Washburn Rural Junior Blues
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Lauren Borjon, Hayden
LAUREN BORJON | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-sport athlete, Borjon capped her high school golf career with her fourth straight Class 4A state medal. Borjon tied for 12th with a 36-hole total of 170 (88-82) as the Wildcats finished fourth as a team. A three-time All-Shawnee County pick, Borjon finished second in the city tournament, fifth in the Centennial League and earned second-team 4A All-State recognition. Borjon helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A golf team title as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win the 4A state title in basketball and post an undefeated run to the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior.
Madeline Deters, Topeka High
MADELINE DETERS | Topeka High
SPORT: Tennis
Deters earned her second straight Class 6A state tennis medal last fall in her third state tournament appearance. Deters posted a career-best sixth-place state singles finish as a senior while finishing off a 32-6 record on the season. Deters finished second in No. 1 singles in the city tournament before winning Centennial League and 6A regional singles championships. Deters posted a 3-2 record at state.
Elise Eckert, Seaman
ELISE ECKERT | Seaman
SPORT: Golf
Eckert won her fourth straight Class 5A state golf medal to cap her first season at Seaman, tying for fifth in the state tournament with a 36-hole total of 161 (77-84). Eckert won the city title by eight strokes with a 68 and won the United Kansas Conference individual championship with a 73 before posting a runnerup finish in 5A regional competition. Eckert was a first-team All-State honoree in 5A.
Ella Foster, Hayden
ELLA FOSTER | Hayden
SPORT: Volleyball
Foster, a 5-foot-4 libero, helped lead 33-10 Hayden to a second-place finish in the 2025 Class 4A state volleyball tournament, earning Kansas Volleyball Association All-State Tournament honors. Foster earned first-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition and was named to the KVA 4A All-State second team. Foster helped the Wildcats win the 4A state championship in basketball and the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior and was selected to play in the KVA All-Star Match, helping the Red post a 4-1 victory.
Izzy Glotzbach, Hayden
IZZY GLOTZBACH | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Glotzbach tied for fifth in the 2025 Class 4A state tournament with a 36-hole score of 164 (85-79), finished third in the city tournament and fourth in the Centennial League before tying for second in 4A regional competition. Glotzbach, who earned first-team 4A All-State recognition as a senior, helped lead the Wildcats to 4A state team titles as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win a 4A team title in tennis as a junior.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twenty Shawnee County softball standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association, including nine first-team selections.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
Riley Mohler, Silver Lake
State champion Silver Lake is represented on the All-Class 3A first team by senior outfielder Kailyn Hanni, junior pitcher Riley Mohler and sophomore infielder Saylor Liggatt.
London Backman, Topeka High
Kenslee Young, Topeka High
Henley Rapp, Washburn Rural
Olivia Koch, Washburn Rural
Topeka High, which finished third in 6A, put sophomore infielder London Backman and junior utility/designated player Kenslee Young on the All-6A first team while Centennial League champ Washburn Rural is represented by senior catcher Henley Rapp and junior outfielder Olivia Koch on the first team.
Aubrey Warren, Seaman
Kenna Perine, Rossville
Seaman senior infielder Aubrey Warren was named to the All-5A first team while Rossville freshman outfielder Kenna Perine was a first-team pick in 2A-1A.
Second-team All-State picks included Topeka High senior Taimane Isaia and juniors Campbell Dawson and Madilyn Poole in 6A, Shawnee Heights senior Cianna Graves, Seaman junior Acey Thompson and sophomore Lydia Dreher in 5A, Silver Lake senior Taylor Swygert and junior Savanah Wende in 3A and Rossville senior Brooke Springer in 2A-1A.
Shawnee Heights senior Addison Cooper and Hayden junior Emberly Connell received all-state honorable mention.
ALL-KANSAS SOFTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL-STATE
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Over the coming weeks The Jones Project and A1 Lock&Key will sponsor TopSports.news' series of stories recognizing the top senior Shawnee County athletes from the recently completed 2025-2026 school year.
TSN will name girls and boys finalists for the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the announcement of the girls and boys athletes of the year for all three seasons.
The project will culminate with the announcement of the overall outstanding girls and boys Shawnee County athletes for 2025-2026.
Six Shawnee County girls teams captured state championships in five sports in '25-26, including a Silver Lake sweep of the Class 3A volleyball, basketball and softball crowns, while Hayden won 4A basketball and put together an undefeated 4A-1A run in soccer and Seaman won the 5A bowling championship by a 358-pin margin.
Washburn Rural's boys won Class 6A team titles in cross country, soccer and baseball while Shawnee Heights won its second 5A state bowling championship in three seasons.
Individually, 10 Shawnee County athletes captured individual state titles, including Washburn Rural senior Cody Spangler in 6A boys bowling, Rural senior Landen Kocher-Munoz in 6A boys wrestling, Seaman senior Brody Anderson in 5A boys track and field and Shawnee Heights senior Cianna Graves in 5A girls wrestling.
TSN will also recognize Washburn University female and male athletes of the year for '25-26 after the Ichabods put together a banner season that included a string of NCAA Tournament appearances.
Next up: The top 10 girls fall finalists.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural star Dylan Willingham has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Kansas Boys Soccer Player of the Year after helping lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state championship last fall.
Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior forward scored 37 goals and recorded seven assists as a senior, breaking the school’s record for single-season and career goals (67).
The two-time Centennial League Player of the Year was the state’s sole 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches All-American in addition to being recognized as the Class 6A forward of the year.
Off the field Willingham has helped to organize and oversee a blood-donation drive on campus while also donating his time as a tutor for district middle-schoolers and as a youth coach at Champions Soccer Camp for the last three summers.
“Dylan is probably the most aggressive and determined attacking player I’ve coached against,” said Blue Valley North coach Skylar Rough in the Gatorade release. “No one exemplifies Washburn’s hard-working style of play better than Dylan.
"Trying to keep him from scoring for 80 or even 100 minutes is nearly impossible. He’s a guy who is going to find his goal (or goals) in any game he plays in no matter the conditions or opponent.”
Also a four-time 6A state medalist in tennis, Willingham has maintained a 4.74 weighted grade point average in the classroom.
He has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports. A total of 610 high school athletes are honored each year.
From the pool of state winners, one national winner is selected in each of the 12 sports.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden, which posted a perfect season on the way to the Class 4A-1A girls state championship this spring, dominates the TopSports.news 2026 All-City girls soccer team.
The Wildcats, who wrapped up the state title with a 1-0 win over Rose Hill, put a city-high four players on the first team while sweeping the individual awards.
Three-time Hayden All-City first-team pick Carsyn Broxterman has been named the city player of the year for 2026. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden freshman Emma Slyter has been named the city soccer newcomer of the year after helping the undefeated Wildcats win the Class 4A-1A state title. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman, a three-time first-team selection, was named the city player of the year while freshman Emma Slyter was tapped for the newcomer of the year honor and Wildcat coach Klaus Kreutzer was selected as the coach of the year.
Joining Broxterman and Slyter on the All-City first team are seniors Reese Huscher and Kellyn Specht.
Washburn Rural senior Dayne Shriver earned first-team All-City soccer honors for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place state finish in 6A, put senior repeat pick Dayne Shriver on the first team along with senior Allie Schroeder and sophomore Ellie Vogel.
Seaman, which earned a share of the championship in the United Kansas Conference, is represented on the All-City team by seniors Ava Huston and Savannah Nelson and junior Julia Molleker.
Topeka West junior Micah Williams is a three-time All-City soccer first-team pick. [File photo/TSN]
Shawnee Heights juniors Nina Bolanos and Brylee Garner both earned first-team berths while Topeka West junior Micah Williams earned her third straight first-team honor in her first season with the Chargers and Cair Paravel Latin senior Kelly Ann Chada rounds out the top team.
ALL-CITY 2026 GIRLS SOCCER
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twenty city standouts have earned All-State recognition from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association, including eight first-team picks and two players of the year.
Hayden, which posted an undefeated season on the way to the Class 4A-1A girls state championship, put six players on the All-State first team, including senior forward of the year Carsyn Broxterman and senior midfielder of the year Reese Huscher.
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman has been named the Class 4A-1A forward of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden senior Reese Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. [File photo/TSN]
Wildcat coach Klaus Kreutzer was selected as the 4A-1A coach of the year.
The Wildcats, who wrapped up the state title with a 1-0 win over Rose Hill, also put senior midfielders Grace Funk and Ella Foster on the first team along with senior defender Kellyn Specht and sophomore defender Sawyer Wrench.
Washburn Rural senior forward Allie Schroeder (14) has been named to the All-6A first team after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place state finish. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman senior Ava Huston has been named to the All-5A first team by the KHSSCA. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place state finish, put senior senior forward Allie Schroeder on the All-6A first team while Seaman senior midfielder Ava Huston was named to the All-5A first team.
Rural senior defenders Dayne Shriver and Emma Wong were named to the All-6A second team along with junior midfielder Emery Hall and sophomore midfielder Ellie Vogel.
Topeka West junior Micah Williams was named to the All-5A second team by the KHSSCA. [File photo/TSN]
Topeka West junior Micah Williams has been named to the All-5A second team along with Seaman senior forward Savannah Nelson and junior forward Julia Molleker.
Cair Paravel Latin senior forward KellyAnn Chada earned second-team All-4A-1A recognition.
Seaman seniors Maya Martin and Parker Ayres received all-state honorable mention in 5A while Cair Paravel seniors Avry Stafford and Hemi Duehring received honorable mention in 4A-1A.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Undefeated Class 4A-1A state champion Hayden dominated voting for the 2026 All-Centennial League girls soccer team, including a sweep of the three individual awards.
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman has been named the Centennial League girls soccer player of the year after helping lead the Wildcats to an undefeated Class 4A-1A state championship. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden freshman Emma Slyter has been named the Centennial League soccer newcomer of the year after helping the Wildcats win the Class 4A-1A state title. [File photo/TSN]
Wildcat senior Carsyn Broxterman was named the Centennial League player of the year while Hayden freshman Emma Slyter was selected as the newcomer of the year and veteran coach Klaus Kreutzer was named the league coach of the year.
Joining Broxterman and Slyter on the first team are Hayden seniors Reese Huscher and Kellyn Specht.
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place finish in 6A, put seniors Allie Schroeder and Dayne Shriver and sophomore Ellie Vogel on the All-Centennial first team while Topeka High is represented by senior Raelee Shipley.
Hayden put seniors Ella Foster and Grace Funk and sophomores Avery Becker and Hailey Schmidtlein on the all-league second team while Rural is represented by seniors Peyton Merrick and Emma Wong and junior Emery Hall and Topeka High by sophomore Emma Schell.
Five city players received honorable mention.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE GIRLS SOCCER
First team
Lauren Booe, jr., Manhattan; Carsyn Broxterman, sr., Hayden; Kameron Felice, sr., Manhattan; Reagan Herrman, so., Emporia; Reese Huscher, sr., Hayden; Emersyn Johnson, jr., Emporia; Allie Schroeder, sr., Washburn Rural; Raelee Shipley, sr., Topeka High; Dayne Shriver, sr., Washburn Rural; Emma Slyter, fr., Hayden; Kellyn Specht, sr., Hayden; Ellie Vogel, so., Washburn Rural.
Second team
Avery Becker, so., Hayden; Ella Foster, sr., Hayden; Viveca Fuller, sr., Emporia; Grace Funk, sr., Hayden; Emery Hall, jr., Washburn Rural; Savanna Heitmann, so., Manhattan; Peyton Merrick, sr., Washburn Rural; Emma Schell, so., Topeka High; Hailey Schmidtlein, so., Hayden; Evelyn Thornburg, sr., Manhattan; Emma Wong, sr., Washburn Rural.
