For other state meet previews:
Click here for the 6A State Preview
Top 5 Individual Girls:
1. Kaelyn Balch – Bishop Carroll
The race for first is going to be two girls and only two girls. Balch beat Mackenzie Maki of Kapaun a lot early, but Maki has won recently. I am giving the edge to Balch for two reasons. First is the fact that she has thrown down a 14:01 this year. Second is that she has already gone sub-15 at Rim Rock. Last season Maki won the state meet with a 15:12. Balch went 14:56 at the Rim Rock Invitational earlier this season. Balch also is probably a little fresher since she skipped the City League meet as a precaution for a foot injury.
2. Mackenzie Maki – Kapaun
Maki can win it, there is no doubt. She has learned how to race in her junior season and is riding a hot streak into the state meet that started all the way back at the OSU Jam. The race will be phenomenal no doubt and both her and Balch will go sub-14:45.
3. Ashley Washburn – St. Thomas Aquinas
The runner-up last year will likely have to settle for third place this season. She has been running solid of late after a rocky start to the season. She has the big meet experience and comes from a very proud program and strong team. Washburn is the EKL champion and was a regional champion. She just is not on the same level as the two girls above are right now.
4. Clarissa Johnson – Gardner-Edgerton
This girl is solid. She won a relatively weak regional with a solid time (15:23) out at Topeka West. She was eighth last season, but Johnson is much improved this year. At the JK Gold Classic back at the start of the year she ran 16:01, which was a 30-second improvement from her junior season. Then on a tough KC Turner course she ran 17:43, which was a 38-second improvement. Then at the Topeka West Regional on the same course this year she ran 15:23, which was a 51-second improvement over her junior season on the same course. She is ready to drop a 15:25 on Saturday.
5. Rubi Torres – Great Bend
Torres was beat by three Aquinas runners and Jenna Stanbrough of Emporia early this year at Emporia, but I still like her chances to sneak into the top five. She is a runner who has just improved as the season has gone on. At the Hays Inivitational she ran 15:49. One month later on a the same course she cut 19 seconds and ran 15:30 for the WAC championship. Torres finished fifth last season and I like her chances to repeat that performance.
Top 3 Teams
1. Bishop Carroll
This race is going to be just as fun to watch as the individual race. It is clearly a two-team race between the Golden Eagles and Aquinas. At Rim Rock earlier this season Carroll ran a 16:40 average while Aquinas was 16:46. The teams are virtually mirror images of each other with strong front runners and a great pack. The emergence of Anasastasyia Menestrina will be a difference maker. She beat Torres at the regional meet and has been running with a lot of confidence since the GWAL meet where she was third.
2. St. Thomas Aquinas
Aquinas threw down a perfect score at its regional and for good measure took the top seven spots. All seven girls beat the Page Miller of Pittsburg who was fourth at Valley Center last season. This race comes down to a few points. If any one of the top five for either team has a bad race then that could be what tips the scales.
3. Newton
This was between three teams for me. Hutchinson, Newton and Great Bend are all strong contenders, but Newton is the clear favorite after winning the Emporia regional fairly easily with three runners in the top six. The deciding factor for me was the Lake Afton course. At the regional meet Hutchinson averaged 16:45 per girl for second place and Great Bend was third with a 16:41 average. One week earlier at its league meet at Afton, the Railers averaged 16:21 per girl which clearly out paces the other two teams.
Top 5 Individual Boys
1. Adam Porter – McPherson
There is not much more to say about this kid. He knows how to win. The only loss he had this season came to Roy Wedge of Lawrence. Porter has not lost to another 5A runner in a very long time and has demonstrated his ability again and again to dig deep and out kick other runners. Twice he has beaten Hutchinson’s Cameron Sprague by only a second. Porter proved at last spring’s state meet that he possesses a rare blend of strength and speed as he won the 800-, 1600- and 3200-meter runs.
2. Josh Munsch – Hays
Yes, Hutchinson’s Cameron Sprague did beat him at the Lake Afton regional. I don’t think that Munsch showed all his cards though. The Hays harrier has shown a lot better this year and has even beaten Sprague twice this season. He did it once head-to-head at the Great Bend invitational in the early season and then again at Rim Rock. The two ran in different races, but Munsch ran 16:25 compared to Sprague’s 16:53 in a different race. Munsch might have learned his lesson after last season’s regional meet where he and Porter dueled and gave everything they had at the regional meet and then had slightly disappointing state performances.
3. Cameron Sprague – Hutchinson
Don’t get me wrong, Sprague can win this for sure. What he has to do is neutralize Porter's and Munsch’s kicks if he has a shot. Sprague is a distance stud, but I don’t know if he can offer the same top end speed as Porter and Munsch. If Sprague forces the issue early then I think he can win this if he does not allow it to turn into a kickers race. If he allows Porter and Munsch to sit on him then it will probably be a third place finish for him.
4. David Thor – Bishop Carroll
Carroll always seems to peak right and Thor is right on pace to do just that. He was fourth at his regional behind Sprague, Munsch and Seth Tophoj of Hays. Carroll is smart though and have been very cautious with its top guys so as to peak at the right time. Thor is ready to do just that.
5. Javier Segura – Topeka West
He is another example of a strong kicker. He will be battling with Carroll’s Cliff Kissling and Bonner Springs’ Brooks Ballou for this spot. Segura has run in big races this season and was a regional champion. Segura has been consistently between 16:40 and 17:00 all season and is due for a break out
Top 3 Teams
1. Bishop Carroll
It is the same situation as the girls race. Carroll has the better top end talent with Thor and Kissling and that strength pulls them in a big field. The only potential downfall to this team is the youth. Four of the top seven runners are freshmen getting their first taste of state.
2. St. Thomas Aquinas
Aquinas is a more veteran team with five of its top six from the regional meet being upperclassmen. I am not sure what happened to its seventh runner at the regional meet, but if Aquinas is only able to go six deep at state then that will hinder them. Overall this race is going to be great to watch.
3. McPherson
This spot was either Hutchinson or McPherson. Both teams have been running well. Both teams have each won head-to-head battles. They are very similar from one to five as well. Porter and Sprague virtually cancel each other out in this race and it goes down to the two through five runners. McPherson has a better two through four in my opinion with Morgan Peterson, Caleb Porter and Nikolous Rempe. The five runner will be the difference maker. If the gap between four and five does not get smaller than this race gets a little dicey for McPherson. Problems like a large gap time get exposed in a big meet like state.
As always leave a comment or contact me at cparker@kwch.com with your thoughts and opinions on the state XC meets.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
5A State XC Preview
Lake Afton dam proves challenging
I visited Lake Afton for the first time Saturday, when I covered the Class 4A and 5A cross country regional at that location.
The most challenging part of the course is near the end, where runners must climb the dam, race across and make their way back down toward the finish line. I overheard someone refer to it as “the dam(n) hill” Saturday.
Although Bishop Carroll’s first-place finisher in the girls’ 5A race, Kaelyn Balch, didn’t seem to be slowed much by the dam, the freshman described it as “one of the toughest things on the course.”
“I just wanted to finish then,” she said. “I was, like, really tired.”
She agreed that part of the difficulty stems from the dam’s location near the end of the race. However, the Hutchinson boys’ 5A winner – senior Cameron Sprague - wasn’t intimidated by the hill.
“I don’t really think it’s that bad,” he remarked.
Sprague added that it would be worse to climb the dam at the beginning of the race. At the end, runners have to kick and that requires a different energy system, he explained. Plus, he figures athletes who take on the dam benefit from the adrenaline rush that occurs as a race winds down.
The most challenging part of the course is near the end, where runners must climb the dam, race across and make their way back down toward the finish line. I overheard someone refer to it as “the dam(n) hill” Saturday.
Although Bishop Carroll’s first-place finisher in the girls’ 5A race, Kaelyn Balch, didn’t seem to be slowed much by the dam, the freshman described it as “one of the toughest things on the course.”
“I just wanted to finish then,” she said. “I was, like, really tired.”
She agreed that part of the difficulty stems from the dam’s location near the end of the race. However, the Hutchinson boys’ 5A winner – senior Cameron Sprague - wasn’t intimidated by the hill.
“I don’t really think it’s that bad,” he remarked.
Sprague added that it would be worse to climb the dam at the beginning of the race. At the end, runners have to kick and that requires a different energy system, he explained. Plus, he figures athletes who take on the dam benefit from the adrenaline rush that occurs as a race winds down.
Tennis world will miss John Markham
Funeral services were held Monday for John Markham, Goddard’s tennis coach who died Oct. 22. He was a longtime coach and a fixture at Goddard tournaments. I remember talking to him at this fall’s Goddard Invitational, and I photographed him (above) as he instructed the Goddard doubles team of Ellie Dunn and Brooklynn Dossey during a break in action.
John led the Goddard boys to Class 5A state titles in 2001 and 2002. His son, Kyle Markham, earned the 5A singles title in 2001.
The Kansas Tennis Coaches Association named John the boys’ coach of the year (overall) in 2003 and Class 6A boys’ coach of the year in 2006. In addition, the Kansas Coaches Association honored him as boys’ coach of the year in 2003 and 2008.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
6A State XC Preview/Predictions
Class 6A XC State Meet Preview
It is time again for my third annual complete state meet preview/predictions. As always I will pick who I think will be the top three teams and the top five individuals. I will kick it off with 6A and check back later for the other classes.Top Five Girls Individuals
1. Avery Clifton – Washburn Rural
Nobody is close to this girl in 6A, or the state. She can drop 14:30 like it is nothing. Washburn Rural does not dodge anyone and Clifton has beat all comers this season including Kaelyn Balch of Carroll and the entire field at Rim Rock. She not only wins state, but wins by at least 20 seconds.
