Louisburg’s Allie Kennedy (left) and Davis Guetterman (right) congratulate Adyson Ross after a big point in Thursday’s home match against Bonner Springs.

The Louisburg volleyball team hadn’t been tested much in the early part of its schedule.

That first test came Thursday when the Lady Cats hosted Bonner Springs for a Frontier League dual. The Braves and Lady Cats finished second and third, respectively, in the Frontier League standings a year ago.

Louisburg got the best of Bonner Springs this time around as the Lady Cats recorded the 3-1 win at Louisburg High School, but it wasn’t as easy as the score indicated.

“Last night was a really big win for us,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “We are very proud of the start we’ve had to our season and we knew we would be tested by Bonner Springs. They bring a lot of energy to the court and we had a lot of fun playing against them. 

“We lost to Bonner Springs last year and they finished second in the league, so it felt good to come back and win a tight match against such a strong league opponent.”

In the process, the Lady Cats recorded their sixth straight win and have started their season perfect.

Against Bonner Springs, the Lady Cats had to work for every point, as did the Braves.

Louisburg found itself down 8-3 to start the first set, but rallied back to eventually win 25-20 to go up 1-0.

The Lady Cats were well on their way to a win in the second set, but Bonner Springs roared back as the two teams traded blows before the Braves eventually pulled out an emotional 32-30 win in the second.

Instead of sulking, the Lady Cat responded in a big way as they won the next two sets, 25-18 and 25-19 to get the league win.

“Losing a set 32-30 is completely draining,” Willer said. “After fighting tooth and nail for so long, it can easily deflate a team’s energy, but I’m so proud of our girls for the way they responded. We knew we wanted to come right back out into that third set and take control and that’s exactly what we did. Our girls did a great job of not letting the high pressure moments get to them and we bounced right back.”

It was as strong showing defensively for both teams, but the Lady Cats were able to dig up a few more balls when they needed them

Louisburg had five players with double-figures digs and were led by senior libero Chase Kallevig, who finished with 31. Senior Davis Guetterman was next with 18, while Corinna McMullen, Aubryn Berck and Adyson Ross had 16, 15 and 13, respectively.

“Our team played really awesome defense last night and I am so proud of them,” Willer said. “We have known all along that defense is going to have to be a strong point for us, so it was great to see our defenders step up and make some big plays last night. 

“There were some crazy long rallies because of the defensive efforts on both sides of the court, and those are the ones we love. It’s a huge boost to the momentum as well as team chemistry when it’s a full-on team effort to win those long rallies.Even the middles were diving all over the floor last night.”

McMullen had a big night offensively as well. The Louisburg senior led the way with 19 kills and also led the offense with 26 assists. Guetterman was right behind her with 22 assists.

Junior Claire Brown and sophomore Hailey Sword had 10 kills each, while junior Allie Kennedy had eight.

The Lady Cats also did well from behind the service line as they totaled nine aces, including two each from Ross, Kennedy, Berck and Guetterman.

The competition only gets tougher from here on out for the Lady Cats as they take part in the Lansing Invitational at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Louisburg cruises to wins over Burlington, Santa Fe Trail

On Tuesday, Louisburg ventured to Piper High School for a triangular with Burlington and Santa Fe Trail. 

The Lady Cats left with a pair of easy 2-0 wins to continue the hot start to their season.

“Our games at Santa Fe Trail and Burlington were solid wins for us,” Willer said. “At all three levels, each team came out ready to take care of business and represent Louisburg volleyball. In the varsity matches, I was able to play around with the lineup a little bit and try some different options to see what gives us the best team chemistry, and the girls rolled with each and every lineup I threw at them. 

“They may not have been the cleanest games for us, but we were still able to work on our serve and pass game which is huge for us. Starting off 6-0 is a pretty great feeling.”

Louisburg opened with Santa Fe Trail and came away with a 25-10 and 25-17 victory.

Serving was a big key for Louisburg as it tallied 14 aces on the night. Senior Davis Guetterman had seven of those and Corinna McMullen finished with five.

McMullen also led Louisburg with seven kills and had five assists. Guetterman had a team-high six.

Chase Kallevig recorded seven digs to lead the Lady Cat defense.

It was much of the same against Burlington as the Lady Cats got off to a good start in a 25-13, 25-17 victory.

McMullen was again strong serving with a team-high six aces, while Guetterman led Louisburg with six kills and Allie Kennedy added five.

McMullen also had a team-high 22 assists and Guetterman handed out 15. Kallevig had five digs to lead the defense, while Aubryn Berck and Guetterman each had four.

Louisburg senior Davis Guetterman (left) and Allie Kennedy team up for a block during the Lady Cats’ home match with Olathe West on Thursday.

The Louisburg volleyball team got a test right off the bat last Tuesday when it had to travel to rival Paola to begin its season.

Louisburg passed with flying colors as it cruised to a 3-0 win over the Panthers and continued that momentum into Thursday’s home opener against De Soto and Olathe West.

The Lady Cats took care of business against the bigger programs as they defeated both De Soto and Olathe West, 2-0, to win three straight to start the season.

