Topeka West Chargers
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Topeka High freshman Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton won three events and added a second-place finish to lead the way as city athletes turned in a strong performance in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational track and field meet.
Topeka High freshman Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton (right) wins the girls 100-meter dash in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational while Highland Park's Jurnee Cole (left) was second and Washburn Rural's Adriana Raub third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
All seven city schools competed in Wednesday's meet, along with Emporia, while city athletes who have qualified for this weekend's Kansas Relays bypassed the meet.
City schools won 17 of 18 events in the boys division while city athletes won 12 of 18 girls events.
Rayton won the girls 100-meter dash in 13.51 seconds and won the long jump with a best effort of 16 feet, 7 inches and was the triple jump champ at 35-3.50. Rayton finished second in the 200 in 27.52.
Washburn Rural won six girls events on the day, including a sweep of the throws, with Raegan Petersen winning the discus (119-0), Kailyn Petersen the shot put (33-10) and Morgan Ray the javelin (116-8).
The Junior Blues also got a win from Kenzie Maddox in the 1,600 and from Alexis Burns in the high jump (4-10) while Rural won the 4x100 relay in 60.18.
Seaman's Harper Hafenstine won the pole vault title at 7-6 while Highland Park's Miluv Cosey won the 200 (27.04) and Seaman won the 4x400 relay in 4:45.48.
Topeka West's Jayden Lindsey was a double individual winner on the boys side, taking the 200 dash in 23.25 and the 400 in 53.38, while Washburn Rural dominated the boys division with eight wins.
Washburn Rural's Christian Hartman-Babb (right) won the boys 110 hurdles in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational while Shawnee Heights Isaac Song (left) finished second in the 110s and won the 300 hurdles. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's Quentin Hill won the boys high jump in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
The Junior Blues got individual wins from Nate Recob in the 100 (11.91), Wyatt Shorb in the 1,600 (4:57.67), Hayden Keller in the 3,200 (10:35.50), Christian Hartman-Robb in the 110 hurdles (17.11), Quentin Hill in the high jump (6-0) and Jacob Hawks in the shot put (46-9.50) while Rural also won the 4x400 relay (3:42.24) and the 4x800 relay (8:59.69).
Seaman's Logan Townsend won the boys 800 in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational, leading a 1-2-3 Viking finish in the event. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Seaman got individual victories from Logan Townsend in the 800 (2:06.25), Kaden Whitehurst in the triple jump (38-7.50) and Connor Warren in the javelin (148-8) and the Vikings won the 4x100 relay in 45.43.
Shawnee Heights got wins from Isaac Song in the 300 hurdles (42.24) and Ethan Fisher in the discus (140-6) while Song finished second in the 110 hurdles (17.44).
Highland Park's Rayson Pollard won the long jump at 19-8.50.
WASHBURN RURAL INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
In many ways, Washburn Rural sophomore swim star Audrey Appuhn and her Junior Blue teammates are in the midst of the toughest stretch of the 2024 season.
Washburn Rural sophomore Audrey Appuhn reacts to a victory in Monday's Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Granted, the biggest meets of the year -- city, Centennial League, Class 6A state -- are still to come, but Appuhn and the Junior Blues are currently working their hardest to make sure they're ready for that stretch run.
"I would say my workouts are getting harder, which does in turn causes some time adds, but I'm hoping towards the end of the season all the lifting and harder times at practice will apply and I hope that for everyone on my team because everyone's been working really hard,'' Appuhn said Monday after leading Rural to a strong second-place team finish in the Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium.
"We're at the peak of our hardest training right now and when it tapers down I think everyone's really going to pull through and do amazing.''
Appuhn posted three wins on Monday -- two lopsided individual victories and a relay win -- as Washburn Rural rolled up 485 points, a single point behind team champ Free State.
Washburn Rural sophomore Audrey Appuhn wins the 200 individual medley in Monday's Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Appuhn won the 200-yard individual medley by nearly seven seconds in a time of 2 minutes, 12.54 seconds and came back a few events later to win the 500 free by more than 15 seconds in 5:15.37.
Appuhn also teamed with Ava Von Lintel, Ella Bombardier and Madeline O'Brien to win the 400 free relay in 4:18.48 and she swam on Rural's third-place 200 medley relay (2:04.07).
