Washburn Rural Junior Blues

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University volleyball graduated six seniors, including three All-Americans, off its 2025 team that posted a 27-5 record, earned a share of the MIAA regular-season championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

 Washburn University's 2026 volleyball team poses for a team picture during Monday's media day activities. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But Chris Herron's Ichabods still have the same sky-high expectations they've always had as they open preseason preparations for the 2026 season.

Washburn graduated MIAA Player of the Year and first-team AVCA All-America middle hitter Austin Broadie, first-team All-MIAA and AVCA All-America honorable mention outside hitter Bella Limback and middle hitter Alex Dvorak, who earned second-team All-MIAA honors last fall despite missing a big chunk of the season with an injury after earning AVCA All-America honorable mention in 2024.

But the Ichabods return three-time second-time all-conference defensive specialist/libero  Taylor Rottinghaus, a former Shawnee Heights star, as well as second-team All-MIAA outside hitter Brynne Topolski and honorable mention all-conference outside hitter Keilah Rivers.   

"We like the kids we have and why I feel good about it is that we have so much experience returning,'' Herron said. "Am I going to miss some of those other kids? Yeah sure, but you know what, I think the biggest thing for is we're ready to move on.

"You have this five for five (eligibility) thing and all these injunctions, but we're just going on. We're not worried about that stuff. We like our group and they tested really well (Monday) morning, everybody passed everything, so it's great.''

Now Herron is eager to see what heights this year's edition of the Ichabods can reach.

"We talked about that (Sunday) at our first meeting,'' Herron said. "When you change three or four pieces, they leave, and then three or four new pieces come in, the whole chemistry of that team has changed dramatically, so you have to find your own chemistry.

"We said, 'Whatever happened last year was fine and good, but that was last year, now you've got to find your own.' ''  

In addition to Rottinghaus, Topolski and Rivers, Herron is expecting big things from sophomore middle blocker Brooklyn Morrisey, who came on strong late last season.

"Those middles (Broadie and Dvorak) were dynamite, they were just ridiculous, but we have Brooklyn Morrisey, who filled in the last 13 matches for Alex when she got hurt and played terrific,'' Herron said. "She played against 11 nationally-ranked teams and still hit .280-something, so that bodes well for us.''

The Ichabods have also added transfer setter Lauren Tyler from Drury and transfer first-team All-MIAA first-team outside hitter Emma Siron from Central Missouri State.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County football players to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.

Coy Barta, Seaman [File photo/TSN]

COY BARTA, Seaman

A senior wide receiver, Barta earned second-team TopSports.News All-Shawnee County and second-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition last season for the 3-6 Vikings. Barta caught 38 passes for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

Jadyn Baum, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural

A senior running back, Baum helped lead Washburn Rural to a 6-4 record and the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs last fall, earning TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League first-team recognition after carrying the ball 139 times for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. Baum also won a 6A state wrestling championship at 215 pounds.

Mason Becker, Hayden [File photo/TSN]

MASON BECKER, Hayden

A first-team TSN All-Shawnee County pick, Becker, a 6-foot, 160-pound senior, was a perfect 100 percent on extra-point kicks last season, was two of two on field goals, carried the ball 32 times for 438 yards, caught 13 passes for 224 yards, had nine kickoff returns for 121 yards, scored nine touchdowns and was in on 30 tackles with five pass interceptions for the 12-1 Wildcats, the Class 3A runnerup. Becker is also a basketball and baseball standout for the Wildcats.

Josh Brown, Seaman [File photo/TSN]

JOSH BROWN, Seaman

Brown, a junior wide receiver, was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection for the 3-6 Vikings last season. Brown caught 40 passes for 627 yards and eight touchdowns over the 2025 season. 

STEVEN CANTRELL, Washburn Rural

A senior defensive end, Cantrell is a top returner for Washburn Rural after earning first-team All-Centennial League recognition as a junior for the 6-4 Junior Blues. Cantrell also received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

CHARLIE CHANCE, Rossville

A senior offensive/defensive lineman, Chance was named the Shawnee County defensive newcomer of the year last season for the Bulldawgs, who posted an 11-2 record and finished second in Class 1A. Chance was in on 54 tackles with 14 tackles for loss and three sacks, earning second-team all-county and All-Big East honors. 

CADE DANIELSON, Washburn Rural

Danielson, a senior outside linebacker, will be counted on to be a team leader for the Junior Blues this fall after helping Washburn Rural post a 6-4 record and reach the second round of the Class 6A playoffs in 2025.

Ricardo Dowd, Topeka High [File photo/TSN]

RICARDO DOWD, Topeka High

Dowd, a junior running back, was a second-team All-Centennial League selection last season for the 3-6 Trojans as a sophomore while also receiving All-Shawnee County honorable mention. 

MYLES FISHER, Silver Lake

A senior offensive/defensive lineman, Fisher received second-team All-Shawnee County honors and All-Big East League honorable mention last season after helping Silver Lake post a 7-3 record. Fisher was in on 73 tackles for the Eagles.

Chase Hastert, Cair Paravel [Photo by Barry Benteman/Special to TSN]

CHASE HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

Hastert, a junior quarterback/linebacker/defensive back, is a top returner for Cair Paravel after taking over as the Lions' starting quarterback last fall. The Lions, coming off a 2-6 season, return to the Eight-Man ranks this fall after playing 11-man the past two seasons. Hastert is also a basketball and golf standout for the Lions, earning first-team All-County honors in golf.

COLE HAUBAULD, Cair Paravel Latin

Haubauld, a senior running back/linebacker, earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention as well as All-Flint Hills League recognition as an offensive guard and linebacker last season for the 2-6 Lions and is expected to play running back on offense for CPLS this fall. Cair Paravel returns to Eight-Man Division I competition this season.

CALE HORAK, Rossville

Horak, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season as Rossville posted an 11-2 record and finished second in Class 1A. Horak caught 15 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore while also registering 21 tackles (16 solo).  

CAEL HORGAN, Rossville

A senior, Horgan earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season as Rossville posted an 11-2 record and finished second in Class 1A. Horgan caught seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore while also registering 37 tackles (21 solo) with three interceptions.   

EVAN HUNTLEY, Hayden

A 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior fullback/inside linebacker, is a top returner on both sides of the ball for a Hayden team that posted a 12-1 record and finished second in Class 3A for the third straight season last fall.

ALEX HUSTON, Seaman

A senior linebacker, Huston received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 3-6 Vikings. Huston was in on 106 tackles as a junior, including 61 solo stops.

AMIR JONES, Washburn Rural

Jones, a senior linebacker, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping Washburn Rural post a 6-4 record and advance to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Cale Ketter, Seaman [File photo/TSN[ 

CALE KETTER, Seaman

Ketter, a senior quarterback, was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection last season for the 3-6 Vikings. Ketter completed 136 of 231 pass attempts for 2,013 yards and 23 touchdowns in eight games.

JoJo Kingcannon, Highland Park [File photo/TSN]

JOJO KINGCANNON, Highland Park

A 6-foot, 190-pound senior quarterback/defensive back, Kingcannon played receiver, running back and quarterback as a junior, scoring from all three positions. Kingcannon received All-Shawnee County honorable mention for the Scots, who went 5-1 on the field, catching 10 passes for 338 yards and rushing for 408 yards on 32 attempts. Kingcannon earned second-team all-county recognition in basketball.

Kipton Kruger, Silver Lake [File photo/TSN] 

KIPTON KRUGER, Silver Lake

A 5-foot-11, 165-pound sophomore quarterback, Kruger was named the Shawnee County offensive newcomer of the year last fall after completing 178 of 252 passes for 2,158 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Eagles. Kruger was a second-team All-Shawnee County pick and received All-Big East honorable mention. Kruger is also a basketball and baseball standout for the Eagles.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's soccer has been picked No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Women's Coaches National Pre-Season Rankings released Tuesday.

Davy Phillips' Ichabods are coming off a 14-4-6 season in 2025, including 8-0-4 in MIAA play, and advanced to the NCAA Division II semifinals.

Senior defender Lindsey Maul returns for No. 4-ranked Washburn soccer after earning first-team All-MIAA and all-region honors in 2025. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

Sophomore Leah Henke is a top returner for No. 4-ranked Washburn University soccer after being named the MIAA freshman of the year last season. [File photo/TSN] 

The Ichabods return a key nucleus of players from last year's team, including first-team All-MIAA picks Lindsey Maul, a senior defender, and Leah Henke, a sophomore forward. Henke was named the MIAA freshman of the year last fall.

Also returning are All-MIAA second-team pick Rilyn Snyder, a senior defender, third-team conference selections Grace Peterson (senior midfielder), Mackinly Rohn (senior midfielder) and Sam Searcey (junior forward) and honorable mention honorees Kate Hinck (sophomore forward) and Lili Everley (sophomore goalkeeper).

Washburn Rural products Rohn and Hinck are two of the five Topekans on the Washburn 2026 roster along with Rural grads Destiny Higgs, a redshirt freshman, and freshman Dayne Shriver, and Hayden freshman Reese Huscher.  

Washburn will open its regular season at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in Yager Stadium against pre-season No. 21 Maryville.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top city boys soccer players to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.  

CARLOS ACOSTA-MARTINEZ, Topeka High

Acosta-Martinez, a senior midfielder, is a top returner for the Trojans after earning first-team All-City and All-Centennial League recognition last season as Topeka High posted a 9-6-2 record.

ALAN ARTEAGA, Shawnee Heights

A senior goalkeeper, Arteaga was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection last fall for the 15-3-0 T-Birds while also receiving All-City honorable mention.

