Meet your LHS 2023 Winter Homecoming Candidates

The 2023 Louisburg High School homecoming candidates are (front row, from left): Brianne Kuhlman, Dannah Knipp, Tehya Harvey, Ava Baker; (back row) Colyer Wingfield, Greyson Rasmussen, Nathan Vincent and Jase Hovey.

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2023 winter king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday during halftime of the Wildcat boys’ basketball game with Ottawa. Tipoff for that game is set for approximately 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the participants and make sure to come out on Friday to support both the Wildcat girls and boys basketball teams.

Brianne Kuhlman and Colyer Wingfield

Brianne is the daughter of Brian and Holly Kuhlman. Brianne has played basketball and soccer for four years. She has been a member of FBLA for three years, along with volleyball, Interact Club, FCCLA and National Honor Society for two years. Following graduation, Brianne is currently undecided on where she plans to attend college, but plans to major in Biology and then go to veterinarian school.

Colyer is the son of Brent and Gayla Wingfield. Colyer has participated in basketball for four years and track and field for two years. After graduation, he plans to attend college and play basketball, but he is currently undecided.

Dannah Knipp and Greyson Rasmussen

Dannah is the daughter of Conrad and Kami Knipp. Dannah has participated in FFA and Jazzy Cats for four years and musical for three years. She has been a member of National Honor Society and Interact Club for two years, along with Forensics and International Relations for one year. After graduation, Dannah plans to attend K-State to study either Food Science or Biochemistry on a pre-med path to later apply to medical school at KU.

Greyson is the son of Mike and Mercedes Rasmussen. Greyson has participated in musical, choir and Forensics for four years, along with student council and Interact Club for three years. He has also participated in National Honor Society, AV Club, football and baseball for two years. Following graduation, Greyson plans to study film in college but is undecided on a university.

Tehya Harvey and Nathan Vincent

Tehya is the daughter of Chad and Lindsay Harvey. Tehya has participated in soccer, basketball and choir for four years, along with student council and musical for three years. She has been the boys soccer manager and National Honor Society member for two years and participated in band and volleyball for one. After graduation, Tehya plans to attend the University of Kansas on the pre-med track and major in biology and minor in Spanish.

Nathan is the son of Steve and Debbie Vincent. Nathan has participated in football, track and field and FBLA for four years. He has also participated in basketball, National Honor Society and select choir for two years and student council for one year. Following graduation, Nathan plans to attend Iowa State University as a member of the track and field team and major in business.

Ava Baker and Jase Hovey

Ava is the daughter of Kyle and Stacy Baker. Ava has participated in basketball for two years and soccer for one year. Following graduation, Ava plans to attend Coffeyville Community College to play basketball and major in athletic training or physical therapy.

Jase is the son of Shane and Jodi Hovey. Jase has participated in football for four years and track and field for two years. After graduation, Jase plans to attend the University of South Dakota to continue his football and academic career.




Top 10 Louisburg Sports Stories of 2022

It was a successful, and eventful, 2022 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. 

This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and a few programs brought back state hardware.

Below are the top stories from 2022, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the writeup is the link to the actual story from the event.

When putting the list together, I took a lot of things into account – whether it was team vs. individual, popularity of the sport, historical achievements and the interest it drew on the web site.

This year was a blast to cover and I am looking forward to seeing what 2023 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their support and can’t wait for it all to begin again.

10. Louisburg golf qualifies for state

FORT SCOTT — As the scores were rolling in, the Louisburg golf team was a little worried.

The Wildcats were in jeopardy of not qualifying for state after a few of the golfers didn’t have the scores they were hoping for in the Class 4A regional tournament in Fort Scott.

Chanute and Independence had already assured themselves of a spot, but the third place team was up in the air as the top three teams automatically qualify for state.

As it turned out, the Wildcats had nothing to worry about as they edged Paola by four strokes to finish in third with a 357 to secure their third consecutive spot in the 4A state tournament.

Seniors A.J. Arriola, Sam Wheeler, Ian Kirkpatrick, Johnny Thompson, along with juniors Jackson Olson and Nick Lancaster, advanced to the state tournament. 

Arriola carded a 78 and finished as a regional runner-up, as he was just two strokes behind regional champion Drayton Cleaver of Chanute.

As for Olson, the Louisburg junior set a personal record by six strokes to shoot an 81 and took fourth overall. Those personal bests were enough to get the Wildcats into that third place spot.

At state, Arriola and  Wheeler finished as the team’s top two golfers. Arriola carded a 97 to take 59th overall, while Wheeler finished with a 98 and came in 66th.

9. Brueggen’s earns school’s first state swim medal

LENEXA — Even though she is just a freshman, Sabra Brueggen is already putting a stamp on her high school swim career at Louisburg High School.

It all came to a rousing end on May 21 as Brueggen earned her first state medal at the Class 5-1A Kansas State Swim and Diving Championships at the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center.

Brueggen became the first swimmer in school history to earn a state medal as she finished fifth in the 100-yard backstroke in 1:00.58.

On the day before in the preliminaries, Brueggen also took fifth in a season-best time of 1:00.15.

“Medaling as freshman means the world to me, and it proves to me that all of my hard work for all of these years, has paid off,” Brueggen said. “I feel like I performed my absolute best at state, and I was very happy with the results. It gives me confidence that I will have a bright future representing OzPaLou at the state swim meets.”

She nearly had a second medal in the 50 freestyle. Brueggen put together a season-best time of 25.26 seconds, but finished ninth overall. It was the same finish she had the in the preliminaries.

The top eight in each event earn a state medal as she was just .06 away from earning another spot on the medal stand.

8. Harding takes over as Wildcat football coach

The Louisburg football program had  a different leader on the sidelines this past season.

The USD 416 Board of Education approved the hire of LHS assistant coach Drew Harding to be the team’s new head coach in January after the district decided not to renew the contact of former coach Robert Ebenstein.

Harding spent the last five seasons as a Wildcat assistant coach, including time as a defensive coordinator. He is a 2010 Louisburg graduate and was a big part of the Wildcat program during his time as a student-athlete at Louisburg High School.

However, Harding didn’t see himself be a head coach of any sport coming out of college.

“It means a lot,” Harding said. “When I got out of school, I didn’t get into education right away and started somewhere else. I decided to get into education because of the impact my former coaches at Louisburg had on me. To come full circle and to be in the position that I am in now, is pretty surreal. I am really excited for the opportunity and hopefully I can have the same type of impact on student athletes as they come through the program.”

