Comments are directly from their coaches who filled out a Vype questionnaire.
If you want to nominate an athlete to be added to the list please email [email protected].
Tyler Manske – Valley Center
Had a breakout year as a junior that included two state medals and four state qualifications. Tyler medaled in the 100 and 200 at State, and was on the 4×1 and 4×4 team that qualified for state as well. A great kid with incredible athleticism who is highly coachable, leads by example and has great humility. He will look for another big senior year.
Nathan Webb – Valley Center
Nathan had an outstanding freshman year – he was on our 4×4 team that qualified for state, our 4×8 team that medaled at state and broke the school record, and was an individual qualifier in the 800. He has a competitive drive that is unmatched; he just refuses to lose as anchor leg. On top of that he has a vibrant personality that is always cracking jokes and lightening the mood, no matter the situation.
Cole Stapleton – Valley Center
Outstanding kid who leads by example. Fairly quiet, goes about his business, but loves track and field and works hard to improve. He puts in a lot of work outside of practice to improve, and is as coachable as they come. He is looking to continue his track & field career into college, and he is looking for a great senior year!
Geo Miller – Valley Center
One of the biggest personalities on the team, Geo is a hoot to be around. He is as goofy as they come, but works his tail off and does everything the right way. He is incorruptible – he knows to always do the right thing, no matter who is around him. He doesn’t let anyone bring him down, he will always work as hard as he can and will encourage others to do the same in the process.
Cooper Nation – Valley Center
Cooper was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries, which was corrected when he was young through open-heart surgery. As a seventh grader, he developed atrial tachycardia and had to be life-flighted to Kansas City for another procedure. There were times when he was younger where it might’ve been a concern for him in all sports in general. But he’s found a consistent routine that has allowed him to compete. His first year ever in track & field was as a freshman, and he just took a chance in coming out for it. He ended up loving it, and has committed much of his life to it over the course of the last four years. He is a very talented athlete with a big personality who will give his all to the team. He has been awesome to have on the team for the last four years.
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Isaac Jury – Remington
Isaac is a great kid. Dependable, hard-working, honest, and high moral values.
Emily O’Brien – Remington
Emily does a little bit of everything for the team. She sprints, hurdles, relays, and at times mid-distance. She is a great teammate. She does a great job at encouraging and uplifting those around her.
Annie Entz – Remington
Annie is a great person. She works hard at whatever she is doing, plays multiple sports, is involved in various activities through her church, plays a significant role in our community VBS (Vacation Bible School), and helps facilitate our FCA at school.
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Sam Siegrist & Asia’h Sullivan – Andover
Sam and Asia’h both had great freshmen track seasons. Sam was a part of our second place 4×8 team and 5th place 4×4 team. She also qualified in the open 800. I expect her to have a huge impact this season, in the 400, 800, and 1600. Asia’h was a part of our 5th place 4×4 team and 6th place 4×1 team. She also qualified in the open 200. Just like Sam, I expect her to be a big part of our success this season!
Jordyn Cleary – Andover
Jordyn is our senior leader. Not only is she a hard worker, but she’s also one of our most talented athletes. Her desire to be successful translates to everything she does in life. She leads by example and brings everyone else along for the ride. I am looking forward to watching her compete for one more season! She has signed for XC and Track to go to Washburn University.
Janae Kelly – Andover
Janae is the perfect example of what it means to have strong character. She is consistently kind, respectful, and reliable, always treating everyone around her with genuine care—whether it’s her classmates, teachers, or teammates. Janae is always ready to lend a hand, stepping up to help in any situation without expecting anything in return. Integrity and honesty guide her every action, and she handles responsibility with a maturity that exceeds her age. Her positive attitude and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, even when no one is watching, make Janae an outstanding role model.
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Makhila Maupin – Oxford
Makhila is the two time defending state champion in the 100m dash. Last year she also won the 200m at state while also breaking the state track meet record. She also placed third place in the 400m dash at state being the first season she had run the 400m. With all of that she has also signed to continue her track career at Pitt State University.
Yasmin Gardea – Oxford
Yasmin was a state qualifier in both the 100mh and 300mh as a junior last year. She also won the 100mh, 300mh, high jump, and was part of the 4x100m winning at the SCBL league meet. Yasmin is extremely hard working and leads by her work ethic.
