Louisburg head football coach Drew Harding speaks to his players in the huddle during a practice this week. Harding is in his first year as head coach after serving as an assistant for several years.

It’s only four days into practice, but all four Louisburg High School fall coaches have liked what they have seen so far out of their teams.

Numbers have been steady as each program has high expectations for the upcoming 2022 season.

There are also plenty of new faces this year as the Wildcats will feature two first year coaches in Bobby Bovaird (boys soccer) and Drew Harding (football). Leanna Willer (volleyball) is in her second season, while cross country coach John Reece is entering his 20th season.

On the gridiron, the Wildcat football team is returning several starters from last year’s team that lost to St. James Academy in the first round of the playoffs.

Louisburg currently has 70 players out for football this season, including 15 seniors that will help lead the way.

“Practice has been going well so far,” Harding said. “We have a lot of competition for spots and competition brings out the best in everybody. We are very excited for the upcoming season.  We have a large senior class and a junior class that has gained lots of experience from last year so we are excited to see what we can do.”

Having a new head coach can bring a learning curve, but the Wildcats worked hard over the summer. Along with their annual team camp, they had several scrimmages, 7-on-7 competitions and skill sessions.

“The team did a good job picking up on our installs on both sides of the ball so we were able to get a lot of really good reps that will hopefully help us in this upcoming season,” Harding said.

As for the boys soccer team, the Wildcats will try and reach the state final four for the second time in three years after falling to Bishop Miege in the regional championship match a season ago.

Louisburg returns another experienced group as it enters the season with 15 seniors after earning the No. 1 seed in the playoffs a year ago. Numbers are once again high for the program as 40 players are out this year.

“Nine of them (seniors) saw some pretty solid varsity playing time last year, and five of them got playing time in the state tournament two years ago when we finished in 3rd place,” Bovaird said. “Practice has been running very smoothly. We’re getting a great look at the players during our tryouts this week, and we’re seeing lots of leaders emerge every day.”

The Wildcats also had a busy summer with camps and team workouts. It was a good way for Bovaird to get to know his players as a first-year head coach.

“Almost everyone was able to participate,” Bovaird said. “They were getting together for informal kick-arounds, they were either lifting weights with the school’s summer program or they were lifting together on their own, and I’m loving the buy-in that they’ve shown. We’re looking at the potential to have another outstanding season this year. Of course, conditioning is a factor and we’re working on improving that during practice. 

“This year, we’ve got the motto ‘United,’ which comes from the fact that many soccer clubs use that word with their club names — Manchester United, New Mexico United, etc. I chose that motto because we have kids with all sorts of experience, from those who play year-round club soccer to kids who only play in the fall. They’ve grown up playing all over the place, whether it’s a club up in the city, Louisburg Rec, or somewhere in another district or community. But we’re here right now, and we have to come together to be united as a soccer family if we want to achieve our goals. This group of seniors has had a taste of state success, and they’ve had a taste of falling short of the team’s goals. I think they have the hunger to buy into what the coaching staff is striving to provide for them and they are willing to make a commitment to get to the top this year.”

As for cross country, Reece has liked what he has seen from his runners so far after a successful season a year ago in which both teams qualified for state.

He currently has 25 runners out this season, while 18 are out on the middle school level. The girls team is already being thought of as one of the top squads in the state as they are ranked in the top five in Class 4A by Kansas MileSplit.

“We are down a little in numbers but return many state qualifiers,” Reece said. “Practices are going well and we are enjoying this stint of cooler weather. We are again focusing on the end of the season and are setting a goal to return both teams to state again. It is going to be an exciting year.”

Volleyball also has strong numbers out as they had 36 athletes out for tryouts for the first three days and have settled at 30 for the rest of the season between the three levels.

Despite losing four starters from last season’s team that fell one game short of reaching the state tournament, Willer is excited to see what this group can do.

“We’ve had a great first few days and are seeing really awesome things from our girls that have us excited about what we’ll be able to do at all three levels this year,” Willer said. “We see a lot of potential at all ages and we are hungry for the opportunities to keep improving and make some noise in the league.”

The squad had a busy summer with its team camp in early June, followed by summer league action for two months and the varsity traveled to the University of Nebraska team camp in July. Add in the normal open gyms and weight sessions, Willer is pleased with how her players have improved.

