Topeka High Trojans
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
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 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 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 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
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
It's usually a difficult task for freshmen to crack the varsity roster in any sport, and even harder to make an immediate impact.
But Shawnee Heights' freshmen girls soccer players apparently didn't get the memo.
Freshman Morgan Robinson scored her seventh and eighth goals of the season in Monday's 3-2 Shawnee Heights soccer win over Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Shawnee Heights freshman Soleil McNaughton (15) scored the T-Birds' final goal in a 3-2 win over Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
T-Bird freshmen Morgan Robinson and Soleil McNaughton combined for all three of Heights' first-half goals and freshman Nina Bolanos dished out a pair of assists in Monday's 3-2 non-league road win over Topeka High at Hummer Sports Park.
"We're a really young group and I thought we played really well the first half,'' Heights coach Kellen Griffin said. "The second half we got caught out a little bit but they stuck through it the whole game and we won a close game.
"We didn't win any close games last year so that's a step in the right direction already.''
Robinson scored a pair of goals against the Trojans to give her eight goals in three games for the 2-1 T-Birds while McNaughton scored Heights' third goal and Bolanos registered her two assists Monday after scoring three goals in an earlier 9-0 win over Ottawa.
Thus far all 12 Shawnee Heights goals on the year have come from freshmen.
"We don't have a lot of upperclassmen but the upperclassmen we have are really great leaders and then we've got a lot of underclassmen -- freshmen and sophomores -- that are just hungry to get playing time and hungry to get wins and they come to practice every day and they're ready to work,'' Griffin said.
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
Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Murph, Topeka High 11.18
Redmond, Silver Lake 11.54
Barr, Topeka West 11.59
Scheid, Silver Lake 11.64
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Murph, Topeka High 23.05
Parker, Shawnee Heights 23.27
Batson, Topeka West 23.37
Cochran, Seaman 23.41
Ben
400 METERS
Roeder, Topeka High 52.68
Benz, Shawnee Heights 52.79
Terry, Washburn Rural 53.14
Batson, Topeka West 53.64
Roney, Washburn Rural 54.31
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 2:00.30
Ferguson, Silver Lake 2:04.20
Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:08.43
Quarles, Washburn Rural 2:09.89
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Lehman, Topeka West 4:48.72
Carter, Shawnee Heights 4:50.71
Leinwetter, Washburn Rural 4:51.67
Ferguson, Silver Lake 4:55.60
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
Sanders, Rossville 13.14
Marshall, Topeka High 13.21
McDonnell, Rossville 13.34
Steiner, Seaman 13.44
Connell, Hayden 13.47
200 METERS
Rezac, Rossville 27.34
Marshall, Topeka High 27.37
Steiner, Seaman 27.79
Cosey, Highland Park 28.14
Rayton, Topeka High 28.23
400 METERS
Bolan, Silver Lake 62.74
Hillebert, Hayden 63.31
Rezac, Rossville 64.04
Connell, Hayden 65.38
Robinson, Seaman 66.22
800 METERS
Fink, Washburn Rural 2:25.13
Graf, Washburn Rural 2:28.40
Ismert, Washburn Rural 2:34.48
Heston, Seaman 2:36.94
Nolte, Washburn Rural 2:38.17
Payton Fink, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Fink, Washburn Rural 5:16.93
Ismert, Washburn Rural 5:20.83
Graf, Washburn Rural 5:23.12
Nolte, Washburn Rural 5:43.08
Spencer, Seaman 5:48.82
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
WAMEGO -- Washburn Rural senior golfer Cam Zimlich didn't get off to the best of starts in Thursday's Washburn Rural Great Plains Classic, carding a triple bogey on his very first hole of the tournament at Wamego Country Club.
But that was one of just a few missteps on the day as Zimlich tied for second individually with a 76 (third on a tiebreaker), leading the host Junior Blues to a second-place team finish with a four-man score of 312, just two strokes behind Manhattan.
Washburn Rural senior Cam Zimlich receives his third-place medal from Rural athletic director Charlie Nimz at Thursday's Great Plains Classic at Wamego Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I started on 18 and I hit it (out of bounds) and I ended up tripling right out of the gate,'' Zimlich said. "I kind of fought back and kept it even until hole 15 was my next bad hole and I made a double, but then 16's a Par 5 and I ended up eagling that one and that got me right back after that. It was kind of an up and down round out there.''
But fortunately for Zimlich, there were a lot more ups than downs.
