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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After advancing to the state tournament in one sport, claiming a state title in another and compiling a 4.11 grade point average, recent Seaman graduate JahnAsia Anderson was honored Wednesday night as TopSports.news' Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspiratonal Female Athlete.
Seaman product JahnAsia Anderson, named the 2021 Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Female Athlete Wednesday night, is interviewed by Bruce Steinbrock. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Anderson went out for track and field for the first time as a senior and became a Class 5A state champion in the shot put and also was a starter for the Vikings' state qualifying basketball team.
"JahnAsia's work ethic is second to none,'' Seaman girls track coach Rick Brading said. "On most days she was the last one to come in from practice. For JahnAsia to win a state championship after being slowed by (an) elbow injury is just amazing.''
Anderson was also a four-year member of a Seaman basketball team that qualified for three straight state tournaments.
"Although undersized as a post player, she wasn't afraid to bang around and do the dirty work,'' Viking baksetball coach Matt Tinsley said.
Other Most Inspirational Female nominees:
JaNeysha Hendricks
JANEYSHA HENDRICKS | Topeka High
PARENTS: Antwaun and Nicole Jones
SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 3.4
The Trojans' point guard, Hendricks helped Topeka High post a pair of second-place finishes in the Class 6A basketball tournament as well as a semifinal berth in 2020 before the state tournament was canceled. "She is a true leader on and off the floor,'' Topeka High coach Hannah Alexander said. "She leads by example and is an amazing floor leader. Her stats are usually overlooked, but this girl makes everyone around her better. She has a knack for making passes that do not look like they should be there or be open.'' Hendricks, who averaged 4.5 assists her senior season, plans to attend Tabor College and play basketball for the Bluejays.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Recent Rossville graduate Alex Sherer, who ended a brief but memorable high school tennis career with a state championship, was honored Wednesday night as the TopSports.news Topeka Shawnee County Spring Male Athlete of the Year.
Rossville's Alex Sherer, TopSports.news' Topeka Shawnee County Male Spring Athlete of the Year, is interviewed by master of ceremonies Bruce Steinbrock Wednesday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Sherer got his first opportunity to play high school tennis as a senior, playing for Hayden as a co-op player during the regular season before representing Rossville in the postseason, with his father, Jesse, serving as his coach.
Sherer made the most of his opportunity, winning the Class 3A-1A state singles title to give Rossville its first-ever state tennis champion.
He posted a 36-2 record on the season and will play college tennis at Kansas Wesleyan University.
Sherer was also the "Voice of the Bulldawgs,'' broadcasting many Rossville sports events.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Remington Stiles, who helped lead Washburn Rural to its first-ever Class 6A state wrestling championship in 2021, was honored as TopSports.news' Topeka Shawnee County Winter Male Athlete of the Year on Wednesday at the Maner Conference Center.
Remington Stiles, who helped Washburn Rural win its first-ever Class 6A state wrestling title, was named TopSports.news' Winter Male Athlete of the Year. [Submitted}
Stiles finished fifth in 6A state at 182 pounds as a senior, was a Centennial League champion and a two-time first-team All-City selection.
"Over the course of his high school career, Remington went from low-level junior varsity wrestler as a freshman to spot-duty varsity wrestler as a sophomore, state qualifier as a junior and state medalist as a senior,'' former Washburn Rural boys wrestling coach Damon Parker said. "Without his dedication to self-improvement and leadership in the wrestling room, Washburn Rural's first state wrestling team title would not have been possible.''
Stiles is attending the United States Air Force Academy.
Other Winter Male nominees:
DJ Birkenbaugh
DJ BIRKENBAUGH | Seaman
PARENTS: Richard and Rebecca Birkenbaugh
SPORT: Bowling | GPA: NA
Birkenbaugh participated in bowling, football and baseball at Seaman. "I really believe bowling is DJ's best sport,'' Viking bowling coach Bob Benoit said. "He has excellent form, ball roll and an unbelievable release. DJ has one of the most powerful strike balls you will ever see. DJ is also a great leader and teammate. When the younger bowlers were struggling he was always there for them.'' As a sophomore Birkenbaugh was a member of Seaman's state championship team and he bowled in the state tournament all four years of his high school career, heling the Vikings post a third-place team finish this past season.''