“This was a very busy summer of all sorts of crazy twists and turns with the high school being under construction and schedules constantly changing,” Willer said. “Those that were able to dedicate time and effort consistently throughout the summer improved, not only in skill, but also in confidence. The coaches and athletes were typically here working four days a week with weights, conditioning, and open gyms. 

“We love having these summer opportunities to get to know our team better and to start working on our team chemistry as much as possible. As a whole, we have grown a lot over the past couple months and we are looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish here in the next couple.”

For the past six years, Louisburg Sports Zone has given out Athlete of the Week awards during each of the three sports seasons. I do it to recognize special athletic achievements and to highlight the athletes.

For the fifth consecutive year, Louisburg Sports Zone will be handing out an Athlete of the Year honor to a male and female athlete at Louisburg High School. I wanted the opportunity to recognize those who exemplify what it means to be an “athlete.”

Although I am giving out the award, I wanted the process to be subjective, so I asked the head coaches at LHS to help me out. I asked each coach to send me nominations of who they thought exemplified the Athlete of the Year honor. They will then vote for their top 3 male and female athletes and then I will tabulate the results and determine the winner. The winner will be announced in the coming days.

Below are the nominees for the Female Athlete of the Year award in alphabetical order by last name. Congrats to all those who were nominated and best of luck!

Davis Guetterman, Senior, Volleyball and Track and Field

Davis made an impact on a pair of Louisburg athletic programs this past season. The Louisburg senior was a starting setter for the Lady Cats and she was also a thrower on the Wildcat track team.

On the volleyball court, Guetterman finished her year with a 138 kills, 436 assists, 184 digs and 58 aces as she helped the Lady Cats to the sub-state championship this season. In her four year career, she tallied 199 kills, 1,603 assists, 564 digs and 184 aces as she helped the Lady Cats to two state tournament appearances. She also earned honorable mention all-league honors this season as a setter and earned the AVCA Best and Brightest First Team Award and was chosen as the recipient of the 2021 Lady Cat Volleyball award.

In the spring, Guetterman was one of the top throwers on the team in the javelin and earned a state bid in 2021. She will continue her career in both volleyball and track and field at the University of Sioux Falls in the upcoming year.

Reese Johnson, Senior, Cross Country and Soccer

Reese played at a high level for two different Louisburg teams this past season. The Louisburg senior was one of the top runners on the Louisburg cross country team and a starter for the Wildcat soccer program.

In cross country, Johnson helped the Lady Cat team to the Class 4A state meet for the fifth consecutive time. The team finished fifth overall at state and Johnson earned her third state medal of her career as she finished 19^th overall in 21:08 at Wamego Country Club. She was also an honorable mention all-league selection as she finished 16^th at the league meet.

Johnson also played a vital role for the Wildcat soccer team that finished the season in the regional championship and a 13-5 record. She finished with nine goals and eight assists on the season and was a first-team all-league selection from her midfield spot.

Corinna McMullen, Senior, Volleyball and Track and Field

Corinna was a big part of two Wildcat programs this past season as she was a member of the volleyball and track and field programs. She was the starting setter for the volleyball team and threw the discus on the track squad.

In volleyball, not only was McMullen one of the team’s starting setters, she was also the team’s top hitter. McMullen led the Lady Cats to the regional championship and helped the program to two state tournament appearances. This season, she led Louisburg with 284 assists and 224 kills to go along with 194 digs and 35 aces. She was a first-team all-league selection as a hitter and an honorable mention selection as a setter. McMullen also earned all-state honors and was selected to play in the GKCVCA MO-KAN All-Star match. She was named as the team MVP for Louisburg and was given the AVCA Best and Brightest First Team Award.

On the track team, McMullen was the squad’s top discus thrower and earned her second consecutive state medal this past May. McMullen placed third at the Class 4A meet with a throw of 117-4. She threw a personal best of 127-3 to win a Frontier League title. She will be continuing her athletic career at Washburn University as a member of the volleyball team.

Delaney Wright, Senior, Basketball and Track and Field

Delaney was a part of the girls basketball program and track and field team for Louisburg High School this past season. She was a starting guard on the basketball team and competed in four events on the track team.

As a member of the Wildcat track program, Wright competed in the long jump, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash and the 4×400 relay. She qualified for state in all four events and won three regional titles. At the Class 4A state meet she brought home three medals. Wright finished as the state runner-up in the 400 dash, took in the 200 dash and medaled fifth in the long jump. She ended her Wildcat career with 10 state medals, three state championships and holds school records in three events.