Ebenstein has the been the head coach the last five seasons and helped the Wildcats to a 30-18 record during that time, including a Frontier League and regional title in 2018. He had a winning record three of those five seasons.

He was also named the KFCA Coach of the Year during that season and was selected to be an assistant coach for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. He was an assistant coach for the Wildcat program for five years before earning the head coaching job.

7. Conley resigns a Louisburg head boys and girls soccer coach

Louisburg High School head boys and girls soccer coach Kyle Conley stepped down from his position after seven years.

He was recently hired to lead the boys and girls soccer programs at Blue Valley West, where he will serve as the head coach of both teams.

Conley, who also taught social studies at LHS, informed the players and parents of his decision on May 4. The Blue Valley Board of Education approved his hire on May 9.

“Making the decision to leave Louisburg was extremely difficult,” Conley said. “The players and parents, both past and present, made this decision tough. No parents or players caused this decision. I am very thankful to Mr. (Dave) Tappan and Mr. (Darin) Gagnebin for giving me this opportunity to coach and teach at Louisburg. The amount of support that my teams, my family and I received from Louisburg soccer parents and the community was incredible.”

Bobby Bovaird was hired as the new boys head coach, while Ben York returned to the program as the new assistant. York was also named the girls head coach after serving 13 years as the boys head coach previous to Conley.

Conley has the been head girls coach at Louisburg since its inception in 2016 and has led that program to four consecutive state final fours. 

Twice, the Wildcats made the state championship game and finished runner-up on both occasions. He has guided the program to an 82-34-3 record.

Conley took over the boys program in 2016 and finished with a 77-32-3 record. He led the Wildcats to two state final fours during that span, including a third place finish in 2020.

“I am so proud of the things that our student athletes in the soccer programs have accomplished both on and off the soccer field,” Conley said. “I will always cherish the memories that we have made here with the Louisburg soccer programs.”

6. Girls cross country qualifies for state, Vohs earns state medal

WAMEGO — For the second consecutive season, Emma Vohs left the Class 4A state cross country meet with more than was she arrived with.

Vohs earned her second state medal at Wamego Country Club as she finished 10th overall with a time of 20 minutes and 51 seconds. The Louisburg junior did what she set out to accomplish.

“I was so excited to win another state medal this season and couldn’t be happier that I reached my goal for that race, which was placing top 10,” Vohs said. “The race was a tougher course, as was the competition this year, but I am blessed to run with such talented girls that push me to do better each race.”

Vohs led the Lady Cat team that qualified for state for the sixth consecutive season. As a team, Louisburg finished eighth overall with 208 points.

A week earlier at regionals, the team of Vohs, Maddy Rhamy, Lola Edwards, Nova Ptacek, Bree Gassman, Erin Apple and Madison Huggins finished third to punch their ticket to state

“It never gets old seeing the joy in the team’s eyes when they hear they qualified for state,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “The girls work hard to accomplish this goal each year, and because of their dedication to their sport, they achieve great things even if they might not make it, but they did. 

“The program has built itself and I’m just glad to be a part of it. Yes, we put together a training plan to accomplish great things at the end of the season, but the runners do the work to get there. It takes self discipline, motivation and guts to be there at the end of the season.”

5. Wildcat wrestling medals 3 at state

Louisburg wrestling has had its fair share of state medalists in its long history, but what the Wildcats accomplished in February at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina was something the program had never seen before.

The Wildcats left the Class 4A state tournament with three state medalists, the most for one year in program history. 

Aiden Barker (195 pounds), Kaven Bartlett (126) and Elijah Eslinger (285) each finished in the top six in their respective weight classes and put together their best performances of the season. It was also the first time each of them earned a state medal.

“This season was the most state placers we’ve had in a single year in program history,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “Prior to 1992, KSHSAA only medaled the top 4 in each weight. In both 1988 and 1989, we had two top-4 placers and one top-6 placer, but this really shows how the program is progressing and developing. We nearly had four medalists, too.”

Barker, a senior, was a favorite for a medal heading into Salina and finished fifth overall with a 13-1 major decision over Ottawa’s Jared Ferguson in the fifth-place match.

Bartlett and Eslinger also left lasting impressions on the Wildcat program as each medaled sixth overall after both nearly turned their brackets upside down as they advanced to the semifinals on Friday. They both guaranteed themselves a medal on the first day.

4. Louisburg cheer earns state runner-up performance

TOPEKA — It has almost become commonplace to see the Louisburg High School cheer squad in the finals of the Class 4A Gameday Spirit Showcase.

However, that doesn’t mean the cheerleaders are any less excited about it.

For the second straight season, the Wildcats finished as the state runner-up in the Class 4A competition at the Stormont-Vail Events Center. They finished with a score of 79.45 and were one point behind champion Paola.

It is the fourth straight season that the Wildcats have finished in the top three, which included a state championship in 2019.

“I am so unbelievably and incredibly proud of this team,” Louisburg coach Marissa Morrow said. “This positivity and attitude that these girls have shown this year have been the key to our success. I had no doubt that the material and performances we brought on Saturday had the potential to do well, but it was the girls who made it possible to pull it together. They were all such competitors and left it all out on the mat, and I couldn’t ask for more. We also could not have done it without the support of our amazing cheer families.”

Members of the team are Sydney Dudzik, Bella Feikert, Zoe Cutshaw, Caroline Dugger, Elizabeth George, Addison Drake, Brooklyn Harmon, Adison Vargo, Maddy Carpenter-Ross, Sienna Finch, Alayna Stohs, Alaina Dudzik, Maddie O’Keefe, Liz Willming, Kayleigh Ramsey, Taryn Osborn, Anna Brizendine and Jocelyn Burk.

3. LHS football secures Frontier League title

With just over a minute left in regulation, Louisburg was staring at the possibility of their first league loss and was watching an outright Frontier League title slip away.

Spring Hill scored a touchdown and took a four-point lead with 1 minute and 12 seconds left. Things were looking bleak for the Wildcats.

As it turned out, 52 seconds was all the Wildcats needed to pull off one of the season’s most memorable moments. Louisburg quarterback Declan Battle found junior Caden Caplinger in the endzone on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds remaining to give the Wildcats a 20-17 victory.

The win was the Wildcats’ seventh straight on the season and clinched the team’s first Frontier League championship since 2018.

“There weren’t a lot of people who thought we could be league champions,” Louisburg coach Drew Harding said. “I don’t think it was anything that people expected out of us, and the Frontier League is really good. For this group to come to work, get better every day and to see success is pretty sweet.”

