Eleven years ago, I was a nervous wreck.

I had just been laid off from my newspaper job, one where I had spent seven years covering Louisburg. Like so many others in this profession, I suddenly found myself staring at an uncertain future as newspapers continued to disappear. Jobs were scarce. Stability was gone. And I had a family to support.

I knew I was probably going to have to take a job I didn’t want — something far from journalism — just to make ends meet.

Then an idea hit me.

With news media shifting more and more online, I wondered: Would Louisburg support something like this? Would the community care enough about local sports to follow an independent site dedicated solely to their athletes?

As it turned out, the answer was an overwhelming yes.

Because of the relationships I had built during my first seven years here, there was an appetite from local businesses to support the idea — and many of them never wavered. Eleven years later, a lot of those same businesses were still standing beside Louisburg Sports Zone, believing it was an important piece of the community.

They were right — and I couldn’t agree more.

This past decade-plus has been some of the best years of my life. Through Louisburg Sports Zone, I formed incredible relationships with coaches, athletes, administrators, parents and community members. Even as a graduate of rival Paola, the Louisburg community adopted me as one of their own.

For those of you around my age or older, this might resonate.

I often felt like Norm from Cheers.

Every time I walked into a gym, stadium or field, I’d hear, “Hey Andy!” or “Thanks for coming!” or “We appreciate you.” So many people knew my name — even people I didn’t know — simply because they appreciated what I did.

Instead of an icy cold glass in my hand, I carried a camera. My barstool wasn’t at a counter — it was on the sideline, capturing moments as they happened. And there were plenty of them.

State championships. State tournament appearances. Individual champions and medalists. Record-breaking performances.

I was lucky enough to see it all.

But my favorite part was always watching kids grow — seeing freshmen mature into seniors and leave as confident, capable young adults. That transformation never got old.

My very first event as Louisburg Sports Zone was a home basketball game. I was only a couple months removed from being laid off and still unsure if this idea would work or if anyone would even care.

Those worries disappeared quickly.

As I walked into the gym, Natalie Moore, Kirstin Lowry and Kallie O’Keefe stopped their warmups to smile and wave. Coach Shawn Lowry walked clear across the court to shake my hand and welcome me back.

More than a decade later, I still get those same smiles from athletes and handshakes from coaches and parents alike. Those connections are what made this decision so difficult.

Six months ago, I was offered a position with KSHSAA Covered and the Kansas High School Activities Association. Honestly, I never thought I’d have another writing job outside of Louisburg Sports Zone. I fully intended to keep doing this until the appetite for it simply wasn’t there anymore.

But the opportunity was too good to pass up — and it was the right move for my family.

I knew the connections wouldn’t be the same. Starting over is hard, especially when you know what you’re leaving behind. My favorite part of this job was feeling the appreciation from the community and knowing I was giving people something positive to read.

I wasn’t perfect. I made mistakes along the way. But this community allowed me to grow — as a writer, photographer and a person. I always tried to do the best I could and to cover every sport as fairly and equally as possible.

The last five or six years put me in an interesting position, as my own kids were playing varsity sports. How do you balance being a supportive dad and a journalist at the same time? I hope I did it right.

One of the biggest perks of this job was getting to write about my kids — their first varsity goal, first basket, first shutout or a big volleyball performance. I know how lucky I was to experience that.

None of this would have been possible without my family — especially my wife, Jennifer. I wasn’t home much in the evenings, especially with young kids, and that wasn’t easy. She never stopped supporting me.

To my kids — Jordan, Ally and Carter — thank you for understanding the crazy hours and for supporting me even when I couldn’t be at everything like other parents. I love you more than you know.

I also want to thank all of my advertisers, past and present. Louisburg Sports Zone doesn’t exist without you. Craig Holtzen and Edward Jones, Dixon Contracting Services, White’s Automotive, Prime Accounting Services, Amborn Stone, Wildcat Vet Clinic, Dr. Andy Hill, Destination Fun Travel, Vance Brothers, Go Brolly, First National Bank, First Option Bank, Landmark Bank, Dr. Laura’s Orthodontics, IronHorse Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Louisburg Family Dental, Vohs Pharmacy, Elliott Insurance, Magnum Equipment, Louisburg Athletic Club, Louisburg Library, Tri-County Pest, Midwest Collision — and so many others along the way.