Judah Congdon, Cair Paravel Latin [Photo by Jan Pabitzky/Special to TSN]

JUDAH CONGDON, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior forward/midfielder, Congdon received All-City honorable mention last season after registering 14 goals and 24 assists for the 11-7-0 Lions, who advanced to the Class 4A-1A state quarterfinals.  

Valentin Del Real, Topeka West [File photo/TSN]

VALENTIN DEL REAL, Topeka West

Del Real, a junior midfielder, is a two-time All-City first-team honoree while also earning All-United Kansas Conference first-team recognition for the Chargers, who went 13-3-2 on the season.

BRAYAN DIAZ, Shawnee Heights

Diaz is expected to be a key contributor for the T-Birds this fall after missing the entire 2025 campaign with an injury. 

MYLES DIDDE, Washburn Rural

A senior midfielder, Didde scored the game-tying goal in last season's Class 6A state championship game before the 19-1-1 Junior Blues went on to win the state title in penalty kicks. Didde will serve as a Rural team captain this fall. 

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West [File photo/TSN]

DIEGO GONZALES-TALAVERA, Topeka West

A senior forward, Gonzales-Talavera is a two-time All-City and All-United Kansas Conference first-team honoree for Topeka West, which is coming off of a 13-3-2 record.

Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights [File photo/TSN]

MASON HAAS, Shawnee Heights

Haas, a senior midfielder, earned first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition for the second straight season in 2025 for the T-Birds, 15-3-0 last season.

KALEB HOLMES, Seaman

A senior defender, Holmes is a key returner for the Vikings, 8-9-0 in 2025, after receiving All-City honorable mention as a junior.

Brodye Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

BRODYE KOCHER-MUNOZ, Washburn Rural

Kocher-Munoz, a senior forward, helped lead Junior Blues to a 19-1-1 record and the Class 6A state championship last fall. A team captain, Kocher-Munoz was a first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honoree as a junior. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County boys cross country runners to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.

Jaxson Adams

JAXSON ADAMS, Washburn Rural 

 A junior, Adams earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the first time last fall after finishing fifth in the city meet, ninth in the Centennial League, 22nd in a Class 6A regional and 42nd at state as the Junior Blues captured the state team title by a point after earlier winning city and league championships and finishing second on a tiebreaker at regionals. Adams was a 6A state track qualifier in the 3,200 meters, posting a third-place regional finish.

Conner Bloom

CONNER BLOOM, Seaman

A senior, Bloom was a first-time member of the All-Shawnee County first team last fall after finishing ninth in the city meet and 11th in the United Kansas Conference meet for the runnerup Vikings. Bloom finished 24th in a Class 5A regional at Wichita and will be counted on to be a leader for the Vikings this fall. Bloom was a 5A state qualifier in track in the 4x800 relay this past spring. 

EASTON DAVIS, Topeka High 

Davis, a junior, has received All-Shawnee County honorable mention the past two seasons. Davis finished 17th in the city meet last fall and went on to earn an individual berth in the Class 6A state meet with a 14th-place regional finish.

Clayton Fink

CLAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

A junior first-team All-Shawnee County first-team repeat pick, Fink placed fourth in the city championships and the Centennial League meet for the champion Junior Blues and finished seventh in a Class 6A regional and placed 26th in the state meet as Washburn Rural captured the team championship. Fink received all-county honorable mention this past spring in track.

Duke Graf

DUKE GRAF, Washburn Rural

Graf, a junior, earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the first time after finishing third in the city meet, 14th in the Centennial League, second in Class 6A regional competition and 28th in the Class 6A state meet as the Junior Blues won the team title by a point over Blue Valley. Graf also helped Rural win city and league titles.

Henry Laubach

HENRY LAUBACH, Washburn Rural

A junior All-Shawnee County first-team repeat pick, Laubach bounced back from an injury to post a team-best 22nd-place finish in the Class 6A state meet, helping lead Washburn Rural to the state title. Laubach placed seventh in the Centennial League and 12th in a 6A regional. Laubach received all-county honorable mention in track.

Nick Newkirk

NICK NEWKIRK, Hayden

Newkirk, a junior, posted a sixth-place finish in the city meet, was 18th in the Centennial League meet and earned a individual berth in the Class 4A state meet with a 14th-place finish at regionals. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick, Newkirk capped his season with a 34th-place finish at state. 

HUNTER ROOKS, Silver Lake

Rooks, a senior, is a multi-time Class 3A state qualifier, helping the Eagles qualify as a team last fall. Rooks posted a 60th-place finish in the state meet to pace Silver Lake.

Related Stories and Videos

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County girls cross country runners to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.

Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural

REESE BEARDSLEE, Washburn Rural  

Beardslee, a junior, earned her first All-Shawnee County first-team honor last fall after placing fifth individually in the city meet for the team-champion Junior Blues. Beardslee also placed 11th in the Centennial League, 17th in Class 6A regional competition and 50th at state. 

CLARA DILLON, Washburn Rural

A sophomore, Dillon was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in 2025 after posting an eighth-place finish in the city meet for the team-champion Junior Blues and finishing 18th in the Centennial League meet, 21st in Class 6A regional competition and 62nd in the state meet.

Ali Gerber, Silver Lake

ALI GERBER, Silver Lake

Gerber, a senior, earned All-Shawnee County first-team honors last fall after receiving honorable mention as a sophomore. Gerber posted a sixth-place finish in Class 3A regional competition and finished 35th in the state meet. Gerber was a repeat first-team all-county pick in track this past spring after placing fourth in the 3A 400-meter dash and running on the Eagles' fifth-place 4x400 relay team.

Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural

ALYSON HINCK, Washburn Rural

Hinck was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick last fall as a freshman after finishing second in the city meet for the team-champion Junior Blues and placing sixth in the Centennial League, eighth in Class 6A regional competition and a team-high 25th in the state meet. Hinck was also a first-team all-county pick in track, placing fifth in the 6A 800 meters.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University linebacker JC Heim was a tackle machine last fall as a sophomore, rolling up 142 total stops to lead the MIAA and rank second in the nation.

Former Washburn Rural star JC Heim returns for his third season at Washburn after ranking second in the nation with 142 tackles in 2025. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But like almost all great players, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Washburn Rural product would gladly sacrifice individual stats for more team success as the Ichabods try to improve on back-to-back 3-8 seasons and three straight losing campaigns overall.

"One hundred percent, 110 percent I would give up the stats I had for a few more wins and I'm just excited to see how it works out this year,'' Heim said.

Heim, a Washburn team champion, registered 71 solo stops a year ago to rank No. 3 in the nation and had seven tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery while posting a career-high 17 tackles against Colorado School of Mines.

Heim admitted that he was surprised by last year's numbers. 

"It definitely caught me off guard,'' Heim said. "During the game you just get in that flow state and you don't realize the tackles and stats you have. I don't really tend to worry about that much. I just worry about my job, but it came with how we play our defense and how the guys did up front and that's how I was able to get the stats I had.

"I surprised myself, but the coaches and the players around me, they're confident in me and how I play the game and what I do.''

Washburn star JC Heim is focused on helping the Ichabods take a big step forward this fall after a huge sophomore campaign. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics] 

Washburn suffered five losses by seven or fewer points last season, including an overtime loss, and Heim feels like the Ichabods are poised to make a big jump this fall.

"We've got a lot of depth at a lot of positions,'' said Heim, who has 171 career tackles with 84 solo stops and eight tackles for loss. "We've got a lot of returners coming back and we've built a lot of leaders up, so I'm just excited to see how we respond to adversity this year and how we finish games.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

If NCAA Division II follows Division I's lead in the near future, college athletes will be granted an extra season of eligibility, having five years to play five seasons.

Washburn Rural product Ty Weber is excited about the possibility of getting to play five seasons for Washburn football. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

If and when that proposal goes into effect, Washburn University senior tight end Ty Weber is likely to jump at the opportunity to play an extra season for the Ichabods.  

"The thing is, you don't get to play football much in your life,'' said the 6-foot-4 235-pound Weber, a Washburn team captain. "Once you're done you're done, and this group of guys that we have now has been some of the most fun guys I've ever gotten to play with, so it's just a joy to show up every day and it's like, 'Why would I not want to get one more?' ''

Weber, a former Washburn Rural football and baseball standout, cracked Washburn's starting lineup as a true freshman in 2023, but experienced a devastating tragedy prior to the Ichabods' fifth game of the season when his father, Billy, died suddenly at 55 years old.

Weber fought through the heartbreak to play in nine games with seven starts as a freshman and appeared in all 11 games as a sophomore with eight starts.

Weber suffered another setback last season, missing the Ichabods' first five games after being stricken with amyloidosis, a rare ailment that resulted in Weber suffering full body cramping that resulted in hospitalization.

But Weber, who suffered a broken leg in baseball as a sophomore at Rural,  once again showed his resiliency, returning to action for the final six games of the season as Washburn posted a second straight 3-8 season.   

"Those things, when they happen, they make you appreciate it more,'' Weber said. "And this maybe being my last one it kind of gives you a different sense of feeling about it.

"I'm looking forward to a year where I don't have to see the doctors much and not see the trainers as much, but also to have more wins in the win column.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County volleyball players to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season and coach recommendations, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches. 

Brynn Anderson, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

BRYNN ANDERSON, Washburn Rural

Anderson, a 5-foot-11 sophomore hitter, was a first-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League selection and named the county and league newcomer of the year last season after helping lead the Junior Blues to the Centennial League championship and a ninth straight Class 6A state tournament berth. Anderson registered 397 kills on the season along with 20 block kills, 96.3 percent serving with 29 aces and 229 digs. Anderson was also a first-team all-county pick in basketball and a state qualifier in track and field.

