WICHITA — Going up against the best Kansas has to offer, the Louisburg girls track and field team medaled in three events at the Class 4A Kansas State Track and Field Championships.

The Louisburg girls 4×100-meter relay, Kendall Crossley (100-meter dash) and McKenna Lohse (shot put) all found their way to the state podium during the May 30-31 meet at Wichita State University.

Louisburg’s 4×100-meter relay team of senior Mackenzie Rooney, along with juniors Kendall Crossley, Addi Mallett and Suzanna Dansel have posted some of the fastest times in Class 4A this season.

The Wildcat group broke the school record during the regional meet and posted another fast time of 49.14 seconds during the prelims, which gave them the second fastest time heading into the finals.

In what was a talented field, the Wildcat relay medaled fourth in 49.46 seconds. Clearwater won the state title in 48.10 seconds, while Coffeyville-Field Kindley was second at 48.69. Buhler was third at 49.07.

“Our 4×100 this year worked hard throughout the season and we were determined to work our way to the top of the podium,” Crossley said. “We all were pushing through injuries, so by state it was hard to work through that with some tough teams at our side. Overall we were proud of what we accomplished at state and throughout the season like setting a new school record and that will set the bar high for next year.”

That wouldn’t be the only time Crossley found her way to the medal stand.

The Louisburg junior qualified for the finals of the 100-meter dash earlier in the day, and then in the finals, medaled eighth overall in 12.82 seconds.

“It was my goal at the beginning of the season to take home more than one state medal so accomplishing that goal made all the challenges I faced throughout the season worth it and made it feel so much more rewarding,” Crossley said. 

It was a special ending for Crossley to the state meet after what was a rough go of it on the first day. Crossley finished ninth in the prelims of the 200-meter dash in 26.52 seconds and missed a spot in the finals and a medal by one place.

However, instead of letting that get her down, she used that as motivation for the 100 dash the next day.

“By just barely missing that mark in the 200 meters, after having huge PRs in that race throughout the season, it was tough to know I was just so close,” Crossley said. “Missing out in that 200 will only push me harder next year. 

“After that you have to move past it and the pressure was on for the 100 meters and I wasn’t going to allow myself to miss out on finals and earn that state medal. It was special to earn that medal because the competition was as hard as it’s ever been and it felt deserving to fit in with all the girls competing with me.”

In the shot put, Lohse put herself in good position in the prelims. She recorded a throw of 37 feet, 1.25 inches in her first three attempts and was sitting in second place going into the finals.

Unfortunately, Lohse couldn’t top that throw, but still earned her first state medal as she finished fifth overall to cap what was her best state performance in the shot put ring. 

“My goal at the beginning of this season was to get back to state again and this time be up on the podium,” Lohse said. “It felt amazing to be up there getting that medal, representing our school, in front of all those people. 

“Honestly, I feel like I could have done better. Ultimately, if I would have thrown closer to my PR, I could have possibly challenged for the gold medal. This will motivate me even more though going into next season.”

It was a special season for Lohse as she had the top throw in Class 4A for a short time this season after setting a new personal record at the Redbud Classic in early May. She is excited to see what can happen in her final season for the Wildcats.

“I am looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish next year,” Lohse said. “One goal I have for myself is to always be better than the previous season and to continue to work harder to meet this. Personally, I have already set several new goals for next year in both shot put and discus. I know Coach (John) Reece and Coach G (Alex Gentges) are going to push me to be my very best next year since it will be my last opportunity to get back out there.”

Sophomore Caroline Apple, who was also in Wichita with the state soccer team, competed in three events on May 30 and just missed her first state medal. 

Apple finished one spot outside of state medal in the high jump after she cleared 5 feet and took ninth overall. She nearly set a new PR at 5-2, but just clipped the bar.

She also competed in both hurdles races. Apple took 15th in the 300 hurdles in 50.08 and was 16th in the 100 in 16.87 seconds.