I also wanted to give a big shoutout to a Louisburg graduate – Kenneth Sweeney. He has been my “web guy” this whole time. He helped design the site and has also been there to help me troubleshoot what problems have come up since then. I couldn’t have done it without him.

Thank you to every coach I’ve worked with. Getting to know you and promote your programs has truly been an honor. I appreciate you enduring my countless emails that I send out every week. You have helped make Louisburg Sports Zone what it is as well. I will miss you all.

And finally, the student-athletes — you are the reason this worked. Thank you for letting me into your lives and giving me so many incredible stories to tell. And consider this a long-overdue apology to anyone I ever did “dirty” with an unfortunate action photo.

So here I am, 11 years later, feeling some of those same nerves as I move into something new. The last six months with KSHSAA Covered have been great, and I’ve been welcomed with open arms.

Still, walking away from something I built was not easy.

I only hope that Louisburg Sports Zone has been as much of a blessing to you as it has been to me. These have been some of the best times of my life — and I will treasure them always.

Thank you, Louisburg.

It was a successful, and eventful, year 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 a few programs made their way to state competition. 

Below are the top stories from 2025, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the writeup 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.

Although 2025 will be the last for Louisburg Sports Zone, I am looking forward to seeing, from a distance, what Louisburg athletics can accomplish in the future. Thank you all for the support in these last 11 years. I will never forget it.

10. Wildcat golf qualifies two for state

A year ago, the Louisburg golf team suffered heartbreak when the Wildcats were completely shut out of the state tournament. 

Not this year, however.

The Wildcats sent two golfers to the state tournament this past May as senior Sam Frederick and junior Derek Frederick both represented Louisburg after earning a spot following the May 19 regional tournament at the Independence Country Club.

Both players competed in their first state tournament, which was held May 27 at the Sand Creek Station Course in Newton. 

Sam Frederick earned a regional medal with a top 10 performance as he led the Wildcat team. The Louisburg senior finished 10th with an 87 on a tough Independence Country Club course. Independence had the top three individual finishers, led by champion Ethan Small, who had a 75.

Derek Frederick was the final individual to qualify for the state tournament as he carded a 91 and took 17th overall. 

9. Coaching changes as Brown, Crossley, Schoning take over volleyball, wrestling, girls soccer programs

There were some coaching changes in 2025 as three teams found new leaders to take charge of their respective programs.

Rich Brown (volleyball), Shawn Crossley (wrestling) and Dawson Schoning (girls soccer) were all hired new Louisburg head coaches.

Brown, who took over from Leanna Willer, helped the Wildcats to the sub-state championship game this past season.

Crossley takes over from long-time coach Bobby Bovaird, who resigned following the season earlier this year. Crossley, who is an LHS alum and former Wildcat wrestler, was an assistant coach the last several years.

As for Schoning, he takes over from former coach Jordan Roquemore who helped lead the Wildcats to a fourth-place state finish a year ago. Schoning, who is new to the district this year, was an assistant coach on the boys team this past fall.

8. Brueggen earns pair of state swim medals

TOPEKA — As Sabra Brueggen stepped onto the state swim podium for the final time, a flood of memories came rushing back.

Memories of when it all started, the friends she made and all her successes along the way. Brueggen has been one of the top swimmers in Class 5-1A the last four years and she proved it once again on May 24 during the Kansas State Swim and Dive Championships in Topeka.

The Louisburg senior ended her high school career with two state medals and a lifetime full of memories.

“Ending my high school career was a very sentimental moment for me,” Brueggen said. “It was the last time I would be racing some of the girls I have been swimming against since age six. Being able to share the podium with them one last time made it even more meaningful, making me very proud of how I performed at my final state meet.”

Brueggen had strong swims throughout 2-day meet that began on May 23 at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. In the prelims, she qualified for the finals in fifth in both the 200-yard individual medley and 100 backstroke.

In the finals, Brueggen found her way to the medal stand as she finished sixth in the 200 individual medley in 2 minutes and 14.42 seconds.

The 100 backstroke proved to be much of the same for Brueggen there as she also medaled sixth in a time of 58.81 seconds. It completed a string of four straight years of earning a state medal.

7. Wildcat girls make history with first regional cross country title

NEODESHA — For the first time in program history, the Louisburg girls cross country team left a regional meet as champions.

On a rainy, muddy Saturday at Riverside Park in Neodesha, the Wildcats powered through the slick conditions to win the Class 4A regional championship with 39 points — seven ahead of runner-up Paola. The victory also secured a state berth for the entire Louisburg squad.