2. Danielle Walker – Maize
Walker has a rare blend of speed and endurance not seen very often. She was third last season at the state meet. The Maize harrier is a solid and consistent runner. She does not have the ability of Clifton to bust a sub-14, but I like her ability to sit and kick. I think she edges the next runner on this list by just a hair. Her 15:28 at the Dodge City Regional is impressive considering what I have heard about that course (everyone says it is an absolute bear).
3.Emily Hornbeck – Derby
Hornbeck really busted out at the El Dorado Invitational with a time of 14:42 and a third place finish. She then went head-to-head with Walker at their league meet and was outkicked, but still turned in a sub-15 performance. She was beat by her teammate Green at the regional meet, but once again, you cannot put too much stock in regional times.
4. Lisa Imgrund – Shawnee Mission Northwest
She has not thrown down any amazing times from what I have seen, but she won the Sunflower League championship and the regional championship. Imgrund also finished fourth last season.
5. Amber Green – Derby
She will work well with her teammate through most of the race, but Hornbeck just has another gear right now.
Top Three Teams
1. Olathe East
At the Topeka Seaman Invitational Olathe East had no trouble with Topeka Washburn Rural and won easily. Olathe East pulled out a victory at the Sunflower League Championships and added a regional championship on Saturday. The big weakness of this team is the fifth runner that is a little separated from the front four. A flaw like that can be exposed in a large field.
2. Topeka Washburn Rural
The Junior Blues handled Derby at the regional meet by enough to convince me that is just cannot be written off as a regional thing. Derby won the matchup at the Rim Rock Classic, but Washburn Rural had the better average time. The strength of the Junior Blues, besides the obvious asset of the champ, is its pack from two through six. At the Centennial League meet the gap time between number two and six was only 10 seconds. That is a ridiculously solid pack.
3. Derby
Yes, Goddard beat Derby at the league meet, but Derby still had a slightly better overall time. In a big field the low numbers that Hornbeck and Green are throwing down will offset the Goddard pack. As I have said many times, I respect what Derby pulls off at the end of the season. The Panthers were third behind Washburn Rural and Manhattan at the regional meet, but Hornbeck also did not run to her potential.
Top Five Boys Individuals:
1. Roy Wedge – Lawrence
Wedge has only lost twice this year and once was to an out of state runner at the Rim Rock Classic. He went 15:58 that weekend at Rim Rock. At league he ran 15:41 to be the champion of the toughest league in the state. He was the regional champion and there is no doubt that he gets his individual title on his home course. Last season he finished second to Campus’ Brayden Barrientez.
2. Aaron Pope – Topeka Washburn Rural
Pope impressed me a lot back at the Southeast Invitational in mid-September. He ran up against tough competition and had no problem. He beat a very good Cameron Sprague of Hutchinson (who has been within a second of Adam Porter of McPherson twice). He is a dedicated runner and a smart runner. He took second to Neil Metler of Derby at the regional meet, but in my opinion he was saving it for state. His team is one of the top in the state so there was no reason to go all out. He also had a weak showing at league, but is clearly getting back into the swing of things.
3. Logan Sloan – Lawrence Free State
I tried to talk myself out of putting Sloan here, but I just like what the kid has done too much. He started the season off with a big win over Roy Wedge. He is a dark horse in the mold of Barrientez from last year. Sloan has been near the top every time he races a big race, but just hasn’t quite won the big championship. His big race experience gives him an edge. Sloan has gone 16:20 and 16:08 the two times he raced at Rim Rock. Running at home in his senior season is another plus. He finished eighth at the Free State Regional meet, but I like him to bounce back.
4. Andrew Stevens – Shawnee Mission South
Stevens, eighth at state last year as a junior, was a regional champion this year with a time of 16:10. He was second in the vaunted Sunflower League and was not pushed too hard in his regional meet.
5. Neil Metler – Derby
Derby runners have a habit of peaking at the right time. Jake Wike did it through the latter stages of his high school career. The Derby girls did it last year as they pulled a surprise upset and won the 6A girls title last year. Metler has been on the outside looking in against some of the top competition in the Wichita area, but a regional championship has to give him some confidence. He does have marquee finishes this year with his biggest being a second place finish at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree in early October.
Top Three Teams
1. Lawrence
The Lawrence boys will have no trouble claiming their second consecutive state title. Their one big push from a 6A team came at the Emporia meet where the two teams tied. Lawrence was without its complete varsity that day though. Lawrence won the Sunflower League, Regional and will also get state.
2. Topeka Washburn Rural
The race for second through fourth is going to be very good. I love the state experience Washburn Rural brings to the table with a 1-2-3 punch of Pope, Jacob Morgan and Alex Mahaffey. Pope and Morgan were both top 20 at 6A state last year.
3. Shawnee Mission Northwest
This spot could just as easily have gone to Shawnee Mission South, but I will give the edge to the reputation. Shawnee Mission Northwest is not what I once was, but the program is still strong with experienced runners. This team was third at its league meet and second to Lawrence at the regional meet.
What do you guys think? Did I miss anybody? Let me know by leaving a comment or e-mailing me at cparker@kwch.com. Keep checking back for the other classes.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
XC Regionals: The importance of third
I love state cross country. Every runner leaves it on the course from first place to last place. The same cannot be said for the regional cross country meets that will be taking place this Saturday.
Cross Country regionals are much different than any head-to-head sports regional. In the head-to-head sport it is a win or go home mentality for every game. Every team has its back against the wall at all times. Cross Country is only about 75-percent that mentality.
For the other 25-percent regionals are a formality. The Adam Porters and Molly Milbourns of the state know they are going to state. They won’t phone in the race (as Porter and Hays’ Josh Munsch proved at last year’s regional meet), but many top runners will not turn in their best performances of the season. The same can be said for the teams like the Lawrence boys and Mulvane boys; teams that do not lose very often (if at all).
Coaches will not peak these runners for a week. They do not want an earth shattering performance at the regional meet. Teams like Bishop Carroll girls could run without their top runner and be no worse for the wear at regionals.
The best races on regional day mostly come from the race for fifth place to tenth place and from the teams that are fighting for that third team spot. These are the runners who are peaking. For all intents and purposes regionals are these runners’ state meet.
It is what makes cross country different from the head-to-head sports. How often is the third place game of a basketball tournament more intense and hard fought than the battle for the championship? Never.
My junior year our team was battling for one of those third place finishes at home. The top team was a foregone conclusion all week long. The winning team was happy, but it was nothing compared to the emotions felt by the third through fifth place teams. As the team places were announced the fifth place team was announced with 101 points. Then the fourth place team, my team was announced with 101 as well (we won on a tiebreaker). Then the third place team was announced with 99 points. Never had fourth place hurt so much. And never had I seen a team happier to be number three.
It was the same story my senior year, only this time we won the third place trophy. I had never been so proud to say “We’re number three! We’re number three!”
So the moral of this story is that if you are at a regional meet this Saturday, pay attention to that battle for the final state berth. Those teams on the bubble like Wichita East boys and the Derby boys at Cessna Activities Center. The best team race will likely come out of the Bishop Carroll 4A regional. Four teams are in contention for that final spot and it could easily come down to one point. Those runners is fifth through 10th place sprinting down the homestretch like their season depends on it (because it does).
Don’t completely count out the importance of winning an individual title at a regional meet. Of the 24 individual state champions in the last two years, 22 of them were individual regional champions as well. The two exceptions came last season with eventual girls 6A Avery Clifton of Washburn Rural and Herington’s Jason Martin who won class 3A. Both runners were regional runners-up.
What's with the weather?
One thing I will never get use to is the Southwest Kansas wind. A person could get blown over walking from their car to the door.
How does the weather change so drastically? (I guess that 's a question for Merril, not the viewers.)
I was just at the 6A state golf tournament Monday. It was 80 degrees and sunny outside. In fact, it was so hot I was wearing pants and had to change into shorts because after walking the course about six times I was sweating profusely. (It was pretty gross. I looked like I had just finished working out as apposed to being out working.)
After all the rain yesterday...we'll I guess it was in the midst of the rain yesterday.... Football teams out west had to practice inside. Cleats on a gym floor, not so great. Dodge City's team practiced in a barn. So instead of being knee deep in mud, they were knee deep in cow... well you know.
So I look out the window today and see what appears to be snow... In October, and of course MORE WIND. It makes for a grim day of shooting pregame previews, and an even grimmer day for the players.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
How does the weather change so drastically? (I guess that 's a question for Merril, not the viewers.)
I was just at the 6A state golf tournament Monday. It was 80 degrees and sunny outside. In fact, it was so hot I was wearing pants and had to change into shorts because after walking the course about six times I was sweating profusely. (It was pretty gross. I looked like I had just finished working out as apposed to being out working.)
After all the rain yesterday...we'll I guess it was in the midst of the rain yesterday.... Football teams out west had to practice inside. Cleats on a gym floor, not so great. Dodge City's team practiced in a barn. So instead of being knee deep in mud, they were knee deep in cow... well you know.
So I look out the window today and see what appears to be snow... In October, and of course MORE WIND. It makes for a grim day of shooting pregame previews, and an even grimmer day for the players.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Who will it be??