Freshman Ellie Vohs competed in two events at state, including one individual race in the 1,600-meter run. Vohs, who battled an injured ankle the last few weeks, took 11th overall in 5:42.

Vohs also joined Rooney, Mallett and Crossley in the 4×400-meter relay as they finished 14th overall in 4:15.

Also on the track, senior Marissa Vallejo competed in the 3,200-meter run and took 15th in 13:27. Vallejo, Breck Nielsen, Adelyn Moore and Annie Hornberger took part in the 4×800 relay and was 16th in 11:05.

In the field events, Moore competed in her second event at state in the javelin. She recorded a throw of 114-10 to take 14th overall.

WICHITA — The Louisburg girls soccer team put together its best season in four years and had an opportunity to put an exclamation point on it.

Louisburg squared off with Rose Hill in the third-place game of the Class 4-1A Kansas State Soccer Championships on May 31 at Wichita’s Stryker Complex. It didn’t take long for the Wildcats to get on the board.

The Wildcats struck first in the game’s opening minutes, but Rose Hill tied it in the first half and scored late in the second to hand Louisburg a 2-1 loss.

Louisburg was coming off a 2-0 loss in the state semifinals on May 28 as it hosted its first state semifinal game against Topeka-Hayden. 

“Honestly, I was really proud of how we played this game,” Louisburg coach Jordan Roquemore said. “Rose Hill is an exceptional squad and we not only kept them at bay defensively, we were very successful in creating attack opportunities. We were nearly even with them for shots on goal and I thought it was a very well-matched game for us.”

The Wildcats (16-5) wasted no time getting on the board as senior Rowan Yows scored in the 5th minute on an assist from freshman Kahlan Harris to put the Wildcats up 1-0. 

“Scoring that goal pretty early into the game really fired us up, giving us the confidence that we deserved to be there playing in that game,” Yows said. “Kahlan and I have been scoring goals like that all season, simple give and go’s that got us right in front of the goal. Even though we didn’t come out with a win, our effort was very visible in that game and I don’t the think the score reflects that.”

Rose Hill tied the game in the 10th minute as the Rockets’ Kyia Kelly scored the equalizer on an unassisted goal. The match remained tied at 1-1 until late in the second half.

That was until the 69th minute, when the Rockets took advantage of a free kick opportunity just outside the box. Rose HIll’s Paige Winter sent the ball in from the corner, which hit off the shoulder of Nevaeh Kelly and found the back of the net for the go-ahead score.

“Getting a quick lead was a great confidence boost for the team,” Roquemore said. “It affirmed what we already believed: that we can score on this team and compete with them. Rose Hill capitalized on a couple of our mistakes later in the game and we were unable to finish some of our opportunities, but the game could have gone either way. It was a tight matchup.”

The Wildcats did have a couple opportunities on goal late, including one in the final minute. Junior Faith Sewell sent a free kick into the box, the Rose Hill keeper dropped the ball, which left for an open net.

Harris had the ball at her foot, but the shot went just over the crossbar and Rose Hill held on for the win. 

Louisburg’s defense limited a powerful Rose Hill attack to just eight shots. Caroline Apple, Lila Edwards, Jaden Bentz, Rylee Moore and Sewell were all active on the back line, while goalie Ally Brown had six saves on the day. 

“Rose Hill has a really dynamic offense,” Roquemore said. “They are fast and move the ball really well. We focused on team defense with some special attention paid to a couple players. Jaden did an excellent job holding down one and played the same outstanding 1v1 defense that she has been doing all season. 

“Our midfielders, primarily Rowan, Mena (Fercho) and Riley (May), did a great job with possessing much of the game in the midfield and shutting down many of their runs. We let them slip through the net once for the first goal and failed to stop and clear the ball from a corner kick for their second.”

Despite the loss, it was a special year for the Wildcat program. Louisburg ended the year with just three losses in the regular season, earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and had the best program finish since 2021.