In its road tilt with Paola, Louisburg got out to a good start as it won the first set 25-18 and then responded with a 25-17 and 25-21 victory in the next two to get its first Frontier League win.

“I was very proud of how our girls played and they came ready to go,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “We did make a few more errors than we would have liked, but that’s to be expected for the first game of the season. We saw some things we need to work on, but we also saw many positives. I thought that our seniors did an excellent job leading the way with effort, intensity, and a high level of play.”

Senior setters Corinna McMullen and Davis Guetterman ran the offense well as they each recorded 15 assists on the night. McMullen had eight kills to go along with four aces, while Guetterman had three aces.

Junior middle hitter Allie Kennedy had a big night at the net with a team-high 12 kills and sophomore outside hitter Hailey Sword had eight.

“Hailey Sword stepped up and made her presence known which was really awesome to see,” Willer said. “One of the biggest positives overall was that we remained calm and in control even when we made errors. We were always looking forward to the next ball rather than thinking about the errors on the previous play.”

The Lady Cats were also strong on defense as senior Aubryn Berck and junior Adyson Ross had a team-high nine digs, while senior libero Chase Kallevig had eight.

Against De Soto on Thursday in its home debut, Louisburg continued its success and it took control from the get-go as the Lady Cats won 25-18 and 25-18.

Sword and Kennedy led the Louisburg attack at the net with eight and seven kills, respectively. McMullen and junior Claire Brown each added five.

Guetterman and McMullen combined for 25 assists and Kallevig had a team-high nine digs on defense.

It was much of the same against Olathe West as the Lady Cats cruised to a 25-20 and 25-17 victory.

Kennedy finished with a team-high six kills that led a balanced attack. Guetterman and McMullen both had five, while Sword and Emma Prettyman each tallied three.

Guetterman led the way with 11 assists and McMullen and eight. Defensively, Kallevig had seven digs, while Kennedy and Sword each finished with two blocks.

“I was impressed with our team,” Willer said. “We adjusted the rotation a little bit from Tuesday night and they all stepped right up into their roles. Our passing and defense were very strong throughout both matches which kept us in system most of the night. 

“Allie and Emma both had some big swings and blocks which was awesome to see. We started off strong both matches and never wavered, no matter how close the game got. We are starting to see just what this team is made of.”

Louisburg is back in action tonight when it travels to Piper High School for a triangular with Burlington and Santa Fe Trail. Matches are set to begin at 4 p.m.

Louisburg junior Allie Kennedy goes up for a block on teammate Emma Prettyman during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage last Friday.

The Louisburg volleyball team may have a new coach this season, but the expectations haven’t changed at all.

Get back to the state tournament.

Louisburg has been a fixture at the Class 4A state tournament over the last decade-plus, and it was a disappointment falling short of that goal last year.

First-year head coach Leanna Willer took over for former coach Jessica Compliment, who resigned after 15 years with the program. Willer, who was the assistant coach the last four years, knows the expectations of the program.

The Lady Cats lost to the eventual state champion, Bishop Miege, in the sub-state semifinals in a close 2-0 match. The loss still lingers with many of the returning players.

“The team has set some goals for the year, and at the top of their list is making it back to the state tournament in Hutchinson,” Willer said. “They missed out on the tournament after losing a tough battle to Bishop Miege and you could surely say they are looking for revenge.

“I expect this team to show up each game day ready to give 110 percent effort. The worst thing as a coach or player is to walk away from a game knowing that we could have given more and maybe should have won that game. I don’t expect to win every single match this season, but I do expect that we work hard to put our best foot forward to give ourselves every opportunity.”

Louisburg, which finished with 21 wins a season ago, returns six players that all saw varsity time last season as the Lady Cats had to play through an injury-plagued season.

It all starts with the quarterbacks on the floor as the Lady Cats will once again run 6-2 offense with senior setters Corinna McMullen and Davis Guetterman leading the way.

McMullen led the Lady Cats in kills and assists a year ago and was a first-team all-league and second team all-state selection.

Guetterman missed part of her junior season with an injury, but was a big factor on the floor when she returned. Both players have started for the Lady Cats all four years.

“I am probably the luckiest first year head coach out there,” Willer said. “There are so many things that I simply don’t have to worry about with these two running the floor and being leaders on and off the court. I trust them to make the right decisions on the court, and I know how badly they want this team to be successful.”

Louisburg does lack height across the net as the Lady Cats just have one 6-foot player in junior middle blocker Allie Kennedy, who started last year for Louisburg after missing the beginning of her season with an injury.

With the lack of height at the net, the Lady Cats will rely on their defense this season as they have several returning players in Guetterman, McMullen and senior libero Chase Kallevig.

Kallevig has started in the back row the last three years for Louisburg and brings an experienced presence in the back. Newcomer Aubryn Berck, a senior transfer, also figures to see a lot of time as a defensive specialist. Senior Catie Lemke will see time there as well. 