Nora Burdiek, Rossville [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]   

NORA BURDIEK, Rossville

A senior hitter, Burdiek is a two-time TSN All-Shawnee County first-team selection after being named the county newcomer of the year and earning second-team honors as a freshman. Burdiek has registered 1,373 total kills in her career with 936 digs. Burdiek was a first-team All-Big East selection as a junior after helping lead the Bulldawgs to a Class 2A state berth and earning All-State Tournament and All-2A first-team recognition from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Burdiek is also a basketball and softball standout, helping Rossville advance to the state tournament in both of those sports.

Campbell Dawson, Topeka High [File photo/TSN]

CAMPBELL DAWSON, Topeka High

Dawson, a senior, earned second-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honors last fall in her third season as a varsity player. Dawson also earned second-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition as a sophomore. Dawson was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County and second-team Class 6A All-State selection this past spring in softball after helping lead the Trojans to a third-place state finish.

Karys Deiter, Silver Lake [Photo by Scott Paske/KSHSAA Covered]  

KARYS DEITER, Silver Lake

Deiter, a junior hitter, helped lead the Eagles to the Class 3A state championship with a 46-1 record, including a 37-match winning streak to end the 2025 season. A first-team TSN All-Shawnee County pick and second-team 3A All-State honoree, Deiter finished the year with 313 kills, a 34.7 kill percentage, 18 blocks and 253 digs. Deiter also earned All-Shawnee County first-team honors in basketball and track and field after helping lead Silver Lake to the 3A state championship in basketball and earning a 3A state medal in track.

Kylie Hanni, Silver Lake [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]

KYLIE HANNI, Silver Lake

A senior setter, Hanni was named the TopSports.news Shawnee County Player of the Year last season after helping lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state championship with a 46-1 record, including 37 straight wins to end the season. Hanni was named to the 3A All-State Tournament team and All-3A first team by the Kansas Volleyball Association and was also a first-team All-Big East League pick after registering 1,181 assists, with 45 kills, 22 blocks, a 91.7 serving percentage with 33 aces and 174 digs. Hanni also helped the Eagles win 3A state titles in basketball and softball.

ADY HENRY, Rossville

Henry, a senior libero, helped Rossville reach the Class 2A state tournament last season while earning second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and third-team All-Big East League recognition. 

HADLEY KILGORE, Washburn Rural

Kilgore is expected to be a key contributor for the Junior Blues at middle hitter this fall in her first season at the varsity level. Kilgore joins a Washburn Rural team that won the 2025 Centennial League championship and advanced to the Class 6A state tournament for the ninth straight season.

Clara Morgan, Shawnee Heights [Submitted photo]   

CLARA MORGAN, Shawnee Heights

A senior setter, Morgan was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County selection last season while also receiving All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention. Morgan surpassed the 1,000 assist mark for her career last season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University was picked eighth in both the MIAA Preseason Football Coaches and Media Polls released Monday by the conference office as part of the MIAA Football Media Day hosted by Washburn in the Bill Sneed Indoor Athletic Facilty.

Zach Watkins' Washburn Ichabods were picked No. 8 in the MIAA preseason football polls, released Monday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Ichabods, coming off a 3-8 season (2-7 in the MIAA) will open the 2026 season on Aug. 29, going on the road to face former MIAA foe Truman State (6 p.m.). The Ichabods will make their home debut on Sept. 5 at Yager Stadium with a non-conference tilt against Colorado School of Mines (12 p.m.).

Now the Ichabods, who dropped five games by seven or fewer points last season, will be looking to take a big jump in Year 2 of the Zach Watkins era, building around 12 returning starters and 55 lettermen.

Former Washburn Rural star Ty Weber returns for his senior season at tight end for Washburn football. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"We've got the right guys, we've had the right preparation,'' said Washburn senior tight end Ty Weber. "I think the biggest thing for us is not necessarily proving people wrong but proving us right.

"We know the work we've put in, we know what we've done, and I think now it's just the year that we take off and really project into what we can do in the next couple of years.''

Washburn star junior linebacker JC Heim, a Washburn Rural product, ranked No. 2 in the nation in tackles last fall. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]  

Junior linebacker JC Heim, who led the MIAA and ranked No. 2 in the nation in tackles last season, agreed with Weber that the Ichabods are poised for a big season.

"It all just comes down to how we worked this summer,'' Heim said. "We averaged 92 guys this summer and that's huge for us. We had a good spring, a good summer, so I'm just excited. All we can do is control what we can control and get out there on the field and show what we can do.''

Defending conference co-champion Pittsburg State, 10-3 overall, 8-1 in the MIAA, was tapped as the preseason favorite in the coaches' poll, receiving seven of 10 first-place votes, while 2025 conference co-champ Northwest Missouri State (9-3, 8-1) topped the media poll, receiving 19 of 30 first-place votes.

Central Oklahoma (6-5, 6-3) was tapped for the No. 3 spot in the coaches poll, followed by Fort Hays State (6-5, 5-4), Central Missouri State (5-6, 5-4), Emporia State (5-6, 4-5), Nebraska-Kearney (6-5, 4-5), Washburn, Missouri Western (3-8, 2-7) and Missouri Southern (3-8, 1-8).  

Pitt State was picked No. 2 in the media poll, receiving 10 first-place votes, while Central Oklahoma received the final first-place vote and was picked third.

Central Missouri and Fort Hays State went four and five, flipping spots from the coaches poll, while Emporia State was picked sixth, while Nebraska-Kearney, Washburn, Missouri Western and Missouri Southern rounded out the poll.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County girls tennis players to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.

ANNIE HENDERSON, Washburn Rural

A junior, Henderson was an All-City honoree last fall after teaming with Alizah Alvarez-Chedzoy to win the city title in No. 2 doubles. Henderson and Alvarez-Chedzoy placed fifth in Class 6A regional competition to qualifiy for state and posted a 2-2 record in the state tournament to finish 9-2 on the season.

KAYLYN HIEBSCH, Seaman

Hiebsch, a senior, teamed with Cadence Speer to finish second in the 2025 city meet in No. 2 doubles and Hiebsch and Speer also finished third in doubles in the United Kansas Conference and fourth at regionals as the Vikings swept city, UKC and regional team titles before finishing second in Class 5A.

BRIDGET HOOPES, Washburn Rural

A sophomore, Hoopes finished third in the city tournament in No. 2 singles and qualified for the Class 6A state tournament in singles as Washburn Rural captured a 6A regional team championship.

LANA HULL, Hayden 

Hull turned in a big freshman season last fall, capped by a seventh-place singles finish in the Class 4A state tournament for the third-place Wildcats. Hull finished second in the city tournament in No. 2 singles before placing fourth in singles in the Centennial League and third in regional competition.

Julia Katzer, Washburn Rural

JULIA KATZER, Washburn Rural 

Katzer, a senior, teamed with Halle Owen to win the city title in No. 1 doubles and a Class 6A regional doubles championship. Katzer and Owen helped lead the Junior Blues to a regional team title and finished their season with a 26-6 record.

Camryn Lux, Seaman 

CAMRYN LUX, Seaman

A senior, Lux teamed with Peyton Henry to finish second in the city meet in No. 1 doubles before the duo went on to earn the United Kansas Conference doubles championship, post a third-place regional finish and place seventh in the Class 5A state tournament. Lux, who went 28-7 on the year, helped the Vikings sweep city, UKC and regional team titles before Seaman finished second as a team in the 5A state tournament.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EDITOR'S NOTE: TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County golfers to watch in 2026, based on performances in the 2025 season, will be updated as needed after practice begins on Aug. 17 and more information is received from county coaches.

KAITLYNN FRYE, Seaman

A senior, Frye earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after tying for 27th in the Class 5A state tournament with a 36-hole score of 188 (95-93). Stuke finished third in the United Kansas Conference with an 84 as the Vikings won their fourth straight conference title and tied for eighth in the city meet as Seaman won its first city team title by 14 strokes. Frye tied for seventh at regionals.

Avenley Head, Silver Lake      

AVENLEY HEAD, Silver Lake

Head, a sophomore, was a second-team All-Shawnee County pick last fall as a freshman. Head posted a seventh-place finish in Class 3A-1A regional competition in 2025 before tying for 29th at state with a 36-hole total of 188 (99-89). 

Brooke Johnson, Hayden

BROOKE JOHNSON, Hayden

A senior, Johnson helped Hayden post a fourth-place Class 4A team finish last fall after helping the Wildcats win the 4A state title by a 15-stroke margin as a sophomore. A second-team All-Shawnee County pick the past two seasons, Johnson tied for 23rd in the state tournament last fall with a 36-hole total of 178 (89-89). 

Kailyn Petersen, Washburn Rural

KAILYN PETERSEN, Washburn Rural

Petersen, a senior, is the lone returning All-Shawnee County first-team honoree from the 2025 team after earning second-team all-county recognition as a sophomore. Petersen finished sixth in the city tournament, tied for ninth in the Centennial League and finished third in Class 6A regional competition with a 79 before placing 31st at state with a 177 36-hole total (87-90).

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Topeka Junior Golf Association wrapped up its eight-week 2026 summer season on Tuesday at Shawnee Country Club, crowning five city champions after the season-ending two-day event.