Jonathan Egly
JONATHAN EGLY | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Jeremy and Tiffany Egly
SPORT: Bowling | GPA: 3.7
Egly was a standout bowler for Shawnee Heights, recording a high three-game series of 590, a high game of 222.and seven 200 games on the year. "Jonathan is a competitor beyond words,'' Heights coach Scott Mercer said. "He continues to strive in the face of adversity every time he steps on the lanes. In his four years of bowling he quickly became a favorite with his teammates and his competitors. Jonathan is determined and motivates those around him. He is well known for pushing his teammates to be better and give 110 percent. Jonathan has been a pleasure to coach.''
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Rebekah Smith, who helped lead Washburn Rural to a pair of Division I state championships and won an individual title as a senior, was recognized as TopSports.news' Topeka Shawnee County Winter Female Athlete of the Year during Wednesday's awards banquet at the Maner Conference Center.
Washburn Rural team and individual champion Rebekah Smith was named the TopSports.news Winter Female Athlete of the Year Wednesday night. [File photo/TSN]
Smith posted a third-place finish in the Division I state wrestling tournament as a junior (170 pounds) and earned the 155-pound state championship as a senior, helping Washburn Rural capture the team championship both seasons.
Rebekah Smith is the definition of excellence at Washburn Rural,'' Junior Blues girls wrestling coach Damon Parker said. "In 2021 she was the most dominant wrestler in her weight class in the state. Rebekah has set the bar that all other Shawnee County wrestlers will be reaching towards for years to come.''
Other Winter Female nominees:
RHEN CALHOON | Hayden
PARENTS: Brian and Stacey Calhoon.
SPORT: Basketball | GPA 4.02
Calhoon, a four-sport athlete, averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds as a senior for Hayden's basketball team, earning second-team All-City honors. "Rhen represented Hayden well this year as she came on strong,'' Hayden girls basketball coach Carvel Reynoldson said. "She turned into our go-to player down the stretch and played very tough basketball.'' Calhoon was also a state medalist in tennis and played soccer and participated in track and field in the spring. Calhoon plans to attend Barton County Community College in the fall and play tennis after placing seventh in singles for the Wildcats her senior season.
Isabella Carter
ISABELLA CARTER | Highland Park
PARENTS: Tim and Ambroja Watson
SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 3.0
As a senior, Carter helped provide exceptional leadership as Highland Park's basketball team fought severe numbers issues in a winless season. "Isabella showed up and helped lead the team through a difficult season,'' Highland Park coach Sanetra Jackson said. "She faced adversity the last two years but fought through the season.'' Carter was a four-year letter-winner for the Scots in basketball while also playing volleyball and soccer. Carter plans to attend Hesston Community College next school year and will play soccer.
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden graduate Desmond Purnell, a two-time All-City Top 11 selection and All-Class 3A first team as a senior, was honored Wednesday night as TopSports.news' Topeka Shawnee County Fall Male Athlete of the Year.
"Desmond Purnell is a natural athlete with a team-oriented attitude that makes everyone around him better,'' Hayden football coach Bill Arnold said. "He's not only an outstanding athlete, but an even better person with a good heart.''
Desmond Purnell
Purnell was a four-year varsity letterman in football for the Wildcats and also played basketball and baseball during his high school career.
Purnell was named the Wildcats' Most Valuable Player and played for the East in last week's Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Purnell will play his college football at Kansas State and has already reported to the Wildcats to begin preseason preparations.
Other fall male nominees:
Eliseo Barreno
ELISEO BARRENO | Highland Park
PARENTS: Ruben and Yohanna Barreno
SPORT: Soccer | GPA: 4.36
Barreno was a standout player for Highland Park's boys soccer team while also establishing himself as a team leader. "Eliseo has always been a hard worker, both on and off the soccer field,'' Highland Park soccer coach Colin Moriarty said. "He is one who leads by example. He seeks excellence in all that he does. He always wanted to know how he was doing and what he could improve on. From a coach's perspective, you couldn't ask for more from a true student-athlete.'' Barreno, who plans to attend Wichita State University, also played tennis for the Scots and was a Class 5A state qualifier in doubles.