“Our defense is definitely going to have to step up this year,” Willer said. “That being said, I do believe we have one of the stronger defensive teams we’ve had lately. All five seniors are great defenders, and our outsides are stepping up to the plate as well. I think everyone on the team understands that we’re going to have to be scrappy and fight to keep balls alive all throughout the season.”

The Lady Cats did lose a lot of hitting from a season ago, including middle Carleigh Pritchard, who is now at Emporia State, along with starters Alyse Moore and Alison Prettyman.

Juniors Adyson Ross and Claire Brown, along with sophomore Hailey Sword, will be the outside options for Louisburg. Junior Emma Prettyman will also play in the middle alongside Kennedy.

“We are expecting big things out of our middles this year,” Willer said. “Allie and Emma should be solid offensive threats. On the pins, Hailey,  Adyson and Claire are looking to fill those roles left by last year’s graduated seniors. Both Corinna and Davis will potentially be six-rotation threats as each of them are powerful hitters as well.”

To start the season, Louisburg was ranked sixth in the Class 4A preseason poll by the Kansas Volleyball Association. The Lady Cats will be well-tested throughout the season as they feature their normal rigorous schedule.

It begins today when the Lady Cats travel to Paola for a Frontier League dual.

“Our league is tough again this year,” Willer said. “Spring Hill (ranked 4th in 5A) will be tough to beat as well as Bonner Springs (5A). Ottawa (ranked 4th in 4A), Eudora, and Paola will all have strong teams in the mix too. League nights are always competitive, and the rest of our schedule is no cake walk either. 

“We see multiple 5A and 6A schools throughout the year both in regular season matches and also at tournaments, starting with De Soto and Olathe West and home on Thursday. We love to play a competitive schedule and test ourselves throughout the season to see what we’re made of, and hopefully get to beat some good teams.”

Louisburg seniors Corinna McMullen (left) and Davis Guetterman have started since their freshman year as setters and are excited for their last season together.

Throughout time, there have been hundreds of famous dynamic duos that people remember fondly.

Whether it was Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Spongebob and Patrick, Batman and Robin or even macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly – one was never quite the same without the other.

Louisburg volleyball has its own memorable duo in Rinny and Davis. Members of the team or its fans can’t talk about one without thinking of the other. 

They are two peas in a pod, as they say.

Seniors Corinna McMullen and Davis Guetterman have been what has made the Lady Cats go the last four years as they return for their final season as the Louisburg setters.

“There are times in most of our lives where we wish we could make like six clones of ourselves,” McMullen said. “I feel like Davis and I are clones of each other. We always know what the other one is thinking. We are literally the same person and I think it is effective in every aspect on and off the court.”

Most teams, especially in Class 4A, are lucky enough to have one experienced setter — but the Lady Cats have been blessed with two.

Both were thrown into the starting lineup their freshman year and Louisburg has run a 6-2 offense ever since.

“I think it makes it easier on the players since we have been running the program for four years and they haven’t had to adjust to a new setter,” Guetterman said. “It is almost as important as the quarterback in football. We both run the same tempo stuff and it is easy to stay in the same system.

“It is easier for most coaches to trust just one person for the job, rather than splitting it into two people and saying you have to do the same job. But I think Rinny and I both work really well together.”

It has shown on the court as the two setters have helped the Lady Cats to a second-place state finish as freshmen and a fourth-place finish as sophomores. Louisburg was on track to make it to another state tournament in 2020, but the Lady Cats ran into Bishop Miege, the eventual state champion, in sub-state and lost a very competitive match.

That continuity is what the Lady Cats hope will help them get to their third state tournament in the last four years.

“It is very difficult to find two setters who can play at the varsity level and deliver the same ball to all of the hitters – their consistency is almost unreal,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “It’s even more rare to have two setters that are also some of the best hitters and passers on the team. Considering they have been running a varsity 6-2 their entire high school careers (aside from a few injuries), it’s incredible that they have both continued to elevate their play and push each other to be better while still working together the whole time. 

“They are constantly cheering each other on and pushing each other. You don’t see competition between the two of them because they choose to compete as a unit, and I think that’s what I’m proudest of as a coach. They don’t worry about comparing their stats. They just go out there to win games and will settle for nothing less.”

As if setting wasn’t stressful enough, both players have also been asked to hit as they play all six rotations.

McMullen, who earned first-team all-league honors as a setter, finished last year with a team-high 207 kills and 439 assists – which is a rarity for one player to lead their team in both categories.

“It was a growing opportunity for both of us,” McMullen said. “We had never been put in a role where we were expected to do great things. It is was just super exciting and pushed us out of our comfort zone and it made us grow a lot more of players.”

Injuries hampered part of Guetterman’s season a year ago, which didn’t allow her to hit as much and hurt her chances at postseason honors, despite accounting for 35 aces, 226 assists and 102 digs. The team wasn’t quite the same during that stretch.

“Rinny and I play the best when we are on the court together,” Guetterman said. “Last year, we both hit and set and then I got injured. I did more just setting after that, we just always know what the other one is thinking. That helps a lot, especially since we are hitting now and we both know where the other wants the ball.”