Wright was also a member of the Lady Cat basketball team and was a returning letter-winner off of last season’s third place finish at state. She was a starting guard on the Lady Cat team and was considered the team’s best defender, before an injury ended her season halfway through.  That injury also cost Wright part of her track season, as well. She will continue her track career at Kansas State University next season.

For his first three years in high school, Jaden Vohs was a soccer kid and enjoyed his time with the program.

Then, in the spring of 2021, he caught the running bug as he was one of the key figures in Louisburg’s state championship track and field team.

Vohs, who ran distance races for the Wildcats, decided to give up his final year of soccer and run cross country this past fall.

That move impacted Vohs’ college path in positive way.

Earlier this spring, Vohs signed to run cross country and track at Baker University and he made if official last month with a signing ceremony at the school in front of family and friends.

It was somewhat of an easy decision for Vohs as he already knows several people on the Baker team.

“Signing with Baker felt great knowing that I’ll be running with my friends,” Vohs said. “Over winter break I would meet up with some Baker runners and we ran everyday.”

Vohs was an integral part of the Wildcats’ state track team last season. In his first year out for track, Vohs earned three state medals — the 800, 1,600 and 4×800 relay.

It was that success that motivated him to get into cross country, and just like track, Vohs thrived in his first season with the sport.

The Louisburg senior qualified for state and finished 12th overall to earn a medal.

“Quitting soccer was a risky move, but in the end I know it was the right choice,” Vohs said. “I met my cross country goals and also got to experience an underrated sport. Doing cross country also helped me get a scholarship to continue my running career.”

The opportunity with the Baker program was hard to turn down and he will be looking forward to trying new events on the collegiate level.

“In my opinion the best thing about the Baker program is that the team is all very close, like family,” Vohs said. “All the guys truly care about running and each other. The whole program had a great connection. 

“I’m not aware of what I’ll be running for them in track, but I would assume I’ll be running the 5k and probably the 1500.”

Now the focus is on the conclusion of his high school career. Vohs is head back to state again this year in the 1,600-meter run and as apart of the 4×800 relay.

“I am very excited for what is left of my track season,” Vohs said. “My goal is to break the school record in the 1600.”

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.”

Louisburg sophomore Emma Vohs approaches the finish line and is cheered on by Wildcat assistant coach Shelby Suther on Saturday during the Class 4A state meet in Wamego.

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.

“The girls team ran great at state,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “Medaling three again this year is a testament to the work they put in throughout the season. It was great to see Reese medal in her final race of her high school career. I’m confident that the team will come back next year looking to find the podium again.”

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

“Jaden ran a great race,” Reece said. “To the bystander, it might have appeared that he was not in a good position but he ran his race and as the course came to him he moved up and finished well. He looks to run in college and will make great gains and become an awesome cross country runner.”

The girls kicked off the Class 4A meet at Wamego and the Lady Cats had a strong showing. 

Emma Vohs had one of her better races of the season as she just missed out on the top five with a time of 20 minutes and 24 seconds. Vohs is just in her first season of cross country.

“I felt that I ran my best race at state,” Emma said. “I was one second off my personal record for the season and this course was probably the most difficult course this year. I worked hard all season to get to state and was thrilled to receive my first state medal in the top 10. At the beginning of the season, I did not expect to medal in state at all, but it goes to show hard work pays off.”

Rhamy earned her second consecutive state medal as she took 13th overall with a time of 20:51. The Louisburg sophomore was a part of last season’s third place team.

“I’m very proud of how I ran this season and I accomplished many of my goals,” Rhamy said. “ I was so happy to medal in another state meet. It feels so good to see all that hard work pay off.”

As for Johnson, she capped an impressive cross country career as she racked up her third state medal. Johnson was 19th in 21:08. 

She finished in the top 10 as a freshman and then went on to medal as a junior and help the Lady Cats to a third place state finish in 2020.

“I feel that overall this season I ran well,” Johnson said. “I pushed myself really hard this season, all for that final race at state. Making it to state and medaling in my final race of my final season means so much to me. My goal was to medal and accomplishing that was the cherry on top to my cross country career. That feeling of walking up and being handed a state medal is unreal and I am very proud of not only myself but my teammates. 