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Ryder Slack – Belle Plaine
Ryder is an athlete most coaches would want on their team. Ryder is a silent leader, does what he is supposed to in the classroom, weight room and on the track. He is one you can count on to do the correct number of reps during practice. Ryder Slack broke some school records in long jump, and was league champ with 21-8.75. Ryder was a key component for them to have a chance at the podium during state. 4*100 was ranked going into the state meet with top place finisher, however he pulled his hamstring during the prelims, he continued to fight his way to hand the baton to his teammate. Ryder however is a junior and his goal this year is to be back at state and on the podium.
Emmett Lawless – Belle Plaine
Emmett Lawless was a stand alone Freshman Pole vaulter at Belle Plaine. Emmett is hopeful he will build off of last year’s season. Started the season jumping just over 6 feet and by the end of the season, Emmett had shown growth where he was able to compete at CPL and regionals.
Brody Swaney – Belle Plaine
Brody Swaney, a sophomore at Belle Plaine High School, has been a notable athlete in track and field. Brody’s versatility has made him a valuable asset to both the track and field and basketball teams at Belle Plaine High School.
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Kinsey Zorn – Russell
As a freshman last year, she qualified in four events (400, 800, 4×400, and 4×800) and placed in three of them. She was the anchor of a 4×800 team that broke the team record of 10:02.15 and placed fourth at state. She placed 5th in the open 400 with a time of 59.92 and placed third in 800 with a time of 2:23.92.
Jaden Ney – Russell
Jaden Ney has tried ten different events while on the track team throughout her high school career. She is willing to try any event that might get her to state and help the team. She is a great athlete and will do whatever is asked of her from all her coaches.
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Madison Williams – Clearwater
Madison is one of the most decorated track athletes in the state. In three years, she is a 5X state champion, 12X state medalist, holds or is a part of four school records, and has recently signed with Pitt State to continue her career.
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Quinton Rolle Jr. – Wichita Heights
State runner-up in 110HH and ran the fastest time in 6A last year 14.32. Stepped up at regionals and ran 49 splits on the 4×4 to qualify for state where they finished 4th. One of the best 19 & under hurdlers in the Bahamas. Also a great basketball player for Life Prep Academy.
Jolyn Jacobs-Garza – Wichita Heights
Can really run any event up to the 1600 but does whatever is best for the team. Trevon Hayes Ran a huge third leg on the 4×4 team at regionals after losing a couple of seniors that had to leave for graduation.
Secret Dye – Wichita Heights
All-State hurdler with 3.5 GPA has received interest from the Army.
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Will Wegerer – Cunningham
Will Wegerer is a Senior athlete from Cunningham that excels in sport and academics. Will’s work ethic is the most disciplined I’ve seen in my 18 years of teaching. Will is the current State Pole Vault Champion and is also regarded as one of the best QBs and Basketball guards in the state! Will is the only Cunningham athlete to have a team title in Football, Basketball and individual title in Track. Will is in a very special class of his own
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Kaden Elmore – Moundridge
Kaden has been a mainstay of our program for four years (will be 4). He has helped lead our team to two state championships and state record 2A 4×100.
Henry Hecox – Moundridge
Henry is another senior leader who has done a little bit of everything. He filled in on the 4×400 team last year to help secure a spot to state while at regionals. He has shot put, discus along with javelin. He has even ran the mile and triple jumped when asked.
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Mason Smith – Minneapolis
He has qualified for state for three years. He has the school record in PV at 14 feet. He works through the winter on his sport, training with additional coaches to improve. Javelin 164. Will also participated in the open 400 (he anchored our state qualifying 4×400 his freshman year) He has been a leader in practice and has a strong work ethic.
Michael Lowe – Minneapolis
Michael is a standout as a natural sprinter. He was unable to participate last season, but we are hyped to have him back. He will focus on the 100-200.
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Luke Wessel – Marion
Luke is a great track and field athlete. He would be a very good triple jumper, long jumper, or high jumper but he enjoys running on the track. He placed third last year in the 800M and 7th in the 1600M at state. He works hard and keeps fit all year long. He will be a great runner at the next level!
Jackson Howard – Marion
Jackson is growing into his frame and we expect him to have a great season in the discus and shot. His throws as a freshman last year were very solid and we think he will breakthrough this season.