The name everyone was chasing last season was Marshall Musil. The stud from LaCrosse was regarded as the best small school recruit in Kansas last season, signed with the Sooners.
But who is it going to be this season? Who is the best football recruit from the small schools in 2009?
A lot of eyes are on Saint Francis' Trent Raile. An athlete who could play anything, the running back has been contacted by the Wildcats, Colorado State University and JUCO power Butler. The Indians are having a down year by their standards but Raile is still chugging along.
A little premature but college recruiters were finding their way to Norton County for Terrell Lane. Only a junior, the 5'11" 210 running back racked up 1,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns as a sophomore, and has attracted Division 1 attention. He has been hampered by a knee injury this season, but a decent season and some rest should lead to a big senior year. Fortunately, unfortunately we have to wait.
And the biggest name happens to be on the smallest of the players. Colt Rogers of Smith Center might be a pint-sized player but he packs a serious punch. Opposing defenses scoff at his size but ask them if they were able to bring him down when he bounces off tackle? Rogers wants to follow in the footsteps of his Jayhawks running back father, Mike Rogers, but standing at 5'4" and only 130 pounds, Mark Mangino might be looking elsewhere, but he has garnered attention from Pitt State and Fort Hays too.
But Rogers will likely land on the mat. He's a 3-time state wrestling champion and has been contacted by the Naval Academy and even the University of Virginia for wrestling. From Smith Center, Kansas to Charlottesville, Virginia - eat your heart out Mark Simoneau.
But who is it going to be this season? Who is the best football recruit from the small schools in 2009?
A lot of eyes are on Saint Francis' Trent Raile. An athlete who could play anything, the running back has been contacted by the Wildcats, Colorado State University and JUCO power Butler. The Indians are having a down year by their standards but Raile is still chugging along.
A little premature but college recruiters were finding their way to Norton County for Terrell Lane. Only a junior, the 5'11" 210 running back racked up 1,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns as a sophomore, and has attracted Division 1 attention. He has been hampered by a knee injury this season, but a decent season and some rest should lead to a big senior year. Fortunately, unfortunately we have to wait.
And the biggest name happens to be on the smallest of the players. Colt Rogers of Smith Center might be a pint-sized player but he packs a serious punch. Opposing defenses scoff at his size but ask them if they were able to bring him down when he bounces off tackle? Rogers wants to follow in the footsteps of his Jayhawks running back father, Mike Rogers, but standing at 5'4" and only 130 pounds, Mark Mangino might be looking elsewhere, but he has garnered attention from Pitt State and Fort Hays too.
But Rogers will likely land on the mat. He's a 3-time state wrestling champion and has been contacted by the Naval Academy and even the University of Virginia for wrestling. From Smith Center, Kansas to Charlottesville, Virginia - eat your heart out Mark Simoneau.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Soccer upsets punctuate end of regular season
Regional assignments for boys soccer will be determined Saturday, but the last couple weeks of regular-season play have featured a few upsets.
The biggest upset involving an area team occurred Oct. 15, when Dodge City handed Maize its first loss. Maize fell 2-1 on its home field. Also Oct. 15, Wichita East dealt Liberal a blow after the Redskins had won eight consecutive games. The dropped game (score: 1-0) in the North Cup resulted in their second loss; Liberal is now 12-2 overall.
East has been a bit of a giant-killer lately. The Aces hosted 12-2 Dodge City on Monday and sent the Red Demons home with a 12-3 record. Dodge City led 1-0 at halftime, but Jorge Rodriguez picked up two goals for East in the second half – including the game winner with 10 seconds left.
East is now 12-4 on the season. Despite the Aces’ success, they couldn’t pull off a City League title. That went to Wichita Southeast, which completed its league schedule undefeated. The Buffs had a bumpy start this season, but then again, two of their first five games were against Washburn Rural and Liberal. According to Kansas soccer coaches, Washburn Rural is the top-ranked team in Class 6A while Liberal is No. 5 in 5A.
Southeast, 11-4 overall, will complete its regular season Thursday against Goddard. The Buffs were involved in the other Oct. 15 upset when they edged Hutchinson 2-1. The Salthawks, now 12-3-1, are ranked No. 4 in 5A.
Maize is probably the toughest local 6A team, although East, Southeast and Dodge City are dangerous. Dodge City’s three losses were to Hutchinson, Liberal and East – a trio of respectable squads. The Western Athletic Conference will end its soccer competition with an exciting showdown since Dodge City and Liberal will face off Thursday on the Redskins’ home field. Liberal defeated Dodge 2-1 in the teams’ Sept. 15 battle, so the rematch should prove interesting.
The biggest upset involving an area team occurred Oct. 15, when Dodge City handed Maize its first loss. Maize fell 2-1 on its home field. Also Oct. 15, Wichita East dealt Liberal a blow after the Redskins had won eight consecutive games. The dropped game (score: 1-0) in the North Cup resulted in their second loss; Liberal is now 12-2 overall.
East has been a bit of a giant-killer lately. The Aces hosted 12-2 Dodge City on Monday and sent the Red Demons home with a 12-3 record. Dodge City led 1-0 at halftime, but Jorge Rodriguez picked up two goals for East in the second half – including the game winner with 10 seconds left.
East is now 12-4 on the season. Despite the Aces’ success, they couldn’t pull off a City League title. That went to Wichita Southeast, which completed its league schedule undefeated. The Buffs had a bumpy start this season, but then again, two of their first five games were against Washburn Rural and Liberal. According to Kansas soccer coaches, Washburn Rural is the top-ranked team in Class 6A while Liberal is No. 5 in 5A.
Southeast, 11-4 overall, will complete its regular season Thursday against Goddard. The Buffs were involved in the other Oct. 15 upset when they edged Hutchinson 2-1. The Salthawks, now 12-3-1, are ranked No. 4 in 5A.
Maize is probably the toughest local 6A team, although East, Southeast and Dodge City are dangerous. Dodge City’s three losses were to Hutchinson, Liberal and East – a trio of respectable squads. The Western Athletic Conference will end its soccer competition with an exciting showdown since Dodge City and Liberal will face off Thursday on the Redskins’ home field. Liberal defeated Dodge 2-1 in the teams’ Sept. 15 battle, so the rematch should prove interesting.
Let the sub-states begin!
Post-season play is in full swing, seemingly before the regular season even started. Both girls golf and tennis have already crowned state champions, while on the gridiron, football teams are either locking up playoff spots, or fighting to stay alive in the second week of districts.
But as the football players struggle to drag their bruises out of bed on Saturday, there will be Wichita-area sub-state volleyball tournaments continuing the hits on through the weekend.
In the 6A Derby regional, three of the eight teams have their names on the last Kansas Volleyball Association rankings of the year. Only two teams will make it to the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.
Defending state champion Topeka-Washburn Rural, is sitting at the top of the rankings headed to Derby, but will have its work cut out making it back to Topeka, let alone the state championship game.
On top of the list of teams trying to dethrone the champs in Derby will be No. 3 Manhattan. Until this Wednesday, the Indians were the top team in the state, giving this sub-state two teams ranked No. 1 within a week of each other.
While both Washburn Rural and Manhattan are the favorites to make it out of Derby, there are a few teams capable of upsetting the balance.
Wichita Heights, a fourth place finisher at state last year, has had another strong year at 28-7, and is in the others mentioned section of the rankings.
The host Derby Panthers nearly pulled an upset over Heights in the Falcons’ gym for a trip to state last year. The Panthers are having another strong year, and playing at home could energize them enough to make a strong run through sub-state.
In Haysville, the Campus sub-state features some of last year’s state qualifiers as well. Goddard, mentioned in the rankings, was a third place finisher at state last year after a dominating win over Wichita Heights.
Dodge City is another team mentioned in the rankings, playing in the Campus sub-state. The Red Demons made it to state last year, but couldn’t make it out of pool play. The road for redemption for Dodge City begins in Haysville.
In 5A, Bishop Carroll will set the stage for a battle between four of the best teams in the state. Undefeated No. 3 Andover Central and the No. 5 host Golden Eagles who finished fourth at state last year, will be the favorites.
But don’t count out Salina South or Newton. South, a state qualifier last year, has put together another strong season at 26-10, while Newton is cruising at 31-9. Either one (or both) of these teams could shock the powerhouses in the sub-state to punch a ticket.
Carroll's Holy War rival Kapaun Mt. Carmel will also be in this tournament. Carroll and Kapaun have played close all year. If they meet again, the stakes will be enormous.
In 4A, head coach Bryan Otte has had no problems making the transition from 2A Moundridge, to Valley Center. A qualifier for the 5A state tournament last year, the Hornets are ranked No. 4 in 4A this year and host a sub-state tournament.
Otte picked up his 400th career win this year, and will have to go through last year’s third place finisher, Clearwater, to make another trip to a state tournament.
No. 2 Abilene will have to travel to Russell to play for a trip to state, while No. 5 Cheney will host a sub-state.
In 3A, defending champion Garden Plain will have a mountain to climb to make it back to the state tournament, hosting No. 1 Wichita Collegiate. Collegiate has been on top of the rankings since the first week, and has only suffered one loss this year, coming at the hands of the preseason No. 1 Hillsboro.
The Spartans and Trojans will look for a rematch on the highest stage, with Hillsboro trying to make it out of the Sedgwick sub-state.
2A power Moundridge will host a big regional this year. Over the past four years, the Wildcats have two third place finishes, a runner up, and a championship. Moundridge has kept its mortal enemy, Inman, under its thumb during its run.
