Clay Center’s Owen Craig-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Nex-Tech
By Matt Browning Last season, Clay Center’s Owen Craig was a second team all-league defensive back, where he racked up 50 tackles with one interception. But Craig was a two-way player for the Tigers, so he also had 1,000 all-purpose yards. Craig has some lofty goals in mind for his 2024 season, both individually and […]
Tracer Murdock-Concordia High School-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Hog Wild
By Matt Browning Over the past two seasons, the Concordia football program has gone a combined 4-14. So a change has been welcomed for Panther defensive end Tracer Murdock. “The thing I’m most excited for this season is the change,” Murdock said. “I’m excited for all the new change we have with the new […]
Smoky Valley’s Gabe Baker: Salina Area Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Smoky Valley Chiropractic, P.A.
By Matt Browning Besides playing for an emerging team, Smoky Valley’s Gabe Baker has a special reason to be excited for his senior season. “I am excited about a couple things,” Baker said. “We have a very promising team that knows how to work hard even through adversity. I’m also very excited to be able […]
Clay Center’s Cole Pladson-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Visit Salina
By Matt Browning/Photo credit Phil Frigon Clay Center’s Cole Pladson has committed to play baseball at Oklahoma State and is one of the top players in the state. But he’s also a decorated football player, too. Last season, Pladson was one of Class 3A’s best two-way players. On offense, he had nearly 1,700 total yards […]
Abilene’s Weston Rock-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Cloud County Community College
By Hayden Swope Abilene’s Weston Rock has been preparing for the upcoming football season with one thing and one thing only on his mind. The first team all-league wide receiver has big aspirations for his team this season. “The whole summer we’ve been in the weight room with one goal in mind, to win each […]
Salina Central’s Tyrus Young-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by American Family Insurance-Wells
By Matt Browning Tyrus Young from Salina Central was one of the best linebackers in the state last season, as he recorded 62 tackles – three of which were for a loss. He was then voted as a first team all-state selection. What does Young have in store for 2024? “This year I would like […]
Salina Central’s Gage Gibson-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by American Family Insurance-Neuschafer
By Matt Browning There are so many aspects to blocking that makes an offensive lineman a good one. Salina Central’s Gage Gibson, who was a first team all-state selection in 2023, knew he wanted to break down each nuance of the position, so that he can be even better this season. “Technique is something I […]
Inman’s Dylan Larson-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by McMannis Cattle and Sawyer Family Angus
By Hayden Swope Dylan Larson of Inman often reminisces back to his freshman year when the Teutons made it all the way to the state championship game. “My favorite memory of high school football is from my freshman year when we went to state,” Larson said. “Although we lost in a heartbreaking fashion it was […]
Clifton-Clyde’s Oliver Nobert-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Elk State Bank
By Matt Browning Clifton-Clyde has gone 14-5 over the past two seasons, but has not been able to advance deep into the playoffs. The Eagles’ Oliver Nobert wants that to change in 2024. “One of my team goals is to win every game possible,” Nobert said. “I want to see us return as Divisional Champs […]
Salina Central’s Jack Gordon-Athlete Spotlight-Presented by Farm Bureau Financial Services
By Matt Browning Salina Central’s Jack Gordon already has one game circled on the 2024 schedule. “I’m very excited to play Salina South week one knowing they are a cross-town rival,” Gordon said. Being the Mustangs’ starting quarterback means being the unofficial leader of the team. Gordon made it a point to develop chemistry with […]