Peyton Wright (middle) won the girls 15-17-year-old title in the Topeka Junior Golf Association City Championships Tuesday at Shawnee Country Club, while Avenley Head (left) finished second and Addison Fechter third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]      

Easton Moulin (middle) won the 15-17 boys championship in Tuesday's Topeka Junior Golf Association City Championships at Shawnee Country Club while Leyton Eckert (left) finished second and Kaden Leonetti third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Baldwin resident Peyton Wright won the girls 15-17-year-old championship, giving her six career junior titles, while Holton resident Easton Moulin won the boys 15-17 division, giving him four straight city championships.

Wright put together rounds of 70 and 71 to win the girls championship by 15 strokes while Moulin used rounds of 75 and 74 to post a three-shot victory.

Callen Baldwin (middle) won the 13-14 boys championship in Tuesday's Topeka Junior Golf Association City Championships at Shawnee Country Club while Arjun Rao (left) finished second and Oliver Turner third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Nikhil Rao (middle) won the 11-12 boys championship in Tuesday's Topeka Junior Golf Association City Championships at Shawnee Country Club while Dash Knowland (left) finished second and Camden Hughes third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

William Roe (middle) won the 9-10 boys championship in Tuesday's Topeka Junior Golf Association City Championships at Shawnee Country Club while Mason Walker (left) finished second and Jaxson McFarland third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN] 

Callen Baldwin was the 13-14 boys champ, Nikhil Rao won the 11-12 division and William Roe won the 9-10 title.

TJGA CITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news 

The game of golf came a lot tougher for Washburn Rural and Washburn University product Hayden Beck on Sunday than it had on Saturday when Beck set a Lake Shawnee course record with a sizzling 62 en route to opening up a four-stroke lead in the Topeka Golf Association City Stroke Play tournament.

Former Washburn Rural and Washburn University golfer Hayden Beck rolled in a birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday at Shawnee Country Club to win his first TGA City Stroke Play championship. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But Beck, who will take over as Washburn Rural girls head coach this fall after serving as a Junior Blue boys assistant this past spring, battled through an up and down day to get the job done at Shawnee Country Club, draining a long birdie putt on the first playoff hole to top former Santa Fe Trail standout and Washburn Ichabod Blake Buessing to earn his first city championship.

Hayden Beck reacts after sinking his tournament-winning putt in Sunday's TGA City Stroke Play tournament at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"Being a coach now and getting to help out with the team this spring, I was always telling the guys, 'You're not always going to play perfect every single time. Even on your best rounds you could do some things better,' '' Beck said.

"I look back on yesterday and maybe I missed a couple of putts and got lucky a couple of times and it all kind of evens itself out. You've just got to stick in there.'' 

Beck carded a final-round 73 while Buessing shot a 69 Sunday and rallied from his four-stroke deficit at the start of the round to briefly take a one-shot lead.

Beck battled back to regain a one-stroke lead before Buessing pulled even on hole No. 17 and both players remained even on the final hole with a 54-hole total of 209 to force sudden death.

Buessing narrowly missed a birdie putt before Beck came through with his biggest shot of the day to end the tournament.

"I would have liked to win it in regulation, but rolling in the putt on the playoff hole was pretty sweet,'' Beck said. "It was nice to finally get one there at the end when it counts the most.''

TGA City Stroke Play champion Hayden Beck (left) exchanges congratulations with runnerup Blake Buessing Sunday at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Although he came up just short of the title, Buessing was pleased with his overall performance.

"It was fun, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,'' Buessing said. "It was back and forth all day.''

Beck said that a highlight of the tournament for him was having his high school coach, Jared Goehring, serve as his caddie. Goehring is turning over the Rural girls coaching reins to his former standout while Beck will continue to serve as a boys assistant under Goehring.

"It was awesome to have coach on the bag,'' Beck said. "That was so cool just to have him out here and do that again. It kind of took me back to high school, just having him there keeping me level-headed. That was a huge help.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University volleyball All-American Austin Broadie and Ichabod soccer All-American Belle Kennedy have been named TopSports.news' Washburn University co-women's athletes of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Both players received MIAA conference player of the year honors as seniors while leading their teams to NCAA Tournament berths.

Austin Broadie, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

A 6-foot middle hitter, Broadie was named a first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American and named the MIAA Player of the Year as a senior.

Broadie helped lead Washburn to a 27-5 record, a share of the MIAA regular-season title (13-3) and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

A Wichita Trinity product Broadie recorded 348 kills with a high of 25 and 17 matches with 10 or more kills.

Belle Kennedy, Washburn University

The former Washburn Rural star earned first-team NCAA All-America and NCAA All-Tournament honors and was named the MIAA defensive player of the year in her final collegiate season.

An All-Central Regional pick, Kennedy, named to the All-MIAA first team three times, helped lead the Ichabods to a 14-4-6 overall record and an 8-0-4 MIAA mark.

Kennedy helped lead the Ichabods to the NCAA semifinals before the Ichabods dropped a 2-1 decision to Franklin Pierce. 

Other women's finalists: 

Lexie Fontaine, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]  

LEXIE FONTAINE | Track and field

A native of Lockport, Ill., Fontaine was a two-time NCAA All-American outdoors this past spring, placing sixth in the 1,500 meters and eighth in the 800. Fontaine also earned All-American honors indoors, finishing sixth in the 800. Fontaine is the Washburn school record-holder in the indoor and outdoor 800 and 1,500 and was an MIAA champion both indoors and outdoor.  

Susana Granados Carrion, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics] 

SUSANA GRANADOS CARRION | Golf 

Granados Carrion, a native of Cordoba, Spain, led Washburn with a team-low 75.00 round average as a junior, earning first-team All-MIAA recognition. Granados Carrion posted six top-five individual finishes on the season and recorded a team low round of 70. 

Leah Henke, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

LEAH HENKE | Soccer 

Henke, a Bishop Carroll product, was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year last fall while also being named to the All-MIAA and All-Region first team after helping lead Washburn (14-4-6 overall, 8-0-4 conference) to the national semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Henke scored 12 goals on the season, the second most goals by a freshman in school history.  

Naiuri Krein, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]     

NAIURI KREIN | Track and field

A native of Estancia Velha, Brazil, Krein ended her Washburn multi-events career as a six-time All-American, the most-decorated track and field athlete in program history. She made seven NCAA national appearances and was a seven-time All-MIAA honoree. She owns the school record in both the indoor pentathlon and the outdoor heptathlon and was fifth in the NCAA Indoor Championships and sixth outdoors.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Ichabod basketball star Jack Bachelor has been named TopSports.news' Washburn University men's athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Jack Bachelor, Washburn University [File photo/TSN] 

The Washburn Rural product helped lead Washburn to a 31-2 record and MIAA regular-season and tournament titles as a junior, earning All-MIAA and National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region first-team recognition for the second straight season.

Bachelor has started 76 consecutive games and 78 of 97 as an Ichabod, averaging 13.6 points for his career. Bachelor ranks 14th on Washburn's career scoring chart with 1,319 points, third in career assists (455), sixth all-time in steals (143) and seventh in career 3-pointers (207).

Bachelor averaged 15.5 points while hitting 95 3-pointers and dishing out 151 assists last season.

Bachelor was named the MIAA Tournament most valuable player last season after recording games of 24, 27 and 14 points while also dishing out 22 assists.

Other men's finalists:  

Dillon Claussen, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

DILLON CLAUSSEN | Basketball

Claussen played in 64 games with 29 starts for WU, averaging 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, adding 68 blocks and 55 steals. Claussen ranks No. 3 all-time at Washburn in career field goal percentage at .641. Led the Ichabods in scoring with a 15.6-point average last season, earning first-team NABC All-District, and All-MIAA honors. Claussen scored a career-high 27 points at Nebraska-Kearney hitting 11 of 16 shots including 3 of 5 3-pointers and adding eight rebounds.

Justin Forde, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JUSTIN FORDE | Track and field 

Forde was the 2026 NCAA Indoor national champion in the triple jump and finished third in the NCAA Outdoor championships. Forde was a three-time MIAA individual champion in the triple jump, winning two outdoor titles and one indoor title. Forde was a three-time all-region selection and is Washburn's school record- holder in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump. A Norwalk, Conn. native, Forde became Washburn's first NCAA individual champion when he won the indoor triple jump at 16.29 meters (53 feet, 5.50 inches.). Forde jumped a school-record 54-07.25 outdoors.

Jacob Fratzel, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

JACOB FRATZEL | Golf

The former St. James Academy star was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year and was a PING All-Region and first-team All-MIAA pick after leading the Ichabods with a 72.5 stroke average in 34 rounds. Fratzel posted six top-10 finishes, including one top-five placing. He recorded 14 rounds under par and finished in a tie for 18th at the NCAA National Championship with a 5-under 211. 

Kamble Haverkamp, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

KAMBLE HAVERKAMP | Football

The Centralia product was an All-MIAA first-team selection as a senior, while also being named second-team All-Region. Haverkamp was a four-year member of the Ichabods, playing in 28 games and recording 109 tackles. Haverkamp started all 11 games at safety, recording 76 tackles with 56 solo stops. He registered11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: Over the coming days TopSports.news will take a look at all 10 Washburn University women's and men's finalists for the 2025-2026 school year, followed by the Ichabod athletes of the year. 

Jack Bachelor, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

JACK BACHELOR | Basketball

The former Washburn Rural star has started 76 consecutive games and 78 of 97 as an Ichabod, averaging 13.6 points for his career. Bachelor ranks 14th on Washburn's career scoring chart with 1,319 points, third in career assists (455), sixth all-time in steals (143) and seventh in career 3-pointers (207). Bachelor is a two-time first-team all-MIAA and NABC all-district selection. He averaged 15.5 points while hitting 95 3-pointers and dishing out 151 assists as a junior. Bachelor was named the MIAA Tournament most valuable player with games of 24, 27 and 14 points while also dishing out 22 assists.