“It was awesome and emotional to see the girls leave Neodesha as regional champs,” Louisburg coach John Reece said. “It has been a long time in the making as we have had multiple teams qualify for state but have never won a regional title. The rankings had us winning the meet, but those are just rankings. The girls showed up to compete and that is exactly what they did.”

It was a youthful lineup that led the Wildcats to history, featuring two freshmen, four sophomores and one junior — and the youngest runners set the tone. Freshman Karissa Williamson finished fourth overall in 22:40.26, just ahead of fellow freshman Maddox McGhee, who took fifth in 22:40.46. Sophomore Hailey Shelton placed sixth in 22:57, giving Louisburg three runners in the top 10.

Sophomore Reese Smith finished ninth in 23:50, junior Talen McMurray placed 16th in 24:16, and sophomores Felicity Allen and Annie Hornberger rounded out the lineup in 23rd and 27th, respectively.

The team went on to run at state along with Truman Ellison, Titus Ellison and Spencer Mattison, who qualified for state on the boys side.

6. Moore state runner-up in wrestling, Wildcats qualify 7 for state

SALINA — In the final match of his wrestling career, Ashton Moore found himself competing for a state championship. 

It was exactly the place he envisioned himself being, even before the season started. The result, however, was a different story.

Moore’s dreams of a state title were dashed Saturday at the Class 4A state wrestling tournament in Salina. Smoky Valley’s Parker Gardner ended his run with a 13-5 major decision at 215 pounds. 

As disappointing as the loss was for Moore, looking back on his long wrestling career helped ease the pain — as did the second place state medal.

“It was tough taking that loss,” Moore said. “I was pretty down about it, but then I had a moment that put things more into perspective for me. After our practice on Friday, Coach (Bobby) Bovaird took us up to the top of the arena to talk about the tournament. Sitting there I remembered being in that same spot as a sixth grader watching the championship round there. At that age I thought those guys were amazing and the toughest people I’d ever seen. 

“So after my loss I thought back to that moment being a sixth grader and I was able to realize how far I’ve come. To see myself at that level now made me very proud I was able to make it to that stage.”

The Wildcat program also had six other wrestlers compete at the state tournament, including two on the girls side. 

Seniors Brayden Yoder (215), Canaan Clayton (120), Mika McKitrick (132) and sophomore Levi Cotter (106) each finished the tournament with an 0-2 mark.

On the girls side, Leola Eslinger and Brooklyn DeWeese became the first Wildcat girls to ever qualify for state.

5. Jazzy Cats take third at state dance

The Louisburg High School Jazzy Cats made their mark in program history on Nov. 21, earning a third-place finish in Class 4A at the State Game Day Spirit Showcase at the Stormont-Vail Events Center in Topeka.

In their first-ever trip to state competition, the Jazzy Cats not only reached the finals but left with some hardware.

Coach Sarah Alexander said the entire experience was meaningful, not only because of the results, but because it was all uncharted territory for the program.

“This was the first time the Jazzy Cats had ever attended state, so the entire experience was brand new for all of us,” Alexander said. “To come home with a state plaque was absolutely incredible. The girls were thrilled just to have the opportunity to compete, and bringing home a plaque made all of their hard work feel truly rewarding. It was such a special moment for the team and a huge milestone for our program.”

Louisburg scored 81.41 in the finals, just enough to edge Holton (81.23) by the slimmest of margins for the final spot on the podium. Ottawa won the state championship with a score of 90.13, while Bishop Miege secured second at 85.77.

4. Louisburg cheer earns Class 4A state runner-up

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High School cheer team added another trophy to its growing collection on Nov. 22, earning the Class 4A state runner-up title at the Game Day Cheer Championships at Stormont-Vail Events Center.

The Wildcats posted an 87.73 in the finals to take second place behind defending state champion Paola, which won with a 94.27. Holton finished third at 85.

For Louisburg, the return to the podium was nothing new. The Wildcats have now finished in the top three six times in the last seven seasons, cementing themselves as one of the state’s most consistent programs.

Louisburg entered the finals in fourth place, boosted by a Fight Song and Crowd Leading routine that ranked second among all teams. The Wildcats had roughly 20 minutes to review score sheets and adjust before stepping back onto the mat—pressure they handled with poise.

