Wildcat athletes report back for summer conditioning
Almost 80 high school girls attended the first day of summer conditioning on Monday at Louisburg High School.
For the first time in almost three months, Louisburg High School and Louisburg Middle School athletes found themselves back on the field starting Monday at Wildcat Stadium.
It didn’t include any balls, equipment, weights and wasn’t indoors, but more than 300 athletes participated in the mandatory conditioning drills that were set by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.
“The turnout was exceptional, and considering the limit on group sizes, distance restrictions, and getting creative in using multiple spaces to accommodate the large numbers in appropriately sized groups allowed in phase three, these coordinators did a great job setting a standard,” Louisburg activities director Michael Pickman said.
This was all following the cancellation of the spring season to the spread of COVID-19 and KSHSAA allowed school districts to begin conditioning exercises on June 1. The Louisburg school district started this past Monday and each athlete must participate in 10 sessions before being able to attend in any team activities or camps.
Several coaches were in attendance running athletes through drills in three separate stations that would allow some space between everyone. Football coaches Robert Ebenstein, Ty Pfannenstiel, Joel McGhee and Drew Harding were on hand to lead drills, along with other staff from within the USD 416 school district.
“There are many coaches who are volunteering and just want to be there to support their athletes,” Pickman said. “It’s what makes the LHS coaching staff stand out from others. However, I have encouraged coaches not directly coordinating weights to stay home as much as they can with numbers restrictions, but so far we haven’t had that be an issue.”
High school boys begin each morning at 6 a.m., for the hour-long workout and high school girls follow and then it all finishes up with middle school. To start there were 121 high school boys in attendance, 79 girls and 126 middle school students.
More than 120 Louisburg High School boys attended the first day of summer conditioning at Wildcat Stadium.
To start the day, each athlete is screened before the start of conditioning with a temperature check and then they are divided into three groups. Each of them will participate in three stations that focuses on different workouts. There are no more than 45 athletes in a group and the coaches design workouts to promote the six feet of distance.
“There were temperatures that needed to be taken and protocol for sanitizing hands and checking in that went efficiently and smoothly overall,” Pickman said. “A lot of planning went into this with the coaches to make sure it went well. And Mr. Holloway (LHS principal) volunteered his time to help take temps at the various sessions.”
As far as cross country goes, interested runners instead attend running sessions held by coach John Reece that will take place throughout the summer and they do not have to attend conditioning.
Whenever the athletes have completed their 10 sessions, they are allowed to participate in team activities the rest of the summer. As of right now, everything is on track to allow athletes to begin attending camps after June 29.
“Everything is progressing so far to according to schedule,” Pickman said. “Assuming the governor’s phase out stage begins when it is supposed to, we will be ready to begin using the weight room, gyms, and sports equipment. Coaches will be able to have practices and then middle school and high school age camps after June 29. The younger kids who do not have to have the 10 days of acclimatization are able to run the week of June 22. With the schedule the way it is, kids should have no problem getting their 10 days of acclimatization needed to participate in camps.”
Dennis leaves lasting legacy in Louisburg, LHS athletics
Damon Dennis, and his wife Karla, pose for quick picture during a timeout at a Louisburg High School basketball game Dennis was announcing. Dennis, who is better known as Doc D, is handing over his business at Louisburg Chiropractic Office to Dr. Jacob Polzin and is stepping away as the LHS team doctor after 28 years of service. His last day at the office is tomorrow (Saturday).
Almost every day of the week, if you were looking for Damon Dennis, he could be found at his office on 11 S. Broadway St., helping treat those pesky aches and pains, taking X-rays, or mending those beaten up athletes after a game.
Doc D – as he his affectionately known – opened Louisburg Chiropractic Office 28 years ago and has served as the Louisburg High School athletic team doctor for almost that same amount of time.
Dennis has seen it all. The walls in his office are lined with mementos from his years of service to both the community and the high school.
He has taped thousands of ankles, seen even more patients and has touched many lives during his time in Louisburg. That is why this week is one of the more emotional times in his life.
On Saturday, he will officially leave Louisburg Chiropractic Office and hand the reins over to Dr. Jake Polzin. Add to that, Dennis is also stepping away as LHS’ team doctor and will leave an absence on the sidelines and behind the mic that many in Louisburg have come to know.
“My decision to step down and sell the practice has turned out to be the hardest thing I have ever done,” Dennis said. “I have poured everything I have into my job and community. It has become my entire existence. I was taught from a young age to serve others and your community. I feel like the pressures I have put on myself have become unhealthy. I have put about 40 years work in to 28 and feel like there is never going to be a good time to make such a huge life change.
“That being said, I feel like I need to make changes while I am still able to do the things that will be best for my family. Dr. Polzin came along and I think he will carry on the work at the office wonderfully. We are a lot alike in many ways. I could not have found anyone better to replace me.”
For many, Dennis has been a big part of people’s lives, especially in the athletic arena. He has served as the LHS team doctor since 1992 and has treated many athletes in those 28 years.
Dennis (left) and Dr. Jake Polzin pose for a picture in their office. Polzin will officially take over the practice from Dennis after this week, but both have been seeing the patients the last three months.
During the school year, Dennis would leave his place of business every day after 3 to go to the high school to tape up athletes from all different sports and made sure they were all ready to go for practice. After that was over, he would rush back to his office to finish the day treating his patients.
It would be hectic life for some, but it is one that he has treasured for the last nearly three decades.
“My time in practice has been a blessing,” Dennis said. “I truly care about all of the patients and people in the community that I have been involved with. I have tried to be a positive impact on the town through my involvement in different organizations. As with any business, there are bumps in the road. I genuinely appreciate everyone who has had a positive impact on me through these years.
“I have poured my heart and soul in to every aspect of my business and involvement in the community, sometimes at the sacrifice of my wife, Karla. I am eternally grateful for her patience and love. Part of the reason why I am handing over the reigns is that I have a lot of making up for time to do.”
Damon Dennis (middle) walks out of the locker room with the Wildcat football coaches prior to a game.
Dennis and his family have made a lot of sacrifices during his time and many of the Wildcat coaches – both former and present – appreciate what he has done for them and their players.
