Minneapolis’ Grant Rice – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Carrico Implement
By Hayden Swope: As his final high school season approaches, Grant Rice of Minneapolis is focused on making the most of every moment on the field with his teammates. “I’m really excited to just go out and have fun this season,” Rice said. “Since it’s my last season, I want to make sure I enjoy […]
Marion’s Kadon Mercer – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Spur Ridge
By Hayden Swope Kadon Mercer of Marion is eager to take on a leadership role and help guide a young team to success as the spring season kicks off. “I am extremely excited to lead a young team and help to coach them up,” Mercer said. “I believe that helping younger players is the best […]
McPherson’s Carter Bengston – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Peoples Bank and Trust
By Cooper Chadwick Junior middle infielder Carter Bengston is excited to see how McPherson’s new group of guys will compete this season. “We have a ton of new players stepping up and we have put in a ton of work this offseason and I believe it’s going to show on the field. I have been […]
Garden Plain’s Jaicey Stuhlsatz – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Simply Hygiene
By Matt Browning Garden Plain senior volleyball and basketball player Jaicey Stuhlsatz chose to volunteer and host a hygiene drive at her high school because helping others is something she is passionate about. “I like to volunteer and help those in need,” Stuhlsatz said. “Simply Hygiene gave me that opportunity and it opened me up […]
Lyons’ Hendrix Starbuck – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tory Tipp Insurance & Partners
By Cooper Chadwick After placing sixth at state last year, Lyons senior Hendrix Starbuck is excited for his last year of high school track and field. “I’m most excited to throw at new meets and meet new people this season. I’m also ready for the competition. I love to compete and push myself to be […]
Marion’s Wyatt Soyez – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by 56 Express Tire & Service
By Hayden Swope Marion’s Wyatt Soyez has been a two-time all-state track athlete, and is looking forward to seeing how his team comes together during what he believes will be a memorable year. “I am most excited about the team as a whole this season,” Soyez said. “Unfortunately, we lost a great senior class that […]
Sacred Heart’s Ben Marrs – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Wichita
By Matt Browning Salina Sacred Heart golfer Ben Marrs isn’t one of those guys you will find grinding on the range hour after hour. Instead, Marrs has his own preference for how to improve his game. “I spent most of my time last summer getting out and playing as much golf as possible,” Marrs said. […]
Salina Central’s Allison Robinett – Track Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning Last season, Salina Central’s Allison Robinett finished in the top five in Class 5A in discus, javelin and shot put. But that is not enough. Robinett has big plans for her 2026 season. “In the off season, I really focus on strength training and working on my technique,” Robinett said. “I added in […]
Republic County’s Owen Harms – Track Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning Republic County’s Owen Harms has come a long way since suffering a devastating knee injury in eighth grade. He broke his kneecap while running the hurdles and had to have four screws in his knee for seven months. Fast forward to last season, and Harms qualified for state in the 100-meter hurdles. […]
Hillsboro’s Jace Forkner – Tennis Poll Winner – Presented by WSU Tech
By Matt Browning Hillsboro’s Jace Forkner did not qualify for the state tournament last season as a junior, but he is optimistic that will not be the case this year. For his senior season, Forkner plans to primarily focus on singles rather than splitting time between singles and doubles like he did in 2025. “My […]