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Circle’s Layne Nice

By Cooper Chadwick

The Circle cheer team is led by senior team captain Layne Nice, and she leads with a stellar attitude and a goal to better her teammates.

“I have always liked being a leader and helping out coaches on any team I have been a part of, so my leadership skills have added up over the years which helps to make me a good captain,” Nice said. I also love to communicate with all my teammates, I feel comfortable chatting with each one of them, and checking in on them, and I want them to feel comfortable speaking to me about anything going on that they need help with. Whether it is cheer related or not, I try to be a friend that each girl could reach out to.”

Nice’s main focus for this year was to better the trust with her team and to continue to build relationships, and one thing that did just that was practicing stunts.

“Stunts can be dangerous but they get each team member to trust each other, not only to catch the flyer but also to keep others from getting injured when the flyer is coming down. We rely on one another and you can’t teach someone to trust someone else, they must make that judgment on their own. So at the beginning of each new season, the newer people learn how to better trust one another, and it also teaches them how close we are all going to be physically,” Nice said.

WICHITA LARGE SCHOOL OFFENSIVE PLAYER POLL WINNER

Wichita Northwest’s Jaylen Mason

By Hayden Swope

Jaylen Mason of Wichita Northwest is ready to take the next step in his football career, combining skill development with leadership and a deep commitment to his team.

“It’s a dream come true to stay home and represent my state, my family, and the Jayhawks,” Mason said. “I’m ready to show what I can do in practice and take every opportunity to work toward earning playing time and contributing to the team. I’m also looking forward to building relationships with my new teammates and coaches, and helping bring energy and consistency to our offense.”

While Mason played a vital role for the Grizzlies, he’s excited to see his talents take on a new and improved field.

“I want to continue improving my efficiency, accuracy, and leadership on and off the field,” Mason said. “My goal is to be someone my coaches can trust and teammates can count on throughout the season. As a team, my biggest goal is to help the Jayhawks be competitive every week, push for wins in the Big 12,

and build a culture where every player believes in each other and plays with confidence.”

Mason will be continuing his future in Lawrence this upcoming fall.

“My short term future is focused on excelling at the University of Kansas both academically and athletically,” Mason said. “I want to earn my degree while growing as a player and contributing to the program. Long term, I want to compete at the highest level I can, use the opportunities football has given me to build a career, and be someone who inspires younger athletes back home in Wichita.”

By Matt Browning

Rose Hill’s Noah Plaza

Rose Hill sophomore soccer player Noah Plaza had to go to Advanced Physical Therapy last year for a back disorder that made his life on and off the soccer field difficult.

“I have a condition with my back called scoliosis and mine is not as bad as others,” Plaza said. “But it is still noticeable and one day while I was out on the field practicing by myself I hit a move where the ball goes over my head and I hit a sharp 180 turn and the bottom of my back popped.”

Advanced Physical Therapy’s primary focus was to get Plaza’s back to loosen and for him to become more flexible.

“The treatments were about 45 minutes to an hour each and they went on for a few weeks,” Plaza said. “They started intense, at least that is what I thought but when I look back at it, it was only because my back was under more stress. The sessions were great in intensity and they felt easier the longer I went because my back was getting better. They also have a chair that relaxes my back after a workout or session.”

There was one particular exercise Plaza thought was especially beneficial to his back.

“One of the exercises that they gave me was a plank combined with leg raises,” Plaza said. “How you do that is you get in a plank position and you raise your leg up behind you then you can also do it with a side plank.”

Plaza said APT would be his choice if he to do it all over again. They provided the best plan and service for what he needed.

“APT is a great experience not only for the recovery but also for the staff that work there because they are very nice and will for sure by the end of it be your friend,” Plaza said.

Andover’s Jackson Penner

By Blake Chadwick

Jackson Penner has embraced his role as a senior leader for Andover High School, doing the things that don’t always show up in the box score but consistently impact winning.

“I believe that my biggest strengths are physical defense, rebounding, my ability to make hustle plays, and vocal leadership,” Penner said. “Whether I’m guarding the ball or guarding the big man down low, I’m always playing physical and doing everything I can to keep my guy from scoring while playing within our defensive scheme.”

Rebounding and effort are areas where Penner knows his value extends beyond numbers.

“My stats may not reflect it, but I’m always boxing out and attacking the glass,” Penner said. “When I dive on a loose ball, get a deflection, or sprint in transition, I feel like I bring energy to the team.”

For Penner, basketball has been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was four years old,” Penner said. Now, as a senior, his focus is on team success rather than individual numbers. “The standard has always been winning sub-state and making a run at a state title,” Penner said.

This season has also marked a transition with a new staff, and Penner believes the program is in good hands.

“Coach O’Neil has brought intensity and a love for the game,” the senior said. “We could tell early on that he cared deeply about this program and was willing to put in the time. His communication and preparation are strengthening us.”

Andover’s Aiden Henry

By Cooper Chadwick

Senior Aiden Henry’s role for the Andover Trojans is to shut down the opposing team’s main guy and bring the energy, and head coach Trey O’Neil says he does just that and more.

“Aiden Henry is a competitor. He matches up with the opponents primary ball handler and pressures them every second of the game. Along with being a great athlete, Aiden is a 4.0 GPA student who does things the right way throughout the school day,” O’Neil said.

This season the Trojans have a large group of seniors, and that’s one thing Henry has been very excited about having.

“We have been together since we were little and this season feels kind of like the last dance for all of us. We are a very close group both on and off the court with lots of chemistry and we all feel like we can make something special happen,” Henry said.

One thing Henry has been wanting to improve during his senior season is his defense.

“I believe with proper technique I have the ability to guard anyone I match up against. To work on becoming a better defender I built up a lot more strength especially in my legs and continued to run a lot to improve my endurance,” Henry said.

Henry hopes his work during the offseason on becoming an even better defender and passing will help him reach some of his end of season goals as well.

“Some goals I have for this season is to win our league’s defensive player of the year and offensively I want to average at least 2.5 assists per game,” Henry said.

Campus’ Kenzie Lever

By Hayden Swope

Kenzie Lever of Campus is looking forward to her final season with a team she has grown up alongside, cherishing the bonds built over years of playing the sport they love.

“I’m most excited to just play basketball with my team,” Lever said. “I grew up with all of these girls and built a bond with them through playing basketball. I’ve known the majority of the team since middle school, and to still be playing together all these years later is a very full-circle yet bittersweet moment that I can’t wait for.”

Staying active during the offseason by competing in summer tournaments and attending camps to refine her skills has been an important task for Lever.

“I enjoy playing or guest playing on club teams for summer tournaments,” Lever said. “I also attend Campus regular summer league games and practices, as well as the Hutchinson Community College basketball camp, where we played in a large weekend tournament.”

Lever has been focused on building strength and agility to take her game to the next level.

“I wanted to be stronger while still maintaining my agility,” Lever said. “I worked out a lot during the offseason and ran whenever I could.

I’ve made noticeable progress since last year and I’m excited to continue building on it.”

Her goals for the season really hit on teamwork and maximizing both individual and team potential.

“This year, my individual goals are to make the most of my strengths on the court and be a true team player, supporting everyone, not just myself,” Lever said. “As a team, I want us to play to our full potential, win more games than last year, and most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun together.”

Andover’s Audrey Bailey Andover’s Megan Evans

By Hayden Swope

Andover’s Audrey Bailey has spent lots of time on the sidelines, but even more time putting in work on the outside.

Bailey was an NCA All-American last summer at camp.

“During the offseason, I have stayed consistent with my physical training by lifting weights at the gym multiple times a week to build strength and endurance,” Bailey said. “I also incorporate Pilates and structured workout programs from YouTube to maintain flexibility, balance, and overall conditioning. In addition, I attended Kansas State University and University of Kansas cheerleading camps to learn from collegiate-level cheer.”

While the team took their talents to the state mat, their season is far from over. Bailey is looking forward to seeing herself and her team grow to the best of their abilities.

“Individually, my goal is to bring consistent energy, positivity, and encouragement to the team while continuing to explore choreography and creative contributions to routines,” Bailey said. “As a team, I hope we can build upon the strong foundation we established during our KSHSAA state competition routine in November. My goal is for the team to continue developing that routine quality and work toward making finals in future seasons, even though I will not be there to compete.”

After high school, Bailey plans to take her hard work and dedication to Lawrence, where she will continue on with her education.

“I plan to attend the University of Kansas, where I intend to rush a sorority and pursue a degree in the business program,” Bailey said. “I am currently considering majoring in finance or marketing with a co-major in international business. Long term, I hope to pursue my own entrepreneurial fashion business and potentially explore opportunities within cheer or dance later in my career.”

By Hayden Swope

Megan Evans of Andover has had quite the cheer career, and she’s hoping to finish out even stronger.