It is the type of psychic intuition that has helped them be successful and they have seen themselves grow since their freshman season.

“Now we are more leaders,” Guetterman said. “As a freshman, I just didn’t want to mess up. We were playing with Anna (Dixon), who is a Division 1 athlete (University of Missouri), and I just didn’t want to make mistakes. Before we just didn’t want to mess up and now we both expect certain things out of our hitters.”

As important as the two are on the court, they also do a lot of things off the court that led them to both be selected captains for the upcoming season.

Not only do they encourage each other, they also bring energy to the team, which is vital part to their 2021 season.

“We expect everyone to give 100 percent,” McMullen said. “We picked a sport where it is about more than just your individual self. This is about the person next to you and the 10 people on your team. It is about family, and I think when we understand that, we are going to come together so well.”

With it being their final high school season, both players have put in everything they can to make this year a memorable one.

“As a freshman, you can’t really help those around you, because you feel like a tiny person,” Guetterman said. “As a senior, I feel like we can more motivate more people. It is kind of sad because it has gone by super fast. I told Willer at our meeting at the beginning of the season that I don’t want to waste any more time. Three years has flown by. I want her to hold us accountable. It stinks in the moment where you are having to run that extra lap or whatever, but that is what is going to make you better in the long run.”

However, volleyball will be far from their rear view mirror when the season is over. Earlier this year, McMullen committed to play at Washburn University, while Guetterman committed to the University of Sioux Falls — both Division II programs.

It has been long journey that both have enjoyed being a part of, together.

“I think it is a gift from God that my best friend and I play on the same team in both club and high school now,” McMullen said. “We grew up together through it all. It is unique that we are both at the same school and have the same qualities. We want the team to be successful as we can and we start with the basics with each other. Our connections is what drives the team to be greater.”

Greatness has been synonymous with Rinny and Davis and they hope to end their run with a state trophy. 

“They have made it very clear that they expect to be back at the state tournament at the end of October, holding a plaque when it’s all said and done,” Willer said. “I think they are aware that we have a special group this year and we are going to have the opportunity to make some noise at the state level if we continue to work hard and play as one unit.”

No matter what happens though, both players are ready for whatever the season, and future, holds in store.

“Our slogan this year is ‘The Tradition Continues’ and just because of the setback we had with COVID and the changing of coaches, the tradition is still going to continue no matter who graduates or who is going to come up,” McMullen said. “Since both of us have the opportunity to play for four more years in college, it isn’t as upsetting to me. I love high school, but we have a lot to look forward to. This is the beginning to the end, to another beginning.”

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.

Leanna Willer is in her first year as head coach of the Louisburg volleyball program, as she takes over for former head coach Jessica Compliment, who spent 15 years leading the Lady Cats.

Louisburg High School volleyball has always had a proud tradition.

The Lady Cats have become a regular fixture at the state tournament since the program’s inception and expectations are high every year. 

It was that way under head coach Jessica Compliment as she guided Louisburg to eight state tournament appearances and placed in the top four in seven of them in her 15 years at the helm.

Now it is Leanna Willer’s turn to create her own mark on the program. Willer was hired to replace Compliment, who stepped down last spring, and has nearly completed her first summer with her new team.

“It means the world to me to be able to take over a program with such a rich history of success,” Willer said. “Louisburg has been a volleyball powerhouse with a tradition of winning that we aim to keep moving forward. I recognize that I have some very big shoes to fill, but having Coach Compliment’s support is helping to make this a smooth transition. I am beyond excited for my first head coaching job.”

Willer is a graduate of Washburn University where she was one of the top players during her time with the program. She is the individual career leader in attempts (4,980), second in kills (1,666) and third in kills per set (3.62) and overall points scored (1,870.5).

She also earned All-MIAA honors all four years and was a 2-time unanimous selection. She twice earned Academic All-American honors, was a two-time All-American and was the team MVP on two different occasions. 

“I have such a love for the game of volleyball and I can’t wait to share that with the whole program,” Willer said. “I feel very fortunate to have a lot of experience as a volleyball player and as an assistant coach (in volleyball and other sports) that I can take on this role at my age. I am sure that there will be bumps along the way, but I know that I am prepared to rise to the challenge.”

Willer has spent the last four seasons as the junior varsity coach under Compliment and learned a lot during that time.

Unlike some new head coaches, Willer will already have the advantage of knowing the players, which she hopes will make for a smoother transition.

“I know the traditions and experiences these girls have had throughout high school, so it’s nice that we can dive right into the game this summer already knowing a lot of each other’s tendencies as players and as a coach,” she said. “We won’t have to spend as much time getting to know each other as I would if I began coaching at another school. Naturally, we’ll have to make some adjustments as we get used to our new roles, but I think we are all excited to continue right where we left off.”

She will also benefit from a five-member seniors class. Setters Rinny McMullen, Davis Guetterman and a defensive specialist in Chase Kallevig are returning senior starters that will help lead the way in Willer’s first season.

