MKSM 2019 BB Preview

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Good Luck Bullpups! 610 N Main St, • McPherson, KS 67460

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 3 INDEX From the Editor's Desk… Steve Sell’s Column ....................3 There are a lot of you reading this who weren’t born the last time the McPherson High Girls................ 4 McPherson High Boys .............. 6 McPherson High boys basketball team had a losing record. Moundridge .................................8 Hesston .....................................10 When talking gold standard boys basketball programs around the Inman .......................................12 state, the Bullpups’ standard of excellence stretches all the way back to Smoky Valley .......................... 14 Canton-Galva ...........................16 1937, the year after the McPherson Globe Refiners helped in great part Elyria Christian ........................18 to win the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Germany. Little River ................................20 McPherson High Wrestling ..... 21 In 76 of the last 83 years, the Bullpups have had a winning record and McPherson High Swimming ....22 in 29 of those years they won at least 20 games – quite a feat consider- – Credits — • On The Cover: McPherson High seniors ing there’s only 20 games during the regular season. Emma Ruddle, Cody Stufflebean and Lakyn Schieferecke are expected to have big seasons. For the record, the last losing regular season was the 1982-83 season Steve Sell and even in that year the Bullpups were 10-10 in the regular season • Credits – The Mid Kansas Sports Magazine’s winter sports edition was written and edited by before losing in the sub-state. Midkansasonline.com Sports Editor Steve Sell, with additional editing by KBBE Sports Director Even more amazing, only twice in their history have they had back-to-back losing seasons. The Jim Joyner, both multiple award winners. All first came in 1956 and 1957 and then 1977 and 1978. cover photos were taken by Kendall Shaw along with the other MHS photos. Other photos are Since the ’82-83 season, MHS has won no less than 12 games in a season and lost 7 or more courtesy of Dave Balzer (Inman), Todd Deterding (Smoky Valley), Tina McMannis (Canton-Galva), games only four times. There’s a lot of schools that would clearly take a streak of five years with- Pam Weaver (Hesston), Nealee Johnston out a losing season. (Hesston), while Elyria Christian School and Moundridge High School provided their photos. And just think about the Bullpups’ home record. They have won 83 percent of their games at • The Mid Kansas Sports Magazine is a home since 1937. Mull that over – more than 8 of every 10 games they play before their red and publication of Davies Communications Inc., white faithful they are successful. Diane and Jerry Davies, owners. MHS has won 13 state championships, including the decade of the 1990s when they won Midkansasonline.com nearly half of those – six. STEVE SELL, Sports Editor Covering McPherson Jack Randle won 256 games during his 19 years as MHS coach before Jay Frazier won 409 Sports for 41 Years over his 26 years. Mike Henson coached for only 12 years, but won 250 games, and Kurt Kinnamon is leader of the pack with 485. The success doesn’t stop with the MHS boys. The girls’ program doesn’t go back nearly as far, but has enjoyed the same measure of achievement. It started with back-to-back state titles in 1981 and 1982, that after losing in the state title game in 1980. MHS then hit a bit of a lull, but finally in 1997 it returned to the championship circle and won it the next two years as well. Since 2000, MHS has added state titles in 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2018 for nine overall. Scott Schaefer was 272-43 during his time at MHS and his assistant was Chris Strathman, who then took over and has gone 280-44, for a staggering record of 552-87, again among the most elite programs in Kansas. TOP PLAYERS – This year’s Dandy Dozen will look somewhat familiar on the girls’ side as a lot of underclassmen stepped up big, while the boys’ list is early completely turned over. Eight of the 12 girls return, but only two of the boys are back. Without further ado: • BOYS • • GIRLS • Cody Stufflebean, McPherson Lakyn Schieferecke, McPherson Seth Madron, McPherson Emma Ruddle, McPherson Cooper Courtney, McPherson Grace Pyle, McPherson Hayes Schmid, McPherson Andrea Sweat, McPherson Jayden Garrison, Little River Cassie Cooks, McPherson Graham Stephens, Little River Elise Kaiser, Hesston Brady Helms, Moundridge Tia Moddelmog, Canton-Galva Jace Doerksen, Inman Alexa Bell, Canton-Galva Cade Schneider, Smoky Valley Emma McBride, Little River Cason Richardson, Hesston Kerington Haxton, Smoky Valley Ben Bollinger, Hesston Kourtney Kaufman, Moundridge Brayden Collins, Canton-Galva Dantlie Raney, Inman

4 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE McPherson Bullpup Girls To Make Another State Title Run McPherson High’s girls came she is looking really good,” within one victory of playing for Strathman said. “We will be a yet another state championship much better team when she gets last season. back to full strength as she Even though they bumped up brings so much to our team.” to Class 5A, the Bullpups – who Pyle had a monster sophomore won the 4A title the previous year and emerged as the team’s year –tore through their season top scorer and rebounder (11 and advanced to the state semi- points a game, 6 rebounds), finals, where they lost to even- while Ruddle is easily one of the tual state champion St. Thomas state’s best athletes and defend- Aquinas, which is the 5A ver- ers. sion of longtime rival Miege. Schiefercke already has signed The Bullpups then lost in the with Washburn and Ruddle with third-place game to Kansas City Fort Hays. Schlagle after leading much of Cassie Cooks, who has signed the way to finish 21-3. to play volleyball at Graceland It’s hard to believe, but Chris University, and Washburn commit Strathman enters his 15th year Andrea Sweat are expected to as head coach, compiling a jaw- round out the starting five, with dropping 280-55 record with Kassidy Beam providing instant three state titles. In league play, offense with her 3-point shooting the Bullpups have won 133 off the bench. games and amazingly only lost Others vying for time are soph- 8 under his guidance. omores Peyton Howard, Lauren Nothing much figures to Labertew, Ella Schmid and change this year. Even though Cameron Pelzel. Emily Whorton he graduated five terrific seniors Chris Strathman begins his 15th year as McPherson was expected to be in the mix, (Hannah Hageman, Riley Hett, but is out for the year after foot Maggie Leaf, Jaycee Burghart High girls basketball coach. He has won 280 games and surgery. and Megan Eisenbarth), he wel- lost only 55, including a 133-8 league record. The “These last few years we have comes back three starters and Bullpups have won three state titles during his tenure. been very spoiled with a deep three of his top reserves, which and experienced bench,” should keep the MHS machine Strathman said. “Our reserves operating at full capacity. this year are going to be able to help us for sure, they just have “I have been pleased with the leadership shown out of all of more to learn due to inexperience. We definitely need a few of our juniors and seniors, as they have really been trying to estab- them to step up to help us at the varsity level and I think they will lish our culture of hard work and accountability and doing so in a be able to do that. They are working very hard and have been positive way,” Strathman said “It has been a lot of fun to get back very coachable, those two things will help them be ready to con- out on the court with the ladies and coaches, seemed like this fall tribute when called upon.” took forever to get to basketball season this year.” The schedule is flush with top non-league competition, with a The Bullpups return starters Lakyn Schieferecke, Emma game Jan. 4 at Kansas City Piper new to the slate. It has been Ruddle and Grace Pyle, but Schieferecke has been out recover- one of the top teams in Class 4A for many years. Also, the ing from knee surgery. Bullpups play at Derby, last year’s 6A runner-up and there will be “Lakyn is still working back from her ACL surgery in June, but another top-flight field in the Mid America Classic.

