After a year away, Louisburg girls soccer ready to get back on the pitch

Louisburg junior Reese Johnson is one of three returning starters from the Wildcats’ 2019 state runner-up team as they get back on the field for the first time in almost two years.

The last time the Louisburg girls soccer team was on the pitch, the Wildcats walked off with its second consecutive state runner-up finish.

That, unfortunately, was almost two years ago.

The Wildcat soccer team, along with every other spring program, is back at it after having its season cancelled last year due to the spread of COVID-19.

Last year was supposed to feature a team of 12 seniors that were trying to make their third straight state championship game. They never got that chance, and this year’s team will look different.

Also, thanks to the success of the girls basketball team that finished third at state, head coach Kyle Conley didn’t have his full regiment of players until yesterday’s practice.

Louisburg opens its season at 5 p.m. today when it hosts Lansing.

“If last season taught us anything, it’s never to take anything for granted,” Conley said. “These girls are working incredibly hard and are focusing on maintaining the standard that the previous teams set. This team isn’t last year’s team, but they are going to leave their own legacy. The girls have done a nice job preparing and focusing on this team.

“This is a group of girls who are there for each other and play hard. With the crazy spring, spring break and girls basketball success, Monday was the first time I had my entire team at the field together. We have done the best we could to prepare for the season. This team is going to grow a lot throughout the season and it is going to be fun to watch.”

The Wildcats return six seniors on this year’s team – seniors that haven’t played in a Louisburg uniform since they were sophomores. It is just one of the many things they have tried to work through.

“We did graduate 12 seniors in a season that never was last year,” Conley said. “It was an incredibly gifted group of players that we are looking to replace. This group of young ladies are ready for the challenge, though. They have worked really hard and are a really young team with the majority of the players being sophomores and freshmen.

“This will be a year where more than half our team never completed a high school season. We will have some growing pains, but this a smart and athletic group that will grow each and everyday.”

***Louisburg senior Madi Quinn will be one of the leaders for the Wildcat defense this year.***

Three Wildcats return from the state runner-up squad and will help guide the young team this season and it starts in the midfield.

Senior Olivia Barber and junior Reese Johnson will lead the Louisburg attack in the middle, while senior Madi Quinn will be one of the leaders in the back on defense.

Sophomores Bree Gassman and Adyson Ross will start also start in the midfield for Louisburg, and the Wildcats will look to a pair of freshmen up top in Lola Edwards and Alexis Hampton at the forward position.

Defensively, along with Quinn, will feature a back line of senior Melissa Meigs, junior Ruth Minster and freshman Hailey Sword.

Junior Sierra Hahn will be the team’s starting goalkeeper after backing up Carson Buffington on the 2019 squad.

Even though they are young, Conley hopes his older players like Quinn, Barber and Minster, who were named team captains, can help guide the team through rough times.

“I think this team is going to be very dynamic,” Conley said. “We are going to put up some goals and defend well. This group is determined with their play to be successful. They are pushing themselves for the greater good of the team.

***Junior Ruth Minster was named as one of three team captains, along with seniors Madi Quinn and Olivia Barber.***

“Our team is very even in regards to breaking down of classes on the varsity squad. This group is a good group of kids that are focused to get better. We also have solid leadership and that helps so much when they are willing to help teach, guide and lead.”

The Wildcats will also have a deep bench as senior Emma Christy, sophomore Nova Ptacek, freshman Bronwynn Williams and juniors Catie Lemke and Sammy McDaniel will all play in the midfield.

Seniors Kennady Wilkerson, Liz Guzman, along with junior Bailey Hallas and sophomore Brianne Kuhlman will serve as back up defenders, while sophomore Tehya Harvey could see some time up top.

The team, which has been practicing since early this month, is ready to break out and see what it can do, and that starts today against Lansing.

“As a coach I love preseason, but it drags on,” Conley said. “It’s fun to line up against another team and just compete. We finally get to do that against Lansing. As a coach, you are always interested to see how your team measures up to other teams. The girls are excited and ready.”

Conley named Girls Midwest Coach of the Year

The Louisburg girls soccer team had prepared for 2020 to be its year.

Instead, COVID-19 had something to say about that as spring sports were cancelled in Kansas and across the country. The Wildcats were one of the favorites in Class 4-1A to possibly win a state crown.

Despite the lost season, the United Soccer Coaches wanted to recognize coaches for their past accomplishments and for what this past spring was supposed to hold.

Atop that list was Louisburg girls head coach, Kyle Conley.

Last week, Conley was named as the Small School Midwest Coach of the Year. This came just three weeks after Conley was named the Class 4-1A Boys Coach of the Year by the Kansas Soccer Coaches Association.