“This was kind of a comeback season,” Yows said. “We’ve had some really good talent throughout my years here but we never got far in postseason. I think this year we all meshed quick and we all just got each other. It was really something special. 

“We were all confident in each other that we could go far as a team. I also think our results this season showed our level of skill throughout the whole roster. When we went into season everyone always thinks about post season, but I think we also did a good job going week by week and taking each game head on.”

It also meant the end for five Wildcats seniors as Yows, Bentz, May, Brown and Baileigh Johnson all played their final game for the Wildcats. 

“Getting to state was a big goal for us seniors this season since we’ve fallen a little shy in the past,” Yows said. “While finishing fourth wasn’t our goal, it still shows how much effort the team put in this season and it’s still an impressive result. For me, it’s a perfect way to close out my time here. I got to find success with some of my closest friends.”

It also marked the end for Roquemore in his short tenure as the Wildcat head coach as he has stepped down after one season to move with his family for a different opportunity.

“Earning a spot in the Final Four, having an incredible record this season, and an outstanding goal differential were all really great accomplishments for this team,” Roquemore said. “However, the one I am most proud of and the one I want to see continue is our team culture. This group of girls had a special bond and incredible chemistry on and off the field. There was growth, humor, positivity, a competitive spirit, and a lot of joy playing this beautiful game. I would take all of that a hundred times over winning a state championship.”

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week 10 of the spring sports season, sponsored by Landmark National Bank.

COOPER WINGFIELD, SENIOR, TRACK AND FIELD

Louisburg senior Cooper Wingfield made history at the Class 4A Kansas State Track and Field Championships on May 30. Wingfield defended his state crown as he won back-to-back state titles in the pole vault after he cleared 15 feet, 6 inches. It was a special season that included, not only another state title, but also broke his own school record at the KU Relays earlier in the season at 15-7.75.

Wingfield has been a fixture in the Class 4A state pole vaulting competition as he won state titles the last two years and was a state runner-up as a sophomore. Louisburg has won the state title in the pole vault the last four years with Caden Caplinger winning the other two.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the spring season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous winners

Week 1: Luke Schultz

Week 2: Faith Sewell

Week 3: Meade Rutherford

Week 4: Brynley Bauer

Week 5: Rowan Yows

Week 6: Kendall Crossley

Week 7: Bristol Barbour

Week 8: Aidan Meyer

Week 9: Sabra Brueggen

TOPEKA — As Sabra Brueggen stepped onto the state swim podium for the final time, a flood of memories came rushing back.

Memories of when it all started, the friends she made and all her successes along the way. Brueggen has been one of the top swimmers in Class 5-1A the last four years and she proved it once again on May 24 during the Kansas State Swim and Dive Championships in Topeka.

The Louisburg senior ended her high school career with two state medals and a lifetime full of memories.

“Ending my high school career was a very sentimental moment for me,” Brueggen said. “It was the last time I would be racing some of the girls I have been swimming against since age six. Being able to share the podium with them one last time made it even more meaningful, making me very proud of how I performed at my final state meet.”

Brueggen had strong swims throughout 2-day meet that began on May 23 at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. In the prelims, she qualified for the finals in fifth in both the 200-yard individual medley and 100 backstroke.

In the finals, Brueggen found her way to the medal stand as she finished sixth in the 200 individual medley in 2 minutes and 14.42 seconds.

The 100 backstroke proved to be much of the same for Brueggen there as she also medaled sixth in a time of 58.81 seconds. It completed a string of four straight years of earning a state medal.

“I was very happy with how I swam in my personal events last weekend,” Brueggen said. “I was right up next to my previous best times and I was able to stay consistent with my performances during both prelims and finals. I had high hopes, and although I didn’t completely reach my goal times, I am still very grateful with how the meet ended.”

