Seaman Vikings
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden's boys golf team put five players in the top eight spots individually on the way to a dominating 24-stroke team victory in Wednesday's Santa Fe Trail Invitational at Lamont Hills.
Hayden's boys golf team posted a 24-stroke victory in Wednesday's Santa Fe Trail Invitational at Lamont Hills. [Hayden golf]
Junior Nick Gorman finished third individually with a 73 while senior Jacob Padilla placed fourth with a 76, juniors James Kuta and Colin Scott tied for fifth with 77s and junior Tagen Rodriguez tied for eighth place with an 82.
Freshman Austin Bean rounded out the Wildcats' lineup with a 94.
Hayden finished with a four-person team score of 303, while Council Grove was second with a 327 total and tournament host Santa Fe Trail third at 330.
Silver Lake finished sixth as a team at 363, led by sophomore Grady Bergmann, who tied for 11th place with an 85.
Council Grove's Drew Buchman and Santa Fe Trail's Lane Workman tied for first place individually with 71s.
SANTA FE TRAIL INVITATIONAL
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Topeka High freshman Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton won three events and added a second-place finish to lead the way as city athletes turned in a strong performance in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational track and field meet.
Topeka High freshman Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton (right) wins the girls 100-meter dash in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational while Highland Park's Jurnee Cole (left) was second and Washburn Rural's Adriana Raub third. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
All seven city schools competed in Wednesday's meet, along with Emporia, while city athletes who have qualified for this weekend's Kansas Relays bypassed the meet.
City schools won 17 of 18 events in the boys division while city athletes won 12 of 18 girls events.
Rayton won the girls 100-meter dash in 13.51 seconds and won the long jump with a best effort of 16 feet, 7 inches and was the triple jump champ at 35-3.50. Rayton finished second in the 200 in 27.52.
Washburn Rural won six girls events on the day, including a sweep of the throws, with Raegan Petersen winning the discus (119-0), Kailyn Petersen the shot put (33-10) and Morgan Ray the javelin (116-8).
The Junior Blues also got a win from Kenzie Maddox in the 1,600 and from Alexis Burns in the high jump (4-10) while Rural won the 4x100 relay in 60.18.
Seaman's Harper Hafenstine won the pole vault title at 7-6 while Highland Park's Miluv Cosey won the 200 (27.04) and Seaman won the 4x400 relay in 4:45.48.
Topeka West's Jayden Lindsey was a double individual winner on the boys side, taking the 200 dash in 23.25 and the 400 in 53.38, while Washburn Rural dominated the boys division with eight wins.
Washburn Rural's Christian Hartman-Babb (right) won the boys 110 hurdles in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational while Shawnee Heights Isaac Song (left) finished second in the 110s and won the 300 hurdles. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's Quentin Hill won the boys high jump in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
The Junior Blues got individual wins from Nate Recob in the 100 (11.91), Wyatt Shorb in the 1,600 (4:57.67), Hayden Keller in the 3,200 (10:35.50), Christian Hartman-Robb in the 110 hurdles (17.11), Quentin Hill in the high jump (6-0) and Jacob Hawks in the shot put (46-9.50) while Rural also won the 4x400 relay (3:42.24) and the 4x800 relay (8:59.69).
Seaman's Logan Townsend won the boys 800 in Wednesday's Washburn Rural Invitational, leading a 1-2-3 Viking finish in the event. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Seaman got individual victories from Logan Townsend in the 800 (2:06.25), Kaden Whitehurst in the triple jump (38-7.50) and Connor Warren in the javelin (148-8) and the Vikings won the 4x100 relay in 45.43.
Shawnee Heights got wins from Isaac Song in the 300 hurdles (42.24) and Ethan Fisher in the discus (140-6) while Song finished second in the 110 hurdles (17.44).
Highland Park's Rayson Pollard won the long jump at 19-8.50.
WASHBURN RURAL INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Micah Williams continued her prolific freshman soccer season for Highland Park on Tuesday to lead the way as the Scots improved to 4-5 on the season with a 6-2 win over Meadowlark Conference foe Kansas City-Washington.
Highland Park freshman Micah Williams had four goals and an assist in the Scots' 6-2 Meadowlark Conference soccer win over Kansas City-Washington on Tuesday. [Submitted photo]
Williams scored four of Highland Park's six goals, raising her season total to 19, and was also credited with an assist in the win.
