By Matt Browning / Photo credit Hanover Yearbook

When those in the track and field community think of the dominant programs in the state of Kansas, Hanover is one of the first ones mentioned.

Since 2015, Hanover’s boys program has won two state titles (2015 and 2021), while the girls program has also won two titles (2018 and 2022).

Both Wildcat programs were chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for April.

“Both boys and girls programs have had a lot of success due to the fact that these kids believe that track as a sport helps with the other sports in the fall and into the following winter,” Hanover coach Kim Lohse said. “Some of these kids don’t get much of a break between sports but they come to expect it as a norm in Hanover.”

Hanover’s girls team will be loaded again this season. Ceegan Atkins returns, who placed second at state in the 100 HH and 300 IH, as does Anna Jueneman, who took second in the 200 and 400. Finally, the Wildcats bring back Aliyah Sinn, who took fifth in the shot put.

The boys side doesn’t have the experience as the girls team, but they do return Josh Zarybnicky in the middle distances.

“If things go as planned, our girls team should be in the thick of things for another title and our boys team will still be young and much improved,” Lohse said. “Our relay teams should be strong again as well as our hurdle events and our throwing events should be very strong as well.”