

“My strengths when it comes to discus and javelin would have to be my technique in both,” he said. “I have put a lot of work into it and I think it really shows. I know when state comes around I’ll be putting these to good use, and hopefully get my team some points when it matters most.”

His offseason, however, came with an unexpected setback. Clay suffered a broken foot during football season, limiting his training and delaying his return to throwing.

“Coming into the offseason I wanted to work on getting a lot stronger,” Clay said. “Unfortunately I broke my foot during the third game of football season. I didn’t really start throwing again until the start of March where I would start to get back to work.”

Since returning, he has focused on rebuilding strength and regaining consistency in both events. Looking ahead, Clay has his sights set not only on individual milestones but also on team success at the state level.

“I think a successful season would be getting on the podium at state as a team,” he said. “Considering how small our team is, it would be such a massive accomplishment. For me I think winning state in the discus and throwing a PR in javelin at state would make me happy.”

THE TRUSTED LEADER IN LAND SALES

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

ANNA MCCURRY

JOHN SMITH

JOHN SMITH

Agriculture has shaped Anna McCurry’s life from the very beginning, long before she ever held an officer position or stepped into a leadership role in FFA or 4-H.

“I was raised showing livestock with my siblings, attending bull sales with my grandmother and riding the combine with grandpa,” McCurry said. “Agriculture has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

That early exposure led McCurry to join 4-H as soon as she was old enough, though she was already familiar with club meetings and activities well before becoming eligible. Over time, she grew into leadership roles within her club, serving as an officer and mentor for younger members.

When high school arrived, McCurry didn’t hesitate to join FFA.

“My brother was the president and like any other younger sibling, I wanted to do exactly what he did,” she said. “As I got involved in different contests and made friends of my own, FFA to me was no longer just something my brother and I did, it became everything.”

Now serving as president of the Andale FFA chapter, McCurry said she is focused on continuing to build on its strong tradition during her senior year.

“I look forward to spending my senior year building on our chapter’s strong reputation,” she said. “Even after I graduate and age out of FFA and 4-H, agriculture will always be the biggest part of my life.”

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Her involvement in agriculture is year-round and hands-on. McCurry raises and shows Boer meat goats, maintaining a herd of five breeding does as part of a continuous production cycle.

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

“I breed those does in July so they will have kids in December,” she said. “After the babies are born, I train them throughout the spring.” By summer, she is preparing animals for competition at the Sedgwick

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SCHOOL

SCHOOL NAME

County Fair.

Aven Woods Chapman PREP PERFORMANCE GO

PERFORMANCE

“This cycle of producing and raising goats keeps me busy with chores year-round,” she said.

In addition to livestock and FFA leadership, McCurry was recently selected as a Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Ambassador.

“I look forward to serving my county well,” she said.

Her commitment has also translated into a long list of competitive success in FFA, 4-H and livestock show rings. Honors include earning the State FFA Degree in 2026, multiple top placements in district FFA contests, and repeated championship titles at the Sedgwick County Fair, including Grand Champion Meat Goat from 2016 through 2025 and Grand Champion Doe from 2016 through 2024.

McCurry has also earned recognition through 4-H, including the Sedgwick County Intermediate Meat Goat Award and overall best record book story, as well as national recognition through the National Junior Angus Association Bronze Award.

But for McCurry, some of the most meaningful experiences are not found on award lists.

“One of my favorite memories from FFA was working at the Andale Summerfest in 2024,” she said. “I worked with other members to package burgers and hotdogs for the people at the festival.”

She said the event helped her connect with both peers and community members while strengthening friendships within the chapter.

A similar sense of community keeps her returning to county fair week each summer.

“A 4-H memory that I will always treasure is the county fairs,” McCurry said. “That week spent with other kids involved in agriculture is always memorable.”

ANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

CINDY WAGGONER’S STATE FARM ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Augusta’s Braxton Chandler

Success on the mound starts with consistency for Augusta’s Braxton Chandler.

The Augusta pitcher entered the season focused on becoming someone his teammates could rely on every time he took the ball. Whether it was throwing strikes, working deep into games or handling pressure situations, Chandler wanted to establish himself as a dependable presence for the Orioles.

“My primary focus this season was being consistent every time I stepped on the mound,” Chandler said. “I wanted to be someone my team could count on to compete, throw strikes, work deep into games and stay composed in any situation.”