“It was truly a special day for all of us,” head coach Breanna Kostroske said. “From the moment we arrived, the athletes were focused, calm, and determined. They’ve poured so much into this season, so seeing them step onto the mat with confidence and joy made the entire experience incredibly meaningful.”

3. Wingfield wins state pole vault title; Meyer, Vohs earn three state medals to lead Wildcat track

For the last four years, Louisburg has dominated the pole vault on the boys side in Class 4A and had its fair share of success on the girls side.

Caden Caplinger and Maddy Carpenter-Ross earned back-to-back state titles during that span and now it was Cooper Wingfield’s opportunity.

Wingfield won gold in the pole vault in 2024 and was the favorite to win again this season — and he did it with ease. The Louisburg senior cleared 15 feet, 6 inches to win his second consecutive state championship during the Class 4A meet on May 30 at Wichita State University. 

“It means a lot to win it back to back, not only for myself, but also to continue what Caden and Maddy had done before me,” Wingfield said. “This year made it four in a row that Louisburg had a state champion in the boys pole vault. It also made me the third back to back pole vault state champion for Louisburg in the last four years. I really wanted to continue that legacy and cement the dynasty we had and I am proud that I did.”

It had been a special year already for Wingfield as he broke his own school record earlier in the year with a clearance of 15-7.75 at the Kansas Relays.

Just like a year ago, his teammate Jacob Brown joined Wingfield on the state podium. Brown earned a fifth place medal after he cleared 14 feet as the Louisburg senior ended his Wildcat career as one of the best in the state.

Aidan Meyer and Myles Vohs each recorded three state medals as they helped the Wildcats to a ninth-place finish with 32 points.

Meyer cemented his place in the Wildcat track history books in one of those events. The Louisburg senior broke a 14-year-old school record in the 400-meter dash as he earned a fourth place finish in 48.83 seconds.

As for Vohs, he opened the state meet with a fifth-place finish in the long jump. Meyer, Vohs, along with Gavin Lohse and Caleb Feldkamp, finished sixth overall in in the 4×100 relay in 43.76 seconds.

Vohs, Meyer, along with Colton Blue and Emmett White, put together an all-senior 4×400-meter relay that took sixth in 3:27.

Another Louisburg senior, Jerynce Brings Plenty, ended his Wildcat track career with a state medal as well. Brings Plenty finished seventh in the 1,600-meter run in 4:39.78.

On the girls’ side, the Louisburg 4×100-meter relay, Kendall Crossley (100-meter dash) and McKenna Lohse (shot put) all found their way to the state podium.

Louisburg’s 4×100-meter relay team of senior Mackenzie Rooney, along with juniors Kendall Crossley, Addi Mallett and Suzanna Dansel finished fourth at state. The Wildcat group broke the school record during the regional meet and posted another fast time of 49.14 seconds during the prelims, which gave them the second fastest time heading into the finals.

That wouldn’t be the only time Crossley found her way to the medal stand.

The Louisburg junior qualified for the finals of the 100-meter dash earlier in the day, and then in the finals, medaled eighth overall in 12.82 seconds.

In the shot put, Lohse put herself in good position in the prelims. She recorded a throw of 37 feet, 1.25 inches in her first three attempts and was sitting in second place going into the finals, before taking fifth overall.

2. Brown first Wildcat to win 2 state swim titles; Wildcats medal in 6 events

LENEXA — Colin Brown was all about making school history Saturday at the Class 5-1A Kansas State Swim and Dive Championships.

Brown became the first Louisburg swimmer in school history to win a state title and did so by winning the 100-yard butterfly. Some athletes would have been content with just the one, but not Brown.

The Louisburg junior took to the water again in the 100 backstroke and won his second state title in a matter of minutes. It was also his fourth state medal of the day, which included a pair of relays.

“It was a surreal experience and an incredible honor,” Brown said. “It was really cool to see all of the hard work and countless hours pay off. It also gave me a sense of pride knowing that I was representing the school while doing so.”

That was the some of the success the Louisburg swim team had at the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center. The Wildcats medaled in six events and finished seventh in the team standings with just four swimmers. 

Louisburg junior Andrew Jamison also tallied four medals as made his way to the state podium in the 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke and two relays. Senior Colton Prettyman and sophomore Noah Sharp joined the other Wildcats as state medalists in the relays.