But this year the Teutons have a No. 3 ranking at 30-6 on the year. After years of playing second fiddle to the Wildcats, Inman would love nothing more than to travel to Moundridge to knock its rival out of the running in their own barn.
Saturday is do-or-die time for Kansas volleyball teams. Playing without a safety net means anything can happen. Who do you think will be state qualifiers after the weekend?
But as the football players struggle to drag their bruises out of bed on Saturday, there will be Wichita-area sub-state volleyball tournaments continuing the hits on through the weekend.
In the 6A Derby regional, three of the eight teams have their names on the last Kansas Volleyball Association rankings of the year. Only two teams will make it to the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.
Defending state champion Topeka-Washburn Rural, is sitting at the top of the rankings headed to Derby, but will have its work cut out making it back to Topeka, let alone the state championship game.
On top of the list of teams trying to dethrone the champs in Derby will be No. 3 Manhattan. Until this Wednesday, the Indians were the top team in the state, giving this sub-state two teams ranked No. 1 within a week of each other.
While both Washburn Rural and Manhattan are the favorites to make it out of Derby, there are a few teams capable of upsetting the balance.
Wichita Heights, a fourth place finisher at state last year, has had another strong year at 28-7, and is in the others mentioned section of the rankings.
The host Derby Panthers nearly pulled an upset over Heights in the Falcons’ gym for a trip to state last year. The Panthers are having another strong year, and playing at home could energize them enough to make a strong run through sub-state.
In Haysville, the Campus sub-state features some of last year’s state qualifiers as well. Goddard, mentioned in the rankings, was a third place finisher at state last year after a dominating win over Wichita Heights.
Dodge City is another team mentioned in the rankings, playing in the Campus sub-state. The Red Demons made it to state last year, but couldn’t make it out of pool play. The road for redemption for Dodge City begins in Haysville.
In 5A, Bishop Carroll will set the stage for a battle between four of the best teams in the state. Undefeated No. 3 Andover Central and the No. 5 host Golden Eagles who finished fourth at state last year, will be the favorites.
But don’t count out Salina South or Newton. South, a state qualifier last year, has put together another strong season at 26-10, while Newton is cruising at 31-9. Either one (or both) of these teams could shock the powerhouses in the sub-state to punch a ticket.
Carroll's Holy War rival Kapaun Mt. Carmel will also be in this tournament. Carroll and Kapaun have played close all year. If they meet again, the stakes will be enormous.
In 4A, head coach Bryan Otte has had no problems making the transition from 2A Moundridge, to Valley Center. A qualifier for the 5A state tournament last year, the Hornets are ranked No. 4 in 4A this year and host a sub-state tournament.
Otte picked up his 400th career win this year, and will have to go through last year’s third place finisher, Clearwater, to make another trip to a state tournament.
No. 2 Abilene will have to travel to Russell to play for a trip to state, while No. 5 Cheney will host a sub-state.
In 3A, defending champion Garden Plain will have a mountain to climb to make it back to the state tournament, hosting No. 1 Wichita Collegiate. Collegiate has been on top of the rankings since the first week, and has only suffered one loss this year, coming at the hands of the preseason No. 1 Hillsboro.
The Spartans and Trojans will look for a rematch on the highest stage, with Hillsboro trying to make it out of the Sedgwick sub-state.
2A power Moundridge will host a big regional this year. Over the past four years, the Wildcats have two third place finishes, a runner up, and a championship. Moundridge has kept its mortal enemy, Inman, under its thumb during its run.
But this year the Teutons have a No. 3 ranking at 30-6 on the year. After years of playing second fiddle to the Wildcats, Inman would love nothing more than to travel to Moundridge to knock its rival out of the running in their own barn.
Saturday is do-or-die time for Kansas volleyball teams. Playing without a safety net means anything can happen. Who do you think will be state qualifiers after the weekend?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Why I still love High School Football
Whenever I tell someone what I do for a living they always think it's one of the coolest jobs in the world (I'm not gonna lie, it truly is). However, after they ask me about all the professional and college sports I get to cover they always ask the same question: "So, do you like have to cover high school sports too? That must suck." It's always said in the same tone too, like they feel sorry for me for having to cover high school teams. My answer is always the same too: "Yes, I love covering high school sports. They're one of the only pure forms of competition we still have left."
Nothing proves my point more than the game I got to cover last Friday. I was fortunate enough to see Conway Springs vs. Garden Plain in Garden Plain last year and this year I got to see it in Conway Springs. There's no comparing the two sights because it's equally impressive in both towns. Everyone turns out to see the game even if they don't have a kid on the team. It's a rivalry that's one of the best in the state. And this year the game provided even more fuel for the never ending fire.
It was right before the half, I'm talking seconds here, and Garden Plain was about to score. The Cardinals were up 13-0 and it was a perfect shot for the Owls to get a little momentum before halftime. Brandon Eck got the handoff, he powered forward and leapt with his hand outstretched to get the ball into the end zone. I was standing right by the goal line watching the play unfold through my camera lens. I was all set to mark it as a touchdown in my footage, until the referees came in and said Eck's knee was down before the ball crossed the plane. There wasn't enough time for a final play and Conway Springs took a 13-0 lead into the locker rooms.
Now I don't want to take anything away from the Cardinals' defense because put up a heck of an effort on the stop, but when we took another look at the footage in slow motion it's very clear that Eck scored on that play. So, if the ref calls it a touchdown, the score would be 13-7 at the half and suddenly it's a whole different ball game. There was no protest from the Garden Plain sideline because there's no way Todd Puetz could've seen the play, it was blocked by the rest of the players. Garden Plain went on to lose the game because of an outstanding defensive effort from Conway Springs, but you can't help but wonder how the second half would've gone if Eck's play had been ruled a touchdown.
If that play had been in a collge or professional game there's not a doubt in my mind it would've been reviewed and Garden Plain would've gotten the call overturned. But as it is the call stands because there is no such thing as review in high school. And that is why I love college sports. Plays like that only make the rivalry more intense, puts more pressure on the teams to play better because there are no second chances on how the refs make the call.
I think we spend way too much time trying to make college and pro games perfect, put them in a vacuum so to speak. But isn't that vacuum so boring? That play by Eck is going to fester in the minds of the Owls for a while. It's going to make the Conway players realize just how lucky they were to win that game. It's going to come back and be a big factor in the rematch that will more than likely happen when the playoffs come around. Can you imagine how heated the next game will be between these two teams? I can and I absolutely want to be there to see what happens.
Nothing proves my point more than the game I got to cover last Friday. I was fortunate enough to see Conway Springs vs. Garden Plain in Garden Plain last year and this year I got to see it in Conway Springs. There's no comparing the two sights because it's equally impressive in both towns. Everyone turns out to see the game even if they don't have a kid on the team. It's a rivalry that's one of the best in the state. And this year the game provided even more fuel for the never ending fire.
It was right before the half, I'm talking seconds here, and Garden Plain was about to score. The Cardinals were up 13-0 and it was a perfect shot for the Owls to get a little momentum before halftime. Brandon Eck got the handoff, he powered forward and leapt with his hand outstretched to get the ball into the end zone. I was standing right by the goal line watching the play unfold through my camera lens. I was all set to mark it as a touchdown in my footage, until the referees came in and said Eck's knee was down before the ball crossed the plane. There wasn't enough time for a final play and Conway Springs took a 13-0 lead into the locker rooms.
Now I don't want to take anything away from the Cardinals' defense because put up a heck of an effort on the stop, but when we took another look at the footage in slow motion it's very clear that Eck scored on that play. So, if the ref calls it a touchdown, the score would be 13-7 at the half and suddenly it's a whole different ball game. There was no protest from the Garden Plain sideline because there's no way Todd Puetz could've seen the play, it was blocked by the rest of the players. Garden Plain went on to lose the game because of an outstanding defensive effort from Conway Springs, but you can't help but wonder how the second half would've gone if Eck's play had been ruled a touchdown.
If that play had been in a collge or professional game there's not a doubt in my mind it would've been reviewed and Garden Plain would've gotten the call overturned. But as it is the call stands because there is no such thing as review in high school. And that is why I love college sports. Plays like that only make the rivalry more intense, puts more pressure on the teams to play better because there are no second chances on how the refs make the call.
I think we spend way too much time trying to make college and pro games perfect, put them in a vacuum so to speak. But isn't that vacuum so boring? That play by Eck is going to fester in the minds of the Owls for a while. It's going to make the Conway players realize just how lucky they were to win that game. It's going to come back and be a big factor in the rematch that will more than likely happen when the playoffs come around. Can you imagine how heated the next game will be between these two teams? I can and I absolutely want to be there to see what happens.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Good matchups abounded this week
This week featured a variety of good matchups in fall sports. Perhaps no result was more surprising than Wichita Heights’ ousting of Bishop Carroll in volleyball action Thursday night. Carroll was undefeated in the City League and resting comfortably atop the league standings, but Heights upset the Eagles 25-22, 25-23 on the Falcons’ home court.
In area boys soccer matchups, undefeated Maize beat Hutchinson 3-1 when it hosted the Salthawks, who are now 10-2-1 overall. According to Kansas soccer coaches, Maize is ranked No. 3 in Class 6A while Hutchinson is No. 3 in 5A.
In another soccer showdown, Wichita Trinity took on Rose Hill, the No. 3-ranked team in 4-1A. Trinity recently had knocked off the top-ranked team, Berean Academy, which has since fallen to No. 4. However, the Rockets topped Trinity 2-1 on Tuesday.