“I’m also very excited about the senior leadership we’ll have this year,” Willer said. “I know I’ll be able to rely on them throughout my first year as a head coach. I met with them separately, and they’ve shared some awesome ideas. This will be their team and I’m impressed with the ownership they’re taking already. Their commitment and dedication to Louisburg volleyball will not go unnoticed.”

As far any changes within in the program, Willer believes it would unnecessary to change things up much, but there might be a few minor differences than what some are used to seeing.

“With the amount of success we’ve experienced, it seems silly to reinvent the wheel and change things up a bunch,” she said. “However, people will see little changes here and there as Coach Compliment and I are different people with different personalities and coaching styles. Though I would love to sit here and say I have it all figured out, this will be a continuous learning process for me as well and I will constantly be learning, reflecting, and developing as a coach. 

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be the head coach of this program. The overwhelming support from the players, the school, and the community has me itching to get back out there on the court so we can show everyone what we’re made of.”

Success has seemed to follow Alyse Moore wherever she goes. 

It isn’t by chance, however — Moore has made her own luck.

Whether it was helping the Louisburg girls basketball team to its best finish in school history, eclipsing the 500 rebound plateau or earning a state medal and breaking the school record in the javelin, Moore had a big year for Wildcat athletics.

Those were just some of the reasons Moore was named the 2021 Louisburg Sports Zone Female Athlete of the Year.

“It means everything to me to be honored as the Female Athlete of the Year,” Moore said. “I am super thankful to have gotten the opportunity to be an athlete at Louisburg and it is great to be able to be rewarded for that.”

Moore began the school year as the starting outside hitter for the Louisburg volleyball team and ended as an honorable mention All-Frontier League player.

She was second on the Lady Cats with 174 kills and also played well on defense as she was second on the team with 195 digs. She also had 19 aces.

“Alyse is an extremely hard worker and was a joy to coach for four years,” former Louisburg volleyball coach Jessica Compliment said. “Her hard work and leadership paid off as a multi-sport athlete, and I enjoyed seeing her excel in each sport. She had a way of bringing out the best in her teammates and pushed herself and her teammates to be the best they could be. Alyse is very deserving of this award, and I am very happy for her.”

On the basketball court, Moore made an even bigger impact as she helped the Lady Cats to a third place finish at the Class 4A state tournament, which the program’s best finish in school history. It was also the first state appearance for the program in 47 years.

Along with eclipsing the 500 career rebound mark, Moore was also an honorable mention all-league player. She led Louisburg in rebounding with 8.6 boards a game to go along with 7.3 points and 1.7 steals.

She also earned honorable mention all-state honors from Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle.

“Alyse is very talented in several different sports, but I feel Alyse is deserving because of her hard work and effort,” Louisburg basketball coach Adrianne Lane said. “No matter what season, Alyse would work hard and contribute to her team. It was an honor coaching Alyse in basketball. She would do whatever the team needed to win and she set a great example for everyone with her effort in practice and her positive attitude.”

It was that tournament run that stuck out to Moore the most and it was a time she will never forget.

“I would have to say my all time favorite memory from this year was the Labette County game that brought us to Salina,” Moore said of the team’s state quarterfinal win. “I have never played in such a loud and fun environment and I am so lucky to have been able to have that experience and get to be in the final four with all of my best friends. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.”

That success continued over to the javelin as Moore recorded her state straight state medal in the event as she finished fourth. In the process, Moore also broke a 20-year-old school record with a throw of 149 feet.

Next season, Moore will throw for the University of Kansas track and field team as she continues to try and improve in an event she just started trying three years ago.

“Alyse is an amazing student-athlete,” Louisburg girls track coach John Reece said. “She has a great work ethic and that carries over into competition and her leadership as a teammate. She was always willing to put in the extra time needed to make herself even better. This showed with her breaking a longtime javelin record and competing on the big stage at the state meet.

“Since having her in the classroom to now, she has held a high standard for herself and has achieved great things. She will be an asset at the next level and I expect to read about her doing great things in the future.”

Moore also made a little more history following the team’s state tournament run in basketball. She became the first female athlete in school history to participate in four different state athletic events.

As as sophomore in 2019, she went to state in both softball and track. Moore has also placed at the state tournament with both the volleyball and basketball teams.

“To be able to be the first female athlete in school history to participate in the state tournament in four different sports is honestly a dream come true,” Moore said. “It is an amazing opportunity to be able to compete at the state tournament even once, and to be able to do that in four different sports makes me beyond proud. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and my teammates and I can’t thank them enough.”

Playing in multiple sports has taught Moore different things when it came to competing and other aspects of team sports. It was a memorable four years for the recent Louisburg grad.

“Each sport is slightly different in their own way, but I love each and every one of them and I still have a tough time deciding which one was my favorite,” Moore said. “I loved the crazy celebrations on the court in volleyball. I loved the bond that you create with your teammates in basketball, and I loved the reflection of hard work and technique in track. I enjoyed each sport so much.

“I am so thankful for my time at LHS and for all of my amazing coaches and teammates. I also would like to thank my parents for motivating me every day to work hard and be a good person while doing so. I am going to miss being able to play sports in front of such a supportive community and with unbelievably great people.”