1. Wildcat soccer takes fourth at state for best finish since 2021

It may have been wet, muddy and just miserable weather for a day in late May, but for the Louisburg girls soccer team, all that didn’t matter.

For the Wildcats, it was a beautiful day. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits. 

Louisburg faced off against Eudora in the Class 4-1A state quarterfinal game on May 25 as it played for a spot in the state final four. 

For the first time since 2021, the Wildcats got it. Louisburg shutout Eudora, 2-0, to earn its first state quarterfinal win in four years.

“It is an amazing achievement to make it to the state final four and I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” senior captain Jaden Bentz said. “This really shows the amount of hard work we’ve all put in throughout the season and it’s nice knowing it has paid off. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to play with. When the final whistle blew we all were filled with excitement and ran to each other, and that shows the tight sisterly bond our team has.”

Louisburg head coach Jordan Roquemore was an assistant the last time the Wildcats were in the state semifinals and he could tell his team wanted this one more than any game this season.

“I have never seen the team so jazzed about anything all season as when the game was over,” Roquemore said. “We are all really excited for the opportunity to compete in the Final Four this year.”

Louisburg squared off with Rose Hill in the third-place game of the Class 4-1A Kansas State Soccer Championships on May 31 at Wichita’s Stryker Complex. It didn’t take long for the Wildcats to get on the board.

The Wildcats struck first in the game’s opening minutes, but Rose Hill tied it in the first half and scored late in the second to hand Louisburg a 2-1 loss.

Louisburg was coming off a 2-0 loss in the state semifinals on May 28 as it hosted its first state semifinal game against Topeka-Hayden. 

“Honestly, I was really proud of how we played this game,” Louisburg coach Jordan Roquemore said. “Rose Hill is an exceptional squad and we not only kept them at bay defensively, we were very successful in creating attack opportunities. We were nearly even with them for shots on goal and I thought it was a very well-matched game for us.”

Sam Frederick has loved the game of golf for a long time, and it is a big part of his life.

So much so that he always hoped for an opportunity to play in college, and one place turned out to be the perfect fit for that.

Frederick, a 2025 Louisburg graduate, signed to play with the Iowa Central Community College program starting with the upcoming season.

“It’s always a kids’ dream to be able to play a sport in college, but for me it definitely was,” Frederick said. “I’ve always wanted to be a college athlete. It was a big milestone for me, seeing all the work that you have been putting in for years, to be able to be taken to the next level and have the opportunity to work harder.”

Frederick took a few different visits, but Iowa Central stuck out for him – not just on the golf course – but in the classroom as well.

“The community and the culture there are great,” Frederick said. “They care about the athletes and students on campus and are always looking for your best interest. It was definitely a big decision because there are so many factors that go into your final decision, and for me Iowa Central just checked all my boxes. The coaches and athletic staff there are great, and all the academics are great. There were so many different options for classes and majors for me to find exactly what I was looking for.”

The groundwork for playing in college was laid several years ago for Frederick. He grew up with the game, thanks in part to his father, Mark.

The two would work on their games together, while Mark got Sam to play in competitive tournaments in the offseason as he got older.

“I’ve been golfing for as long as I can remember,” Sam said. “My dad got me into golf at a young age and I’ve just been playing ever since. It’s always been a big part of me and my family’s life, and something that we have always done together. Golf has always been a sport I’ve loved to play and something me and my dad have always bonded over.”

All the hard work put in earned Sam a spot on the Wildcat varsity roster the last three seasons. His Wildcat career ended after securing a spot at the Class 4A state tournament in May.

Sam, along with teammate Derek Frederick, competed at the meet in Newton at the Sand Creek Golf Course. Although he didn’t make it out of the first day, it gave him confidence as he heads into his collegiate career.

“Ending my high school career at state was great and it was a great honor to be able to qualify for state and just a good boost of confidence knowing my game is there,” Sam said. “I’ve been doing lots of different things on and off the course in the offseason and working with my swing coaches to get my game to 110 percent before I head to college in a few weeks.”

As for when he gets to college, Frederick is ready for whatever challenges come his way.

“I always try and hold myself to a high standard, so I’m really hoping for a good start to my college career and qualify for some tournaments,” he said. “I’m expecting some tough competition, so I’ll have to work pretty hard. Iowa Central has got a lot of talented golfers, our team should have a great season and I’m excited to travel to some different golf courses and to be able to do what I love. It’s always been a dream of mine to be able to play college golf, so I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to get on campus and get to work.”