Appuhn established herself as one of the state's top swimmers as a freshman when she finished third in 6A in the 200 individual medley and fourth in the 500 free and is looking to build off that performance this spring.
"It adds a little bit more pressure but the success keeps you going,'' she said. "It's a really hard sport to do as a team because everyone practices by themself but I'm lucky to have such a great team environment because without that environment I wouldn't be able to push my personal and group goals.
"If you're not enjoying it it's not worth it at all so I always to have that mindset and make sure I'm having fun and make sure I'm being there with the team because that makes it all worth it. Club is definitely more individual but when you're in a whole group of girls your age and everyone has a common goal to be great together it makes it a lot more fun and I couldn't do it without my girls.''
Seaman finished third as a team in Monday's meet with 399 points, with the Vikings getting a 1-2-3 finish in the 100 breastroke from Avery Walz (1:08.26), Joslynn Grace (1:11.32) and Lizzie Gould (1:20.19).
Seaman's Tauren Walz finished second in the 100 butterfly and also swam on the Vikings' winning 200 free relay. in Monday's Topeka High Invitational. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Seaman's foursome of Tauren Walz, Avery Samuelson, Grace and A. Walz also won the 200 free relay in 1:49.79 and the same foursome finished second in the 200 medley relay (2:00.01).
Hayden's Kaylee Gregg won the one-meter diving title with a score of 222.75, while Bre Sanneman of Manhattan was second at 198.15.
TOPEKA HIGH INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Perseverance was the word of the day for Topeka West's Caden McGee and Caleb Weybrew in the seniors' run to the doubles championship in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational at Kossover Tennis Center.
Topeka West seniors Caden McGee (left) and Caleb Weybrew celebrate a point in Tuesday's Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Both McGee and Weybrew had to fight their way through cramping issues from the end of their semifinal match on and were forced to sweat out tiebreakers in both the semifinals and finals before claiming their first title of the season with an 8-7 (7-5 tiebreaker) decision over Blue Valley Southwest.
McGee and Weybrew's win in the championship match came after a hard-earned 8-7 (7-4 tiebreaker) victory over Washburn Rural's Lawsen Lobatos and Dylan Willingham in the semis.
Throw in a two-hour weather delay at the start of the tournament and a short rain interruption late in the final and it was a long but very successful day for the Charger duo, which improved to 17-3 on the season.
"I would say we persevered way more today than we ever have in past tournaments,'' Weybrew said after he and McGee wrapped up a 6-0 day. "Even when we were sore we were like, 'We'll go out and give it a try.' ''
"It (leg cramps) bothered me, when I was jumping especially, but we just pushed through,'' McGee said.
Topeka West's Caden McGee (above) and doubles partner Caleb Weybrew went 6-0 Tuesday to win the doubles title in the Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Weybrew and McGee, who placed ninth in Class 5A doubles a year ago for the team-champion Chargers, are getting the opportunity to lead West this spring after playing No. 2 doubles between two-time state champs Ian and Miles Cusick through their first three high school seasons.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:19.92
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural 2:27.72
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.40
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 2:29.07
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.61
ONE-METER DIVING
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 223.05
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Maddie Gregg, Hayden 145.65
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Saturday was an opportunity for the local tennis community to celebrate its proud heritage with the induction of its 10-member Topeka Tennis Association 2024 Hall of Fame Class at the Bettis Family Sports Complex.
Mary Brownback and Kent Lammers, former college players and longtime supporters of Topeka tennis, were inducted into the Hall of Fame along with eight former city high school stars, who all won state championships during their prep careers -- Cory Buck, Drew Hanson, Trevor Hedberg, Shane Johnston, Branden Joost, Sean McManus, Sumeet Patel and Alex (O'Neal) Trobough.
Topeka Tennis Association 2024 Hall of Fame inductees (from left) -- Sumeet Patel, Alexandra (O'Neal) Trobough, Branden Joost, Drew Hanson, Trevor Hedberg, Shane Johnston and Sean McManus. Not pictured: Cory Buck. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Mary Brownback, 2024 Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame inductee
Kent Lammers, 2024 Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame inductee
"We all grew up playing together and I was a couple of years younger, but we were all on the court at the same time, running the same drills and it was nice because we had this little bit of camaraderie growing up in juniors and high school tennis and the coaches all knew each other, too,'' said Trobough, a three-time state champ at Hayden.