Dillon Claussen, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

DILLON CLAUSSEN | Basketball

Claussen played in 64 games with 29 starts for WU, averaging 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, adding 68 blocks and 55 steals. Claussen ranks No. 3 all-time at Washburn in career field goal percentage at .641. Led the Ichabods in scoring with a 15.6-point average last season, earning first-team NABC All-District, and All-MIAA honors. Claussen scored a career-high 27 points at Nebraska-Kearney hitting 11 of 16 shots including 3 of 5 3-pointers and adding eight rebounds.

Justin Forde, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JUSTIN FORDE | Track and field 

Forde was the 2026 NCAA Indoor national champion in the triple jump and finished third in the NCAA Outdoor championships. Forde was a three-time MIAA individual champion in the triple jump, winning two outdoor titles and one indoor title. Forde was a three-time all-region selection and is Washburn's school record- holder in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump. A Norwalk, Conn. native, Forde became Washburn's first NCAA individual champion when he won the indoor triple jump at 16.29 meters (53 feet, 5.50 inches.). Forde jumped a school-record 54-07.25 outdoors.

Jacob Fratzel, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

JACOB FRATZEL | Golf

The former St. James Academy star was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year and was a PING All-Region and first-team All-MIAA pick after leading the Ichabods with a 72.5 stroke average in 34 rounds. Fratzel posted six top-10 finishes, including one top-five placing. He recorded 14 rounds under par and finished in a tie for 18th at the NCAA National Championship with a 5-under 211. 

Kamble Haverkamp, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

KAMBLE HAVERKAMP | Football

The Centralia product was an All-MIAA first-team selection as a senior, while also being named second-team All-Region. Haverkamp was a four-year member of the Ichabods, playing in 28 games and recording 109 tackles. Haverkamp started all 11 games at safety, recording 76 tackles with 56 solo stops. He registered11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: Over the coming days TopSports.news will take a look at all 10 Washburn University women's and men's finalists for the 2025-2026 school year, followed by the Ichabod athletes of the year.

Austin Broadie, Washburn University [File photo/TSN] 

AUSTIN BROADIE | Volleyball

A 6-foot middle hitter, Broadie was a first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American and named the MIAA Player of the Year as a senior after helping lead Washburn to a 27-5 record, a share of the MIAA regular-season title (13-3) and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A Wichita Trinity product Broadie recorded 348 kills with a high of 25 and 17 matches with 10 or more kills. 

Lexie Fontaine, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]  

LEXIE FONTAINE | Track and field

A native of Lockport, Ill., Fontaine was a two-time NCAA All-American outdoors this past spring, placing sixth in the 1,500 meters and eighth in the 800. Fontaine also earned All-American honors indoors, finishing sixth in the 800. Fontaine is the Washburn school record-holder in the indoor and outdoor 800 and 1,500 and was an MIAA champion both indoors and outdoor.  

Susana Granados Carrion, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics] 

SUSANA GRANADOS CARRION | Golf 

Granados Carrion, a native of Cordoba, Spain, led Washburn with a team-low 75.00 round average as a junior, earning first-team All-MIAA recognition. Granados Carrion posted six top-five individual finishes on the season and recorded a team low round of 70. 

Leah Henke, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]

LEAH HENKE | Soccer 

Henke, a Bishop Carroll product, was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year last fall while also being named to the All-MIAA and All-Region first team after helping lead Washburn (14-4-6 overall, 8-0-4 conference) to the national semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Henke scored 12 goals on the season, the second most goals by a freshman in school history. 

Belle Kennedy, Washburn University [File photo/TSN] 

BELLE KENNEDY | Soccer

The former Washburn Rural star earned first-team NCAA All-America and NCAA All-Tournament honors and was named the MIAA defensive player of the year in her final collegiate season. An All-Central Regional pick, Kennedy, named to the All-MIAA first team three times, helped lead the Ichabods to a 14-4-6 overall record and an 8-0-4 MIAA mark.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural wrestling state Landen Kocher-Munoz, a four-time Class 6A state finalist and a three-time state champion, has been named TopSports.news' Shawnee County boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Washburn Rural's Landen Kocher-Munoz became the third boys wrestler in Topeka history to win three state championships this past season. [Photo by Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports]

Kocher-Munoz was earlier named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year for 2025-2026 after winning the 144-pound 6A title with a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to their third straight third-place 6A team finish.

Kocher-Munoz, who swept Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns as a senior, became only the third boys wrestler in Topeka history to capture three individual state championships, joining former NCAA champion and multi-time Olympian Melvin Douglas (1979-1981) and former Washburn Rural teammate Easton Broxterman (2023-2025).

Washburn Rural's Landen Kocher-Munoz ended his high school wrestling career with a 142-17 record and three state titles. [File photo/TSN]

Kocher-Munoz sandwiched the 2023 state title at 120 pounds and the 2025 state title at 138 pounds championship around a runnerup finish at 138 pounds in 2024.

He finished his career with a 142-17 overall record. 

Next up: Washburn University women's athlete of the year finalists.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman track and field star Brody Anderson and Washburn Rural baseball star Aidan Newbery, who ended their high school careers with state championships, have been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County co-spring boys senior athletes of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Brody Anderson, Seaman 

Anderson claimed the 2026 Class 5A state championship in the 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds.

A former state medalist in cross country, Anderson also posted second-place 5A state finishes in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters after winning the city title in the 800 and sweeping the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 titles in the United Kansas Conference meet. 

Aidan Newbery, Washburn Rural 

Newbery, a catcher, was named the Shawnee County and Centennial League player of the year after helping lead Washburn Rural to its first state baseball championship since 1952, capped by a 4-3 win over Free State in the 6A state championship game.

Newbery was also named to the 6A All-State second team by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches. 

 Other spring boys athlete of the year finalists 

 Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel/Topeka High

CALEB CLEVERDON | Cair Paravel/Topeka High

SPORT: Golf

Cleverdon, who competed for Topeka High in the regular season and Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason, posted a second-place individual finish in the Class 2A state tournament with a 36-hole total of 149 (73-76) after taking a four-shot individual win in the Flint Hills League tournament with a 73. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick, Cleverdon tied for third in the Centennial League (75) and tied for first in 2A regional competition (71), finishing second in a playoff.

Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/Special to TSN] 

BRODY COOPER | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Baseball

A standout pitcher, Cooper helped lead Shawnee Heights to the 2026 Class 5A state championship game and a runnerup finish. A two-time United Kansas Conference first-team selection, Cooper was named the conference pitcher of the year as a senior and was also named to the All-Shawnee County first team.

 Jack Donovan, Rossville

JACK DONOVAN | Rossville

SPORT: Golf

Donovan was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the third straight season after earning a state medal for the fourth straight year (two in Class 3A, two in 2A) with a fifth-place finish in the 2A state event with a 36 hole score of 155 (79-76). Donovan finished third in a 2A regional with a 76 and was the Big East League individual medalist with a 71. Donovan, who tied for sixth in the 2025 state tournament, received All-Shawnee County recognition in three sports.

Drew Fay, Cair Paravel Latin 

DREW FAY | Cair Paravel Latin

SPORT: Tennis

Fay capped an outstanding four-year high school career with a city-high fifth-place finish in the 2026 Class 3A-1A state tournament. Fay was a four-year state qualifier and a three-time state medalist, with a high finish of second place in doubles in 2025. Fay captured the city championship in No. 1 singles this past spring and also won a regional title. Fay was a three-time All-City pick.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EMPORIA -- The West put together several scoring threats in Saturday's Kansas Shrine Bowl, out-gaining the East 277 yards to 218 and reaching East territory six times.

But the East defense had an answer for each and every test it faced, posting a 14-7 win in front of 6,035 fans at Welch Stadium while not allowing a West offensive score.

Washburn Rural product Brody Haas (42) celebrates a big defensive play in the East's 14-7 Shrine Bowl win Saturday in Emporia. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Former Washburn Rural star Brody Haas and Rossville product Andre Johnson both played key roles in the East's defensive effort, combining for 10 tackles (eight solo) and three pass breakups while Haas also registered a sack.

"We had a lot of good scout from the offense throughout the week and it felt like every formation was something we had already kind of seen so nothing really surprised us,'' Haas said. "We dominated the line of scrimmage and were able to cover our spaces very well, so they really couldn't do anything about it because everyone was doing their job and that's how you play good football.''

The West scored its lone touchdown when Houston Bowlin (Derby) recovered a first-quarter East fumble in the end zone while the East got touchdown passes from former Shawnee Heights star Aiden Scott and Kansas City-Washington product Savion Stone, which proved to be enough for the East to cut its deficit in the series to 30-19-2.

Former Rossville star Andre Johnson (24) registered five tackles for the East in Saturday's 14-7 Shrine Bowl victory over the West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN] 

"We were locked in the whole week,'' Johnson said. "We were ready for this West offense all week and we proved it today and made it a goose egg. It was fun.''

The East drew first blood at the 7:03 mark of the opening quarter when Scott connected with Alec Jett (St. James Academy) for a 24-yard touchdown pass (conversion failed) after Osage City product Quenten Stark picked off a pass deep in East territory and returned it 33 yards to the West 49-yard-line.

The West took its only lead of the night on Bowlin's fumble recovery in the end zone and an extra-point kick from Brody Haskell (Augusta) with 2:54 left in the opening quarter and the West reached the 4-yard-line after recovering a fumble before Hayden Heller (Mill Valley) recorded the East's second interception of the night on the third play of the second quarter to thwart the threat.