Chandler said team success has remained at the center of his goals throughout the year. He hopes to help Augusta compete for a state championship while giving the Orioles a chance to win every outing he pitches.

“I wanted to help my team get to the state championship and keep us in every game and give us a chance to win whenever I pitched,” Chandler said. “Personally, I wanted to improve my command, trust my off-speed pitches more and become more efficient so I could go deeper into games.”

One of Chandler’s biggest strengths is his ability to remain calm under pressure. He believes that mentality helps him attack hitters and keep his team confident behind him defensively.

“I think one of my biggest strengths is staying calm under pressure and competing no matter the situation,” Chandler said. “I also like to think I throw a lot of strikes so it keeps the game moving.”

Beyond his performance on the mound, Chandler takes pride in bringing energy and confidence to the dugout.

“I also try to bring confidence and energy to the team and be a dependable pitcher my team can trust,” he said.

During the offseason, Chandler concentrated on improving both physically and mentally. He spent significant time working on mechanics, conditioning and sharpening his secondary pitches in hopes of becoming a more complete pitcher late in games.

“One thing I really wanted to improve was my overall command and stamina so I could stay strong later in games,” Chandler said. “During the offseason I spent a lot of time throwing, working on mechanics and conditioning.”

He also focused on strengthening the mental side of pitching.

“I also focused on improving my off-speed pitches and being more mentally prepared in pressure situations,” Chandler said.

As the season continues, Chandler said success for Augusta will be determined by how the Orioles perform when the games matter most.

“A successful season would be playing our best baseball at the end of the year, competing for the state championship and knowing we gave everything we had,” Chandler said. “Personally, success means doing whatever the team needs from me, being a good teammate and leader and continuing to improve every time I take the field.”

SIMPLY HYGIENE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Maize South’s Sydney Schumaker

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

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

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

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

“Tennis and dive have taught me to not give up when things get hard,” she said.

“Sometimes you just have to go for things even if you are aware of how badly they will end.”

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

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

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

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

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

through volunteering with Simply Hygiene. Schumaker said the organization’s mission stands out because it addresses needs many people overlook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valley Center’s Nathan Webb

Valley Center senior Nathan Webb set clear goals heading into the track season — and he has already checked off several of them while continuing to build his role as a leader for the Hornets.

“My primary focus this season was improving my 800m personal record to at least 1:53, which I did at El Dorado,” Webb said. “I also wanted to accomplish a 48-second 400m. I have done this but only in the 4x400m so it doesn’t really count.”

Webb has delivered on both the track and in the team standings, emerging as one of Valley Center’s top distance runners while also taking on increased leadership responsibilities. So far this season, he has posted a personal-best 1:53 in the 800 meters and improved his 400 time to 50.7. He also holds two school records and one meet record this year and currently ranks second in the state in the 800.

Beyond individual success, Webb said his impact is defined just as much by energy and support for his teammates.

“I would say my strength is encouragement,” he said. “I encourage my teammates during meets and practice. This positivity creates a mood that lifts the morals of my fellow athletes.”

This season, Webb also focused on becoming a stronger leader within the program, recognizing the influence he has on younger runners.

“Some things I wanted to work on this season is my leadership,” Webb said. “I have a lot of influence on the team which can be a good or bad thing depending on how I act. So I have decided to be on my ‘best behavior’ whilst also trying to still have fun with my friends and coaches.”

He said he worked on that growth in the offseason through leadership roles in scouting and community service, including earning a leadership position in his Boy Scout troop and leading an Eagle Scout project building a blessing box.

Looking at the bigger picture, Webb said team success would be measured by depth and qualification at the state level.

“Success for my team looks like a majority of the juniors and seniors and some experienced freshmen and sophomores making it to state,” he said. “We also have a chance of winning league and that is super exciting.”

EDWARD JONES’ ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

El Dorado’s

El Dorado High School senior Reece Knight has built his final year around discipline, growth and a clear sense of purpose, both on and off the court.

A tennis player for El Dorado, Knight has embraced the steady, demanding nature of the sport while applying those same principles to his life beyond athletics. “Everything takes time and dedication while keeping a level head,” Knight said, reflecting on the biggest lesson tennis has taught him.

That mindset has translated into one of his proudest accomplishments, earning his CNC machining certification through WSU Tech while still in high school. Balancing academics, technical training and athletics required a level of focus that Knight credits to the habits he developed through sports.