"The tennis community has always wanted to support one another.''
Retired longtime Washburn Rural coach Kevin Hedberg, a charter member of the local hall of fame, said Saturday was a special night for him as his son Trevor along with former Rural stars Hanson and Patel, who were a part of the Junior Blues' run of three straight Class 6A state team titles, were inducted into the shrine.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't really thrilled and I knew all of these kids so well that I'm thrilled for all of them,'' Kevin Hedberg said. "They all worked at it and there's a lesson for the kids today that you can't do this halfway. You've got to be all in and these guys were and they were rewarded for it. It's a thrill.
"It's wonderful to see them all now as men and women, with children.''
Trevor Hedberg, a state doubles and team champ at Rural, said that it was a honor to join his father and his teammates in the hall of fame.
"My dad has quite a legacy with tennis in Topeka and there was a time in my life where tennis was a really big part of it, from 14 to 21,'' said Trevor Hedberg, a college professor at the University of Arizona. "And even though I've kind of moved on beyond that now, this certainly does mean something now and I think it's not really about me, it's more about the collective group and just being surrounded by all of these great players that were all playing at the same time.
"I played doubles with a lot of the players and played against them in singles, sometimes in the same tournament. I think back then it was really easy to get caught up in the competitive aspect of it and worrying about how you're stacking up against all these other people and lose track of the bigger picture of how much you're accomplishing along the way and also losing track of the team-oriented accomplishments. It's certainly cool to come back.''
Hall of Fame capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 11.12
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 11.20
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 11.24
Evan Scheid, Silver Lake 11.32
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 22.31
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 22.32
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 22.40
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 22.76
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden
400 METERS
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden 49.24
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 49.95
Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural 50.07
Shane Jueneman, Washburn Rural 51.26
Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights 51.60
800 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 1:58.46
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:01.86
Mark Wilkie, Topeka West 2:07.11
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 2:08.37
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:37.32
Adrian Lehman, Topeka West 4:40.25
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:41.25
Mark Wilkie, Topeka West 4:41.35
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High
100 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.77
Alana Mitchell, Hayden 13.13
Elly Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Ally Steiner, Seaman 13.15
Analese Estudillo, Washburn Rural 13.26
200 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 26.32
Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton, Topeka High 26.88
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 27.12
Ally Steiner, Seaman 27.20
Analese Estudillo, Washburn Rural 27.62
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden
400 METERS
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden 61.64
Ella Bolan, Silver Lake 62.04
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 62.90
Rae North, Hayden 64.21
Connell, Hayden 65.38
800 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:10.25
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:29.09
Sofia Harper, Hayden 2:29.40
Ryin MIller, Seaman
1,600 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 4:53.37
Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:12.51
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 5:14.90
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:21.07
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 5:34.57
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
TopSports.news
In Friday’s Leitel Legacy Invitational meet hosted by Lawrence Free State, Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke two school records, just as she had the previous week in the Lansing Invitational.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller leads the girls 3,200 Friday at Free State en route to breaking her own school record. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
In the girls 3,200-meter race, Miller broke her own school record by seven seconds in running a winning time of 10 minutes, 19.29 seconds. That time remains the fastest in the state this season and is the 24th fastest time in the United States.
In the 800 meter race, Miller’s time of 2:10.25 broke the school record set by Bethany Druse just two years ago at 2:15.19. Miller's time is also the fastest time in the state this season and the 17th fastest in the nation.
Ryin Miller runs away from the field in the girls 800 field at Free State Friday, breaking the Seaman school record. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
Ryin Miller (left) poses for a picture with former Seaman teammate Bethany Druse after breaking Druse's school record in the 800 meters. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
Other girls winners were senior Natalie Hillebert of Hayden in the long jump (16 feet, 0.5 inches) and senior Aubrey Simpson of Washburn Rural in the javelin (130-1), which is ranked 55th in the United States this season. Sophomore Morgan Ray of Washburn Rural finished second in the javelin (126-9).
Seaman senior Aaron Merritt (middle) wins the boys 100-meter dash Friday at Free State. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TopSports.news]
Boys winners included senior Aaron Merritt of Seaman in the 100 meters (10.80), junior Jensen Schrickel of Hayden in the 400 meters (49.24), junior Peyton Holmes of Seaman in the long jump (21-10.5) and senior Jamond Lane of Washburn Rural in the discus (151-2).