The East scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 1:13 left in the opening half on a 27-yard pass from Stone to Blake Jay (Mill Valley) after Austin Zeller (Jackson Heights) recoverd a West fumble.

Stone, who was named the East Most Valuable Player, then ran for the two-point conversion to account for what proved to be the final margin after a scoreless second half.

"During halftime our coach was saying how we were doing such a good job with if we let a bad play happen we wouldn't let two happen right in a row and we didn't stack bad plays one after the other,'' said Haas, who is headed to Benedictine.

Shawnee Heights product Aiden Scott (20) was named the East's Most Inspirational Player after Saturday's 14-7 Shrine Bowl win. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Scott, who was voted the East's Most Inspirational Player, split time with Stone throughout the game, with Scott, a Washburn signee, completing 5 of 7 passes for 62 yards and Stone going 6 of 7 for 54 yards.

"The team had confidence in both of us back there in the backfield,'' Scott said. "The bond that we have definitely helps out. We helped each other and would could come to the sidelines and see what the other person sees and just go to work out there.

"We've both got talent, we both work hard, so it works out.'' 

Former Nemaha Central star Carter Hajek, who will play at Emporia State, led the East with 59 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

Salina Central product Cooper Reves was named the West MVP after rushing for a game-high 91 yards on 14 carries.

Rossville's Johnson plans to enlist in the Marines in the near future and said Saturday night's win was the perfect way to cap his football career.

"A great way to go out,'' he said. "I wanted to end it on a win. I ended on a win at the All-America Game and it's way better to go 2-0 to end my career after losing at state. It's way better.''      

EAST 14, WEST 7  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Carsyn Broxterman, who helped lead Hayden to a perfect 21-0 record and the Class 4A-1A state soccer championship has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County spring girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden 

A forward, Broxterman was named the city and Centennial League player of the year as a senior and was also named the forward of the year in 4A-1A by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.

Broxterman scored the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' 1-0 victory over Rose Hill in the state championship game.

Broxterman will play collegiately at Kansas City Kansas Community College. 

Other springs girls athlete of the year finalists 

Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 

AUDREY APPUHN | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Swimming

Appuhn won four gold medals (two individual, two relays) to lead Washburn Rural to its 23rd straight city team title and earned three golds (two individual, one relay) in the Centennial League meet. Appuhn went 8 for 8 in individual events over her career in the city and league meets and earned multiple Class 6A state medals as a freshman, sophomore and junior. 

Ella Foster, Hayden

ELLA FOSTER | Hayden

SPORT: Soccer

A midfielder, Foster helped Hayden go wire to wire with 21 straight victories for the 2026 Class 4A-1A state championship, capped by a 1-0 win over Rose Hill in the state final. A Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State first-team pick, Foster was also a second-team All-Centennial League and All-City honoree. As a senior Foster also helped the Wildcats win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball. 

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

KAILYN HANNI | Silver Lake

SPORT: Softball/Track and Field

A four-sport standout, Hanni helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state softball championship and also doubled up in track and field, placing third in the 3A javelin hours after the Eagles' 4-0 win over Southeast of Saline in the state softball final. Hanni, who was also a state medalist in golf and led Silver Lake to its second state basketball championship in three seasons, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in both softball and track and earned All-Class 3A first-team honors in softball.

Reese Huscher, Hayden 

REESE HUSCHER | Hayden

SPORT: Soccer

Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association and also earned first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honors after helping lead the Wildcats to a perfect 21-0 record and the 4A-1A state title this past spring. Huscher also helped Hayden win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Brody Haas had an outstanding senior football season for Washburn Rural, earning All-Centennial League, All-Shawnee County and All-Class 6A recognition from the Kansas Football Coaches Association.

Brody Haas, Washburn Rural

Haas registered 114 total tackles with 80 solo stops for the 6-4 Junior Blues, recording 14 tackles for loss with a sack and two pass interceptions (one for a touchdown) while recovering two fumbles. 

Despite those lofty laurels the former Junior Blues linebacker still wasn't banking on getting the opportunity to play in the prestigious Kansas Shrine Bowl, but was one of Shawnee County's six original picks for the East roster

"I actually was pretty surprised,'' Haas said. "A funny story, my mom was watching (the selection show) and she said that I didn't make it. I was like, 'Oh alright,' and then I got a bunch of texts from everybody else and there were like, 'You made the Shrine Bowl.'

"I was really grateful and I'm excited to be here.''

Haas will play strong safety and maybe some linebacker for the East in Saturday's 7 p.m. Shrine game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium.

"I think (practice) is preparing us really well, and with it being a lot cooler,  everyone's not over-exhausted,'' Haas said earlier the week at the East's Ottawa University training camp. "Everyone's in really good spirits, we're all having a pretty good time learning and adjusting to the playbook and everything that's being taught.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural wrestling star Landen Kocher-Munoz has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County winter boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural

Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year after winning his third Class 6A state championship in his fourth straight trip to the state finals as a senior.

Kocher-Munoz won the 144-pound title as a senior, posting a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place 6A team finish and sweeping Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns.

Other winter boys athlete of the year finalists 

KaeVon Bonner, Seaman

KAEVON BONNER | Seaman

SPORT: Basketball

Bonner was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year as a senior after leading the Vikings to a 23-5 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. Bonner was named the All-United Kansas Conference player of the year while earning all-county and All-UKC honors for the third straight season. Bonner averaged a city-high 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 2.6 steals for the Vikings while hitting 44 3-pointers.

Jack Donovan, Rossville 

JACK DONOVAN | Rossville

SPORT: Basketball

Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the third straight season after being named the co-newcomer of the year as a freshman. Donovan helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 17-8 record and a second straight Class 2A state tournament berth this past season. Donovan finished his prep career No. 2 on Rossville's career scoring list, with a season-high 47 points. Donovan received all-county recognition in football, golf and basketball.

Ryder Harrison, Washburn Rural 

RYDER HARRISON | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Wrestling

An All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Harrison finished second in Class 6A at 120 pounds as a senior while posting a 28-7 record on the season and helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish. Harrison finished second in 6A regional competition after winning a Centennial League championship with a 5-0 record and five straight pins.

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake

SPORT: Basketball

Johnson was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year after finishing his career as Silver Lake's career leading scorer while helping lead the Eagles to a 22-7 record and a second straight third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 selection and a first-team All-Big East League pick, Johnson was also a two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick in football for the Eagles.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After leading the state in passing yards last fall, former Shawnee Heights star quarterback Aiden Scott weighed some recruiting options before deciding he didn't even need to leave his hometown to find what he was looking for, signing with Washburn University.

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Scott completed 197 of 319 passes for 2,991 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior and finished his career completing 420 of 691 pass attempts for 6,491 yards and 632 touchdowns. 

"I had (interest from) South Dakota and a PWO (preferred walkon) from KU and it came down to a business decision,'' said Scott, who will play quarterback for the East in Saturday's 7 p.m. Kansas Shrine Bowl at Emporia State. "It was like, 'Do I want playing time or do I want to sit for a little bit?'

"And especially when it's at home, friends and family can come watch you play and Washburn's coaching staff and facilities are top notch.''

Scott, a three-sport athlete for the T-Birds, has spent much of his summer at Washburn, getting acclimated to the college game.

"I've been there about three weeks so far and it's been fun,'' Scott said. "The upperclassmen have been really warm to me, welcoming me into the new program and helping me settle in. The freshmen are very talented guys, the whole team's very talented.

"We're growing, we're getting better, so I'm excited how the season's going to turn out.''

The decision will be made later this fall about whether or not Scott will redshirt this season, but he is preparing to play.

"They told me I'll get a shot during fall camp to be the starting guy and if I don't get that job I'll probably end up redshirting and get that extra year of experience,'' Scott said. "But my mindset is to get that starting job.''

Conner Bush, Rossville

Scott will be joined in the East backfield Saturday by another Washburn recruit, former Rossville two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Conner Bush, who helped lead the Bulldawgs to a runnerup finish in Class 1A. 

Bush carried the ball 81 times for 717 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as a senior and was in on 114 total tackles, with two pass interceptions, two tackles for loss and 10 passes broken up. 

Both Scott and Bush were added to the East as replacement players, with Bush getting the call about two weeks before the opening of the East camp at Ottawa University.

"My coach, coach (Derick) Hammes (an East assistant) called me and I was nothing but excited,'' Bush said. "I was just ready to play.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Star Silver Lake point guard Kailyn Hanni, named Miss Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association after leading the Eagles to their second Class 3A state championship in three seasons, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County winter girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

 Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

The 5-foot-7 Hanni was also named the Shawnee County Player of the Year as a senior after helping lead the Eagles to a 28-1 record, earning all-county first-team honors for the third time.

Hanni finished her high school career with 1,404 points, 585 assists, 563 rebounds and 339 steals, finishing No. 1 on Silver Lake's all-time list in assists and steals and finishing No. 3 in career scoring.

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

Hanni also set a single-game scoring record with 39 points and a single-game assist mark with 12, reaching that total on three occasions. 

Hanni was a four-sport standout for Silver Lake, helping the Eagles win the 3A state softball title this past spring while also helping the Eagles win a state golf championship during her career and placing third in the 3A javelin in track and field as a senior.

The Silver Lake star will play collegiately at Fort Hays State.