INDEPENDENCE — A year ago, the Louisburg golf team suffered heartbreak when the Wildcats were completely shut out of the state tournament. 

Not this year, however.

The Wildcats will send two golfers to the state tournament this season as senior Sam Frederick and junior Derek Frederick will both represent Louisburg after earning a spot following the May 19 regional tournament at the Independence Country Club.

Both players will competing in their first state tournament, which will be held May 27 at the Sand Creek Station Course in Newton. 

Sam Frederick earned a regional medal with a top 10 performance as he led the Wildcat team.

“Qualifying for state has always been a goal of mine, and to see all the work I’ve put in pay off all season is great,” Sam said. “Being able to make the trip to the state tournament, and also earn the honors of a top 10 regional placement, was amazing and a good boost of confidence going into state next week.”

The Louisburg senior finished 10th with an 87 on a tough Independence Country Club course. Independence had the top three individual finishers, led by champion Ethan Small, who had a 75.

“The course in Independence was in rough condition and all the rain the few days prior didn’t help, but everyone had to play the same course,” Sam said. “My swing felt well that day, but I just wasn’t scoring on the back 9. I felt like overall it was decent. It was good enough to give me one final tournament, which i’m looking forward to.”

Derek Frederick was the final individual to qualify for the state tournament as he carded a 91 and took 17th overall. 

The top 3 teams qualify for the state tournament, along with the top five individuals who aren’t a part of those teams. 

“It meant a lot to be able to qualify for state as I came up short last year,” Derek said. “I was very excited for the opportunity to compete again. The conditions were very tough, and not many golfers shot too well. I felt like I played pretty good despite the wet and patchy conditions.”

Independence won the regional title with a 318, while Fort Scott was second with a 334 and Ottawa took third with a 354. 

Louisburg found itself 12 strokes back of earning a spot as a team with a 366 as it finished fourth overall. 

Freshman Reese Smith finished two strokes back of a state spot as she carded a 93 and ended in a tie for 20th. 

Senior Josh Holtzen was 25th with a 95 and Garrison Bloustine was 41st to round out the Wildcat lineup. 

Both Sam and Derek will now focus on the state tournament. The 2-day meet begins on May 27th in Newton and both will tee off at 9 a.m.

“Sand Creek is a tough golf course, but also very scoreable if you go out there and commit to your shots,” Sam said. “My main goal is to go out there and make it to the second day of the tournament, but also go out there and just have fun. We’ve had a great season so this is my chance to go and show all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Added Derek, “I am very excited for the chance to compete against the best golfers in 4A and show what I can do. I have worked hard to get here and now I just need to go out and play my game.”

LINN VALLEY — The Louisburg golf team is coming off its busiest week of the season as the Wildcats participated in two tournaments in a 3-day period.

The busy schedule didn’t seem to bother the Wildcats much and it showed during the Prairie View Invitational on May 15 at Deer Trace Golf Course on Linn Valley Lakes. 

Louisburg won its first tournament of the season as the Wildcats carded a 340 to take the team title and finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Wellsville.

Wildcat senior Sam Frederick also had his best showing of the season as he shot a 75 to win the tournament title by one stroke over Iola’s Brennen Coffield. Frederick was one of three Louisburg medalists on the day. 

Junior Derek Frederick continued his successful season as he carded an 84 to medal sixth overall. Senior Garrison Bloustine earned his first medal of the season as he also recorded an 84 and finished seventh.

Senior Josh Holtzen was next on the team with a 97 and finished 31st overall. Freshman Reese Smith (100) and senior Lucas Carlson (105) took 37th and 46th, respectively. 

Earlier in the week, the Wildcats traveled to Garnett Country Club to compete in the Bulldog Bash on May 13. They left with more team medals.

Louisburg took third in the team standings with a 335. Ottawa was first with a 320 and Anderson County was runner-up with a 322.

Derek Frederick shot his best score of the season at the Garnett course as he finished second overall with a 2-over par 72. Iola’s Coffield won the title with a 71.

Two other Wildcats also walked away with medals. Junior Matt Stohs was sixth overall with a 78. Senior Josh Holtzen also earned his first individual medal of the year as he took 10th with an 86.

Sam Frederick was fourth on the team with a 99 and finished 28th. Seniors Nathaniel Phillis (109) and Layne Vest (116) competed in their first varsity tournaments of the year and took 32nd and 34th, respectively. 