“I am absolutely honored to receive this award,” Conley said. “There are so many great coaches in the Midwest, but to me this is a program award. None of this is possible without everyone involved; girls coming to work their tails off everyday, parents traveling and supporting us anywhere and everywhere, community helping with supporting the program, the school supporting the girls, etc. “Without the support and buy in from the girls, parents and community none of this is possible.”

The Wildcat girls program has had a successful start in its four years. Conley has a 54-22-2 record during that span, that included two state runner-ups and another state final four appearance.

Still, Conley would throw all the awards away to put his 2020 girls back on the field again.

“It has been and incredible first four years and I would give anything to give that 2020 team a chance to play and try to reach their goals,” Conley said. “It was a special group.

“The first four years of our program were absolutely incredible and 54-22-2 in our first four years is unbelievable. We have had countless all league, all state and player of the years. The amount of buy in and dedication to all involved is fantastic.”

Haight, Scholtz named to All-American team

Their high school soccer careers may be behind them now, but Ryan Haight and Mackenzie Scholtz got one final honor before they officially become college students.

Late last month, both Haight and Scholtz were named to the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American teams for their performance on the field and in the classroom. A total of 121 players received High School Scholar All-America recognition, including 52 boys and 69 girls athletes across the country.

“It’s absolutely incredible to have two student athletes recognized for this tremendous honor,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “This is a credit to these two young adults’ work ethic in the classroom and on the field. Both have excelled on the field for their respective teams and also got it done on the field.”

Haight, who finished high school with a 4.0 GPA, was a key contributor on the Wildcat boys team that won 16 games and a Frontier League title last season.

He was second team All-Frontier League in 2017 and 2019 and was first team All-Frontier League in 2018. Haight was second team 4A-1A all-state in 2018 and first team 4A-1A all-state in 2019 and was named the Class 4A-1A Defensive Player of the Year.

In all, Haight had 43 starts in 46 appearances on defense. He also totaled nine goals and four assists in his career as well.

As for Scholtz, she holds nearly every offensive record for the Wildcats. She has the school record for goals in a season (39), goals in a career (98), assists in a season (18) and in a career (39), points in a season (84) and in a career (235), game winning goals in a season (10), hat tricks in a season (9) and in a career (18).

Scholtz was also a 3-time first team All-Frontier League selection, 3-time 4A-1A first team all-state honoree and 2019 4A-1A Co-Offensive Player of the Year. She also did work in the classroom as she finished up high school with a 3.76 GPA.

To be eligible for All-America consideration, players first must be selected by their respective state through a recognized coaches’ selection program. Each state is awarded a specific number of slots on the All-America team based on the number of high school coaches that are current United Soccer Coaches members.

2020 Athlete of the Year Nominees

For the past four 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 third straight 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.”

Obviously, 2020 has not been the typical year when the spring was cancelled due to COVID-19. However, I still want to make sure those athletes that were set to make an impact in the spring were recognized as well.

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 voted for their top male and female athletes and then I tabulated the results. I will release the results in the coming days.

Below are the nominees for this year’s award in alphabetical order by last name. Congrats to all those who were nominated and best of luck!

Female Athlete of the Year Nominees

Haley Cain – Senior – Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer

Haley was a three-sport athlete during her time at Louisburg High School and recorded the rare feat of earning 12 varsity letters.

In the fall, she helped the Louisburg volleyball team to its third consecutive state tournament and was selected to represent Kansas in the Greater Kansas City All-Star Match. She was also named to the All-Frontier League second team as a middle hitter.

Cain was also a two-time team captain for the Louisburg girls basketball team and was a key player for the Lady Cats this past season. She was also set to be a big contributor for the Wildcat soccer team in the spring as well.

Trinity Moore – Senior – Cross Country, Soccer

Trinity made cross country history for the Wildcats this past season as she medaled third at state and broke her own school record in the process. The Louisburg senior also medaled at state all four years.

Moore was also a returning starter for the Wildcat soccer team and was a key factor in helping the Wildcats to three consecutive state final fours and two state runner-up finishes.

She started 43 games for the Wildcats and concluded her career with 18 goals and eight assists. She is fifth in school history with 44 points.

Erin Lemke – Senior – Volleyball, Soccer

Erin was another multi-sport athlete for Louisburg as she was a member of the volleyball and soccer teams. Lemke was an outside hitter for the Lady Cat volleyball team and was selected to represent Kansas in the Greater Kansas City All-Star Match.

On the soccer team, Lemke was a two-time team captain for the Wildcats and was a returning all-league and all-state player. She was also one of the team’s top goal scorers.

