North Central Kansas Winter Sports Magazine Preview
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Kaia Smith – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning Hutchinson Community College basketball player Kaia Smith sees both athletic and academic advantages from being a Blue Dragon. “I wanted to go somewhere where I knew I would be pushed to work harder than everyone around me,” said Smith, about Hutch CC’s athletic department. “From an academic standpoint, I really enjoy how engaging […]
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 […]
Teegan Haines – Blue Dragon Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning There are many reasons why Teegan Haines chose to play football at Hutchinson Community College. From the quality of the athletic programs, to the way students are pushed academically, to the community support, Haines loves being a Blue Dragon. “All of the athletics we provide have great opportunities to continue your sport […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – L.T. Robinson – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning The history and prestige is what led Wichita East’s L.T. Robinson to choose Hutchinson Community College to play football. Year after year, the Blue Dragons produce some of the best junior college players in the nation. “They have produced so many players year in and year out that are currently at the […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Brie Brawner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning One of the more appealing aspects to attending Hutchinson Community College is how easy it is to connect with the students and professors. That was one of biggest reasons Brie Brawner, a Haven graduate, chose Hutch CC. “Since being on campus, I’ve really come to appreciate the close-knit community,” Brawner said. “There’s a lot of pride in being a Blue Dragon, and you can feel that energy at games and events. The instructors are approachable and genuinely want to see you succeed. The reputation Hutch CC has with its academics and athletics was another […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Ryan Ruggiero – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning Hutchinson Community College’s Ryan Ruggiero has a unique situation as a Blue Dragon. Not only does the redshirt freshman play baseball, but he also plays in the jazz band. The fact that he was able to do both was one of the things that was so appealing about Hutch CC for Ruggiero. […]
McPherson’s Alivia Villalobas – Soccer Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Cooper Chadwick Focusing more on the mental aspect of things this season senior Alivia Villalobos wants to make her last season of soccer one to enjoy. One way Villalobos is working to make this season special is by helping create a family dynamic at McPherson that will pick you up when you are down. […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Landon Forbes – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning When Landon Forbes had the opportunity to transfer from Fort Hays State to Hutchinson Community College to play basketball, it was too good to pass up. “First, Hutch fits my style of play better,” Forbes said. “The game is played at a much quicker pace, allowing for more transition opportunities. Also, I […]
Clay Center’s Gabrielle Koopes – Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College

By Matt Browning Clay Center’s Gabrielle Koopes knows there is always work to put in. No matter how much success she has, Koopes can find little intricacies that need to be fixed. “I focus improving my strength and technique,” Koopes said. “Technique is something we can always improve on and practice to get better at.” There are […]