“Running with this team the past four years has been the biggest honor and has made my high school experience amazing. Cross country has been an incredible journey and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Having the best coaches and most amazing teammates by my side made me the person and runner I am today and I am forever grateful for this sport.”

Jaden Vohs couldn’t have asked for a much better way to end his high school career with a sport he just started months ago.

Jaden medaled 12th in 17:12 and was happy with the way his season wrapped up.

“I felt like I had an off day, but I did beat some really good runners that day, which helped even it out,” he said. “Before the season, I did not think I would medal knowing my opponents have been running for years.”

As for the boys team, the Wildcats took eighth with 195 points. Buhler won the state team title with 51 points, Wamego was second with 67 and Augusta was third at 130.

“The boys improving over their finish a year ago was outstanding,” coach Reece said. “They had a solid season and we are proud of what they accomplished.”

Sophomore Noah Cotter was second on the Wildcat squad as he took 40th overall in 18:18 and freshman Jerynce Brings Plenty was 51st in 18:40.

Junior Leo Martin finished 70th in 19:08 and senior Hayden Ross was 80th in 19:40. Junior Landon Henry (20:07) and senior Sawyer Richardson (20:27) rounded out the Louisburg lineup in 85th and 93, respectively.

Junior Nova Ptacek was 63rd for the Lady Cats in 23:14 and sophomore Anna Poe had a strong race to take 87th in 24:22. Junior Bree Gassman (25:05) and sophomore Erin Apple (27:00) took 94th and 99th, respectively.

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

MADDY RHAMY, SOPHOMORE, CROSS COUNTRY

Louisburg sophomore Maddy Rhamy and the Lady Cat cross country team made a lot of noise at the Class 4A meet last Saturday in Wamego. Rhamy was one of three Louisburg runners to earn a state medal as she finished 13th overall in 20 minutes and 51 seconds. It was Rhamy’s second consecutive state medal.

Rhamy also helped the Lady Cats to a fifth-place team finish out at state. Sophomore Emma Vohs (6th) and senior Reese Johnson (19th) were also awarded state medals.

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: Jaden Vohs

Week 2: Declan Battle

Week 3: Corinna McMullen

Week 4: Emma Vohs

Week 5: Braden Yows

Week 6: Mack Newell

Week 7: Mason Dobbins

Week 8: Davis Guetterman

The Louisburg boys cross country team earned runner-up at the Class 4A regional meet Saturday in Baldwin City. It was the highest regional finish in school history. Members of the team (front row, from left) are head coach John Reece, Hayden Ross, Jaden Vohs, Max LaJoie, Jerynce Brings Plenty, assistant coach Shelby Suther; (back row) Vitus Aagaard, Leo Martin, Landan Henry, Sawyer Richardson and Noah Cotter.

BALDWIN CITY — For the second time in as many years, Louisburg will be sending both its boys and girls cross country teams to the Class 4A state meet.

The Wildcat boys earned regional runner-up for the first time in school history, while the girls finished third at the Class 4A regional meet Saturday at Baldwin Golf Course.

“It is amazing that we are going back to state again this year with both teams,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “‘If you build it, they will come’ Our sport has found success and with that our numbers have been steadily increasing. The runners have bought into our training and it is showing in their individual performance which makes for a strong team and that is evident by our placing at regionals.”

It was a tight race for the regional title on the boys side as the Wildcats finished second with 72 points, just one point behind champion, Bishop Miege.

“Our goal was to qualify and that is what we did,” Reece said. “All of the boys had amazing races setting personal bests across the board. That is what we are training for and now we get to go to state and improve again.”

Louisburg senior Jaden Vohs led the Wildcats with his best time of the season. Vohs medaled third at regionals with a time of 16 minutes and 39 seconds, which is now the second fastest time in school history.

Freshman Jerynce Brings Plenty also earned a regional medal as he was eighth in 17:29.

“For our team to finish runner up at regionals was a great experience, especially because it hasn’t been done yet in school history,” Vohs said. “It was a little upsetting that we only lost to Miege by one point. 

“Before the race I was a little nervous I wouldn’t race good but turns out I got a personal record. I think what really helped was having a few kids from Baker University come and cheer me on.”