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 5 SCHEDULE Dec. 6 –Andover Feb. 4 –at Wichita Collegiate Dec. 10 –at Andover Central Feb. 7 –Andale Dec. 13 –at Derby Feb. 11 –El Dorado Dec. 17 –Buhler Feb. 14 –Winfield Dec. 20 –at Winfield Feb. 18 –at Buhler Feb. 21 –Circle Jan. 3 –Dodge City Feb. 25 –at Augusta Jan. 4 –at Kansas City Piper Jan. 10 –at Circle Mar. 4, 6 –Sub-state Jan. 14 –Augusta Mar. 11, 13, 14 –State at Emporia Jan. 17 –at El Dorado Jan. 30, 31, Feb. 1 –Mid America Classic Grace Pyle returns for her junior year for the McPherson High girls after leading the team in both scoring and rebounding as a sophomore. Cassie Cooks will give McPherson High’s CARLTON SPENCER, CPIA girls a strong inside presence this season. She has signed to play volleyball at SHEETS ADAMS Graceland University. REALTORS McPHERSON QUICK LUBE 201 West Kansas Ave • McPherson, KS 67460 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RURAL (620) 241-5656 1605 N. Main • McPherson 620-241-3648 [email protected] “Service is our profession” www.sheets-adams.com Good Luck Pups from Harlin Meat Company

6 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE McPherson Bullpup Boys Expected To Be Strong Again Life back in Class 5A proved to be on the floor and use his tremendous a little different for the McPherson leaping ability to finish at the rim. High boys last season. Kinnamon believes he’ll make a MHS, a 5A team for the first time massive jump this year. since the 2010-11 season, got off to The expected point guard is 5-9 a rare 0-3 start, but rallied to finish junior Jayton Alexander, who with a 15-6 record. It was denied its Kinnamon says has great instincts customary trip to the state tourna- and plays as hard as anyone. He will ment when it lost to Bishop Carroll in get after it on the defensive end and the sub-state finals on the Eagles’ bring energy. home court. MHS was seeking a fifth Cooper Courtney, a 6-3 senior, is straight appearance in the state title expected to have a breakout year. game, losing three years in a row to He’s long and athletic and has Miege after winning it all in 2015. shown explosiveness in the presea- Still, it was yet another good year son. for coach Kurt Kinnamon, who is Sam Pyle, a 6-4 senior, also has now 400 games over the .500 mark made tremendous strides, Kinnamon as the Bullpup leader as he’s a said. He, too, has become an remarkable 485-85 in his 24 years. aggressive player. Kinnamon enters Year 25 facing Hayes Schmid, a 6-0 senior guard, one of the more extensive rebuilding provides courage as he’s been deal- projects in a while. He must replace ing with cancer for quite some time. All-Stater Jake Alexander, now play- When he’s on the floor, he’s the ing a key role at MidAmerica 3-point shooter that can loosen up a Nazarene, as well as fellow starters defense. Another lights-out shooter Kyler Hoppes, Jace Kinnamon and Kurt Kinnamon reaches the quarter-century is 5-10 junior Eli Pyle, who can really Max Alexander. milestone this year as McPherson High boys get on a roll when he heats it up. But he’s excited to be getting back basketball coach. He has won 485 games while Adam Elliott, a 6-0 junior, can shoot the 3 and provides some to teaching the game as it will be a losing only 85 and has guided the Bullpups to six toughness. relatively inexperienced club. However, he’s been thrilled with the state championships. So the Bullpups should be at least preseason work ethic and chemistry. 8-deep and play a style that excites “It has been great to get back on the floor,” he said. “I am Kinnamon. pleased with how several players have improved skill-wise as well “We should be a very good outside shooting team,” he said. as athletically. I can really tell that they have put in significant “This is a team with good length that should do well on the offen- time. I have been pleased with how much the returners have sive and defensive glass. There are several guys that are inter- retained from last year.” changeable and can play a variety of positions.” The Bullpups will rebuild around 6-4 senior post Cody Stufflebean, who averaged 13.1 points and 8.9 rebounds as a jun- ior. Now being more of a focal point of the offense, he’s a double- 2088 E. South Front St. double waiting to happen. McPherson, KS 67460 Kinnamon, now 510-101 overall counting his time at Canton- Galva, is excited to plug in last year’s top reserves into the lineup. 620-241-6054 Seth Madron, a springy 6-1 sophomore, played well beyond his dacusauto.com freshmen years last season. He is a slasher as he can put the ball Proudly Supporting the Bullpups www.stockra.com Kevin Nelson, District Manager for 60+ Years Cell: (620) 245-7236 1-800-937-3558 HEDLUND ELECTRIC, INC. Email: [email protected] 1201 S. Main • McPherson www.bigiron.com 620-241-3757

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 7 As usual, there’s no backoff when it comes to scheduling in the non-league. After opening with a solid Andover team, MHS plays the next week at defending 5A champ Andover Central, then follows that up at 6A power Derby. A road game at always strong Kansas City Piper is new this year, while a road game against Wichita Collegiate (which has one of the state’s best players in Gradey Dick) and home games with Andale and Dodge City will certainly test MHS’ mettle. And, of course, the McPherson Invitational field is expected to be second to none, with Bishop Carroll the headliner. SCHEDULE Dec. 6 – Andover Feb. 4 – at Wichita Collegiate Dec. 10 – at Andover Central Feb. 7 – Andale Dec. 13 – at Derby Feb. 11 – El Dorado Dec. 17 – Buhler Feb. 14 – Winfield Dec. 20 – at Winfield Feb. 18 – at Buhler Feb. 21 – Circle Jan. 3 – Dodge City Feb. 25 – at Augusta Jan. 4 – at Kansas City Piper Jan. 10 – at Circle Mar. 4, 6 – Sub-state Jan. 14 – Augusta Mar. 11, 13, 14 – State at Emporia Jan. 17 – at El Dorado Jan. 23-25 – McPherson Invitational Seth Madron could emerge as one of the better sophomores in Class 5A after con- tributing heavily for the McPherson High boys as a freshman. Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. 118 N. Main St McPherson, KS 67460 Ian Miller Manager/Owner T:(620)241-3963 F: (620)241-2932