The win was extra special for 16 Louisburg seniors as they were also able to celebrate that league title on Senior Night.

Jackson Kush, Nathan Apple, Carson Wade, Isaiah Whitley, Riley Van Eaton, J.R. Rooney, Will Hutsell, Brayton Brueggen, Christian Golladay, Nathan Vincent, Jase Hovey, Mack Newell, Hunter Moore, Mason Dobbins, Corbin Hamman and Layne Ryals all got to end their final regular season home game with a win.

“The Frontier League title means so much to me and this team,” Rooney said. “As a team before the season, the seniors wrote down our goals, and league champs was on everyone’s list. To clinch it on senior night was amazing. Going undefeated at home, to win it on our field in front of our town — it was an indescribable feeling.”

2. Wildcat volleyball finishes fourth at state

HUTCHINSON — The state tournament ended the way it started for the Louisburg volleyball team — with a loss to Towanda-Circle.

Still, it was everything that happened in between that made for a lot of lasting memories for the Wildcat players.

Louisburg went 2-1 in pool play at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, which included a revenge win over Tonganoxie in the final match of the day. That gave the Lady Cats a spot in the state semifinals Saturday, where they finished fourth in Class 4A.

The Wildcats suffered a 2-0 loss to both Bishop Miege and Circle, but they still ended their season as one of the state’s top teams.

“I am extremely proud of this team,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “Looking at how we started this season, and our ups and downs along the way, it is a huge accomplishment for them to have come together as a team at the end of the season and play our best volleyball yet. It was apparent in the last couple of weeks that they really started playing for each other and capitalizing on the strong team bonds they built throughout the year.”

It was all thanks to an upset the previous week. Louisburg defeated the state’s No. 1 seed, Baldwin, in the sub-state championship match to earn the state berth.

The Wildcats, the No. 9 seed, knocked off No. 1 seed Baldwin, 25-18 and 25-19, at Baldwin High School in the finals of the Class 4A sub-state tournament. That win puts Louisburg in the state tournament for the first time since 2019.

Members of the team are Emma Prettyman, Adyson Ross, Claire Brown, Allie Kennedy, Ashlyn Berck, Delaney Nelson, Izzy Moreland, Bronwynn Williams, Caileigh Kilgore, Megan Quinn, Hailey Sword and Madelyn Williams.

1. Wildcat boys take third at state track; Koontz, Caplinger win state titles; Lady Cats medal nine

WICHITA — For the second consecutive season, the Louisburg boys track and field team brought home hardware from the Class 4A state meet.

After winning the state championship in 2021, the Wildcats once again found their way to the podium in Wichita as they finished third overall with 67 points.

Andale won the state championship with 101 points and Chanute was the state runner-up with 71.

Louisburg got points from a lot of different areas as the Wildcats medaled in 10 events and had 12 medalists overall, including all three of their relays.

Louisburg senior Tom Koontz won a pair of state titles in the hurdles, while sophomore Caden Caplinger captured the gold medal in the pole vault.

“I am not going to complain at all,” Koontz said. “I believe we came here with less people than we did last year and everyone did their best. Even though we didn’t get exactly what we wanted, third place is still a great achievement.”

What he couldn’t believe was he had just won his first state title in the 300 hurdles and Koontz did so by breaking a 14-year-old school record. Koontz ran a time of 38.98 seconds to break R.J. Saunders’ record of 39.16 set in 2008 to earn the gold.

It turned out to be his second state title of the day as he also earned the gold medal in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 14.61 seconds. Koontz won the state in that event last season as well.

Caplinger cleared a lot of his marks in the pole vault and did so in convincing fashion as he was able to win a state title in just his second year with the program.

Last season at state, Caplinger medaled eighth after he cleared 12-6. A year later, the Louisburg sophomore improved his mark by two feet and is a state champion.

It was an impressive showing from Caplinger as he didn’t miss an attempt until he tried for 15 feet at the end. He entered the competition at 12-6 and had five straight successful clearances. 

“At first I was really nervous, but then it just kind of turned into a routine thing,” Caplinger said. “I started going over heights consistently and the rest just kind of fell into place. I cleared 14-6 earlier this week twice in a row, so I knew I could do it. I was still a little nervous though.”

As for the Lady Cats, Delaney Wright left the state meet with three medals. Wright, who has been coming back from a severe injury for most of the season, finished as the state runner-up in the 400-meter dash, third place in the 200 dash and fifth in the long jump.

A season ago, Wright was the state champion in all three events, but couldn’t get the repeat she was hoping for.

“Going into state I knew I still wasn’t where I want to be due to my injury a couple months ago,” Wright said. “But I wanted to attack it still and give it all I had. I am blessed I was there to compete and earn three medals cause in the beginning I didn’t even know if I was going to compete my senior year.”

In all, the Lady Cats put together a strong state performance as they medaled in nine events and finished with 40 team points and took sixth overall. They were just eight points away from the third place spot, and a plaque.

“Once again the state qualifiers did an amazing job,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “They all performed well and most beyond expectations. To leave the meet finishing in sixth place was outstanding. We left with lots of medals and great memories.”




Wildcat cheer earns state runner-up for second straight season

Members of the state runner-up Louisburg cheer squad are (front row, from left) Sydney Dudzik, Bella Feikert, Zoe Cutshaw; (middle) coach Marissa Morrow, Caroline Dugger, Elizabeth George, Addison Drake, Brooklyn Harmon, Adison Vargo, Maddy Carpenter-Ross; (back row) Sienna Finch, Alayna Stohs, Alaina Dudzik, Maddie O’Keefe, Liz Willming, Kayleigh Ramsey, Taryn Osborn, Anna Brizendine and Jocelyn Burk.

TOPEKA — It has almost become commonplace to see the Louisburg High School cheer squad in the finals of the Class 4A Gameday Spirit Showcase.

However, that doesn’t mean the cheerleaders are any less excited about it.

For the second straight season, the Wildcats finished as the state runner-up in the Class 4A competition Saturday at the Stormont-Vail Events Center. They finished with a score of 79.45 and were one point behind champion Paola.

It is the fourth straight season that the Wildcats have finished in the top three, which included a state championship in 2019.