Honorable mention
Emporia: Madison Evans, jr.; Emma Swindle, sr. Hayden:Sawyer Wrench, so. Junction City: Michell Sykora, jr. Manhattan: Ava Connell, jr.; Avarye Meeker, so.; Lexie Oehme, fr. Topeka High: Natalie Barnes, sr.; Hailey Caryl, so.; Sara Valera Lopez-Pintor, jr. Washburn Rural: Brecken Murphy, sr.
Player of the year -- Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden.
Newcomer of the year -- Emma Slyter, Hayden.
Coach of the year -- Klaus Kreutzer, Hayden.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Class 3A state champion Silver Lake put a county-high four players on the 2026 TopSports.news All-Shawnee County softball first team, while Seaman senior Aubrey Warren and Washburn Rural junior Oliva Koch were named the co-players of the year and Rossville freshman Kenna Perine was named the newcomer of the year.
Seaman senior Aubrey Warren has been named the co-Shawnee County softball player of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch has been named the co-Shawnee County softball player of the year for 2026. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville freshman Kenna Perine has been selected as the 2026 Shawnee County softball newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake, which finished off a 28-4 season with a 4-0 win over Southeast-Saline in the state championship game, is represented on the all-county first team by seniors Kailyn Hanni and Paige Heiman, junior Riley Mohler and sophomore Saylor Liggatt while Eagles coach Nick Hamilton received Shawnee County coach of the year recognition for the third straight season.
Warren was named the United Kansas Conference player of the year for the second straight season while Koch was a repeat pick as the Centennial League player of the year.
London Backman, Topeka High
Topeka High, which finished third in 6A, is represented on the first team by sophomore London Backman and juniors Campbell Dawson and Kenslee Young while 2A quarterfinalist Rossville put seniors Nora Mitchell and Brooke Springer on the first team.
Joining Koch on the first team for Washburn Rural are senior Henley Rapp and junior Justice McBurney while Warren is joined on the first team by Seaman teammate Lydia Dreher.
Shawnee Heights put seniors Addison Cooper and Cianna Graves on the first team while Hayden is represented by junior Emberly Connell and sophomore Blakely Walter.
Backman, Hanni, Warren, Koch and Rapp are all all-county first-team repeat picks.
2026 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY SOFTBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Recent Hayden graduate Ella Foster brought down the curtain on her outstanding multi-sport career Saturday night in Washburn University's Whiting Fieldhouse... but not before adding a couple of final highlights.
Hayden multi-sport star Ella Foster helped lead the Red to a 4-1 win over the Blue in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match in Whiting Fieldhouse. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Foster, who helped lead the Wildcats to two state team titles and a runnerup finish as a senior, helped the Red post a 4-1 win over the Blue in the Kansas Volleyball Association's 40th annual All-Star Match while also receiving the Judy Bellamo Most Inspirational Player Award.
Foster contributed a team high 19 digs and also added three consecutive service aces in the fifth set as the Red took a 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-6 victory over the Blue.
It was a fitting farewell to competitive athletics before Foster heads off to Kansas State this fall.
"This is it,'' Foster said. "It was nice to have one final hurrah, one last game. It was really fun and I got to play with some of my best friends.
"I think I will (miss it), but I know I spent my time well. I'm really glad I did it, but we'll see what the future asks. I think it's time and I'm really excited I did it and I'm really happy and I'll still probably be around the sport. I'm coaching next year (for Topeka Impact) so I'm really excited about that.''
Foster's appearance in Saturday's All-Star Match came exactly one week after she helped the Wildcats finish off an undefeated season with the Class 4A-1A state soccer championship.
Foster admitted that she was a little rusty when she reported for KVA practice, but was able to quickly round into volleyball shape.
"It took a minute,'' Foster said. "Practice was rough for sure, but I think once I got on the court and just being on the stage it really was just like a switch flips in my brain and I'm like, 'Oh, it's go time.'
"I was ready to go. I was excited.''
Hayden Meats (Gardner-Edgerton) High School led the Red with 12 kills while
both Jade Xu (Emporia) and Katharine Engle (Halstead) added nine
kills each.
Washburn Rural product Stella Kelly contributed 24 assists in the Red's 4-1 win in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural product Stella Kelly (Washburn Rural) led the Red in
assists with 24, followed by Neely Leathers (Olathe West) with 18.
Silver Lake product Paige Heiman (3) celebrates a block with her Red teammates in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Delaney Childs (Nickerson) led the Red with five blocks while Olivia Nzioki (Mill Valley) and Silver Lake's Paige Heiman added four each.
Engle led the Red in aces with four.
Cami Sher (Olathe West) led the Blue in kills with 14, while Brynna Zoeller (Rock Creek) led the Blue with 22 assists.
Shawnee Heights product Avery Willey had 16 digs for the Blue in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Carlie Pandjaris (Blue Valley West) had 20 digs, with Shawnee Heights product Avery Willey adding 16.
Pandjaris contributed three service aces.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior player of the year Aidan Newbery headlines the TopSports.news 2026 All-Shawnee County baseball team.
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery has been named the Shawnee County Player of the Year after helping lead Rural to the Class 6A state championship. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
Newbery, a catcher, helped lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state championship last Saturday in Wichita, Rural's first baseball state championship in 74 years.
Newbery, who was also named the Centennial League player of the year, is joined on the all-county first team by senior teammates Austin Ditch and Nate Selm and junior Tyler Edmiston while Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin was named the coach of the year after the Junior Blues posted a 22-9 record, capped by a 4-3 win over Free State in the 6A title game.
Connor Hanika, Hayden
Kade Mitchell, Hayden
Class 4A runnerup Hayden (21-6) is represented on the first team by seniors Connor Hanika, Kade Mitchell and Aiden Roberts and junior Caleb Menke while 5A runnerup Shawnee Heights (21-10) put seniors Brody Cooper and Cayden Lindsay on the all-county team and T-Bird sophomore Gabe Escobar has been tapped as the county newcomer of the year.
Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights
Silver Lake, the 3A runnerup at 18-12, put senior Drew Womack on the first team while Rossville (25-5), third in 2A-1A, is represented by the senior trio of Jacoby McDonnell, Canann Mitchell and Cameron Miller and Seaman put juniors Axton Brewer and Beau Jessop on the first team.
Brewer, Ditch, Menke, Miller, Canann Mitchell, Kade Mitchell and Selm are all first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks while Cooper, Edmiston, Hanika, Roberts and Womack move up from the second team and Lindsay received honorable mention last season.
Axton Brewer, Seaman
Brewer received 5A All-State first-team honors from Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches while Womack was a first-team pick in 3A and Miller and Canann Mitchell earned first-team honors in 2A-1A.
Canann Mitchell, Rossville
Newbery was a second-team pick in 6A, Jessop a second-team selection in 5A, Hanika and Kade Mitchell second team in 4A and McDonnell second team in 2A-1A.
2026 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY BASEBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Four former Shawnee County high school volleyball standouts are scheduled to play in the 2026 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star Match at 5 p.m. Saturday in Washburn University's Whiting Fieldhouse.
Ella Foster, Hayden [File photo/TSN]
Avery Willey, Shawnee Heights [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake's Paige Heiman, Hayden's Ella Foster and Washburn Rural's Stella Kelly will play for the Red team while Shawnee Heights' Avery Willey will play for the Blue.
Paige Heiman, Silver Lake [Photo by KSHSAA Covered]
Stelly Kelly, Washburn Rural [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake captured the Class 3A state championship last fall while Hayden was the 4A runnerup and Washburn Rural advanced to the 6A state tournament.
The players selected were first nominated by their high school coaches (who must be KVA members), and then recommended by a committee to fill the squads based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability.
KVA ALL-STAR MATCH
BLUE
Carlie Pandjaris, Blue Valley West; Kyndal Moore, Ellinwood; Brooke Doile, McPherson; Cami Sher, Olathe West; Jadence Stewart, Greeley County; Avery Willey, Shawnee Heights; Ava Smith, Valley Heights; Jaden Goldberg, Blue Valley North; Emerson Waldren, Buhler; Reese Stuhlsatz, Garden Plain; Brynna Zoeller, Rock Creek; Emma Parker, Olathe Northwest.
Coaches -- Head: David Schuler, Jefferson County North. Assistants: Alli Snapp, Rock Creek; Nicole Jones, Manhattan.
RED
Ella Foster, Hayden; Arika Feldman, Little River; Olivia Nzioki, Mill Valley; Paige Heiman, Silver Lake; Regan Widener, Ellinwood; Ava Romero, McPherson; Jade Xu, Emporia; Hayden Meats, Gardner Edgerton; Katharine Engel, Halstead; Elyse Haxton, Ellsworth; Stella Kelly, Washburn Rural; Neely Leathers, Olathe West; Delaney Childs, Nickerson.
Coaches -- Head: Kristel Bontrager, Holton. Assistants: Amy Bott, Linn; Shannon Funk, Hays.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
State champions Brody Anderson of Seaman, Christian Hartman-Babb of Washburn Rural and Landen Lewis of Rossville headline the 2026 All-Shawnee County boys track and field team.
Brody Anderson posted a state championship and two runnerup finishes in the Class 5A state track meet. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb won the Class 6A state 100 meters title and finished second in the 200. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville sophomore Landen Lewis won the 2026 Class 2A-1A state title in the javelin. [Submitted photo]
Anderson, a senior, won the Class 5A 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds after finishing second in the 3,200 (9:05.70) and the 1,600 (4:12.48) earlier in the meet.
Junior Hartman-Babb won the 6A 100-meter dash in 10.59 seconds and finished second on a photo-finish in the 200 (21.40) while sophomore Lewis captured the 2A javelin championship at 181-9.
Anderson finished his season as the Shawnee County leader in the 800, the 1,600 (4:08.2 converted from mile) and 3,200 while Hartman-Babb led the county in the 100 (10.36) and 200 and Lewis had a county-best performance of 202-9 in the javelin.
Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe finished second in the Class 6A 1,600 meters in last week's state meet. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe was the 6A runnerup in the 1,600 (4:22.04) while the Silver Lake foursome of senior Thomas Fisher, junior Owen Rottinghaus, senior Joel Miller and senior Braxton Rupp finished second in the 4x100 relay (43.14) and the Eagles' Rottinghaus, Fisher, Miller and sophomore Jake Workman placed third in the 4x400 relay (3:28.56).
Shawnee Heights senior Jason Slay finished third in the 5A 400 (49.51) and teamed with senior Xavier Fisher and juniors Dallas Owens and Mason Haas to place fourth in 4x400 relay (3:25.32).
Anderson, Hartman-Babb, Kehoe, Miller and Rupp are all first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks along with Seaman junior high-jump state placer Jack Esser and Washburn Rural seniors Draden Chooncharoen and Liam Morrison.
Chooncharoen and Morrison missed the postseason with injuries, but the two ran on back-to-back 4x400 state-champion relay teams in 2024 and 2025, including a 6A state meet record in '25, while Morrison also won the 300 hurdles in '25.
Washburn Rural senior Liam Morrison won three Class 6A state titles during his high school career. [File photo/TSN]
Also earning spots on the all-county first team were Rural sophomore Zach Hancock, Rossville junior Charles Chance, Cair Paravel senior Lucas Marichal, Hayden junior Kelton Meier, Highland Park senior Termaine Savage and Washburn Rural junior Cohen Thiessen.
Highland Park senior Termaine Savage earned a Class 5A state medal in the 400-meter dash. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Thiessen, Hancock, Marichal and Savage were state medalists while Meier was a state qualifier.
ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2026 BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Shawnee County girls track and filed athletes came up short in their bids for state titles in the 2026 Kansas Track and Field Championships last weekend in Wichita, but the local contingent still had plenty to celebrate, including multiple top-three finishes and 13 total top-eight medal showings in four classes overall.
Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray finished second in the Class 6A javelin event for the second straight season. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]
Hayden junior Sofia Harper was the Class 4A runnerup in the 400-meter dash. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray was the state runnerup in the Class 6A javelin at 145 feet, 1 inch, while Hayden junior Sofia Harper finished second in the 4A 400-meter dash while posting a top time of 58.83.
Washburn Rural junior Kailyn Petersen placed fourth in the Class 6A discus for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake junior Ali Gerber was a double medalist in the Class 3A state track meet. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake senior multi-sport star Kailyn Hanni posted a third-place finish in the 3A javelin (129-7) while Washburn Rural junior repeat 6A medalist Kailyn Petersen was fourth in the discus (133-2), Seaman freshman Baylee Ayres was fourth in the 5A high jump (5-foot-2) and Silver Lake junior Ali Gerber finished fourth in the 3A 400 (58.75) while also teaming with Eagle teammates Kinley Weber, Jaylie Whitehead and Karys Deiter to place fifth in the 4x400-meter relay (4:09.64).
Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck (3) earned a pair of Class 6A state medals in her first state track meet. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck posted a fifth-place finish in the 6A 800 (2:18.43) while Shawnee Heights freshman Tanesia Johnson earned medals with sixth-place finishes in both the 5A 100 and 200-meter dashes.
Washburn Rural's Ray and Petersen and senior state medalists Emily Graf and Kenzie Maddox are all all-county repeat picks along with Seaman juniors Kinley Robinson and Brynn Spencer, Topeka High senior Keimara Marshall and Silver Lake's Gerber and Deiter.
Also earning spots on the first team are Hayden junior Alana Mitchell, Silver Lake junior Addy Just and Washburn Rural freshman Clara Dillon, who all earned state medals, along with seniors Jurnee Cole of Highland Park, Jayana Washington of Topeka High and Journey Manhart of Silver Lake.
ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2026 GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twelve Shawnee County baseball players and one coach have received All-State recognition from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.
Leading the county contingent are first-team selections Axton Brewer of Seaman in Class 5A, Drew Womack of Silver Lake in 3A and Cameron Miller of Rossville and Canann Mitchell in 2A, while Bulldawg coach Kenny Swart was named the 2A-1A state coach of the year.
Brewer was an All-5A first-team pick as the utility player while Womack was the All-3A first-team first baseman and Miller was an All-2A-1A first-team pitcher.
Womack helped lead Silver Lake to a runnerup finish in 3A while Miller helped Rossville finish third in 2A-1A.
Class 6A state champion Washburn Rural put senior catcher Aidan Newbery on the All-6A second team while Junior Blues junior Tyler Edmiston received All-6A honorable mention.
Seaman junior Beau Jessop was named to the All-5A second team as a middle infielder.
Hayden, the 4A runnerup, put senior pitcher Connor Hanika and senior outfielder Kade Mitchell on the All-4A second team while junior Caleb Menke received honorable mention at third base.
Rossville senior outfielder Jakoby McDonnell was a second-team All-2A-1A pick and junior pitcher Cael Horgan received honorable mention.
Swart was named the 2A-1A coach of the year after leading the Bulldawgs to a 25-5 record and the third-place state finish.
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF BASEBALL COACHES
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.27
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 12.51
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.59
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.63
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.13
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Sofia Harper, Hayden 26.40
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake 26.72
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake
400 METERS
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 58.48
Sofia Harper, Hayden 58.83
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.13
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural (3)
800 METERS
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:16.83
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:20.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Itzel Woods, Topeka High 2:31.24
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.09
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.10
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.44
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 49.63
Washburn Rural 50.53
Seaman 51.42
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 4:06.84
Silver Lake 4:07.17
Topeka High 4:10.27
Seaman 4:11.72
Topeka West 4:26.38
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 9:58.99
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.36
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 10.96
Emmitt Hochstedler, Seaman 10.98
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.40
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.34
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.59
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 48.85
Termaine Savage, Highland Park 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.68
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:52.08
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:56.96
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:05.70
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.49
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 41.72
Jackson Tuckwin, Washburn Rural 42.01
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 42.20
Washburn Rural 42.77
Highland Park 42.80
Silver Lake 42.95
Seaman 43.03
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:21.91
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka West 3:29.56
4x800-METER RELAY
Seaman 8:16.32
Washburn Rural 8:16.60
Shawnee Heights 8:24.81
Silver Lake 8:35.28
Topeka High 9:09.82
HIGH JUMP
Jack Esser, Seaman 6-4
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 6-0
Archer Greene, Seaman 5-10
Creighton Frisby, Washburn Rural 5-8
Sebastian Kingcade, Washburn Rural 5-8
Cody Quy, Seaman 5-8
POLE VAULT
Keygan Breault, Silver Lake 12-0
Sam Bruntz, Silver Lake 11-6
Luke Deering, Washburn Rural 11-6
Sawyer Hermesch, Silver Lake 10-0
Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural 10-0
LONG JUMP
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 21-2.25
Josh Brown, Seaman 21-0.50
Owen Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 21-0
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 20-8
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 20-7.25
TRIPLE JUMP
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 42-9.25
Cody Quy, Seaman 42-8.50
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 42-2.50
Camden Kruger, Silver Lake 41-7.75
Abe Heffley, Seaman 40-5.25
SHOT PUT
Charles Chance, Rossville 50-5
Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights 48-4.25
Sam Scott, Washburn Rural 47-7
Adrian Shuler, Shawnee Heights 46-7
Kelton Meier, Hayden 46-2,50
DISCUS
Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural 163-4
Myles Fisher, Silver Lake 158-3
Sam Garner, Shawnee Heights 156-4
Adam Humphrey, Topeka High 148-8
Kelton Meier, Hayden 142-10
JAVELIN
Landon Lewis, Rossville 202-9
Kelton Meier, Hayden 196-6
Jackson Haas, Hayden 175-11
Andre Johnson, Rossville 170-5
Dylan Tjachman, Washburn Rural 169-11
The 2026 All-Shawnee County boys golf team: From left -- Evan Michalski, Seaman; Chase Hastert, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin; Caleb Cleverdon, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin; Peyton Goehring, Washburn Rural; Higgins Hawks, Washburn Rural; Michael Wilson, Washburn Rural; Wyatt Dean, Washburn Rural. Not pictured: Jack Donovan, Rossville. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Eight state qualifiers, including three state medalists and four members of a Washburn Rural team that won its 16th straight city championship, comprise the 2026 All-Shawnee County boys golf team.
Caleb Cleverdon, who competed for Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason and Topeka High in the regular season, finished a county-high second in last week's Class 2A state tournament while Rossville senior Jack Donovan, a three-time all-county first-team selection and four-time state medalist, finished fifth in 2A and CPLS sophomore Chase Hastert placed 17th.
Washburn Rural, which won its 16th straight city team championship, is represented on the All-Shawnee County team by senior repeat pick Higgins Hawks, senior city champion Peyton Goehring, senior Michael Wilson and sophomore Wyatt Dean.
Rounding out the first team is Seaman senior Evan Michalski, a 5A individual qualifier with a tie for sixth place at regionals after tying for fourth in the United Kansas Conference tournament.
All-Shawnee County capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch was a repeat selection as the Centennial League softball player of the year as city players earned eight of 11 first-team spots.
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch has been named the Centennial League softball player of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Koch is joined on the all-league first team by senior Henley Rapp and junior Justice McBurney after the Junior Blues went undefeated in league play while Topeka High, third in Class 6A, is represented by sophomore London Backman and juniors Campbell Dawson and Kenslee Young and Hayden by junior Emberly Connell and sophomore Blakeley Walter.
Topeka High's Shane Miles was voted the Centennial League coach of the year while Mamhattan's Foveaux was named the newcomer of the year.
City players combined to put seven players on the second team while 10 players received honorable mention.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE SOFTBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural girls soccer earned its 11th straight top-three state finish Saturday in Wichita, rolling to an 8-0 win over Gardner City in the third-place game.
Washburn Rural girls soccer celebrates its third-place Class 6A state finish Saturday. [Washburn Rural soccer]
Washburn Rural girls soccer beat Garden City 8-0 Saturday to post its 11th straight top-three Class 6A finish. [Washburn Rural Athletics]
Rural, which finished the season 14-7 ended the game early by way of the eight-goal spread rule.
The Junior Blues got goals from eight different players -- seniors Peyton Merrick and Dayne Shriver, juniors Emery Hall, Amaya Herl, Khloe Hillmer and Brooklyn Rutherford, sophomore Natalia Carey and freshman Amelia Nerius.
Shriver also had two assists for the Junior Blues, who also got assists from juniors Ellie Vogel and Kinsley Freeman and freshman Lauren Omitt.
Junior Abbie Wanamaker and freshman Preslee Goehring combined for the shutout in goal for Rural.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
With Washburn Rural baseball on the verge of ending a 74-year-old title drought on Saturday in the Class 6A championsip game at Wichita State's Eck Stadium, Junior Blues senior catcher Aidan Newbery came through with a play that lived up to the moment.
Washburn Rural celebrates its first state baseball title in 74 years with a dogpile at Eck Stadium after Saturday's 4-3 win over Free State. [Photo by Selena Favela/TSN]
With the Junior Blues nursing a 4-3 lead with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning and Free State's potential game-tying run at third base, Rural senior relief pitcher Isaac Ansley's pitch temporarily got away from Newbery and Firebird senior Eli Berns darted towards home in attempt to knot the score.
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery tags out the runner at the plate to clinch Washburn Rural's Class 6A state baseball championship Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
The umpire calls the play at the plate to end Washburn Rural's 4-3 win over Free State in the Class 6A state championship game. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery and pitcher Issac Ainsley celebrate the ending of Saturday's 4-3 win over Free State in the Class 6A championship game. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
But Newbery made the play of the day, corraling the ball as it rolled away and diving back towards home plate to apply the tag on Bern, ending the game and giving the Junior Blues the state title they had coveted for so, so long.
"I saw the ball right next to me and I knew I just needed to run as hard as I could and how it happened, no matter what,'' Newbery said. "All I did was just hold onto it as hard as I could and then just make a play. I figured I was closer (than Ansley) and I knew I wanted it so I just took it. Words can't desribe how amazing this is.''
"I thought it was going to be close, but when you think of these games and you dream about them, that's not the play that you think it ends on for sure,'' Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin said.
Washburn Rural, which finished its season 22-8, took control of the championship game in the very first inning, scoring three runs on two hits, a walk and a Firebird error to go in front 3-0.
Newbery had the big blow in the inning, blasting a two-run double, before Washburn Rural junior Dominic Nimz plated the third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.
Free State (26-5) got on the board in the bottom of the first on a run-scoring single from junior Ferris Dinkel but Washburn Rural made it a 4-1 game in the fourth, with an RBI single from senior Austin Ditch scoring junior Trenton Gray, who opened the inning with a walk.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- After rain postponed Thursday's games, Washburn Rural baseball faced top seed Maize in Friday's Class 6A state semifinal at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State.
And the Junior Blues took full advantage of their opportunity, riding strong pitching and timely hitting to a 6-2 win over No. 1 seed Maize and a berth in Saturday's championship game against Free State.
Washburn Rural celebrates Friday's 6-2 Class 6A semifinal victory over top seed Maize at Eck Stadium. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
The Junior Blues will be looking for their first state baseball title since winning the Class B championship 74 years ago in 1952.
Washburn Rural got solid starting pitching from junior Tyler Edmiston and a shut-down relief effort from fellow junior Preston Bahr as the Junior Blues were able to hold the Eagles to only four hits and two runs in the contest.
Senior catcher Aidan Newbery helped spark Washburn Rural's offense in Friday's 6-2 Class 6A semifinal victory over Maize. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
The Rural offense provided timely hitting and was led by its 2-3-4 hitters -- seniors Nate Selm, Austin Ditch and Aidan Newbery -- who combined for five hits, three runs and five runs batted in.