Liberal, ranked No. 4 in 5A, continues its march through the regular season. The Redskins are 9-1 overall. Their only dropped game was in the Titan Classic championship, when they fell to Maize. Liberal will revisit Wichita next week for the North Cup, which starts Tuesday, Oct. 13. Liberal is the defending North Cup champion since it beat Wichita East for the title last year.
Tennis and golf seasons are winding down. Several league golf tournaments took place this week, including the City League championship on Tuesday at Tex Consolver. Shortly after the No. 1 group teed off at Hole 16, a trio of deer darted out in front of the tee box. (See them in the photo above.)
Bishop Carroll golfer Madison Murphy successfully defended her individual league championship, and Kapaun Mt. Carmel repeated as team champ. Kapaun also won another league tennis crown.
The competition was fierce for the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League tennis title in Division I this week. Maize is ranked No. 4 in Class 6A while Salina Central is No. 2 in Class 5A, according to Kansas tennis coaches. The two schools were tied with 39 team points at the end of the day, but Maize eked out a victory over Salina Central.
Regional tennis competition was set to conclude Saturday, Oct. 10, although some tournaments have been postponed until Monday due to cold weather. Most regional golf tournaments also are slated for Monday, although a few will be held Tuesday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cross Country Late Season Thoughts
Well we are about to hit the postseason portion of the cross country schedule with League, Regionals and State quickly approaching, so I thought it would be a good time for some random observations from the first part of the year. Here are some things I have noticed in no particular order.
- I continue to be impressed by the Derby XC program. Neil Metler has stepped up and ran a crazy good time at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree. He went 15:53 on the OSU course to take second place in his race of 218 runners. Metler had the second fastest time out of 556 varsity runners to step on the course. Not bad at all on a course that is one of the best true cross country courses in the Midwest. This kid is just getting better as the season goes on. I don’t think he can take down Lawrence’s Roy Wedge, but he I like his chances of cracking the top seven at state.
-The Derby girls, led by Amber Green and Emily Hornbeck, looked poised to repeat as 6A team state champions. Some of the team results have been a little off, but the times are still there on similar courses. Here is a breakdown comparing last year’s state championship team to this year’s team:
o Carroll Invite – 2008 Average = 17:13 2009 Average = 16:45
o Hesston Invite – 2008 Average = 16:22 2009 Average = 16:25
o Turner Invite – 2008 Average = 18:19 2009 Average = 18:00
o Rim Rock – 2008 Average = 17:00 2009 Average = 17:05
o OSU – 2008 Average = 12:09 2009 Average = 12:20
That is pretty solid consistency and in Derby’s recent history its runners just get better as a running season progresses (just look at Jake Wike and his end of the year performance at the state track meet)
-We are witnessing a pretty special year in girls distance running with Avery Clifton of Topeka Washburn Rural, Kaelyn Balch of Carroll and Mackenzie Maki of Kapaun. The Southeast Invitational was something special with Clifton’s 13:48 and Balch’s 14:01. They both beat the defending 5A state champion Maki by a margin. This prompted some “What’s wrong with Maki” questions. I am here to tell you there is nothing wrong with Maki. The Kapaun junior has shown remarkable improvement from this year to last year. Don’t believe me? Kapaun has run the same courses as last year to this point so it is easy to compare apples to apples. Take a look at Maki's times from last year to this year:
o Carroll – 2008 Time – 15:46 2009 Time: 14:49
o Hesston – 2008 Time: 15:16 2009 Time: 14:48
o Southeast – 2008 Time – 15:20 2009 Time: 14:48
o Rim Rock – 2008 Time – 16:25 2009 Time: 15:29
o OSU (2 Mile) – 2008 Time - 11:33 2009 Time: 11:16
The only difference is that Maki is not winning as often because of the Carroll super freshman Balch. Any other year her improvement would be huge news. I am looking forward to state to see Maki’s experience and ability battle Balch’s raw talent on the Rim Rock course. Don’t count the Kapaun harrier out yet. She didn’t run the 18th fastest 3200 in Kansas High School history last spring by accident.
-Moving on, the Mulvane Boys are good. There is not much else to be said about that juggernaut that has not already been said.
-Adam Porter is good as well, but he is not as untouchable in XC as he was in track last spring. Hutchinson’s Cameron Sprague was only seven seconds back of Porter at Newton last week. I would not be surprised to see Josh Munsch of Hays step up and give Porter a challenge as well. Munsch has beaten Sprague the two times they race, so this battle will be fun. The 5A state race will be interesting, but you still cannot bet against Porter.
- We will know a lot more after the El Dorado Meet on Saturday, but don’t be surprised if at the GWAL meet Wichita East sneaks up and surprises the Carroll juggernaut on the boys side. East is running solid, while Carroll has had issues with sickness.
- My quick picks for the Individual State titles in each class going into the post season. I will update these based on what league and regionals look like at a later time:
6A Boys – Roy Wedge of Lawrence – Last year’s 6A runner-up and he has done something not many have done in Kansas distance running in the past year; beat Adam Porter head-to-head. Logan Sloan of Lawrence Free State did edge him head-to-head early on in the season.
6A Girls – Avery Clifton of Topeka Washburn Rural – 13:48, enough said.
5A Boys – Adam Porter of McPherson – Really cannot bet against him at this point. It won’t be a blowout like the state track meet, but I think he pulls it out over Sprague and Munsch.
5A Girls – Kaelyn Balch of Bishop Carroll – Maki is still the champion, but Balch is in another stratosphere right now. If it turns into a kicker’s race then lookout for Maki. She has the top end speed to take Balch.
4A Boys – Riley Woodward of Wamego – It is his home course and he has done well all season long. His biggest challengers will be Evan Landes and Nikki Trooien-Smith of Mulvane and Tony Weiss of Baldwin. Woodward has seen the Mulvane boys twice and beat them twice.
4A Girls – Molly Milbourn of El Dorado – She really burst onto the distance running scene with her state championship last fall and this fall should be no different. At the Wamego Invitational she blew the field away. My dark horse would be Cheyenne Becker of Pratt. She is largely untested this year, but a talented runner.
3A Boys – Kayson Matthews of Lakin – Matthews was 31st at state last season, but the kid has been money all season long so far. He has consistently run sub-17, which would have been good enough to win last year.
3A Girls – Heather Ruder of Thomas More Prep – There is good running tradition at TMP and Ruder is another in that line. Her one big loss this year was to Cheyenne Becker of Pratt. Ruder has thrown down times comparable to 5A All-Stater Rubi Torres of Great Bend. Ruder ran 14 seconds better Torres at the Hays Invitational
2A Boys – Jimmy Phitts of Repbulic County – This class is wide open. Cory Keehn of Jackson Heights is back as is the 3200 champion of Stanton County Eric Ruth. Phitts has had a solid season and appears to have really learned how to win this season.
2A Girls – Jillian Stratman of Bennington – If Katelyn Henderson of Olpe is 100-percnt healthy; I still like her to win. Henderson has not shown up in results recently making me question if something is wrong. Stratman has had a great season and there is no reason she cannot win the title if Henderson is not at 100-percent.
1A Boys – Colton McNinch of Ness City – He threw down with the big boys at the Rim Rock Invitational and held his own. He was 22nd out of 207 in the Gold Race with a 16:47 on a challenging course. He also beat Cameron Sprague head-to-head early in the season.
1A Girls – Naomi Reeh of Cheylin – There are a ton of returners in this class including the champion from last year Rachel Renken of Lakeside. Reeh is the defending 3200-meter state champion. She beat Renken head-to-head at Hill City by 20 seconds. Kerra Cissnne of Lincoln is another to watch out for.
Well there you have it with my rather long ramblings. Like it? Hate it? Have something to add? Am I leaving out an athlete who is lighting it up on this XC courses this season? (this is extremely possible just due to the huge scope of XC) Let me know by commenting or e-mailing me at cparker@kwch.com.
- I continue to be impressed by the Derby XC program. Neil Metler has stepped up and ran a crazy good time at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree. He went 15:53 on the OSU course to take second place in his race of 218 runners. Metler had the second fastest time out of 556 varsity runners to step on the course. Not bad at all on a course that is one of the best true cross country courses in the Midwest. This kid is just getting better as the season goes on. I don’t think he can take down Lawrence’s Roy Wedge, but he I like his chances of cracking the top seven at state.
-The Derby girls, led by Amber Green and Emily Hornbeck, looked poised to repeat as 6A team state champions. Some of the team results have been a little off, but the times are still there on similar courses. Here is a breakdown comparing last year’s state championship team to this year’s team:
o Carroll Invite – 2008 Average = 17:13 2009 Average = 16:45
o Hesston Invite – 2008 Average = 16:22 2009 Average = 16:25
o Turner Invite – 2008 Average = 18:19 2009 Average = 18:00
o Rim Rock – 2008 Average = 17:00 2009 Average = 17:05
o OSU – 2008 Average = 12:09 2009 Average = 12:20
That is pretty solid consistency and in Derby’s recent history its runners just get better as a running season progresses (just look at Jake Wike and his end of the year performance at the state track meet)
-We are witnessing a pretty special year in girls distance running with Avery Clifton of Topeka Washburn Rural, Kaelyn Balch of Carroll and Mackenzie Maki of Kapaun. The Southeast Invitational was something special with Clifton’s 13:48 and Balch’s 14:01. They both beat the defending 5A state champion Maki by a margin. This prompted some “What’s wrong with Maki” questions. I am here to tell you there is nothing wrong with Maki. The Kapaun junior has shown remarkable improvement from this year to last year. Don’t believe me? Kapaun has run the same courses as last year to this point so it is easy to compare apples to apples. Take a look at Maki's times from last year to this year:
o Carroll – 2008 Time – 15:46 2009 Time: 14:49
o Hesston – 2008 Time: 15:16 2009 Time: 14:48
o Southeast – 2008 Time – 15:20 2009 Time: 14:48
o Rim Rock – 2008 Time – 16:25 2009 Time: 15:29
o OSU (2 Mile) – 2008 Time - 11:33 2009 Time: 11:16
The only difference is that Maki is not winning as often because of the Carroll super freshman Balch. Any other year her improvement would be huge news. I am looking forward to state to see Maki’s experience and ability battle Balch’s raw talent on the Rim Rock course. Don’t count the Kapaun harrier out yet. She didn’t run the 18th fastest 3200 in Kansas High School history last spring by accident.
