Maize’s Grady Carlson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Grady Carlson, a senior at Maize High School, has high expectations for his final cross country season, and he’s putting in the work to achieve his goals. A dedicated runner in both cross country and track, Carlson is aiming to break the 16-minute barrier in the 5K and place in the top […]
Rose Hill’s Rylee Wooten – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Rose Hill High School senior Rylee Wooten may be new to cross country, but she’s already making her presence known. In her first season competing with the girls’ varsity team, Wooten has set her sights high. She is aiming for a 22-minute 5K, and she wants to help her team qualify for […]
Wichita North’s Nelly Puente – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by David Kauffman M&M Insurance
By Blake Chadwick Wichita North senior Nelly Puente has put the city and the state on notice as one of the best runners in the state to watch this year. “She is a very determined athlete and student,” head coach Katherine Reimer said. “When faced with any challenge, she persistently works to overcome it. She […]
Maize’s Jay Parrent – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kevin Shields State Farm
By Matt Browning Having to deal with an ankle injury over the summer, Maize cross country runner Jay Parrent is excited to get back in the mix. “Having to sit out part of my training made me appreciate running even more,” Parrent said. “So I’m looking forward to pushing myself in meets and helping our team […]
Derby’s Corey Koch – Coach Spotlight – Presented by Todd Benway State Farm
By Joanna Chadwick Corey Koch, Derby’s new head cross country coach, brings a unique blend of experience and discipline to the Panthers. Koch is a 15-year military veteran who coached most recently at McMurry University, a Division III school in Abilene, Texas. Koch was named head coach in 2023 of the cross country program after […]
Hutchinson Trinity’s Jacob and John Lindstrom – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
By Blake Chadwick At Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, cross country isn’t just about running miles for seniors Jacob and John Lindstrom; it is about family. For the Lindstrom brothers, the sport has become a bond that pushes both brothers to new levels while shaping the identity of their team. Jacob, who returns as the fastest boy […]
Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Taylor Barringer – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hog Wild Pit BBQ
Cross country meets can be grueling, so it’s important to maintain mental strength. That was one of the primary areas Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Taylor Barringer focused on throughout the offseason. “One area I want to improve is my mental focus,” Barringer said. “One of the ways I worked on this in the offseason was by […]
Andover’s Amanda Stumpe – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Jodi Ocadiz Shelter Insurance
By Hayden Swope Andover’s Amanda Stumpe spent all offseason finding fun and effective ways to stay active, all in preparation for the quick-paced season ahead. “In addition to summer conditioning led by my cross country coach, I prepared for the season by exercising every day, including yoga, bike rides, lifting, and, of course, runs,” Stumpe […]
Andover’s Madelyn Wallace – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Jodi Ocadiz Shelter Insurance
By Hayden Swope Madelyn Wallace, an Andover cross country runner, is ready to put it all out there on the course for one last season. After an impressive state appearance from her and the Trojans, Wallace has high expectations for the year. “This season I really have the goal of soaking in every race and […]
Eisenhower’s Owen Dent – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
By Hayden Swope Eisenhower’s Owen Dent has had quite the cross country journey over his four years. After years of season-ending injuries, training, and conditioning, Dent is ready to take the course. “I am glad I had a summer of training leading up to this season,” Dent said. “In my freshman year, I broke my […]