“I am so unbelievably and incredibly proud of this team,” Louisburg coach Marissa Morrow said. “This positivity and attitude that these girls have shown this year have been the key to our success. I had no doubt that the material and performances we brought on Saturday had the potential to do well, but it was the girls who made it possible to pull it together. They were all such competitors and left it all out on the mat, and I couldn’t ask for more. We also could not have done it without the support of our amazing cheer families.”

It wasn’t always a smooth ride for Louisburg as it stumbled a little to begin the competition. Although the Wildcats were in fourth place heading into the finals, there was a little uncertainty before the big announcement of earning a spot in the top six.

Louisburg had a 3-point deduction during their fight song performance due to the song length being two seconds over the limit.

“This was devastating to hear considering it was the same song/file that has been used the past four years with no deductions,” Morrow said. “Three points in cheerleading is huge. Those points could be a make or break to go to finals or to win. After rallying together and everyone giving pep talks, we knew we had to make our third performance (the last before hearing finalists announced) the best we could just to be given the chance to prove ourselves in finals.”

The Wildcats earned a stronger crowd leading score of 75.633, which gave them an overall score 182.600.

It was good enough to put them into the finals and Louisburg took full advantage.

Louisburg had the best crowd leading score in the finals, which helped the Wildcats earn their second consecutive state runner-up plaque.

“The girls blew me away with our cheer section and I was so hopeful to have a chance,” Morrow said. “The cheerleaders and myself we ecstatic when we heard our name called to move on to finals. Once in finals, you have a clean slate and all previous scores do not matter. In crowd leading, all I can say is our Louisburg cheerleaders are loud and proud.”

The Wildcats were led by three seniors this year in Bella Feikert, Sydney Dudzik and Zoe Cutshaw and all three have been a part of state success the last four years.

“They were essential in laying out the foundation for the program and our goals for this season,” Morrow said of her seniors. “Their hard work and dedication to the team made this possible. The leadership skills that these girls radiate carries the team through all the positives and negatives that we could encounter, and I am really grateful and appreciative of them. It will definitely be sad to watch them leave.”

With all of the state success the last four years, Louisburg is considered one of the top cheer squads in the state and for good reason. The Wildcats have come home with a plaque every year since 2019.

“It is a remarkable achievement, especially for our seniors, to have won a title the last four years at our state competition,” Morrow said. “I have only been here for the last two of them and it was the wonderful Jayna Heriford the two years before me. I love knowing that Louisburg cheer is always ‘the one to beat’ or ‘the one to look out for’ for these other teams. 

“I believe it is also such a confidence booster for our girls when we walk into the venue and it seems all eyes are on us or when teams stop what they are doing to watch us in our warm ups. I hope the legacy of LHS Cheer continues on for the years to come.”

The Louisburg cheerleaders that competed at the state competition are Bella Feikert, Addison Drake, Zoe Cutshaw, Sienna Finch, Anna Brizendine, Caroline Dugger, Maddy Carpenter-Ross, Madison O’Keefe, Alayna Stohs, Liz Willming, Sydney Dudzik, Brooklyn Harmon, Taryn Osborn, Jocelyn Burk, Adison Vargo, Kayleigh Ramsey, Alaina Dudzik and Elizabeth George.




Week 11 Athlete of the Week: Bella Feikert

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week eleven of the fall sports season, sponsored by Edward Jones-Craig Holtzen.

BELLA FEIKERT, SENIOR, CHEER

Louisburg senior Bella Feikert and the Louisburg cheer team continued their proud tradition Saturday during the Class 4A Gameday Spirit Showcase at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka. Feikert and the Wildcats finished second in the state for the second consecutive year, just one point behind state champion Paola.

Feikert is one of three seniors on the squad and has been on the team all four years, including as a member of the state championship team her freshman season.

“Bella is an outstanding leader and motivator,” Louisburg cheer coach Marissa Morrow said. “She makes efforts to join the whole team together as a family and goes out of her way to get to know younger or new team members. Her dedication is unmatched and I look forward to seeing her succeed in future endeavors. Bella is an amazing representation of not only Louisburg Cheer, but LHS in its entirety.”

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

Previous winners:

Week 1: Layne Ryals

Week 2: Nathan Vincent

Week 3: Emma Vohs

Week 4: Claire Brown

Week 5: Ashton Moore

Week 6: Colin McManigal

Week 7: Allie Kennedy

Week 8: Declan Battle

Week 9: Cade Gassman

Week 10: Riley Van Eaton




Meet the 2022 LHS Fall Homecoming Candidates

The Louisburg High School 2022 fall homecoming candidates are (from left): Bella Feikert, Sean McGuire, Emma Lohse, J.R. Rooney, Adyson Ross, Cade Gassman, Jolie Hendrickson and Mason Dobbins.

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2022 fall king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday before the Wildcats’ home football game with Tonganoxie. Kickoff for that game is set for 7 p.m., with the introduction of the candidates and their parents at 6:30 p.m. Crowning will be at halftime. Good luck to all the participants and make sure to come out on Friday to support the Wildcat football team if you have the opportunity.

Bella Feikert and Sean McGuire

Bella Feikert

Bella is the daughter of Tim and Melody Feikert. Bella has participated in cheerleading, choir and theater arts for four years. She has been a member of National Honor Society for two years and FCCLA for one year.

Bella plans to attend college and double major, with one of those majors in theater arts and the other is undecided at this point.

Sean McGuire

Sean is the son of Sean and Lacey McGuire. He has participated in band and student council for four years. He has been in the AV Club for two years and track for one year.

After graduation, Sean plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in film production.

Emma Lohse and Jackson Rooney

Emma Lohse

Emma is the daughter of John and Sarah Lohse. She has participated in basketball for four years, track for two years and FCCLA for one.

Following graduation, Emma plans to attend college and run track and major in physical therapy. She also wants to minor in biology.

Jackson Rooney

Jackson is the son of Kendall and Nancy Rooney. He has participated in football for four years. Jackson has also participated in track and field, student council, FBLA and Interact Club for three years and National Honor Society for two.

Following graduation, Jackson is unsure of where he will attend college, but plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine and continue his athletic career.

Adyson Ross and Cade Gassman

Adyson Ross

Adyson is the daughter of Adam and Jillian Ross. Adyson has participated in volleyball, basketball and soccer for four years. She has been a member of FBLA for three years and Interact Club and National Honor Society for two years.

After graduation, Adyson plans to attend college but is unsure of her destination at this time.

Cade Gassman

Cade is the son of Brent and Tara Gassman. He has participated in soccer for four years, basketball for four years and forensics for one year.

Following graduation, Cade plans to attend college and play soccer, but is unsure of his destination at this time.