Other winter girls athlete of the year finalists 

Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural

EMME BLANCO | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Wrestling

Blanco posted a runnerup finish at 145 pounds in the 2026 Class 6A state tournament, helping lead Washburn Rural to a second straight third-place state team finish. Blanco, who captured Centennial League and regional championships, posted a 40-4 record on the season en route to earning a first-team berth on the All-Shawnee County team for the second straight season.

Makayla Cadet, Highland Park 

MAKAYLA CADET | Highland Park

SPORT: Wrestling

A two-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Cadet advanced to the 190-pound Class 5A state championship match as a junior and senior, winning the 5A state title as a junior and finishing second as a senior while posting a 23-3 record on the season. Cadet also received all-county honorable mention in softball.

Rylee Dick, Rossville

RYLEE DICK | Rossville

SPORT: Basketball

Dick put together an outstanding four-year career for the Bulldawgs, leading Rossville to a Class 2A state tournament berth as a senior, the Bulldawgs' first state appearance in 20 seasons. Dick averaged 20.6 points over the 2025-2026 season, finishing her career with 1,578 points to rank No. 2 on Rossville's all-time scoring list. She received first-team All-Big East League and All-Shawnee County honors. 

Maddie Gragg, Seaman

MADDIE GRAGG | Seaman

SPORT: Basketball

Gragg was a four-time All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for Seaman, helping the Vikings win the Class 5A state championship her sophomore season and post a runnerup state finish as a junior. Gragg averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds over the 2025-2026 campaign while hitting 32 3-pointers. 

Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Wrestling

A four-time Class 5A state medalist and repeat All-Shawnee County pick, Graves saved her best for last, winning the 155-pound state championship as a senior to cap a 35-2 season. Also a United Kansas Conference and 5A regional champion, Graves helped lead Shawnee Heights to a third-place 5A team finish for the second straight season. Graves was also a standout catcher in softball, earning all-county first-team honors. 

Claire LaDuke, Seaman  

CLAIRE LADUKE | Seaman

SPORT: Bowling

LaDuke finished third in the 2026 Class 5A state tournament with a 688 three-game series as Seaman rolled to the team championship by a huge 358-pin margin over Emporia. A first-team All-City pick, LaDuke also helped the Vikings sweep city, United Kansas Conference and 5A regional team titles. LaDuke finished fourth in the city tournament, fifth in the UKC and third at regionals. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman product Cameron Brian, Rossville's Andre Johnson and Silver Lake's Dayne Johnson have put together memories that will last a lifetime over outstanding high school athletic careers.

But now the Shawnee County stars are ready to turn their focus on a future without competitive sports after experiencing one more highlight as members of the East team for Saturday's 7 p.m. Kansas Shrine Bowl all-star football game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium.

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

Dayne Johnson was a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball, helping the Eagles post a 7-3 record in football as a senior before leading Silver Lake to a second straight third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup 3A finish in baseball.

But after considering his college options in football and basketball, Johnson opted to concentrate on academics at Kansas State while majoring in finance.

"I was mainly getting looks for football, but I'm just not as big of a fan for football,'' Johnson said. "I'm a basketball guy and I didn't have the looks I wanted in basketball.

"I'll definitely miss it a lot, but I knew sports have to end at some point so I'll go to school and hopefully have a good time there.'' 

But first, Johnson, who is playing wide receiver for the East, wants to take advantage of his opportunity to play in the state's premier all-star game.

"I think it's an honor to get invited and it's for a good cause and I just think being here will be a great time,'' he said. "I've enjoyed meeting all these guys and I'm excited to play in the game.''

And as Johnson, who ended his basketball career as Silver Lake's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, prepares to close his athletic career, he's proud of what he's been able to accomplish.

"Every day I tried to work as hard as I could and max out what my results could be and I'm pretty happy with the success I had in my high school career,'' said Johnson, who received All-Shawnee County recognition in all three of his sports.

Cameron Brian, Seaman (left) and Andre Johnson, Rossville.

Brian, an all-county linebacker and a starter for Seaman's basketball team that finished third in 5A, will also concentrate on academics in college, attending the University of Kansas.

"I'm just going to school,'' Brian said. "I had a few smaller (offers in football), but this is it for me. This is the last hurrah.

"It was definitely a tough decision, just growing up playing football. It's every young football player's dream to go play in the NFL, so it's definitely sad that I'm not going to play in college but at the end of the day I think it's a better decision for me.''

Brian feels like playing in the Shrine Bowl is a perfect way to say goodbye to sports.

"It definitely was important,'' he said. "I feel like every kid in high school wants to get to the Shrine Bowl. Everbody wants to be a star of their team and come out here and play and what the Shriners do is great work, so it's always good to come out here and put this on so people can come support them.''

Rossville's Andre Johnson, a linebacker for the East, plans to serve his country after helping the Bulldawgs finish second in 1A and earn all-county honors as a senior.

"My plan is go into the Marine Corps,'' Johnson said. "My family's really big into the military and I have two brothers in the Marines so that kind of interested me right there.

"My plan was to go to college and I decided I really didn't want to go to college, so I decided to go into the Marines and serve my country.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Dylan Willingham, who helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state soccer championship last fall while earning Centennial League and 6A player of the year honors, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County fall boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural

Willingham, a star forward, was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Kansas Boys Soccer Player of the Year after helping lead the 19-1-1 Junior Blues to the 2025 Class 6A state championship.

Willingham set Washburn Rural's single-season scoring record with 37 goals and career record with 67 goals.

The two-time Centennial League Player of the Year was Kansas' only 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches All-American in addition to being recognized as the 6A forward of the year.

Willingham was also a four-time 6A state medalist in tennis.

Willingham will play Division I college soccer at Nebraska-Omaha.

 Other fall boys athlete of the year finalists

Brody Anderson, Seaman

BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman

SPORT: Cross Country

A first-team All-Shawnee County pick in all three years he ran cross country, Anderson won his second straight city and United Kansas Conference individual titles last fall and was a Class 5A regional runnerup. He also won the prestigious Olathe Twilight Invitational, finishing ahead of runners from over 50 schools from multiple states. Anderson won the 5A 800 meters title in track while finishing second in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.

Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights

CAMDEN GRANADO | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Soccer/Football

Granado, a forward, was named the United Kansas Conference soccer player of the year last fall while also earning All-City first-team honors. A second-team All-State selection, Granado finished his career as Shawnee Heights soccer's all-time leading goal scorer. The T-Bird standout doubled up in football, handling place-kicking duties for Heights and earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA | Hayden

SPORT: Football

Hanika, a quarterback, helped lead the 12-1 Wildcats to their third straight Class 3A state championship game. Hanika completed 116 of 192 passing attempts on the season for 1,810 yards and 24 touchdowns and added 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Hanika was also a standout for Hayden's basketball team and helped lead the Wildcats to a runnerup finish in the Class 4A state baseball tournament. 

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake

SPORT: Football

Johnson, a wide receiver/defensive back, was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selection in 2025 after catching 75 passes for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns and registering 59 tackles with two pass interceptions. Johnson, who earned first-team All-Big East League recognition on offense and second-team honors on defense in football, also helped lead the Eagles to a third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup finish in 3A baseball.

Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural

BROOKS KEHOE | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Cross Country

A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team honoree, Kehoe helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state team championship by a single point. Kehoe was the Centennial League champion, placed second in the city meet, 19th in Class 6A regional competition and 25th at state. Kehoe, who helped the Junior Blues win city and league titles and finish second in a tiebreaker at regionals, finished as the 6A runnerup in the 1,600-meter run in track. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

OTTAWA -- When the East team needed a late -- very late -- replacement player for this week's Kansas Shrine Bowl, the call went out to former Shawnee Heights football star AJ Gallegos.

Former Shawnee Heights standout AJ Gallegos (while jersey) will play for the East in Saturday night's Kansas Shrine Bowl in Emporia. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And without hesitation, the 2025 All-Shawnee County Top 22 and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick was on his way to Ottawa University.

"It was the same day that we were supposed to be down here,'' Gallegos said. "It was 11 o'clock (Sunday) morning and I got right out of church when I got the call and they were like, 'Hey, we want you to head down there.'

"I dropped everything and just came straight to Ottawa. It was pretty cool.''

Gallegos said he jumped at the opportunity to be a part of Kansas' premier all-star game.

"For sure,'' Gallegos said. "It's the Shrine Bowl! Why would I not want to play in this type of game?''

Former Shawnee Height standout AJ Gallegos (center) was an All-Shawnee County Top 22and All-UKC first-team pick last fall. [File photo/TSN]

Gallegos, a two-way starter for the 4-5 T-Birds, caught 66 passes for 935 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and joins former Heights quarterback Aiden Scott on the East roster. 

"I'm going to play with my QB, so I'm excited,'' Gallegos said. "We've had four years together and now we get one more game together.

"We thought we had our last game in October, but we're promised one more game now, so it's nice.''

Scott will play quarterback and Gallegos defensive back in Saturday's game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium, but Gallegos is hopeful of getting an opportunity to play at least one play with his former teammate. 

"Maybe I'll get an opportunity to get in and play some receiver and maybe get one more post play or something,'' Gallegos said with a smile.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Jaiden Wise, who helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state volleyball championship, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County fall girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.

Jaiden Wise, Silver Lake [Photo by Jesse Newell/Special to TSN]

Wise helped the Eagles post a 46-1 record last fall, including 37 straight wins to end the season, capped by a 25-21, 25-19 win over Holton in the 3A state championship match.

Wise was named to the 3A All-State Tournament team and All-State first team by the Kansas Volleyball Association and was also an All-Shawnee County first-team selection.

