Andale’s Gage Cooper – Poll Winner – Presented by Salina Tech
Photo Credits: Flex Whalen By Matt Browning Andale diver Gage Cooper is back as a defending state champion, as well as a two-time league champion. More than any finish Cooper places this season, he is most curious to see how much better he is. Whether that means first place trophies or simple fundamental improvement, Cooper […]
Andover’s Blake Royse – Poll Winner – Presented by Salina Tech
By Matt Browning At last season’s Class 5-1A Tournament, Andover’s Blake Royse took second in the 500 freestyle and fifth in the 200 freestyle. Improving in both of those events is Royse’s primary focus for his upcoming season. This season, I’m most excited to see how much progress I can make in the 200 and […]
Maize South’s Paxton Scott – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
By Blake Chadwick Maize South junior Paxton Scott is quickly becoming one of the most electric guards in the AVCTL, and his rise is only beginning. Scott describes his biggest strengths as shooting and on-ball defense, two skills that make him a true two-way presence. But behind the talent is a mindset built for long-term […]
Eisenhower’s Malachi Rothenberger – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
Eisenhower senior, Malachi Rothenberger, has already built one of the better resumes in the state. Entering his last year, he has already been a state qualifier, a fifth-place finisher, a club state qualifier, and a club state second-place finisher. The senior competes at 150 pounds and enters the year as a proven contender with state […]
Wichita Southeast’s Tyler Barnett – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Supplement World
By Cooper Chadwick Ending last season with a record of 31-8, Wichita Southeast junior Tyler Barnett is excited to show everyone the work he put in. “What I’m most excited about for the upcoming season is the state tournament. I’m especially looking forward to it because I want to show how much I’ve improved from the […]
Wellington’s Maddie Fullerton – Poll Winner – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Cooper Chadwick After breaking her collarbone in the state third place match, junior Maddie Fullerton is back and excited for her first year as an upperclassmen. “Sadly I didn’t get to wrestle much over the summer. As soon as I got cleared I was in the wrestling room six days a week and lifting […]
Northwest’s Lily Land – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Dean Jones State Farm
By Cooper Chadwick Looking to wrestle at a new weight for her senior year, Northwest’s Lily Land is beyond excited for this upcoming season. Northwest’s head coach Tevin Kendall has the utmost faith in Land for her senior year. “Lily has been a four-year starter for our program at 145 for three years and looking […]
Focus on Wichita Heights girls (Friday’s high school basketball, Jan. 16, 2026)
Come back for a feature on Heights girls basketball. I interviewed coach Jennifer Pillich tonight at Northwest. By Joanna Chadwick The Wichita Heights girls rolled past Wichita Northwest 77-10 while showcasing their speedy guards, who create havoc defensively and can score on the offensive end. But while the Falcons are winning again, their coaching staff […]
Rose Hill’s Andrew Poss – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Davis Moore Chevrolet
By Matt Browning Once he became a freshman, Rose Hill junior Andrew Poss finally started to feel like his normal. Before that, he and his family were constantly on the move. Andrew’s dad, Mike, enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served for 36 years, before retiring in 2023. “My life has been pretty […]
Wichita Southeast’s Karen Gonzales – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tommy Leach Shelter Insurance
By Blake Chadwick Wichita Southeast senior wrestler Karen Gonzales is a senior who wrestles at the 130 weight class and has made her mark wrestling; transforming herself into a finalist, a multi-time champion, and one of the most respected leaders in the GWAL. Wrestling for just four years, after five years of jiu-jitsu, Gonzales has […]