“As far as what he has meant to the community, it is immeasurable,” longtime former coach Gary Griffin said. “He came in the first year and made himself available to all the coaches and was there for whatever the kids needed from the medical stuff, to a new pair of shoes, or money to go to a team dinner. He was even there to lend an ear to a kid that was having issues from girlfriends, teacher issues or problems at home.
“For me personally, he was a cheerleader when times were not good, he was an advocate for kids when I didn’t always know what was going on behind the scenes. I trusted Doc like he was a member of the coaching staff. I told him a lot of things in confidence so I could get his advice knowing it would not go any further. As far as the community goes, he is a pillar and he is involved in everything and is held in high regards by most. It is really hard for Doc to tell anyone no, so most of his days are longer than just his office hours. Doc is going to be missed in so many ways. He is a very humble man and he is very deserving of slowing down and enjoying the fruits of his labor.”
A Small Beginning
Back in June of 1992 is when Dennis began to plant his roots in the town he would begin to call home.
Dennis purchased the small satellite office from Dr. Larry Fulk, who at the time also had a practice in Paola. Dennis was less than a year out of school and was eager to get involved in the Louisburg community.
Two months later, Dennis reached out to then Louisburg High School administrator Doug Chisam and asked if he could serve as the team’s doctor – free of charge. Since August of 1992, Louisburg High School would not be the same.
Dennis made trips over to the high school for treatment and would also follow many of the team’s to their games after work was over. It was a life that would go on to create many memories.
“Jim Knox, Don Meek and Doug Chisam were all very supportive and I am forever in their debt,” Dennis said. “I started out just going to all games, home and away, and every sport that I could. At that time I was in the office from 6 am to 7 pm and then off to games 3-4 nights a week. The things I have always enjoyed about being the team doctor was the kids and the coaches. High school athletes have not changed since day one. They want someone who cares about and shows interest in what they are doing. I am still close with a lot of the students who have come through the high school and will continue to be.
“My role evolved over the years. I began doing all the taping before practice and games, Impact testing, announcing basketball and other roles as the coaches requested. I enjoy helping others and that is how my role evolved in to so many other areas. Over the years, the coaches have included me and I will always be grateful to them for allowing me to be a part of the experience.”
Damon and his wife Karla pose for a picture in front of his office back in the early 90s.
His role got even bigger when the new high school was built and Dennis was asked if he would like to announce basketball games. He certainly didn’t mind having a mic in his hand and loved playing off the crowd and making sure the athletes felt a little extra special.
“We had a girls’ tournament and Dave Tappan asked me if I would announce the game,” Dennis said. “He thought it would be a nice touch to have an announcer. I am not sure he ever asked me to continue, I just did it. I had to be at games anyway and I like to talk, so it worked out. Dave never said to quit, so I just kept doing it.
“I really did enjoy that. I would try to throw in a little funny once and awhile just to see if people were listening. Dottie Cook had a birthday every game night for several years. Knowing the kids so well, it was fun to add their middle name or nickname at the game.”
Tappan, who is currently the USD 416 assistant superintendent, worked as the LHS activities director and principal during many of Dennis’ years in Louisburg and the two became quick friends.
With that, Tappan is well aware of Dennis’ work ethic and commitment to Louisburg athletics. In fact, he has seen it firsthand.
Doc D lets out a cheer on the sidelines following a big play during the Wildcats’ 2010 state championship game.
“Most people know that Doc doesn’t take vacations very often,” Tappan said. “In fact, it usually takes a team of us to get him out of the office for more than a day. But in 2010, he and Karla scheduled a trip over Thanksgiving break to Chicago. Well, that was also the year of our run to the state football championship and there was no way he was going to miss it. In typical Doc D fashion, he lined things up to perfection. He takes a 5 a.m. flight from Chicago to Kansas City, has Karla drive him to the Legends off of I-70 and at about 6:30 I’m picking him up and we beat the team to Salina. When the bus finally rolls in, he looks at Coach (Gary) Griffin with a grin and says, ‘What took you so long?’ About four hours later we were celebrating a championship.
“The commitment that Doc D has demonstrated over the years to the students of Louisburg schools is second to none. From the football sidelines on a Friday night in the fall, to being behind the mic in the LHS gym during basketball season, Doc always supported the students, the coaches and the administration of USD 416. I am proud to call Damon Dennis my friend.”
Beyond The Call of Duty
Running a business can be difficult enough, but when you have other responsibilities on top of all that, it can be stressful at times.
The coaches at Louisburg High School never got that when working with Doc D. Veteran and young coaches alike were amazed at the dedication he displayed.
“Doc D is one of the most honest and honorable men I have ever met,” Louisburg soccer coach Kyle Conley said. “He has donated countless hours and years for helping Louisburg student athletes. He always went out of his way to help anyone and everyone. He wasn’t always just helping players. He would always check in on the coaches as well – checking on their well-being, their teams, and their families.
“Doc always went out of his way to make someone feel important and special. He was NEVER too busy for anyone. He will be greatly missed and he is irreplaceable. Thank you Doc D for everything that you have done for my teams, my family and for myself. You are someone I am lucky enough to call a friend.”
That dedication would not only be found after school in the evenings, but even before the sun came up as well.
Doc D checks out Louisburg’s Hallie Hutsell following an injury during last soccer season.
“Doc D will be greatly missed,” Louisburg volleyball coach Jessica Compliment said. “He unselfishly devoted many hours to our athletes and was always a phone call or a text away. I can’t count how many times he would meet myself and an athlete or two at the school at 5:30 a.m. prior to departure for a volleyball tournament. Not only was he a great role model and mentor for the athletes, but he served as a great mentor to a young coach for the past 14 years. He will be greatly missed by many.”
However, where Dennis is most recognized was on the football sidelines. He did anything from tending to injured athletes, mentoring future trainers and handing out free food or candy to the student section before certain games.
It wasn’t gone unnoticed as many around the school and community know what Doc D has meant to the district.
“If Louisburg had a Mt. Rushmore, Damon would definitely be up there,” Louisburg graduate and longtime coach Jeff Lohse said. “Doc is one of the most selfless people that I know. He was always more than willing to help anyone out and never expected anything in return. I consider Doc to be a great friend of mine and this is definitely bittersweet. I wish him and Karla nothing but the best as they open up this new chapter in their lives. Damon will be missed but his legacy in Louisburg will live on forever.”
Dennis always made sure to welcome the new coaches to the district and made them feel a part of the family and that was the case with boys basketball coach Ty Pfannenstiel when he came to the school three years ago.
