Louisburg senior Reese Johnson scored a pair of goals and led the Wildcats to a 4-0 win over Tonganoxie on Thursday.

TONGANOXIE — Louisburg coach Kyle Conley doesn’t believe his Wildcat girls soccer team has played perfect at times this season, but the results say it has.

Tonganoxie was the latest Wildcat victim as Louisburg went on the road Thursday and blanked the Chieftains, 4-0, to record their fourth straight shutout to start the season.

It wasn’t easy, however, as Tonganoxie kept several players back in front of the goal to slow the Wildcat attack. Louisburg led just 1-0 at halftime.

“Tonganoxie showed us some things that we have not seen so far this season,” Conley said. “They played with 11 players behind the ball and made it difficult to break down. We did have 47 shots, but were only able to find the net four times. It was really good for us to see a game like that and for us to use it to get better. We are still pretty young so we need to always keep learning. We played really hard and moved the ball well, just struggled to finish on in the final third.”

The Wildcats (4-0) did keep the Tonganoxie defense busy with those 47 shots, but Louisburg was able to find some balance with three different goal scorers.

Senior midfielder Reese Johnson scored a pair of goals, including one with 10 minutes remaining in the first half to give the Wildcats their 1-0 lead.

Louisburg came out more focused in the second half and Johnson picked up right where she left off with another goal early in the second half to double the Wildcats’ lead.

Sophomore Lexi Hampton found the back of the net minutes later after she scored off a corner kick from teammate Lola Edwards. Senior Catie Lemke capped the scoring with a goal of her own to all but seal the win for Louisburg.

Freshman Rowan Yows led the Wildcats with five shots on goal to go along with an assist, while Edwards finished with four shots on target.

Senior goalie Sierra Hahn earned the clean sheet as her defense did the job by not allowing a shot on goal. Louisburg controlled possession the entire match.

Louisburg is back in action tonight as the Wildcats travel to Topeka West as they try for their fifth straight win. Then on Thursday, Louisburg will host one of the top teams in Class 5A, Spring Hill.

“As frustration sent in or could set it, the girls stayed positive and kept attacking,” Conley said. “We had so many chances. We absolutely dominated the game. Our team is still growing and learning and we have a tough test this Thursday against one of the best teams in 5A if not the best team, Spring Hill. We will working on cleaning up our defensive marking and our pressure cover throughout practice. The goal is to keep progressing and improving.”

Sophomore midfielder Lola Edwards sends the ball toward the goal at home Tuesday against Wyandotte. Edwards led the Wildcats with two assists.

It has been a good start to the season for the Louisburg girls soccer team and that continued Tuesday when the Wildcats hosted Wyandotte.

Six different players scored for Louisburg as the Wildcats cruised to an 8-0 victory over the Bulldogs at the Wildcat Soccer Complex. It marked the third consecutive win for Louisburg to start the season.

Although the Wildcats won going away, there is still a lot of things Louisburg coach Kyle Conley would like to see his team clean up.

“The first half was kind of bad,” Conley said. “We played down to our opponent and we didn’t pass and move. We didn’t do a good job of finding feet and we were just pressing. We took advantage of some situations, but we just didn’t play our game.

“The second half was a little cleaner after the first couple of minutes. We did a good job of attacking and we just really broke them down in a game of attrition. We played well after a while, but a 20 mile-per-hour wind makes it tough too.”

Scoring came from all different areas for the Wildcats, as they spread the opportunities around.

Sophomore Lexi Hampton and freshman Rowan Yows each finished with a pair of goals from their forward spots. Hampton’s two goals now puts her at 10 on the season through three games.

Freshman Jaden Bentz finished with a goal, while seniors Reese Johnson and Catie Lemke both tallied a goal and an assist. It was also Lemke’s first goal on the season.

Another freshman, Shylar Whiting, scored her first varsity goal late in the contest to help seal the win for Louisburg.

Sophomore midfielder Lola Edwards finished with a team-high two assists for the Wildcats.

“I think in the first half we left six or seven goals on the table that were misses on breakaways or just right to the keeper,” Conley said. “The second half we were able to get some kids get their first look and had some get different opportunities. It was good to see them find the back of the net and it shows their hard work is paying off.”

Defensively, the Wildcats weren’t tested much as goalies Sierra Hahn and Macy Lemke combined to earn the clean sheet.