The Scots also got goals from Jazmin Bermudez-Morales and Melany Noj-Hernandez.
The Topeka High/Cair Paravel golf team posed for a team picture after winning the team title in the Topeka High Invitational Monday at Western Hills. [Submitted photo]
Cleverdon, host Trojans post wins in Topeka High Invitational
Host Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin posted a 17-stroke victory in Monday's Topeka High Invitational golf tournament at Western Hills while sophomore Caleb Cleverdon shot a 78 to take individual honors.
Cair Paravel sophomore Caleb Cleverdon shot a 78 on Monday to take the individual win in the Topeka High Invitational at Western Hills. [Submitted photo]
Cleverdon posted a three-shot win over Shawnee Heights' Dylan Packard (81), while Heights' Evan Jones, Topeka High/CPLS's Rich Helmbold and Seaman's Hunter Gerhardt tied for third place with 82s.
Topeka High/CPLS also got an 84 from Jase Pavlik and a 93 from Luke Budden to round out its top four.
Shawnee Heights (354), Seaman (370) and Hayden (384), who all played split squads in the event, finished second, third and fourth in the six-school event.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
In many ways, Washburn Rural sophomore swim star Audrey Appuhn and her Junior Blue teammates are in the midst of the toughest stretch of the 2024 season.
Washburn Rural sophomore Audrey Appuhn reacts to a victory in Monday's Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Granted, the biggest meets of the year -- city, Centennial League, Class 6A state -- are still to come, but Appuhn and the Junior Blues are currently working their hardest to make sure they're ready for that stretch run.
"I would say my workouts are getting harder, which does in turn causes some time adds, but I'm hoping towards the end of the season all the lifting and harder times at practice will apply and I hope that for everyone on my team because everyone's been working really hard,'' Appuhn said Monday after leading Rural to a strong second-place team finish in the Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium.
"We're at the peak of our hardest training right now and when it tapers down I think everyone's really going to pull through and do amazing.''
Appuhn posted three wins on Monday -- two lopsided individual victories and a relay win -- as Washburn Rural rolled up 485 points, a single point behind team champ Free State.
Washburn Rural sophomore Audrey Appuhn wins the 200 individual medley in Monday's Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Appuhn won the 200-yard individual medley by nearly seven seconds in a time of 2 minutes, 12.54 seconds and came back a few events later to win the 500 free by more than 15 seconds in 5:15.37.
Appuhn also teamed with Ava Von Lintel, Ella Bombardier and Madeline O'Brien to win the 400 free relay in 4:18.48 and she swam on Rural's third-place 200 medley relay (2:04.07).
Appuhn established herself as one of the state's top swimmers as a freshman when she finished third in 6A in the 200 individual medley and fourth in the 500 free and is looking to build off that performance this spring.
"It adds a little bit more pressure but the success keeps you going,'' she said. "It's a really hard sport to do as a team because everyone practices by themself but I'm lucky to have such a great team environment because without that environment I wouldn't be able to push my personal and group goals.
"If you're not enjoying it it's not worth it at all so I always to have that mindset and make sure I'm having fun and make sure I'm being there with the team because that makes it all worth it. Club is definitely more individual but when you're in a whole group of girls your age and everyone has a common goal to be great together it makes it a lot more fun and I couldn't do it without my girls.''
Seaman finished third as a team in Monday's meet with 399 points, with the Vikings getting a 1-2-3 finish in the 100 breastroke from Avery Walz (1:08.26), Joslynn Grace (1:11.32) and Lizzie Gould (1:20.19).
Seaman's Tauren Walz finished second in the 100 butterfly and also swam on the Vikings' winning 200 free relay. in Monday's Topeka High Invitational. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Seaman's foursome of Tauren Walz, Avery Samuelson, Grace and A. Walz also won the 200 free relay in 1:49.79 and the same foursome finished second in the 200 medley relay (2:00.01).
Hayden's Kaylee Gregg won the one-meter diving title with a score of 222.75, while Bre Sanneman of Manhattan was second at 198.15.
TOPEKA HIGH INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Jackson Esquibel
JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights
A senior distance star, Esquibel won the Class 4A-6A 800 meters in the Shocker Pre-State Challenge at Wichita State in a personal-record time of 1 minute, 58.46 seconds and finished second in the Elite division in the 3,200 in 9:22.37. Esquibel, a Kansas State signee, currently ranks No. 1 in Shawnee County in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200.