Doc D was presented with a team signed helmet following the team’s award banquet two years ago.
“Doc D is the most selfless man I know,” Pfannenstiel said. “What Doc gave to this school and community is unprecedented. He cared so much for all of our athletes, there’s no way we are going to be able to replace what he brought to this school. I feel bad for whoever is going to come in and try to fill his shoes – he set the bar way too high.”
Dennis has been on the sideline for many of Louisburg’s greatest athletic achievements, including three state football appearances and has watched many athletes along the way achieve great individual accomplishments.
He knows that he has been blessed to be able to be a part of Wildcat athletics in one form or another the last 28 years.
“As for favorite memories, it is not always about the wins and losses,” Dennis said. “The things I have most enjoyed is the time spent with athletes and coaches. The things that go on in the locker room, before and after games were the fun part. I have had a behind the scenes view of some pretty amazing people.
“Obviously the 2010 state football championship is at the top of the list. We had gone to the championship twice and come home in second on two occasions. It was a great group to be around and a great experience. If I had to choose a group of kids that really stand out the most, it would be the seniors my first year here (class of 1993). They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was appreciated. I still speak to members of that class often and consider them friends. It was a really special group. I also loved seeing kids accomplish their dreams of success. Louisburg has had its share of champions and athletes that have gone on to do some amazing things.”
Doc D was also good with equipment as he works on Madden Rutherford’s helmet prior to a game.
In his last week at the office, Doc D has seen a lot of visitors that have come to thank him for everything he has done. Although Dennis won’t be around as much as he used to, he wants people to know that this isn’t a farewell – but more of a see you later.
“I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their kind words,” Dennis said. “There has been talk of various activities surrounding my career change that have been proposed. While I genuinely appreciate this, I don’t think I can handle the attention. My emotions have gotten the better of me and I am not sure that I can handle any celebrations publicly, unless everyone wants to see me cry.
“I am not going away. I just won’t be at 11 South Broadway or at the high school every day. Thank you to everyone that has supported me as I have made every effort to support my community.”
No, Doc – thank you…
2020 Senior Spotlight: Haley Cain
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Following her freshman season, Haley Cain made a goal for herself.
Cain, who was awarded a varsity letter in three sports her first year of high school, wanted to accomplish the rare feat of earning 12 varsity letters for her high school career. That means she would have earned a varsity letter in three sports in each of her four years of high school.
The last female Louisburg athlete to do that was Isabelle Holtzen in 2018, but before that, Louisburg Sports Zone was unable to find a record of that accomplishment. The closest before that was Krystal Bowes with 10 in 2001.
“It became clear to me after track season my freshman year, that I had the possibility of reaching that,” Cain said.
There appeared to be no stopping her as she was sitting at 11 letters going into her final soccer season. Her goal was all but assured of becoming a reality.
Unfortunately, a lot of us know what happened next.
The spread of COVID-19 cancelled the spring sports season, and in turn, ended Cain’s dream of making school history. There would be no shot at a 12th letter.
“When I found out that not only school was canceled but my soccer season was cancelled, I was upset,” Cain said. “I was so close to accomplishing that goal and being able to say I earned a varsity letter in every season of every year of high school. But even though that will not happen now, I have to remember that I have had an amazing time playing high school sports and have made many friends and memories that I would not have otherwise. I can accept that and still be proud of myself for accomplishing what I did through these past four years.”
Cain has played a big role on the Louisburg volleyball and basketball teams the last four years and earned her first spring letter in track. Then, she decided to make the switch from track to soccer.
That change turned out to be beneficial for Cain as she was a part of two second-place state teams in soccer to go along with two state runner-up finishes and a fourth place finish in volleyball.
“I played soccer when I was younger for LARA, but I wouldn’t consider digging in the dirt or mud with your cleats as playing soccer,” Cain said. “I didn’t have many soccer skills when I started playing my sophomore year in high school. But I enjoyed team sports and thought it would be something I would enjoy. I knew I would have to work extra hard to even get close to the level of play of some of the girls, but I liked the thought of trying something new and pushing myself to get better.”
Louisburg senior Haley Cain was one season away from accomplishing the rare feat of earning 12 varsity letters in high school.
Louisburg soccer coach Kyle Conley definitely saw improvement from Cain since her sophomore year as she was all set to play a significant role for the Wildcats in the midfield this year.
“Haley is a good athlete with a great work ethic,” Conley said. “She really didn’t know much about soccer at first, but she worked hard to learn the game and the positions. She’s a smart kid that picked up the game quickly. She was a tough kid.
“For a student athlete to be able to letter in every season and every sport they played in while in high school is pretty special. That is a credit to her work ethic and how competitive she is.”
Cain was a part of a 12-member senior class that was all set to make a run at a third straight state championship game, and they were all hoping for a shot at the program’s first state title.
“The senior class of girls this year were going to be one that everyone would remember,” Cain said. “Every single one of us seniors have always supported and encouraged each other, even when times were tough and our coaches did the same. Having 12 seniors go out for a sport shows you how Coach Conley and Coach (Michael) Pickman have developed their program, making each girl feel important and needed. It never mattered to them if you were a star player or not, they always pushed you to be the best you could be, and I think that is what matters most.”
With the difficult last two months, Cain has tried to focus on the positives and look back on the good times she had with the Wildcat soccer program.
“I was extremely excited about this soccer season, knowing that we were going to do great things on the field and all the memories we would make,” Cain said. “That loss is devastating to me, my team and the coaches. We had a great possibility of making it to the state tournament again and with the talent we had this year we may have finally brought home the championship trophy. I really wanted that chance to see where we could go this year and end my high school sports career on a high note.
“My favorite memories are the ones where I bonded with my teammates at team dinners, on the buses to and from games, and on the field; either at practice or a game. These are my favorite because in 20 years I will not remember all the game scores or stats, but I will remember the good memories I made and how I felt playing on a team with great friends and amazing coaches.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Haley on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are his responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
HC: It seems to me that what I miss the most are the things I took for granted. I miss hanging out with my friends at Sonic, cruising around town, and having sleepovers on the weekends and asking that questions of “what do we want to do now?” I also miss walking into LHS at 11:00 (I had late start) to see teachers, friends, and peers “hating” their day because they have to sit through another class or teach a class to ornery students not wanting to pay attention.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
HC: The best memory I have as an athlete is state volleyball 2017. Our slogan was “believe the hype” and I truly think we did. The feeling I had knowing that our team made it to the state tournament was one I will never forget. The state tournament was a whole other feeling, walking into the arena as a team and knowing we had a good chance of becoming state champion was amazing and I will never forget that feeling or experience.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
HC: One of my favorite activities is hiking. Hiking is something I can do to get away from the outside world. It also allows me to be able to spend quality time with my family. Spending time outside in nature is something I have always enjoyed.
LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?
HC: I will be attending Pittsburg State University and I am undecided on a major right now.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
HC: Maintaining a 3.7 GPA throughout high school is something I am proud of.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
HC: In July of 2017, my family and I hiked rim to rim of the Grand Canyon. It took four days and we had to hike in and back out with everything we would need including food, tents, sleeping pads, clothes, etc. Our packs weighed about 35 pounds each and the temperatures were unbearable. We did a lot of night/early morning hiking because of the heat, but it was an unforgettable experience.
Haley’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Jackie Robinson
Pro team: Kansas City Chiefs
College team: KU Basketball
Movie: A Star Is Born
TV Show: One Tree Hill
Song: Home by Phillip Phillips
Band/Musician: Old Dominion
Pregame meal/snack: Cup of Noodles
Class/subject: Math, maybe lunch?
Teacher and why? Kyle Conley – because he not only pushed students to be great in the class room, but he made sure every one of his athletes excelled on the field.
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Ashley Moore wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when she decided to join the Louisburg girls soccer team.
She had heard good things about the program, but Moore had never really played soccer much before high school. Still, it was a way for her to stay involved with something.
“I started playing soccer my sophomore year,” Moore said. “I just decided that I wanted to try something new and coach (Kyle) Conley had asked me to play.”
As it turned out, Moore has not regretted the decision since. Her faith in Conley and the rest of the Wildcat program allowed her to be a part of the state runner-up team in 2019.
Moore remembers the day vividly, as do many other members of the team.
The Wildcats were set to play Topeka-Hayden in the semifinals on a Friday, but torrential rains postponed it to Saturday. Louisburg went on to win the match in penalty kicks and would have to face defending state champion Bishop Miege just a couple hours later in the championship match.
“My favorite memory was state last year,” Moore said. “We all bonded so much, and even after a long day of playing two games, we never got tired of each other.”
It is that family aspect that Moore will treasure the most and it was something she was looking forward to for the 2020 season. She was one of 12 seniors on the team that was looking forward to breaking through and winning the program’s first state title.
They were already more than two weeks in, when the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like that, Moore’s senior year was ended prematurely.
Louisburg senior Ashley Moore (left) was one of 12 returning seniors for the Wildcats this season.
“We all look forward to senior year since freshman year,” Moore said. “Everything fun that goes with senior year happens during fourth quarter and it sucks that we have to miss out on it. We also don’t get any closure with the school we have known for four years, and the kids we have been with since kindergarten. Still, I think we have been handling it really well.
“I love this team and this family,” Moore said. “Going to practice every day and playing games with all my best friends was always the best time and I couldn’t wait to end it with the best season yet.”
Even though Moore had only played soccer for three years, she has grown to love her fellow senior teammates and she realizes what they have all meant to the program after the Wildcats to the state final four the last three years.
“This senior class was really going to do something so special this year,” Moore said. “Even though it was a short time, during this season we have all bonded so much and I think that is why it is so hard to be away from each other because we are family.”
Moore played in four varsity games in 2019 after spending a majority of the season on junior varsity, but Conley was anxious to see what Moore could do in her season year.
“Ashley was an athlete we recruited to give soccer a try,” Conley said. “She is a really good athlete and worked her butt off. Ashley was really fit and prepared to make an impact this season.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Ashley on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
AM: I have just been missing being with my friends every day at school and seeing all my teachers.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
AM: My most memorable moment would probably be Friday night football games with all my best friends screaming as loud as we can.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
AM: Netflix
LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?
AM: I will be attending Pittsburg State University and my major is undecided.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
AM: I am proud of getting into National Honor Society at LHS because I work very hard for my grades and that was something I really wanted.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
AM: Something people might not know about me is that I love flaming hot Cheetos.
Ashley’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Patrick Mahomes
Pro team: Kansas City Chiefs
College team: K-State
Movie: Aquamarine
TV Show: Criminal Minds
Song: More Than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen
Band/Musician: Luke Combs
Pregame meal/snack: Subway
Class/subject: Math
Teacher and why? Conley, because he always gives me food.
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Mackenzie Scholtz had a season to remember in 2019.
Scholtz was named the state’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year in Class 4-1A and she helped the Louisburg program to a state runner-up finish for the second year in a row. Still, something was missing and Scholtz had one more year to get what she really wanted – a state championship.
After the Wildcats lost to Bishop Miege in the state championship game in back-to-back years, they were hoping the third time was going to be the charm.
“I was looking forward to this season more than any other,” Scholtz said. “I was so excited to play one last time with all my best friends and I knew we would’ve had a great chance at returning to the state championship. I believed this was our year to win it all and go out with a bang.”
Scholtz was one of 12 seniors that were planning to make that goal a reality this year, along with the rest of the Wildcat team. It was a senior class that has been close even before high school and helped take the Wildcats to the state final four the last three years.
“This senior class is like no other,” Scholtz said. “On top of growing up together, we bonded over something we all love; soccer. Most of us also played soccer on the same team growing up so we have known nothing different then having each other’s backs. I love these girls so much.
“Coach Conley and Coach Pickman had such good bonds with us. It’s hard to grasp the fact that they won’t get to coach us anymore but I’m thankful for every second that they did. They really knew how to make a team become a family and how to be there for one another no matter what, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
The hopes of a magical season were unfortunately dashed to the COVID-19 pandemic and left many of the players and coaches wondering what could have been. It was a heartbreaking end to an historic career for Scholtz.
“At first finding out my senior year had essentially been canceled, I did not take it well,” Scholtz said. “I sat in my room crying non-stop just wondering why this had to happen. It has gotten better, but sometimes I think about how I won’t get to play with my teammates or go to prom or maybe even not walk the stage of graduation after working SO hard my whole life. It gets rough, but I try to stay positive and hope that all of this will be gone by summer.”