Brueggen also swam in a pair of relays, including the 200 freestyle relay that won the consolation finals. The team of Ella Bockelman, Janie Harth, Cadence Weichert and Brueggen won in a season-best time of 1:48.21 and finished ninth overall — missing a medal by one spot.

Bockelman, Makayla Ellis, Harth and Brueggen also swam in the 400 freestyle relay consolation finals and placed 13th in 4:07.31.

“The success that came through our relays this past weekend was very exciting,” Brueggen said. “Although we did not make ‘A’ final in the 200 free relay during the first day of the meet, our performance during the second day was truly an unforgettable experience. We all swam our best times at the same time, and would’ve medaled had we been top 8 the first day.”

On the first day of competition, the Wildcats also competed in the 200 medley relay as Bockelman, Ellis, Harth and Weichert missed out on the finals as they took 24th in 2:10.80.

Last weekend marked the end of the high school careers for Brueggen, Harth and Weichert. This won’t be the end for Brueggen in the pool, however, as she will continue to swim at the University of Northern Iowa next season.

“Ending this chapter of life has been very difficult but I know that there are bigger things to come,” Brueggen said. “I look forward to being able to just focus on one sport, for the first time in my life, at the collegiate level. I am super excited to see what I can bring to the swim team at the University of Northern Iowa and I can’t wait to become a part of the amazing culture they have created.

“My love for the water started at a very young age, and I know that little me would be super proud of how far I’ve come and how far I will go in the future.”

The Louisburg boys track and field team might not have qualified for state in as many events as it has in the past, but the Wildcats have several who will contend for state medals.

Louisburg qualified for state in seven events following the Class 4A regional meet on May 22 at Louisburg High School. In those seven events, three were regional champions.

Nine Wildcat athletes will make the trip to Class 4A state meet in Wichita on May 30-31.

“The team showed great resilience and determination competing in a very tough regional,” Louisburg boys coach Andy Wright said. “They came out strong, gave their best effort, and demonstrated significant growth throughout the season. It was exciting to be home for our regional and the fan base was amazing.”

Louisburg seniors Aidan Meyer and Myles Vohs had a big day for the Wildcats as each qualified for state in three events, while Meyer won two regional titles.

Meyer cruised to a gold medal finish in the 400-meter dash in 49.89 seconds. Senior teammate Colton Blue also qualified for state in the event as he finished fourth in 51.03 seconds. 

“Aidan began to showcase his exceptional speed at the end of last season and has firmly established himself as one of the top 400-meter sprinters in Class 4A,” Wright said. “He has recorded multiple sub-50-second times this season, showing both consistency and peak performance. Having experience with the state meet atmosphere, I am confident he will continue to excel and make a strong impact this weekend.”

Meyer ended the meet with another regional title, this time with help of Vohs, Blue and senior Emmett White. The Wildcat quartet won the 4×400-meter relay in 3 minutes and 24.15 seconds.

Louisburg currently has the second fastest time in Class 4A this season as it heads into the state meet.

“The 4×400 relay team continues to take immense pride in their performance and shows consistent improvement every week,” Wright said. “State-level competition will undoubtedly be challenging, but if they keep progressing at this rate, they have a real chance to be contenders for a podium finish.”

The Wildcats also qualified a second relay for state as the 4×100 team of Meyer, Vohs, Gavin Lohse and Caleb Feldkamp took second in 43.50 seconds.

Lohse also went on to qualify in the 200-meter dash as he finished runner-up in 22.63 seconds. It was just the third time this season that the Louisburg senior had competed in the event.

“Gavin faced a tough field but ran a strong race,” Wright said. “His performances in the 200 will continue to improve and compete well at the state level.”

Louisburg senior Jerynce Brings Plenty ran strong in the 1,600-meter run and took second overall with a time 4:38.61 to qualify for state.

Vohs punched his ticket for state in his third event — the long jump. The Louisburg senior put together a career-best performance as he set a new personal record with a mark of 21 feet, 8.75 inches. 