Mason Dobbins and Jolie Hendrickson

Jolie Hendrickson

Jolie is the daughter of Elektra Hendrickson and Colby Hendrickson. She has participated in cheer and soccer for three years. She has also been a member of National Honor Society and Interact Club for two years and debate for one year.

After graduation, Jolie plans to cheer in college and major in environmental science and minor in public health. She is undecided on which college to attend.

Mason Dobbins

Mason is the son of Amanda and Daniel Green. He has participated in football and track for four years, student council for three years and basketball for two years.

Following graduation, Mason plans to attend college and compete in track and field.




New improvements bring excitement to Louisburg athletics

The new weight room at Louisburg High School is one of several improvements the district made thanks to the passage of the bond. Improvements also included a new wrestling room, gymnasium floors and indoor batting cages.

Patrons of USD 416 had a chance to look at many of the new improvements made to Louisburg schools thanks to the passage of the bond in late 2020.

For those that are fans of Louisburg High School athletics, that bond provided the Wildcat student athletes with several up-to-date amenities.

Students came back to school Tuesday and saw a brand new weight room, wrestling room and gymnasium floors in both the main and auxiliary gyms.

They are updates that were years in the making and ones many students will get to enjoy.

Improvements were also made to Louisburg Middle School and Broadmoor Elementary, along with a renovation of Circle Grove.

“I am so proud and privileged to be part of a district and community that supports projects such as the renovations at the high school to continue to provide the best opportunities for pre-K through twelfth grade students in Kansas,” Louisburg assistant principal and activities director Michael Pickman said. 

The new gym floors were put down over the summer and are lighter than the previous surface. Just off of the gymnasium, a multipurpose room was created, which includes the weights and wrestling additions.

Later in the year, new indoor batting cages for the baseball and softball teams will be added atop the mezzanine of the main gym. The high school cheer team will move to the old wrestling space and will use that area to practice.

Pictured is the Wildcat logo in the middle of the new gym floor in the high school.

“I am beyond excited at the renovations of the main and auxiliary gym floors and the addition of the multipurpose room for both our academics and activities at the high school,” Pickman said. “The gym floors are brighter and graphics and colors updated to look more modern and brighter. From the community who get to watch events and request use of the spaces to the students and athletes who use the gyms daily, it shows the commitment we have to the quality and aesthetic of our facilities in the district. 

“The pride it instills in our kids and community to the energy when in a brighter and updated space all benefit the academic focus and rigor and the competitive spirit in our activities. The new weight room and wrestling room in the multipurpose buildings simply have to be seen in person to appreciate, but it is a marvel of tax dollars spent well and for good purpose. More space means more availability to offer the weights courses and for creative use of the space.”

Louisburg’s new weight room is more than twice the size of the old space and allowed the school to replace equipment that was decades old. It will also allow for more weight-centered classes.

The school acquired 12 Hammer Strength power racks, new bars and weights for each rack, new dumbbells, new bumper plates, a new exercise bike, along with landmine and glute/ham raise attachments on each rack.

The Louisburg logo is plastered in front of each rack, and the room also has a strip of artificial turf down the middle. TV screens are also included on each side of the room, along with a projector screen on the end.

LHS weights instructor Ty Pfannenstiel believes the weight room will provide a new excitement among the students and will provide a safer space to work.

“The new space also allows for us to get more students enrolled in weights class,” Pfannenstiel said. “We have 12 new racks and can fit four athletes per rack, so we can have 48 kids in class. On any given school day, we can have up to 192 students moving through that weight room. You also have to remember that the weight room is being used year round. 

“We run close to 200 kids through each day in the summer. There’s not a busier room in our school and it’s being used almost 365 a year. The layout of the new weight room makes it more functional. We no longer have kids trying to dodge each other when power cleaning. This new space is definitely a much safer environment.”

Not only will students see a benefit of the new weight room, but the athletic programs will see a renewed excitement as well.

“I think the new space is going to help coaches to get their kids to buy into strength training,” Pfannenstiel said. “We’ve already seen an increase in enrollment, because kids want to be in here.  There are a couple of our sports programs that have close to 100 percent of their athletes enrolled in weights.  We would be thrilled to see all of our programs get to those numbers.  All of our athletes, no matter what sport affiliation, can benefit from getting stronger, more explosive, and faster.  There’s not a better facility in the state of Kansas for that to happen than right here in Louisburg.  I’m proud of our community for making the investment in our kids.”

Wildcat wrestlers will also have a new home and their own room for the first time in school history. Most recently, the wrestlers practiced behind the bleachers atop the mezzanine of the main gym.

Now they have their own practice room that is big enough to hold two mats and also features projector and television screens.

“This new facility has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited for the chance to have a home of our own,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “Not only do we have our own dedicated space, but it’s an environment that’s conducive to teaching the sport. For the past 12 years that I’ve been here, during wrestling season I put such a strain on my voice just to be heard during practice. We used to compete with all of the sounds from the gym after school — bouncing basketballs, whistles, warm-up music for games, crowds, etc. There was never a door to close to shut out the noise or keep out spectators. Now, we’ve got a facility that not only looks amazing, but will also allow the coaching staffs for the high school, middle school, and youth club to be able to talk and teach.”

Youth wrestling and middle school programs will also be able to use the facility and Bovaird hopes the new room will help continue to grow the sport of wrestling, especially as the school tries to build a girls wrestling program.

“The sport of wrestling in Louisburg has always had some amazing athletes, coaches, and supporters,” Bovaird said. “This new practice room will be an outstanding addition to the program. We’ll be able to keep our mats down year-round, which means our youth club can continue practicing after the high school season has ended. In the past, as soon as high school state was finished, the mats were rolled up and the batting cages in the old space came down, and we were pretty much homeless. As our youth wrestlers gear up for the end of their season, which goes into March and April, they now have a place where they can maximize their time — no more rolling out temporary mats on the other side of the gym, the aux gym, etc. Plus, we can now have our club offer spring freestyle and Greco-Roman practices, as well as fall practices for those who want to get on the mat. 

“Having our own ‘home’ also means that we’ll have the chance to instill more of a sense of responsibility in our athletes. This is our space, our room, so we’re the ones who take care of it. I’m just so thankful to the community for supporting this part of the bond issue, and I’m so thankful to the administration. When I first came to Louisburg, I was told that a wrestling room was a part of the long-term vision for the district, and now it’s come to fruition. What started with the USD 416 vision all those years ago is now here, and we’re ready to show our gratitude.”