“This past football season I was most excited about stepping into my role as co-captain and continuing to grow as a leader for my team,” Evans said. “Being able to help guide my teammates, set the tone, and contribute both on and off the mat is something I really looked forward to. Finishing out this basketball season I’m excited to continue performing new routines, pushing ourselves as a team, and building off last season’s success.”

The offseason was spent training at an elite level to sharpen skills and overall performance.

“During the offseason, I’ve been training as a member of MAV6, a Level 6 Worlds team at ICT Cheer Legacy,” Evans said. “Training at a worlds level has helped me improve my strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall performance quality. I’ve been working on advanced skills, clean technique, and staying conditioned, which has prepared me to bring a higher level of focus, confidence, knowledge and leadership into my high school cheer season.”

As she focuses on precision and detail this season, applying lessons learned from high-level training has been important to Evans.

“One area I wanted to improve on this year is clean execution and attention to detail,” Evans said. “Training with a Worlds-level team in the offseason required precise technique, sharp motions, and consistent timing. That experience helped me apply corrections quickly and perform full routines with sharp motions, which I’m carrying into this season helping us place higher at state this year. It also came in handy when choreographing routines because I saw more of the little things.”

By Matt Browning

DeSoto School District

Hellas Construction has recently completed three separate projects for the DeSoto School District. They replaced the turf and base on two of our elementary school playgrounds. They also replaced the turf at the De Soto High School football stadium.

“Hellas’ attention to detail was very impressive,” said Brian Schwanz, the Chief of Operations for the district. “ Also, they truly cared about their work. They wanted the whole project to be right. They went above and beyond in all aspects of the projects.”

Schwanz said working with Hellas was an easy process and there were no hiccups along the way.

“The process was great,” Schwanz said. “Hellas was very communicative

with the district. From start to finish the process was very smooth. The crew was very responsive to any requests that were made throughout the process.”

There was no hesitation when Schwanz was asked about whether he would suggest Hellas to any other school, organization or team.

“I would highly recommend Hellas to another school or organization,” Schwanz said.

HELLAS BUILDS FOR SPORTS FROM START TO FINISH

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

SPORTS FOR ALL

Sportsmanship Development

Peintner

By Matt Browning

Since 2018, Tim Peintner has been volunteering at the YMCA and is now coaching four of his five children.

From tee ball to sixth grade intermediate boys basketball, Peintner spends a significant amount of time donating his efforts to young people.

“There is a great joy in seeing the kids after they have been a part of one of my teams and they recognize me and want to come up and say hi or wave with a big smile,” Peintner said. “It makes all the chaotic scheduling and long Saturdays worth it.”

With five kids and a 9-5 job, Peintner is being pulled in all sorts of directions. But Peintner’s wife, Terra, is also along for the ride.

Add in valuable assistant coaches, and Peintner is grateful for everyone who helps with this busy lifestyle.

“My wife does a great job to keep us organized with calendar and the logistics of where we are all headed on a given night for practices or Saturday games,” Peintner said. “I have been blessed to establish a network of dads/assistant coaches that are willing to step in with practices or games when the schedules get tight or possible overlapping games.”

Being able to coach his children is something that Peintner will always cherish. Despite how hectic life gets or how tired Peintner feels, he still gets to do something special at the YMCA.

“Coaching is and has been one of the greatest joys in my life and I have been able to experience and I get to do it alongside my family,” Peintner said.

Maize’s Alexa Davis

By Blake Chadwick

Alexa Davis is a junior at Maize High School, but her cheer journey began long before high school.

“I started competitive cheer in Kindergarten on a tiny Level 1 team, and am now in my 12th season on a Senior Medium Coed Level 6 World’s team,” Davis said.

The junior has also cheered at Maize Middle School and is now a third-year varsity member at Maize.

For Davis, cheer is more than a sport for her.

“I also coach tumbling classes and a mini prep cheer team at Cheer Eclipse, and I volunteer my time to coach Maize Jr. Cheer,” Davis said. “As you can see, cheer is a very important part of my life.”

As a teammate, Davis focuses on doing whatever the team needs day in and day out.

“I think my biggest strength as a teammate is that I am always willing to go where needed and do what needs to be done for the team,” Davis said. “I’m a good listener and I try hard to include everyone in stunts. I have had a few injuries throughout the years, but have worked through them and continued to show up and do what was needed for my team.”

Team chemistry is a major strength for Maize.

“As a team, I would say our biggest strength is working well together, which is very important when it comes to stunting,” Davis said. “Her personal mindset reflects that same consistency. “My mindset when I’m cheering is to always give 100 percent effort both on and off the sideline.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Like a good neighbor,

is

WICHITA SMALL FOOTBALL POLL WINNER

Hutchinson Trinity’s Bentyn Chastain

Hutchinson Trinity’s Bentyn Chastain was the captain and leader of a skilled 2025 football team.

Chastain played H-back and outside linebacker and earned honors such as first team all-league tight end and first team all-state

Going into his senior season, Chastain had big goals for him and his team.

“My goals coming into the year were to play every down like it was my last, giving everything I had out on the field for my guys. Our team as a whole wanted to make it to November because we know at that point we are in the final 3 to 4 games in the playoffs competing to go to the state championship. We achieved making it to November but we fell a little short on playing in the big game for the state title,” Chastain said. One thing that helped Chastain and the Celtics meet some of their goals they set for themselves, was their hard work in the offseason.

“We start summer workouts 2 weeks after school gets out, we have 6 am lifts as a team and then every Tuesday and Thursday night we have football specific work on the field at our high school. When it gets closer to season in July we travel down to Southwestern college for camp to go against bigger schools and practice our plays and schemes we have been learning all summer, we also have a team “boot camp” where a retired Marine comes and puts us through different exercises as they do for the recruits going into the corps and then we get ready for the season,” Chastain said.

By Hayden Swope

Goddard’s Kolton McElwain

Kolton McElwain of Goddard placed fifth at the state meet last season, and he’s ready to lead his young wrestling team this year to the best of his abilities.

“I’m most excited about this year is getting back in the room and working with the young guys since we are a young team this year,” McElwain said.

McElwain stayed active during the offseason, training both on his own and at camps to sharpen his skills.

“During the offseason I worked out when we had open rooms and went to fox fitness and worked out over there a lot and I went to Ohio and wrestled at the Jeff Jordan camp,” McElwain said.

Focused on refining specific technical skills to improve his performance on the mat, McElwain trained to perfect it.

“One thing that I wanted to improve on was moving my feet better,” McElwain said. “I worked on this by really focusing when I was drilling and really having my coach watch it so he could fix the problem.”

With ambitious goals for both himself and his team

this season, McElwain is excited to see where this season takes him.

“My goal this season is to win my second state title and my goal for my teams is to push everyone to be better and win another team title,” McElwain said.

McElwain hopes to continue wrestling, and is still deciding on his future career.

“My future plans are to continue wrestling in college and go to school for automotive tech or join the United States Marine Corps,” McElwain said.

By Blake Chadwick

Bishop Carroll’s Owen Newell

Owen Newell has built his wrestling career on toughness, grit, and an unbreakable mindset, and as a senior at Bishop Carroll wrestling at 150 pounds, that approach continues to define who he is on the mat.

Newell has been wrestling nearly his entire life, a journey that started back in first grade.

Over that time, he’s developed a style rooted in physicality and relentless effort.

“My biggest strengths are my physicality and hard work,” Newell said. “When wrestling and practicing my mindset is simple—I will never quit. I wrestle all the way through the match with the goal to mentally break my opponent.”

That mentality fuels both his individual and team-driven goals this season.

“Some of my personal goals include becoming a state champion and improving every day,” Newell said. “Our team goals are to give it all in every practice, win a team state title, and build everyone up.”

As a leader, Newell doesn’t rely on words alone.

“Personally, I believe I am a person who leads by example,” Newell said. “I lead through the way I try to push myself every day in practice.”

That consistency has helped him reach major milestones in his career, including earning his 100th high school win, along with becoming a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer.

Despite being ranked among the best in the state, Newell doesn’t let outside recognition affect his approach.

“Honestly, I do not think about it too much and feel no pressure being ranked in the state,” Newell said. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter—everyone’s human and beatable.”

Talon Verbeck Maize

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Last season as a junior, Maize wrestler Talon Verbeck took third at the 138 pound division at the Class 6A Tournament.

Verbeck views last season a stepping stone towards a monster senior season.

“So far, things have been going well. I would rate my individual performance as an 8 out of 10,” Verbeck said. “There is always room for improvement, and I strive to get better every day. As a team, we are also doing well and have a strong chance to win a state title.”

As a team, the Eagles took fourth at the state tournament last season. As of press time, Maize was ranked second in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, with seven wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes.

“I have two goals for this season: to win an individual state title and a team state title in my final year at Maize,” Verbeck said. “To achieve this, both my teammates and I will need to accomplish several smaller goals along the way.”

As a senior, Verbeck values his role as a team leader. That was something he wanted to get better at this season.