Ethan Hensyel
ETHAN HENSYEL | Washburn Rural
PARENTS: Brian and Sherri Hensyel
SPORT: Soccer | GPA: 4.31
Hensyel scored 23 goals as a senior last fall (second most in Washburn Rural history) and led the Junior Blues with 12 assists, earning first-team All-City, All-Centennial League and All-State (Class 6A) honors and being named the Centennial League player of the year as Rural posted a fourth-place state finish. "Ethan made more improvements as a player from his freshman year to his senior year than any player I've ever coached,'' Rural coach Brian Hensyel said. "He was a good player, but no one expected the leap he made his senior year.'' Hensyel will play collegiate soccer at Baker University.
Robbie Keys
ROBBIE KEYS | Cair Paravel Latin
PARENTS: Robert and Bev Keys
SPORT: Soccer | GPA: 3.98
Keys was the leading scorer for Cair Paravel in the Lions' first season as a full Kansas State High School Activities Associaiton member, earning All-City honorable mention. "Robbie is the type of leader that every coach desires to have on their team and lead their team,'' Cair Paravel soccer coach Doug Woolery said. "He not only was one of the hardest working players, but also led by example both on and off the field. I felt comfortable playing him in any position, knowing he would give his best effort no matter what. Keys was voted team captain as a junior and senior. He will attend John Brown University.
Mehrens Julien
JULIEN MEHRENS | Topeka West
PARENTS: Andre and Allison Mehrens
SPORT: Football | GPA: 3.29
Mehrens was a standout wide receiver as a senior in West's abbreviated 2020 season, catching 18 passes for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns. "Julien has displayed the characteristics and work ethic that we strive for our student-athletes at Topeka West to show,'' Charger football coach Ryan Kelly said. "Julien is an incredible teammate, has a contagious personality and leads both vocally and by example. He is an excellent young man and a joy to be around.'' Mehrens was also a member of West's basketball team that finished second in the Class 5A state tournament. He will attend Washburn University.
Jeron Poteete
JERON POTEETE | Seaman
PARENTS: NA
SPORT: Soccer | GPA: NA
Poteete turned in an outstanding senior season for the Vikings, earning All-City, All-Centennial League and All-Class 5A recognition. "Jeron has been a three-year starter for our program,'' Seaman coach Jacob Kirmer said. "He has been our leading scorer in his junior and senior seasons. He has an incredible gift of speed and intelligence. He is a leader by example and works relentlessly to play the best he can. He creates not only for himself, but for his teammates.''
Bo Reeves
BO REEVES | Rossville
PARENTS: Todd and Karol Reeves
SPORT: Football | GPA: 3.8
A four-year starter who played wide receiver and defensive back and kicked, Reeves helped lead the Bulldawgs to the Class 2A state championship last fall. Reeves was an All-2A selection and was also picked to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. "Bo had a tremendous presence on the football field as Rossville claimed its fourth state championship in the last seven years,'' Rossville coach Derick Hammes said. "In the hallways of Rossville High School, Bo is known for being polite, outgoing and respected by his peers and staff.'' Also a standout baseball player, Reeves will play his college football at Central Missouri.
Addison Sigg
ADDISON SIGG | Topeka High
PARENTS: Chad Sigg and Michelle Criqui
SPORT: Cross country | GPA: 3.90
Sigg was a Class 6A state qualifier his senior cross country season and was a two-time All-City selection. "Addison trained religiously through the summer and the cross country season,'' Topeka High cross country coach Ken Bennett said. "He made the new people on the team feel like they were included. Addison worked hard to be the best in practice and in the meets. (He) was consistent in maintaining the No. 1 spot on the guys team for four years.'' Sigg also played for Topeka High's baseball team and plans to play college baseball at Highland Community College.
Hunter Wohler
HUNTER WOHLER | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Brian and Jami Wohler
SPORT: Football | GPA: NA
Wohler, a quarterback, was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection as a senior and finished his career with 2,875 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes and 1,322 rushing yards and 24 TDs. Wohler, who also played baseball for the T-Birds, finished his career in the top five at Shawnee Heights in seven rushing and passing categories. Wohler was a three-year starter at quarterback for the T-Birds and was named the city offensive newcomer of the year his sophomore season. Wohler plans to attend Northwestern College in Iowa, where he will play football and possibly double up in baseball.