Lemke had a very productive career for the Wildcats as she started 48 of her 59 games and earned all-league and all-state honors as a sophomore and a junior.

She finished her career with 29 goals and 27 assists and Lemke has the second-best assist mark for a season in program history with 17 and is third in career assists. She also added seven game-winning goals.

Reilly Ratliff-Becher – Senior – Volleyball, Powerlifting, Softball

Reilly was a multi-sport athlete for Louisburg High School as she competed in volleyball, power-lifiting and softball. She was an honorable mention all-league selection in volleyball as she served as the Lady Cat libero.

Ratliff-Becher was a big part of the Lady Cats’ state tournament runs the last three years. She was also selected to participate in the Greater Kansas City All-Star game last November.

As a powerlifter, Reilly recorded her second-straight state championship and took first in each of the three individual events.

Ratliff-Becher was also a returning starter on the Lady Cat softball team after she helped Louisburg to a state tournament appearance a year ago as a catcher and outfielder.

Male Athlete of the Year Nominees

Garrett Rolofson – Senior – Soccer, Basketball, Golf

Garrett is a three-sport athlete for Louisburg as he was a member of the soccer, basketball and golf teams. In soccer, Rolofson served as the Wildcats’ goalkeeper and helped Louisburg to a regional title and a school record 16 wins.

Rolofson was named to the All-Frontier League first team and to the all-state second team. He posted eight shutouts on the season and allowed only 17 goals, four of which came from penalty shots. He also finished with 78 saves on the season and allowed the second fewest goals in Class 4-1A.

In basketball, Rolofson was a starter on the Wildcat basketball team and this spring he was all set to help the Wildcat golf team to their second consecutive state tournament appearance. He was the team’s No. 3 golfer a year ago.

Madden Rutherford – Senior – Football, Baseball

Madden was a multi-sport athlete for Louisburg as he was a key member of the Wildcat football and baseball teams.

Rutherford, who was a team captain on the football team, was selected as a first team All-Frontier League quarterback. Rutherford finished the year with 671 yards passing with eight touchdowns and he also added 245 yards on the ground and four more scores.

On the baseball team, Rutherford was also a returning all-league player and was slated to be the Wildcats’ No. 1 starter this spring.

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).

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.

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 12^th 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.

Previous Senior Spotlights

Drake Varns – Golf

Trinity Moore – Soccer

Andrew Krause – Baseball

Kayla Willey – Softball

Anthony Davis – Track and Field

Garrett Rolofson – Golf

Shayla Aye – Swimming

Allie Boles – Softball

Michael Waldron – Track and Field

Avery O’Meara – Soccer

Ryan Haight – Golf

Andie Masten – Soccer

Lauren Cutshaw – Softball

Trent Martin – Track and Field

Erin Lemke – Soccer

Luke Wickersham – Golf

Skylar Bowman – Soccer

Gabby Dugger – Softball

Sydni Keagle – Track

Olivia Chase – Soccer

Colin Cook – Golf

Morgan Messer – Soccer

August Daniels – Softball

Carter Anglin – Track and Field

Hannah Straub – Soccer

Reilly Ratliff-Becher – Softball

Madden Rutherford – Baseball

Lily McDaniel – Soccer

Garrett Harding – Track

Mackenzie Scholtz – Soccer

Calvin Dillon – Golf

Kat Coolidge – Softball

Charlie Koontz – Track

Ashley Moore – Soccer

Carlee Gassman – Track

Purno Sangma – Track

2020 Senior Spotlight: Ashley Moore

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.

Previous Senior Spotlights

Drake Varns – Golf

Trinity Moore – Soccer

Andrew Krause – Baseball

Kayla Willey – Softball

Anthony Davis – Track and Field

Garrett Rolofson – Golf

Shayla Aye – Swimming

Allie Boles – Softball

Michael Waldron – Track and Field

Avery O’Meara – Soccer

Ryan Haight – Golf

Andie Masten – Soccer

Lauren Cutshaw – Softball

Trent Martin – Track and Field

Erin Lemke – Soccer

Luke Wickersham – Golf

Skylar Bowman – Soccer

Gabby Dugger – Softball

Sydni Keagle – Track

Olivia Chase – Soccer

Colin Cook – Golf

Morgan Messer – Soccer

August Daniels – Softball

Carter Anglin – Track and Field

Hannah Straub – Soccer

Reilly Ratliff-Becher – Softball

Madden Rutherford – Baseball

Lily McDaniel – Soccer

Garrett Harding – Track

Mackenzie Scholtz – Soccer

Calvin Dillon – Golf

Kat Coolidge – Softball

Charlie Koontz – Track

2020 Senior Spotlight: Mackenzie Scholtz

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