8 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Moundridge Moundridge Boys Expected To Have Another Solid Year Vance Unrau reached a milestone that few attain last season when he won his 500th game at Moundridge. Unrau begins his 33rd year coaching the Wildcats with a 502-254 record, which includes five state championships – the last coming in 1997. In fact, that was the golden era of MHS basketball as all five titles came in that decade. Unrau’s team had a typically strong season last year by going 16-9, losing in the sub-state finals to Caldwell. He must replace do-everything Dillon Vogts and suffered a big hit during the football season when expected 3-point shooter Collin Kohl injured a shoulder and will be out for the season. But it could be an inside-oriented team as 6-3 senior Brady Helms should be a force after averaging 11.7 points and 6.0 rebounds. He’ll be joined by 6-1 senior Daniel Kaufman, 6-1 junior Jon Schlosser and 5-11 junior Corbin Vance Unrau Unruh. After that, Unrau has about seven unproven players he’ll evaluate during the preseason, including 6-4 freshman Logan Churchill, whose size alone is a plus for a height-starved team. “The graduation of All-HOA Dillon Vogts leaves 18 points a game to fill,” Unrau said. “We return a solid inside presence in Brady Helms, Daniel Kaufman and Jon Schlosser. All three are physical players, good defenders and strong on the boards.” He’s looking to Unruh to headline the backcourt. “We go to young and inexperienced to fill starter and reserve roles,” Unrau said. “A huge concern of mine, to say the least. I think we have some very capable underclassmen, but we will be asking them to grow up in a hurry. Defense in the halfcourt and turning it into offense will have to be a priority for us.” Kessler Back On The Sideline For Moundridge Girls There will be a familiar face on the sideline for the Moundridge girls basketball team this season. Vicky Kessler, who once coached the Wildcats for four years, is back in charge as she takes over for Brian Holloway after a 14-7 season. Kessler has a distinguished history with the MHS girls, having compiled an 82-17 head coaching record. Before that, she was a longtime assistant coach to Sue Hetzke during the Wildcats’ glory years when they were reeling off state championship after state championship in the 1990s. Kessler definitely was left with some material to work with. She welcomes back one of the top 3-point shooters around in 5-9 junior Kourtney Kaufman, while 6-0 Katie Eichelberger may emerge as an inside force in her sophomore year. Katie Stucky, a 5-6 senior, and 5-4 junior Erin Durst are other starters back. Other players to watch are 5-4 junior Alea Durst, 5-5 MaKenzie Elmore and 5-5 junior Myiah Logue. Vicky Kessler Outside of Eichelberger, it’s another typical Moundridge team that relies on its perimeter play, which has been a common theme in recent years as the Wildcats generally have been shorter than most of the teams they play. “The team will have to quickly adjust to a new coaching staff and system,” Kessler said. “We will miss the leadership of last year’s senior class and will need to develop that quickly. The players will have to be ready to compete day-in and day-out due to a tough schedule. Our pre-season tournament always hosts strong competition, along with our HOA league competitors, and a solid midseason tournament at Haven. 2401 E. Northview Rd. McPherson, KS 67460 Office: 620-241-3553 1-800-364-4020 Fax: 620-241-3572

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 9 • MOUNDRIDGE BOYS SCHEDULE • • MOUNDRIDGE GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 – Elyria Christian School Dec. 6 – Elyria Christian School Dec. 10 – Inman Dec. 10 – Inman Dec. 12 – Lyons Dec. 12 – Lyons Dec. 13 – Hillsboro Dec. 13 – Hillsboro Dec. 17 – Little River Dec. 17 – Little River Dec. 20 – Conway Springs Dec. 19 – at Medicine Lodge Jan. 3 – at Oxford Jan. 3 – at Oxford Jan. 7 – Marion Jan. 7 – Marion Jan. 14 – at Remington Jan. 14 – at Remington Jan. 17 – Inman Jan. 17 – Inman Jan. 20-24 – at Canton-Galva Invitational Jan. 24 – at Goessel Jan. 31 – at Goessel Jan. 30-Feb. 1 – at Haven Invitational Feb. 4 – at Sterling Feb. 4 – at Sterling Feb. 11 – Trinity Catholic Feb. 11 – Trinity Catholic Feb. 14 – Berean Feb. 14 – Berean Feb. 18 – at Ell-Saline Feb. 18 – at Ell-Saline Feb. 21 – Sedgwick Feb. 21 – Sedgwick Moundridge is expecting Brady Helms to produce many double-doubles for the Wildcats this season. These Moundridge supporters will staunchly support their teams this year Partners in Family Care Pine Village Serving Central Kansas 524 S. 81 BYPASS, McPHERSON • 800-925-2021 • www.redigasonline.com

10 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Hesston Hesston Boys Look To Rebound This Season It was a season totally out of character for the Hesston boys basketball team last year. The Swathers, normally among the best teams in Class 3A, were decimated by injuries from the get-go and then stumbled in February as they ended the season with a 12-8 record. Greg Raleigh is hoping that last year’s if-it-could-go-wrong-it-did season was an aberration and his team can get back to being in the 3A title conversation. In his eight seasons, he has compiled a glittering 149-33 record (82 percent). Blake Martin and Cameron Cox were expected to be senior leaders last year, but injuries took them out. Grady Toews wound up being the only senior to make it through. “We will be young, tall and long,” Raleigh said. “Leadership and finding out the expected level of intensity might be an issue. We will have a lot of kids competing for varsity time. A few of our younger kids will definitely need to step up this year.” Greg Raleigh Two starters return in 6-1 junior Ben Bollinger (6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds) and 6-2 junior Jackson Humphreys (5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds). But there’s a host of other players back who will be in the mix, including top returning scorer 6-2 sophomore Casen Richardson, who averaged 9.7 points a game. Others back are 5-10 senior Max Arnold, 6-5 junior Andrew Schmidt, 6-2 sophomore Nick Arnold, 6-4 sophomore Brayden Schilling and 6-2 sophomore Ty Schroeder. Two intriguing prospects are 6-0 junior Braden Esau, out last year with an injury, and 5-8 junior Brady Cox, a really good athlete who didn’t play last year. Raleigh thus will be about 10-deep, which should make for some highly intense practices as players battle for some clock. Hesston Hesston Girls Look To Continue Excellence Excellence is just expected for the Hesston girls basketball team, which for the last 14 years under Matt Richardson has been achieved. Richardson begins season No. 15 full of optimism after the Swathers finished last year with a 17-4 record. “Last year was another fun season for us,” said Richardson, who is 255-68 as Swather coach. “Our one senior (Rylie Schilling) led us on both ends of the floor. Our underclassmen came on in the middle of the season in solid and resilient manner, taking us powerfully into the postseason. Defense and rebounding were vital to our success. Our girls division in the CKL has been extremely tough and will likely offer opportunities for skill development as well as team unity. With a tough preseason tourney and midseason tourney, our schedule has been a huge reason for our success over the years. The loss of lone senior Rylie Schilling will be big as she has some big shoes to fill.” So except for Schilling, the Swathers are going to look mighty familiar. The headliner is 5-10 senior Elise Kaiser, one of the best players in 3A as she is coming off a season in which she averaged 19.7 points and Matt Richardson 7.6 rebounds. She already has signed with NCAA Division II Newman University. Other letterwinners are 5-7 senior Marisa Vogt (5 points, 2.8 rebounds), 5-11 senior Lindsey Deegan, 5-8 Alex Martin, 5-5 sophomore Caryn Yoder and 5-7 sophomore Harley Ferralez. Many of these players are multi-sport athletes and bring a winning attitude. “Returning six players with varsity experience will definitely be a positive for us,” Richardson said. “The core foundation of our team has some solid experience. We hope to develop depth as the season goes on and we look to advance our young players so that they become comfortable and aggressive assets for us to use throughout the season.” Richardson always has been comfortable employing a lot of players. “We will not have a large number of players this year,” he said. “With a roster of around 20, our girls are going to have to come to practice and work hard every day. We have several kids who have varsity experience, piecing it all together as a unit and being able to think the game will be huge. Our senior class will be an enormous contributing factor as well as we try to support a couple of girls becoming healthy. Our last unknown will be to find out if our bench will step up and rise to the occasion. We will be experienced at a Open Mon-Thurs. COMPLETE DENTAL CARE couple positions and rebounding as seniors Elise Kaiser and Marisa Vogt in scoring. We have several holes to fill for the start of this 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. FOR ALL AGES season, but we will see who will step up.” 221 S. Ash St. • McPherson, KS 67460 • (620) 241-8303 Fax: 620-241-3455 Email: [email protected]