The first two innings was dominated by both starting pitchers, Edmiston of Washburn Rural and junior Quincy Koehn of Maize.
Washburn Rural was able to get on the board in the top of the third inning, thanks to a two-out rally started with a double off the bat of Selm.
Ditch followed with another double, scoring Selm, when the Maize right-fielder misplayed the flyball.
Maize responded in the bottom half of the inning by capitalizing on a one-out error and a hit batter to put runners at first and second.
On a ground ball to the third baseman, he attempted to turn an inning-ending double play, but the second baseman lost control of the ball on the transfer which allowed the tying run to score, making the contest 1-1 after three innings.
After a scoreless fourth inning, Washburn Rural broke the game open with three runs, all coming with two outs.
Ditch hit a two-run triple to right field, which was immediately followed by a RBI double by Newbery, making the score 4-1.
Once again, the Eagles responded in the bottom of the fifth with a run on a double by senior Christopher Hadley.
But with two outs, Rural junior left-fielder Dominic Nimz made a run-saving, diving catch to keep the score at 4-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Junior Blues were able to get two insurance runs, both unearned, on an error by Maize's third baseman and on Ditch’s fourth RBI of the game on a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 6-2.
Ditch commented on his big day at the plate with a double, triple and four RBI.
“It was lovely,'' Ditch said. "Good to get a win. First time in the championship since 1952, so it feels great. Being able to help out my team was amazing.
“I feel like we have a great chance. We have great ballplayers and the energy is at an all-time high. We’ll be ready.”
Bahr came on in relief for Washburn Rural in the sixth inning and retired all six Eagle batters he faced, shutting the door and sending the Junior Blues to the title game.
“It was a gutsy win and performance by a lot of kids,'' Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin said. "Tyler (Edmiston) gave us five strong innings, left with the lead, and Preston (Bahr) came in and finished it off. We got some big hits when we needed to.”
The Eagles' starting pitcher made it difficult on the Junior Blues the first time through the order, but the bats came alive the second time through the order.
“We didn’t really have an answer the first time through the order, didn’t put too many balls in play, but we made the adjustments and took advantage of it.”
Washburn Rural (21-8) will face Free State (26-4) in the championship game, with the Firebirds advancing with a 3-2 win over Shawnee Mission South.
The 6A championship game on Saturday will start about 25 minutes following the conclusion of the 5A final, which will get under way at 10 a.m.
“It will be a tough battle and we’re looking forward to coaching this group for one more game,'' Mastin said. "I’m excited for them that all the hard work they’ve put in has paid off and they get to play for a state championship.”
WASHBURN RURAL 6, MAIZE 2
Washburn Rural (21-8) 001 032 0 -- 6 8 1
Maize (27-3) 001 010 0 -- 2 4 1
Edmiston, Bahr (6) and Newbery. Koehn, Brungardt (5), Short (6) and Jennings. W -- Edmiston. L -- Koehn. S -- Bahr. 2B -- Washburn Rural: Selm, Ditch, Newberry. Maize: Short, Hadley. 3B -- Washburn Rural: Ditch.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- The 2026 state track and field championships began early on Friday morning in and around Crossland Stadium, formerly known as Cessna Stadium, on the campus of Wichita State University.
The morning session included Class 4A, 5A and 6A competing in preliminaries along with a few finals in the 3,200 meter run and various field events.
The morning began with the finals in the 3,200 meter races in 4A, 5A and 6A. There were also several field events where local athletes competed going on throughout the first session of the day.
Seaman senior Brody Anderson began his three-event state meet bid with a runnerup finish in Friday's Class 5A 3,200-meter run. [File photo/TSN]
The 5A boys race saw Seaman senior Brody Anderson locked in another battle with fellow senior Daniel Enriquez of Kapaun Mt. Carmel.
Enriquez was able to pull away over the last two laps to win the race in a meet-record- breaking time of 8 minutes, 59.18 seconds. Anderson ran a personal best of 9:05.70, only three-10ths of a second off the meet record as well.
Anderson commented on his second-place finish and the outstanding move by Enriquez late in the race.
“I knew the move was coming, especially if I took it out early,'' Anderson said. "I felt really comfortable over the first six laps, then I felt him making his move. Once he passed me, he was full speed, props to him, he’s a great runner.
"It was a great race and better than I could have ever expected -- running a personal best by six seconds in only my sixth 3,200 of my life.”
Anderson is now looking forward to the two races against Enriquez that will take place on Saturday -- the 1.600 and 800 meter races.
Other local results:
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- The final day of the 2026 Kansas state track and field championships got underway on Saturday morning with the final track preliminary races as the 100 meters started at 8:30 a.m. on the campus of Wichita State University and due to two lengthy weather-related suspensions, the meet finally concluded around 11 p.m. Saturday night.
The marathon final day of competition produced three local boys state champions, with Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb winning the Class 6A 100-meter dash, Seaman senior Brody Anderson winning the 5A 800 and Rossville sophomore Landen Lewis earning the title in the 2A javelin.
Seaman senior Brody Anderson ended his high school career with the Class 5A state 800 meters championship Saturday night in Wichita. [File photo/TSN]
Anderson capped his outstanding track and cross country career for the Vikings with his first career state title after finishing second to Kapaun Mt. Carmel star Daniel Enriquez in the 3,200 and 1,600 earlier in the weekend.
After finishing finished second in the 3,200 meters Friday morning, Anderson finished second to Enriquez again in the 5A boys 1,600 meters with a time of 4 minutes,12.48 seconds.
Following Saturday's first weather delay, the duo faced one another again in the 800 meters.
In a race where 15 of the 18 runners had qualifying times under two minutes, the competition was going to be at a high level.
Anderson didn’t go immediately to the lead and after the first 400 meters, sitting in fifth place.
“I went into the race trying to play it tactical to see how the field spread out before I made my move, rather than taking the race from the lead like I did in the 3,200 and 1,600 races,'' Anderson said. "After 400 meters, I was trapped against the rail, but I found a gap and took off and never looked back.”
He came all the way back and won the race in a personal best time of 1:52.08, finishing ahead of junior Nathan Webb of Valley Center (1:52.78) and Enriquez (1:52.99).
All three of the runners broke the state meet record in 5A, but it will be Anderson’s name that goes into the record books.
“It feels amazing to wrap up the last race of my high school career with a victory and state title,'' Anderson said. "I’m so grateful for all of my coaches and family that helped me reach this point.”
Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb won the Class 6A 100-meter dash and finished second in the 200 Saturday in Wichita. [File photo/TSN]
Hartman-Babb was the first local state champion with his victory in the 6A boys 100 meters.
He finished the final in a winning time of 10.59 seconds after qualifying early on Saturday morning with a time of 10.63.
Hartman-Babb returned later after the first weather delay for the 6A boys 200 race, where he finished second to senior Nicolas Cabral of Olathe East by only 0.003 seconds (21.397 to 21.400).
The third local state champ was Rossville's Lewis, who won the 2A javelin title with a throw of 181 feet, 9 inches.
His championship throw came on his fourth attempt, which was 18 feet further than any of his other attempts during the competition.
Lewis had a long wait for his title, with the 2A event originally scheduled for Friday evening before being pushed back to Saturday by weather. Then the event was delayed further by Saturday's inclement weather before finally being contested.
Saturday's other Shawnee County medalists:
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.36
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 10.96
Emmitt Hochstedler, Seaman 10.98
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.78
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.34
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.59
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 48.85
Termaine Savage, Highland Park 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.94
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:53.34
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:58.65
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:11.63
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.53
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Jackson Tuckwin, Washburn Rural 42.01
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 43.26
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 42.20
Washburn Rural 42.77
Highland Park 42.80
Seaman 43.03
Silver Lake 43.28
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:21.91
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka West 3:29.56
4x800-METER RELAY
Seaman 8:16.32
Washburn Rural 8:16.60
Shawnee Heights 8:24.81
Silver Lake 8:35.28
Topeka High 9:09.82
HIGH JUMP
Jack Esser, Seaman 6-4
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 6-0
Archer Greene, Seaman 5-10
Creighton Frisby, Washburn Rural 5-8
Sebastian Kingcade, Washburn Rural 5-8
Cody Quy, Seaman 5-8
POLE VAULT
Keygan Breault, Silver Lake 12-0
Sam Bruntz, Silver Lake 11-6
Luke Deering, Washburn Rural 11-6
Sawyer Hermesch, Silver Lake 10-0
Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural 10-0
LONG JUMP
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 21-2.25
Josh Brown, Seaman 21-0.50
Owen Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 21-0
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 20-8
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 20-7.25
TRIPLE JUMP
Cody Quy, Seaman 42-8.50
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 42-3.25
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 42-2.50
Camden Kruger, Silver Lake 41-7.75
Abe Heffley, Seaman 40-5.25
SHOT PUT
Charles Chance, Rossville 50-5
Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights 48-4.25
Sam Scott, Washburn Rural 47-7
Adrian Shuler, Shawnee Heights 46-7
Kelton Meier, Hayden 46-2,50
DISCUS
Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural 163-4
Myles Fisher, Silver Lake 158-3
Sam Garner, Shawnee Heights 156-4
Adam Humphrey, Topeka High 148-8
Kelton Meier, Hayden 142-10
JAVELIN
Landon Lewis, Rossville 202-9
Kelton Meier, Hayden 196-6
Jackson Haas, Hayden 175-11
Dylan Tjachman, Washburn Rural 169-11
Andre Johnson, Rossville 170-5
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.27
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 12.51
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.59
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.63
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.41
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Sofia Harper, Hayden 26.40
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake 26.72
400 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 59.19
Sofia Harper, Hayden 59.44
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.13
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural (3)
800 METERS
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:16.83
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:20.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Itzel Woods, Topeka High 2:31.24
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.09
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.10
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.44
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 50.29
Washburn Rural 50.53
Seaman 51.42
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 4:06.84
Silver Lake 4:07.17
Topeka High 4:10.27
Seaman 4:11.72
Topeka West 4:26.38
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 9:58.99
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
9By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Sixty-seven individual qualifiers in 83 events are set to represent Shawnee County in Friday and Saturday's state track and field championships in and around Wichita State's Cessna Stadium while county teams are also qualified to compete in 19 total relays.
Big-school 3,200-meter runs as well as field event competition are scheduled to get under way at 7:45 a.m. Friday, followed by preliminaties in Class 6A, 5A, 4A.
Competition will resume on Saturday, with field events at 8 a.m. and running events at 8:30.
Shawnee County athletes to watch:
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb swept the 100 and 200-meter titles in last Friday's Class 6A regional and ran the leadoff leg on the Junior Blues' winning 4x400-meter relay team.
Hartman-Babb recorded 6A fastest 100 regional time (10.36 seconds) and tied for the fastest time in the 200 (21.83).
Brody Anderson, Seaman
• Seaman senior Brody Anderson finished third in the Class 5A 800 meters last season and is qualified in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 this weekend.
Anderson is likely to go head to head with Kapaun Mt. Carmel star Daniel Enriquez in all three events and is ranked No. 2 based on regional times in the 1,600 (4:15.23), fifth in the 800 (1:55.12) and eighth in the 3,200 (9:29.78).
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe helped lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state cross country championship last fall and won the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in last Friday's regional meet.
Kehoe is ranked No. 10 in the 1,600 (4:26.88) and No. 12 (9:52.39) in the 3,200 based on regional performances.
Morgan Ray, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray placed second in the Class 6A girls javelin a season ago and is expected to challenge for the title again this weekend.
Ray captured the regional championship in her specialty with a throw of 141 feet, 6 inches and is ranked third in 6A based on regional throws.
• Shawnee Heights freshman girls sprinter Tanesia Johnson has been a star since she stepped on Heights' campus and is expected to be a factor in the 100 and 200 this weekend.