Wyatt Soyez – Marion
Wyatt can do a little bit of everything for us. He is good on the track and can jump. He can fit into many events and all three relays.
Eli Klenda – Marion
Works so hard and leads our distance runners. He does not accept less than the best out of his running group and works to get better every day.
Dylan Kraus – Marion
Dylan is an athlete that we can put in any number of events and she will do well. She was second in Class 2A in the 400M Dash at State and ran a great leg in the 4 x 400 Relay as well. She can pole vault, long jump, run short sprints, and run middle distance for us. She is just now realizing her abilities in this sport and will be fun to watch this spring.
Kate Wessel – Marion
Kate is a long jumper/triple jumper for us who can also run relays for us. She is a hard worker and is coming into her own as an athlete.
Addison Cooper – Marion
Addisyn is our athlete who will compete in any event and give us her best. She is great with underclassmen in practice and is a fantastic leader in our school
Kenna Wesner – Marion
Kenna is an athlete that all of the kids in our district love. She is so good with our younger kids and helps to mentor them in life skills as well as track and field.
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Brody Deniston – Holcomb
Brody is a very talented athlete. He led his team to a State Championship in Cross Country this year and a State Championship in Track last season. He anchored the 4×800 Relay that won State and set a State Record. He’s a State Runner-Up Individually in Cross Country as well as a State Runner-Up in the 800 & 3200 and placed 4th in the 1600. Brody is also a two-year starter on the basketball team and leads the team in scoring and assists.
I’ve been a coach for over 30 years and Brody is one of the most competitive athletes I have ever coached. He works well in the weight room and in all of his classes. He is also very respectful to everyone he is around. Brody is a junior and has extremely high expectations and desires to compete at the Division I level.
Cooper Cranston – Holcomb
Was ranked in the nation and a middle school track and field athlete in the 100 Hurdles (13.77) & 200 Hurdles (25.86). Also threw the javelin, 600 g (149′).
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Aidan Braun – Andover
Aidan, only a junior, is a great mid-distance and distance runner and will only get better as he gets older. He got 13th at state cross country this past season, and I’m looking forward to him running very well this season in the 800, 1600, and 3200. His work ethic is top-notch, which is why I think he is going to have a great season. He has already put down some great indoor times, and I know he’s itching to prove himself in the outdoor season.
Will Quinn – Andover
Will had a great freshman year last year, qualifying for state in the long jump. He also had our fastest 100 time, 2nd fastest 200 time, and 4th fastest 400 time. To do that as a freshman is pretty impressive, and I expect him to perform even better this season.
Cody Yaus – Andover
Cody is everything you want in a high school athlete. Though not always in the spotlight, he consistently goes above and beyond in every practice, pushing through fatigue and staying focused on improvement. This quiet but relentless work ethic often goes unnoticed but sets the tone for everyone else. Cody always has a great attitude and is always wanting things he can do to improve. He is a great leader for our team and I’m glad we have him!
Jackson Penner – Andover
Jackson Penner is the definition of great character. He brings a positive attitude to everything he does—whether he’s on the track, cheering for his teammates, or just interacting with others. Jackson treats everyone with respect and never compromises his integrity. He leads by example, always lifting up those around him and encouraging others to do their best. While his efforts often go unnoticed by the spotlight, those who know him best understand just how great of a person he truly is.
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Paige Faulkner & Maria Portela – Blue Valley
So. Paige Faulkner and So. Maria Portela. Paige- School record holder in the 800m with a time of 2:18.40. Three sport athlete (Cross country and basketball) Very hard worker, great teammate, easy to coach. The type of kid you love watching have success. Maria- Freshman record holder and 4th on the school’s all-time list in both the 100m and 200m with times of 12.49 (which she ran at regionals to qualify for state in 4th) and 25.97. Ran 25.67 indoors in January. Another all business hard worker, great teammate, and very coachable. Is poised to have a huge year.
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Aydin Witherspoon – Riverton
Aydin had the fastest 100m dash in the state as an 8th grader at 11.56, but did not come out for track as a freshman. He was an all-state HM football player and will be coming out for track this year. He has scary speed and will make noise in 3A as a short sprinter.