Scholtz put together an historic career that will be difficult to match, even in just her three years. Along with her player of the year honor, Scholtz was a 3-time All-Frontier League and all-state first team selection.
She holds the school record with 98 career goals and 39 assists and was named a team captain for the upcoming season. Scholtz also holds a program record for assists in a season with 18 and game-winning goals with 10.
Scholtz also holds the school record for hat tricks in a season with nine and in a career with 18, along with points in a season and career with 84 and 235, respectively.
“Mackenzie is going to go down as one of the best players, if not the best player to ever play at Louisburg High School,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “Since day one, Mackenzie could find the back of the net. Since her freshman year, she was virtually man marked all over the field or even double teamed. She excelled regardless. She has grown so much.”
Mackenzie Scholtz will leave LHS as the most decorated girls soccer player in school history.
Soccer is a sport Scholtz has played for as long as she can remember and has been a fixture in her life, but it is not something she is going to give up. She will continue playing the sport she loves in the fall at Missouri Southern.
“I have played soccer since I was 4 years old,” Scholtz said. “I started playing rec soccer through Louisburg because my older siblings did it and then I fell in love with it. I played club starting at age 7 or 8 after rec and have continued to play since then. Soccer is a huge part of my life. My weekends have always consisted of games and my weekdays filled with practices. Then in high school, my weeks became games and practice. There isn’t really a time that I’m not playing soccer. I am also playing soccer in college, so I get to continue playing for four more years.”
Still it has been tough for Scholtz to leave a team behind that she created so many memories with the last three-plus years – including one in particular.
“My favorite moment playing LHS soccer was beating Spring Hill last season at home,” she said. “They have always been a tough competitor and we had lost almost every time we had played them. It was senior night, which made it even better, and the way we celebrated you would’ve thought we won state. We were beyond proud of ourselves and just ecstatic to have beat one of the toughest teams in our league.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Mackenzie on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
MS: I miss soccer the most during this time. It was such an escape to be able to laugh and play with my team. Sure I miss school and going out and doing regular stuff that I should be doing as a senior, but soccer is the most important thing to me and I just wish I could be back out there on the field.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
MS: My most memorable moment as an athlete would be receiving the honor of being named the Kansas 4a offensive player of the year. It’s one thing being voted that by your teammates, but being named that out of all of Kansas 4a teams, was something that I was and am still so proud of. I really tried my hardest last season and it payed off.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
MS: My favorite activity outside of sports is going to country concerts. I love them so much and just like soccer, they help me escape from everything else going on around me.
LSZ: I know you are going to Missouri Southern to play soccer, but how hard has it been to stay in shape during a time like this?
MS: It has been very difficult to stay in shape during this time. I try my best to get outside and go for a run and do workouts inside every day but it gets hard trying to get up after just laying around all day and the coaches at my college have been reminding us to stay in shape and figure out our classes and things to get us ready for next year.”
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
MS: My accomplishments outside of sports that I am proud of would be my grades. I’ve always tried to keep them up and I’ve been able to maintain a good GPA throughout high school and I’m thankful for that.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
MS: Something not a lot of people know about me is that I’m musically inclined. I can play the piano pretty well and the trumpet and baritone really well
Mackenzie’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Neymar Jr.
Pro team: Paris Saint-Germain
College team: Texas Longhorns
Movie: Dear John
TV Show: All-American
Song: My First Everything by Riley Green
Band/Musician: Riley Green
Pregame meal/snack: Chicken Strip Sandwich from Sonic
Class/subject: Peer Tutoring
Teacher and why? Mr. Brown – although he always seems mad, I am always laughing when I’m around him.
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Lily McDaniel was entering her fourth year with the Louisburg girls soccer program, but it feels like it just got started.
That is because it kind of has.
McDaniel suffered season-ending injuries her freshman and sophomore seasons and never really got a chance to play with her teammates. That all changed her junior season as she helped the Wildcats on their memorable run to the state championship game, where they finished second.
That all set up another promising season for Louisburg as McDaniel was one of 12 returning seniors.
“I was really looking forward to this season especially because my freshman year I had a very bad injury and my sophomore year I repeated the same injury,” McDaniel said. “So I have really only had one full season to play. I was really looking forward to this season as my last season ever playing soccer.”
It was supposed to be one final run in a sport that she has grown up in. Instead, she saw her senior season wither away as the spread of COVID-19 cancelled spring sports and ended her senior year prematurely.
The loss of a season has been difficult to bear at times for McDaniel, but she is appreciative of the sport that has taught her a lot growing up.
“Soccer has always been the biggest part of my life,” McDaniel said. “Both my parents played soccer and all of my siblings play. I would say that we are a soccer family. I have been playing soccer since U6 and it has made me the person I am today. I am very grateful to play.”
McDaniel saw a lot of time for the Wildcats in the midfield last season and was an integral part of their state runner-up team. She finished her career with two goals and an assist.
“Lily had two major injuries her freshman and sophomore year,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “She worked extremely hard to come back and prepare for last season, but was really focused this season. Lily appeared in 16 games and the majority of them were from the 2019 season.”
Lily McDaniel was one of 12 seniors of this year’s Louisburg girls soccer team.
However, what has been even more difficult was the opportunity to be able not to play with her senior teammates – many of which have played together in one form or another since the rec level.
“This senior class is amazing,” McDaniel said. “Most of us seniors have played soccer together since U8 and we were all really looking forward to finishing our last season together. Our class would have been the second class to have played four full seasons with Coach Conley and Pickman.
“I was really excited for this season. Coming out of last year’s season with the state runner up under our belt really gave the team the energy and confidence for this season and the state championship game this year.”
McDaniel has been a part of, and seen, many memories with the Louisburg program. She has been a member of three straight state tournament teams, along with back-to-back state runner-up finishes.
Still, there are many other parts of the team she has enjoyed over the years and that is something that McDaniel can take with her as she leaves LHS.
“It would be really hard to pinpoint a favorite memory with this amazing team because everything we do is amazing and well worth the memory,” she said.
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Lily on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
LM: The one thing I miss the most is my team. Our team was a family. We were there for each other no matter what and we always had each other’s backs – that is the hardest part about the cancellation.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
LM: The most memorable moment is getting to know all of the players you play with and the coaches. You can learn a lot from the people you spend every day with.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
LM: I really love painting. I have always loved it and it helps me get my mind off of everything.
LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?
LM: I am really looking forward to going to college and getting my degree and coming into bigger and better things in my life.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
LM: I would say my love for helping others. I really got into helping out classrooms at Rockville these past two years and getting to grow with those kids really made me feel like a better person.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
LM: I am a really quick learner. I am always up for something new and really only because I can learn it a lot faster than others. Sounds weird, but I am a really quick learner.
Lily’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Carli Lloyd
Pro team: USA Women’s Soccer Team
College team: North Carolina Tar Heels women’s soccer
Movie: Forever My Girl
TV Show: Criminal Minds
Song: Cover Me Up by Morgan Wallen
Band/Musician: Morgan Wallen
Pregame meal/snack: Pickles
Class/subject: Math or science Teacher and why? All of the teachers are amazing teachers who know what they are doing, but if I had to pick one it would be Mrs. Butts just because she and I got along very well and I just love her.
LHS sports preparing to start back up in June with summer workouts
Kansas high school sports has been absent since the middle of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that all could change very soon.
During its board of directors meeting earlier this month, the Kansas State High School Activities Association made a change to its summer regulations. Starting on June 1, school employed coaches may begin summer programs as long as it is permitted by the community’s health authorities and the school district.
Coaches at Louisburg High School are making plans to move forward beginning the first of June, but they must meet some guidelines to do so.
In the first two calendar weeks in June, athletes will need to attend a conditioning session each day. Those must be completed to be able to participate in a coach’s camp or organized competition.
If an athlete is playing football, they must complete an extra five days of conditioning before being able to participate in competition.
The first two weeks of conditioning sessions will not involve weights, indoor facilities or sporting equipment to ensure safety. Masks will be optional at workouts, but six feet of distance will be in place along with no more than the 90 gathering restriction under the phase 3 guidelines put out by the state.
Then on June 15, barring no setbacks, conditioning will include indoor weight sessions and indoor facilities will be allowed. Coaches will also be able to hold camps and competition throughout the summer.
Louisburg football coach Robert Ebenstein has plotted out summer workouts for his football team beginning with three weeks of conditioning starting June 1
“I think the guidelines were set to help ensure the safety of all student athletes accords the state, along with their physical health as well as the preparation for the season,” Louisburg football coach Robert Ebenstein said. “Challenges may be there, but overall they are irrelevant as all the teams in the state have to follow the same guidelines. Our school administrators have been very supportive throughout this process.”
Along with the new changes, KSHSAA also lifted the moratorium period at the end of the summer and will allow teams to practice all the way up to the beginning of the school year. Fall sports, however, will take precedence from Aug. 1 through Aug. 15.
For some programs, the changes won’t be much different as what they have experienced in the past, other than practicing social distancing through the first two weeks of conditioning.
“We are still allowed to compete in leagues and camps after all athletes have completed 10 days of conditioning/training,” Louisburg volleyball coach Jessica Compliment said. “Our summer weights program is changing some this summer, so it gives the players a chance to acclimate back into workouts before putting a ball in their hands.
“When you really look at the schedule, we lost the first two weeks in June (in terms of volleyball skill work), but we gained the moratorium week and have full contact until August 16. The fall season starts on August 17. Normally, we can’t have contact, outside of weights and conditioning, after mid-July. This actually gives us about four weeks on the back end of summer to work with the athletes.”
Louisburg volleyball coach Jessica Compliment has her normal summer scheduled planned out despite a different start.
Still, the new-look summer won’t be without its challenges – especially in the first 10 days of the summer calendar. However, the coaches and athletes will gladly work around the new rules in order to get back together and competing again.
“I think the new guidelines will help kids get back to some normalcy as long as everything continues to get better, but the six feet of social distancing could be challenging when you are coaching a team sport,” Louisburg soccer coach Kyle Conley said. “We will find a way to overcome these challenges and help the kids develop as much as possible.”
Coaches have already altered their camp schedules for the summer, and that information, along with a list of camps, can be found here.
As for Louisburg cross country, the runners will also be going through a conditioning period like everyone else. They will meet at the football practice field at 7 a.m. for an hour every morning beginning June 1 and that will continue through the summer.
Since school has been out since the middle of March, coaches have tried to find a way to stay in touch with their players – and like with online schooling – the zoom platform has been a big help for coaches.
“Football has been doing online zoom workout together for those currently in high school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday while we have been out of school, so I have still been seeing them and they have been doing some cardio,” Ebenstein said. “We have as normal of a summer planned as possible. We will have our weights sessions, our team camp, review/skills night, and we will have our contact camp that KSHSAA is allowing.”
With everything going on around the state and the country, everything is still in limbo and dates could have to be altered once again depending on what local officials decide. Even with all that, the coaches believe there will be a fall season.
Louisburg soccer coach Kyle Conley has tried to keep many of his same events for both the boys and girls teams.
“I am confident our fall season will be played,” Conley said “It may have some things that are different, but we will play. I know that the boys are very anxious in having conversations with some of them.”
Many of the coaches and players are just ready to return to some kind of routine following the spread of COVID-19 and they hope sports can give that to them.
“As of right now, our season is scheduled, and we’ll plan accordingly if told differently,” Compliment said. “But for right now, (activities director Michael) Pickman has stressed that for most of the athletes, a return to summer weights/conditioning/activities will be their first taste of ‘normalcy.’ I’m excited to get back at it and see the athletes and students again.”
2020 Senior Spotlight: Hannah Straub
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
When the news came down that spring sports were cancelled for the 2020 season, members of the Louisburg girls soccer team were in a state of disbelief.
The Wildcats were considered to be one of the top teams in Class 4-1A again after making the state championship game in back-to-back seasons. Louisburg also had a roster of 12 seniors who had no idea they had played their final game.
However, for senior Hannah Straub, she had no idea that her final game would be played her sophomore year. Straub spent all of last season recovering from an ACL tear and she had been looking forward to this final year of soccer.
“I was extremely excited to be able to play this year, especially since I sat out last year,” Straub said. “Getting a chance to go to state again and play with my family would have been the perfect end to my senior year.”
That perfect scenario isn’t a reality anymore as Straub and the rest of her teammates are left to wonder what could have been. The current reality has been difficult to take at times.
