Salina South’s Elle Barth – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
By Matt Browning The Salina South girls basketball team went 10-11 last season and returning starter Elle Barth is hopeful that number wins will increase dramatically in 2026. “As a team, I hope we have a winning record, not by just a few games, but by several,” Barth said. “It would be really exciting to host […]
Salina Central’s Brooke Banninger – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
By Cooper Chadwick Looking to lead her team to a more successful season than last year, shooting guard Brooke Banninger is excited for this season. “I’m most excited to play our crosstown rival, South. Early in the schedule, we face a lot of tough competition, and I believe those games will prepare us to be […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Kade Smith – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning One of the main reasons football player Kade Smith loves Hutchinson Community College is the support the students and staff provide. But it’s also nice how good the athletics and academics are, too. “There’s a multitude of people on and off campus who are so loving and willing to support,” Smith said. “Athletically […]
McPherson’s Carsen Bruce – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Bluestem
By Blake Chadwick For McPherson senior Carsen Bruce, bowling is more than a sport — it’s a discipline that has shaped who he is. “Bowling requires an insane amount of focus and repetition to be consistent,” Bruce explained. “Staying relaxed helps me stay focused and not get upset with myself if I’m doing badly.” This […]
Salina Sacred Heart’s Nicole Richards – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Nex-Tech
By Hayden Swope As the season approaches, Salina Sacred Heart’s NicoleRichards enters her senior year with months of preparation and ball-knowledge behind her. “This past summer, I participated in workouts with my team while in the weight room to improve in strength and speed to increase my rebounds for the team,” Richards said. “I also […]
Abilene’s James Stout – Coach of the Month – Presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic
By Matt Browning James Stout has been the head wrestling coach at Abilene for 23 years and during that span, his teams have won four state titles. But more than any trophy or award, Stout is proud of the impact he and his staff have had on so many young men. “I have seen so […]
Sterling’s Aleya Ravenstein – Call of the Wild Athlete – Presented by Commercial Tire
By Matt Browning Prior to her involvement in FFA Sterling’s Aleya Ravenstein never had much interest in joining the club, but one conversation changed that. I have been involved in FFA all four years of high school,” Ravenstein said. “The farmer I worked for encouraged me to get involved.” Being able to compete in FFA is […]
Beloit’s Brogan Monty – Prep Performance of the Month – Presented by Hog Wild Pit BBQ
Beloit senior Brogan Monty is one of the best wrestlers in the state. Competing at 144 pounds, Monty enters his final high school season as one of Kansas’ most decorated and respected competitors, and his goals remain as ambitious as ever. Monty’s strengths begin with the mentality that has shaped him since he firststepped onto […]
McPherson’s Colton Johnson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning McPherson’s Colton Johnson suffered a bulging disc in his back that caused nerve damage. This led him with no left side core activation. He chose to use Advanced Physical Therapy to get him back on the football field. “It just took time and I let my back heal,” Johnson said. “I didn’t get […]
Canton-Galva’s Faith McMannis – Student Spotlight – Presented by Commercial Tire
By Matt Browning Canton-Galva’s Faith McMannis has long viewed the rodeo, agriculture and FFA has passions. But recently she made her passion a competition. There are some similarities between those competitions (cross country, basketball and track and field) and rodeo and FFA competitions,” McMannis said. “They all take hard work and dedication to be successful. […]