For the past five 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 fourth 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.”

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

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!

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

FEMALE

Reese Johnson – Junior – Cross Country, Soccer

Junior Reese Johnson made history in a couple different sports for Louisburg this past season.

In the fall, Johnson played a big role on the girls cross country team. The Lady Cats finished third in Class 4A, as that was the first time a team had placed at state in girls cross country. Johnson also medaled 15th individually and was one of three Lady Cats to earn state medals that day.

In the spring, Johnson was one of the leaders on the girls soccer team that advanced to the Class 4-1A state final four this past season. Johnson earned second team All-Frontier League honors after she finished the season with seven goals and nine assists as the Wildcats finished fourth at state.

Alyse Moore – Senior – Volleyball, Basketball, Track

Alyse Moore ended her senior season as one of the most accomplished athletes in Louisburg High School history. Moore is the first female athlete in school history to compete at the state level in four different sports, including both softball and track in the same season in 2019.

In the spring, Moore earned her second straight track state medal in the javelin as she finished fourth in the Class 4A meet. Earlier in the year, Moore broke a 20-year-old school record with a throw of 149 feet.

Moore was also a starter on the girls basketball team and helped the Lady Cats to their best finish in school history. Moore and the Lady Cats advanced to state for the first time in 47 years and took third overall. Individually, Moore eclipsed the 500-career rebound mark and was an honorable mention all-league player. She led the team in rebounds with 8.6 boards a game and also averaged 7.3 points and 1.7 steals.

On the volleyball court, Moore started as an outside hitter for the Lady Cats and was second on the team with 174 kills and 195 digs.

Delaney Wright – Junior – Basketball, Track

Delaney Wright ended the 2020-21 school year with a bang as she became the school’s first athlete to win three state championships in track in one season. 

At the Class 4A state meet in Wichita last month, Wright won state titles in the long jump, 400-meter dash and 200-meter dash. She broke her own 200 and 400 school records to reach those accomplishments. On the season, Wright set new school records in each of those events.

Wright was also a key player on the girls basketball team and helped the Lady Cats to their best finish in school history. Wright and the Lady Cats advanced to state for the first time in 47 years and took third overall at the Class 4A state tournament. Wright was one of the team’ best defensive players as she averaged two deflections and a steal per game. She was also assigned to the team’s best player.

MALE

Weston Guetterman – Senior – Football, Basketball

Weston Guetterman played big roles for both the Wildcat football and basketball teams this past season.

On the gridiron, Guetterman was the starting quarterback for Louisburg, which finished 4-3 and tied for third in the Frontier League standings. Guetterman earned honorable mention All-League honors on defense for his play in the secondary. He finished the year with 32 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for a loss and seven batted balls. He also finished with 548 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

Guetterman was one of the team leaders on the boys basketball team that advanced to its first state championship in school history and took second at the Class 4A state tournament. He was a second-team All-Frontier League selection from the point guard spot and averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals a game. He was also an all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Sports in Kansas.

Cade Holtzen – Senior – Cross Country, Wrestling, Track

Cade Holtzen was a three-sport athlete this past season for Louisburg and became the first male athlete (that is known) to participate in state competitions in all three sports, in the same season.

Holtzen helped the Wildcat cross country team to qualify for state for the first time in school history as they finished third at regionals. At state, Holtzen took 56th overall in 18 minutes and 46 seconds.

On the wrestling mat, Holtzen had a year to remember as he finished his career with a 155-19 record and a third-place state finish at 132 pounds. He was a four-time state qualifier for the Wildcats and a three-time state placer. Holtzen served as the team captain this past season and currently holds eight program records, including most season victories and most career wins. He was also chosen to participate in the 2021 Metro Classic.

In the spring, Holtzen earned his second state medal of the year as he helped the 4×800-meter relay team to a third place finish. He also helped the Wildcats to their second team Class 4A state track championship in school history.

Kolby Kattau – Junior – Football, Baseball

Kolby Kattau was a two-sport athlete this past season and had a good year for both the football and baseball program.

In the spring, Kattau helped the Wildcats to their first regional championship game since 2009 as he played both first base and pitcher. Kattau finished the year with a .444 average and racked up 32 hits for the Wildcats to go along with a .560 on-base percentage. He finished with five doubles, two triples, 16 RBIs, scored 26 runs and stole nine bases. He was a first team All-Frontier League selection and was an honorable mention all-state selection by the KBCA.

On the football field, Kattau played on both sides of the ball for a team that finished with a 4-3 record and tied for third in the Frontier League. He finished with two touchdowns from the running back spot and had 41 tackles at linebacker.

Alec Younggren – Senior – Football, Wrestling

Alec Younggren was a two-sport athlete for Louisburg as he shined on the football field and on the wrestling mat.

Younggren, who missed part of the football season with an injury, still played well-enough on the offensive and defensive lines to earn All-Frontier League honors on both sides of the ball. Younggren was named as a first-team offensive lineman and an honorable mention lineman on defense.

