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By KEVIN HASKIN
TopSports.news
Musings at the mid-month:
• Sorry I am tardy on this dispatch. A Vegas trip wrecked my timing.
• After walking 20,000-plus steps the first day there, fatigue set in a bit.
• Tough to keep up with the Petersons and all the racket they made hitting the machines for big payouts.
• Cheap tendencies left me longing for the faded carpet at Jerry’s Nugget and the faded tile at Ellis Island.
• The allure of a $5 dollar table prompted me to unlock seedy treasure at both casinos.
• Even with higher prices on everything, the trip had its highlights.
• We witnessed the illustrious transformation of Rickie Peterson … from Popgun to Mr. Vegas.
• Money well spent.
• Bill Griffin offered a glowing state of the union on the TopSports website, which received cheers from all sides of the table.
• Happy hour helped set the mood, but I am happy for my friends and this website, which easily tops any traditional media source for Shawnee County sports coverage.
• While waving goodbye to the Strip, the return off the $20 future bet I hit for KU capturing the national title was all that had gone missing.
• The Jayhawks going off at 18:1 seemed like good value last summer, and indeed, they came through.
• Never dismiss a Bill Self team loaded with experience.
• Didn’t see Ochai Agbaji having the kind of season he enjoyed.
• Not sure we would have seen it either had Remy Martin played all year like he did at tournament time.
• Doubt Ochai would have been an All-American under such circumstances, though he made the most of his opportunity to boost himself in the draft.
• Good to see David McCormack go out on top considering his uneven performances and popularity. Big Dave won over everyone’s hearts.
• Not sure why I must inject this reminder on occasion, but Self knows what he’s doing.
• Does a second national title change Self’s legacy?
• Of course. It also changes his stature in real time.
• Sure, the result of the ongoing proceedings for rules infractions could change things too but the best Mark Emmert could do so far is call the university, Kansas City.
• That really inspires confidence in the NCAA chief.
• Count me among those intrigued by what’s happening with the basketball overhaul at K-State.
• Depth could be an issue for Jerome Tang but I’m willing to see everything play out before wondering when on-campus tryouts will be scheduled.
• Look, if your style doesn’t appeal to veteran players, no sense changing yourself.
• Tang got hired based on his approach, energy and intensity. Also, what happened with Baylor in his time as an assistant carries weight too.
• It’s just that we all know K-State is not the easiest place to recruit to at times.
• On that note, RIP to one of K-State’s greatest ambassadors, Jon Wefald.
• His vision and his capacity to interact made him the most personable university administrator I ever met. Hands down.
• We talked boxing one night while attending the same fight card; we talked architecture once while together at the Statehouse; we spoke about Pete Goering’s influence after Pete passed.
• Wefald was into everything because he took a genuine interest in people.
• So much so, one attribute that should never be forgotten was his desire to stage events that brought high school kids to K-State.
• He understood the importance of recruiting and grew K-State like no university president before or since.
• During the time Silver Lake football was part of my beat, an uprising surfaced to boot Santa Fe Trail from the Mid-East League.
• The league got its way but Silver Lake objected, in part because C.J. Hamilton approved of the competition from a larger school.
• Hamilton announced his retirement this week as the state’s all-time winningest prep football coach.
• Systematic tradition is the surest way to win consistently in high school football.
• Few ever sustained a dominant edge and belief quite like C.J.
• To denote what Jerry Farley achieved as Washburn president, just tour the campus.
• If you’re familiar with what WU looked like a quarter-century ago, progress is evident, obvious and vivid.
• It’s time for new ideas and new blood but Ichabods everywhere benefitted from Farley’s oversight.
• I will forever remember his commencement speech at my daughter’s graduation.
• His message touched on empathy, grace, kindness and diplomacy, values that continue to erode in our society.
• This spring I offer my annual public service reminder that I do not receive the Royals as a viewing option on my television subscription service.
• As long as such broadcasts are expressly forbidden by the franchise and by Major League Baseball, I have grown fine with it too.
• I know it doesn’t matter to any baseball executive, but you’ve lost a follower.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Kansas State High School Activities Association is currently in the midst of its 50 for 50 project, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which opened the door for female athletes across the United States. As part of that project TopSports.news contributor Rick Peterson wrote the following story on former Shawnee Heights star Trisa Nickoley, a 17-time state champion in track and cross country.