“I hope to improve my leadership skills and refine my technique,” Verbeck said. “Strong leadership can motivate the team and help everyone stay focused as we work toward winning a team state title. Improving my technique will also increase my chances of earning an individual state title.”

Wichita Northwest’s Aniah Simpson

By Cooper Chadwick

Wichita Northwest’s Aniah Simpson, a senior power forward and center for the Grizzlies, spent a majority of her offseason preparing to have a successful senior year.

“During off season I just go to the gym and workout. I also play AAU basketball during the summer…One thing I want to improve on this season is my shooting ability. Some ways I worked on that during the off season would be going to the YMCA and shooting around at the basketball court,” Simpson said.

Finishing last season with a record of 4-17, Simpson and the Grizzlies are hungry for success this year.

“As a team, I think our biggest goal is to improve from last season and not let last year’s record define us. I think we need a little bit of better chemistry, we need to play hard for all four quarters, and compete in every game no matter the opponent,” Simpson said.

Simpson is a captain for the Grizzlies and apart from just wanting to win she has a deeper motivation, to help lead this team to success, for her mom who passed away freshman year to cancer.

“I think the role that I play is a hardworking and dependable player who brings all the energy. I try my best to focus on little things like boxing out, getting rebounds and trying to get assists to my teammates. I also try to be a positive presence by encouraging my teammates when I’m on the bench and nobody’s losing their heads over the game,” Simpson said.

Wichita Heights’ Jorelle Hadley

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Heights’ Jorelle Hadley is ready for an unforgettable season, focused on leadership, teamwork, and chasing championships alongside family.

“A couple of things I’m excited for is to win four championships with all my teammates and I’m really excited to be playing alongside my cousin Jalihn Timmons and Jordan Timmons,” Hadley said. “We’ve been dreaming about this for a long time and just working at it every day pushing each other and being a leader on the team to make sure even on hard times to keep everyone engaged and bring the energy.”

Hadley spent the offseason training hard, competing in tournaments, and sharpening all aspects of his game.

“In the offseason, I trained with my teammates every day and went to a couple of recruit look tournaments and just worked on everything of the game from defensive to offense from angles on defense and ball toughness,” Hadley said. “And just going to the Midwest showcase really showed that we are a championship team by really grinding out every game that we were in.”

Leadership has been a key focus for Hadley as he stepped into a more prominent role this year.

“Some of the areas I worked on were being a better leader since we had eight seniors leaving,” Hadley said. “I knew I had to be the main person stepping up.”

Not only does he have them on the team, but all of the teammates and coaches feel like a family for Hadley.

“One person I would like to thank is Coach Thomson and our whole coaching staff for just believing in me and my teammates, just pushing me every day and taking one game at a time,” Hadley said. “We’re just trying to get better as a team.”

Gabby Stauffer

By Matt Browning

In just 170 at-bats last season, Hutchinson Community College’s Gabby Stauffer hit five home runs with 62 RBIs, while hitting .400.

The Campus High graduate chose Hutch primarily for one reason.

“The college was appealing to me because it was close proximity to home and the atmosphere was amazing,” Stauffer said.

Over her year and a half in Hutchinson, Stauffer has soaked up every moment as a Blue Dragon.

“I would describe my experience at Hutch as great,” Stauffer said. “I have loved every moment since coming to campus and have met a lot of great people.”

Not only has Stauffer been impressed by the softball, which went 37-11 last season, but the entire HCC athletic department, as well.

“One thing that stands out to me is the athletics here,” Stauffer said. “We have a lot of very competitive high caliber teams.”

Stauffer said that if any student or athlete was interested in Hutchinson Community College, there should be zero hesitation.

“I would recommend coming to Hutch CC especially if you are a fan of the small town community vibes,” Stauffer said. “As well as the sports we have here are very good so it makes for a good watch.”

Kingman’s

Alyson Earley

By Blake Chadwick

Alyson Earley has become a familiar face of leadership, energy, and positivity for the Kingman High School cheer program, and as a senior, her impact reaches far beyond the sidelines.

Earley has been involved in cheer for five years, beginning in eighth grade, and over that time she has grown into both a confident performer and a trusted leader.

“My team strength is one I’m glad to share with my team,” Earley said. “We are all extremely determined and optimistic athletes who are capable of making any situation humorous.”

Individually, Earley credits her outgoing personality as one of her biggest strengths.

“I’m an extremely extroverted person,” Earley said. “I cannot count the amount of other athletes I have met and become friends with through cheer.”

Her mindset during practice reflects the culture she helps create.

“I normally have a very mellow and humble mindset during practice,” Earley said.

“Although it’s difficult to maintain that mindset when I have such a great team environment around me. I often find myself joking around with my coach and friends on the team.”

This season, Earley has set clear goals for herself and her team.

“My personal goal this year is to be a better flyer,” she said. “Flying is extremely difficult and I have a lot to learn about it despite doing it for many years.”

As a team, her focus is on confidence.

“A team goal I strive to aid in accomplishing this year is boosting the team’s overall confidence,” Earley said. “With encouragement, great leadership, and optimism, we will be able to overcome these thoughts and uplift one another through any challenge.”

By Cooper Chadwick

WICHITA LARGE FOOTBALL POLL WINNER

Wichita Southeast’s Marcus Johnson

successful season.

Helping his team make history this year, senior Marcus Johnson and the Southeast Buffaloes finished their season with a record of 7-3 which hasn’t happened since the late 90’s.

Johnson plays linebacker for the Buffaloes but also produced a lot at punter and kicker as well. He also earned awards such as First team all-state KSHSAA linebacker, first team all-city linebacker, first team all-state KFBCA linebacker and second team all-city punter.

One thing that helped him play as well as he did during the season, was his work in the offseason.

“I was working on my foot work and speed and agility and was in the weight room. I knew I was going to be a kicker/punter this year so I was going to an open field to work on them,” Johnson said.

As a senior for the buffaloes, Johnson was one of the captains who helped lead the way to a

“My role was to work hard every day and push my team as hard as I can in practice and lead my team. I was one of the captains on the team this year so I knew I had to be different and move differently,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s motivation for his senior season was his mom, who proved to be a strong inspiration.

“She’s been there since I was playing flag football when I was little. She was always there at my games and practices. I just want to keep excelling and make her proud,” Johnson said.

By Matt Browning

Wellington’s Vivienne Wright

Since she started in SCCDAT last year, Wellington’s Vivienne Wright has learned so much about her school and what goes on in it.

“I have learned about how common drugs and alcohol are in students my age,” Wright said. “I have also learned more about mental health. SCCDAT has impacted me by making me more aware of these issues.”

Being involved in SCCDAT means it’s a year-round commitment for Wright, who is also on the Crusader basketball team.

“We have a meeting once every couple of months,” Wright said. “We do activities like making bracelets for students with positive quotes on them, sidewalk chalking our school entrance with motivational quotes, and we help the community with various activities.”

There is a specific memory that stands out to Wright over her year and half with SCCDAT.

“My favorite memory was sidewalk chalking,” Wright

said. “I had a lot of fun with my friends and I think the students all loved the positivity.”

Wright said there should be no hesitation for anyone interested in joining SCCDAT.

“I would tell any student that is interested to join,” Wright said. “It is a great way to get involved and make new friends. You also learn very important things.”

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

Over 90% of young adults in Kansas reported NOT smoking a cigarette in the past 30 days.

Hutchinson’s Rhyan Galyon

By Hayden Swope

Hutchinson’s Rhyan Galyon is a three time All-American, and with her favorite season just getting started, she’ll be embracing the atmosphere that makes basketball season special.

“I am most excited for basketball season overall,” Galyon said. “I love watching the game from behind the baseline. I love the loud and competitive environment that comes from the basketball gym.”

While cheer is her focus in the fall and winter, Galyon stays active year-round and uses the offseason to sharpen multiple skills.

“During my offseason, I play high school soccer,” Galyon said. “Although once summer comes around, we attend a NCA camp where we learn various cheer materials to use during games and to get the crowd pumped.”

As a captain, Galyon is especially focused on growth that goes beyond physical ability.

“One area I want to improve on this year is communication,” Galyon said. Especially as a captain, I want to have that ability to communicate with my teammates and help them throughout the season.”

Both individual and team goals are fueling Galyon’s motivation throughout the season.

“Some goals I have for this season, individually, I want to master a new tumbling sequence and improve my tumbling skills,” Galyon said. “Team goals I have are to complete our rally in the valley performance and make it perfect. Another team goal I have is to have the ability to encourage and celebrate others’ successes.

Wichita Collegiate’s Milly Caro-Wadley

By Blake Chadwick

Milly Caro-Wadley is finishing her high school career as a senior at Wichita Collegiate, and her dedication to cheer has been evident throughout the season.