Sophomore Noah Cotter also cracked the top 20 as was 18th in 17:58. Junior Leo Martin (18:11) and senior Hayden Ross (18:12) were 21st and 22nd, respectively.

Junior Landon Henry took 45th in 19:15 and senior Sawyer Richardson was 47th in 19:19 to round out the Wildcat lineup.

The Lady Cats found themselves in a very competitive regional that featured the defending state champion (Baldwin) and state runner-up (Eudora).

Louisburg, which finished third last year at state, held its own as the Lady Cats were third with 89 points. Eudora won the regional title with 32 points and Baldwin was second with 40.

It is the fifth straight time the Lady Cats have qualified for the state meet as a team.

“We had the toughest regional on the girls side,” Reece said. “They all ran well and achieved their end of season goal — state. I think some of them have even more to prove at the State meet, and they will be bringing it.

“Finding success over the past five years is a direct reflection of the senior leadership we have had, and not accepting anything less than their best and making a goal for a team appearance at state.”

Sophomore Emma Vohs continues to lead the Lady Cats and was the team’s lone medalist. Vohs medaled fifth in 20 minutes and 25 seconds.

“Overall, we pushed hard to qualify for state as a team,” Emma said. “We knew we really had to step up our game to place, considering the setbacks we’ve had this season. I’m so proud of every one of them.

“At regionals, I felt that I ran well, placing top 5. Baldwin had a great course, but I ended up just missing my personal record by two seconds.” 

Sophomore Maddy Rhamy just missed a regional medal as she took 11th in 20:50 and senior Reese Johnson was 18th in 21:26.

Junior Nova Ptacek took 28th in 22:35 and fellow junior Bree Gassman was 36th in 23:28. Sophomore Erin Apple took 37th in 23:30 and Anna Poe was 40th in 23:45.

Poe was a last minute fill in for an injured Lola Edwards, and the Louisburg sophomore more than held her own.

“What most don’t realize about our sport is that your place is the points you earn,” Reece said. “The lowest score wins the meet. We score the first five runners and the sixth runner is a tiebreaker if needed and the seventh is that just in-case runner. At regionals, our seventh runner was Anna, who was more than just our No. 7. She put competing teams’ number 4 and 5 runners behind her, adding points to their team score, increasing our lead over them. That is the team aspect of our sport and Anna was a huge part of helping to get our team to state.”

Louisburg will end its season at Wamego this Saturday. The Wildcats will compete at the Class 4A state meet at Wamego Country Club, with the girls race starting at 10 a.m. and the boys at 11:20.

Louisburg senior Jaden Vohs (right) and freshman Jerynce Brings Plenty earned first and second team all-league honors, respectively, Thursday at the Frontier League Invitational. Vohs’ time of 16:45 was the third-fastest in school history.

BALDWIN CITY — The Frontier League Invitational is usually one of its toughest meets of the season for the Louisburg cross country team.

The league, which is known for its talented cross country teams, features the top three girls teams in the state (Eudora, Baldwin and Louisburg) and several experienced boys teams.

Louisburg left the Baldwin Golf Course last Thursday well-represented on the all-league list. The Wildcats boys had five runners earn all-league honors and finished second as a team.

The Lady Cats took fourth overall, despite one of their top runners having to an exit with an injury, and earned three all-league honors.

The boys team of Jaden Vohs, Jerynce Brings Plenty, Noah Cotter, Hayden Ross, Leo Martin, Landon Henry and Sawyer Richardson finished with 57 points. Spring Hill was the league champion with 51 points.

It is the first time in school history that the Louisburg boys have earned five all-league honors.

“Finishing second as a team shows how much individual effort went into each of their races,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “We are finding our groove at the right time.”

Vohs recorded his best race of the season as he finished third overall with a time of 16 minutes and 45 seconds. His time ties him for third place all-time in school history with Wyatt Reece.

That finish also earned Vohs a first-team all-league honor. Tonganoxie’s Eli Gilmore was the league champion at 16:35.

“Jaden made a big jump in time which was inevitable,” coach Reece said. “He has been working hard and still has more to go. Give him the right race, at the right time, with the right mindset and he is even faster.”

Brings Plenty, a freshman, earned second-team all-league honors along with sophomore Noah Cotter. Brings Plenty finished eighth in 17:40 and Cotter was 11th in 18:13.

