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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

The 2021 LHS Fall Homecoming candidates are (from left) Brandon Doles, Davis Guetterman, Michael Seuferling, Malee Rutherford, Delaney Wright, Braden Yows, Katie Dillon and Tom Koontz.

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 2021 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 Eudora. Kickoff for that game is set for 7 p.m., with the crowning to take place at 6:30. 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.

Brandon Doles

Brandon is the son of Bryan and Desiree Doles. Brandon has participate in football, wrestling, baseball and choir for four years. He is unsure of his plans after graduation.

Davis Guetterman

Davis is the daughter of Michael and Jodi Guetterman. She has participated in volleyball and track for four years, FBLA and FFA for three years, basketball and National Honor Society for two years and Debate and Interact Club for one year. After graduation, Davis plans to play volleyball at the University of Sioux Falls and dual major in chemistry and biology. 

Michael Seuferling

Michael is the son of Philip and Heather Seuferling. Michael has participated in soccer and basketball for four years and FFA for two years. He is undecided on his plans for after graduation.

Malee Rutherford

Malee is the daughter of Breck and Shane Rutherford. She has participated in student council and FFA for four years, track and select choir for three years, and cross country, basketball, football manager, musical, FCCLA, FBLA and National Honor Society for two years. After graduation, Malee plans to attend either Kansas or Kansas State and her major is undecided.

Braden Yows

Braden is the son of Greg and Heather Yows. He has participated in soccer for four years and National Honor Society and FBLA for two years. Following graduation, he plans to play soccer at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and pursue a degree in business and accounting.

Delaney Wright

Delaney is the daughter of Andy and Amy Wright. She has participated in basketball and track for four years, student council for three years, National Honor Society for two years and cross country and Wildcat Crew for one year. After graduation, Delaney plans to run track in college.

Tom Koontz

Tom is the son of Ken and Jill Koontz. He has participated in FBLA, football, student council and track for four years, and National Honor Society and Interact Club for two years. After graduation, Tom plans to attend a four-year university and major in zoology and possibly run track.

Katie Dillon

Katie is the daughter of Jim and Karen Dillon. She has participated student council, FBLA, FFA, Debate, FCA and musical for four years. Katie has also participated select choir for three years and Scholar’s Bowl, Interact Club, Forensics, National Honor Society for two years. She also did concert choir, Wildcat crew and band for one year. Following graduation, Katie plans to major in agribusiness with a potential pre-law emphasis.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released the classifications for the current year, along with the football classification for the next two years.

The biggest changes came in the new 2-year football classification cycle as St. Thomas Aquinas has moved from Class 5A to 4A and will join other schools like Louisburg, St. James Academy and Bishop Miege for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Along with St. Thomas Aquinas, Schlagle High School also made the move down to 4A. Previous 4A football schools, Great Bend and Lansing, jumped back up to 5A.

In the football numbers, Schlagle is the biggest 4A school with an enrollment of 663 and Aquinas was right behind them at 662. Andover Central was the third biggest at 656.

Louisburg’s football enrollment, which is based on ninth through 11th grades, sits at 457.

In the general classification, there wasn’t much movement. Class 6 and 5A schools stayed the same.

The only school that moved into 4A was Rock Creek High School, while Nickerson moved down to 3A. 

Louisburg is considered the seventh biggest school in Class 4A with an enrollment of 607, which encompasses ninth through 12th grade.

McPherson is the biggest school at 729 and Ottawa is second at 709. Bishop Miege is third at 668.

Piper, which also has an enrollment of 729, stayed in Class 5A as the smallest school.

For the complete general classification list, click here.

For the complete football classification, click here.

Louisburg graduate Lakin Cunningham won the national title in goat tying last month at the Little Britches Rodeo in Guthrie, Okla.

Lakin Cunningham couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish her high school rodeo career.