He finished fourth in the event, but the Louisburg regional was one of the toughest in the long jump and Vohs sits with the fifth best mark going into the state meet. 

“Myles’ PR in the long jump was outstanding, particularly given the level of competition,” Wright said. “The fact that the top seven from our regional qualified for state speaks volumes about how challenging it was to advance. Myles is peaking at the right time, and I’m excited to see how he performs at the state meet this week.”

The Wildcats also thrived in the pole vault as they qualified two for state — both who are defending state medalists.

Senior Cooper Wingfield, the defending state champion, won the regional title after he cleared 14-6. Senior Jacob Brown also punched his ticket as the regional runner-up at 14 feet. 

“They are very excited and motivated to return to state,” Wright said. “Their dedication and hard work throughout the season have paid off, and they’re eager to compete at a high level once again. The opportunity to be back to back state champion is going to be difficult, but Cooper is up to the challenge.”

The Class 4A state meet will begin at 1:15 pm on May 30 at Wichita State University. The meet will continue through May 31.

It was a memorable showing for the Louisburg girls track and field team in many ways on May 22 during the Class 4A regional meet at Louisburg High School.

Records were broken, personal bests were set — but more importantly — tickets were punched to the state meet.

The Louisburg girls qualified for state in 12 events and will send 11 athletes to the Class 4A Kansas State Track and Field Championships on May 30-31 at Wichita State University.

“The team performed well on Thursday,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “They did what they needed to do to qualify for state and taking 11 girls is awesome.”

Louisburg had one regional champion on the day and it came in the field events. Junior McKenna Lohse took gold in the shot put with a throw of 37 feet, 4.25 inches.

Lohse currently has the third best throw in Class 4A at just under 39 feet and will be vying for a spot on the state podium later this week.

“Kenna threw well and winning the regional championship was fantastic,” Reece said. “She has set herself up for a chance at being the best girl in the shot put in 4A.”

Also in the field events, sophomore Adelyn Moore had one of her best outings of the season in javelin. Moore finished second in a competitive field with a throw of 122-1 to qualify for state for a second consecutive season. 

Junior Kendall Crossley put together a special regional meet performance as she qualified for state in four events and was a part of a new school record in the process.

Crossley, along with Mackenzie Rooney, Addi Mallett and Suzanna Dansel, broke the school record in the 4×100-meter relay as they took second in 49.01 seconds. Coffeyville-Field Kindley won in 48.89 seconds.

They broke the old record of 49.26 that was set in 2023 by Rooney, Dansel, Crossley and Emma Lohse. 

Rooney, Mallett, Breck Nielsen and Crossley also qualified in the 4×400-meter relay as they finished third in 4 minutes and 18.13 seconds.

Crossley punched her ticket to state in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, which both featured some of the top competition in the state. She was fourth in the 100 in 12.72 seconds and fourth in the 200 in 26.25.

“Kendall had a day,” Reece said. “She ran impressive individual races in both the 100 and 200 and the relays really ran well. She has been the rock all season long and has not backed down from any challenge this year. She has done everything we have asked of her.”

Sophomore Caroline Apple also qualified for state in multiple events. She will compete at state in both hurdle races and in the high jump.

Apple took third in the 100-meter hurdles in a season-best time of 16.79 seconds and later finished third in the 300 hurdles in 50.10 seconds. To begin the day, Apple also took third in the high jump after she cleared 4-10. 

It will be a busy upcoming weekend for Apple, as not only will she compete for the Wildcat track team, but is also a part of the Louisburg girls soccer team that will compete in the state tournament this Saturday in Wichita. 

“Caroline had a great day both on the track and in the field,” Reece said. “We knew we had to jump well, and clean, to have a shot at State and she rose to the occasion. She ran two great hurdle races as well and qualifying in three events is outstanding.”

The Wildcats also qualified in three distance races, including one that broke a school record.