OTTAWA — After a tough couple of weeks, the Louisburg golf team put together its best showing of the season on May 5 at the Cyclone Invitational.

The Wildcats shot its best team score of the season at the Great Life and Fitness course in Ottawa as they recorded a 319 to finish runner-up in the 9-team tournament.

On top of that, junior Matt Stohs and senior Sam Frederick each earned individual medals as they finished in the top 10. All five Wildcats golfers shot under 90 for the first time this season. 

“It was good to see them all shoot so well,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “They all played to their potential and didn’t give up or get discouraged.”

Stohs had his best round of the season as he carded a 76 to finish fifth overall. Frederick was right behind  him with a 78 and medaled sixth.

Junior Derek Frederick just missed a medal as he finished in a tie for 10th win an 80, but lost out on the tiebreaker.

Senior Josh Holtzen carded an 85, which was good for a tie for 17th. Senior Garrison Bloustine finished with an 88 and took 24th.

Ottawa won the team title with a 311, while Paola’s Stratton Draper captured the individual crown with a 70.

Louisburg is back in action on May 13 as the Wildcats travel to the Anderson County Invitational at Garnett Country Club. Tee time is set for 1 p.m.

OSAWATOMIE — Louisburg junior Derek Frederick didn’t have his best round by his standards, but that didn’t stop him from leaving Osawatomie with some hardware.

Frederick was the lone Wildcat to medal during the Osawatomie Invitational on April 22 as he carded an 83 and finished 10th overall at the Osawatomie Golf Course.

The Wildcats didn’t have their full varsity roster on hand and finished seventh in the team standings with a 359 at the 13-team tournament.

“Derek is the most consistent golfer I have, so it was good to see him medal,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “He swings 80-90 percent and everyone else still wants to swing for the fences.

“Osawatomie is a tough course to chip and putt on, even with our experience in playing the course day to day. Our putting needs the most work.” 

Louisburg senior Josh Holtzen was second on the Wildcat team with a 90 and finished in 30th, as did freshman Reese Smith, who also carded a 90.

Seniors Garrison Bloustine and Lucas Carlson carded a 96 and 105, respectively, to round out the Louisburg lineup.

The Wildcats are back in action on April 29 as they host the Louisburg Invitational at the Osawatomie Golf Course. Tee time is set for 3 p.m.

Wildcats shut out of medals at league meet

SPRING HILL — Louisburg ran into some tough luck during the Spring Hill/Frontier League Invitational as the Wildcats finished one stroke away from a medal.

Junior Derek Frederick carded an 83 to lead the Wildcats, but just missed out on a medal. As a team, Louisburg shot a 357 and took fifth in the league standings on April 24 at Sycamore Ridge Golf Course.

Spring Hill won the league title with a 303 and Tonganoxie was second with a 331. Spring Hill’s Tyler Stecklein won the individual league title with a 72.

Senior Sam Frederick finished a couple strokes behind Derek with an 85 and senior Garrison Bloustine was next with a 94. Junior Matt Stohs carded a 95, while senior Josh Holtzen and freshman Reese Smith had a 103 and 105, respectively. 

“As far as league goes, we put up some good scores, but the competition is super high this year,” Burns said. “We are a good team, but more work needs to be done.”

PAOLA — In just its second tournament of the year, the Louisburg golf team rounded into form and came back with some hardware to show for it. 

Sam Frederick and Derek Frederick earned individual medals, while the Wildcats finished second at the Paola Invitational on April 14 at the Paola Country Club. 

Louisburg, which shot a 325, finished just one stroke behind Ottawa for the championship. The Wildcats also ended one stroke ahead of third-place Eudora, in what was a battle for the top spot.

“It was a very competitive tournament,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “We had our best score as a team for these guys. With that being said, we just squeaked by getting second and just missed getting first by a stroke. These guys love the sport and have been working hard to get better.”

Sam Frederick bounced back from a tough start to the tournament to finish third overall with a 74. Sam also carded five birdies on the day to get back toward the top of the leaderboard.

Eudora’s Ty Deterding won title with a 71 and Paola’s Stratton Draper was second with a 73.

Derek Frederick took fifth for the Wildcats as he carded a 79 on the par-72 course to earn his second consecutive medal to start the season.

Louisburg junior Matt Stohs ended up just outside the medals as he finished in a tie for 11th with an 83, while senior Josh Holtzen was 20th with an 89. 