He was a key fixture on the Wildcat offensive line that amassed more than 2,400 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns. He also had 23 tackles on defense. Younggren was also an all-state honorable mention selection.

The Louisburg senior had an historic season in wrestling as he advanced to the 220-pound Class 4A championship match, where he finished runner-up. He finished the year with a 37-1 record and had Louisburg’s highest state finish since 2012.

Braden Yows – Junior – Soccer

Louisburg junior Braden Yows was vital part of the Wildcats’ best finish in school history this past season. Yows helped the Wildcats to a third place finish in the Class 4-1A state tournament.

Yows was a first-team All-Frontier League and all-state selection from his midfield spot. He broke a program record with 21 assists and also finished with seven goals on the year.

Louisburg senior Wyatt Axmann sends a kill past a Lee’s Summit West player during the Wildcats’ home finale on May 5 at Louisburg High School.

Two years ago, Louisburg formed its first-ever boys volleyball team.

Boys volleyball, which is not a sanctioned sport by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, saw its rise in popularity in the Kansas City area. Schools began forming teams that played in their own league.

In fact, almost 60 schools formed teams back in 2019 and Louisburg had a successful season of its own.

Fast forward two years later, Louisburg continued its success as it finished undefeated in league play and were one of the best teams in the area despite missing last season due to COVID-19.

“The boys played great this year,” Louisburg coach Geoff Branine said. “The second triangular we hosted, we had two of the top team’s in the league and won both. We had our issues to work through, but the boys found a way to win.

“It was good to get back on the court. Covid has been tough on all of us. It was great to have access to the high school this year. The larger facility allowed us to have more fans in the stands. We had great support from our community.”

The highlight from the Louisburg season came on April 21 when the Wildcats hosted St. James Academy and Shawnee Mission, which was comprised of players from the entire district.

Louisburg held its own as the Wildcats defeated both teams and eventually led them to an undefeated regular season.

The Wildcat also had home wins over Rockhurst and De Soto/Mill Valley on April 7 and ended its home schedule with victories over Heritage Christian and Lee’s Summit West.

That eventually led them to the end of the season tournament. Louisburg opened pool play with victories over St. Thomas Aquinas and Heritage Christian and moved on to the gold bracket.

Louisburg eventually lost in the first round to Karasuno and finished in fifth overall.

“We had a big comeback in the third period, but didn’t finish, and that put us fifth in the tournament,” Branine said. “Competition was better this year than in the past. Boys volleyball is growing, so more boys are playing.  We finished second to St. James. We actually beat St. James this year. They ended up winning the big tournament and that put them into first.”

A big reason for the Wildcats’ success was their continuity as they had several varsity players return from their team in 2019.

Ben Rangel, Wyatt Axmann, Braden Branine, Ben Ratliff-Becher, Jacob Sanders, Matthew Sword, Dawson Barnes, Jesse Murphy, Brett Rangel and Isaiah Leonard all saw varsity time at one point in the season.

It was a special group of boys according to coach Branine and they are helping grow a sport – that one day – can become a sanctioned high school activity.

“Boys volleyball has grown a lot in the last few years,” he said. “Unfortunately covid has hurt the growth of high school volleyball. Prior to the season being cancelled last year, we had almost 60 teams. This year we had 30. Some of that is simply because some of the teams couldn’t find a facility.  

“Boys club is getting bigger and bigger so the level of high school volleyball gets better and better. We are still probably not getting KSHSAA going in next couple of years. MSHSAA (Missouri)  will probably have boys volleyball in Kansas City area first.”

After 15 years, Louisburg head coach Jessica Compliment is stepping away from the program as she helped the Lady Cats to eight state tournament appearances.

Jessica Compliment is not even 40 yet, but she has already put together a resume that is worthy to put her in the Louisburg High School Hall of Fame.

As a 24-year-old first time head coach, the school hired Compliment 15 years ago in hopes of restarting the prominence of Louisburg volleyball that began with former coach Larry Harding.

She did that and then some.

• Eight state tournament appearances
• Seven top four finishes at state
• Three state runner-up trophies
• Compiled a 391-226 record
• Louisburg was named as the KVA Program of the Year in 2013
• She had numerous all-league and all-state players
• 4-time MO-KAN Small Class Coach of the Year

These were just some of the accomplishments Compliment was able to rack up during her time with the program – one that came to an end last month when she resigned as the team’s head coach.

Compliment loves volleyball. She loves her players, but there was really one thing that could ever pull her away from those two things – family. 

She is currently expecting her third child and Compliment wanted to focus more time with her children and her husband, Bret. She knew it was the right decision, but it didn’t make it any less difficult – especially when it came to telling her team.

“It was tough to tell the players because saying it out loud and publicly, also meant that the end was here,” Compliment said. “You form connections with the players over the years and with their families. I’ve had some families with a player in the program for eight, 10, 12 years so saying ‘goodbye’ in that aspect is hard too. They were all excited when I first told them I was pregnant with baby number 3, but I don’t think anyone was expecting the second announcement.”

Compliment had the opportunity to coach some of the best athletes to come through the school and they were able to accomplish big things together. 