So far this season, Louisburg has outscored its opponents, 23-0, through three matches, but will have a more difficult test today as it travels to Tonganoxie for its first Frontier League matchup.

“It is good and bad,” Conley said of the dominant start. “We are working on things and it gives us a chance to develop a little bit, but at the same time I think we need to be tested a little more. Tonganoxie will be a good test for us and we just have to be ready to go.”

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

LEXI HAMPTON, SOPHOMORE, GIRLS SOCCER

Louisburg sophomore Lexi Hampton opened the 2022 soccer season with some memorable performances in her first two games. On Friday against Atchison, Hampton scored a team-high five goals, and added an assist, in the Wildcats’ 10-0 victory and earned her second hat trick on the season.

Her first hat trick came a few days earlier as she finished with three goals in a 5-0 victory over Lansing on Mar. 22 in Louisburg’s season opener. Hampton led the Wildcats in goals scored last year as a freshman and is off to a good start this season.

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

Louisburg sophomore Lexi Hampton scored five goals in Friday’s home contest against Atchison. The Wildcats won the match, 10-0.

For being a young group, the Louisburg girls soccer team is proving that age is nothing but a number.

It continued to prove that Friday as the Wildcats hosted Atchison in their second match of the season. In a team filled with underclassmen, Louisburg took care of business and rolled Atchison, 10-0.

One of those young players gave the Wildcats a big boost as sophomore Lexi Hampton scored five goals and had an assist to help give Louisburg its big start. In her first two games to start the season, the Louisburg forward has scored eight goals.

“Lexi has done a really nice job,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “She is playing simple, which is allowing her to play faster and then get better opportunities to finish the chances she is getting. Her teammates are doing a really nice job of finding her after they beat their opponent. Lexi is doing well getting herself open as her teammate is attacking. Also, she is doing a really nice job of finishing her opportunities.”

Hampton scored four of those goals in the first half and the Wildcats got another from freshman forward Rowan Yows, who scored her first varsity goal, to give Louisburg a 5-0 halftime advantage.

Another Wildcat scored her first varsity goal as freshman Jaden Bentz found the back of the net early in the second half. Senior Reese Johnson, who also finished the game with two assists, scored a few minutes later to make it 7-0.

After another Hampton goal, juniors Tehya Harvey and Bree Gassman found the back of the net to finish the 10-goal victory. Yows finished the game with two assists, while Gassman and Riley May each added one a piece.

“I thought we started out a little slow, but we progressed very quickly,” Conley said. “The girls created a massive amount of chances. Honestly, I felt our execution was not the greatest in the first half. We have a lot of opportunities that we did not finish. I thought with the amount of players that were missing we did a nice job of stepping up. I did really like how hard our girls played and the energy that they brought.”

Through two games, the Wildcat defense has yet to allow a goal thanks to the defensive backfield of seniors Ruth Minster, Sammy McDaniel, junior Brianne Kuhlman, sophomore Hailey Sword and freshman Evyn Richardson, along with goalies Sierra Hahn and Macy Lemke.

“Our defense is doing ok,” Conley said. “To be fair we have not been really tested as of yet, but I really like their willingness to learn and improve each and every training session. We will have a lot of pressure on them in games ahead and will need to make sure we are prepared for those teams.”

Louisburg will try for its third straight win at 6 p.m. tonight when it hosts Wyandotte.

Louisburg sophomore Lexi Hampton (8) and the Wildcats were all smiles Tuesday as they shutout Lansing, 5-0, to win their season opener. Hampton finished the game with a team-high three goals.

As much as the cold and rain dampened its season opener, the Louisburg girls soccer team made the most of a bad situation.

The Wildcats got their season started off right with a 5-0 shutout of Lansing on Tuesday at Wildcat Stadium – a game that had to be moved to Louisburg from Lansing due to field conditions.

“It was good to finally get a game in,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “The girls were ready to play. I think we came out a little too amped up. We were not playing our game and struggled to play simple. We were trying to do too much and made things harder on ourselves. The second half we settled in and played really well. We controlled the pace of the game and we were really aggressive.”

Sophomore forward Lexi Hampton was a spark in the first half as she recorded a hat trick in the first 40 minutes to help give the Wildcats a 3-0 halftime lead.

Louisburg (1-0) dominated possession and outshout Lansing 27-5 and 14 of those shots were on target. Hampton finished the game with six shots on goal.