Freshman Ellie Vohs, who was running on a bad ankle, not only qualified for state in the 1,600-meter run, but set a new school record in the process. Vohs took fourth in 5:34, which broke the old record of 5:35 that was set by Emma Vohs in 2022.

Vohs, Marissa Vallejo, Annie Hornberger and Moore also qualified in the 4×800-meter relay in a season-best time of 10:33.94. Vallejo later went on to punch her ticket to state in the 3,200-meter run as she took third in 13:04.

“Ellie is a tough athlete,” Reece said. “Not only did she better the school record in the 1,600 by a second, she gave the 800 a try despite her ankle really hurting. Hopefully her ankle gets better this week and she improves again in the 1,600.”

Louisburg begins state competition on May 30 as 4A events begin at 1:15 p.m. at Wichita State University. 

It may have been wet, muddy and just miserable weather for a day in late May, but for the Louisburg girls soccer team, all that didn’t matter.

For the Wildcats, it was a beautiful day. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits. 

Louisburg faced off against Eudora in the Class 4-1A state quarterfinal game on May 25 as it played for a spot in the state final four. 

For the first time since 2021, the Wildcats got it. Louisburg shutout Eudora, 2-0, to earn its first state quarterfinal win in four years.

“It is an amazing achievement to make it to the state final four and I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” senior captain Jaden Bentz said. “This really shows the amount of hard work we’ve all put in throughout the season and it’s nice knowing it has paid off. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to play with. When the final whistle blew we all were filled with excitement and ran to each other, and that shows the tight sisterly bond our team has.”

Louisburg head coach Jordan Roquemore was an assistant the last time the Wildcats were in the state semifinals and he could tell his team wanted this one more than any game this season.

“I have never seen the team so jazzed about anything all season as when the game was over,” Roquemore said. “We are all really excited for the opportunity to compete in the Final Four this year.”

The wet weather provided less-than-ideal playing conditions and it caused problems for both teams. Louisburg, however, struck first with a goal right before halftime.

Senior Rowan Yows sent a cross into the box, which found the foot of sophomore Merritt McIntire, and McIntire scored her second playoff goal in the game’s 38th minute.

“I was incredibly excited for her as it’s a big deal to score in a state quarterfinal,” Yows said. “Those crosses had been open all game and I think she knew that and knew what I was gonna do. Our underclassmen are really skilled and it shows.”

That goal gave the Wildcats the momentum going into halftime and put the pressure on the Cardinals. With the rain coming down harder, the Wildcats made it more difficult early in the second half. 

Yows dribbled down the right side, past the defense, and found the corner of the net to put Louisburg up 2-0 just three minutes into the second half. 

From there, the Louisburg defense took care of the rest. 

The back line of Bentz, Lila Edwards, Caroline Apple, Faith Sewell, Rylee Moore and Sydney York limited Eudora’s shots on goal.

Whatever got past them, senior goalie Ally Brown took care of the rest as she recorded her 12th shutout of the season. 

“We knew that Eudora was not going to be an easy game,” Roquemore said. “They work hard and play very physical. We discussed team defense and I was pleased overall with how we limited their chances. We still allowed a few opportunities to them, but Ally was there when we needed with a couple of key saves.”

It is a defense that has been a strength for the Wildcats all season and has kept them in many of their games. 

“Our defense is solid this year,” Bentz said. “A lot of different players have really stepped up and contributed to the back line. The defense was really strong against a tough Eudora team. It was a very physical and fast game, but the defense reads each other very well and we have great trust in each other allowing us to recover really fast and to not panic.”

The challenges will only get tougher from here on out. Louisburg (16-3) will host Topeka-Hayden (12-7) in the Class 4-1A state semifinals at 6 p.m. on May 28. Win or lose, the Wildcats will travel to Wichita on May 31 for either the state championship or third-place game.

Hayden knocked off the No. 1 seed in the West, Wichita-Trinity, in a 2-0 contest in its state quarterfinal game. It will be one of the tougher opponents the Wildcats have seen this season.