Johnson ranks No. 4 in 5A in the 100 (12.34) and 200 (25.41) based on regional times.
• Rossville's Landen Lewis and Hayden's Kelton Meier are expected to contend for state boys javelin titles this weekend.
Lewis is the No. 1 Class 2A thrower in the state at 181-8 based on regional performances while Meier ranks No. 2 in 4A at 190-7.
SHAWNEE COUNTY STATE TRACK AND FIELD QUALIFIERS
BOYS
Class 6A
Topeka High -- Adam Humphrey (discus), De'sean Lunkins (110 hurdles), Malachi Murph (100), 4x100 relay.
Washburn Rural -- Jaxson Adams (3,200), Christian Hartman-Babb (100, 200), Zachary Hancock (discus), Brooks Kehoe (1,600, 3,200), Sam Scott (shot put), Dylan Tajchman (javelin), Cohen Thiessen (800, 1,600), 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay.
Class 5A
Highland Park -- Termaine Savage (400), 4x100 relay.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Cair Paravel Latin senior Caleb Cleverdon finished second in Wednesday's Class 2A state golf tournament at Quail Creek in Winfield, pacing three local 2A medalists.
Cair Paravel senior Caleb Cleverdon finished second in the Class 2A state golf tournament with a 36-hole total of 149. [File photo/TSN]
Cleverdon shot a final-round 76 to finish with a 36-hole total of 149 while Humboldt's Connor Newman finished at 144 (71-73) to take the state title by five strokes.
Rossville senior Jack Donovon moved up from a tie for eighth individually after the opening round to finish fifth with a 155 total (79-76).
Cair Paravel sophomore Chase Hastert also earned an individual medal, finishing 17th at 166 (85-81) while Rossville's Austin Dohrman finished 42nd at 187 (89-98).
Washburn Rural senior Higgins Hawks narrowly missed a 6A medal at Firekeeper Golf Course, tying for 22nd with a 36-hole total of 153 (76-77)
Hawks finished a single stroke away from a state medal.
.
The 2026 All-City girls swimming and diving team -- Front, from left: Kaelyn Gerdel, Hayden; Riley Strother, Seaman; Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High; Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural; Kaitlyn Aldridge, Shawnee Heights. Back, from left: Avery Skinner, Topeka High; Megan Strobel, Seaman; Clara Sobba, Shawnee Heights; Sophie Heinen, Washburn Rural; Ava Von Lintel, Wasnburn Rural; Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior Rhiannon Good, a two-time Class 6A state diving medalist, and senior 16-time city and Centennial League individual champion Audrey Appuhn headline the 2026 All-City girls swimming and diving team.
Good returned from ACL surgery late in the season to post her second straight top-five finish in the 6A state meet while Appuhn, a multi-time state medalist capped her oustanding career by finishing eight of eight in career individual races in both the city and Centennial League meets.
Rural, which won its 23nd straight city title, put a city-high four swimmers on the All-City first team, which is determined by performances in the city meet.
Washburn Rural put Appuhn, Good and senior repeat picks Sophie Heinen and Ava Von Lintel on the first team while Topeka High senior Hara Del Castillo joins Appuhn as a four-time All-City first-team pick.
Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-City first team by junior repeat picks Kaitlyn Aldridge and Clara Sobba while Seaman is represented by senior Megan Strobel and sophomore Riley Strother after the Vikings finished second as a team in the city meet.
Junior Kaelyn Gerdel, a two-time city and Centennial League champ, represents Hayden on the All-City first team while Topeka High freshman city champ Avery Skinner joins Del Castillo on the first team.
All-City first-team capsules:
By TODD FERTIG
TopSports.news
EMPORIA -- When rivals meet, anything can happen. But few would have predicted the 9-0 beating Washburn Rural dealt Manhattan in the Class 6A state baseball quarterfinals at Emporia Tuesday.
Washburn Rural baseball huddles up after advancing to the Class 6A state semifinals with a 9-0 win over Centennial League rival Manhattan. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
The Junior Blues split with Manhattan in mid-season. And even though Washburn Rural did win the second game 12-5, no one expected such a lopsided result in a playoff meeting with everything on the line.
But the Junior Blues found their groove early, collecting five hits and two walks in the top of the second inning to jump to a 6-0 lead. They tacked on runs in the third and sixth to make the end of the game feel anticlimactic.
“That’s just baseball. It seems like every time we play them, it’s a close game. It’s a play here or there. So, yeah, we didn’t expect this at all,” said Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin. “First round of state, you’re going to come out and compete no matter who it is. But the fact that it’s Manhattan, it’s a rival of ours, I think that does add a little bit of intensity to the guys a little bit.”
With the big lead, Washburn Rural starting pitcher Tyler Edmiston pitched to contact and let his defense turn in dazzling plays behind him. The Junior Blues turned three double plays to help Edmiston shut out the Indians through six innings.
Involved in all three double plays was shortstop Austin Ditch.
“It makes things a lot easier for the (pitchers),” Ditch said of the effect of a double play. “It just brings a big sigh of relief. We’ve got guys everywhere that can make plays. It’s not even a surprise some of the plays the guys make. We’re just an athletic, exciting team with a lot of energy.”
Edmiston exited having thrown just 59 pitches, meaning he will be available to pitch again on Friday.
“Tyler was very efficient on the mound, and we played good defense behind him,” Mastin said, praising his team’s glove work behind the pitcher. “These guys have been doing that for the last couple of years. It’s been fun to watch these guys play defense. They can go out and make some plays.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Five Shawnee County golfers advanced to Wednesday's final round of state competition, including four players in the Class 2A tournament at Quail Creek in Winfield.
Cair Paravel senior Caleb Cleverdon shot a one-over-par 73 Monday in Winfield and enters the final round of the Class 2A tournament at Winfield in second place. [File photo/TSN]
Cair Paravel Latin senior Caleb Cleverdon shot an opening-round one-over-par 73 and sits in second entering Wednesday's second round while Rossville senior Jack Donovon is tied for eighth individually after a first-round 79.
CPLS, was just two strokes away from advancing as a team, also qualified Chase Hastert, who is tied for 23rd with an 85, while Rossville's Austin Dohrman also qualified for the final round with an 89, which is tied for 37th place.
Washburn Rural senior Higgins Hawks advanced to the final round in 6A at Firekeeper Golf Course, tying for 25th on Monday with a first-round 76.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural girls soccer was just 7-6 well into the 2026 regular season, but a six-game winning streak has the Junior Blues back in the Class 6A semifinals for an amazing 12th straight season after Monday's 2-0 state quarterfinal win over Centennial League rival Manhattan at McElroy Field.
Washburn Rural senior captain Allie Schroeder (14) celebrates with her teammates after scoring the Junior Blues' second goal in a 2-0 Class 6A quarterfinal win over Manhattan. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Now the red-hot Junior Blues, 13-6-0 on the season, will go on the road for a 6 p.m. Wednesday tilt to take on a 16-1-2 Mill Valley team that Rural beat 1-0 on penalty kicks in the 2025 state championship game.
Veteran Washburn Rural coach Brian Hensyel isn't surprised by the Junior Blues' late-season run.
"One, all of our losses are to really good teams, teams that are still in the tournament,'' Hensyel said. "Five of our six losses, all of those teams made the quarterfinals, so we were losing to high-quality teams. The second thing was we have state champions on this team. We have nine girls that are champions and have the heart of a champion and we had a lot of young talent that just had to figure out our style and the way we wanted to play and as soon as you put those two things together we knew we were going to make a run.
"The schedule got a little bit more favorable, but we had to take care of business and I couldn't be prouder. After we lost to Blue Valley West we said we've got to win six straight games and we're going to be right back where we were last year and now here we are and I like our chances, just because we've found ways to win.''
Rural senior captain Allie Schroeder said that although the early-season losses were frustrating the Junior Blues knew they had the ability to make some noise when it counted the most.
"Honestly, you have frustrations during the season, but our thing was you've got to get on the field the next day and you've just got to work harder and you've got to keep working,'' Schroeder said. "The biggest thing was we had to make sure our team mojo and chemistry was still about being positive and uplifting.
"And we had to make sure that everyone, whether you're not playing that many minutes or you're playing a lot of minutes, we just had to make sure we're all working together as a team and all having positive attitudes and also have a fun atmosphere.''
Schroeder said that with every win the Junior Blues have gained more confidence.
"Every game I felt like led us to the next game,'' she said. "We just started playing with more confidence and everyone was just having a blast. Obviously when you're having fun you make stuff happen and we're making plays all around.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior diver Rhiannon Good completed a successful return from ACL surgery Saturday at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatic Center, posting her second straight top-five Class 6A finish.
Washburn Rural senior Rhiannon Good placed sixth in Saturday's Class 6A diving event, her second straight top-five state finish. [File photo/TSN]
After finishing third as a junior Good finished fifth on Saturday while posting a final score of 379.35 points.
Good was sixth in the 6A standings after Thursday's semifinals before cracking the top five in the finals.
Irene Gettya of Olathe East won her third state title with a 570.85 score.
Cair Paravel freshman Avery Rosenow finished 10th in diving in her first Class 5A-1A state meet. [File photo/TSN]
Rosenow finishes 10th in 5A-1A in state debut
Cair Paravel Latin freshman Avery Rosenow posted a 10th-place finish in Class 5A-1A diving on Saturday's at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatic Center in her state debut.
Rosenow, who competed for Hayden in the regular season, finished with a final score of 304.00.
Allisyn Weiss of Emporia won her third 5A-1A state championship.
Hayden junior Kaelyn Gerdel posted two top-16 finishes in the Class 5A-1A state meet Saturday. [File photo/TSN]
Gerdel posts top-16 finishes in 5A-1A
Hayden junior Kaelyn Gerdel placed in a pair of Class 5A-1A 'B' finals Satursday at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatics Center.
Gerdel finished 13th in the 200-yard freestyle 'B' final in 2:13.51 after qualifying 16th and finished 16th in the 100 breaststroke in 1:18.86.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
For most of Washburn junior Christian Hartman-Babb's first two track seasons, he was primarily a hurdler for the Junior Blues.
Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb dominated the sprints in Friday's Class 6A track and field regional, taking home three gold medals. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
But one race late in the 2025 season convinced Hartman-Babb that his future was in the sprints.
"Sophomore year at (Centennial) League when I hit 10.8, that let me know, 'Dang, I'm a 100 guy,' '' Hartman-Babb said.
And an outstanding performance in Friday night's Class 6A regional was further proof that Hartman-Babb made the right decision.
He opened his night by improving his school record in the 100-meter dash in 10.36 seconds and he doubled up in the 200 with a winning time of 21.83 seconds before running the leadoff leg on Washburn Rural's winning 4x400-meter relay in 3:26.04 as the Junior Blues finished second as a team to Manhattan (117-114).
While Hartman-Babb's 100-meter time is the best time in the state this spring, he feels like he's still improving in the 200.
"Definitely the speed endurance side of it,'' he said. "My top-end speed for the 100 is great, and I just need to hold that for longer on the 200 and then the 200 will come along with it.''
Another highlight for Hartman-Babb Friday was helping the Junior Blues win the 4x100.
With two-time senior state champions Draden Chooncharoen and Liam Morrison out with injuries, Hartman-Babb helped give the Junior Blues a shot at a third straight state title in the event next week in Wichita.
"It means a lot, to be able to get it done for the guys after doing everything that I did individually,'' Hartman-Babb said.
Coming off his regional performance, Hartman-Babb is now setting his sights on a state championship or two or three.
"I want to win the 100 and 200 and hopefully if I'm on that 4x4 team, get that, too,'' Hartman-Babb said.
Hartman-Babb competed at state as a sophomore, but feels like he's much more prepared this time around.
