Marion’s Eli Klenda – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by 56 Express Tire & Service
After a standout cross country season, Marion’s Eli Klenda entered track season with one clear goal in mind: getting faster when it mattered most. “I really wanted to get faster this season in order to close faster at the end of races,” Klenda said. That focus has helped fuel another strong year for the Marion […]
Ell-Saline’s Delaney Fouard – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
Ell-Saline High School senior Delaney Fouard adjusted her track and field role this season after a hip injury from cross country limited her ability to run distance events, leading her into a new event and a new mindset in the throwing circle. Fouard, who previously stayed involved as a track manager, decided this spring to […]
Southeast of Saline’s Regan Duran – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
For Southeast of Saline High School junior Regan Duran, success in track and field is about more than medals and records. It is about growth, leadership and sharing unforgettable moments with teammates. Duran has already built an impressive résumé across multiple sports, but her focus this spring has remained clear. “My primary focus for this […]
Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
It has been about growth, leadership and making the most of every opportunity alongside a close-knit team chasing big goals for Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop. “My primary focus for my senior season was improvement and enjoying it,” Bishop said. “With it being my last season, I wanted to continually get better and take in every […]
Salina Central’s Isak Howe – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Nex-Tech
After missing an entire season because of a devastating ankle injury, Isak Howe has returned stronger than ever for Salina Central High School. The senior runner has turned perseverance, discipline and leadership into a standout final high school track and field season while helping lead the Mustangs’ relay teams toward a potential state berth. “My […]
May/June 2026 North Central Kansas Magazine
Republic County Track – Team Spotlight – Presented by Trigard Concrete Products
By Blake Chadwick The Republic County track and field program continues to build a culture centered on daily improvement, strong finishes and consistent competitiveness across boys and girls events. Now in his 10th year coaching track, head coach Blake Erkenbrack has shaped the program around steady growth and accountability. “My coaching philosophy is to try […]
Inman’s Riley Roots – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Fuqua Construction
By Blake Chadwick Riley Roots is a senior at Inman High School who has built his identity as a distance runner through consistency. The senior competes in the 1,600 meters, 3,200 meters and 4×800 relay and has become one of the most dependable athletes in the program, contributing at a high level across multiple events. […]
Marion’s Jesse Snyder – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by 56 Express Tire & Service
By Matt Browning Rather than focusing on speed or acceleration, Marion’s Jesse Snyder emphasized strength during the offseason to improve his performance. “Throughout my off season I have focused more on improving on my lifts such as hang clean and squat to really work on explosive power,” Snyder said. “Since December I have managed to […]
Moundridge’s Heath Churchill – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Skatetime LLC
By Cooper Chadwick Helping Moundridge’s boys finish second at state last year, senior Heath Churchill is excited to see how much he and his teammates have improved since then. Churchill competes in the high jump, 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and the 4×400-meter relay for Moundridge. His versatility gives him the opportunity to score valuable points […]