Knight said the influence of those around him has also shaped his journey. He pointed to longtime friend and teammate Theron Mays as someone who left a lasting impression. “He has showed me success comes from the dedication and obsession you have with what you do,” Knight said.

Reece Knight

Off the court, Knight values relationships and staying connected within his community. Whether spending time with friends or participating in campus activities, he has made the most of his high school experience. One of his favorite ways to unwind is simple— taking night drives through downtown El Dorado with friends.

Knight also credits El Dorado teacher Mrs. Wade for making a difference during his senior year. He said her approach stood out because she treated students with respect and authenticity. “She talked to me and others as people, not just students with work to do,” he said.

As he prepares for graduation, Knight carries with him advice that continues to guide his approach to challenges. “The more you fear something, the more likely it is to happen,” he said, recalling a lesson from Coach Olson.

Above all, Knight is grateful for the support system behind him. He credits his parents for their constant encouragement and belief in his goals, helping him stay motivated through every step of his journey.

Follow Reece on Instagram r_wk08

Cunningham’s Cheer Team

Cunningham High School’s cheer squad is gearing up for another demanding and potentially historic season, bringing back a core group that knows exactly what it takes to support championship-caliber teams from August through March.

Jam-packed with dedication and school spirit, this year’s squad is prepared for cold games, long bus rides and deep postseason runs, having cheered at multiple state championship games in both football and basketball. The athletes are focused on fueling energy at pep rallies, revitalizing spirit weeks and filling the halls with Cunningham pride as they back an athletic program accustomed to performing on the biggest stages. Leading the way are seniors Nora Huff, Gracie Smyth and Grayci McCurry, whose chemistry off the floor translates into high standards and accountability at every practice and game. The trio has become a model for younger teammates, blending friendship with leadership as they set the tone for work ethic, enthusiasm and resilience. Huff, in particular, has built a résumé that mirrors a

dynasty run, cheering Cunningham to state titles in football in 2025 and basketball in 2024, along with multiple runner-up finishes and a fourth-place basketball showing in 2026. Through coaching changes and small rosters, she has been the steady influence behind the scenes, known for reading the crowd and calling the right cheer at the right moment, regardless of the score.

A talented sophomore group of Maelyn Jump, Raven Koester and Keyonna Raney returns to the sidelines after injecting major energy into last season. Jump, the program’s quintessential unsung hero, brings a background in ballet and dance and a reputation as one of the hardest workers, evolving from a hesitant junior high athlete to a confident flyer willing to push past her fears.

Freshman Carly McGuire rounds out the roster and is already turning heads with her positivity and poise. A multi-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and track, McGuire arrives with junior high experience as a reliable back spot and now looks to carve out her place in high school, helping ensure Cunningham’s cheer tradition remains in capable hands for years to come.

Wellington’s Aleena Rinehart

Wellington High School junior Aleena Rinehart has built a reputation as one of the school’s most dedicated spirit leaders, balancing cheer and dance with a busy slate of academics, service and faith. A member of both the cheer and dance teams, she has emerged as a steady presence on the sidelines and at halftime, where some of her favorite memories have been made performing with her teammates and energizing the home crowd.

Rinehart’s talent has been recognized on some of the biggest summer stages. She is a two-time All-American honoree at UCA camp in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-American honors at UDA camp in 2025, prestigious selections that highlight her skill, consistency and leadership among her peers. She said her sport has taught her resilience and how to lead, lessons she leans on daily in the classroom, in competition and in life beyond school.

That growth has been supported by people around her. Rinehart credits teacher Mr. Ginter as a favorite because he pairs academics with lessons in responsibility and practical knowledge students can use outside of school. She points to teammate Blair Daugherty as someone who has made a lasting impact, describing her as kindhearted and encouraging, always pushing her to try even when she does not feel like it.

Away from the gym, Rinehart stays busy in her community. She is involved in National Honor Society, student council, SCCDAT and BPA, and she is an active member of St. Anthony/St. Rose Catholic Church. When she gets time to relax, she enjoys visiting local Mexican restaurants in her

hometown, especially Fabiola’s, which she calls a go-to for top-notch queso and consistently good food.

Rinehart said the best advice she has received is to keep going when life gets difficult because things worth having rarely come easy. She especially wants to thank her mom and sister for their unconditional love and support, saying she would not be the person she is today without them.

Follow Aleena on Instagram @neendawgsr

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