“I started cheering when I was in second grade,” Caro-Wadley said. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience both competitive cheer and school cheer.” Over the years, she has developed into a strong leader for her team. One of my biggest strengths is helping lead the team, whether that’s during practice, games, or through team bonding,” she said. “Since this year is very young, I think our biggest strength is the growth we’ve shown throughout the season.”

Caro-Wadley’s leadership extends beyond guidance; she helps organize events, keeps energy high, calls cheers during games, and teaches counts, cheers, and skills during practice.

Her mindset is all about focus and positivity.

“My mindset during cheerleading and practice is to stay focused, positive, and hardworking. I come into practice ready to push not only myself but the team as a whole while also creating a fun and positive atmosphere,” Caro-Wadley said.

Caro-Wadley’s personal goals reflect her dedication to both herself and her teammates.

“My personal goals for the year are to push myself to 110% in everything I do and help the underclassmen grow and love cheer as much as I do,” Caro-Wadley said. “With a team that includes many younger athletes, my goals for the team are for everyone to give their best effort and continue gaining new skills. The rest of the year I hope we continue to challenge ourselves and grow through basketball season, Rally in the Valley, and school performances.”

While the senior hasn’t finalized plans for college, she hopes to continue cheering if the opportunity arises. For now, Caro-Wadley is focused on leading by example.

Wichita East’s Avani Payne and Jhourne Mitchell

By Cooper Chadwick

Wichita East seniors and co-captains Jhourne Mitchell and Avani Payne are excited to go out with a bang.

“Being a senior is already emotional and exciting enough but being captain and having new opportunities, such as the Dodge City Tournament and, fingers crossed, state basketball games adds a cherry on top for me,” Mitchell said.

To prepare for their senior year, Payne and Mitchell spent a lot of their summer cheering.

“In the off season, I prepared for cheer by continuously reviewing what we already know, ensuring movements are sharp and clear. I also remained active while playing volleyball, to condition my body to not grow faint when cheering for hours on end,” Mitchell said.

Payne and Mitchell are not new to having to work together and being co captains was just another step in the growth of their friendship.

“Being Co-Captain with Avani is such a blessing. Being captain comes with so many trials and much responsibility and having the right person to share that with can make or break the enjoyment of the position. I love Avani with my whole heart and I know that I can always trust her to have my back and that I can always look to her to lean on when I may not be able to help in a certain way. Me and Avani have known each other for about eight years now and I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect for me to share this honor with,” Mitchell said.

As captains, Payne and Mitchell understand the importance of cheerleading on the environment of any sporting event.

“There have been so many times that I’ve been told that people go to high school games just to watch the cheer teams. So there’s that aspect but also, cheerleaders add to the excitement of the game. When I think of a basketball game that’s packed and the game is getting heated, hearing and seeing the cheer teams yelling and stomping along with the crowd adds that much more enjoyment to the game,” Mitchell said.

Payton Thompson

By Matt Browning

Payton Thompson has been around agriculture and livestock her entire life, with it all starting on a tractor with her dad.

“As a little girl, I loved riding in the tractor with my dad, feeding the cattle, and bottle feeding bucket calves,” Thompson said. “My interest in agriculture started at a very young age, and from the moment my parents told me about 4H, I couldn’t wait to join.”

More than being just a club, Thompson views 4H as a job. She has a multitude of responsibilities and jobs.

“In the winter, we have the cattle at home, and feed them hay bales,” Thompson said. “In the spring, the cows give birth to their calves, so we must closely monitor them to ensure healthy births. In the late spring or early summer, we take the commercial cattle out to grass. In the summer, I work particularly hard with my show calves, washing them, blowing out their hair, and walking them so that they will be ready for the upcoming shows.”

Thompson has a long list of accolades and accomplishments from her time in 4H. She is also heavily involved in leadership and public speaking.

“I have won our Reno County Leadership Challenge for the last three years, and my goal is to win again this year for my final year competing,” Thompson said. “I have also participated in public speaking within our 4H club, as well as on the county level. I received top purple rankings for my public speaking at County 4H Days, and I was the Reserve Grand Champion for the county fair public speaking contest. I qualified for the State Public Speaking contest, where I received the top purple ranking. I have also qualified my 4H record book for regionals.”

Because she has been in 4H for many years, the list of memories Thompson has made is long. From making lifelong friends to going to camp, Thompson considers herself to be blessed by 4H.

“4H has taught me skills like leadership, public speaking, responsibility, ambition, and so much more, all of which are incredibly important traits that kids need to develop,” Thompson said. “I will always advocate for joining 4H, because it teaches vital skills that people need to be successful.”

Wichita Trinity’s Tyler Wertenberger

KTA “Driving Change” Athlete Spotlight

By Matt Browning

Wichita Trinity boys basketball coach Nate Awbrey describes senior Tyler Wertenberger as a player whose impact goes far beyond the box score.

“He consistently sets hard screens, boxes out his man, and dives for loose balls—always doing the little things that make a big difference,” Awbrey said. “Off the court, he is one of the most coachable players I’ve ever worked with.”

While Wertenberger strives to be the smartest player on the floor, he is still trying to be a better decision maker.

“I hope to improve my basketball IQ before the end of the season,” Wertenberger said. “I want to be able to make quick, confident decisions on the court that positively affect the team.”

The Knights, which were 11-4 at the end of January, have fallen short of the state tournament the past couple of seasons and Wertenberger is hopeful 2026 is different.

“I really want to win our sub-state and make a run in the state tournament,” Wertenberger said. “This has been something that I have always wanted to do and fallen short in the past couple years. Our season has been going pretty well so far. I’m happy with the effort my team and I have all put in and the way that our team has worked together. We’ve had some ups and downs, but overall I think we’ve all grown and improved as the season has gone on.”

Hutchinson Central Christian’s Piercen Huff Goddard’s Kaytee Smith

By Hayden Swope

Hutchinson Central Christian’s Piercen Huff is ready to make his senior season one to remember, focused on teamwork and competing at the highest level.

“Since it’s my senior year, I’m excited to have one last year to go out and compete with my teammates,” Huff said. “But I’m most excited for the playoffs and getting to compete for a chance to go to state again.”

Preparation started by staying sharp during the offseason with team camps, practices, and pickup games.

“In the offseason we’ve had camps and practices, as well as just playing pickup together,” Huff said.

Huff has also focused on specific skill development to help both himself and his teammates succeed.

“One area I wanted to improve this year is my passing,” Huff said. “I worked to improve that in practice by passing up shots so I can give the ball to my teammates for a better shot.”

The team’s goals reflect their commitment to both faith and basketball, emphasizing character as much as competition.

“An individual goal I have for this season is to represent Jesus Christ in the way I play and the way I carry myself,” Huff said. “Our team goal is the same, our faith matters so much more than basketball. But also making it back to state would be great.”

By Blake Chadwick

Kaytee Smith has spent most of her life on the sidelines and mat, and as a member of the Goddard High School cheer team, her impact reaches far beyond game day.

Smith credits her leadership style to positivity and a genuine care for her teammates.

“My biggest strength is being positive and helpful to my teammates,” Smith said. “I like to be a leader and role model for my cheerleaders, answering whatever questions, giving critiques, and supporting them is important to me as I am leaving and they are moving up.”

That leadership has helped shape a close-knit group at Goddard.

“My team’s biggest strength is being able to work together,” Smith said. “Our squad is one big family.” She added that the team’s flexibility and trust allow anyone to step in when needed, and when one cheerleader is struggling, “the whole team steps in and motivates them to get back up.” Smith’s love for cheer began early.

“I have been cheering since I was six years old,” Smith said. “I knew it was something I loved since I put on that uniform and tied the bow into my hair.”

Her goals extend beyond herself. Smith hopes to inspire younger students to pursue cheer without fear.

“I want everyone to know that they do not have to be a certain size, more experienced, or popular to become a cheerleader,” she said.

5 Health Habits Worth Building This Year

Every New Year, people set ambitious health goals like losing weight, getting stronger, to just feel better. However, dramatic changes often don’t survive real life. What does tend to last are small, repeatable habits that quietly compound over time.

You don’t need a perfect routine or extreme discipline. You need a few foundational behaviors that support your body, brain, and daily life. Below are five health habits that are simple, evidence-based, and realistic for most people.

Strength Training (2x Per Week)

Strength training is one of the most effective things you can do for longterm health. It helps maintain muscle mass, supports bone density, enhances insulin sensitivity, and protects joints as you age.

Many people assume they need to train five or six days per week for it to “count,” but research suggests otherwise. Studies show that a minimum effective dose of strength training — as little as two sessions per week — can meaningfully improve strength and muscle for beginner and intermediate lifters. While higher volumes can lead to greater gains, the biggest driver of results is consistency.