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 11 • HESSTON BOYS SCHEDULE • • HESSTON GIRLS SCHEDULE Dec. 6 – Sacred Heart Dec. 6 – Sacred Heart Dec. 10 – at Nickerson Dec. 10 – at Nickerson Dec. 12 – Wichita Independent Dec. 12 – Wichita Independent Dec. 13 – Emporia Dec. 13 – Emporia Dec. 17 – at Smoky Valley Dec. 17 – at Smoky Valley Dec. 20 – St. John Dec. 20 – St. John Jan. 7 – at Clearwater Jan. 7 – at Clearwater Jan. 10 – at Hoisington Jan. 10 – at Hoisington Jan. 14 – Smoky Valley Jan. 14 – Smoky Valley Jan. 17 – Halstead Jan. 17 – Halstead Jan. 20-24 – at Hillsboro Tournament Jan. 20-24 – at Hillsboro Tournament Jan. 31 – at Buhler Jan. 31 – at Buhler Feb. 4 – at Haven Feb. 4 – at Haven Feb. 7 – Hillsboro Feb. 7 – Hillsboro Feb. 14 – at Lyons Feb. 14 – at Lyons Feb. 18 – Larned Feb. 18 – Larned Feb. 21 – Nickerson Feb. 21 – Nickerson Feb. 25 – at Pratt Feb. 25 – at Pratt Hesston’s Elise Kaiser averaged nearly 20 points game as a junior and already has signed a letter of intent with Newman University. Cason Richardson is expected to be a solid offensive operative for the Hesston boys this year.

12 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Inman Boys Face Rebuilding Year After Inman Tremendous Season It was the year Inman boys basketball fans had been waiting for and the Teutons didn’t disappoint. Inman came within one game of playing for the Class 2A state championship, falling in the semifinals to eventual champion Ness City before coming back to defeat Pittsburg-Colgan for third place. Brett Froese’s team finished with a spectacular 22-3 record and he’s now an admirable 138-69 during his tenure. You could see last year coming as most of his seniors had been starting since their freshmen or sophomore seasons. Froese must now replace All-Staters Mason Thiessen and Payton Froese, who are both playing collegiately, along with unsung standouts such as Jaxon Eddy, Jordan Friesen and Michael Bledsoe. Froese is excited about the challenge as he’ll have to get back to teaching fundamentals in the preseason after last year’s experienced team was way ahead of the curve. Brett Froese “We are going to be super-young and super-inexperienced at the varsity level,” Froese said. “I like some of the skills these kids possess and overall we should shoot the ball better from the outside than we did a year ago. We are gonna really have to focus on rebounding the ball and taking care of it. I think this team should be more up-tempo. I do think we will be able to create some good depth throughout the year. It's obviously gonna be a learning process when you graduate six seniors that went to back-to-back state tournaments, and two of those are now playing in college, but I think the kids will compete and play hard.” The rebuild starts with 6-2 sophomore guard Jace Doerksen, who came on strong last year and could have started for any other team. Mason Carter, a 6-3 junior, gives Inman its only other experienced size. Froese said 5-11 senior Kolby Blank, 6-1 junior Derick Johnson, 5-9 sophomore Kyle Konrade, 5-9 sophomore Kendon Blank, 6-2 junior Brenton Thiessen and 6-0 senior Sam Kleinherinbrink are going to be in the scramble to fill the remaining starting spots. “I'm just looking forward to getting started with them,” Froese said. “We have a lot of learning to do to figure what style both offensively and defensively we can play. Our tank here at Inman isn't dry, we have a lot of young talent here now and coming up and I can't wait to get started with this group.” Two players who receive important clock as the season progresses are 6-3 Dawson Mannebach and 6-2 freshman Eli Brunk, especially with their height since it’s not a big team. Inman Girls Should Be A Top State Contender All the pieces appear to be in their rightful places. The Inman girls believe this may be the year they make a deep state tournament run. Inman is coming off an 18-4 season and coach Bill Maurer returns three starters and five other letterwinners. The Teutons are hoping to return to state, where they last appeared in 2018. “We are very excited about the upcoming season,” Maurer said. “We return eight players with varsity- level experience and bring in another very talented freshman class. We lost four really good seniors who meant a lot to our program, but we have four seniors this season who are ready and willing to lead our team.” Balance is expected to be the key again as it seemed every night a different player stepped up last year. Bill Maurer Leading the way are 6-0 senior Rachel Harman and 5-5 junior Dantlie Raney, both of whom earned Heart of America second-team mention. The other returning starter is 5-9 senior Lauren Mauer, who was honorable mention HOA. All three players averaged 6 points a game last year and are in line to perhaps double that output this season. “Rachel established herself as one of the best interior players in the league last year and has worked incredibly hard on her perimeter game over the summer,” Maurer said. “Rachel is a force on the defensive end, setting a new school record last season for blocked shots. We expect Rachel to increase both her scoring and rebounding numbers from last season and I believe she is poised to have an incredible senior season. “Dantlie is coming off one of the finest defensive seasons in school history,” Maurer said. “Dantlie established a new school record for steals and was one of the best defensive players in the area. Her athleticism and quick hands make her an elite on ball defender. Dantlie spent time in the offseason working on her offensive game and has improved her perimeter shooting from last year. “Lauren returns for her fourth year on our varsity team,” Bill Maurer said. “Lauren is an outstanding perimeter shooter and has worked hard to improve her ballhandling and passing skills. Lauren led our team last year in 3-point field goal percentage as well as free throw percentage. I also expect Lauren to have an outstanding senior season.” Returning letterwinners who will be in the fight for starting roles are 5-5 senior Ashtyn Schroeder, 5-5 senior Emma Froese, 5-8 junior Raegan Neufeld, 6-0 sophomore Reagan Brake and 5-8 sophomore Hannah Martisko. Maurer also is expecting a playing-time push coming from 5-6 sophomore Fiona McClain, 5-7 freshman Kadence Welch and 5-8 freshman Maci Neufeld as depth should be one of the team’s strengths. “The strength of our team again this season will be our depth,” Maurer said. “We hope to use that depth to our advantage and maintain constant defensive pressure on our opponent.”

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 13 • INMAN BOYS SCHEDULE • • INMAN GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 – Goessel Dec. 6 –Goessel Dec. 10 – at Moundridge Dec. 10 –at Moundridge Dec. 12 – vs. Hillsboro at Moundridge Dec. 12 –vs. Hillsboro at Moundridge Dec. 13 – vs. Lyons at Moundridge Dec. 13 –vs. Lyons at Moundridge Dec. 20 – Kingman Dec. 19 – at Wichita Independent Jan. 3 – Marion Jan. 3 –Marion Jan. 7 – at Berean Jan. 7 –at Berean Jan. 10 – at Burrton Jan. 10 –at Burrton Jan. 14 – Bennington Jan. 14 –Bennington Jan. 17 – at Moundridge Jan. 17 –at Moundridge Jan. 20-25 – at Burrton Invitational Jan. 28-Feb. 1 – at Sedgwick Invitational Feb. 4 – at Ell-Saline Feb. 4 –at Ell-Saline Feb. 7 – Sedgwick Feb. 7 –Sedgwick Feb. 11 – Remington Feb. 11 –Remington Feb. 14 – at Trinity Catholic Feb. 14 –at Trinity Catholic Feb. 18 – Sterling Feb. 18 –Sterling Feb. 21 – at Little River Feb. 21 –at Little River Feb. 25 – Herington Feb. 25 –Herington Jace Doerksen provided Inman with instant Dantlie Raney excels at both ends of the floor for offense off the bench last year, but now he moves the Inman girls basketball team. into the starting lineup for the Teutons. These proud supporters of Inman athletics wish the Teutons the best of luck this fall 365 Sports Complex Prairie Bank of Inman Inman Harvest Cafe R. Conrad Wagler Bankers Knackies Meats and Sweets Life & Casualty Good Luck Teutons from the Sawyer Family