Kate Hinck
KATE HINCK, Washburn Rural
A junior, Hinck scored a pair of goals for Washburn Rural last Friday in a 3-0 Centennial League soccer win over Hayden in a battle between two schools that had posted third-place state finishes in 2003. Hinck led the way as the Junior Blues improved to 7-2 on the season with their fourth straight victory.
Ryin Miller
RYIN MILLER, Seaman
A sophomore multi-sport standout, Miller broke two school records for the second straight week in Friday's Leitel Legacy Invitational track and field meet at Free State. Miller won the 3,200 meters in 10 minutes, 19.29, bettering her own school record by more than seven seconds, and broke the Seaman record in the 800 meters with a time of 2:10.25.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:19.92
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural 2:27.72
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.40
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 2:29.07
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.61
ONE-METER DIVING
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 223.05
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Maddie Gregg, Hayden 145.65
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 11.12
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 11.20
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 11.24
Evan Scheid, Silver Lake 11.32
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 22.31
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 22.32
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 22.40
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 22.76
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden
400 METERS
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden 49.24
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 49.95
Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural 50.07
Shane Jueneman, Washburn Rural 51.26
Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights 51.60
800 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 1:58.46
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:01.86
Mark Wilkie, Topeka West 2:07.11
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 2:08.37
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:37.32
Adrian Lehman, Topeka West 4:40.25
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:41.25
Mark Wilkie, Topeka West 4:41.35
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High
100 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.77
Alana Mitchell, Hayden 13.13
Elly Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Ally Steiner, Seaman 13.15
Analese Estudillo, Washburn Rural 13.26
200 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 26.32
Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton, Topeka High 26.88
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 27.12
Ally Steiner, Seaman 27.20
Analese Estudillo, Washburn Rural 27.62
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden
400 METERS
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden 61.64
Ella Bolan, Silver Lake 62.04
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 62.90
Rae North, Hayden 64.21
Connell, Hayden 65.38
800 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:10.25
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:29.09
Sofia Harper, Hayden 2:29.40
Ryin MIller, Seaman
1,600 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 4:53.37
Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:12.51
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 5:14.90
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:21.07
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 5:34.57
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
TopSports.news
In Friday’s Leitel Legacy Invitational meet hosted by Lawrence Free State, Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke two school records, just as she had the previous week in the Lansing Invitational.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller leads the girls 3,200 Friday at Free State en route to breaking her own school record. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
In the girls 3,200-meter race, Miller broke her own school record by seven seconds in running a winning time of 10 minutes, 19.29 seconds. That time remains the fastest in the state this season and is the 24th fastest time in the United States.
In the 800 meter race, Miller’s time of 2:10.25 broke the school record set by Bethany Druse just two years ago at 2:15.19. Miller's time is also the fastest time in the state this season and the 17th fastest in the nation.
Ryin Miller runs away from the field in the girls 800 field at Free State Friday, breaking the Seaman school record. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
Ryin Miller (left) poses for a picture with former Seaman teammate Bethany Druse after breaking Druse's school record in the 800 meters. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TSN]
Other girls winners were senior Natalie Hillebert of Hayden in the long jump (16 feet, 0.5 inches) and senior Aubrey Simpson of Washburn Rural in the javelin (130-1), which is ranked 55th in the United States this season. Sophomore Morgan Ray of Washburn Rural finished second in the javelin (126-9).
Seaman senior Aaron Merritt (middle) wins the boys 100-meter dash Friday at Free State. [Photo by Charles Spurlock/TopSports.news]
Boys winners included senior Aaron Merritt of Seaman in the 100 meters (10.80), junior Jensen Schrickel of Hayden in the 400 meters (49.24), junior Peyton Holmes of Seaman in the long jump (21-10.5) and senior Jamond Lane of Washburn Rural in the discus (151-2).
LEITEL LEGACY INVITATIONAL
At Free State
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Topeka West junior track and field returning state champ Alesecio Batson and Seaman sophomore multi-sport star Ryin Miller have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.
The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2023-2024 school year.
Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Batson and Miller over the past week:
Topeka West junior Alesecio Batson won the triple jump in last week's Lansing Invitational, continuing his comeback from an injury. [File photo/TSN]
ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West
A returning Class 5A state champion, Batson is steadily returning to form after battling back from a serious leg injury over the summer.
Batson won the boys triple jump in last Friday's Lansing Invitational, recording a season-best jump of 44 feet, 5 inches.
Batson won the state triple jump title in the 2023 state meet with a leap of 48 feet, 4.25 inches. An All-Shawnee County first-team pick, Batson was the county leader in the event last season with a season-best jump of 48-11.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke a pair of 38-year-old school records in last week's Lansing Invitational, winning three gold medals on the day. [File photo/TSN]
RYIN MILLER, Seaman
A four-sport athlete for the Vikings, Miller broke two 38-year-old school records in last Friday's Lansing Invitational track and field meet and also starred on the soccer pitch.
In the girls 1,600 meters, Miller's time of 4 minutes, 53.37 seconds broke the school record, previously held by Marge Eddy, by 11 seconds. In the 3,200, Miller ran a 10:26.54, which broke Eddy's school record by 33 seconds. Miller ran a 59-second split on the Vikings' winning 4x400-meter relay (4:15.21).
Miller also recorded two goals and an assist in a 6-0 Seaman soccer win over Topeka West last week.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Audrey Appuhn
AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural
Appuhn, a sophomore swimming standout for the Junior Blues, earned three gold medals in last Thursday's Emporia Invitational as Washburn Rural won the team championship by a 527-374 margin over De Soto. Appuhn won the 500-yard freestyle by nearly 17 seconds in 5 minutes, 32.79 seconds and also swam on Rural's winning 200 medley relay (2:10.57) and 200 free relay (1:54.69).
Erin Boles
ERIN BOLES, Washburn University
A sophomore right-fielder out of Lubbock, Texas, Boles went 7 for 11 with five runs scored and three runs batted in at the plate last Thursday and Friday as Washburn's softball team earned MIAA road sweeps at Nebraska-Kearney (8-0 and 3-0) and Fort Hays State (13-6 and 2-0). The Ichabods improved to 34-10 on the season while stretching their winning streak to 11 games.
Jackson Esquibel
JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights
A senior who has won Class 5A state championships in track and cross country, Esquibel captured three gold medals in last Friday's Lansing Invitational track and field meet. Esquibel, a Kansas State signee, won the boys 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 28.20 seconds and the 3,200 in 9:31.57 while also teaming with Mason Haas, Charles Hanson and Evan Carter to win the 4x800 relay in 8:38.00.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 11.18
Evan Scheid, Silver Lake 11.32
Finn Dunshee, Hayden 11.38
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 11.40
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Aaron Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights 22.76
Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake 22.92
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 23.05
Bryce Cochran, Seaman 23.06
400 METERS
Payton Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights 49.95
Jensen Schrickel, Hayden 50.18
Shane Jueneman, Washburn Rural 51.26
Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights 51.95
Ben Roeder, Topeka High 52.68
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 2:00.30
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:04.20
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 2:08.37
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:08.43
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Elijah Phelps, Topeka West 4:46.08
Eli Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:47.99
Zach Moore, Hayden 4:48.71
Adrian Lehman, Topeka West 4:48.72
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Elly Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 13.21
Ally Steiner, Seaman 13.24
Kielyn McDonnell, Rossville 13.34
Connell, Hayden 13.47
200 METERS
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 27.12
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 27.37
Ally Steiner, Seaman 27.41
Ava Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 27.72
Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton, Topeka High 27.90
400 METERS
Ella Bolan, Silver Lake 62.74
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden 62.79
Shayla Rezac, Rossville 62.90
Connell, Hayden 65.38
Rae North, Hayden 66.13
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural
800 METERS
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:29.09
Sofia Harper, Hayden 2:31.63
Taylie Heston, Seaman 2:32.53
Ryin MIller, Seaman
1,600 METERS
Ryin Miller, Seaman 4:53.37
Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:12.51
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural 5:14.90
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:23.12
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:37.24
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:22.64
Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural 2:27.72
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.94
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 2:29.07
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.61
ONE-METER DIVING
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 202.30
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High 128.75
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural's softball team ran its win streak to four games with Friday's 8-3, 15-4 non-league road doubleheader sweep over Olathe South, with the Junior Blues improving to 6-2 on the season.