Without strength training, muscle and bone mass naturally decline over time. This loss is associated with poorer metabolic health, increased injury risk, poorer balance, and reduced independence later in life. How to do it

• Train 2 days per week

• Use full-body workouts

• Choose 1–2 exercises per major muscle group

• Perform 2–4 sets per exercise

• Work in a moderate 5–15 rep range

• Focus on good form and gradual progression

Sleep (7–9 Hours Per Night)

Sleep is one of the most underestimated drivers of health and performance. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain, increased hunger, poorer exercise performance, slower recovery, and impaired thinking.

One well-known study found that people who were chronically sleepdeprived believed they were functioning normally, while objective testing showed significant declines in attention, reaction time, and cognitive performance. In other words, you don’t always feel how much poor sleep is affecting you.

When sleep improves, many of these issues reverse. Better sleep supports hormone regulation, improves energy levels, enhances fat loss, improves training recovery, and sharpens mood and focus.

How to do it

• Aim for 7–9 hours per night

• Treat 7 hours as a minimum

• Avoid sleeping under 7 hours for more than two nights in a row

• Keep sleep and wake times consistent

• Reduce late-night screen time and caffeine close to bed

Hydration

Hydration is a simple habit that influences nearly every system in the body. Even mild dehydration can negatively affect focus, energy levels, and physical performance.

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Research shows that fluid losses as small as 0.5–1% of body weight can impair cognitive performance, while ~2% dehydration can meaningfully reduce endurance and strength. When you’re underhydrated, workouts feel harder, fatigue rises, and sticking to other

health habits becomes more difficult.

How to do it

• Aim for about half your bodyweight (lbs) in ounces of water per day.

• Increase intake if you exercise, sweat heavily, or live in a hot climate

• Spread intake throughout the day rather than chugging all at once

Steps & Daily Movement

There’s no single “perfect” step count for everyone. The right amount of daily movement depends on your goals, job demands, and current fitness level, but walking more consistently supports better sleep, mood, and recovery.

What we do know is that very low daily activity levels are associated with higher health risks. Large studies have shown that people who consistently walk well under 5,000 steps per day have a higher risk of early death. Importantly, many of the benefits of walking have been shown to be most impactful in the 5,000 to 8,000-step range per day.

How to do it

• Start with ~5,000 steps per day

• Gradually build upward based on lifestyle and goals

Get Outside

Spending time outdoors is an often-overlooked health habit, but the evidence is strong. Large studies show that people who spend at least 120 minutes per week in natural or green environments report better physical and mental health than those who don’t.

Regular outdoor time has been linked to lower stress levels, improved mood and focus, better sleep quality, and improved cardiovascular health. Exposure to natural light also helps regulate your internal clock, which directly supports energy levels and sleep.

This doesn’t require hiking mountains or extreme outdoor activities. Walking, relaxing, training, or simply sitting outside all count. Combining outdoor time with movement is one of the easiest ways to amplify the benefits of both.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need extreme goals to make a change, you need a strong foundation of the basics. Strength training, sleep, hydration, daily movement, and time outside all support your body, brain, and longterm health in a way few other things can. Start small, stay consistent, and let the benefits compound. Build these habits first, and everything else becomes easier to sustain.

Derby’s Lexi Schott

By Joanna Chadwick

When Kari Schott became the assistant cheer coach at Derby, her daughter, Lexi, was in third grade.

“I have practically grown up in the sport,” Lexi Schott said. “I think the biggest positives of cheer is the people I have met because of it. The relationships I have gained from cheer are not just my teammates, but my sisters.”

Kari put her daughters into cheer because she knows the benefits.

“Cheer is a selfless sport that requires dedication and pride,” Kari said. “I think Lexi has become more confident in herself and has learned valuable team dynamics that will help her succeed in the future.”

Lexi didn’t start cheer until seventh grade and initially didn’t plan to do high school cheer, where her mom is the head coach.

“Lexi wasn’t going to try out for her freshman year, but she decided to last minute,” Kari Schott said. “She is thankful she did because she has made some amazing friends and has experienced awesome opportunities in the process.”

She’s also grown as a cheerleader.

“Lexi has excelled in having precise motions, learning material quickly and has learned to be a diplomatic leader,” Kari said. “... She has a great crowd presence and an unwavering love for her teams.”

Lexi plans to cheer at Washburn.

“I think the reason I have chosen to cheer in college is because I truly love cheer and I feel like it is such an important part of my life, so not continuing it would be hard,” she said. But cheer takes up a lot of time.

“I think we, and many of the other spirit activities, are truly the backbone to the game-day feel at Derby,” Lexi said. “We do so much work behind the scenes that the average person would not know. But I think that’s what helps make the experience of going to a football game or basketball game something special.

“... I just like making a difference in my community and being a good role model for younger kids. We put in a lot of work outside of practices, but it all feels worth it when a little girl asks you for a picture on Friday night.”

VISIT SALINA WINNING EDGE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Andale’s Tristen Cox

By Cooper Chadwick

Tristen Cox is a senior wrestler for Andale high school who wrestles at the 150 pound weight class. Cox is very excited for his last year of high school wrestling, and hopes to make it a special one.

One thing Cox is excited about specifically is making it to, and competing at state, as well as the high levels of competition there.

Over the offseason, Cox spent a lot of the time on the wrestling mat.

“Last summer I went to a couple of duals/ tournaments for team Kansas and I went to a camp in Ohio..the one thing I worked on this year is my mentality,” Cox said.

Cox is also the captain of a young Andale team and he does his best to motivate his team whenever he can.

Over his career, Cox has a record of 118 wins with only 33 losses and has the motivation to get even more wins under his belt.

“My motivation, I’ve been wrestling since I was a little kid and it’s been my goal to win a state title and my last 3 years I don’t get it done and it’s my last year to get it done,” Cox said.

Campus Caitlynn Clough

By Matt Browning

As a junior last season, Campus bowler Caitlynn Clough qualified for the 6A Tournament. Throughout her season, she rolled a high series of 646 and a high game of 237.

The Colts are the two-time defending state champions and Clough has intentions of going back-to-back.

“Some goals that I want to accomplish individually, I would love to medal at every tournament this season, and average above 210,” Clough said. “My goals for the team are to not only go undefeated through the entire season but also make it back to state for our third consecutive state championship.”

As of late January, Clough has been pleased with how she has performed, even though there has been some adversity.

“I am very pleased with my individual effort so far this season, as well as my team’s effort,” Clough said. “We have had a couple of setbacks since the beginning of the season, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way that we have all persevered through it and how everyone is continuing to work to become better as a team.”

Along with improving the intricacies of her game, Clough also wants to enjoy her final ride as a Campus bowler.

Campus’ Payton McNutt

By Matt Browning

There were several reasons why Campus’ Payton McNutt decided to become a cheerleader seven years ago.

“I started cheer to stay active in school and to separate my competition dance,” McNutt said. “It allowed me to enjoy both spaces and not burn out.”

Being a cheerleader at Campus is a grind, as it spans eight months.

“We practice Tuesday and Thursday Morning from 6-7:15,” McNutt said.

“During football season, we have games every Friday being on varsity we go to all game home and away.

During basketball season we have games on Tuesday and Fridays, and we go to both home and away games.”

Not only does McNutt practice with her squad, but she also spends her own time honing her craft.

“I do private lessons to enhance my tumbling and stunting skills,” McNutt said. “Being able to fly and base is important. I want to be able to help in any situation my team needs me to. I danced for the majority of my life helping my flexibility, endurance and jumps. I lift weight multiple times a week for strength allowing me to be confident basing.”

McNutt said cheerleaders are a vital component to any sporting event. They are responsible for enhancing the gameday environment.

“It helps the team know we support them we are proud of them win or lose we see them and the work they put it,” McNutt said. “It’s important to have a solid cheering squad to get the spectators engaged which in returns pushes the team.”

“One thing I hope to improve on before the end of the season is my overall game, including my spares, average and series,” Clough said. “Additionally, I want to make sure that I am making the most out of my last year of high school bowling and having as much fun as I can with the incredible team that I am blessed to have.”

Udall’s Logan Mason

By Hayden Swope

Udall’s Logan Mason is ready to make his senior year count, energized by the chance to build momentum across multiple sports.

“This year I am most excited about us finally winning some games during basketball and getting some hype back into our student sections,” Mason said. “Hopefully we can keep going with that and bring it into the upcoming baseball and track and field season.”

Mason has been busy in the offseason sharpening his skills in several sports, balancing basketball, baseball, and track training.

“With basketball, me and a few of my other teammates competed in a summer tournament along with having practices with the whole team and playing pick-up games at the rec,” Mason said. “I am more of a baseball player myself. I played on a collegiate team for baseball and got reps in pitching. I have also gotten pretty good at track and field.”

Mason has set ambitious goals for both his individual and team performances across all sports this year.

“For basketball, I would like to end my senior season with a winning record and possibly make it to the state championship,” Mason said.

Looking beyond high school, Mason has clear plans for further education and his career.

