Smoky Valley’s Katelyn Griffin – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Ken Hansard Katelyn Griffin, junior wrestler for the Smoky Valley Vikings, started wrestling before there was a clear-cut girls’ division. For some young female athletes, that kind of challenge can be daunting, but Griffin has used it as an opportunity to learn and grow, “From a young age, I was drawn to the […]
Hutchinson’s Sophia Zwickl – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Sophia Zwickl is a senior whose high school wrestling career reflects resilience, dedication, and leadership. Having wrestled since middle school, Zwickl has grown into a cornerstone of the Hutchinson wrestling program and a role model for younger athletes. Entering her senior season, she was especially excited for the chance to compete at […]
Newton’s Jaeann James – Poll Winner – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Cooper Chadwick Newton high school senior Jaeann James has qualified for state all three years of her high school career and she hopes this year will be no different. “ I am dedicated and committed to my team. My team knows that I will show up and work hard. I expect them to do […]
Central Burden’s Aubrey Miller – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning There is no questioning the ability of Central-Burden wrestler Aubrey Miller. She went 34-4 last season and finished fifth at the 3-1A Tournament. She is currently ranked third in the preseason rankings by the KWCA. But in order to become a better wrestler, there were things Miller had to improve on. “One […]
Benefits of a Strong Core – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Ask ten people what the “core” is, and you’ll get ten different answers.For some, it’s the abs. For others, it includes the hips, back, or eventhe shoulders. The confusion makes sense when you think about howoften the term gets tossed around in fitness, often without context orconsistency. What’s not confusing is that a strong core […]
Independence’s Callie Anne Fairbank – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Callie Anne Fairbank enters her senior season at Independence High School with experience, confidence, and clear goals in mind. Competing in the 155-pound weight class, Fairbank has established herself as one of the program’s leaders and is eager to finish her high school wrestling career on a strong note. One of the […]
Remington’s Elliott Hochstetler – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Cooper Chadwick Last year Elliott Hochstetler averaged 12 points as well as five rebounds per game earning him honors such as first team all-league and honorable mention all-state. Unfortunatley, this year will look a little different for Hochstetler. Hochstetler is a multi-sport athlete for Remington, playing football and basketball and running track. In his fourth […]
Wellington’s Dru Zeka – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Hayden Swope Wellington’s Dru Zeka is ready to return to the court and take on the new season. With key players graduated from last season’s team, which has left some holes, Zeka has been focused on stepping up her game. “I played a lot of basketball over the summer and tried to get in […]
Independence’s Colton Minick – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Photo by Turk Minick By Angela Brunk Independence High School senior Colton Minick enters his final wrestling season with focus, determination, and a clear vision for success. Competing in the 120-pound weight class, Minick has established himself as a driven athlete whose work ethic continues to elevate both his personal performance and his team. Coming […]
Iola’s Nick Bauer – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Photo by Kinsey Schinstock By Angela Brunk Iola High School senior Nick Bauer enters his final season as the team’s trusted point guard, a role he has embraced through leadership and playmaking. Known for controlling the tempo and elevating the players around him, Bauer is determined to help the Mustangs make history before he graduates. […]