Trester excited to join Washburn cheer program

For the last three seasons, Jayden Trester has experienced a lot of success with the Louisburg cheer program.

Trester has helped the Wildcat cheer squad to a state championship as a sophomore, a third-place finish as a junior and a runner-up finish this past season. All that success and cheering on the sidelines hasn’t given the Louisburg senior a reason to give it all up just yet.

In fact, Trester isn’t even close to being done.

She recently signed with the Washburn University cheerleading squad and will be on the sidelines for all the Ichabod football and basketball games next season.

“I am extremely excited and thankful to have the opportunity to cheer at a collegiate level at Washburn University, and I know my younger self would be jumping up and down out of excitement for me that I made my dreams come true,” Trester said, “I am excited to finally get to experience college life and pursue my dreams in becoming a forensics psychologist.”

Trester has basically had pom poms in her hand since she was a little and the spark for cheerleading was lit at an early age.

“I have been cheering for 13 years,” she said. “I started when I was around 5 years old and I haven’t stopped since. It wasn’t until I was a freshman in high school when I realized I wanted to cheer in college. I knew I wouldn’t be ready to hang up my uniform and put my pom poms on the shelf when senior year rolled around.”

Louisburg senior Jayden Trester signs a national letter of intent to cheer for Washburn University. Pictured with Jayden are (in front, from left) her mother Shelly, sister Jordyn, and her father Jason; (back row) grandfather Terry Thoele, uncle Will Thoele, cousin Elijah Tapp, grandfather Jack Greene, brother Dylan, and grandmother Samantha Greene. In the framed picture with her on the left side of the table is her seventh-grade coach, Suzanne Reedy, who passed away in 2020.

It was in high school where Trester continued to thrive  as she helped the Wildcats to three consecutive top three finishes at the state game day competition.

“I think I’ve grown tremendously both as a cheerleader and as a person throughout my high school years,” Trester said. “l have learned so much from my teammates, coaches, teachers and friends both on and off the mat. I went from back row and the tumbler of the squad to getting offers from many different schools to cheer at a collegiate level. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without such supportive people. 

“Being apart of three state titles is one of my biggest accomplishments and is something our team gets praised for often. Nothing feels better than hearing your schools name get called for being first, second and third in the state of Kansas.”

Trester had a few different schools to choose from, but Washburn was a place that was going to be hard to beat throughout the process.

“Washburn was already at the top of my college lists before I even got recruited,” she said. “My teacher, Leanna Willer, who is an alumni of Washburn, told me how great of a school it is. In October of 2020, I visited the campus and fell in love with everything about it. The community seemed so kind and caring and the campus was just small enough to make me feel like home. I knew I wanted to go there but I also knew that I wanted to cheer. 

“In December of 2021 I got a message on Instagram from the Ichabod cheer team. They gave me the coaches information saying she wanted to get ahold of me and talk to me about cheerleading. That same day she offered me a spot on the Washburn Cheerleading Team for the 2022-23 season. It was an automatic yes and I have been set since.”




LHS winter homecoming royalty to be crowned Friday

Members of the 2022 Louisburg High School winter homecoming court are (from left) Aubryn Berck, Aiden Barker, Chase Kallevig, A.J. Arriola, Corinna McMullen, Carson Kern, Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman.

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2022 winter king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday during halftime of the Wildcat boys’ basketball game with Spring Hill. Tipoff for that game is set for approximately 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the participants and make sure to come out on Friday to support both the Wildcat girls and boys basketball teams.

Aubryn Berck and Aiden Barker

Aubryn is the daughter of Dave and Amanda Berck. Aubryn has been involved with high school volleyball for three years, member of National Honor Society for two years, FCA for two years. She has been a part of FCCLA for one year, track for one year and volleyball manager for one year. Aubryn has played club volleyball for eight years, shown horses for 10 years and a leader in Life Church’s youth classroom for two years. Following graduation, Aubryn is planning to study nutrition sciences to become a registered dietician. She is undecided on her school at this time.

Aiden is the son of David and Gail Barker. Aiden has participated in football for four years, wrestling for four years and National Honor Society for two years. He is currently undecided on his plans following graduation.

Chase Kallevig and A.J. Arriola

Chase is the daughter of Eric and Kara Kallevig. Chase has participated in volleyball for four years, FFA for three year, National Honor Society for two years, FBLA for two years and basketball for one year. Chase is currently undecided on her plans following graduation.

A.J. is the son of Juan Arriola and Shelly Gibson. A.J. has participated in golf for four years, FCA for two years, musical for two years, choir for two years and FBLA for one year. A.J. plans to major in accounting in college, but is undecided on his destination.

Corinna McMullen and Carson Kern

Corinna is the daughter of Scott and Sarah McMullen. Corinna has participated in volleyball for four years, National Honor Society for two years, Interact Club for one year and FBLA for one year. After graduation, Corinna will attend Washburn University on a volleyball scholarship and major in nursing with a specialization in pediatrics.

Carson is the son of Matthew and Veronica Kern. Carson has participated in basketball for three years and golf for two years. After graduation, Carson plans to attend Pittsburg State University.

Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman

Reese is the daughter of Matthew and Tiffany Johnson. Reese has participated in soccer for four years, cross country for four years, National Honor Society for two years, band for two years and FFA for one year. Reese plans to attend the University of Central Missouri after graduation, but is undecided on a major.

Isaac is the son of Ted and Lisa Guetterman. Isaac has participated in FFA for four years, soccer for four years and basketball for four years. He has been a part of National Honor Society for two years and participated in track for one. Following graduation, Isaac plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Engineering.




Top 10 Louisburg Sports Stories for 2021

It was a successful, and eventful, 2021 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and several programs brought back state hardware.

Below are the top stories from 2021, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the explanation is the link to the actual story from the event.

When putting the list together, I took a lot of things into account – whether it was team vs. individual, popularity of the sport, historical achievements and the interest it drew on the web site.

This year was a blast to cover and I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their support and can’t wait for it all to begin again.

10. Louisburg golf team qualifies for state

INDEPENDENCE — For the second time in as many seasons, the Louisburg boys golf team qualified for the state tournament.

Except this time, the Wildcat team is made up of a completely new roster.

The Louisburg group of Johnny Eberhart, A.J. Arriola, Johnny Thompson, Sam Wheeler, Dacey Wieland and Jackson Olson shot a 392 to finish third at the Class 4A regional meet at Independence Country Club. 