“I am taking college classes at Cowley College for welding and I plan to finish that, graduate high school and then go back to Cowley and finish my degree up and then possibly take another class for non-destructive testing to further improve my employability skills,” Mason said. “After all is done I will look at getting into the work field as a welder.”

Andover Central’s Nicole Crawford Andover Central’s Lakyn Findley

By Blake Chadwick

Nicole Crawford has made her mark on the Andover Central cheer program through consistency, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. Now a senior, Crawford’s journey through cheer has come full circle as she helps guide the next generation while preparing for her own future.

Crawford has been a cheerleader since seventh grade, working her way from middle school to junior varsity as a freshman and earning a varsity role from her sophomore year through senior year. Over that time, her versatility has become one of her biggest strengths.

“My biggest strengths are basing any position in cheer,” Crawford said. “I am a positive leader on the team and always put others before myself.”

That impact has not gone unnoticed by her coaches.

“Nicole has cheered for us all four years of high school,” head coach Desirae Moreno said. “She is a strong athlete, standing out in jumps, motions, dance, and stunting. She has also filled different roles in stunts, depending on what is needed. Nicole has worked hard to create a positive space on the team where all athletes are respected and valued. She often takes other athletes under her wing if they are struggling.”

The Andover Central cheer team prides itself on culture, something Crawford believes sets them apart.

“Our team’s biggest strength is creating a positive environment where we all feel welcome,” Crawford said. “We leave everything at the door when we walk into practice and are focused to cheer.”

For Crawford, cheer is more than just a sport—it’s an escape.

“My mindset when I am cheering is focused,” she said. “Cheer is a safe place where I feel welcome to be myself and all the stress of school fades away.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Andover Central’s senior Lakyn Findley had big goals for her senior season, one of which was to win a national championship with her team.

“My favorite memory from cheer was winning nationals in Fort Worth, Texas. When they announced our team, that moment with my teammates and my coaches felt magical. It felt good to know that all of our hard work and dedication finally paid off,” Findley said.

Findley was a later entry to the Andover central cheer program, but she flourished nonetheless.

“Lakyn cheered elsewhere her freshman year, so we only got her after that. It didn’t take long to see that she was very athletic and driven to succeed. She is a great all-around cheerleader, as her jumps, motions, dancing, tumbling, and stunting stand out. She can do multiple stunt positions for us and has filled in wherever needed, including times where we knew she would make something hit that was struggling,” head coach Desirae Moreno said.

Over the summer, Findley spent most of her time cheering and training.

“My team and I attended NCA cheer camp over the summer which consists of 4 days of training and bonding with the team, which helped our team tremendously. Our team started practicing in May and we have continued to work up until now to prepare for various things including different routines and our NCA National competition,” Findley said.

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Bishop Carroll Wrestling

By Matt Browning

In the January 27th rankings by the Kansas Coaches Wrestling Association, the Bishop Carroll boys wrestling team was ranked third in Class 5A.

The Golden Eagles have six wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes, including freshman Parker Landes No. 1 at 106 and junior Connor Landes No. 2 at 138.

“The season up to this point as a team has been fairly successful. No season is complete without its fair share of challenges,” said Bishop Carroll coach Kyle Cline. “We have won a few tournaments and finished high in very competitive high level tournaments as a team. I believe my

coaching staff and I would agree that thus far the season has been successful up to this point.”

While Cline and his team have accomplished a significant amount so far, there sights are set on the state tournament.

“We are competing to bring home a state trophy again this year,” Cline said. “There are several teams that are also in the running for a trophy this year that will make it a very

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competitive and exciting finish in 5A. Another goal was to have a few wrestlers compete in the finals, and I believe that is possible as well as our team goal. I believe this team has the capacity to place seven or eight wrestlers with a few finalists, and bringing home a state trophy is the goal. This group is doing their part training like state champions and that will be put to the test at the end of February.”

THE ULTIMATE WRESTLING SHOWDOWN LANDS IN WICHITA

Witness the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers at the 2026 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship from March 5-7, and the Women’s Championship from March 13-14—both at Heartland Credit Union Arena. Don’t miss the action as champions are crowned in an electrifying showdown of skill and strength!

By Matt Browning

Valley Center’s Mikaela Lara

As of press time, Valley Center’s Mikaela Lara carried a record of 23-8 and has placed in nearly every event she has participated in.

While she has already accomplished so much, Lara hopes to maintain her success through the remainder of the season.

“My goals for the remainder of the season include maintaining a winning record currently being at 23-8, consistently medaling in competitions, and securing a placement at state,” Lara said.

Lara has progressed in each of her seasons and has been pleased with how she has wrestled.

“This season has been my most successful to date,” Lara said. “I’ve placed at almost every tournament this year with my most recent first place at Best in the West. I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made over the past few years. The team dynamic is also stronger this year, which has contributed positively to our performance.”

In the past, Lara has dealt with her mental fortitude prior to tournaments, as well once

the tournament actually got started.

“I aim to enhance my mental strength,” Lara said. “I often experience anxiety leading up to tournaments and matches, and I tend to let losses negatively impact my mood and mindset. Developing a more effective coping mechanism has become a key focus for me.”

Campus’ Layla Meier

By Matt Browning

Campus senior Layla Meier has been taking business classes since she was a freshman. She has always found those type of classes interesting, which led to her involvement in the Campus Business program.

“Since being in the program, I have made such meaningful bonds with teachers, peers, and the school community,” Meier said. “Being in this division has felt like not just classes but a huge family that is there to support me through my journey of high school.”

Not only has Meier learned more about business, but she has also learned how to apply some of the principles and concepts into her daily life.

“On the professional side, I have learned how businesses operate in real-world conditions including financial decisions and organizational structures,” Meier said.

“I’ve developed skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication through projects like case studies and filming projects. Personally, the program has helped me grow in confidence and responsibility.”

Meier has plenty of responsibilities within the program – ones that she can learn from and take it with her to college, where she plans to study Sports Marketing or a business-focused major.

“I am a part of the student-run coffee shop at Campus, Stomping Grounds, where we work in the mornings, lunches, and during school dances,” Meier said. “In this shop, I am a part of a group with five other students and our manager for that shift where we make drinks, develop future products, contribute to community projects like the Angel Tree, and many more behind the scenes steps that go into running a business. There is the responsibility of being on time to your shift, being accountable for your chores, and taking care of the shop so we can keep it running smoothly throughout the whole year.”

Don’t Just Bank Here.

We’re

By Hayden Swope

Win the Game Here.

PRAIRIE STAR HEALTH CENTER’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Haven’s Kyla Duckett

Duckett has been putting in extra time on the mat.

Haven’s Kyla Duckett has been an NCA and UCA All-American since 2022, and her heart and dedication for the sport hasn’t slowed down since.

“Cheer is still not recognized as a sport by many, so this season our team made a commitment to show our community why we deserve the title of athletes just as much as anyone else,” Duckett said. “Many people said because we are not competitive, we are not a sport. So to prove our point, the Haven High School Cheerleading Team attended state for the first time in our school’s history. Our next step this season is to become more committed to our sport by improving practice and game attendance; as well as putting in time outside of scheduled practices.”

The team’s preparation and perfecting started early, and

“During the offseason our team had a private camp with Jeremy Gregory, where we received unique choreography that we took to state for the first time,” Duckett said. “Individually, I have been taking private as well group tumbling lessons to improve my skills. I have also attended many collegiate cheer clinics with small groups.”

Between taking the state floor for the first time, making a name for her and her team, and working overtime on her skills, Duckett’s drive has never lacked.

“Over the past four years in cheer my skillset has largely remained at the same level since I started,” Duckett said. “I come from a competitive gymnastics background so transitioning from spring floor to dead mat has halted my growth. I have been wanting to improve on my tumbling since freshman year but never made the commitment until now.”

Derby’s Cash Carns

By Matt Browning

Derby bowler Cash Carns has a special bond with his step-dad, Jesse, who is retired military.

“My step-father holds a profound place in my life,” Carns said. “For years, he has consistently offered unwavering support and guidance, shaping me profoundly. He drove me, my Mom and Grandmother to Wisconsin and back for Junior gold. This year he’ll drive us to Minnesota for Junior Gold. He’s been very supportive of me and my bowling.”

While Cash loves and respects his step-dad, the military is not a career path he wants to take.

“While I deeply respect my step-father’s service as an Army Sergeant in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have other goals and interests,” Cash said. “One is pursuing my bowling career after college.”

The longlasting impact Jesse has made on Cash is invaluable. From being a mentor to simply hanging out fishing, their bond is something special.

“He instilled valuable discipline and accountability in me from a young age by teaching me to be active and responsible for my actions,” Cash said. “These lessons helped me develop a different perspective, significantly improving my work ethic and personal drive. Outside of these disciplines, one of my favorite ways to connect with him is through our shared time fishing.”

Wichita Southeast’s Cayden Williams

By Blake Chadwick

Cayden Williams’ journey to his senior season at Wichita Southeast has been shaped by persistence, growth, and a belief that his best basketball is still ahead of him.