"Last year, there were all the nerves of being able to run in front of a huge crowd, and this year I feel like I'll be able to go in and channel that and be able to put on a show,'' he said.
Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe (1) won the 1,600 and 3,200 meters races in Friday's Class 6A regional at Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Kehoe records distance double
While Hartman-Babb dominated the sprints in Friday's regional, Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe turned in an impressive double in his own right while sweeping the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.
Kehoe (4:26.88) and Rural junior Cohen Thiessen (4:27.60) went one-two in the 1,600 before Kehoe came back later in the evening to win the 3,200 in 9:52.39 while Junior Blue sophomore Jaxon Adams was third in 9:56.45.
Kehoe has run much faster 3,200s than he did Friday, but came through late in what turned into a strategic race that included a pack of runners up front for most of the race.
"We went out way slower than I expected,'' said Kehoe, who helped the Junior Blues win the 6A state cross country title last fall. "I expected Testa (Junction City junior Anthony Testa) to go take it out like a rocket, but it seemed like he wanted to sit, too, so when we brought it through in an 80 (second first lap) I was just kind of like, 'OK, I'm smart, I know how to race and I've got enough speed to get out of a box if I need to.'
"I think I did really well and I didn't exert myself any more than I had to.''
In both the 1,600 and 3,200 Kehoe came from behind, using his speed to take the lead and pull away late.
"I think I've got the best kick of anyone out there I'm going to race this season,'' he said. "I'm always going to bet on myself.''
A returning two-time state medalist, Kehoe is fired up to see what he can do in the state meet.
"I'm excited going back to state in the 1,600 and 3,200 again this year,'' he said. "I'm trying to go get two state titles. Me and Swed (Rural distance coach Matt Swedlund) have been talking about for weeks and we think I can do it. I think I'm going to go win those.''
Other meet highlights:
• Washburn Rural sophomore Zachary Hancock and Topeka High senior Adam Humphrey went one-two boys discus, with Hancock winning with a throw of 160-6 and Humphrey second at 148-8.
Rural also got a win from first-year senior thrower Dylan Tajchman in the javelin, with Tajchman winning with a throw of 169-11, while Junior Blues junior Sam Scott qualified with a second-place finish in the shot put at 47-6.75.
Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray won the girls javelin title in Friday's Class 6A regional at Rural with a throw of 141-6. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
• Senior Morgan Ray of Washburn Rural, the Class 6A runnerup as a junior, won the girls javelin championship by 25 feet with a throw of 141-6.
Rural junior Kailyn Petersen, a returning state medalist, finished second in the discus with a throw of 127-7.
Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck (3) set a school record in the 800 meters in Friday's Class 6A regional meet. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
• Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck set a school record with a second-place finish in the girls 800 meters in 2:16.83.
Free State Grace Toner, Hinck and Manhattan's Gabrielle Converse went one-two-three in a bang-bang finish, with Toner winning in 2:16.68, Hinck second and Converse third in 2:16.92.
Rural seniors Emily Graf and Kenzie Maddox finished two-three in the 3,200, with Graf second in 11:17.71 and Maddox third in 11:18.10.
Manhattan's Zara Koehn won the 3,200 in 11:14.48.
Topeka High senior Jayana Washington qualified for state with a third-place regional finish in the long jump Friday at Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
• Topeka High senior Jayana Washington was Topeka High's girls lone automatic state qualifier (top three), finishing third in the long jump in 16 feet, 9 inches.
Free State junior Parker Jones won the event at 18-1.75.
CLASS 6A REGIONAL
At Washburn Rural
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior Rhiannon Good and Cair Paravel Latin freshman Avery Rosenow advanced through Thursday's Class 6A and 5A-1A preliminaries and semifinals to make it to Saturday's state diving finals at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatic Center.
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural
Avery Rosenow, Cair Paravel Latin
Rosenow, who competed for Hayden in the regular season, competed in the morning 5A-1A session and will enter Saturday's 10 a.m. finals in seventh place.
Rosenow recorded a preliminary score of 151.05 and had a semifinal score of 230.10.
Maize South's Sydney Schumaker is setting the 5A-1A state pace with a semifinal score of 331.05 while two-time state champion Allisyn Weiss of Emporia is second at 326.00.
Good, who placed third in 6A as a junior before missing most of her senior season after surgery for a torn ACL, is currently in sixth place entering Saturday's 4 p.m. finals.
Good posted a preliminary score of 184.45 and had a semifinal score of 270.50.
Two-time state champ Irene Gettya of Olathe East is leading 6A with a semifinal score of 409.00.
Gerdel, Sobba, Del Castillo to compete in multiple events
Hayden junior Kaelyn Gerdel, Shawnee Heights junior Clara Sobba and Topeka High senior Hara Del Castillo are all scheduled to compete in two individual events in Friday's state prelims at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatics Center.
Kaelyn Gerdel, Hayden
Clara Sobba, Shawnee Heights
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High
Gerdel will compete in the Class 5A-1A 200-yard freestyle and100 breaststroke while Sobba will compete in the 50 free and 100 free, with the 5A-1A prelims scheduled for for 10 a.m. Friday.
High's Del Castillo will compete in the 100 free and 100 backstroke, with the 6A prelims set for 4 p.m. Friday.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural softball certainly had its opportunities against Campus in Wednesday's Class 6A regional championship game, putting runners on base in all seven innings.
Washburn Rural senior Reagan Chapman had a two-run single in the Junior Blues' 4-3 loss to Campus in Wednesday's Classs 6A softball regional. [Photo by Doug Walker/TSN]
But the underdog No. 6-seeded Colts minimized the damage and rode back to back fourth-inning home runs to a 4-3 upset win over the No. 3-seeded Junior Blues.
"We had chances all game long,'' Washburn Rural coach Joy Marie Galliart said. "I lost track at the end, but with the two runners that we left on base at the end I think we left either 13 or 14 runners on base. So we averaged two an inning and we just didn't get big hits with runners in scoring position when we needed them.
"They recorded two outs with runners that we put on the dirt and 19 outs were in the air and at this level that's just not going to cut it. I don't feel like we challenged their defense the way that we needed to by putting the ball on the ground and using one of our tools, which is our speed.''
Campus, which dropped a 10-6, 14-4 doubleheader at Rural on May 7, will take a 16-12 record into the 6A state tournament next week while Washburn Rural finished its season 22-6.
The championship game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first inning and Campus went up 2-1 in the bottom of the third before senior Reagan Chapman delivered a two-run double to put Washburn Rural in front 3-2 in the bottom of the third.
But the Colts, who have just two senoirs on their roster, answered right back with what proved to be the game-winning blows in the top of the fourth, with juniors Emerleigh Cooper and Brooklyn Burling blasting consecutive home runs to put Campus ahead by the final margin.
Washburn Rural stranded seven runners over its final four at-bats and had runners at first and second in the bottom of the seventh before Campus sophomore pitcher Kylie Matthews was able to record the final out to finish off her complete-game effort.
"We got beat by a good team, but I think we're a great team,'' Galliart said. "We just didn't get it done today.''
Campus opened its day with a 13-2 semifinal win over Liberal while Washburn Rural rolled to a 20-0 win over Dodge City in two and a half innings.
Chapman pitched a three-inning no-hitter, allowing just one base-runner while the Junior Blues scored eight runs in the first inning and 12 in the second inning while finishing with 14 hits.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Brody Anderson
BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman
A senior track star, Anderson posted a distance triple in Thursday's United Kansas Conference meet at Turner. Anderson won the 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 30.93 seconds, the 800 in a personal-record time of 1:53.34 and finished his night wiith a victory in the 3,200 in 9:48.57.
Audrey Appuhn
AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural
Appuhn, a senior, closed out her competitive swimming career with a pair of individual wins in the Centennial League meet Thursday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, giving her eight career individual league titles in eight attempts. Appuhn won the 200-yard individual medley in 2 minutes, 19.72 seconds and the 100 backstroke in 1:02.29 while also teaming with Ava Von Lintel, Stella Berry and Sophie Heinen to win the 400 free relay (4:20.55).
Caleb Cleverdon
CALEB CLEVERDON, Cair Paravel Latin
A senior golfer, Cleverdon took a four-stroke individual victory with a 73 in the Flint Hills League tournament, leading the Lions to a 32-stroke victory (338-372) over Lyndon in the team standings. Cleverdon followed that up with a runnerup finish in Monday's Class 2A regional, shooting a 71 to tie for the championship and losing in a playoff. Cleverdon led the Lions to a state berth with a second-place team finish.
By TODD FERTIG
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural rode two stellar pitching performances and a season-saving defensive play by shortstop Austin Ditch Tuesday to win its baseball regional and advance to the state tournament quarterfinal round.
Washburn Rural baseball receives the Class 6A regional championship plaque Tuesday night. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
Washburn Rural baseball celebrates its Class 6A regional title with a dogpile Tuesday night. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
The Junior Blues knocked off Campus 9-0 to advance to the Class 6A West Regional No. 2 final against Derby behind a dominant pitching performance from junior Preston Bahr.
Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin then turned to junior pitcher Tyler Edmiston for the second game of the evening. The feisty junior held Derby to two hits and one run over the first six innings. Leading 3-1, he went out to shut the door in the seventh.
But having thrown over 100 pitches, Edmiston finally wavered, giving up back-to-back singles to start the inning.
On his 109th pitch of the night, Edmiston watched a line drive rocket past him toward centerfield. But a leaping Ditch snared the shot and quickly fired it to second to double off the runner. A throw to first barely missed producing a game-ending triple play.
Edmiston said he shouldn’t repeat the words that went through his mind on the line drive, but he was thrilled to see that his last pitch led not to a run, but to two huge outs.
Senior pitcher Isaac Ansley entered with two down in the seventh to preserve the 3-1 lead. He surrendered a single before inducing a flyout to end the game.
“I knew I was done after (the double play), but I was so happy,” Edmiston said. “I was like, ‘We got Isaac. We’re shutting the door, and it is game time.' ”
Mastin said he wasn’t surprised when his shortstop snared the line drive to squelch the Derby rally.
“Great play by Ditch at short to get that double play ball,” Mastin said. “It was a great play, and (particularly) under the circumstances. But he’s made his share of amazing plays at short, not only this year but the last couple of years. So, it was not a surprise.”
Edmiston said he relished the opportunity to take the ball in the win-or-go-home championship game, particularly with his teammates cheering him on.
“You just got to love pressure. Just embrace it and go battle,” Edmiston said. “The amount of dugout energy we had and everyone just backing everyone. There’s no negative. It’s the most positive, fun team to ever be around.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural boys golf punched its ticket for the Class 6A state tourmament with a third-place finish in Tuesday's regional tournament at Manhattan Country Club.
Washburn Rural golf poses for a team picture after qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament with a third-place regional finish Tuesday in Manhattan. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Rural golf]
Led by Higgins Hawks and Keaton Stoner, who shot team-low 78s to tie for 10th place individually, the Junior Blues posted a team score of 316 to earn the final 6A state berth by four strokes over Shawnee Mission Northwest.
Rural's Wyatt Dean tied for 14th with a 79 while Camden Ismert tied for 15th with an 81, Michael Wilson tied for 21st with an 83 and Peyton Goehring tied for 23rd with an 84.
Centennial League champion Manhattan captured the regional team title by a single stroke over Mill Valley (296-297) while Mill Valley's Eli Platz shot a 70 to take medalist honors by two strokes over Manhattan's Charlie Haney and Mill Valley's Liam Dolan.
The 6A state tournament will be contested next Tuesday and Wednesday at Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta.
Wildcats' Bean a 4A state qualifier
Hayden's Austin Bean earned an individual berth for next week's Class 4A state golf tournament at Hesston while the Wildcats tied for sixth as a team in Tuesday's 4A regional at Atchison Golf Club at Bellevue.