14 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Smoky Valley Smoky Valley Boys Having To Replace 5 Starters Again For the second straight year, it’s like starting over for Smoky Valley boys basketball coach Doug Schneider. Two years ago, the Vikings started five seniors who led them to a state tournament appearance. Last year, with five new starters, the Vikings nearly made it back to state again, but lost in the sub-state finals to Thomas More Prep after upsetting Phillipsburg in the semifinals. Smoky Valley finished 9-13, which was quite commendable considering all the inexperience at the start of the season. Once again this year, Schneider will have an entirely new first five for the season opener Dec. 6 at Abilene. “We will be looking to new players to jump into the mix and continue where they left off last season,” said Schneider, who is now in his ninth year as head coach after he was an assistant for 11 years. “Overall, we can take off from where last year’s team left off on the defensive end. This team has quickness across the board and Doug Schneider brings a strong understanding of the game to be able to read other teams and create steals. Inside, we are not as tall as last season, but create a number of mismatches due to our moderate size and quickness. This team also has the ability to be a very strong outside-shooting team. We bring back a number of players who can stretch the court from as many as all five positions at any one time.” Leading the way for the Vikes will be 6-3 senior Cade Schneider, who came off the bench to score 8.3 points last year. He also averaged 2.4 rebounds. He’s expected to be a double-digit scorer in his final year. Matt Lucas, a 6-3 senior, gives the Vikings some size around the basket, while 6-1 senior Johann Rauchholz and 5-10 senior Trey Kennedy are other players who will contribute to the rebuild. Kennedy is another 3-point threat, according to Schneider, while he likes the defensive ability of Rauchholz. “Interior defense will be a question mark this season as we will be smaller compared to a number of teams inside,” Schneider said. “This was an issue last year at times and will need to be something we must shore up as the season progresses. This team is also going to need to work on cohesiveness on the floor. It will be a work in progress as the depth chart develops to find players who can feed off of other players to make a cohesive group that can work together to make the team the best it can be. As always, we must replace some very good players from last year’s team, but we have players who are chomping at the bit to fill those roles.” Viking Girls Begin Year 2 Under Van Der Wege It was a getting-to-know-you season for Smoky Valley girls basketball coach Larry Van Der Wege. In his first year at the helm of the Vikings, they turned in a 4-16 record. Van Der Wege returns two starters and three key reserves off that team. “My coaching staff and I are excited to begin this second year,” Van Der Wege said. “Last year was building the base of the program we want and now we can start to improve upon it. Our girls doubled the win total from the previous year and started to move the program in the right direction. We will need some girls without much varsity experience to step up this year, but I think they have that ability. Our JV team was 14-4 last year and a number of those players will be key contributors to our varsity this year.” Van Der Wege must replace honorable mention CKL pick Kira Haxton, as well as valuable contributors Lana Clark and Lindsey Gerlach. Larry Van Der Wege The rebuild centers on two returning starters, 5-3 junior Ellie Brumbaugh (7.2 points, CKL honorable mention) and 5-5 junior Kerington Haxton (6.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, CKL honorable mention). Three players who saw key minutes last year off the bench were 5-4 senior Ashlyn Bryant, 5-9 senior Kaylie Ryan and 5-9 junior Claire Broxterman as they should be the top candidates to fill the open spots. The CKL is a grind, as night-in, night-out the Vikings go up against talented teams. 119 S Main Street “We have a very talented league, as there are some girls that are Lindsborg, Kansas All-State contenders,” Van Der Wege said. “Each year there are one or more teams that make the state tournaments. I would anticipate that this year wouldn’t be any different. Nickerson, Haven, Halstead, (785) 227-8762 Hesston and Pratt are all perennial powers and all have some very talented girls.”

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 15 • SMOKY VALLEY BOYS SCHEDULE • • SMOKY VALLEY GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 –at Abilene Dec. 6 – at Abilene Dec. 10 –Southeast of Saline Dec. 10 – Southeast of Saline Dec. 13 –at Concordia Dec. 13 – at Concordia Dec. 17 –Hesston Dec. 17 – Hesston Dec. 20 –at Halstead Dec. 20 – at Halstead Jan. 7 –Hoisington Jan. 7 – Hoisington Jan. 14 –at Hesston Jan. 14 – at Hesston Jan. 17 –at Hoisington Jan. 17 – at Hoisington Jan. 20-24 –at Salina Invitational Jan. 20-24 – at Sterling Invitational Jan. 28 –at Trinity Catholic Jan. 28 – at Trinity Catholic Jan. 31 –Clay Center Jan. 31 – Clay Center Feb. 4 –Hillsboro Feb. 4 – Hillsboro Feb. 7 –at Larned Feb. 7 – at Larned Feb. 11 –at Lyons Feb. 11 – at Lyons Feb. 14 –at Pratt Feb. 14 - at Pratt Feb. 18 –Nickerson Feb. 18 – Nickerson Feb. 21 –Halstead Feb. 21 – Halstead Feb. 25 –Haven Feb. 25 – Haven Smoky Valley’s Cade Schneider is the top returning scorer for the Vikings this season. These Smoky Valley supporters will be rooting the Vikings on to another great season Don Bengtson Farm Bureau Financial Services Scott’s Hometown Foods Go Vikings! Dala Property Management - Dan Proctor & Marty Showalter