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Brock Deterding – Kiowa County
Brock has steadily progressed over his four years in our program. His freshmen year, he qualified in the 100m Dash, but didn’t make finals. His sophomore year at State, he took second in the 100m Dash, lead-off our 2nd place 4x100m relay team and anchored our 1st place 4×400 relay team. Last year as a junior, he had a stellar season and set four new school records in his events. He ran PR’s of 10.75 in the 100m and 22.03 in the 200m. He also anchored our 4×100 relay team to a time of 43.45 and the 4×400 relay team to a time of 3:28.99. At State he was 1st in the 100m Dash, 1st in the 200m Dash, anchored our third place 4×100 relay team from lane 1 ( we almost didn’t get him the baton in prelims) and he anchored our first place 4×400 relay team.
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Seth Driggers & Angel Rivera – Hillsboro
Seth Driggers and Angel Rivera both have the potential to be MVPs of the Hillsboro High School boys track team this season. Seth’s remarkable speed and agility make him a formidable competitor in his events, consistently delivering outstanding performances that drive the team forward. Meanwhile, Angel Rivera is a standout thrower for the Hillsboro High School boys track team. His strength and technique in events like shot put and discus make him a key contributor to the team’s success. Both athletes demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring their teammates to elevate their own performances. With their combined talent and dedication, Seth and Angel are poised to make a lasting impact as potential MVPs this season.
Jesiah Gooch – Hillsboro
Jesiah Gooch stands out as the unsung hero of the Hillsboro High School boys’ track team. His commitment to the team’s success goes beyond personal accolades, as he consistently puts in the hard work and effort necessary to elevate those around him. Jesiah’s willingness to support his teammates and take on any role needed, often without seeking recognition, makes him an indispensable part of the team. His positive attitude and perseverance inspire others to push their limits, contributing significantly to the team’s cohesion and spirit. Jesiah’s quiet leadership and dedication make him a true asset to the boys’ track team.
Anders Weisbeck – Hillsboro
Anders Weisbeck is a shining example of the character counts athlete on the Hillsboro High School boys track team. Known for consistently doing the right things, Anders embodies integrity, honesty, and respect in all his actions. He contributes significantly to the team’s positive culture, supporting his peers and demonstrating a strong work ethic without seeking the spotlight. Anders’s dedication to both personal growth and the team’s success is evident in his every move, making him a role model for his teammates. His humility and steadfast commitment to excellence make him a cherished and respected member of the team.
Addison Jost, Quinlyn Funk, Riley Richert, & Abbi Williams – Hillsboro
Addison Jost, Quinlyn Funk, Riley Richert, and Abbi Williams return to the Hillsboro High School ladies’ track team as state placers, bringing with them a wealth of experience and competitive spirit. Their past achievements at the state level set a high standard and serve as motivation for both themselves and their teammates. Each of these athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making them key contributors to the team’s goals this season. As they continue to build on their past successes, their leadership and prowess will undoubtedly inspire the team to strive for excellence and aim for even greater accomplishments this year.
D’asia Cox – Hillsboro
D’asia Cox is an exciting freshman sprinter to watch this track and field season at Hillsboro High School. Her impressive speed and natural athleticism have already caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. D’asia’s dedication to training and her competitive spirit make her a promising addition to the team. As she continues to hone her skills, she is poised to make a significant impact in the sprints, showcasing her potential to become a standout athlete. Keep an eye on D’asia as she embarks on what promises to be an impressive high school track and field career.
Abbi Williams – Hillsboro
Abbi Williams truly embodies the spirit of an unsung hero on the Hillsboro High School ladies’ track team. Her unwavering dedication and supportive nature play a crucial role in the team’s dynamics. Abbi consistently goes above and beyond, whether it’s motivating her teammates during tough workouts or stepping up in various events to ensure team success. Her positive attitude and work ethic inspire those around her, often leading by example without seeking the spotlight. Abbi’s contributions, both on and off the track, are invaluable assets that help drive the team toward success.
Gracelyn Just – Hillsboro
Gracelyn Just exemplifies what it means to be the character counts athlete on the Hillsboro High School ladies track team. She is someone who consistently does the right thing, embodying the core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. Gracelyn’s actions speak louder than words as she quietly leads by example, always supporting her teammates and coaches without seeking recognition. Her dedication to both her personal development and the team’s success is evident in every practice and meet. Gracelyn’s humility and strong moral compass make her a role model and a cherished member of the team.