The Wildcats were just three strokes behind runner-up Field Kindley. Independence won the regional title with a 361.

Louisburg last went to state in 2019, but the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

Eberhart led Louisburg with an 87 and finished fourth overall and was the lone Wildcat to make the cut for the second day.

9. Compliment steps back from volleyball program after 15 seasons.

When Jessica Compliment walked off the floor following her team’s semifinal sub-state loss to Bishop Miege back in October of 2020, the only thought on her mind was how that match was more like a state championship battle.s

It wasn’t your normal match as the two perennial state contenders had to square off so early in the postseason. She was proud of her team and was looking forward to another season of helping Louisburg volleyball get to another state tournament.

Little did she know, it would be the last time she would find herself on the Lady Cat sideline.

In late January, Compliment submitted her resignation as head volleyball coach as she will be stepping away to spend more time with her growing family.

Compliment certainly left her mark on the Louisburg volleyball program as she finished her 15th season back in October and has an impressive resume to show for it.

In the decade-and-a-half as the Lady Cat coach, Compliment guided Louisburg to eight state tournament appearances and placed in the top four of seven of them.

She also finished nine wins shy of 400 as she posted a record of 391-226 and helped Louisburg to three state championship matches.

Shortly after, the district hired assistant coach Leanna Willer to take over the program.

8. Wildcat boys soccer wins Frontier League title, advances to regional title

It had the drama of a state championship match, but instead the No. 1 and 3 ranked teams in the state were playing for the Class 4-1A regional championship title.

Louisburg hosted Bishop Miege in hopes ending the Stags’ string of consecutive state championships.

Instead, the Wildcats once again saw their season come to a close after a 2-0 loss to the Stags at Wildcat Stadium and ended their season with a 12-5-1 record.

The loss was heartbreaking defeat for the Wildcats, who had their sights set on another state final four — and possibly — a state title. To make matters worse, it was to a Miege team that has handed Louisburg a loss in five of the last six postseasons.

Earlier in the season, the Wildcats were crowned as co-champions of the Frontier League with Spring Hill.

7. Wildcat wrestling medals two

SALINA — Cade Holtzen and Alec Younggren didn’t get to leave Salina with what they were hoping to earn.

Only a select few get to leave with the title of “state champion,” and both Louisburg seniors were close to reaching their goal. Despite that, both wrestlers helped the Wildcat team to their best state finish in nearly 11 years.

Younggren reached the championship match, only to finish second at 220 pounds, while Holtzen rallied back to medal third at 132 during the Class 4A Kansas State Wrestling Championships at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The two wrestlers combined to score 30 points, which put them 14th in the team standings.

Louisburg hadn’t finished that high since 2010, when Austin Hood won his first of three state titles and his brother Bryce, took second. The Wildcats were 10th that year.

6. Louisburg cross country qualifies both teams for state, medals four.

WAMEGO — It wasn’t the finish Louisburg wanted following the Class 4A state cross country meet, but the Wildcats left with more than their fair share of hardware.

Louisburg was awarded four state medals following the meet at Wamego Country Club, including three on the girls side for the second straight season.

The Lady Cats had hoped to earn a team plaque for the second year in a row, but took fifth overall with 144 points. Eudora won the girls championship with 56, Baldwin was second with 64 and Winfield was third with 93.

Sophomore Emma Vohs led the charge for Louisburg as she finished sixth overall. Sophomore Maddy Rhamy and senior Reese Johnson also medaled for the Lady Cats.

In his first year with the boys program, senior Jaden Vohs had a strong final run for the Wildcats as he medaled 12th overall.

5. Louisburg cheer finishes runner-up at state competition

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High cheer program knows a thing or two about being one of the last teams left standing at the Game Day Showcase.

Louisburg, which won a state title in 2019 and took third in 2020, found itself one of the two teams left standing.

When the final results were announced in November, the judges awarded the Wildcat cheer squad the state runner-up plaque. Paola won the state title, while Baldwin made it a Frontier League sweep as it took third.

4. Wildcat girls take fourth at state soccer

WICHITA — The Louisburg girls soccer team may have left the Class 4-1A Kansas State Girls Soccer Championships with a pair of losses, but the Wildcats took a lot of pride in what they accomplished.

For the fourth straight season, Louisburg advanced to the state final four and the Wildcats finished fourth in the state – a far cry where many people thought they would end up. The Wildcats lost a pair of 2-1 matches to Mulvane and then to McPherson in the third-place match at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.

Louisburg, which lost 12 seniors from a season that didn’t happen due to COVID, returned just three varsity players. Despite all that, they ended up being one of the top teams in the state.

3. Louisburg girls basketball snaps 47-year state drought, takes third at state

SALINA — The tears were abundant following Louisburg’s loss to McPherson in the Class 4A state semifinal game.

The Lady Cats saw their season come to an end after their 58-46 loss to the Bullpups in Salina, but as hard as the finality of it was to take, they know what is the bigger picture.

Before the game even started, Louisburg already wrapped up its best finish in program history and became the first Lady Cat team to place at state as it finished third.

A season that finished with a 19-5 record and a third place state trophy, is one that will always be remembered in Louisburg history.

“It means the world to me to finish third at state,” senior Megan Foote said. “Obviously it wasn’t how we wanted to finish, but that’s okay. I’m still beyond proud of this group and the accomplishments we have made. We are the best girls basketball team in Louisburg history. I’d say to be a part of that, is pretty awesome. I’m honored.”

For the last three quarters of the game, Louisburg actually outscored McPherson 43-37, but it was the first quarter that the Lady Cats weren’t able to overcome.

McPherson scored the first 15 points of the first quarter and took a 21-3 lead going into the second period.

2. Wildcat basketball advances to first-ever state title game, finish runner-up

SALINA — The result of the state championship game is not what the Louisburg boys basketball team will focus on several years from now.

The fact that the 2020-21 Wildcats recorded the best finish in school history, will be more than enough for them to fondly reminisce about.

Louisburg, which played in its first-ever state championship game in Salina, fell to state power Bishop Miege, 94-40. As disappointing as the result was, many of the Wildcats were looking bigger picture.

“We will forever live in history with this senior class and with this team,” senior Weston Guetterman said. “Until someone wins it at least, we are going to be the bar that everyone looks to. It is a proud moment for all of us.”

In the state semifinal, the Wildcats got a revenge victory with a come-from-behind 58-55 win over Augusta to advance to the state title game.