Ross and Martin each earned honorable mention all-league spots. Ross, a senior, ran an 18:28.03 to take 19th overall and Martin, a junior, was right behind him in 20th in 18:28.28.

Henry (19:32) and Richardson (19:48) rounded out the top Wildcat runners in 40th and 44th, respectively.

The girls continued their strong season as the Lady Cats took fourth with 101 points. Eudora won the league title by one with 44 points over Baldwin. Spring Hill was third with 81.

Sophomore Emma Vohs earned second team all-league honors as she took ninth in 20:23. 

Senior Reese Johnson and sophomore Maddy Rhamy each earned honorable mention all-league. Johnson was 16th in 21:09 and Rhamy was 17th in 21:25.

“The girls ran well,” coach Reece said. “Finishing fourth as a team again this year is an accomplishment in a very tough league. KSHSAA has graciously placed our league together for our regional meet as well which means very good teams will not qualify for state because of the strength of the teams running.”

Juniors Nova Ptacek (22:58) and Bree Gassman (23:10) finished 37th and 38th, respectively. Sophomore Erin Apple was 41st in 23:19.

Another sophomore, Lola Edwards, had to pull out of the race due to an injury.

The Wildcats will return to the Baldwin Golf Course this Saturday as they will compete in the Class 4A regional. Louisburg will once again compete with some of the state’s best in Eudora and Baldwin.

“We are looking forward to returning to Baldwin for regionals as we run well there,” coach Reece said. “We are looking to extend the season for both teams and make an appearance at the state meet again with two teams and hopefully leave with hardware.”

The girls race begins at 10 a.m. with the boys race to follow at approximately, 10:45.

Louisburg senior Jaden Vohs cruises down the home stretch of the Louisburg Invitational on Thursday at Lewis-Youn Park. Vohs won the race in 17 minutes and 14 seconds.

The Louisburg boys cross country team made a little bit of history last Thursday, and did so right in its back yard.

The Wildcats hosted the Louisburg Invitational at Lewis-Young Park, and for the first time in event history, the Louisburg boys won the team title.

The team of Jaden Vohs, Jerynce Brings Plenty, Noah Cotter, Hayden Ross, Leo Martin, Landon Henry and Sawyer Richardson edged out Spring Hill by one with 39 points in the six team race. At the same time, Vohs also took first individually.

“The boys beating Spring Hill by a point was amazing,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “I felt like they ran their races to their best, and it paid off as a team.”

In the girls race, the Lady Cats also found a lot of success as they finished second in the team standings, just seven points behind Spring Hill with 32.

The Lady Cats also medaled four in the race, led by sophomore Emma Vohs, who finished fourth overall.

“The girls continue to run very well,” Reece said. “They are ahead of their times from last season and are setting themselves up for success in the postseason. I feel like a scratched record, but if we take care of what we can control, both teams are going to have a great end to their season.”

Jaden Vohs led the boys team once again as he recorded his second-fastest time of the season. Jaden won with a time of 17 minutes and 14 seconds, about 15 seconds ahead of the runner-up spot.

“Racing experience has allowed Jaden to progress as a runner,” Reece said. “He is learning how to be patient during the race and move past people when he feels them slow. This sport is so much different than track and there is a learning curve that has definitely straightened out for him.”

The Wildcat boys medaled four overall. Along with Vohs, Brings Plenty took fourth overall in 18:01. Cotter finished in eighth in 18:46 and Ross was 10th in 18:56.

Martin was next in 16th in 19:12 and Henry took 25th in 20:00. Richardson rounded out the team in 31st with a time of 21:09.

Emma Vohs continued her strong season for the Lady Cats as she finished fourth in 21:07. Piper’s Grace Hanson won the event in 18:55.

Sophomore Lola Edwards was right behind Vohs as she medaled fifth in 21:32. Sophomore Maddy Rhamy (22:00) and senior Reese Johnson (22:07) also earned medals as they took eighth and ninth, respectively. 

Junior Nova Ptacek was 16th with a time of 23:23 and junior Bree Gassman was 19th in 24:14. Sophomore Erin Apple rounded out the Lady Cat lineup in 23rd in 25:23.

Louisburg is now done with its regular season and begins it postseason slate this Thursday when it travels to Baldwin City for the Frontier League Invitational. 

It will be the first two of straight times of running on the Baldwin Golf Course as Class 4A regionals will also be held there next week.

League races begin at 4 p.m.