Cunningham, who is a 2021 Louisburg High School graduate, won the world title in goat tying at the National Little Britches Rodeo (NLBR) in Guthrie, Okla. In the high school division, approximately 175 girls competed at the national finals 

“Going into Nationals, I knew that all I could do was go out and do my best and hope it would be good enough as there’s a lot of great goat tyers across the nation that qualify for Nationals,” Cunningham said. “Loading my horses in the trailer for Nationals I had a horse step on my foot and beat it up to the point I could barely walk. Luckily, I drew up in the middle of the week, so I had a couple days to recover a bit. In the back of my mind, I was still very worried about tying goats on an injured foot and was pretty nervous, but knew there was nothing I could do but go out and tie. 

“Last year at Nationals was a disappointment and I’ve ended up in the top 15 in the world standings in goat tying three times. Last year, I didn’t even qualify for the Short Go in goat tying. “I was ready for redemption.”

She definitely got that as she put together a couple good runs, and got off to great start. She had 6.6 second run in the first round, which was the fastest time for the entire competition. 

Cunningham then had a run of 7.1 seconds in the second round, before struggling a little bit in the short go.

“Honestly, after I tied, I thought I didn’t win the title and had thrown it away,” Cunningham said. “Although I felt defeated, I was still proud of myself as I’d never placed as high as the top 7 in the world in goats and knew I’d have at least accomplished my highest world finish. When the point standing sheet was posted and my name was at the top of the list, I was so excited I didn’t know what to do. I’d actually done it. I’d won the World Championship title. If you ask my mom, it looked like I had no emotion when I found out as I truly thought I had lost that title and convinced myself that I had. 

“I was so shocked and excited at the same time. I set a goal a few years ago to someday win a world title. This year my New Year’s resolution was to finish in the Top 5 in the world standings. I surpassed that resolution and that my dream I set a few years ago had come true. It was such a great feeling knowing that a small-town Kansan had won a world title that I’d dreamed of for so long.”

Prior to her world title in late July, Cunningham had racked up another title earlier and had some success alongside a pair of two other Louisburg students.

At the Kansas High School Rodeo Association, Cunningham won the state title in goat tying and was also a reserve state champion in the reined cow horse event.

“Throughout my high school career, I have won many state and reserve state championship titles in other events, but this year’s state title was probably the most special,” Cunningham said. “Seven years ago, I set a goal to win a goat tying state championship title and follow in the footsteps of my long-time goat tying mentor Jacoby (Hotsenpiller) Johnson. Although the other state championship wins have been special, this one was by far the best. I’ve come very close to this title over the years and have many reserve champion finishes, but have always been a bit short of points needed for the title at the very end.

“I came home with that State Championship title in the goat tying that I’d set the goal for all those years ago. That evening at the rodeo, I cried, and I don’t normally cry for things like this, but I did. It was a mix of emotions, knowing that it was my last KHSRA rodeo ever and I’d finally won that state title on my last shot at it.”

Breck Nielsen, who is a student at Louisburg Middle School, won the state title in barrel racing at the Kansas Junior High School Rodeo Association.

Freshman Shylar Whiting was reserve champion in pole bending at the junior high state competition. Whiting also ended up in the top 20 I the world standings for breakaway roping for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association.

“Louisburg has some true rodeo athletes among us and I know these girls have many more successes they’ll bring back to our hometown in the year’s to come,” Cunningham said.

Now Cunningham is preparing for life on the college circuit with Missouri Valley College and she is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m nervous, but also excited,” she said. “Being gone rodeoing and pursuing my last summer run as a high schooler has definitely helped me get ready for college. My MoVal rodeo coach Ken Mason was at two of the large competitions I was at this summer. I got to talk to him a few times, he gave me some coaching after my second round at Nationals, and he got to see me win the world title. That helped tremendously. He saw me make some great runs, some ok runs and some bad runs this summer. 

“I witnessed first hand before I head off to college how encouraging he is and that helps tremendously as I prepare to head to school in a few weeks. I know that college and college rodeo will be a totally different experience than high school, but I’m ready to tackle this next challenge. My first college rodeo goal is to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo.”