Washburn Rural senior Makayla Ekis recorded her second straight complete-game pitching win in Friday's doubleheader sweep over Olathe South. [File photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
Junior Naudia Wech sparked the Washburn Rural offense in the opener with a bases loaded triple while freshman Olivia Koch picked up the pitching win with a complete-game performance.
Junior Avery Rupp hit a grand slam in the second game, her first home run at the varsity level, while senior Makayla Ekis went the distance in the pitcher's circle for the victory.
Rural's sweep over Olathe South came on the heels of a 5-2, 10-1 Centennial League road sweep over Emporia.
Washburn Rural will be at home Tuesday to host Hayden (2-2) in a Centennial twinbill.
Seaman senior Paige Glasgow (left) congratulates sophomore teammate Aubrey Warren after Warren scored a run in Friday's softball triangular at Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Seaman softball bounces back from first loss with win over city rival Topeka High
After suffering a heartbreaking 10-inning 5-4 loss to Eudora in its first game, Seaman's softball team bounced right back to take a 19-9 win over city rival Topeka High in Friday's triangular at Seaman.
Junior Kaelyn O'Rourke and the Seaman Vikings are 5-1 on the season after a split in Friday's triangular at Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
With its second-game win the Vikings improved to 5-1 on the season.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
TopSports.news
In her first individual races of the 2024 season at Friday's Lansing Invitational, Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller broke two school records along with posting the state’s best times this season in both races.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller set school records in the 1,600 and 3,200 Friday at Lansing and also ran on the Vikings' winning 4x400 relay. [File photo/TSN]
In the girls 1,600-meter race, Miller's time of 4 minutes, 53.37 seconds broke the 38-year-old Seaman school record, previously held by Marge Eddy, by 11 seconds.
In the 3,200 meters Miller ran a 10:26.54, which broke the school record, also held by Eddy and set 38 years ago, by 33 seconds.
Miller also ran a 59-second split on the 4x400-meter relay, teaming with Taylie Heston, Allie Steiner and Jaida Stallbaumer to win the event in 4:15.21.
Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel was a triple gold medalist in Friday's Lansing Invitational. [File photo/TSN]
Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel, a Class 5A state champion in both track and cross country, also captured three gold medals in Friday's meet.
Esquibel won the boys 1,600 in 4:28.20 and the 3,200 in 9:31.57 while also teaming with Mason Haas, Charles Hanson and Evan Carter to win the 4x800 relay in 8:38.00.
Seaman won the girls team title by a 121-116 margin over Emporia while Shawnee Heights won the boys championship by a 125-88.5 margin over Emporia.
Also winning on the girls side was Hayden senior Natalie Hillebert in the 400 (62.79).
Shawnee Heights junior Payton Berry-Briggs won the boys 400 dash in 49.95 while Heights also got wins from senior Alexander Dawkins in the discus (138-8) and senior Alex Dittman in the javelin (157-5).
Hayden senior Carter Charvat won the boys shot put at 47-3 while the Wildcats also won the 4x100 relay (43.26) and the 4x400 relay (3:28.60).
Topeka High junior Jaxon Cowdin won the 300 hurdles (42.21), Trojan junior Daniel Brown won the high jump (5-10) and Topeka West junior Alsecio Batson won the triple jump (44-5).
LANSING INVITATIONAL
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Shawnee Heights girls soccer team made a first-half goal stand up, preserving the lead to win at Seaman 1-0 Thursday.
Shawnee Heights freshman Morgan Robinson (9) scored the game's only goal in the T-Birds' 1-0 UKC soccer win over Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Taking a pass from Shawnee Heights junior Isabelle Van Fleet, freshman Morgan Robinson dribbled into the heart of the Seaman defense and punched a shot to the left post with 6:26 remaining in the first half.
Taking a first half lead didn’t immediately affect the T-Birds strategy in the United Kansas Conference.
“It changes things a little bit, but (the goal) came so early that it was still, ‘Ok, we need to still do what we need to do, play our game,’” said Shawnee Heights coach Kellen Griffin. “Then when it gets toward the end it’s like, ‘Now we need to shore up some things defensively to make sure we’re not giving up a late goal.’ ”
T-Bird goalkeeper MacKenzie Mertel headed the effort to hold the lead.
“It felt like a lot of pressure, but I know that we have a good team this year and I felt confident we could (preserve the shutout),” Mertel said.