1. Wildcat track wins second state championship; Wright wins three state titles.

WICHITA — On the 10th anniversary of the Louisburg boys’ first state track championship, this year’s team wanted to do something to commemorate the historic event.

The Wildcats decided they wanted to win one of their own.

Louisburg edged out Andale for the state championship Friday during the Class 4A Kansas Track and Field Championships at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

It is just the second track championship for Louisburg and just the fourth team state championship in school history. 

The first one was a golf title in 1977, and then football won its first state title in 2010. The track team followed with its first later that school year in 2011 and the Louisburg cheer squad won a state title in 2019.

“There are no words to describe how incredibly proud I was of the entire team,” Louisburg coach Andy Wright said. “It was a total team effort. It was a moment I will never forget as a coach, and how exciting that it came down to the final race.  Everyone gave it their all, and I just couldn’t happier as a coach to see all of that hard work pay off for them with the greatest reward.”

Tom Koontz led the Wildcats with four state medals, including a state championship in the 110-meter hurdles.

On the girls side, Delaney Wright made some history of her own

Wright was the favorite to win state titles in her three events at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.

She didn’t disappoint. 

Wright not only won three state championships, but she won them in convincing fashion, breaking two school records in the process. The Louisburg junior won the long jump, 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash on her way to an historic day in Wichita.

“My experience at state track this year was amazing,” Wright said. “The people competing there were super nice and my teammates made it more fun. It meant a lot to pull off winning three state titles.”

Wright became the first female Wildcat athlete to win three state titles in the same year as she helped the Lady Cats to a fifth place finish in the team standings – also the highest finish for Louisburg girls track and field.

“I can’t say enough how awesome of a competitor Delaney is,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “I know she went to state with one thing on her mind – win.  She did just that and truly performed to her best. Winning three different events is an incredible feat.”




Q&A with LRC director Diana Moore on upcoming ballot question

Coming up on Nov. 2, a lot key races will be decided in the upcoming election. One of the hot button topics is concerning the Louisburg Recreation Commission asking for a one mill increase.

The question on the ballot will be as follows:

Shall the following be adopted? 

Shall the one mill cap for the Louisburg Recreation Commission be removed and the levying of two mills in the tax year 2022, providing support of current and future recreational projects, which may include new sport facilities on Louisburg city-owned property; Thereafter, such increase shall not exceed one mill in each successive budget year and not exceed a total of four mills; pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-1927 et seq.?

Louisburg Sports Zone had a chance to reach out to Louisburg Recreation Commission director Diana Moore, and she explained what the ballot question is about, along with some of the misconceptions on what the recreation commission is using the extra mil for.

Here is our Q&A with her.

LSZ: First off, can you just explain what people are voting on in November and some of specifics around it?

DM: The Louisburg Rec Commission is asking voters in November to release us from the one mill cap and allow us to levy two mills in the 2022 tax year. The LRC wants to maintain and improve our current programming and add new programs.  We started operations in February of 2018 and have outgrown our mill. We know WE CAN DO MORE!!!!  Some of the new programming would include a triathlon, a shooting club and improvements to our eSports program.  Plus we want to continue adding to the adult sport offerings, preschool activities and of course more Senior programming. There are so many possibilities.

LSZ: Is it just a one mil increase or is the LRC asking for more? I have seen signs around town where people are claiming of a 400 percent tax increase if this passes. What can you say about that?

DM: Yes it is just a one mill increase we are asking for. We are asking the voters for a one mill increase for tax year 2022. The signs around town saying 400 percent are very misleading. The most a rec commission can ever levy is four mills so going from 1 to 2 mills is a 100 percent increase. If the LRC would ever levy the full four mills going from 1 to 4 is a 300 percent increase. One thing that is a constant is the fact that if you own a $200,000 home your taxes would go up $23 per year. And a full increase to four mills would be $69 per year from the current rate. Per state statute, any mill increase for the Louisburg Recreation Commission would be at the decision of the USD 416 school board and the city council.  

LSZ: You have stated the LRC is wanting to build a quad plex out at Lewis-Young. How needed is that, and if this passes in November, will that mil increase pay for all of that?

DM: There is a lot of conversation surrounding a potential quadplex at Lewis and Young. One thing is for certain that our participation numbers are growing.  Growing numbers of players means there are more teams. Growing participation numbers is a great problem to have. But with a limited number of fields this can make scheduling practices and games a lot like putting a puzzle together. If the ballot question passes in November, then the City Council would then need to decide the build options, the builder and how to carry the debt. LRC can’t build property, so it would be up to the city as to how they handle the financial side of it.  The school district and the LRC would then contribute funds, more than likely over a 10 year period. A portion of the mill increase would go to helping the city pay down the debt. 

The first thing that needs to happen is releasing us from our mill. Other funding would be able to come in from field sponsorships and rental fees from organizations. Louisburg is so close to Johnson County we are often asked if there are fields available to rent for metro tournaments.  This would bring people to town. These people would be spending money in Louisburg. This could attract people to Louisburg. I think it could be a big boost for the local businesses.

LSZ: What other things will the mill increase go toward and why?

DM: The mill would go to our programming. It would go to improving and adding programming. When the LRC first started programming we were youth sports only. In the 3 years that have followed we have added adult sports, a fishing club, added tackle football and several enrichment classes. With enrichment classes we cover everything from yoga to drawing classes, cooking classes, crafts and even Sip and Paint nights. We offer programming for all ages from our 3 year olds to our senior citizens. Now it’s time to expand on these programs and add additional opportunities for our patrons. 

The funds would go to the start up costs.  We are in the planning stages for a Shooting Club, we would like to host a yearly triathlon and we have just started with our eSports online program. We want to bring that in person. We want to offer more adult sport options. The request we keep getting is offering an adult soccer league. These programs are ones that people have asked for. These are the activities that people are currently heading out of Louisburg to participate in. Our goal is to keep the citizens of Louisburg in Louisburg to “Stay & Play.”

LSZ: How important do you feel the passage of this question is?

DM: This ballot question passing means so very much to me because I know we can do more.  It has been a privilege and an honor to build the LRC from the ground up.  I am so proud of all we have done for Louisburg.  When the LRC got up and running we surveyed the community to see what activities, programs and events were wanted. We work tirelessly to bring those suggestions and ideas to reality.  We have been at our current level for awhile and we are to a point where we need to go to the next level. Louisburg deserves the LRC doing more. It can help the business community today and it can help the future of our great town. This passing can do so much for all of Louisburg.