16 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Canton-Galva Boys Hope To Reverse Canton-Galva Last Year’s Record Shane Duncan is hoping the success of the Canton-Galva football season carries over to the hardcourt. Duncan begins his eighth year as C-G head coach and his team is coming off a 6-15 season. Some of the football players who were instrumental in the Eagles’ historic season this fall will be counted on to lead the way. A couple of potential starters, however, decided not play, but Duncan is still pleased with the experience his team has. “I’m very confident with the key nucleus we have returning, but we will have to develop role players and bench personnel to be successful,” Duncan said. “Our underclassmen have high basketball IQ and are solid perimeter shooters, so I am confident they will fill the positions quickly.” Tyson Struber, who is coming off a broken hand suffered in football, is expected to lead the way despite being just a sophomore. The athletic 6-3 Struber averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds and will be one of the better players in Class 2A as he could be a double-double machine. Other starters back are 6-1 junior Brayden Collins (8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds) and 6-1 senior Kinser Colgin Shane Duncan (7.5 points, 4 rebounds). For sure expected to fill an open spot is 5-11 junior Brayden Minson, while Duncan said there’s no shortage of candidates for the remaining minutes. “We have over 20 players on the team, so our numbers are solid,” Duncan said. “The future looks bright. We want to push the ball and spread the floor a little bit more than years past. I’m excited about the group of kids this upcoming season. I feel we are limited on upperclassmen, but high on leadership.” C-G Girls Hope To Continue Improvement You can excuse Shelby Hoppes if he’s been a bit distracted. Hoppes got a late start to the Canton-Galva girls basketball preseason as his Eagle football team was in the midst of an amazing run. But now it’s basketball season and Hoppes is shifting gears for what he hopes will be a deep postseason run as in his first year he improved the Eagles from 9-12 to 14-6 and returns all but one starter. Only valuable Kaysha Unruh, who did a lot of good things for the Eagles last year, must be replaced. “I’m very excited for the 2019-2020 season,” Hoppes said. “We had a very successful year last season in what was my first year coaching high school basketball and we return virtually all the scoring off that team.” Experience is a key. “We will have a big senior class that will bring leadership and experience from last season,” Hoppes said. “Hopefully we can turn that into another successful year.” Shelby Hoppes The Eagles will have one of the more dynamic 1-2 combos in the state. Junior guard Alexa Bell exploded last season to average 17 points a game as she was one of the better sophomores around. Bell, a 5-5 guard, was especially strong the second half of the season. The other star back is 5-7 senior Tia Moddelmog, a terrific three-sport athlete who has signed for track at Concordia of Nebraska. She averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds and is capable of a double-double every time she steps on the court. The unsung Jayci Mastre, a 5-4 junior, averaged 8 rebounds a game while giving away a lot of size, while the other returning starter is 5-8 senior Braylee Doughman. Carissa Klatt, a 5-5 senior, is another returning letterwinner. Of the newcomers, 5-8 Mimi Craig could make the biggest impact. 103 S. Main Canton, KS 67428 620-628-4425 www.statebankofcanton.com

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 17 • CANTON-GALVA BOYS SCHEDULE • • CANTON-GALVA GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 – at Rural Vista Dec. 6 – at Rural Vista Dec. 9-14 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 9-14 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 17 – at Lyons Dec. 17 – at Lyons Dec. 20 – Herington Dec. 20 – Herington Jan. 7 – at Centre Jan. 7 – at Centre Jan. 10 – at Wakefield Jan. 10 – at Wakefield Jan. 14 – at Little River Jan. 14 – at Little River Jan. 17 – Goessel Jan. 17 –Goessel Jan. 20-24 – Canton-Galva Invitational Jan. 27-31 – at Sedgwick Invitational Feb. 4 – Solomon Feb. 4 – Solomon Feb. 7 – Rural Vista Feb. 7 – Rural Vista Feb. 11 – at Elyria Christian Feb. 11 – at Elyria Christian Feb. 13 – at Goessel Feb. 13 – at Goessel Feb. 14 – Peabody Feb. 14 – Peabody Feb. 18 – Centre Feb. 18 – Centre Feb. 25 – Wichita Warriors Feb. 25 – Wichita Warriors Tyson Struber nearly averaged a double-double Alexa Bell is one of the top returning high school last year in just his freshman season as he’ll be a scorers in girls basketball this season as she’s mainstay for Canton-Galva as a sophomore. coming off a year in which she averaged 17 points game. These Canton-Galva supporters will be behind their team 100 percent this fall Auto House-Galva Rundstrom-Lauer Canton Meat Locker 56 Family Restaurant American Energies Corporation

18 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Elyria Christian School First Major Rebuild At ECS For Goodrich Zach Goodrich faces his first rebuilding effort since taking over as Elyria Christian School boys basketball coach. Goodrich’s first three years have been nothing short of glorious as the Eagles are a splendid 52-18, including a runner-up state finish in 2018. The Eagles followed up that tremendous season with a 15-7 record last year, but that team was buoyed by longtime senior standouts Caleb Froese, Aidan Fields, Tyler Huxman, Jonah Nelson and Cross Allen. “We will have to learn how to play basketball,” Goodrich said. “Do the fundamental things on both ends of the floor. Offensively, getting the right shot, setting good screens and making solid passes. We will start with the basics in the preseason and work to improve those areas throughout the year. “Defensively, playing defense without fouling. Learning where we need to be in relation to the ball. One pass away, two pass- Zach Goodrich es away and figuring out help rotations. It will be a learning year and it will depend on how fast our younger guys can catch on to what we are trying to do. This will be the youngest team we have had in the last four years with only two seniors and graduating some cornerstone pieces in the Eagle program.”. Goodrich will attempt to retool behind returning starters 5-8 junior Zach Stucky and 6-0 senior Jackson Stone. The ball will be placed squarely in Stucky’s hands after he averaged 6.2 points and 2 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field. Stone is coming off a year in which he scored 4.6 points and hauled in 3.8 rebounds while shooting a respectable 45 percent. Goodrich is counting on 6-3 senior Gage Schneider, 6-1 junior Bret Anderson and 5-8 junior Josef Hobson to make bigger contributions. After that, there’s a lot of uncertainty. “We will have to be sharp and really disciplined,” Goodrich said. “There is not a lot of varsity experience returning for us, so we will have to learn fast and see what we do well. Being around our core returners the last three and four years, I believe will help us down the stretch, but we will see what we are made of early in the season as our first five games are against some talented and well-coached teams.” Elyria Christian School Speed, Athleticism Keys for Elyria Christian School Girls Elyria Christian School’s girls, after being hit hard by graduation after the 2017-18 season, fell back last year as it was the beginning of the rebuilding process. Greg Fields, in his seventh year, saw his team drop from 12-9 to 5-16 as he went with a youth movement. He does have to replace three seniors from last year’s team, but they combined to score just 4.9 points a game. “The 2018-19 season was a year of transition and we learned a lot about the style of play that works best for this group of girls,” Fields said. “I am excited about the 2019-20 season as we utilize our speed and athleticism. We have a lot of girls that have had success in track and they are a very competitive group of players. Last year, we ended with the most steals as a team that we have ever had and I believe we can surpass that number this year. The key will be turning those steals into Greg Fields points on the other side of the floor.” The top returning scorer is 5-7 sophomore Kylee Penner, who had some good moments as a freshman last year in averag- ing 6 points and she started every game. Kilynn Starburg, a 5-8 sophomore, led the team in 3-point shooting, while sopho- mores 5-9 Olivia Clark and 5-9 Lauren Aden received a baptism by fire as freshmen by going up against other teams’ juniors and seniors. Also, key returnees are 5-7 senior Claire Adamyk (a good rebounder with nearly 4 a game last year), 5-7 sophomore Olivia Peters (another good rebounder with 4.3 last year) and 5-7 junior Connie Schott, who transferred from Hesston and competed in track for the Eagles as she excelled in the sprints. “Once again we will be a very young team, but fortunately our sophomore class gained a lot of experience last year,” Fields said. “We are starting the season with a very difficult schedule, so we will have to stay focused on getting better every day, staying positive and controlling the aspects of the game that we have control over. If we do that, I believe that we can build on the success that we saw during the second half of last season.”

