Welcome to Top Sports News
Bill GriffinTopSports.News launched on January 1, 2021, and is a true example of how “what happens in Las Vegas” does not always stay in Las Vegas. TSN grew out of several guys’ trips to Vegas by Rick P., Bill G., and friends. Their vision was to create a website dedicated to high school, Washburn University, and local sports in Shawnee County—and, of course, to keep it free for viewers. That meant the costs would need to be covered by sponsors. With Rick’s writing & local sports connections and Bill’s sports, sales, & marketing background, it was the perfect setup.
Then life happened. In April 2024, Bill was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and he lost his battle in January 2025. In his memory, TopSports.News will continue to operate without a subscription fee for its readers.
Nancy Griffin
Nancy Griffin
Nancy, Bill’s wife for 40-plus years, is a sports enthusiast herself and a true believer in TopSports.news’ dedication to Topeka and Shawnee County sports. She has been active in TSN since its beginning by managing the “back office” administrative duties. With Bill’s death in January 2025, her duties have expanded to include many of those that Bill previously fulfilled.
Contact Nancy to join Top Sports News as a Most Valued Partner.
Welcome to all our regular and new readers – you are our reason for being.
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Check out TSN's contributors...
Mike Manns
Mike Manns graduated from St Xavier High School in Junction City and attended Kansas State University. He graduated from Career Academy of Broadcasting and Radio Electronics Institute, both located in Kansas City. Mike recently completed his 50th year in radio broadcasting and is a member of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Currently, he is the Sports Director for the 6 Cumulus Radio Stations in Topeka
Rick Peterson
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and a graduate of Wyandotte High School and Southwestern College. Rick has been a sportswriter for more than 40 years, working in Baldwin and Ottawa before moving to The Topeka Capital-Journal in 1989.
The first sportswriter to become a two-time winner of the Kansas State High School Activities Association's Oscar Stauffer award and a five-time winner of the National Sports Media Association Kansas Sportswriter of the Year award, Rick has also received sportswriter of the year awards from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, the United State Tennis Association Missouri Valley Region and other organizations as well as writing awards from the Kansas Press Association.
Sherry Lundry
Sherry is the host of TSN In The Know and TSN contributor. She is an alumni of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Excelled in Gymanstics as a Jayhawk continued on to coach High School Gymnasitcs and softball as well as teach High School Science. Served as the Executive Director of the Sunflower State Games and the Director of Media for Heartland Park Topeka. She recently retired as the Development Director for TARC Inc.
Todd Fertig
Todd joins TSN as an at large contributor. Todd is a freelance writer and communications specialist. He was a contributing reporter on a variety of subjects for the Topeka Capital-Journal for 12 years before joining the TopSports team. He has a journalism and English degree from Kansas State University and published Legacy, a reflection on the impact of Negro League baseball, and the adolescent fiction book The Missionaries' Daughter.