LEITEL LEGACY INVITATIONAL
At Free State
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Topeka West junior track and field returning state champ Alesecio Batson and Seaman sophomore multi-sport star Ryin Miller have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.
The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2023-2024 school year.
Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Batson and Miller over the past week:
Topeka West junior Alesecio Batson won the triple jump in last week's Lansing Invitational, continuing his comeback from an injury. [File photo/TSN]
ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West
A returning Class 5A state champion, Batson is steadily returning to form after battling back from a serious leg injury over the summer.
Batson won the boys triple jump in last Friday's Lansing Invitational, recording a season-best jump of 44 feet, 5 inches.
Batson won the state triple jump title in the 2023 state meet with a leap of 48 feet, 4.25 inches. An All-Shawnee County first-team pick, Batson was the county leader in the event last season with a season-best jump of 48-11.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke a pair of 38-year-old school records in last week's Lansing Invitational, winning three gold medals on the day. [File photo/TSN]
RYIN MILLER, Seaman
A four-sport athlete for the Vikings, Miller broke two 38-year-old school records in last Friday's Lansing Invitational track and field meet and also starred on the soccer pitch.
In the girls 1,600 meters, Miller's time of 4 minutes, 53.37 seconds broke the school record, previously held by Marge Eddy, by 11 seconds. In the 3,200, Miller ran a 10:26.54, which broke Eddy's school record by 33 seconds. Miller ran a 59-second split on the Vikings' winning 4x400-meter relay (4:15.21).
Miller also recorded two goals and an assist in a 6-0 Seaman soccer win over Topeka West last week.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 11.18
Evan Scheid, Silver Lake 11.32
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 11.38
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 11.40
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 22.76
Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake 22.92
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 23.05
Bryce Cochran, Seaman 23.06
400 METERS
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 49.95
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden 50.18
Shane Jueneman, Washburn Rural 51.26
Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights 51.95
Ben Roeder, Topeka High 52.68
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 2:00.30
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:04.20
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 2:08.37
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:08.43
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Elijah Phelps, Topeka West 4:46.08
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:47.99
Zach Moore, Hayden 4:48.71
Adrian Lehman, Topeka West 4:48.72
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Elly Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 13.21
Ally Steiner, Seaman 13.24
Kielyn McDonnell, Rossville 13.34
Connell, Hayden 13.47
200 METERS
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 27.12
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 27.37
Ally Steiner, Seaman 27.41
Ava Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 27.72
Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton, Topeka High 27.90
400 METERS
Ella Bolan, Silver Lake 62.74
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden 62.79
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 62.90
Connell, Hayden 65.38
Rae North, Hayden 66.13
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural
800 METERS
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:29.09
Sofia Harper, Hayden 2:31.63
Taylie Heston, Seaman 2:32.53
Ryin MIller, Seaman
1,600 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 4:53.37
Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:12.51
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 5:14.90
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:23.12
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:37.24
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:22.64
Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural 2:27.72
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.94
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 2:29.07
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.61
ONE-METER DIVING
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 202.30
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High 128.75
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
TopSports.news
In her first individual races of the 2024 season at Friday's Lansing Invitational, Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke two school records along with posting the state’s best times this season in both races.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller set school records in the 1,600 and 3,200 Friday at Lansing and also ran on the Vikings' winning 4x400 relay. [File photo/TSN]
In the girls 1,600-meter race, Miller's time of 4 minutes, 53.37 seconds broke the 38-year-old Seaman school record, previously held by Marge Eddy, by 11 seconds.
In the 3,200 meters Miller ran a 10:26.54, which broke the school record, also held by Eddy and set 38 years ago, by 33 seconds.
Miller also ran a 59-second split on the 4x400-meter relay, teaming with Taylie Heston, Allie Steiner and Jaida Stallbaumer to win the event in 4:15.21.
Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel was a triple gold medalist in Friday's Lansing Invitational. [File photo/TSN]
Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel, a Class 5A state champion in both track and cross country, also captured three gold medals in Friday's meet.
Esquibel won the boys 1,600 in 4:28.20 and the 3,200 in 9:31.57 while also teaming with Mason Haas, Charles Hanson and Evan Carter to win the 4x800 relay in 8:38.00.