Jaiden Wise [Photo by Scott Paske/KSHSAA Covered]

As a senior Wise recorded 407 kills and 19 blocks on .378 hitting with 296 digs and 22 assists while serving 84.7 percent with 29 aces on the season.

Wise was also a state qualifier in track and field.

Other fall girls athlete of the year finalists

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

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.

Brody Anderson, Seaman

BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman

SPORT: Track and field

Anderson ended his high school career with a Class 5A state championship, winning the 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds. A former state medalist in cross country, Anderson also posted second-place 5A state finishes in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters after winning the city title in the 800 and sweeping the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 titles in the United Kansas Conference meet. 

 Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel/Topeka High

CALEB CLEVERDON | Cair Paravel/Topeka High

SPORT: Golf

Cleverdon, who competed for Topeka High in the regular season and Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason, posted a second-place individual finish in the Class 2A state tournament with a 36-hole total of 149 (73-76) after taking a four-shot individual win in the Flint Hills League tournament with a 73. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick, Cleverdon tied for third in the Centennial League (75) and tied for first in 2A regional competition (71), finishing second in a playoff.

Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/Special to TSN] 

BRODY COOPER | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Baseball

A standout pitcher, Cooper helped lead Shawnee Heights to the 2026 Class 5A state championship game and a runnerup finish. A two-time United Kansas Conference first-team selection, Cooper was named the conference pitcher of the year as a senior and was also named to the All-Shawnee County first team.

 Jack Donovan, Rossville

JACK DONOVAN | Rossville

SPORT: Golf

Donovan was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the third straight season after earning a state medal for the fourth straight year (two in Class 3A, two in 2A) with a fifth-place finish in the 2A state event with a 36 hole score of 155 (79-76). Donovan finished third in a 2A regional with a 76 and was the Big East League individual medalist with a 71. Donovan, who tied for sixth in the 2025 state tournament, received All-Shawnee County recognition in three sports.

Drew Fay, Cair Paravel Latin 

DREW FAY | Cair Paravel Latin

SPORT: Tennis

Fay capped an outstanding four-year high school career with a city-high fifth-place finish in the 2026 Class 3A-1A state tournament. Fay was a four-year state qualifier and a three-time state medalist, with a high finish of second place in doubles in 2025. Fay captured the city championship in No. 1 singles this past spring and also won a regional title. Fay was a three-time All-City pick.

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.

KaeVon Bonner, Seaman

KAEVON BONNER | Seaman

SPORT: Basketball

Bonner was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year as a senior after leading the Vikings to a 23-5 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. Bonner was named the All-United Kansas Conference player of the year while earning all-county and All-UKC honors for the third straight season. Bonner averaged a city-high 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 2.6 steals for the Vikings while hitting 44 3-pointers.

Jack Donovan, Rossville 

JACK DONOVAN | Rossville

SPORT: Basketball

Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the third straight season after being named the co-newcomer of the year as a freshman. Donovan helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 17-8 record and a second straight Class 2A state tournament berth this past season. Donovan finished his prep career No. 2 on Rossville's career scoring list, with a season-high 47 points. Donovan received all-county recognition in football, golf and basketball.

Ryder Harrison, Washburn Rural 

RYDER HARRISON | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Wrestling

An All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Harrison finished second in Class 6A at 120 pounds as a senior while posting a 28-7 record on the season and helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish. Harrison finished second in 6A regional competition after winning a Centennial League championship with a 5-0 record and five straight pins.

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake

SPORT: Basketball

Johnson was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year after finishing his career as Silver Lake's career leading scorer while helping lead the Eagles to a 22-7 record and a second straight third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 selection and a first-team All-Big East League pick, Johnson was also a two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick in football for the Eagles.

Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural

LANDEN KOCHER-MUNOZ | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Wrestling

Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year after winning his third Class 6A state championship in his fourth straight trip to the state finals. Kocher-Munoz won the 144-pound title as a senior, posting a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place 6A team finish and sweeping Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns.

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.

Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 

AUDREY APPUHN | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Swimming

Appuhn won four gold medals (two individual, two relays) to lead Washburn Rural to its 23rd straight city team title and earned three golds (two individual, one relay) in the Centennial League meet. Appuhn went 8 for 8 in individual events over her career in the city and league meets and earned multiple Class 6A state medals as a freshman, sophomore and junior. 

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden 

CARSYN BROXTERMAN | Hayden

SPORT: Soccer

Broxterman, a forward, helped lead Hayden to a perfect 21-0 record and the Class 4A-1A state title as a senior, scoring the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' 1-0 victory over Rose Hill in the state championship game. Broxterman was named the city and Centennial League player of the year and was also named the forward of the year in 4A-1A by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. 

Ella Foster, Hayden

ELLA FOSTER | Hayden

SPORT: Soccer

A midfielder, Foster helped Hayden go wire to wire with 21 straight victories for the 2026 Class 4A-1A state championship, capped by a 1-0 win over Rose Hill in the state final. A Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State first-team pick, Foster was also a second-team All-Centennial League and All-City honoree. As a senior Foster also helped the Wildcats win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball. 

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

KAILYN HANNI | Silver Lake

SPORT: Softball/Track and Field

A four-sport standout, Hanni helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state softball championship and also doubled up in track and field, placing third in the 3A javelin hours after the Eagles' 4-0 win over Southeast of Saline in the state softball final. Hanni, who was also a state medalist in golf and led Silver Lake to its second state basketball championship in three seasons, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in both softball and track and earned All-Class 3A first-team honors in softball.

Reese Huscher, Hayden 

REESE HUSCHER | Hayden

SPORT: Soccer

Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association and also earned first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honors after helping lead the Wildcats to a perfect 21-0 record and the 4A-1A state title this past spring. Huscher also helped Hayden win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.

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.

Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural

EMME BLANCO | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Wrestling

Blanco posted a runnerup finish at 145 pounds in the 2026 Class 6A state tournament, helping lead Washburn Rural to a second straight third-place state team finish. Blanco, who captured Centennial League and regional championships, posted a 40-4 record on the season en route to earning a first-team berth on the All-Shawnee County team for the second straight season.

Makayla Cadet, Highland Park 

MAKAYLA CADET | Highland Park

SPORT: Wrestling

A two-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Cadet advanced to the 190-pound Class 5A state championship match as a junior and senior, winning the 5A state title as a junior and finishing second as a senior while posting a 23-3 record on the season. Cadet also received all-county honorable mention in softball.

Rylee Dick, Rossville

RYLEE DICK | Rossville

SPORT: Basketball

Dick put together an outstanding four-year career for the Bulldawgs, leading Rossville to a Class 2A state tournament berth as a senior, the Bulldawgs' first state appearance in 20 seasons. Dick averaged 20.6 points over the 2025-2026 season, finishing her career with 1,578 points to rank No. 2 on Rossville's all-time scoring list. She received first-team All-Big East League and All-Shawnee County honors. 

Maddie Gragg, Seaman

MADDIE GRAGG | Seaman

SPORT: Basketball

Gragg was a four-time All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for Seaman, helping the Vikings win the Class 5A state championship her sophomore season and post a runnerup state finish as a junior. Gragg averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds over the 2025-2026 campaign while hitting 32 3-pointers. 

Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Wrestling

A four-time Class 5A state medalist and repeat All-Shawnee County pick, Graves saved her best for last, winning the 155-pound state championship as a senior to cap a 35-2 season. Also a United Kansas Conference and 5A regional champion, Graves helped lead Shawnee Heights to a third-place 5A team finish for the second straight season. Graves was also a standout catcher in softball, earning all-county first-team honors.

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.

Brody Anderson, Seaman

BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman

SPORT: Cross Country

A first-team All-Shawnee County pick in all three years he ran cross country, Anderson won his second straight city and United Kansas Conference individual titles last fall and was a Class 5A regional runnerup. He also won the prestigious Olathe Twilight Invitational, finishing ahead of runners from over 50 schools from multiple states. Anderson won the 5A 800 meters title in track while finishing second in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.

Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights

CAMDEN GRANADO | Shawnee Heights

SPORT: Soccer/Football

Granado, a forward, was named the United Kansas Conference soccer player of the year last fall while also earning All-City first-team honors. A second-team All-State selection, Granado finished his career as Shawnee Heights soccer's all-time leading goal scorer. The T-Bird standout doubled up in football, handling place-kicking duties for Heights and earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA | Hayden

SPORT: Football

Hanika, a quarterback, helped lead the 12-1 Wildcats to their third straight Class 3A state championship game. Hanika completed 116 of 192 passing attempts on the season for 1,810 yards and 24 touchdowns and added 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Hanika was also a standout for Hayden's basketball team and helped lead the Wildcats to a runnerup finish in the Class 4A state baseball tournament. 

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake

SPORT: Football

Johnson, a wide receiver/defensive back, was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selection in 2025 after catching 75 passes for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns and registering 59 tackles with two pass interceptions. Johnson, who earned first-team All-Big East League recognition on offense and second-team honors on defense in football, also helped lead the Eagles to a third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup finish in 3A baseball.

Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural

BROOKS KEHOE | Washburn Rural

SPORT: Cross Country

A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team honoree, Kehoe helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state team championship by a single point. Kehoe was the Centennial League champion, placed second in the city meet, 19th in Class 6A regional competition and 25th at state. Kehoe, who helped the Junior Blues win city and league titles and finish second in a tiebreaker at regionals, finished as the 6A runnerup in the 1,600-meter run in track. 

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 senior Brooke Springer and sophomore Nora Mitchell 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-1A, 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 and Mitchell a first-team infielder.

Womack helped lead Silver Lake to a runnerup finish in 3A while Miller and Mitchell 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