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Since her record-setting Shawnee Heights track and cross country career ended in 2004, Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Famer Trisa Nickoley never completely got away from the sport.
Nickoley went on to a standout career at Missouri and her profession is helping to promote corporate wellness, but lately the 17-time Kansas state champion has started feeling like it may be time to get more involved with the sport she loves.
Trisa Nickoley
Nickoley, who a 17-month-old son, Armani, recently moved back to her old Topeka stomping grounds and has relatives that are getting in involved in sports, which has served to rekindle Nickoley's memories of her career.
"As I moved back here, I hadn't lived here since high school, so it does bring back memories,'' Nickoley said. "I have cousins now that are in track and it's cool to watch. My oldest nephew is 12 and he's in sports and I guess people are kind of recognizing the name a little bit and asking questions.
"Lately I'm like, 'Should I get involved in some coaching around the area?' I do miss that track world and I feel like maybe I'm being tugged backed into it, which is awesome. So we'll see what happens with that.''
Nickoley was one of the greatest female middle-distance runners in Kansas history, earning an amazing 17 Class 5A state championships in cross country and track while never losing an individual race in state competition in either sport.
Nickoley won four straight 5A state cross country titles from 2000-2003 and won titles in the 400, 800 and 1,600 meters four straight years at the state track and field meet in Wichita (’01-’04). She added a 17th state title in the 1,600-meter relay.
She is still Kansas’ all-time state leader in the 800 meters (2 minutes, 06.67 seconds) and was inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2018
Nickoley was a two-time Track and Field News high school All-American and was named the Gatorade Kansas track and field athlete of the year three times.
Nickoley, went on to become a 14-time All-Big 12 honoree, a four-time Big 12 champion and earned All-America honors in the 800 meters at Missouri. Nickoley competed in the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Its no secret that Topeka High’s girls soccer team has been plagued by the injury bug.
But despite dealing with numerous injuries, Topeka High gave it everything it had in a 4-1 Centennial League loss to Manhattan Tuesday at Hummer Sports Park.
Manhattan's Jada Dibbini (white) is defended by Topeka High's Adrianne Caracioni (14) and Faith Shields (23) in Tuesday's 4-1 Manhattan win. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
Topeka High soccer coach Derek Snook (center) talks to his team after Tuesday's 4-1 Centennial League loss to Manhattan. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]
“Injuries have been a big part of the season so far,” Topeka High coach Derek Snook said. “We know it’s part of the game, but the girls are dealing with knees, ankles, injured hips and it’s hurt us some.
"We have a developing roster and bench, but it’s never beneficial when your starters are banged up.”
Topeka High knew that Tuesday night’s frigid temperatures and Manhattan’s bruising roster was going to be a challenge.
“We are still playing hard no matter the circumstance,” Snook said. “We are giving effort and the girls are leaving it all out on the field. As a coach, I’m proud of the way our team keeps fighting and competing.”
“Kudos to (High) for never giving up,” Manhattan coach Mike Sanchez said. “The way (High) fought against us is great for them. Their lineup is looking solid all around and they are the real deal.”
Topeka High’s one goal came from Molly McGuire. McGuire’s impressive goal came from a crowded goalie box swarmed by Lady Indian defenders, where she got a powerful kick in.
The McGuire goal would help build some momentum, but Manhattan’s defense would improve after the goal.
Manhattan forward Jada Dibbini would earn the “X-factor” title in Tuesday night’s contest.
Dibbini had two goals early in the first half that gave the Tribe separation and important momentum to carry with them for the rest of the game. Dibbini’s defense was also notable in helping the Lady Indians earn the victory.
“I thought it was really important that the two goals set the tone for the win,” Dibbini said. “Early goals help bring energy to our team and that’s what it’s all about. Helping the team.”
Defending a top-10 ranked team in Class 6A is difficult enough as is, but Manhattan appeared to get stronger the longer the game went on.
Manhattan’s four goals came from Dibbini, Emery Ruliffson and Morgan Turner.