Sophomore Lola Edwards, senior Reese Johnson and freshman Rowan Yows were also active on the attack. Edwards took six shots and Yows had five.

Johnson facilitated the offense for the Wildcats as she had a team-high two assists, one goal and had two shots on target.

Despite the weather, Conley liked what he saw from his time for the first time out.

“The conditions were brutal, but the girls were prepared for it,” Conley said. “We have been practicing outside everyday. The girls were mentally sharp, and did a nice job focusing on the task at hand. I feel this group is pretty mentally tough.”

Johnson opened the second half with goal and sophomore Hailey Sword sealed the win with a goal just a few moments later. Yows also earned an assist during the game.

Goalies Sierra Hahn and Macy Lemke each played a half to record the clean sheet.

“Our team progressed a lot throughout the game,” Conley said. “There is only so much we can get done in limited practice time, but the girls grew and progressed well though out the game. I loved our willingness to learn. They are a great group of young ladies and I thought we did well against a much improved Lansing squad.”

Louisburg will try for back-to-back wins Friday when it travels to Atchison. Varsity will begin at 4:30 p.m. and junior varsity will follow.

Louisburg is hoping for plenty more celebrations like this one as the Wildcats will try for their fifth straight state final four appearance.

It was another season and another state tournament appearance for the Louisburg girls soccer team last year.

The Wildcats, a team-filled with underclassmen, finished fourth at state after qualifying for the fourth consecutive season. 

As fun as last year’s run was for the Wildcats, they are ready to make it even better as many of those same underclassmen return for another shot at a state title this season.

“Last year was a special group, especially replacing so much from 2020,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “This year we have to replace some quality players from the 2020 team, but the core is back. I’m excited to see what this group can do. The majority of our team is young, but this is a dynamic group.”

Louisburg finished last season with a 12-8-1 record, including a pair of 2-1 loss to Mulvane in the state semifinals and McPherson in the third place match.

The Wildcats have set higher goals for themselves, including competing for a Frontier League title, win their fifth straight regional crown and return to the state final four.

The players have a good chance to do that as they return nine players that found themselves in the starting lineup at one point or another in 2021.

“There will be a lot of freshmen and sophomores starting, but we have some solid juniors and seniors starting,” Conley said. “Experience will be our biggest challenge, but we will do the best we can to put them in various situations at practice to learn as much as we can and as fast as we can.”

Louisburg returns a lot of experience on the attacking side of the ball and are led by senior midfielder Reese Johnson, who was a second team all-league player a year ago. She finished the year with nine assists and seven goals.

Also returning are sophomores Lola Edwards (forward/midfield) and Lexi Hampton (forward). Both players were honorable mention all-league selections a year ago.

Hampton led the Wildcats with 16 goals on the season, while Edwards had 15 goals and six assists.

Junior Adyson Ross was also a fixture in the midfield last year as the all-league honorable mention player had two goals and two assists.

“I think we are a really talented attacking team,” Conley said. “We will look to create as much as we can to put teams under pressure. Specifically, I feel our midfield is really talented and will be a lot of fun to watch as they grow as a group throughout the season. We are pretty young and look for this team to grow each and every game.”

Junior Tehya Harvey, along with freshman Rowan Yows, will also see time atop the Wildcat attack at the forward spot.

In the midfield, junior Bree Gassman, senior Catie Lemke and freshman Jaden Bentz will all see varsity time as well.

On defense, senior Ruth Minster and sophomore Hailey Sword return to lead that side of the ball as Sword was a second-team all-league player a year ago from her defensive midfield spot.

Junior Brianne Kuhlman will also return to help on the back line with senior Samantha McDaniel and freshman Evyn Richardson.

Senior goalie Sierra Hahn also returns after starting the season last year and Macy Lemke is also vying for playing time as well.

“Starters will be interesting,” Conley said. “We have a lot of competition on this team. Unlike last year, we have depth to challenge players to compete for positions. I think the best part about this team is the players ability to play multiple positions.”

Louisburg will kick its season off Tuesday at home as the Wildcats host Lansing for a 6:30 p.m. start. Junior varsity will begin at 5 p.m.