Possibly the school’s most accomplished player, Missouri sophomore Anna Dixon, helped Louisburg to two state championship games under Compliment.

“Coach Compliment greatly cared about all of her players,” Dixon said. “She was such a great outlet to have both on and off the court as a coach. I knew that if I ever needed help with anything, she would always be there. That is something every player wants.

“The success of the Louisburg volleyball program is extremely rare for a public school, especially a small town public school who is able to compete against some bigger schools. Being a part of that program that she sparked was something very memorable, that I will always be thankful to have experienced.”

Even when her players left, Compliment would still be there to support them while they were in college – many times having her two younger kids in tow to travel and watch them play.

Sophie McMullen, who plays for Northwest Missouri State, and a member of the 2017 runner-up team, was thankful for everything her former coach did – and continues to do – for her.

“Compliment was like a second mother to me.” McMullen said. “I remember always going to her classroom whenever I could to talk about life, volleyball, or anything else possible. I am so beyond thankful that I was fortunate enough to have had her for four years. We still talk today and she still tries her very best (even with two kids and one on the way) to make it to my college games. I looked up to her and she was always there for me when I needed it the most.

“Senior year earning second place at state was one of the most heartbreaking times of my career, yet her putting the medal around my neck and hugging me for the last time, I knew that she was proud and it was a great run and nothing that happened that day was going to take away from the awesome four years that I had under her coaching. Our relationship was beyond a coach and athlete and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Louisburg volleyball has always been a family affair and Compliment has seen numerous siblings come through the program. Whether it was ones with the last name Dixon, Lemke, Kallevig, McMullen, Quinn or O’Brien – she appreciated everyone that played under her. She even had a couple of former players come back to help her coach.

“There have been a lot of great athletes and volleyball players to come through Louisburg High School and many have gone on to play at the collegiate level,” Compliment said. “It’s been fun to see them continue playing the sport that they love. Quite a few former players have also gone on to coach club, middle school, and high school volleyball. I’ve had the honor of having two former players as part of my coaching staff, Katie Dixon and Kallie O’Keefe. I enjoy hearing their stories from time to time, and I’m glad to see that they are sharing their passion for the sport with the younger athletes.”

Sydney Dixon, who was a an all-state player on the 2013 team that finished second at state and went on to play at Fort Hays, remembers her time with the program fondly. She watched as an older sister (Katie), younger sister (Anna) – and even her brother Dane (a manager) – go through the program and appreciates what Compliment has done for her entire family.

“Coach Compliment started coaching me from a pretty young age going to camps all the way through high school,” Sydney said. “Not only was she supportive of me on the court and in our gym, but she would always make an effort to come watch club tournaments, graduation parties, go above and beyond with me in the class room, and so much more even into adulthood. 

“It takes a special soul to not only coach my two sisters and I, but also having my brother be a manager. I know my parents are so thankful she handled that with such grace and patience.”

Winning has always been important to Compliment – but never the most important. She wanted her players to succeed in life and that was always her goal.

With all the success the Lady Cats had the last 15 years, it didn’t come without some heartbreak along the way. They were never able to get the program’s first state title, even though they came really close on a couple occasions.

“I’ve learned that I can’t go back and change a decision that was made, nor can I control the uncontrollables,” Compliment said. “Sure, winning a state title would have been awesome, but I also can’t be disappointed with the outcomes over the years. I was reminded by my high school coach that many coaches dream of earning the opportunity to coach at a state tournament at least once in their career but never reach that goal. I have been fortunate enough to coach at eight state tournaments and have been a part of teams that placed in the top four seven years. 

“When I was first hired at 24 years of age and without any previous head coaching experience, I don’t think I could have imagined all of the amazing opportunities and events that coaching here at Louisburg would offer or the amazing people I would meet along the way. I’ve also been blessed with many, many athletes with a love for volleyball, and who were dedicated and committed to this program and to their teammates.”

For me personally, her teams were always a joy to cover. I was always excited for volleyball season because I knew every year had a chance to be special. Most schools would love to have just a fraction of what Compliment and her teams were able to accomplish. 

For the last decade or so, Louisburg has been pretty spoiled when it has come to volleyball and there are times where I have taken it for granted. Even in those “down” years, Compliment always had her team playing hard and that is the mark of a good coach.

It wasn’t the way she wanted it all to end – with a loss to Bishop Miege in the sub-state semifinals. She had her team playing like one of the best in the state last October, only to have to face the eventual state champion in the first round of postseason play.

Still, even in a loss, she had never been more proud of the way her players took on the challenge that day and fought till the end.

There are too many good memories to focus on the negatives and Compliment will leave behind plenty of positives to reminisce about. She will also still be there to support her former players. 

“Some of my absolute best memories from high school were from volleyball and the program we all created together,” Sydney said. “I’m so grateful to have been a part of something so special, and Coach Compliment made a big impact on all of us. She will be missed so much, but I know she will continue to be her supportive, outgoing, loving, and patient self with all of her players for years to come.”

Once a coach, always a coach.