A senior combo guard, Williams has become a reliable offensive weapon for the Buffaloes in his senior season.

“I feel like my biggest strength is my jump shot,” Williams said. “With me not getting a lot of open looks this year, it has allowed me to get to the basket more.”

Basketball has been part of Williams’ life for as long as he can remember.

“I have played organized basketball since the age of six, but I picked up a ball at the age of three,” Williams said.

Individually, Williams has high standards for himself.

“My personal goal this year is to become a more complete player on both sides of the ball and to finish top five in 6A points per game,” Williams said. Team success is just as important. “My goal for my team would be to make it to state, as I feel at the top of our game, we are a state-playing team.”

Williams’ path hasn’t always been smooth. He didn’t make the team his freshman or sophomore year, and after transferring from Wichita North, he had to adjust to a new environment. That’s where Wichita Southeast head coach Karl Brown made a lasting impact.

“There’s so much I could say I have learned from Coach Brown,” Williams said. “He has taught me what a good coach looks like. Even when he gets on me, he comes to me personally and talks about what I can fix. He speaks to me a lot about mentality and continues to be a teacher of that.”

Heights’ Jamiyah Franklin THE TIRE STORE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

By Cooper Chadwick

With a big restart this season for the Falcons cheer team, senior Jamiyah Franklin helps lead the way.

Last year the Falcons graduated a lot of seniors and now have a new coach, so Franklin felt the need to step up and help guide her team to success.

“Some goals I have for the season it’s to bring some new cheers to our team and try new stunts… I would really love to bring us all together as a team more,” Franklin said.

Other than a leader for the Falcons, Franklin is a skilled cheerleader but she is more recognized for her attitude.

“I’m a very cheerful person not only that, I’m kind to others and a role model that others could look up to and I believe with cheerleading rather you’re in uniform or not you are the face of your team so that is such a big part of it all. Not only that, I believe I’m a quick learner so when it comes to learning new skills I can get it done in a good time period and also teach others on my squad,” Franklin said.

Franklin also knows the importance of cheer to the environment of sports.

“Cheer is very important. We keep our players in great spirits while also keeping the crowd involved so they also can cheer our players on,” Franklin said.

During the offseason, Franklin spent a lot of her time working on new stunts to help her team.

“Stunting takes a lot of arm and leg power so I’ve stayed in the gym and just practiced more stunts we haven’t tried in general,” Franklin said.

Wichita Heights’ Amani Williams

By Blake Chadwick

Amani Williams has become a steady presence and a trusted leader for the Wichita Heights cheer program, setting the tone through positivity, confidence, and consistency. Now a senior, Williams has spent the last four years building not only her own skills, but the culture around her.

“My biggest strengths are being able to uplift my teammates whenever we’re feeling discouraged,” Williams said. “I also take pride in being able to lead my team and making sure we’re all feeling confident within ourselves.”

Williams began her high school cheer career on junior varsity as a freshman before earning a varsity spot for the final three years. She has also served as team captain for the past two seasons, a role that fits naturally with her leadership style.

“My mindset when cheerleading is to always have a positive attitude no matter if our team is winning or losing,” Williams said. “I make sure I’m executing my moves correctly, and all in all, just having fun.”

The Heights cheer team thrives on connection and accountability, something Williams believes is one of their biggest strengths.

“Our team’s biggest strengths are being persistent with our hard work and working together to make sure our routines look good,” she said. “We’re also good at giving constructive criticism without making one another feel bad.”

During practice, Williams is constantly focused on growth, both individually and as a group.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve and finding ways to help my team improve as a whole,” she said.

Rose Hill

By Blake Chadwick

The Rose Hill cheer team has taken meaningful steps forward this season, and head coach Aleesa Werbin has seen that growth firsthand.

Now in her third year as head coach, Werbin has helped guide the Rockets through a season built on both competitive goals and team connection.

“The team’s goals coming into the season included attending an away summer camp for the first time in over five years, attending KSHSAA state performance, growing closer as teammates, and improving stunts, tumbling, and jumps,” Werbin said.

Rose Hill cheer successfully attended summer camp, marking a major milestone for the program, and earned the opportunity to compete at the KSHSAA state performance. Along the way, the team has continued to develop their technical skills while also building stronger chemistry.

“We have been able to hit all of those goals so far,” Werbin said.

The growth has gone beyond what shows up on the mat. Werbin has watched her athletes become more

connected, more confident, and more willing to push themselves and one another. The team’s progress in stunting, tumbling, and jumps reflects the work being put in daily, but the unity within the group has been just as important.

As the season continues, Rose Hill cheer is carrying momentum built on preparation, trust, and shared experiences. For Werbin, seeing her athletes take pride in their accomplishments and grow together has been the most rewarding part of the journey.

Hutchinson Trinity

By Matt Browning

Before the start of the cheer season, Hutchinson Trinity coach Bernadett Dillon talks to her team about the importance they have for sporting events.

“At the start of each cheer season, we talk about the importance of being involved in school, school activities and other sports, while still making cheer a priority,” Dillon said. “As a smaller 2A school, student involvement across all areas is essential, and these girls truly embrace that.”

While most of the members of the cheer team participates in other sports or clubs, Dillon tries to be flexible with her scheduling.

“I work to schedule practices in a way that allows them to participate in as much as possible while still committing fully to cheer,” Dillon said. “During the school year, we typically practice one to two times per week. Each practice is important and productive.”

The cheer season is only during the fall and winter sport seasons, but there are things the Celtics work on all year.

“Our squad cheers at all varsity football and basketball games. Then compete in the KSHSAA Game Day Competition in November,” Dillon said. “The spring season is lighter for us, as we wrap up the basketball season and hold tryouts for the next year. During the summer, we practice about 3 times a week and for a bit of a longer period. This time allows us to come together as a

new squad, learn material that we will use throughout the school year and to prepare for our annual NCA Camp.”

Carmen Faudoa is the Celtics loan senior and she has been on the cheer squad for four seasons. The remaining seven members are made up of girls that Dillon calls “Small but Mighty Squad.”

“They have worked tirelessly not only in cheer, but also in their other school sports, activities and most importantly their academics,” Dillon said.

Wichita Northwest’s Jaycee Schur

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Northwest’s Jaycee Schur is eager to see her team grow together this season, combining hard work and a shared commitment to improve.

“What I am most excited about in the upcoming season is working hard with my team to improve, share a common goal, and achieve personal goals while also winning games,” Schur said. “This year we have a lot of seniors who have been playing for the team making that one of our key values is players that work well together and have been learning and improving throughout the three going on four years.”

Schur stays active in the offseason to maintain fitness and prevent injuries, giving her an edge when the season begins.

“During the offseason, I play soccer, which helps me work other parts of my body that I don’t normally use during the basketball season making me less injury prone,” Schur said. “During the summer I’m mostly active every day working on staying in shape and keeping fit.”

With personal goals for growth as both a player and a leader on the team, Schur is ready to accomplish them both.

“One area that I would like to improve this season is being a team leader, helping my teammates improve, while also improving myself,” Schur said. “I love to be a team player and seeing my teammates score and succeed makes me want to keep playing and give it my all.”

By Blake Chadwick

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

WICHITA SMALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER POLL WINNER

Hutchinson Trinity’s Isaac Hammersmith

Isaac Hammersmith wrapped up an impressive senior season for Trinity Catholic’s football team, showcasing his strength and speed on both sides of the ball.

“I am a senior at Trinity Catholic,” Hammersmith said. “My positions are D-end and left tackle. I think that my biggest strengths on the field were my strength and speed. My powerlifting and track background helped me a lot this football season.”

Hammersmith has been playing tackle football since fourth grade, and his dedication to the game has shown in both his personal performance and leadership.

“I tried to be someone that could lead by example,” Hammersmith said. “Always be able to show up early and work hard to set the example to my younger teammates.”

“Isaac is a tremendous athlete that has continued to improve due to his dedication in the weightroom and hard work,” said Trinity Catholic head coach Jordan Bell. “Isaac was selected by his teammates to the leadership council. Isaac set high goals and put in the work to reach those. He did a great job representing Trinity Catholic High School.”

This year, Hammersmith achieved a major personal goal.

“My personal goal was to get first team allstate and I did. That was my main goal,” Hammersmith said.

Hammersmith’s impact was evident in his stats: 67 tackles, 27 solo, seven sacks, and 10 tackles for loss.

He earned multiple accolades, including first team all-league DE and OT, first team all-district DE and OT, Sports in Kansas first team OT, and Coaches All-State poll first team DE.

“One thing my coach said that will always stick with me is that everyone is important on the team, no matter who they were,” Hammersmith said. “This held true especially for us as we had 24 guys on our team. Even in the quarterfinal game, we had to play freshmen and backups because of injury.”