Louisburg junior Cade Driskell recently placed third in his weight class at the USA High School and Teen National Championship competition in Aurora, Colo.

Cade Driskell had one of those “I want to be like my dad” moments several years ago.

It is what got Driskell started in the sport of powerlifting as he watched his father, Mark, lift weights on a regular basis.

“I’ve been lifting competitively for about three years, but what got me started was always seeing my dad go to the gym and lift big heavy weights,” Cade said. “I wanted to be like him. He mentioned doing a powerlifting meet and once the first meet was done, I was hooked.”

Since that time, Driskell has six state records for his weight class and recently placed third at the USA High School and Teen Nationals Championships in Aurora, Colo., on May 28.

Driskell competed against 11 other lifters in his age and weight class that had qualified from across the country. 

In order to qualify for nationals you must have achieved a 3 lift total that is high enough based on your age/weight division at a USA powerlifting meet within the past year. Over 500 lifters competed over the 4 day event. 

“I was very pleased with placing third, although it’s not a first place finish and it gives me more to work on,” Cade said. “It’s about where I expected to place after looking at the other kids I was competent against.”

Driskell, who is entering his junior year at Louisburg High School, had a good showing as he had a 3-lift total of 492.5 kilograms, or 1,085.7 pounds in the 83 kg weight class. He had a squat of 182.5 kg, a bench of 105 kg and a deadlift of 205 kg.

For taking part in his first national competition, Driskell was pleased with the way everything unfolded.

“I went up against some really good competition for sure,” he said. “The kids that placed ahead of me were very strong kids and the whole experience was pretty cool. I’ve never got to do a national meet, so it was really awesome and it was great to meet some of the people I follow on social media, in person.”

In November of last year, Driskell broke two USAPL (USA Powerlifting) Kansas records in his 83 kg weight class. He had a squat of 374 pounds and broke the previous record of 369. He also set the record for bench press single lift at 237 pounds.

Then in December, he broke four USPA records with a 402 pound squat, a 237 pound bench, a deadlift of 419 pounds and a total lift of 1,058 pounds.

With all the success he has achieved in powerlifting, he has also seen in translate into other sports.

“I can definitely tell how much it’s helped with baseball,” Driskell said. “it has made me a lot faster and has improved my hitting a lot, as well as my arm strength.”

Louisburg senior Konnor Vohs recently signed his letter of intent to join the shotgun sports team at Lindenwood University. Seated next to Konnor are his parents Cassi and Kevin Vohs. Standing (from left) is his sister Ellie and brother Mylo.

For the last seven years, Konnor Vohs has been aiming for that one opportunity.

Competition after competition only fueled Vohs’ fire to be able to take that one shot – a chance at participating in college athletics. However, he isn’t participating in your normal college sport.

Vohs has spent several years working toward the opportunity to take up shooting in college and he found the perfect spot to do it.

Last month, Vohs signed his letter of intent to participate in shotgun sports at Lindenwood University. 

“Shooting sports is definitely something a little different than what most people think of as a college sport,” Vohs said. “Since the day I found out it would help pay for college, I was really hooked. I’ve worked for the past 7 years to get where I am now so that I can receive a scholarship to shoot.”

Needing to make a decision in a short amount of time, Vohs took a few visits to schools in the spring and he had a few options. However, the choice was an obvious one for him.

“Originally, I was looking at others schools and didn’t have Lindenwood on my radar,” Vohs said. “Then some things changed and I got a chance to go out and visit. The campus was very nice and the people there were super friendly. The team pays for everything shooting related, which is a huge help towards yearly personal expenses. All around it was the best fit and it is close to home.”

Shooting competitions have been a big part of Vohs’ life the last few years and has an array of awards to show for it.

In the high school league he competes in, Vohs’ team won a skeet state championship and he tied for first. In national leagues, the Louisburg senior has won a Missouri and Kansas state championship in FITASC.

Vohs has also been on a national championship trap team and placed in the top 10 in AIM events in different disciplines.