“In the beginning I was extremely upset about the cancelation of senior year and soccer, but I’ve been trying to make the best out of a bad situation,” Straub said. “I feel like the realization that it’s all actually over keeps coming in as I realize what we’re missing out on. I’m in denial that it was all taken away so quickly.”
Straub was a key defender on the Wildcats’ first two state final four teams, and as a sophomore, helped to Louisburg to a second-place state finish. She was all set to return to that role again this year after starting all 42 games she played in her first two years.
“Hannah was a great player for us,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “She would have been a player who would have played every minute of every game if she was healthy. Hannah tore her ACL towards the end of her sophomore year, but still completed that season. Before that injury, Hannah really excelled for us.”
Not being able to play in her final season has hurt her, but for Straub, she will also miss the team comradery with her fellow seniors and being able to be with her coaches.
“The soccer senior class is extremely special because we have gone to state every year that we have been on the team,” Straub said. “This group is always willing to give their all and make any sacrifice needed for the good of the team. The coaches have always pushed us to be our best and work our hardest no matter the outcome. They find a positive with every experience and always support us.”
Senior Hannah Straub missed her junior season with an ACL injury, but was ready to rake the field one last time with her team.
Soccer has been a fixture in Straub’s life ever since she was in elementary school and has never given up on it. However, playing the sport almost did happen.
“I have been playing soccer since I was in second grade and I honestly signed up just because one of my friends played,” she said. “I started playing competitively in fourth grade and since then it has been a major part of my life. I’m always playing year round.”
Even though Straub won’t get the opportunity to close out the sports she loves the right way, she still has plenty of good memories with a Louisburg program that accomplished a lot in the last three years.
“My favorite memory of LHS soccer would just be seeing the progress we made each year and how much closer we all really became,” Straub said. “I think it really showed on the field.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Hannah on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
HS: I miss how close everyone gets during the season. Throughout the year we really do become a family and we can rely on each other for anything and I’m going miss that.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
HS: The most memorable moment I had as an athlete for the school was being a starting player on varsity as a freshman. Making an impact on the team in such a way was a rare privilege most wouldn’t get as a freshman going to any other school.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
HS: During the school year I don’t typically have any hobbies really since I’m so busy and would much rather relax. I do enjoy reading, which is a hobby I’ve been able to take up again with this time off.
LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?
HS: After I graduate I plan to attend KU and major in accounting and pursue that career.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
HS: My proudest accomplishment other than athletics would probably be my grades and being able to keep them up while being busy.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
HS: A lot of people don’t know that I am the hair stylist of the team and I do almost everyone’s hair before every game.
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Morgan Messer didn’t make the move to Louisburg till the fifth grade, but little did she know, she was going to be a part of something special.
Messer and her parents, along with several other families in Louisburg, banded together to help raise money to start the girls soccer program at the high school. Many of those players and their families were a part of the 12-member senior class this spring season that helped the Wildcats to three straight state final appearances and two back-to-back state runner-up finishes.
Over the past seven years, Messer still remembers the time where it all began for her in Louisburg.
“This senior class is really special,” Messer said. “These are some of the girls that started up the program and made everything happen. I am truly grateful to have been one of those families that started it all. I moved here in the fifth grade and I was still playing soccer up in Overland Park. One evening my sister had a practice at Broadmoor, and as I was walking in with my mom and sister, I had some of my friends playing soccer against a brick wall. I asked if I could join them and so I did. I quit my club team up in the city and joined what was called the Miami County Legends.
“This senior class has been together for so long and we have played ever since we were little and I think it is amazing that none of us have ever stopped loving the game. We have stuck with each other through thick and thin.”
That has included dealing with a canceled spring season that was supposed to bring many more memories to a senior class that has helped the program reach new heights in just a short amount of time.
Louisburg was considered one of the favorites to reach the state final four once again and were poised to try for its first state championship.
“I was really looking forward to this season,” Messer said. “It is the season with so many lasts and it just amazes me still that we are not having it. I have been waiting for this year for so long and we had a really good team this year and the chemistry on the team, I think personally, was already outstanding. I really believed this year was the year we would go back to that state championship game and potentially beat Miege.”
It is the lack of closure that hurts Messer and the rest of the Wildcat team. Along with their lost season, the Louisburg seniors also lost the rest of their final year of high school and everything that goes along with it.
“I have been really upset, frustrated, and confused,” she said. “Senior year is like no other time of your life. You have your prank day, skip day, prom, graduation, last sports season, or even just hanging out in the halls. I never would have thought that any of this would get cancelled. I thought I would be going to FBLA state a week or so after getting back from spring break, but that got cancelled. I never would have thought Friday, March 13 was my last day with my full team and playing with them. I never would have thought March 12 was my last day in the hall or in the classroom with my teachers and classmates.
“I truly wish it did not have to end like this at all because this is some of the the worst pain anybody could go through in my opinion, especially if you have a spring sport and love that sport dearly. I wish it did not have to end so abruptly, but it does and we cannot change that. Yes, I have been quite upset and have many other emotions, but we have to find ourselves and come to a realization that our administration and staff members will do the best they can to make any of this up to us that we have lost and they are greatly appreciated during these times.”
Senior Morgan Messer finished her Wildcat career with nine goals and five assists.
Messer was a forward on the Wildcat team a year ago and was set to play the same position this season as she has played a vital role on the Louisburg team the last couple of years. In her career, Messer played in 53 games and finished up with nine goals and five assists.
“Morgan was always a happy go lucky kid,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “She is a young lady who played in a variety of positions for us. Last year, we finally decided she would play forward for us. She had to learn the position, but did just that. She always had an open mind about playing a new position.”
Soccer has played a big role in Messer’s life as she has competed in it since she was 5-years-old and is now preparing for a life of collegiate soccer at Highland Community College. The sport has given her things that are irreplaceable.
“Soccer has always been my sport since I was little,” Messer said. “I fell in love when I was younger and the love for it has grown and grown. I honestly do not even know how or why I fell in love with the game. I told my parents I wanted to try a bunch of different sports out and when I played soccer it just stuck with me until now, 13 years later. I would say it is a big part of my life and I obviously did not want to stop playing, because I am now going to be playing in college.”
Even as she prepares for life in college, Messer can’t help but look back at the all memories she had with the Wildcat program.