Bean shot an 87 to tie for 16th place and advance to next Tuesday and Wednesday's state event.
The Wildcats posted a team score of 363 to tie for sixth while Wamego won the regioanal team title by a 313-327 margin over Bishop Miege.
Wamego's Regan Kueker shot a 75 to take individual medalist honors.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After posting a third-place Class 6A state finish in one-meter diving a year ago, Washburn Rural senior star Rhiannon Good would love to equal or surpass that performance in this week's state meet at the Shawnee Mission District Aquatic Center.
Washburn Rural senior diver Rhiannon Good has fought back from ACL surgery last August to compete in this week's Class 6A state meet. [File photo/TSN]
But Good, who will begin her state quest in Thursday's 4:30 p.m. 6A prelims and semifinals, has already posted her biggest victory just by being in the field.
Good, also a cheerleader for Washburn Rural, suffered a cheer injury last spring and competed at state with a large brace on her right knee but nobody knew how serious her injury was until much later.
"It actually happened in the middle of last year's dive season,'' Good said. "I was doing tryouts for our club cheer team and I tore my ACL and my meniscus. We didn't know it was hurt last season.
"They just kept telling me it was a sprain and then when I went in for my sports physical over the summer they told me to get an MRI and then they told me it was torn and I had to have surgery, so I had surgery in August.''
At that point Good's senior season was in severe jeopardy, but nine months later she was able to return for one regular-season meet before competing in the city and Centennial League championships.
"I was not sure,'' Good said. "They told me my window was that I could be cleared in time or I could be cleared months after the season was over, so I was hoping to be cleared by now, but I didn't want to rush anything. But I'm here now.''
Good is not only back on the diving board, but has quickly regained her status as one of the state's best.
Good won the city championship and then finished second in the Centennial League behind two-time state champion Allie Weiss of Emporia.
Good's 11-dive score of 446.40 in the league meet puts her second in 6A behind two-time defending state champ Irene Gettya of Olathe East.
"I'm just happy to be back,'' Good said. "I wasn't guaranteed to even be able to compete at city or league, so I'm just happy that I was able to compete at city and I did really well, first time ever winning city and I qualified for state.
"It was definitely easier to come back than I thought it would be, but I'm still working out some of the kinks. It is definitely like, 'Man, I haven't done anything for a year and I'm definitely feeling it.' ''
And no matter what happens at state, Good, who will cheer next year at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, has already surprised herself.
"Absolutely,'' she said. "I wasn't expecting to qualify for state. Honestly, I had kind of put that out of my mind. I decided I wasn't going to stress about it, I just wanted to complete the dives I was able to and have fun.
"Then I qualified at city and it was my best scores I think I've ever had and I was shocked. I was like, 'Wow,' so I would love to do well at state but I'm trying not to stress myself out too much because I wasn't even expecting to be able to do this. So everything's just a bonus now.''
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.27
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.59
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.66
Adriana Raub, Washburn Rural 12.75
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.83
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake 26.72
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 26.82
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High
400 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 59.19
Sofia Harper, Hayden 59.44
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.13
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
800 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:21.50
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:23.63
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Clara Dillon, Washburn Rural 2:33.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.78
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.36
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.44
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 50.29
Washburn Rural 50.55
Seaman 51.63
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Silver Lake 4:09.56
Topeka High 4:10.27
Washburn Rural 4:11.18
Seaman 4:20.94
Topeka West 4:26.38
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 10:12.53
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.43
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 10.96
Emmitt Hochstedler, Seaman 10.98
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.78
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.38
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.65
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Termaine Savage, Highland Park 50.61
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.94
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:53.34
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:59.79
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:11.63
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.71
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 43.26
Colin Miller, Silver Lake 43.41
4x100-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 42.77
Topeka High 42.90
Seaman 43.27
Silver Lake 43.28
Topeka High 43.52
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:23.24
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka High 3:33.40
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 8:21.93
Shawnee Heights 8:33.62
Seaman 8:34.58
Silver Lake 8:57.48
Topeka High 9:09.82
HIGH JUMP
Jack Esser, Seaman 6-4
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 6-0
Archer Greene, Seaman 5-10
Creighton Frisby, Washburn Rural 5-8
Sebastian Kingcade, Washburn Rural 5-8
Cody Quy, Seaman 5-8
POLE VAULT
Keygan Breault, Silver Lake 12-0
Sam Bruntz, Silver Lake 11-6
Luke Deering, Washburn Rural 11-6
Sawyer Hermesch, Silver Lake 10-0
Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural 10-0
LONG JUMP
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 21-2.25
Josh Brown, Seaman 21-0.50
Owen Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 21-0
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 20-8
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 20-7.25
TRIPLE JUMP
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 42-2.50
Camden Kruger, Silver Lake 41-7
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 40-11
Abe Heffley, Seaman 40-5.25
De'drian Keeling, Topeka West 40-3.75
SHOT PUT
Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights 47-11
Sam Scott, Washburn Rural 47-7
Kelton Meier, Hayden 46-2,50
Charles Chance, Rossville 46-0
Brogen Brown, Seaman 45-10.75
DISCUS
Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural 163-4
Sam Garner, Shawnee Heights 156-4
Myles Fisher, Silver Lake 151-3
Adam Humphrey, Topeka High 146-8
Kelton Meier, Hayden 142-10
JAVELIN
Landon Lewis, Rossville 202-9
Kelton Meier, Hayden 196-6
Jackson Haas, Hayden 175-3
Dylan Tjachman, Washburn Rural 167-4
Andre Johnson, Rossville 166-5
The 2026 All-City boys tennis team -- Front, from left: Kieffer O'Connor, Washburn Rural; Greyson Jones, Washburn Rural; Jonah Arnold, Cair Paravel; Zander Rice, Topeka West; Owen Stewart, Seaman; Dayton Schneider, Seaman. Back, from left: Cale Deutscher, Washburn Rural; Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural; Ben Tryhus, Washburn Rural; Drew Fay, Cair Paravel; Collin McGee, Topeka West; Tres Lassiter, Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twelve state qualifiers, including 10 state medalists in three different classes, comprise the 2026 All-City boys tennis team.
Cair Paravel Latin senior singles player Drew Fay, a four-time Class 3A-1A state qualifier and three-time state medalist, posted a city-high fifth-place state finish while Lion freshman Jonah Arnold finished 12th in singles as Cair Paravel finished fourth as a team.
Four city doubles teams also earned state medals in 6A and 5A.
Washburn Rural's senior doubles teams of Kieffer O'Connor and Ben Tryhus and Cale Deutscher and Kieffer O'Connor finished ninth and 10th, respectively, in 6A while Topeka West sophomore Collin McGee and junior Zander Rice and Seaman seniors Dayton Schneider and Owen Stewart finished ninth and 10th in 5A doubles.
Rounding out the All-City team are Topeka High senior singles player Tres Lassiter and Washburn Rural junior singles player Greyson Jones.
Lassiter was a runnerup in city, Centennial League and 6A regional tournaments before posting a 2-2 record at state while Jones was the city champion in No. 2 singles and went on to qualify for state while helping the Junior Blues capture city, league and regional championships.
All-City tennis capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: TopSports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Washburn Rural 2:11.82
Shawnee Heights 2:14.60
Seaman 2:18.07
Hayden 2:25.76
Topeka High 2:41.23
Kaelyn Gerdel, Hayden
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Kaelyn Gerdel, Hayden 2:11.68
Avery Skinner, Topeka High 2:14.96
Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural 2:28.77
Megan Strobel, Seaman 2:37.54
Stella Berry, Washburn Rural 2:43.23
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:19.72
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 2:34.07
Kaitlyn Aldridge, Shawnee Heights 2:34.20
Riley Strother, Seaman 2:51.05
Avery Skinner, Seaman 2:51.97
Clara Sobba, Shawnee Heights
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Clara Sobba, Shawnee Heights 26.94
Sophie Heinen, Washburn Rural 27.28
Riley Strother, Seaman 27.61
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 27.76
Ava Carlson, Seaman 28.56
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural
ONE-METER DIVING
Rhiannan Good, Washburn Rural 239.85 (six dives) 446.40 (11 dives)
Avery Rosenow, Hayden/CPLS 188.55 (six dives) 359.65 (11 dives
Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High 147.45
Abigail Culbertson, Topeka High 122.50
Madilyn Typer, Seaman 105.40
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Centennial League baseball champion Washburn Rural put four players on the all-league first team, led by senior player of the year Aidan Newbery.
Joining Newbery on the All-Centennial first team are seniors Austin Ditch and Nate Selm and junior Tyler Edmiston while Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin was selected by league coaches as the co-coach of the year with Manhattan's Don Hess.
Washburn Rural posted a 9-1 league record to win the league title by two games and will take a 17-8 overall record into Class 6A postseason play.
Hayden, 17-5 on the season, is represented on the first team by seniors Connor Hanika, Kade Mitchell and Aiden Roberts.
Washburn Rural put seniors Isaac Ansley, Drew Moore and AJ Payne on the all-league second team while Hayden is represented by juniors Mason Becker and Caleb Menke.
Topeka High seniors Drayden Accosta and Elisha Guest and junior Cole Haubold all received honorable mention along with Hayden sophomore Max Becker, senior Brady Deutsch and junior Everett Tourtillott and Washburn Rural juniors Preston Bahr and Dominic Nimz and seniors Brody Haas and Gavin Payne.
Manhattan sophomore McLain Aslin was selected as the Centennial newcomer of the year.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE BASEBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Cair Paravel Latin senior Drew Fay wrapped up his outstanding high school career Saturday in Prairie Village with a fifth-place singles finish in Class 3A-1A.
Cair Paravel senior Drew Fay finished fifth in Class 3A-1A singles Saturday, earning his third straight state medal. [File photo/TSN]
A four-time state qualifier, Fay posted his third straight top-five state finish, taking an 8-0 win over Hoisington sophomore Jasper Pawlowski in the fifth-place match.
Fay placed second in 3A-1A state doubles as a junior after finishing fourth in singles as a sophomore.
Cair Paravel freshman Jonah Arnold also earned a state singles medal in his first state tournament with a 12th-place finish, dropping an 8-4 decision to Sterling freshman Lathem Kizzar in the 11th-place match.
Cair Paravel finished fourth in the team standings.
Washburn Rural seniors Ben Tryhus (facing) and Kieffer O'Connor placed ninth in Class 6A doubles Saturday in Wichita. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural's senior doubles teams of Kieffer O'Connor and Ben Tryhus and Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham faced off for the fourth time over the last three tournaments and the second time in the Class 6A state tournament in Saturday's ninth-place match in Wichita, with O'Connor and Tryhus taking an 8-5 win.
Deutscher and Willingham earned state medals for the second straight season, with Saturday's 10th-place showing following a seventh-place showing in the 2025 state tournament.
Rural finished sixth in the 6A team standings.
Topeka West's Collin McGee (left) teamed with Zander Rice to finish ninth in Class 5A doubles Saturday in Andover. [File photo/TSN]
Topeka West's doubles team of sophomore Collin McGee and junior Zander Rice posted a ninth-place doubles finish in 5A, taking a win by default over Seaman seniors Dayton Schneider and Owen Stewart in the ninth-place match.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Ten Topeka high school tennis players in three classes assured themselves of state medals (top12 places) with solid performances in Friday's opening day of state tournaments across the state.
None of the city's 25 state qualifiers got through Friday unbeaten but four city doubles teams punched their tickets to Saturday's place matches while Cair Paravel Latin advanced both singles players, Drew Fay and Jonah Arnold.
Saturday's matches will begin at 9 a.m. across the state.
Seniors Cale Deutscher (left) and Dylan Willingham went 2-1 on the opening day of the Class 6A state tournament to advance to Saturday's place matches. [File photo/TSN]
Class 6A at Wichita Riverside Tennis Complex
Washburn Rural's senior doubles teams of Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham and Kieffer O'Connor and Ben Tryhus both advanced to Saturday's matches and can still finish as high as fifth place.