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

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

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

Aubryn Berck and Aiden Barker

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

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

Chase Kallevig and A.J. Arriola

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

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

Corinna McMullen and Carson Kern

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

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

Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Louisburg golf team qualifies for state

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Wildcat wrestling medals two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Louisburg cheer finishes runner-up at state competition

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

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

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

4. Wildcat girls take fourth at state soccer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She didn’t disappoint. 

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

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

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

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

Louisburg boys and girls soccer coach Kyle Conley was awarded the The High School Coach of Significance Award by the United Soccer Coaches earlier this week.

Louisburg soccer coach Kyle Conley added another award to his mantle on Monday.

The United Soccer Coaches awarded Conley with The High School Coach of Significance Award. Conley was one of 33 recipients of the award throughout the country and was the honoree from the state of Kansas.

“Receiving that award is very humbling,” Conley said. “Being awarded an honor like that is much more than one person. It is the coaches I get to, or have worked with. It is a fantastic support group. I have fantastic parents that are all in, all the time. The community is always there for our programs regardless if they have kids that play soccer or not, and my wife (Kelli Conley) is super supportive and always there to help out regardless of the task. 

“Most importantly, none of this could be achieved without fantastic student-athletes, both past and present, that I get to work with. They give me everything they have each and every night. I am just trying to be a servant leader and teach my players to be the same on and off the field. Louisburg is our town and we want to always represent it in the best way possible.”

The High School Coach of Significance Award, which is in its fifth year, recognizes members who are coaching for character and using the soccer field to teach life lessons at the high school level.

It is an opportunity for each state, in conjunction with United Soccer Coaches, to recognize coaches who are making an impact within their schools and communities well beyond their records of wins and losses.

The fifth annual class represents a total of 33 states. The goal, according to the United Soccer Coaches, is to annually recognize a recipient from all 50 states.

Each of the High School Coach of Significance Award nominees are reviewed by the selection committee comprised of national, regional, and state representation.

There hasn’t been a whole lot of good to talk about in the last year or so.

Our life has changed around us. We are having to deal with a new normal and there are a lot uncertainties as to what our future holds. 

It is an unnerving time for a lot of people and our country seems more divided than ever. Still, to get by in this difficult time, you have to look for positives.

For me, the last school year brought me some of the best moments in my journalistic life. The 2020-21 school was arguably one of the most successful seasons in Louisburg High School history from top to bottom, and I was more than grateful to be there for it all.

Just look at what was accomplished last year:

• Boys cross country qualified for state for the first time in school history.

• Girls cross country placed at state for the first time in its history as they took third in Class 4A. Maddy Rhamy, Lola Edwards and Reese Johnson also earned medals.

• Boys soccer had its best finish in school history with a 3rd place state finish.

• Boys basketball advanced to the state championship game for the first time and took second.

• Girls basketball advanced to the state tournament for the first time in 47 years and recorded its best finish in third.

• Wrestlers Alec Younggren and Cade Holtzen took second and third, respectively, at the state tournament.

• Boys golf qualified for state as a team.

• Girls soccer made an improbable run to advance to its fourth straight state final four and the Wildcats took fourth.

• Delaney Wright won three state track titles in the long jump, 200 dash and 400 dash and broke all three school records in the process.

• Maybe perhaps the best accomplishment of all, the Louisburg boys track and field team won the Class 4A state championship as they edged out Andale for the title.

Just a year removed from losing their spring season due to COVID-19, the Wildcats came back stronger than ever and it showed. It was an exciting time to be a Louisburg sports fan.

However, with so much positivity from last season, it is time to turn the page and focus on what the 21-22 season has in store.

First day of fall practice begins this Monday and the football, volleyball, cross country and boys soccer team all have a chance to do some special things this season. I am fortunate I will be able to be there once again to cover it all.

As I talked about earlier, there is a lot of negativity going on in the world right now, but I am more than thankful to have a job where I can get away from all that and cover all the special moments. 

Last season was a much-needed get away for me and it was an unbelievable journey to see all the Wildcat history that was made.

This year has another chance to be a special one. There is no way to predict what will happen, but I do know there is a chance for even more history and records to fall this upcoming year.

Football numbers are up and the Wildcats are poised for a big season, while the cross country, volleyball and boys soccer team all return several key pieces to make a run in the postseason – and that is just what the fall will hold.

The seasons can’t get here soon enough and I am ready to cover it all once again. Hope to see you all out there supporting the Wildcats and maybe you can forget all those stresses in life — even if it is just for a few moments.