“Well I have a lot of great memories, but the LHS girls soccer team is truly one of the best environments that you probably could ever be placed in,” she said. “My favorite moment for me personally was when I was a freshman on the team and we were on the road headed towards a team in the KCMO area and Conley put me in. I was so nervous, but I received a through ball and I had dribbled all the way to the endline in line with the goal and I went to go shoot it and I scored. At that moment, I was so happy it was my first ever varsity goal.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Morgan on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
MM: I have been missing soccer the most. I have been so hyped up about this season for so long and just getting that taken is heartbreaking.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
MM: Honestly, I cannot choose a favorite at all because the amount of stuff I have done as a student is so much and everything was just amazing.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
MM: Probably FBLA. I have worked really close with Mrs. Lane this past year and being in FBLA is an amazing opportunity to have not only for the great people involved but for really preparing ourselves for what is yet to come in the future for us in the real world. It is an amazing thing to have to practice new things and even conquer some fears you may have had before such as public speaking or presenting.
LSZ: I know you are going to Highland next year, but how have you been trying to stay in shape for soccer during a time like this and how tough is it to be able to work on soccer skills during this time?
MM: So, it actually has not been too hard for me personally. I work out once a day, every day whether that be in my house or outside in my yard. It really is not as tough as I thought it would be to work on soccer skills during this time of quarantine.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
MM: Some big accomplishments I have received are being a photo editor of the yearbook my junior year and the commander in chief this year. I also was the reporter for FBLA as well as the conference coordinator.
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
MM: That I was born in Indiana.
Morgan’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Mia Hamm
Pro team: Kansas City Chiefs
College team: K-State
Movie: A Star is Born
TV Show: The Flash
Song: Damn Good Goodbye – Mike Ryan
Band/Musician: Kenny Chesney
Pregame meal/snack: Bang (energy drink)
Class/subject: History
Teacher and why: Mrs. Lane because she has helped me so much with everything and I can always count on her to be there when I need her.
Louisburg Sports Zone will be running senior spotlights through April and May everyday (Monday through Friday) in an effort to honor seniors who had their seasons taken away due to the spread of COVID-19.
Olivia Chase had never really given soccer a second thought.
Chase, who hadn’t played soccer before high school, was approached by LHS assistant coach Michael Pickman during summer weights. He asked her to give the sport a try and thought she would make a good addition to the team.
More than two years later, Chase has a second place state medal to show for it and many memories that she will take with her for the rest of her life.
“I am very grateful that he pushed me to do so, because soccer was a huge part of my high school career,” Chase said. “I gained self-confidence by trying something completely new and working to get better at the game.”
Chase, who played mainly junior varsity last season, got the opportunity to suit up on the varsity squad for their state tournament run a season ago and saw some playing time in the state quarterfinals and state championship game.
“Olivia was very new to soccer,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “She is an incredibly smart young lady who always had a fantastic attitude and worked as hard as she could each and every day. Olivia was working hard to learn the game as much as she could to be prepared.”
The senior midfielder/defender was looking forward to her final season with the Wildcats and had every intention of helping Louisburg to reach its ultimate goal – a state championship.
“Soccer season was something I had been looking forward to since the start of senior year,” Chase said. “I was really excited for all the fun times and memories to be made with such a great group of people. It was going to be especially memorable to be seniors with 11 other girls, as we have formed a strong bond over the years and work great together on the field. Our ultimate goal was to go to state again, and I truly believe we would have made it happen.”
Chase was a part of a big senior class, many of whom played big roles in the Wildcats’ three straight final four appearances and back-to-back state runner-up finishes. It was a group of teammates that helped her along in a game she hardly knew.
“The senior class in the girls’ soccer program is very special,” Chase said. “I started playing my sophomore year, and had never played soccer before. One thing I can say is that the girls in my class always helped me out and taught me so much about the game when I was new to it all. The group of seniors on the team really looked out for each other on and off the field.”
That closeness became even more important more than a month ago when Chase and her teammates found out their season was cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19. They were able to help each other deal with a big loss to what was supposed to be a special season.
“Dealing with the cancellation of senior year has been difficult,” Chase said. “It has definitely been emotional, but the team has been able to pick each other up. We had just gotten started with our soccer season and I could tell it would have been one of the best yet. It is disappointing to have such meaningful times be taken away but I know that our health and safety is the most important.”
Olivia Chase was one of 12 Louisburg seniors this year and was a three-year member of the Wildcat program.
Although she is left to wonder what this season could have been, Chase is thankful for her time with Wildcat program.
“There have been so many great moments and memories playing on the LHS soccer team, but one of my favorites was when we went to state during my junior year,” she said. “We worked so hard to be at state, and even though we got second we were still proud of ourselves and our program.”
Other than soccer, Louisburg Sports Zone also had a chance to catch up with Olivia on how she has been coping with an early end to her senior year and some of her other interests. Here are her responses from the rest of our Q&A.
LSZ: What have you been missing the most during this time away from everyone?
OC: I miss my friends and going to soccer practices the most during this time away from everyone. I even miss running sprints (haha). I miss game days and team dinners and being able to laugh and make jokes with everyone.
LSZ: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete or in school, and why?
OC: My most memorable moment as an athlete was getting a medal at state because that was the first time I experienced something like that.
LSZ: What is your favorite activity/hobby outside of sports and why?
OC: My favorite activity/hobby outside of sports is spending time with friends and family because it helps me relax and have fun
LSZ: What are your plans for after graduation?
OC: After graduation, I will be attending Pittsburg State University and intend on majoring in the Nursing program.
LSZ: What accomplishments that don’t involve athletics are you most proud of and why?
OC: An accomplishment outside of sports that I am proud of is my grades. It might sound simple but I have put a lot of effort into my grades and it has paid off in the end!
LSZ: What do you think would be something that a lot of people don’t know about you?
OC: Something that people may not know about me is that I love dogs and I want to have a golden doodle when I am older.
Olivia’s Favorites
Pro athlete: Alex Morgan
Pro team: Kansas City Chiefs
College team: Pitt State
Movie: The Help
TV Show: Friday Night Lights
Song: Independent Woman by Destiny’s Child
Band/Musician: Luke Combs
Pregame meal/snack: Sliced apple with peanut butter
Class/subject: Biology or Psychology
Teacher and why: Mrs. Quinn, because I learned the most in her class and she works hard.