Wichita South’s Katelyn Hall

By Cooper Chadwick

Wichita South’s Katelyn Hall is not just a skilled cheerleader but her head coach Raigan Pankratz talks about her stand out attitude and all around kindness,

“She brings a positive light to our team each year. She is dependable in all aspects; I can count on her to not only lead cheers but also be a friend to a teammate who may need it. Throughout her time on the team, she has experienced challenges in life that would cause most high schoolers to fall behind or give up, but she has done nothing but the opposite. Katelyn has remained focused and persevered through it all. She is what every coach would want in an athlete,” Pankratz said. Over the offseason, Hall made it her main focus to improve her stunting and jumps.

“I want to be stronger, more confident, and more consistent in both so I can better support my team and help us hit skills more cleanly…To work on this, I do specific stretches to improve my flexibility and help prevent injuries. I also

practice whenever I get the chance, whether that’s reviewing skills, stretching at home, or focusing on technique so I can slowly improve over time,” Hall said.

As a senior, Hall has a more leadership type role for the Titans, but that does not stop her from continuing to learn from others.

“I understand that I’m not always going to be right, and I’m willing to listen, take criticism, and improve. I also make an effort to have a positive attitude and treat everyone with respect, not just the people on my team,” Hall said.

ALEXANDRIA JOHNSON’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Hutchinson’s Brehman Gibson-Smith Maize’s Kaydence Venneman

By Hayden Swope

Brehmen Gibson-Smith of Hutchinson has been working all offseason for cheer season, and an upcoming competition will showcase her and her team’s talents.

“I am most excited for the competition and showcase we do called ‘Rally in the Valley’,” Gibson-Smith said. “We are doing a routine that we have been working on since we came back from Christmas break. We have gone to Rally in the Valley a few times and it’s always rewarding when we get off the mat.”

Gibson-Smith stays active during the summer and throughout the season, attending camps and open gyms to continue developing her cheer skills.

“Every summer we go to NCA camp as a whole team,” Gibson-Smith said. “This year we went to Oklahoma University and that is always a fun experience. Personally I have been going to the open gyms at Hutch Community College. I also go to the YMCA every so often to practice my tumbling.”

Hoping to improve both her individual strength and team stunts, GibsonSmith has been focusing on certain training sessions to better herself and her strength.

“I have wanted to improve our stunts as a whole but individually I have taken weight classes and continue to go to the gym and lift as much as possible so I can become stronger in that aspect,” Gibson-Smith said. With a mix of personal and team goals, Gibson-Smith is looking to accomplish both.

“Some personal goals I have for this season are to continue to push myself to be the best cheerleader I can be,” Gibson-Smith said. “Some team goals I have for the season are to hit at Rally in the Valley.”

By Matt Browning

Maize cheerleader Kaydence Venneman thinks every school’s cheer squads play a vital part in the gameday experience.

“I think having a quality cheer team is more important than most people realize,” Venneman said. “Filling up quiet space with cheers in between plays and keeping up the energy when something unexpected happens is so crucial to a good atmosphere. Cheering helps to bring everyone together to support and hype up the team, win or lose, home or away.”

Venneman is in her third season as a cheerleader at Maize. She has also been a gymnast for 13 years, with five of them being competitive.

“I wanted to continue something similar and cheer was the perfect opportunity,” Venneman said.

A typical cheer season goes far beyond fall and winter sports. There is the grind of the preseason in the summer and then trying out for the team all over again in the spring.

“To prepare for the cheer season over the summer we do different forms of conditioning like cardio, core, stretching, and different exercises for jumps,” Venneman said. “We will go over cheers, dances, stunts and different expectations for the year. At the beginning of the summer there’s also cheer camp. Typically it’s at a college campus where we learn new stunts, cheers, band chants, and dances. Most of the time it’s three or four days long. Towards the end of the summer we will have a few night practices on the field to prepare for when we do our routine during halftime.”

Augusta’s Aurora Richardson

By Cooper Chadwick

With the goal to continuously get better senior Aurora Richardson is excited for her last year with her cheer team.

Richardson, a cheerleader for Augusta who is now stepping into a leadership role, spent a lot of her offseason cheering.

“To prepare for cheer tryouts by reviewing material, ensuring it is sharp and clean. I also attend UCA camps with my team every year to start stunting with new people and meet new people as well. While I was at UCA camp, I tried out for All American Cheer, which I qualified for with lots of practice with new material and trying out in front of the whole camp. I also got to go to Hawaii and walk in the Pearl Harbor Parade as well because of making All American Cheer,” Richardson said.

As a leader for Augusta, Richardson knows the importance of cheerleaders during athletic events.

“Without the cheerleaders, there would be no spirit and crowd involvement. The gyms would be very quiet if there were no cheerleaders there to cheer the football, basketball, or even wrestling teams to victory. Whether the team is losing or winning we are there cheering them on and keeping spirits up,” Richardson said.

Richardson’s cheer journey is not finished either, she plans to attend Cowley Community College, and she knows that she will need to continue to improve her skills.

“I want to improve my tumbling skills. With college coming around the corner, most cheer teams require tumbling experience,” Richardson said.

Bishop Carroll’s Macy Wetta

By Matt Browning

Bishop Carroll senior Macy Wetta’s has two proud moments throughout her time in high school. Both have contributed to her growth, but in different ways.

“I am most proud of organizing and running a Simply Hygiene drive at my high school, as well as placing eighth in the state for doubles tennis,” Wetta said. “Tennis has taught me how to be a better teammate and overall athlete.”

Wetta said being able to represent her school in both athletics and extracurriculars is something she values.

“My favorite part about representing my high school is being able to play the sport I love while representing my school in a positive way,” Wetta said. “My parents are my greatest inspiration because of how hard they have worked to achieve their goals.”

When Wetta volunteers she feels like she is giving back to a community that has given her so much.

“Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life is an amazing feeling,” Wetta said. “I chose to volunteer with Simply Hygiene because I love their mission; everyone deserves access to the necessities that allow them to feel clean and healthy. I want people to know what an incredible organization Simply Hygiene is and how they impact lives every day.”

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

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

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

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

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

-Heal thCore Clinic

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

-New ton Public Schools

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Witness the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers at the 2026 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship from March 5-7, and the Women’s Championship from March 13-14—both at Heartland Credit Union Arena. Don’t miss the action as champions are crowned in an electrifying showdown of skill and strength!

By Angela Brunk

Valley Center’s Zane Devereaux

Zane Devereaux is a senior at Valley Center High School who has built his game and his mindset around dedication, teamwork, and a genuine love for bowling. As he continues in this season, what excites him most isn’t just competition, but the time spent with his teammates. From supporting each other during matches to taking on fun challenges designed to push everyone to improve, Devereaux values the chemistry that makes the team stronger both on and off the lanes.

One part of bowling Devereaux truly enjoys is the game Strike Across the Lanes. The challenge and variety keep him engaged, while also sharpening his consistency and focus. During the offseason, Devereaux doesn’t slow down. He joins a league with his friends and makes it a priority to get to the bowling alley almost every day. For him, practice is key. Every frame is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and get better.

This year, one major area Devereaux wants to improve is spare shooting, especially in tournament situations where every pin matters. To work on this, he dedicates focused practice sessions solely to spares. Often spending an entire hour shooting 10 pins and 7 pins. This repetition has helped build confidence and reliability when the pressure is on.

Valley Center’s Treyton Griffin

By Angela Brunk

Treyton Griffin is a senior at Valley Center High School who brings focus, dedication, and a strong team-first mentality into his final season. While individual accolades matter, Griffin is most excited about having fun with his teammates and pushing toward the shared goal of making it to the state tournament.

During the offseason, Griffin stayed committed to improving his game. He bowled in a league alongside some of his teammates, which helped maintain consistency and competitive rhythm. In addition to league play, he invested time in one-on-one lessons with private coaches. These sessions allowed him to break down his technique, receive personalized feedback, and fine-tune specific aspects of his game that can make a big difference during highpressure moments.

One key area Griffin is focused on improving this season is spare shooting. Knowing how important spares are to overall scores, he has worked hard to become more accurate and dependable. His offseason preparation emphasized precision and repeatability, helping him feel more confident when facing challenging spare situations during matches.

Griffin’s main goal this year is to make it to state and perform well at regionals. He understands that success at that level requires both skill and composure, and he is determined to rise to the occasion.

Outside of bowling, Griffin is also involved in robotics, an activity that reflects his interest in problem-solving and engineering. After high school, he plans to attend Wichita State University to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering, setting his sights high both academically and athletically as he prepares for the next chapter of his journey.

Looking ahead, Devereaux’s main goal is to make it to state. He knows that reaching that level takes more than skill; it requires mental toughness. Keeping his head up and not getting discouraged after a bad shot will be crucial. After high school, Devereaux plans to attend WSU to continue his bowling career while studying meteorology, combining his athletic goals with his academic ambitions.

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