-Moving on, the Mulvane Boys are good. There is not much else to be said about that juggernaut that has not already been said.
-Adam Porter is good as well, but he is not as untouchable in XC as he was in track last spring. Hutchinson’s Cameron Sprague was only seven seconds back of Porter at Newton last week. I would not be surprised to see Josh Munsch of Hays step up and give Porter a challenge as well. Munsch has beaten Sprague the two times they race, so this battle will be fun. The 5A state race will be interesting, but you still cannot bet against Porter.
- We will know a lot more after the El Dorado Meet on Saturday, but don’t be surprised if at the GWAL meet Wichita East sneaks up and surprises the Carroll juggernaut on the boys side. East is running solid, while Carroll has had issues with sickness.
- My quick picks for the Individual State titles in each class going into the post season. I will update these based on what league and regionals look like at a later time:
6A Boys – Roy Wedge of Lawrence – Last year’s 6A runner-up and he has done something not many have done in Kansas distance running in the past year; beat Adam Porter head-to-head. Logan Sloan of Lawrence Free State did edge him head-to-head early on in the season.
6A Girls – Avery Clifton of Topeka Washburn Rural – 13:48, enough said.
5A Boys – Adam Porter of McPherson – Really cannot bet against him at this point. It won’t be a blowout like the state track meet, but I think he pulls it out over Sprague and Munsch.
5A Girls – Kaelyn Balch of Bishop Carroll – Maki is still the champion, but Balch is in another stratosphere right now. If it turns into a kicker’s race then lookout for Maki. She has the top end speed to take Balch.
4A Boys – Riley Woodward of Wamego – It is his home course and he has done well all season long. His biggest challengers will be Evan Landes and Nikki Trooien-Smith of Mulvane and Tony Weiss of Baldwin. Woodward has seen the Mulvane boys twice and beat them twice.
4A Girls – Molly Milbourn of El Dorado – She really burst onto the distance running scene with her state championship last fall and this fall should be no different. At the Wamego Invitational she blew the field away. My dark horse would be Cheyenne Becker of Pratt. She is largely untested this year, but a talented runner.
3A Boys – Kayson Matthews of Lakin – Matthews was 31st at state last season, but the kid has been money all season long so far. He has consistently run sub-17, which would have been good enough to win last year.
3A Girls – Heather Ruder of Thomas More Prep – There is good running tradition at TMP and Ruder is another in that line. Her one big loss this year was to Cheyenne Becker of Pratt. Ruder has thrown down times comparable to 5A All-Stater Rubi Torres of Great Bend. Ruder ran 14 seconds better Torres at the Hays Invitational
2A Boys – Jimmy Phitts of Repbulic County – This class is wide open. Cory Keehn of Jackson Heights is back as is the 3200 champion of Stanton County Eric Ruth. Phitts has had a solid season and appears to have really learned how to win this season.
2A Girls – Jillian Stratman of Bennington – If Katelyn Henderson of Olpe is 100-percnt healthy; I still like her to win. Henderson has not shown up in results recently making me question if something is wrong. Stratman has had a great season and there is no reason she cannot win the title if Henderson is not at 100-percent.
1A Boys – Colton McNinch of Ness City – He threw down with the big boys at the Rim Rock Invitational and held his own. He was 22nd out of 207 in the Gold Race with a 16:47 on a challenging course. He also beat Cameron Sprague head-to-head early in the season.
1A Girls – Naomi Reeh of Cheylin – There are a ton of returners in this class including the champion from last year Rachel Renken of Lakeside. Reeh is the defending 3200-meter state champion. She beat Renken head-to-head at Hill City by 20 seconds. Kerra Cissnne of Lincoln is another to watch out for.
Well there you have it with my rather long ramblings. Like it? Hate it? Have something to add? Am I leaving out an athlete who is lighting it up on this XC courses this season? (this is extremely possible just due to the huge scope of XC) Let me know by commenting or e-mailing me at cparker@kwch.com.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Heavy Hearts
When you are thinking about your favorite team Friday night and maybe about the hardships that your team might be going through, give a special thought or two to some programs in Western Kansas.
Hays' coach Ryan Cornelsen wasn't sure if he was going to make it to any of this season's games for the Indians. He thought he would be in a Kansas City hospital with his newborn son wondering what was wrong with him.
Cooper Cornelsen's liver wasn't working right but the specialists in KC didn't diagnose the problem early on, and then when they did, they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Simple fact is little Cooper's liver isn't working right but he is home now and doing fine.
You could see the stress on Ryan's face at practice. I joked with him that it looks like his razor broke but he sheepishly smiled back that his razor works fine, just hasn't found time.
Someone's prayers were answered with Cooper and the Cornelsen family, and the Indians are off to their first 4-0 start in almost a decade.
Further west in the tiniest of towns, Quinter is one of the top teams in 8-Man Division I but forgive the players if their minds aren't completely focused on their game with Thunder Ridge.
Quinter coach Greg Woolf thought he had a stomach flu a few weeks back and had to go see the doctor. Doctor ran some tests and sent him to Hays to the hospital. Woolf returned to Quinter with some bad news.
Cancer. He hid the fact from his team during that week of practice before their game with Palco and when the Bulldogs destroyed the Roosters, 50-0, Woolf couldn't fight back the emotion.
The team handed him the game ball with all their signatures on it.
Woolf hasn't coached much since then, handing over the reigns to his assistant coaches. He travels to Omaha for chemo treatment next week.
Winning takes on a completely different meaning when you are fighting for more than a game.
Hays' coach Ryan Cornelsen wasn't sure if he was going to make it to any of this season's games for the Indians. He thought he would be in a Kansas City hospital with his newborn son wondering what was wrong with him.
Cooper Cornelsen's liver wasn't working right but the specialists in KC didn't diagnose the problem early on, and then when they did, they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Simple fact is little Cooper's liver isn't working right but he is home now and doing fine.
You could see the stress on Ryan's face at practice. I joked with him that it looks like his razor broke but he sheepishly smiled back that his razor works fine, just hasn't found time.
Someone's prayers were answered with Cooper and the Cornelsen family, and the Indians are off to their first 4-0 start in almost a decade.
Further west in the tiniest of towns, Quinter is one of the top teams in 8-Man Division I but forgive the players if their minds aren't completely focused on their game with Thunder Ridge.
Quinter coach Greg Woolf thought he had a stomach flu a few weeks back and had to go see the doctor. Doctor ran some tests and sent him to Hays to the hospital. Woolf returned to Quinter with some bad news.
Cancer. He hid the fact from his team during that week of practice before their game with Palco and when the Bulldogs destroyed the Roosters, 50-0, Woolf couldn't fight back the emotion.
The team handed him the game ball with all their signatures on it.
Woolf hasn't coached much since then, handing over the reigns to his assistant coaches. He travels to Omaha for chemo treatment next week.
Winning takes on a completely different meaning when you are fighting for more than a game.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Kansas Domination
It’s a simple question really, one that takes only a short response. The problem comes when trying to justify your short answer.
Which football program has dominated the most? Let’s start off by looking at the contenders.
Smith Center sports the nation’s longest active winning streak, currently at 71 games. The last time the Redmen lost the current group of seniors were still riding their bikes to practice, because they were in the 7th grade. Quick, name the last team other than Smith Center to win the 2A state championship! It’s Pittsburg-Colgan in 2003, and 2002, and 2001, and 2000 (speaking of dominance!) Smith Center has simply been dominant in 2A for the better part of this decade. Pretty tough to argue with that, but let’s argue anyways!
Hutchinson has matched Smith Center every step of the way when talking about state championships. Randy Dreiling’s program also has five consecutive state titles, and they’ve done it in two different classes. The Salthawks have been so dominant in Kansas; they’ve started playing one of the powerhouses of Missouri, Rockhurst. Two years ago Hutch went undefeated before losing two games last year during the regular season. Want proof that Randy Dreiling can fire up his troops? The Salthawks lost the two games last year by a combined 10 points. In the two rematches this year, the Salthawks have outscored them by 63. The ‘Hawks know the definition of revenge! After losing their second game last year, they proceeded to outscore the rest of their opponents 462-87. THAT is dominance!
Closer to home, Wichita’s Bishop Carroll has enjoyed a recent run of success in the City League. The Golden Eagles currently hold a two game lead with only three to play in route to their sixth city league title in eight seasons. They’ve shared the title with others a few times, but its none-the-less impressive what Alan Schuckman has done on the west side of Wichita. Maybe not as impressive as 5 straight state titles, but certainly a dominating run for Carroll.