“t’s a great opportunity to get to host the semifinal game this year,” Roquemore said. “Our work during the season afforded us this position and we aim to take advantage of having home field for the game. Topeka Hayden is a really good team and it is going to be a tough matchup. We’re looking forward to the competition.”

For seniors Yows, Bentz, Brown, Baileigh Johnson and Riley May, it will be their final contest on their home field and they hope they can end it on a good note.

“Going to a semifinal any year is exciting, but being a 1 seed and hosting makes it 10-times better,” Yows said. “Having our community support us really puts the pressure on the other team and gives us a leg up. Being promised two more games is also a great feeling, especially at the end of my high school career. I want to play as many games as possible with this team.”

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week nine of the spring sports season, sponsored by Landmark National Bank.

SABRA BRUEGGEN, SENIOR, SWIMMING

Louisburg senior Sabra Brueggen ended her high school swim career on a positive note Saturday at the Class 5-1A Kansas State Swim and Dive Championships in Topeka. Brueggen captured a pair of state medals and helped a relay win their consolation finals race.

Brueggen earned a sixth place medal in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2 minutes and 14.42 seconds. The Louisburg senior also medaled sixth in the 100 backstroke with a season-best time of 58.81 seconds. Brueggen, along with Ella Bockelman, Janie Harth and Cadence Weichert, won the consolation finals of the 200 freestyle relay in a season-best time of 1:48.21.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the spring season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous winners

Week 1: Luke Schultz

Week 2: Faith Sewell

Week 3: Meade Rutherford

Week 4: Brynley Bauer

Week 5: Rowan Yows

Week 6: Kendall Crossley

Week 7: Bristol Barbour

Week 8: Aidan Meyer

ST. GEORGE — There was simply not enough magic left for the Louisburg baseball team.

After pulling off a memorable comeback against Ottawa in the regional semifinals, there was no comeback to be had in the championship game against Rock Creek on May 20. 

Rock Creek, the defending state champion, scored three runs and handed Louisburg a 3-0 loss at Rock Creek High School as the Wildcats fell one win short of the state tournament.

“Obviously we didn’t reach our final goal but we did really great things this year,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “We grew as a team and always gave ourselves a chance going into the seventh inning. I’m really proud of this group and loved the way they competed. These seniors did a great job of leading and helping the sophomores/juniors learn how to be the next group of leaders.”

Giving themselves a chance was exactly what the Wildcats did in their regional semifinal game against Ottawa.

The Cyclones took a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh and the Wildcats were two outs away from elimination. Louisburg could get nothing going offensively — then all of a sudden — everything went its way.

Louisburg scored five unanswered runs to pull off a 5-4 victory over Ottawa to advance to the regional championship

“The guys did a great job of competing and giving themselves a chance,” Larson said. “They never gave up. We really couldn’t get much going offensively for most of the game against Ottawa. Their pitcher threw really well for 6 innings. 

“In the seventh, the guys did a great job of trying to keep the line moving and get the next guy up. It was pretty crazy how quickly it changed and went from down 4-0 to winning 5-4. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Sophomore Max Amren got the rally started with a bloop triple down the right field line and scored on a single from Rylan Carty.

The Wildcats’ hottest hitter came up next in Luke Schultz. The Louisburg senior, who had been intentionally walked twice in the game, got a pitch to hit this time and cranked one over the fence for a 2-run home run.

More magic came the way of the Wildcats as Meade Rutherford reached on an error on a dropped pop-up at second base. That set up the dramatics for Bristol Barbour.

Barbour, who had doubled twice earlier, got a hold of a pitch and hit a 2-run walk-off home run to give the Wildcats a 5-4 win.

“They didn’t pitch to Luke all day by intentionally walking him,” Larson said. “He got an at-bat and did more than you could ask for with it. Bristol was crushing the ball all day. He really swung it well and that didn’t change in his last at bat. Off the bat I thought it had a chance and was pretty surreal to see it go out.”