Numerous yellow cards and spirited play marked the contest. Griffin said that intensity comes with the rivalry.
“The game with Seaman is always close,” Griffin said. “It doesn’t matter if one team is really up or the other one is really down. The game is always going to be close. So many of these girls play together in the offseason. They are all friends, and they want to get one over on their friends.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural's boys tennis team hasn't quite achieved perfection over its first three tennis meets of the 2024 season.
But Brad Johnston's Junior Blues have been darn close, going undefeated as a team while dropping just one match.
Rural continued its hot start in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular at Kossover Tennis Center, rolling to 4-0 victories over Seaman, Topeka West and Lawrence.
"I love the talent and the depth that we have, having a couple of seniors but being able to fill out the lineup with sophomores and I still have other guys,'' Johnston said. "They're playing hard and they're buying into the team mentality that we have.''
Washburn Rural senior Dylan Dodge went a perfect 3-0 in No. 1 singles in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Sophomore Keegan Knudtson went 3-0 in No. 2 singles in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular, helping Washburn Rural post three 4-0 dual victories. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Rural senior Dylan Dodge posted 8-2, 8-0 and 8-1 wins in No. 1 singles while sophomore Keegan Knudtson recorded two 8-0 decisions and an 8-1 victory in No. 2 singles.
Washburn Rural sophomore Dylan Willingham (left) and senior Lawsen Lobatos celebrate a point during Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular at Kossover Tennis Center, with the Rural duo going 3-0 on the day. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's No. 2 doubles team of Brayden Kohls (left) and Cale Duetscher went undefeated in Wednesday's Topeka West quadrangular, helping the Junior Blues post three 4-0 victories. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural's No. 1 doubles team of senior Lawsen Lobatos and sophomore Dylan Willingham didn't drop a game on the day, winning three straight 8-0 decisions while the Junior Blues' No. 2 doubles team of sophomores Cale Duetscher and Brayden Kohls posted 8-2, 8-4 and 8-5 victories.
"I feel like this season and the seasons going forward that we're going in the right direction and team first is our mentality,'' Johnston said.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman girls soccer coach Kyle Seevers is still looking for his Vikings to put more shots in the back of the net as the season moves on.
But the Vikings are making progress in that area, including a season-high six goals Tuesday night in Seaman's 6-0 United Kansas Conference romp past Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park.
Seaman sophomore Ryin Miller (8), who scored two goals, battles Topeka West freshman Brynlee Best for the ball in Tuesday's 6-0 Seaman win at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Freshman Julia Molleker scored a pair of goals in Seaman's 6-0 UKC soccer win over Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I think we're going to keep making progress,'' Seevers said. "We're going to pick up the intensity at practice and training.
"We're going to pick it up a hair each training session so that we can get balls in the back of the net. We can create (opportunities). Unfortunately, sometimes we can't put them in the back of the net so those creations don't count for anything but a pat on the back.''
Sophomore Ryin Miller and freshman Julia Molleker scored two goals apiece for the Vikings while Seaman also got goals from senior Marin Schuler and sophomore Maya Martin.
Miller, Marin Schuler and sophomore Elle LaBin were credited with assists and senior Makena Schuler recorded the shutout in goal as Seaman improved to 3-0-1 overall and 1-0 in the UKC with its third straight shutout.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY
Seaman 1:58.69
Washburn Rural 2:07.69
Shawnee Heights 2:13.20
Hayden 2:19.71
Topeka High 2:18.14
Avery Walz, Seaman
200-YARD FREESTYLE
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:03.60
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:11.03
Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural 2:20.24
Bailee Heincker, Seaman 2:22.64
Ella Bombardier, Washburn Rural 2:30.35
200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Avery Walz, Seaman 2:11.82
Joslynn Grace, Seaman 2:15.94
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural 2:18.98
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 2:29.65
Kaitlyn Aldridge, Shawnee Heights 2:35.63
Tauren Walz, Seaman
50-YARD FREESTYLE
Tauren Walz, Seaman 26.11
Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High 26.93
Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights 27.26
Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural 28.04
Molly Didde, Washburn Rural 28.65
ONE-METER DIVING
Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural 207.70
Kaylee Gregg, Hayden 202.30
Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 177.05
Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural 130.55
Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High 128.75