Seaman won the girls team title by a 121-116 margin over Emporia while Shawnee Heights won the boys championship by a 125-88.5 margin over Emporia.
Also winning on the girls side was Hayden senior Natalie Hillebert in the 400 (62.79).
Shawnee Heights junior Payton Berry-Briggs won the boys 400 dash in 49.95 while Heights also got wins from senior Alexander Dawkins in the discus (138-8) and senior Alex Dittman in the javelin (157-5).
Hayden senior Carter Charvat won the boys shot put at 47-3 while the Wildcats also won the 4x100 relay (43.26) and the 4x400 relay (3:28.60).
Topeka High junior Jaxon Cowdin won the 300 hurdles (42.21), Trojan junior Daniel Brown won the high jump (5-10) and Topeka West junior Alsecio Batson won the triple jump (44-5).
LANSING INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The Topeka Tennis Association will induct its 2024 Hall of Fame class on Saturday, April 13, at the Bettis Family Sports Complex in the meeting pavilion, welcoming 10 inductees into the hall.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the event to get under way at 7 o'clock.
Mary Brownback and Kent Lammers, former college players and longtime supporters of Topeka tennis, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with eight former city high school stars who all won state championships during their prep careers.
That group includes Cory Buck, Drew Hanson, Trevor Hedberg, Shane Johnston, Branden Joost, Sean McManus, Sumeet Patel and Alex (O'Neal) Trobough.
Hall of Fame capsules:
Mary Brownback
MARY BROWNBACK
Brownback lettered three years in high school tennis (1973-1976), placing second in state doubles 1974-1975 and placing fourth in state singles 1975-1976.
Brownback lettered four years at the University of Kansas (1976-1980), winning the Big 8 No. 3 singles title in 1977 and 1979. Brownback helped Kansas win the Big 8 team title in 1979 (team was made up of all Kansas residents).
Played on the Missouri Valley circuit as a junior and played 4.0 USTA team tennis several years.
Cory Buck
CORY BUCK
Buck was a member of Topeka West's varsity tennis team for three years.
Buck teamed with Shane Johnston to win the Class 5A state doubles championship as a junior in 2005, with Buck and Johnston posting a 34-4 record.
Buck placed 10th in 5A singles as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore.
Drew Hanson
DREW HANSON
Hanson teamed with Sumeet Patel to finish second in Class 6A doubles his freshman year and won the Class 6A state singles championship his senior season.
Hanson was inducted into the Washburn Rural Hall of Fame in 2022.
Hanson was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2005-2006 and was named Washburn's most valuable player in 2006-2007. Hanson was a three-time MIAA team champion and posted 56 singles wins and 60 doubles wins.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural's boys tennis team hasn't quite achieved perfection over its first three tennis meets of the 2024 season.
But Brad Johnston's Junior Blues have been darn close, going undefeated as a team while dropping just one match.
Rural continued its hot start in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular at Kossover Tennis Center, rolling to 4-0 victories over Seaman, Topeka West and Lawrence.
"I love the talent and the depth that we have, having a couple of seniors but being able to fill out the lineup with sophomores and I still have other guys,'' Johnston said. "They're playing hard and they're buying into the team mentality that we have.''
Washburn Rural senior Dylan Dodge went a perfect 3-0 in No. 1 singles in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Sophomore Keegan Knudtson went 3-0 in No. 2 singles in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular, helping Washburn Rural post three 4-0 dual victories. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Rural senior Dylan Dodge posted 8-2, 8-0 and 8-1 wins in No. 1 singles while sophomore Keegan Knudtson recorded two 8-0 decisions and an 8-1 victory in No. 2 singles.
Washburn Rural sophomore Dylan Willingham (left) and senior Lawsen Lobatos celebrate a point during Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular at Kossover Tennis Center, with the Rural duo going 3-0 on the day. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's No. 2 doubles team of Brayden Kohls (left) and Cale Duetscher went undefeated in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular, helping the Junior Blues post three 4-0 victories. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's No. 1 doubles team of senior Lawsen Lobatos and sophomore Dylan Willingham didn't drop a game on the day, winning three straight 8-0 decisions while the Junior Blues' No. 2 doubles team of sophomores Cale Duetscher and Brayden Kohls posted 8-2, 8-4 and 8-5 victories.