The Wildcats (18-7) also threw several arms at the Cyclones to keep the game close.   

Rutherford started the game and gave up 2 earned runs in 2 2/3 innings and struck out three. Junior Christian Owens threw 3 1/3 and gave up two runs, both unearned, and also struck out three.

Senior Alex Saad pitched the final inning and gave up just one hit and a strikeout.

Saad went on to start the championship game against Rock Creek and held the Mustangs scoreless through three innings.

The Louisburg senior had to battle a tough strike zone in the top of the fourth and Rock Creek reached and scored a run on four straight walks.

Owens came in for relief and was able to get out of the jam by allowing just one run. He pitched the final three innings and struck out six.

Rock Creek had just one hit the entire game, but were able to take advantage of free bases with two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth. 

“I thought our pitchers battled all day,” Larson said. “Meade gave us some good innings to begin the day. Saad did really well and bridged the gap and did well keeping us in the game. Christian really threw well in both games. He never gets rattled and threw his butt off in both games to keep it close to give our bats a chance.”

The Wildcats had five hits on the contest, but couldn’t get a runner across. Barbour had a double, his third of the day, and Amren had two hits to lead the Wildcat bats.

INDEPENDENCE — A year ago, the Louisburg golf team suffered heartbreak when the Wildcats were completely shut out of the state tournament. 

Not this year, however.

The Wildcats will send two golfers to the state tournament this season as senior Sam Frederick and junior Derek Frederick will both represent Louisburg after earning a spot following the May 19 regional tournament at the Independence Country Club.

Both players will competing in their first state tournament, which will be held May 27 at the Sand Creek Station Course in Newton. 

Sam Frederick earned a regional medal with a top 10 performance as he led the Wildcat team.

“Qualifying for state has always been a goal of mine, and to see all the work I’ve put in pay off all season is great,” Sam said. “Being able to make the trip to the state tournament, and also earn the honors of a top 10 regional placement, was amazing and a good boost of confidence going into state next week.”

The Louisburg senior finished 10th with an 87 on a tough Independence Country Club course. Independence had the top three individual finishers, led by champion Ethan Small, who had a 75.

“The course in Independence was in rough condition and all the rain the few days prior didn’t help, but everyone had to play the same course,” Sam said. “My swing felt well that day, but I just wasn’t scoring on the back 9. I felt like overall it was decent. It was good enough to give me one final tournament, which i’m looking forward to.”

Derek Frederick was the final individual to qualify for the state tournament as he carded a 91 and took 17th overall. 

The top 3 teams qualify for the state tournament, along with the top five individuals who aren’t a part of those teams. 

“It meant a lot to be able to qualify for state as I came up short last year,” Derek said. “I was very excited for the opportunity to compete again. The conditions were very tough, and not many golfers shot too well. I felt like I played pretty good despite the wet and patchy conditions.”

Independence won the regional title with a 318, while Fort Scott was second with a 334 and Ottawa took third with a 354. 

Louisburg found itself 12 strokes back of earning a spot as a team with a 366 as it finished fourth overall. 

Freshman Reese Smith finished two strokes back of a state spot as she carded a 93 and ended in a tie for 20th. 

Senior Josh Holtzen was 25th with a 95 and Garrison Bloustine was 41st to round out the Wildcat lineup. 

Both Sam and Derek will now focus on the state tournament. The 2-day meet begins on May 27th in Newton and both will tee off at 9 a.m.

“Sand Creek is a tough golf course, but also very scoreable if you go out there and commit to your shots,” Sam said. “My main goal is to go out there and make it to the second day of the tournament, but also go out there and just have fun. We’ve had a great season so this is my chance to go and show all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Added Derek, “I am very excited for the chance to compete against the best golfers in 4A and show what I can do. I have worked hard to get here and now I just need to go out and play my game.”