How about Garden Plain? In the eight seasons under Todd Puetz, the Owls are 90-13. Averaging 11 wins per season is dominant. If the Owls have played 103 games in eight seasons, that means they’ve averaged almost 13 games per year, which puts them on average in the state semifinals. Pretty dominant!
I could go on with more schools, but I’d put these four up against just about anyone. Who’s the most dominate? I’ll leave that to you to decide. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section. Just make sure you back up your argument.
Which football program has dominated the most? Let’s start off by looking at the contenders.
Smith Center sports the nation’s longest active winning streak, currently at 71 games. The last time the Redmen lost the current group of seniors were still riding their bikes to practice, because they were in the 7th grade. Quick, name the last team other than Smith Center to win the 2A state championship! It’s Pittsburg-Colgan in 2003, and 2002, and 2001, and 2000 (speaking of dominance!) Smith Center has simply been dominant in 2A for the better part of this decade. Pretty tough to argue with that, but let’s argue anyways!
Hutchinson has matched Smith Center every step of the way when talking about state championships. Randy Dreiling’s program also has five consecutive state titles, and they’ve done it in two different classes. The Salthawks have been so dominant in Kansas; they’ve started playing one of the powerhouses of Missouri, Rockhurst. Two years ago Hutch went undefeated before losing two games last year during the regular season. Want proof that Randy Dreiling can fire up his troops? The Salthawks lost the two games last year by a combined 10 points. In the two rematches this year, the Salthawks have outscored them by 63. The ‘Hawks know the definition of revenge! After losing their second game last year, they proceeded to outscore the rest of their opponents 462-87. THAT is dominance!
Closer to home, Wichita’s Bishop Carroll has enjoyed a recent run of success in the City League. The Golden Eagles currently hold a two game lead with only three to play in route to their sixth city league title in eight seasons. They’ve shared the title with others a few times, but its none-the-less impressive what Alan Schuckman has done on the west side of Wichita. Maybe not as impressive as 5 straight state titles, but certainly a dominating run for Carroll.
How about Garden Plain? In the eight seasons under Todd Puetz, the Owls are 90-13. Averaging 11 wins per season is dominant. If the Owls have played 103 games in eight seasons, that means they’ve averaged almost 13 games per year, which puts them on average in the state semifinals. Pretty dominant!
I could go on with more schools, but I’d put these four up against just about anyone. Who’s the most dominate? I’ll leave that to you to decide. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section. Just make sure you back up your argument.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Area tennis heats up
Area tennis has heated up this week, and although Kansas City-area schools tend to dominate at Class 6A and 5A state tournaments, some local programs have produced tough competition.
Salina Central’s doubles teams continue to roll. Juniors Ashley DeTurk and Kelsey Hauserman won the doubles championship Thursday at the Salina South Invitational, raising their season record to 24-0. They defeated teammates – senior Abby Morris and freshman Gabby Briggs – for the tournament title. Morris and Briggs are 22-2 overall.
The girls have valuable state-tournament experience, too. DeTurk and Hauserman took fifth at state in doubles competition last year. Morris was part of another senior-freshman combo in 2006, when she and her senior teammate placed fourth in doubles.
Singles standouts include Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Maddie Schulte and Madeline Engel, both juniors. They helped Kapaun secure the City League’s regular-season title this week. Schulte and her sister advanced to the 2008 state championship but placed second in doubles.
According to Kansas coaches, four of the top five teams in 5A are from this area. The top-ranked team is defending state champ St. Thomas Aquinas, followed by Salina Central, McPherson, Bishop Carroll and Kapaun.
Maize is ranked No. 4 in 6A. As usual, The Independent School and Wichita Collegiate dominate the lower classes’ rankings. Tennis regionals will be held in just two weeks.
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Kansas State High School Activities Association will release classifications based on each school’s enrollment. That’s the same day that assignments for tennis regionals will be announced.
Salina Central’s doubles teams continue to roll. Juniors Ashley DeTurk and Kelsey Hauserman won the doubles championship Thursday at the Salina South Invitational, raising their season record to 24-0. They defeated teammates – senior Abby Morris and freshman Gabby Briggs – for the tournament title. Morris and Briggs are 22-2 overall.
The girls have valuable state-tournament experience, too. DeTurk and Hauserman took fifth at state in doubles competition last year. Morris was part of another senior-freshman combo in 2006, when she and her senior teammate placed fourth in doubles.
Singles standouts include Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Maddie Schulte and Madeline Engel, both juniors. They helped Kapaun secure the City League’s regular-season title this week. Schulte and her sister advanced to the 2008 state championship but placed second in doubles.
According to Kansas coaches, four of the top five teams in 5A are from this area. The top-ranked team is defending state champ St. Thomas Aquinas, followed by Salina Central, McPherson, Bishop Carroll and Kapaun.
Maize is ranked No. 4 in 6A. As usual, The Independent School and Wichita Collegiate dominate the lower classes’ rankings. Tennis regionals will be held in just two weeks.
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Kansas State High School Activities Association will release classifications based on each school’s enrollment. That’s the same day that assignments for tennis regionals will be announced.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
It will never end...
It looks like the streak will never end...
It is nice to know that the country's longest active winning streak is nestled in the little town of Smith Center and it doesn't look like it will end anytime soon. The Redmen notched 70 last Friday over Norton.
For a while there, people were grumbling that Norton might be the one's to do. They jumped out and scored right off the bat and then smashed Colt Rogers deep on their own four yard line on the ensuing kickoff. Then the offense couldn't get anything moving in the first quarter. Bluejays 7, Redmen 0.
But then they kicked it into over drive and they won, and all was right in Smith County.
The Redmen currently hold the nation's longest ACTIVE winning streak at 70 games, and that ranks fourth all time for prep 11-man football.
SC is right behind South Panola High School from Batesville, Mississippi who had their streak snapped in 2003 at 89. Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina had their's broken at 109. But the longest in the history of ever comes from California at De La Salle High School, home to the Bronco's D.J. Williams, who won 151 games in a row!!!! (exclamations for emphasis) They didn't lose a game from 1992 to 2003. Simply wow.
It will take a long time for the Redmen to reach that level, and honestly they won't, but it will be fun to watch them try.
And they know it will end. Coach Barta, who is 8 games shy of 300 wins, admits it will end and he will be OK with it when it does. And the town knows it will end, and they admit that if it happened to Norton or Phillipsburg, two of their longest and arch-est of rivals, that would make it better. For a town to give up the nations longest winning streak to a team that isn't very good won't sit very well with them.
So here's to going for 71 against Phillipsburg! We'll be watching...
It is nice to know that the country's longest active winning streak is nestled in the little town of Smith Center and it doesn't look like it will end anytime soon. The Redmen notched 70 last Friday over Norton.
For a while there, people were grumbling that Norton might be the one's to do. They jumped out and scored right off the bat and then smashed Colt Rogers deep on their own four yard line on the ensuing kickoff. Then the offense couldn't get anything moving in the first quarter. Bluejays 7, Redmen 0.
But then they kicked it into over drive and they won, and all was right in Smith County.
The Redmen currently hold the nation's longest ACTIVE winning streak at 70 games, and that ranks fourth all time for prep 11-man football.
SC is right behind South Panola High School from Batesville, Mississippi who had their streak snapped in 2003 at 89. Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina had their's broken at 109. But the longest in the history of ever comes from California at De La Salle High School, home to the Bronco's D.J. Williams, who won 151 games in a row!!!! (exclamations for emphasis) They didn't lose a game from 1992 to 2003. Simply wow.
It will take a long time for the Redmen to reach that level, and honestly they won't, but it will be fun to watch them try.
And they know it will end. Coach Barta, who is 8 games shy of 300 wins, admits it will end and he will be OK with it when it does. And the town knows it will end, and they admit that if it happened to Norton or Phillipsburg, two of their longest and arch-est of rivals, that would make it better. For a town to give up the nations longest winning streak to a team that isn't very good won't sit very well with them.
So here's to going for 71 against Phillipsburg! We'll be watching...
What to cover, what to cover?
There is a big situation we here at Eyewitness Sports and Catch it Kansas face every single week: what games should we cover? It's honestly a big debate every single week no matter what. The reason why it's such a huge debate is because we have people in here who have some very different views on what games are more important.
Now, I won't name any names in order to protect the (mostly) innocent, but there really is a huge divide in our office. On one hand we have the people who believe that we rarely need to shoot the smaller school games because that won't bring us an audience. Which, to be honest, is a valid point considering we're in a business that thrives on the numbers of viewers we bring in because that ups our sales numbers thus increasing our revenue. So for example, right now, if we had a choice to shoot Great Bend at Heights or Belle Plaine at Douglass, some people in our office would automatically say the Heights game because it will bring in more viewers.
On the other side of the argument are the people who believe that we need to give some love to those smaller schools to mix things up a little bit so we don't have the same schools every single week. Also, some of those smaller schools rarely have an opportunity to get a win so we try to pick the games where we'll be able to actually get some highlights of them. Again, yet another good argument to really bring in viewers that appreciate us taking the time to get to their school. So doesn't that essentially bring in more viewers to increase our revenue?
It's an interesting situation we find ourselves in every week. Do we go big or small? Do we give love to the smaller schools at the risk of blowing off the bigger schools that will probably win state this year? It's tougher than you may think to make that call, so maybe those reading this (I'm sure there are tens of you out there) could give us a little input? Post a comment or maybe write us an email and let us know which games you really want to see each week. A little input can go a long way.