O'Connor and Tryhus (28-7) went 3-1 on the day, with their lone loss to teammates Deutscher and Willingham while regional champions Deutscher and Willingham (29-5) went 1-1 after receiving a first-round bye.
Deutscher and Willingham, the No. 5 seed, placed seventh in the 2025 state tournament.
Topeka High's doubles team of seniors Victor Arriaga and Christian Sink went 0-2 in the tournament while Trojan senior singles player Tres Lassiter went 2-2 Friday, missing the place matches by one win.
Washburn Rural junior singles player Greyson Jones went 0-2 Friday.
Topeka West sophomore Collin McGee and junior doubles partner Zander Rice advanced to the final day of the Class 5A state tournament. [File photo/TSN]
Class 5A Andover Tennis Complex
Topeka West's doubles teams of sophomore Collin McGee and junior Zander Rice and the Seaman doubles team of seniors Dayton Schneider and Owen Stewart both assured themselves of Class 5A state medals Friday at the Andover Tennis Complex.
McGee and Rice (31-11) are the No. 13 seed and went 3-1 on the day while No. 18 seed Schneider and Stewart (25-10) advanced with a 2-1 record and both teams can finish as high as fifth in 5A.
Seaman sophomore singles player Camden Dutton went 2-2 on the day, coming within one win of moving on to Saturday's place matches.
The Seaman doubles team of sophomores Aaron Sampson and Cooper Hopeck and freshman singles player Kenton Myrick both went 0-2 Friday.
Cair Paravel senior Drew Fay has assured himself of a third straight Class 3A-1A state medal. [File photo/TSN]
Class 3A-1A at Prairie Village Harmon Park Tennis Complex
Cair Paravel Latin senior singles player Drew Fay and Lion freshman singles player Jonah Arnold both advanced to the Saturday place matches in the Class 3A-1A state tournament.
Fay (28-3), who finished second in 3A-1A doubles last season, went 2-1 on the day while Arnold (14-6) went 3-1 in his first state tournament.
The Cair Paravel doubles team of senior Joey Thoennes and junior David Toenjes went 0-2.
Class 4A at Topeka Kossover Tennis Center
Hayden's senior doubles team of William Luke and Brock Reynoldson came within a win of advancing to Saturday's Class 4A place matches, going 2-2 on Friday, while the Wildcat doubles team of sophomore Patrick Luke and freshman Miles Allphin and junior singles player Brek Wahlmeier went winless in its two matches.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior star Audrey Appuhn finished off her competitive swimming career Thursday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium the same way she started it... as a champion.
Washburn Rural senior Audrey Appuhn reacts after winning Thursday's 100-yard backstroke, her eighth Centennial League individual win in eight attempts. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Appuhn, who will turn her focus to music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, posted Centennial League wins in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke, capping an eight of eight career individual performance in the league meet.
Appuhn won the 200 IM in 2 minutes, 19.72 seconds and followed that up with a win in the 100 backstroke in 1:02.28 for her eighth individual league title, reaching the same milestone she accomplished in last week's city championships.
"It feels really good,'' Appuhn said. "I'm just happy that I got to do it alongside all these amazing people and got to see everyone succeed with me. Success looks different now and the times and emotional value of the race and how you felt while you were doing it and everything and I'm just glad that I learned all those lessons every race I did and I wouldn't not do swimming.
"In another life I would do swim because it taught me so much.''
A multi-time state medalist in her three Class 6A state meets, Appuhn added some icing on the cake when she teamed with Ava Von Lintel, Stella Berry and Sophie Heinen to win the 400 freestyle relay in 4:20.55 in her final high school race as the Junior Blues finished off a runnerup team finish behind Manhattan.
"It was good to just finish out strong and get in there and go for it,'' Appuhn said. "I was like, 'This is my last one. I literally never have to do this again if I don't want, so I might as well finish on a good note.' ''
Hayden junior Kaelyn Gerdel won a pair of individual titles in Thursday's Centennial League swimming meet. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Hayden junior standout Kaelyn Gerdel also captured a pair of individual Centennial League title in Thursday's meet, winning the 200 freestyle in 2:13.23 and the 100 breast in 1:17.59.
Both Appuhn and Gerdel earned first-team All-Centennial League recognition along with Rural's Heinen and Topeka High's Avery Skinner and Hara Del Castillo.
Heinen swam on Rural's winning 400 free relay and second-place 200 medley relay (2:11.82) and was second in the 50 free (27.67) and third in the 500 free (6:26.60) while Skinner finished second in the 200 free (2:14.96) and 500 free (6:08.60) and Del Castillo was the runnerup in the 100 backstroke (1:08.88).
Manhattan won six events on the day en route to a 472-409 margin over Washburn Rural, with the Indians winning their second straight team title after ending Rural's four-year title streak in 2025.
CENTENNIAL LEAGUE SWIMMING/DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Cair Paravel Latin senior star Drew Fay plans to close the door on his competitive tennis career after this weekend's Class 3A-1A boys state tournament at Harmon Park in Prairie Village.
Cair Paravel senior Drew Fay is 26-2 and the No. 3 singles seed for this weekend's Class 3A-1A state tennis tournament. [File photo/TSN]
And Fay, a state placer in both singles and doubles in his high school career, just wants to make sure he does everything he can to make the most of his farewell event.
"It's my last tennis tournament ever,'' said Fay, who will attend college at Emporia State. "I'm not playing in college, so if I'm not having fun then I'm missing the whole point.
"So I just want to play my best and have fun while I'm doing it. Then I'll be happy.''
Fay teamed with Eric Buchenau to finish second in 3A-1A doubles last season before switching back to singles this season, winning the city title in No. 1 singles.
"I think I enjoy them (singles and doubles) both a lot,'' Fay said. "They're a lot different, but I think they're both fun. By the time the season started I felt comfortable playing singles again.''
Fay, 26-2, enters this year's state tournament as the No. 3 seed behind Wichita Collegiate sophomores Amir Khicha (19-1) and G. Farha (26-6).
And although Fay acknowledges that Khicha is the tournament favorite, he's setting his sights on reaching a second straight state final.
"I think winning it all would probably take a miracle honestly, but I think getting second would be pretty exciting, so I'd say that's my goal,'' Fay said.
Cair Paravel also qualified freshman singles player Jonah Arnold and the doubles team of senior Joey Thoennes and junior David Toenjes after the Lions captured the team title in last Friday's 3A-1A regional at Kossover Tennis Center.
Arnold finished fourth at regionals and is the No. 14 seed with an 11-5 record while Thoennes and Toenjes also finished fourth in the regional tournament and are the No. 19 seed with a 1-2 record.
The 3A-1A state tournament will start at 10:30 a.m. Friday and continue on Saturday with a 9 a.m. start.
Class 6A at Wichita Riverside Tennis Complex
Washburn Rural completed a sweep of city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional team championships last Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center while qualifying five of six players for Friday and Saturday's state tournament at Wichita's Riverside Tennis Complex.
Washburn Rural seniors Cale Deutscher (left) and Dylan Willingham won a regional doubles title last Saturday to lead the Junior Blues to the team championship. [File photo/TSN]
The Junior Blues went one-two in doubles at regionals, with seniors Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham defeating senior teammates Kieffer O'Connor and Ben Tryhus 6-3, 6-1 in the championship match.
Deutscher and Willingham, who placed seventh in 6A doubles last season, are 28-4 this spring and earned the No. 5 state seed while O'Connor and Tryhus are 25-6 and the No. 12 seed.
Junior singles player Greyson Jones posted a fourth-place regional finish, retiring with cramping issues in the third-place match.
Jones will take a 21-11 record into the state tournament and is the No. 20 seed.
Topeka High will also be well-represented in the state tournament, qualifying senior singles player Tres Lassister and the doubles team of seniors Victor Arriaga and Christian Sink.
Lassiter finished second at regional and will be the No. 15 state seed with a 28-9 record.
Arriaga and Sink finished fifth in last Saturday's regional and are 23-14 and the No. 21 seed.
The 5A state tournament will start at 10:30 a.m. Friday and continue on Saturday with a 9 a.m. start.
Class 5A Andover Tennis Complex
For the second straight season Seaman qualified all six players for Friday and Saturday's Class 5A state tournament at the Andover Tennis Complex.
The Vikings are coming off back-to-back team championships in the United Kansas Conference and 5A regional tournaments.
Sophomore Camden Dutton led regional champion Seaman with a runnerup singles finish last Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]
Sophomore singles player Camden Dutton paced Seaman with a runnerup finish in last Saturday's regional tournament at Kossover while freshman Kenton Myrick finished third.
Dutton, 18-11 on the season, is the No. 13 5A singles seed for state while Myrick, 22-7, is the No. 18 seed.
The Vikings' doubles teams of seniors Dayton Schneider and Owen Stewart and sophomores Aaron Sampson and Cooper Hopeck finished third and fourth, respectively at regionals.
Schneider and Stewart are 22-6 and the No. 18 state doubles seed while Sampson and Hopeck are 23-9 and seeded No. 19.
Topeka West sophomore Collin McGee, a two-time Class 5A state qualifier, teamed with Zander Rice to finish second in doubles at regionals. [File photo/TSN]
Topeka West's doubles team of sophomore Collin McGee and junior Zander Rice followed up its runnerup finish in the UKC meet with a second-place showing at regionals.
McGee and Rice are 28-10 on the season and the No. 13 state seed.
The 5A state meet will get under way at 10:30 a.m. Friday and continue at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Class 4A at Topeka Kossover Tennis Center
Hayden posted a second-place team finish in the McPherson Class 4A regional last Friday while qualifying five of six players for the state tournament, which the Wildcats will host this weekend at the Kossover Tennis Center.
Seniors William Luke and Brock Reynoldson paced Hayden with a runnerup doubles finish at regionals while the Wildcats also qualified the doubles team of sophomore Patrick Luke and freshman Miles Allphin, who finished fifth.
Junior Brek Wahlmeier qualifed for state in singles with a third-place finish.
W. Luke and Reynoldson are now 17-18 on the season and are the No. 14 state seed while P. Luke and Allphin are 20-11 and seeded No. 21.
Wahlmeier will take a 20-15 record into state and is the No. 15 singles seed.
Hayden coach Christine Voegeli has announced that she is stepping down after this weekend's state tournament, ending a long stint as an assistant and head coach in the Hayden program.
The state tournament will get under way at 10:30 a.m. Friday and continue at 9 a.m. Saturday.
TOPEKA STATE TENNIS QUALIFIERS
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.43
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 11.04
Courtney Sanders, Topeka High 11.10
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.78
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.38
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.65
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.94
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Xavier Fisher, Shawnee Heights 51.34
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:53.37
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:59.79
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:11.63
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.88
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 43.26
Colin Miller, Silver Lake 43.41
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 42.92
Washburn Rural 43.17
Seaman 43.27
Silver Lake 43.28
Topeka High 43.52
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:23.24
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka High 3:33.55
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 8:21.93
Seaman 8:34.58
Silver Lake 8:57.48
Topeka High 9:09.82
Rossville 9:14.36
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 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.36
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.60
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.66
Adriana Raub, Washburn Rural 12.75
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.83
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 26.82
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Sofia Harper, Hayden 26.88
400 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 59.19
Sofia Harper, Hayden 59.44
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.34
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
800 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:21.50
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:23.63
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Clara Dillon, Washburn Rural 2:33.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.78
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.36
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.77
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 50.29
Washburn Rural 51.46
Seaman 51.63
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Silver Lake 4:09.56
Topeka High 4:10.27
Washburn Rural 4:11.18
Seaman 4:20.94
Topeka West 4:27.08
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 10:12.53
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
