Salina South’s Juan Escobedo – Poll Winner – Presented by Visit Wichita
By Blake Chadwick “The pie is big enough for everyone if we all just do our job,” senior center defensive midfielder Juan Escobedo said. This is the motto for Salina South soccer team this year. A team that is led by Escobedo, and a team that will be hungry to make it back to state […]
Salina South’s Elian Moreno – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Spencer Cleaning
By Cooper Chadwick Hoping to break his school record in his senior year, Salina South’s Elian Moreno is excited for this upcoming season. Last season Moreno ran 17:06 at state and hopes to break that this year in his very first meet. He hopes his offseason training will have him prepared. “I have been involved […]
Sterling’s Chelsie Brown – Poll Winner – Presented by Visit Salina
By Blake Chadwick Sterling’s Chelsie Brown Returns After Perfect 36-0 State Championship Season Sterling senior Chelsie Brown is coming off a historic season—finishing 36-0 and capturing a state championship. Now, she’s back with her sights set on doing it again. “To elevate myself this season, I just want to continue to improve my game,” Brown […]
Clay Center’s Kylie Pfizenmaier – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hog Wild Pit BBQ
Rain or shine, Clay Center cross country runner Kylie Pfizenmaier was at this summer, working with her coach. Last season, the senior took fourth at the state meet, but she wants to place even higher in 2025. “We start at 6:30, five days a week, no matter if it’s raining outside, and he expects us […]
Salina Sacred Heart’s Noah Hines – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
By Matt Browning The Salina Sacred Heart football team has dealt with a multitude of injuries throughout the early part of the season. But with those players slowly coming back, wide receiver Noah Hines is confident the season can be turned around. “Having the team back fully healthy definitely boosted our confidence level as a […]
Hanover’s Katie Holle – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Collins Land & Cattle and Wildcat Express
By Blake Chadwick After winning the Class 1A-II state championship a year ago to become back-to-back state champions, the Wildcats return all but one member of last year’s 42-1 team. One of those key returners is senior Katie Holle. Holle will look to help lead the Wildcats to another state champion to complete the three-peat. […]
McPherson’s Tripp Pelzel – Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning The McPherson boys cross country team took third at the state meet last season and returner Tripp Pelzel is excited that even better things are in store for the 2025 season. “I’m super excited to see what our team can do this year after finishing third at state last season,” Pelzel said. “We […]
Moundridge’s Haylee Jantz – Poll Winner – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning For her sophomore season, Moundridge cross country runner Haylee Jantz was the only girl on her team and then as a junior, she had one teammate. Now a senior, Jantz is excited to have a full team. “So this is my first year with an actual team I can score with,” Jantz […]
Ellsworth Volleyball – Team Spotlight – Presented by Wildlife Properties Land Company
By Matt Browning With so many players back from last season’s 21-19 team, optimism is abound for the Ellsworth volleyball team this season. “We had over 20 plus girls in the gym all summer learning the new system,” said coach Kristy Rodriguez. “Practices have been extremely competitive; girls are pushing each other to elevate their game.” […]
Ellsworth’s Alexis Moore – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Connally Agency
By Matt Browning Ellsworth’s Alexis Moore understands that volleyball can be a frustrating sport at times, but being able to overcome the mental hurdles is just one area she is focused on improving for the 2025 season. My main area for improvement is ‘controlling the controllables,’” Moore said. “I want to be able to brush […]