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 19 • ELYRIA CHRISTIAN BOYS SCHEDULE • • ELYRIA CHRISTIAN GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 – at Moundridge Dec. 6 – at Moundridge Dec. 9 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 9 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 13 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 13 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 14 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 14 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 17 – Wichita Homeschool Dec. 17 – Wichita Homeschool Dec. 19 – at Solomon Dec. 19 – at Solomon Jan. 4 – at Central Christian Jan. 4 – at Central Christian Jan. 7 – Herington Jan. 7 – Herington Jan. 10 – Little River Jan. 10 – Little River Jan. 14 – at Wakefield Jan. 14 – at Wakefield Jan. 17 – Rural Vista Jan. 17 – Rural Vista Jan. 21-25 – at Centre Classic Jan. 21-25 – at Centre Classic Feb. 4 – at Goessel Feb. 4 – at Goessel Feb. 7 – at Peabody Feb. 7 – at Peabody Feb. 11 – Canton-Galva Feb. 11 – Canton-Galva Feb. 14 – at Centre Feb. 14 – at Centre Feb. 18 – Peabody Feb. 18 – Peabody Feb. 21 – Marion Feb. 21 – Marion Kylee Penner could have a breakout year for the Claire Adamyk is expected to step up and be a Elyria Christian School girls basketball team. leader for the Eagles of Elyria Christian School. E. Tom Pyle and Associates, PA (Tom and Penny) and Knackie’s Meats and Sweets are ardent supporters of Elyria Christian School athletics this year.

20 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Little River Morrow Returns To Coaching At Little River McPherson High graduate Wayne Morrow has coached basketball just about everywhere. He thought he was done for good 8 years ago when he hung up his whistle after stops at Norwich, Madison, Marysville, Newton, Valley Center and Larned. In fact, he couldn’t even come up with his career coaching record as some of the years seemingly ran together. But he got the itch again and when the Little River job opened up, he jumped at it. Morrow takes over a team that was 17-7 last year and will be painfully young as he doesn’t have any seniors. “We are also very small, our tallest player is 6-1,” Morrow said. “I don’t know the players well, so we’ll have a lot to learn.” But he does know he has three players to build around in juniors 6-1 Jayden Garrison, 5-10 Graham Stephens and 6-0 Trey Rolfs. Wayne Morrow Garrison earned All-State honors after an explosive sophomore season and had several games of more than 20 points. Stephens, who suffered a knee injury late in the football season and his availability is in question, is as tough as they come as he plays with intensity, while Rolfs’ first name says it all – he provides 3-point shooting. The key player to replace is Jace Garrison, who could do a little bit of everything. Morrow believes 5-9 junior Keaton Richardson will fill a spot, then after that it’s open auditions. “Without seniors, we will be looking for underclassmen to step up and lead,” Morrow said. “We have a good group of freshmen – but they are freshmen.” Little River Little River Girls Have High Aspirations The Little River girls basketball team enjoyed the same success last season as the year before. Little River matched its victory total from the previous season as Trey Look directed his team to a 15-7 record after going 15-8 in 2017-18. Don’t look now, but he’s already starting his fifth year as coach even though it seems just like yesterday that he was taking the reigns. The Redskins will be hard-pressed to replace do-it-all performer Kaylie Zimmerman, who is now at Sterling. She was All-League and earned All-State mention after averaging 12 points a game. But Look is flush with returnees otherwise as four starters return – 5-6 Emma McBride, 5-9 Morgan Konen, 5-7 Jaylie Bergkamp and 6-1 Lily Boughfman. Trey Look “Expectations are high again this year,” Look said. “We had a good season last year, but fell short of our ultimate goal (losing in the regional final). We did lose four valuable players, including Kaylie Zimmerman who is now playing at Sterling College, but as you see we return an experienced group of seniors and sophomores that have had years of varsity experience. This will be valuable for us this season, but we know that only gets you so far.” Look was excited with the amount of work his team put in during the summer. We saw some great improvement over the summer and the girls drive for success is off the charts,” Look said. We will have to figure out our rotations and roles as having such depth can make that tough. We should be pretty balanced in scoring as we have several guards that can score and great post presence. We will need to work together, control the game and limit our turnovers for us to take that next step.” Other players to watch are 5-6 senior Danielle Gadberry, 5-8 seniors Mackinzie Barta, 5-9 senior Isabelle Eberley, 5-10 senior Riley Bruce and 5-7 sophomore Mekenzie Renken as Look believes he has nine players he can play without falloff. The Redskins will be tested early as they do not play a home game in December, going on the road for their first six.

MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE 21 • LITTLE RIVER BOYS SCHEDULE • • LITTLE RIVER GIRLS SCHEDULE • Dec. 6 – at Lincoln Dec. 6 – at Lincoln Dec. 9-14 – at Goessel Classic Dec. 9 – at Goessel Tournament Dec. 17 – at Moundridge Dec. 10 – at Goessel Tournament Dec. 20 – at Rural Vista Dec. 14 – at Goessel Tournament Jan. 3 – Sacred Heart Dec. 17 – at Moundridge Jan. 7 – Peabody Dec. 20 – at Rural Vista Jan. 10 – at Elyria Christian Jan. 3 – Sacred Heart Jan. 14 – Canton-Galva Jan. 7 – Peabody Jan. 17 – Centre Jan. 10 – at Elyria Christian Jan. 20-25 – at Burrton Invitational Jan. 14 – Canton-Galva Feb. 4 – at Herington Jan. 17 – Centre Feb. 7 – Goessel Jan. 27-31 – at Hilltop Classic (Great Bend) Feb. 11 – Wakefield Feb. 4 – at Herington Feb. 14 – at Solomon Feb. 7 – Goessel Feb. 18 - at Pawnee Heights Feb. 11 – at Wakefield Feb. 21 – Inman Feb. 14 – at Solomon Feb. 18 – at Pawnee Heights Feb. 21 – Inman Raleigh Insurance and Shane Cordell will be backing the Little River teams this Season. McPherson MHS Wrestling Appears To Be Loaded Again Scott Radke became the third 126. straight McPherson High boys Jonah Clarke and Kourtney state wrestling champion last Craig made state at 170 and season. 220, respectively, but didn’t Radke followed in the foot- place. Others back are Landon steps of Rhett Edmonson Vogts, Lorenzo Cruzen, Collin (2018) and Austin Eldredge Pearson, Nate Rogers, Neill (2017) by winning the Class 5A Raymond and Jonah Scott. state title last year at 160 Kretzer is excited about twins pounds at Hartman Arena. Tucker and Treyton Pelnar, two But he graduated in May and freshmen who are expected to it’s never easy to replace a make an impact in the lower state champion. weights. Their father, Tony, is a And actually, MHS coach former Bullpup state champion. Doug Kretzer has to replace Kretzer believes his girls could two state champions as Mya make a run at the state title. Kretzer was a state champ on Haley Schafer is back after tak- the girls’ side, though last year ing second at state, while girls wrestling was not sanc- Kaleigh Marbut and Holli tioned by KSHSAA as it is this Scott Radke became the third McPherson High wrestler Giddings were third. Others to year. watch are Riley Baker, Aubree Doug Kretzer, however, won’t in the last three years to win a state championship, taking Martins, Catalina Palacios, have a shortage of candidates. Amethyst Hale, Arriana Gross, Edmonson potentially was on the 5A title at 160 pounds. Annah Turner-Simon, Jaycee his way to a state championship Rausch, Brittani Burgess, Sailor last year when he was sidelined Peterson and Madison Skytte. with knee surgery. He was a state champion as a sophomore at “We will be good on the girls side,” Kretzer said. “First year as a 120, but has had a growth spurt and it will be interesting to see KSHSAA sport, so I don’t know what the numbers are across the where he lands. state. I think we can contend for the state title. Many teams closed Landon Frantz, at 182, was third in the state last year, while the gap on us last year, so we will have our hands full.” Mason Thrash was fourth at 195. Landon Crews was sixth at