“It was a good performance from the team,” Sanchez said. “I was hoping we would ride some of the momentum Jada (Dibbini) created with her early goals, but I am happy with the way things turned out for us tonight.”
Manhattan’s successful day started early on in the first half.
Dibbini was on an island by herself being charged by a hoard of Topeka High players where she would take a risk and kick it near midfield in for a jaw-dropping goal in the first 1:37 of play.
Dibbini would follow her first goal with another one 14:26 later in the first half taking advantage of a crowded goalie box.
Manhattan’s early 2-0 lead halfway through the first half would get an extension exactly three minutes later.
Topeka High’s goalie, Amari Sharp, would decide to run for the ball near the penalty area where she would meet with Manhattan’s Morgan Turner. Turner would scoot past the Topeka High goalie and tap it in for the goal.
Shortly after the Turner goal, Topeka High would get on the board with McGuire's goal inside of the goalie box giving Topeka High some momentum.
“That goal from Molly (McGuire) was important for the team early on,” Snook said. “I thought it was a good set up and I thought that she executed the goal very well.”
Topeka High’s defense would have the physical edge after McGuire’s goal and it forced Manhattan to take some uncomfortable shots in the remainder of the first half.
Manhattan would sit with the somewhat comfortable two-goal lead at the end of the first half.
The Lady Trojans and the Lady Indians’ defensive efforts late in the first half would carry over for the remainder of the second half. A combined eleven shots to the goal were taken by both teams for 29:10 in the second half.
Em. Ruliffson would muscle in a late goal with 10:50 left on the game clock giving Manhattan High a sizeable lead.
Em. Ruliffson’s late goal would be all the Lady Indians needed to secure the victory.
Topeka High (5-3) will hit the road and take on Lawrence Free State Friday.
MANHATTAN 4, TOPEKA HIGH 1
Manhattan (6-3) 3 1 – 4
Topeka High (5-3) 1 0 – 1
Manhattan – Goals: Dibbini 2, Turner, Em. Ruliffson. Assists: Manhattan – Em
Topeka High – Goal: McGuire.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The 2022 high school tennis season didn't get off to the start Ian and Miles Cusick envisioned and the Topeka West junior doubles stars will take responsibility for that.
"I think it was almost possibly over-confidence,'' Miles Cusick said about the slow start. "We were going into it and we were like, 'OK, let's just play, we don't really have to do a ton,' and we learned the hard way that we can't do that.''
But after taking some early losses, the Cusick twins have recaptured the form that made them one of the state's top doubles teams a year ago, including an impressive performance in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational at Kossover Tennis Center.
Topeka West's Ian Cusick makes a return in Tuesday's doubles final in the Topeka West Invitational as twin brother Miles looks on. The Cusicks won the doubles title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Topeka West tennis coach Kurt Davids talks to Charger doubles players Miles Cusick (middle) and Ian Cusick during Tuesday's doubles final in the Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I feel like our energy has improved a lot and just our teamwork,'' Miles said. "Those are the biggest things that have improved.''
The Cusicks went undefeated on the day Tuesday to win the doubles championship, capped by an 8-7 (7-4 tiebreaker) victory over Salina Central's Phelps and Phelps to avenge an earlier 9-3 loss to the Mustang duo.
"Losing to them early in the season, that was almost a revenge kind of thing or us,'' Ian Cusick said. "We really wanted to come back and beat them and we got a break and we caught fire.''
"I was really, really happy with the way we played,'' Miles agreed. "They're a really good opponent, so to win that match means a lot, especially for seeding for state and stuff like that. It's really impactful.''
And although it took awhile, Ian Cusick said he feels like he and his brother are where they need to be heading into the biggest meets of the year.
The city championships are next week, followed by Centennial League, Class 5A regional and state tournaments.
"At the beginning of the year our shots weren't as good and we weren't really together, but especially this match was a really good match for us going forward,'' Ian said. "The teamwork was great, the energy was great, everything was great.''
Washburn Rural senior Mason Thieu (see related story on TopSports.news) claimed the singles championship with an 8-3 win over Kansas City Christian's Caleb Bartels in the championship match, leading the Junior Blues to the team title by an 86-76 margin over Topeka West and Kansas City Christian.