“I have been doing shooting competition for 7 years,” Vohs said. “I started shooting shotguns when 22 rifle ammo became too expensive. We had plenty of reloading supplies for shotguns, so we switched to that. My first competition was a charity shoot called Shoot for the Cure, which is ran by my uncle Ken Seltzer. I shot well for my age then and was asked to join the Kansas City Crushers, which I am still a part of today.”

Now Vohs will set his sights on the college level and he believes he hit the bullseye with Lindenwood.

“Lindenwood is going to be a place for me to focus on shooting and school,” Vohs said. “I don’t have to worry about three other sports during the year. I hope that the coaches can help improve my game so that I can be competitive in the national and world championships. Being competitive and consistent is the goal. The coaches are all about improving each individual which in all helps the team. They have great knowledge of the game and are encouraging.”

Lakin Cunningham has a long list of accomplishments when it comes to rodeo and for good reason.

She has spent most of her young life on the rodeo circuit and has loved every minute of it, along with the accolades that have come here way. It is a life she isn’t ready to give up just yet.

Cunningham has always wanted rodeo in college and now she will get that chance. She recently committed to the Missouri Valley College rodeo team and found her future home.

“College has always been a goal of mine,” Cunningham said. “There’s never been a moment when I thought I wouldn’t further my education after high school. Missouri Valley is the place that’s going to make that all happen. I’ve always wanted to rodeo on the collegiate level in hopes that i’ll make the College National Finals. Missouri Valley and coach Ken Mason are going to help my goals come true, and I can’t wait to be a Viking in the fall.”

As confident as Cunningham was going to rodeo in college, she didn’t think Missouri Valley was going to be her eventual landing spot.

She was all set to attend Oklahoma State and major in Ag Business, but decided to change her major and become a chiropractor. The new trajectory for her future didn’t fit Oklahoma State and went to find a new stop.

Cunningham decided to give Missouri Valley a visit, and the rest as you can say, is history.

“My mom told me to visit MVC because it was close to home and we knew many people that have attended/are attending and love it,” Cunningham said. “When I went in October to visit, I was ready to sign after that. I fell in love with the small quiet campus, the beautiful scenery, the way that even non-rodeo kids knew the rodeo coach, the rodeo facility, and just everything about Missouri Valley. 

“The one thing that really held me back was the travel to rodeos as I have to travel as far as 13 hours one way to get to some rodeos. After my visit, my mom and coach Mason told me to go visit at least one more college to be sure MVC is where I wanted to attend. So, in November of last year, I visited South Western Oklahoma State and I loved the rodeo program and coach there, but the school just wasn’t for me. I knew in that moment that Missouri Valley is where i’ll be calling home for the next few years.”

Cunningham has one several championships during her youth and high school rodeo days, but knows the collegiate level will be more challenging.

She has found a lot of success in Barrel Racing and Goat Tying, but will try some new events as well, including Breakaway Roping.

“Rodeo is something i’ve been so passionate about for a very long time,” Cunningham said. “As those who I’ve went to school with know, I’m always gone for rodeos and not involved in school activities as much as I would be without rodeo. It’s always been my goal to rodeo in college, instead of getting my pro rodeo cars right off the bat. Reason being, Goat Tying is my best event and favorite event, and I can really only do that through college as they don’t really have many opportunities for goat tiers after college.

“In the fall I will be taking three horses with me to MVC where I will be competing in the Barrel Racing and Goat Tying event. Coach Mason also would like me to try my hand at Breakaway Roping.”

Cunningham wants to face off with the best the collegiate circuit has to offer and has high goals for herself.

“It has always been a goal of mine to make the College National Finals Rodeo,” she said. “I’m hoping to make it my freshman year, but I know that it won’t be easy and I will have to really work in order to be the very best I can be. I’ve had a lot of accomplishments on the Junior High and High School level, but I know that the collegiate scene is way more difficult and I will have to be on my A-game in order to achieve that goal. 

“I also plan to go to other big events and compete outside of just college rodeo in hopes to win more titles and more money as I progress my skills and knowledge through the coaching of Ken Mason.”