May/June 2026 South Central Kansas Magazine
Burrton’s Ryker Barnes – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning Ryker Barnes has entered the new track season with a clear priority — the 800-meter run — and a goal of shaving down his time as he pushes toward potential postseason qualification. “My primary focus for this season is the 800m race; my goal is to get a time of 2:06 or […]
Hutchinson Trinity’s Kaid McElgunn – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning For Hutchinson Trinity’s Kaid McElgunn, the mindset heading into the baseball season is simple: get better. “I would say my primary focus this season is to just be better than last year,” McElgunn said. “Improvement is always ideal for a sport like baseball.” That steady approach hasn’t stopped McElgunn from setting ambitious […]
Hutchinson’s Azul Maciel – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Angela Brunk Azul Maciel, a senior striker/forward, is preparing for her final high school season with a strong sense of purpose and a desire to elevate every part of her game. As a 12th grader, she is motivated to demonstrate her full potential both on the field and in her personal growth, setting an […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Brayden Henry – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning Hutchinson Community College baseball player Brayden Henry has settled into life as a Blue Dragon, and everything has been just as he hoped. “So far, my experience at Hutch has been very good,” Henry said. “I have established good relationships with all of my teammates and coaches. Our season is also off […]
Clearwater’s Taylor Nielson – Softball Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning The 2025 Clearwater softball team finished fourth at the 4A Tournament and ended the season with a 25-6 record. Returning first team all-league outfielder Taylor Nielson is looking forward to seeing what the Indians have in store this year. “I am excited to see how far our team will go this year […]
Buhler’s Max Harmony – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Ken Hansard Max Harmony, a senior at Buhler High School, has built a reputation as a hardworking multi-sport athlete who embraces leadership, competition, and team culture. Representing the Crusaders in the AVCTL’s Division 3, Harmony competes in football, wrestling, and track and field, bringing dedication and determination to every season. Harmony’s wrestling season […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Gabby Stauffer – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
Photo credit Sammi Carpenter By Matt Browning In just 170 at-bats last season, Hutchinson Community College’s Gabby Stauffer hit five home runs with 62 RBIs, while hitting .400. The Campus High graduate chose Hutch primarily for one reason. “The college was appealing to me because it was close proximity to home and the atmosphere was […]
Haven’s Jaxson Wilder – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Angela Brunk Jaxson Wilder is a senior at Haven High School who has become a dependable presence in the outfield and a key contributor to his team’s success. As he enters his final season, Wilder is most excited to see how the underclassmen step up after the graduation of a large senior class. Throughout […]
Haven’s Tanner Loughrie – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Angela Brunk Tanner Loughrie, a senior at Haven High School, is entering his final high school wrestling season. Competing in the 132-pound weight class, Loughrie is embracing both the challenges and opportunities that come with his team’s move up to 4A competition this year. As a senior, spending one last season alongside his teammates […]