22 MID-KANSAS SPORTS MAGAZINE McPherson Cotton Takes Over As MHS Swimming Coach Matt Cotton believes he has the best assistant swimming While the team is short on numbers, it’s all about quality. coach in Kansas. “Luckily, our junior and sophomore classes are looking quite promising,” Cotton said. “Some names to watch for will be Rhys Cotton is taking over as McPherson High head boys coach as Vanderhoof (who qualified for state in 100 butterfly last year), Cody former coach Matt Morrow will be serving this year as an assis- Achilles (state alternate), Matt Powers (9th-fastest 500 free in the tant due to work obligations. state last year) and Logan Ediger, who are all returning as juniors. In the sophomore class, Ethan Burger has emerged as one of the Morrow is a three-time Kansas Coach of the Year, which is team's quickest breaststrokers. All of these guys came out for the voted on by his peers. summer season with the Aqua Pups, where they all made some definite progress in their times and started getting competitive in “Matt has built an incredible swim program here at MHS, one new strokes that had been outside their comfort zone, which bodes that I'm incredibly lucky and also a bit daunted to inherit,” Cotton well for our depth across the board in meets where we're going to said. “He's staying on as assistant coach and as the real brains be swimming against programs with a lot more bodies to draw from.” behind the operation while I continue to learn more about the The team also is partnering with Smoky Valley and Cotton hopes state of the sport and the training program Matt developed.” to bolster the numbers with some Viking swimmers. “Despite our loss of personnel, our goals for this season haven't Last year was a memorable one for the Bullpups as they cap- changed,” Cotton said. “We will still be competitive to win throughout tured their first-ever state gold medal as the 200 freestyle relay the season and we look to take home our fourth consecutive league team of Justus Hampton, Dawson VanGoethem, Silas Steinert title. Powers and Hampton will have a real opportunity to take home and Will Powers won the championship, while also taking the sil- some individual gold this year at state (a task no MHS boys swim- ver in the 400 freestyle relay. mer has achieved so far), and I think we have a good chance to finish in the Top 5 teams there as well.” “While Justus and Will are still going to be anchoring our team as seniors this year, the loss of Dawson and Silas, as well as Note: MHS Bowling starts in Janaury. three other state qualifying seniors (Reese Reiman, Simon Steinert and Zach LeBlanc), is going to hurt our ability to score points across the board, meaning our underclassmen are going to need to really step up.” BULLPUP BOOSTERS McPherson Church of Christ Good Luck To McPherson High’s Teams – Becca and Zack Lock. Go Bullpups! Have A Great Season MHS Teams – Keith and Sarah Razak Go Bullpups, Bring Home A Winner – Jill and Jamie Piper. Good Luck Pups from Harlin Meat Company Adventure Awaits Travel – Brad and Mary Johnson So Proud Of You Ryder, Sailor, Kendall and Kelby – Papa and Grandma Karla Central States Good Luck To All Bullpup Athletes -- McPherson High School Booster Club CS Computers Good Luck Bullpups From A McPherson High Grad -- Brian Long E. Tom Pyle and Associates (Tom and Penny) Let’s Go Bullpups! -- Christy Potter, Class of 1987 Elliott Insurance Go Bullpups From The Fawl Family -- Treg, Mollie, Tenley and Sage Fawl Headquarters Hair Care – Vail Henningsen Go Bullpups from Jennifer Rinker and Arbonne JAR Performance Automotive Have A Great Winter Season Bullpups -- Michael Piles Knackie’s Meats And Sweets Boys and Girls ‘Pups, Let’s Get 2 More Hoop Banners! – Randy Vaughn Nooks And Crannies Have A Great Season Bullpups -- Clint Smith Phil Walters, OD Support All McPherson High School Activities – McPherson High School Booster The Cook’s Nook Club Shelter Insurance-Josh Alexander Once A Bullpup, Always A Bullpup – The Chambers Family In Fort Worth, Texas Stewart’s Sports and Awards Roll Bullpups! – Stan Smith Stockham Family Funeral Home Good Luck Bullpups – Fern And Gary Hess Tim Cheatham Construction Go Bullpups! – Judi And Kent Schmidt Turkey Creek Golf Course Have a Great Year Bullpups! – Lori And Monty Koehn Ellene McKean Real Estate Go Bullpups, Win State! – Richard Olson Kleinsorge Construction, Inc. Gold For The Gold Bullpups! – Edna and Cliff Hawkes Mid Kansas Machine - Doug Schulz Good Luck To All Teams – The Tim Schmidt Family (Tim, Baylee, Monroe and Good Luck Bullpups From Captivate Salon. Zoee). Good Luck Bullpups From Great Plains Family Medicine And The Herrera Family. Jann and Danny Glidewell Elaine Duerksen Go Bullpups From Culligan of McPherson -- From Tracy, Kim, Lacey, Doug, Jason, Travis and Bobby. 401 N. Oak, McPherson, Phone 620-241-4282.

McPherson High Wrestling, Swimming & Bowling Schedules –WRESTLING– –SWIMMING– –BOWLING– BOYS GIRLS Dec. 7 – at Maize Invitational Jan. 7 – Triangular at Wichita Collegiate (Cheney) Dec. 5 – at El Dorado Dec. 7 – McPherson Invitational Dec. 10 – at Topeka Hayden Invitational Jan. 11 – at Carroll Invitational Dec. 12 – Double Dual (Smoky Valley, Chapman) Dec. 14 – at Burlington Invitational Dec. 19 – at Wichita Heights Invitational I Jan. 14 – Triangular at Wichita (Augusta, Goddard) Dec. 13-14 – at Colby Invitational Dec. 20 – at Abilene Invitational Jan. 11 – at El Dorado Invitational Jan. 24-25 – at Wichita North Invitational Dec. 19 – at Augusta Jan. 11 – at Burlington Invitational Jan. 14 – at Hutchinson Invitational Jan. 31 – Circle (Starlite Lanes) Dec. 21 – at Abilene Invitational Jan. 25 – at Wichita Heights Invitational Jan. 16 – at Salina South Invitational Feb. 5 – at Salina Invitational Jan. 11 – at Burlington Invitational Feb. 1 – at Fredonia Invitational Jan. 25 – at Wichita Heights Invitational II Feb. 7 – Andale, Salina South (Starlite Lanes) Jan. 16 – Circle Feb. 8 – at Wichita South Invitational Feb. 1 – at Wichita Northwest Feb. 14 – Buhler (Starlite Lanes) Jan. 17 – at Newton Tournament of Champions Feb. 15 – Regional at McPherson Feb. 8 – at Manhattan Invitational Feb. 17 – at Mulvane Jan. 24-25 – at Hays Invitational Feb. 27 – State at Salina Feb. 15 – League at El Dorado Feb. 20 – League, TBA Jan. 30 – Winfield Feb. 21-22 – State at Topeka Feb. 28 – Regional, TBA Feb. 7-8 – at Rose Hill Invitational Mar. 6 – State at Wichita Feb. 13 – at Buhler Feb. 21 – Regional, TBA Feb. 28-29 – State at Park City KNGL MONDAY-FRIDAY 1540 AM DAILY LINEUP DAN PATRICK MIKE GALLAGHER 8 - 11 A.M. DAVE RAMSEY 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. 2 - 5 P.M. ALSO LISTEN FOR KANSAS & AGRICULTURAL NEWS REPORTS.