Seniors Garrison Bloustine (28th) and Lucas Carlson (42nd) rounded out the Wildcat lineup with a 94 and 101, respectively.

“The course didn’t cause any problems, just the golfers confidence in some of the swings they made,” Burns said. “Josh and Sam rebounded well and Derek is close to putting a round of 77 together. Matt has been close to the high 70’s, but has a few bad holes that prevent him from doing so, but he will get there.

“The hardest thing about the tournament was not having a range to really warm up at. Ten balls isn’t enough, and they were not able to hit the long clubs.”

Louisburg is back in action on April 22 as it travels to the Osawatomie Invitational. Tee time is set for noon at the Osawatomie Golf Course.

Frederick medals at Piper

Louisburg opened its season at the Piper Invitational on April 8 and left with a medalist. 

Junior Derek Frederick led the Wildcats as he took fourth overall with a 78 at Dub’s Dread Golf Course. As a team, the Wildcats finished sixth with a 335.

Matt Stohs finished in a tie for 14th with an 82, while Sam Frederick was 19th with an 83. Josh Holtzen (42nd), Garrison Bloustine (46th) and Reese Smith (46th) rounded out the Louisburg lineup.

Last season was a successful one for the Louisburg golf team.

The Wildcats finished in the top three in most of the tournaments they competed in and racked up several individual medals in the process. Unfortunately, the Wildcats struggled at the regional tournament and were unable to qualify anyone for state.

As tough as that was to take, the Wildcats are ready for another opportunity at a state tournament appearence.

Louisburg returns most of its varsity roster from a season ago, including its top three golfers in senior Sam Frederick, along with juniors Matt Stohs and Derek Frederick.

Seniors Garrison Bloustine and Josh Holtzen both improved late in the season and should give the Wildcats some more depth. Freshman Reese Smith could also play a role on the varsity roster as well.

“The season has a chance to be a good one,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “I think Sam, Matt and Derek could all shoot in the 70s this season, while Garrison and Josh can both shoot in the mid 80s. Reese should be in the high 80s as well.”

The Wildcats also have three other seniors on the roster in Lucas Carlson, Layne Vest and Nathaniel Phillis to go along with a solid junior varsity core.

As much success as Louisburg had a year ago, the Wildcats missed out on going to state, and this season will be another difficult challenge as it will travel to Independence for the Class 4A regional tournament.

“We are competing with some great teams again, so going to state will be tough as a team, but it can happen with four successful player rounds,” Burns said. “JV should be strong again with four being able to shoot in the 90’s.”

Louisburg will try and get its season started on the right foot Tuesday as the Wildcats travel to Dub’s Dread Golf Course for the Piper Invitational. Tee time is set for 1 p.m.

CHANUTE — For most of the season, the Louisburg golf team has been toward the top of the team standings in many of its tournaments.

The Wildcats were hoping to do the same in their most important meet Tuesday, the Class 4A regional at Stone Creek Golf Course in Chanute.

Unfortunately for Louisburg, the course got the better of the Wildcats as they saw their season come to an end. Louisburg finished fifth in the team standings with a 385 in the 9-team meet.

Louisburg was also unable to qualify anyone for state individually as many of the Wildcats struggled to get a hang of the Chanute course.

Still, it was a positive season for a roster that features just one senior as the Wildcats racked up several team and individual honors throughout the year.

“The Louisburg golfers had a great season,” Louisburg coach Brian Burns said. “Regionals was tough for a few that didn’t get to play the course beforehand, even though they changed the tee boxes and hole locations to be as tough as they could. Our guys seem to struggle in the rough and some of the bunkers, and could not get past some of their bad holes and get focused again. I had a pretty young squad that will learn how to handle the pressure better next year.”

The top three in each regional qualified for state. Bishop Miege won the team title with a 336 and Chanute was second on its home course with a 338. Fort Scott also qualified for state in the third with a 364.

Senior Cole Mynsted, junior Garrison Bloustine and sophomore Matt Stohs each led the Wildcats with a 96 on the day, which was good for a tie for 19th overall.

Junior Josh Holtzen was next on the team with a 97 in 22nd, while juniors Derek Frederick and Sam Frederick each carded a 98 to finish in a tie for 25th.

Chanute’s Cooper Lucke won the tournament with a 79, while Fort Scott’s Caleb Hall was second an 80.