In addition to Thieu's title, Rural got a third-place singles finish from Mason Casebeer while Nick Luetje and Kyler Knudtson finished third in doubles.
James Maag posted a fourth-place singles finish for Topeka West while Carter Cool and Gavin Chavez finished sixth in doubles.
Shawnee Heights finished fourth as a team with 52 points, led by Jaden Rodriguez's fifth-place singles finish while Hayden finished sixth as a team, with Michael Sandstrom and Gus Glotzbach taking fifth in doubles.
TOPEKA WEST INVITATIONAL
Team scores
Washburn Rural 86, Topeka West 76, Kansas City Christian 76, Shawnee Heights 52, Lawrence 39, Hayden 38, Salina Central 37, Salina South 31, Blue Valley West 30.
Individual results
Singles
Championship -- Thieu, Washburn Rural, def. Bartels, Kansas City Christian, 8-3.
Third place -- Casebeer, Washburn Rural, def. Maag, Topeka West, 8-5.
Fifth place -- Rodriguez, Shawnee Heights, def. Gariss, Kansas City Christian, 8-2.
Doubles
Championship -- I. Cusick/M. Cusick, Topeka West, def. Phelps/Phelp, Salina Central, 8-7 (7-4).
Third place -- Luetje/Knudtson, Washburn Rural, def. VanderArk/Newman, Kansas City Christian, 8-3.
Fifth place -- Sandstrom/Glotzbach, Hayden, def. Chavez/Cool, Topeka West, 8-5.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
There's no doubt that Washburn Rural senior tennis star Mason Thieu has the ability to play college tennis.
But after devoting most of his life to the sport, including a stint at a Florida tennis academy, he decided that probably wasn't for him.
Now he's content to play tennis simply for the love of the sport and is enjoying it as much -- maybe more -- than he ever has.
Washburn Rural's senior singles star Mason Thieu is undefeated on the 2022 season, including the championship in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural senior Mason Thieu serves the ball in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational. Thieu won the singles championship. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Thieu was an immediate standout for Kevin Hedberg's Junior Blues as a freshman in 2019, earning a Class 6A state medal with a ninth-place state singles finish.
But after losing his sophomore season to COVID-19, Thieu eventually made the decision to to attend the Celsius Tennis Academy in Sarasota, Fla. with the hopes of improving his game and garnering interest from Division I schools.
That approach paid off to a point, but also resulted in a revision of Thieu's priorities.
"I thought it went pretty good,'' Thieu said. "I trained a lot more than I did in Kansas so I got a lot better down there and I kind of grew up more as a person, too, because I was my own for a good amount of time. I did end up getting all the contact from colleges I was wanting but I was just playing so much and I honestly was a little burnt out before I even went down there.
"When I went down there it kind of helped because I was just so focused on playing it was cool, but then I came back here (last May) and I couldn't find the love of the sport as much as I used to.''
But once Thieu took a step back from the sport and decided -- at least for now -- against pursuing a college career, he ended up regaining that love.
"I'm feeling good now,'' said Thieu, who is still undefeated on the season after claiming the singles championship in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational at Kossover Tennis Center with an 8-3 win over Kansas City Christian's Caleb Bartels. "When I came back (to Topeka) I was still planning to play college, but then a few months into school I just didn't feel that that's what I wanted to do anymore.
"I'm enjoying it a lot more because I have so many good teammates that I'm really good friends with outside of tennis and I've been playing some of the best tennis I've played since I came back from Florida because I have no fear. I used to play really nervous but now I know it's my last season and I'm just trying to have a good time so I just play loose.''
Thieu said Hedberg, one of the most successful coaches in state history, has helped in that regard.
"He does a really good job of leading me in the direction of where I should go with the match but he doesn't control me to tell me what I have to specifically do,'' Thieu said. "He gives me control of what I need to do but helps guide me.''
Thieu also appreciates Hedberg's laid back coaching style.
Theiu fell behind 3-2 early against Bartels but neither Thieu or Hedberg showed any signs of panic and Thieu won six straight games to close out the win.
"In the really intense part of the match we were laughing and stuff because I missed such a bad ball,'' Thieu said. "It was kind of fun. I'm having a great time.''