Now, I won't name any names in order to protect the (mostly) innocent, but there really is a huge divide in our office. On one hand we have the people who believe that we rarely need to shoot the smaller school games because that won't bring us an audience. Which, to be honest, is a valid point considering we're in a business that thrives on the numbers of viewers we bring in because that ups our sales numbers thus increasing our revenue. So for example, right now, if we had a choice to shoot Great Bend at Heights or Belle Plaine at Douglass, some people in our office would automatically say the Heights game because it will bring in more viewers.
On the other side of the argument are the people who believe that we need to give some love to those smaller schools to mix things up a little bit so we don't have the same schools every single week. Also, some of those smaller schools rarely have an opportunity to get a win so we try to pick the games where we'll be able to actually get some highlights of them. Again, yet another good argument to really bring in viewers that appreciate us taking the time to get to their school. So doesn't that essentially bring in more viewers to increase our revenue?
It's an interesting situation we find ourselves in every week. Do we go big or small? Do we give love to the smaller schools at the risk of blowing off the bigger schools that will probably win state this year? It's tougher than you may think to make that call, so maybe those reading this (I'm sure there are tens of you out there) could give us a little input? Post a comment or maybe write us an email and let us know which games you really want to see each week. A little input can go a long way.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Southeast XC Invitational...WOW!
Topeka Washburn Rural's Avery Clifton is the best female distance runner in the state of Kansas. Period. After today there are no arguments from me and there will not be anytime in the future. Clifton took everything Carroll freshman Kaelyn Balch could throw at her and ran away with the race in a blistering 13:48 4 kilometer time. Balch’s 14:01 in the same race is worthy of national XC headlines as well.
The Cessna Activities Center course is right in length and is not flat by any means. Clifton and Balch destroyed the course. Cross Country times are very tenuous things because courses differ in lengths and difficulties, but I don’t think that anyone can argue that Clifton and Balch are head and shoulders above the rest of the girls in the state right now.
Here is a little perspective on what sub-14 in the 4k means.
I run for Friends University and my coach said he had only ever heard of one other girl breaking 14 minutes in the 4k during high school. The girl’s name is Alissa McKaig (she did it twice in high school) and last fall she set the NAIA national meet record as a senior in college for the 5k and was the National Champion. She is now a professional runner.
Clifton and Balch’s race today was fun to witness. Mackenzie Maki of Kapaun is still back there lurking too. She ran 14:49 today which is not too shabby. She has the capability to drop down with Balch on any given day. I hope Clifton and Balch get at least one more chance to race at Rim Rock next weekend. It would be fun to watch the rematch.
And what cannot get lost in this is that Balch is only a freshman. She has the ability to run at the national level for sure.
What is your take on the times these girls threw down?
The Cessna Activities Center course is right in length and is not flat by any means. Clifton and Balch destroyed the course. Cross Country times are very tenuous things because courses differ in lengths and difficulties, but I don’t think that anyone can argue that Clifton and Balch are head and shoulders above the rest of the girls in the state right now.
Here is a little perspective on what sub-14 in the 4k means.
I run for Friends University and my coach said he had only ever heard of one other girl breaking 14 minutes in the 4k during high school. The girl’s name is Alissa McKaig (she did it twice in high school) and last fall she set the NAIA national meet record as a senior in college for the 5k and was the National Champion. She is now a professional runner.
Clifton and Balch’s race today was fun to witness. Mackenzie Maki of Kapaun is still back there lurking too. She ran 14:49 today which is not too shabby. She has the capability to drop down with Balch on any given day. I hope Clifton and Balch get at least one more chance to race at Rim Rock next weekend. It would be fun to watch the rematch.
And what cannot get lost in this is that Balch is only a freshman. She has the ability to run at the national level for sure.
What is your take on the times these girls threw down?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Pressure
Any time you head on the road to a conference opponent, there is pressure to perform.
But Hays coach Ryan Cornelsen has more pressure on him because he is returning to his hometown of Liberal tonight with a shaky Indians squad.
Cornelsen was a hometown hero and that name is synonymous with Liberal because his Dad, Gary, is a coaching legend in this state for his work with the Redskins.
There was speculation that Cornelsen would take the open Liberal job last fall, but he decided to take a bigger job and rebuild a Hays football program that is in serious need of an overhaul.
So now he takes his new team into his hometown, with all his family and friends around, watching, with the shadow of his father in the stadium. Your ankle hurts but you still have to lead your team - doesn't compare.
##############################
What is the weirdest mascot you can remember from a high school?? Ringnecks was a popular choice, as was the Swathers. What is your pick?
My pick? My high school - The Eaglecrest Raptors. Spelled like Jurassic Park, but we were the bird of prey Raptor, which could have been a hawk, falcon or eagle. Techincally, we were all of them but our logo was the Philadelphia Eagle. And with out school name, confusion was rampant. Vary often at away games, it was the Eaglecrest Eagles.
But Hays coach Ryan Cornelsen has more pressure on him because he is returning to his hometown of Liberal tonight with a shaky Indians squad.
Cornelsen was a hometown hero and that name is synonymous with Liberal because his Dad, Gary, is a coaching legend in this state for his work with the Redskins.
There was speculation that Cornelsen would take the open Liberal job last fall, but he decided to take a bigger job and rebuild a Hays football program that is in serious need of an overhaul.
So now he takes his new team into his hometown, with all his family and friends around, watching, with the shadow of his father in the stadium. Your ankle hurts but you still have to lead your team - doesn't compare.
##############################
What is the weirdest mascot you can remember from a high school?? Ringnecks was a popular choice, as was the Swathers. What is your pick?
My pick? My high school - The Eaglecrest Raptors. Spelled like Jurassic Park, but we were the bird of prey Raptor, which could have been a hawk, falcon or eagle. Techincally, we were all of them but our logo was the Philadelphia Eagle. And with out school name, confusion was rampant. Vary often at away games, it was the Eaglecrest Eagles.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ranked teams, state qualifiers battle in soccer tournaments
The Hays boys soccer team, which finished last season with a losing record, seems to be turning around its fortunes.
Hays defeated Wichita Trinity, a state qualifier last year, in the McPherson Invitational on Saturday and claimed the tournament championship. The victory lifted Hays’ overall record to 4-0.
The Indians blanked Trinity 2-0, and Hays keeper Hunter Wilkens tallied 10 saves. Trinity placed third at the Class 4-1A state tournament and completed its 2008 season 17-3-1.
Another member of the Western Athletic Conference - Great Bend - was less successful in its tournament outing, but after concluding last year with only one win, the Panthers already have matched that total. They edged Wichita North in the first round of the Titan Classic’s red bracket and then succumbed to the eventual champ, Hutchinson.
Great Bend placed fourth in the Titan Classic and now stands at 1-2. Incidentally, the Panthers’ only victory last year was against Hays.
The WAC team that fared best, Liberal, just missed the tournament title in the blue bracket Saturday. After dominating the defending Titan Classic champion, Wichita Southeast, Liberal struggled against Maize in the final. However, the Redskins should be a force this season.
In all, last weekend’s area tournaments featured five teams that qualified for state in 2008. Maize, Liberal and Southeast advanced to quarterfinals in the Titan Classic blue bracket, where Maize – the third-place finisher from Class 6A – prevailed.
Salina Central – which claimed fourth place in Class 5A – also finished fourth in the Goddard/Campus Invitational after losing several seniors to graduation. Newton blasted Winfield 5-0 for the invitational crown.
Two of those teams are represented in the Kansas Soccer Coaches Association rankings: Maize (No. 3 in Class 6A and No. 4 overall) and Liberal (No. 2 in 5A).
Hutchinson, which eked out a 1-0 win over Emporia in the Titan Classic red bracket finale, has replaced Emporia at the No. 5 position in 5A.
Hays defeated Wichita Trinity, a state qualifier last year, in the McPherson Invitational on Saturday and claimed the tournament championship. The victory lifted Hays’ overall record to 4-0.
The Indians blanked Trinity 2-0, and Hays keeper Hunter Wilkens tallied 10 saves. Trinity placed third at the Class 4-1A state tournament and completed its 2008 season 17-3-1.
Another member of the Western Athletic Conference - Great Bend - was less successful in its tournament outing, but after concluding last year with only one win, the Panthers already have matched that total. They edged Wichita North in the first round of the Titan Classic’s red bracket and then succumbed to the eventual champ, Hutchinson.
Great Bend placed fourth in the Titan Classic and now stands at 1-2. Incidentally, the Panthers’ only victory last year was against Hays.
The WAC team that fared best, Liberal, just missed the tournament title in the blue bracket Saturday. After dominating the defending Titan Classic champion, Wichita Southeast, Liberal struggled against Maize in the final. However, the Redskins should be a force this season.
In all, last weekend’s area tournaments featured five teams that qualified for state in 2008. Maize, Liberal and Southeast advanced to quarterfinals in the Titan Classic blue bracket, where Maize – the third-place finisher from Class 6A – prevailed.
Salina Central – which claimed fourth place in Class 5A – also finished fourth in the Goddard/Campus Invitational after losing several seniors to graduation. Newton blasted Winfield 5-0 for the invitational crown.
Two of those teams are represented in the Kansas Soccer Coaches Association rankings: Maize (No. 3 in Class 6A and No. 4 overall) and Liberal (No. 2 in 5A).
Hutchinson, which eked out a 1-0 win over Emporia in the Titan Classic red bracket finale, has replaced Emporia at the No. 5 position in 5A.
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