"I feel like this season and the seasons going forward that we're going in the right direction and team first is our mentality,'' Johnston said.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman girls soccer coach Kyle Seevers is still looking for his Vikings to put more shots in the back of the net as the season moves on.
But the Vikings are making progress in that area, including a season-high six goals Tuesday night in Seaman's 6-0 United Kansas Conference romp past Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller (8), who scored two goals, battles Topeka West freshman Brynlee Best for the ball in Tuesday's 6-0 Seaman win at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Freshman Julia Molleker scored a pair of goals in Seaman's 6-0 UKC soccer win over Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I think we're going to keep making progress,'' Seevers said. "We're going to pick up the intensity at practice and training.
"We're going to pick it up a hair each training session so that we can get balls in the back of the net. We can create (opportunities). Unfortunately, sometimes we can't put them in the back of the net so those creations don't count for anything but a pat on the back.''
Sophomore Ryin Miller and freshman Julia Molleker scored two goals apiece for the Vikings while Seaman also got goals from senior Marin Schuler and sophomore Maya Martin.
Miller, Marin Schuler and sophomore Elle LaBin were credited with assists and senior Makena Schuler recorded the shutout in goal as Seaman improved to 3-0-1 overall and 1-0 in the UKC with its third straight shutout.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:22.64
Ella Bombardier, Washburn Rural 2:30.35
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.94
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Kaitlyn Aldridge, Shawnee Heights 2:35.63
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.65
ONE-METER DIVING
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 202.30
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High 128.75
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Murph, Topeka High 11.18
Redmond, Silver Lake 11.54
Barr, Topeka West 11.59
Scheid, Silver Lake 11.64
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Murph, Topeka High 23.05
Parker, Shawnee Heights 23.27
Batson, Topeka West 23.37
Cochran, Seaman 23.41
Ben
400 METERS
Roeder, Topeka High 52.68
Benz, Shawnee Heights 52.79
Terry, Washburn Rural 53.14
Batson, Topeka West 53.64
Roney, Washburn Rural 54.31
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 2:00.30
Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:04.20
Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:08.43
Quarles, Washburn Rural 2:09.89
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Lehman, Topeka West 4:48.72
Carter, Shawnee Heights 4:50.71
Leinwetter, Washburn Rural 4:51.67
Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:55.60
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Marshall, Topeka High 13.21
McDonnell, Rossville 13.34
Steiner, Seaman 13.44
Connell, Hayden 13.47
200 METERS
Rezac, Rossville 27.34
Marshall, Topeka High 27.37
Steiner, Seaman 27.79
Cosey, Highland Park 28.14
Rayton, Topeka High 28.23
400 METERS
Bolan, Silver Lake 62.74
Hillebert, Hayden 63.31
Rezac, Rossville 64.04
Connell, Hayden 65.38
Robinson, Seaman 66.22
800 METERS
Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Ismert, Washburn Rural 2:34.48
Heston, Seaman 2:36.94
Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:38.17
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Fink, Washburn Rural 5:16.93
Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:20.83
Graf, Washburn Rural 5:23.12
Nolte, Washburn Rural 5:43.08
Spencer, Seaman 5:48.82
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
WAMEGO -- Washburn Rural senior golfer Cam Zimlich didn't get off to the best of starts in Thursday's Washburn Rural Great Plains Classic, carding a triple bogey on his very first hole of the tournament at Wamego Country Club.
But that was one of just a few missteps on the day as Zimlich tied for second individually with a 76 (third on a tiebreaker), leading the host Junior Blues to a second-place team finish with a four-man score of 312, just two strokes behind Manhattan.
Washburn Rural senior Cam Zimlich receives his third-place medal from Rural athletic director Charlie Nimz at Thursday's Great Plains Classic at Wamego Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I started on 18 and I hit it (out of bounds) and I ended up tripling right out of the gate,'' Zimlich said. "I kind of fought back and kept it even until hole 15 was my next bad hole and I made a double, but then 16's a Par 5 and I ended up eagling that one and that got me right back after that. It was kind of an up and down round out there.''
But fortunately for Zimlich, there were a lot more ups than downs.
"That's probably my best tournament round so I was really proud about that one,'' Zimlich said.