"That's probably my best tournament round so I was really proud about that one,'' Zimlich said.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After taking an 8-0 first-game loss to Washburn Rural on Wednesday at Rural, the pressure was on Topeka High's baseball team and senior ace Nate Plankinton to get the Trojans back on track in the nightcap.
Plankinton welcomed the challenge and responded with a three-hit shutout as Topeka High improved to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the Centennial League with a 2-0 win.
Nate Plankinton threw a complete-game three-hitter with 10 strikeouts in Topeka High's 2-0 second-game win at Washburn Rural Wednesday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I love being a team captain and leading these guys and getting them amped up after a loss like that, telling them to shake it off and it's a completely new game,'' Plankinton said. "You've got to have a short memory in baseball. That's what it's all about.
"Now we just want to build off of this and keep working. I love this team so much. I love the team chemistry that we have and I have to give all credit to my coach, Cody Miller. He's a big part of why we can succeed like this and bounce back just like that.''
Plankinton normally pitches the first game for the Trojans but on Wednesday the plan was for him to be available as a closer in both ends of the doubleheader.
"The plan of attack today was first game to start Hank (Stamper) and if we got a lead by the fourth I was going to go in and close it out,'' Plankinton said. "That's what we did last year against them and it worked. I close out both games last year against Washburn Rural and we got the sweep.''
But after Washburn Rural (2-3, 1-1) took control in the opener with two runs in the second and three in the third on the way to a one-hit shutout, Miller had confidence that Plankinton was the man to right the High ship.
"We absolutely believe that,'' Miller said. "That's why he's pitching that second game. He's a fail safe basically and being able to put the game in his hands we know that we don't have to do that much offensively. We did play very well defensively that game, but Nate's big time.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
It probably doesn't come as a big surprise to anyone who has followed local sports over the past several years, but a long and growing list of athletes who starred at Topeka/Shawnee County schools have continued to make a big impact at the college level over the winter and spring seasons.
Here's a look at just some of the stars who continue to make their high school alma maters and fans proud:
Campbell Bagshaw
CAMPBELL BAGSHAW, Washburn Rural/Kansas -- After seeing spot for Kansas softball in 2023 as a freshman, Bagshaw has fueled a breakout season for the No. 18-ranked Jayhawks (22-8-1) while putting together a big sophomore season. An infielder, Bagshaw leads the Jayhawks with a .317 batting average while compiling a .500 slugging percentage and a .380 on-base percentage. The former Washburn Rural multi-sport standout has five doubles, two triples and two home runs on the season while also compiling a .995 fielding percentage.
Olivia Bruno
OLIVIA BRUNO, Washburn Rural/Kansas -- A junior, Bruno has teamed with former Washburn Rural teammates Bagshaw and Kasey Hamilton to help No. 18-ranked Kansas get off to a 22-8-1 start on the season. Bruno, who earned All-Big 12 second-team honors as a freshman, has made 23 starts this season for the Jayhawks with a home run and nine runs batted in while compiling a .338 on-base percentage. Bruno is 1-1 in the pitching circle in 2024 with a 1.95 earned run average and 12 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.
NiJaree Canady
NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High/Stanford -- After being named the NCAA Division I National Freshman of the Year in 2023, the former Topeka High star has continued to establish herself as arguably the most dominant pitcher in college softball as a sophomore this spring. Canady is currenty 10-2 on the season for the No. 9-ranked Cardinal (25-5) while compiling an 0.59 earned run average with 152 strikeouts in 95.1 innings pitched. In 18 appearances Canady has thrown eight complete games while also earning three saves and holding opponents to a .126 batting average. As a freshman Canady helped lead Stanford to the College World Series with a 17-3 record and led the nation with an 0.57 ERA and 11.3 strikeouts for every seven innings pitched.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Jackson Esquibel
JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights
Esquibel, who has won Class 5A state titles in track and field and cross country, opened his senior track season with a sweep of the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs in last Friday's Free State Early Bird Invitational. Esquibel, a Kansas State signee, won the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 36.23 seconds and took the 3,200 win in 9:44.51.
Joslynn Grace
JOSLYNN GRACE, Seaman
Grace opened her junior swimming season with four gold medals in last Thursday's Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natorium. Grace won the 200-yard individual medley (2:15.94) and the 100 breaststroke (1:11.27) and swam on the Vikings' winning 200-yard medley relay (1:58.69) and 200 free relay (1:49.24).
Ashley Heavner
ASHLEY HEAVNER, Washburn University
Heavner, a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, broke a 44-year-old Washburn University track and field program record at the Fort Hays State Spring Invitational in the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1 minute, 3.21 seconds. Heavner broke her own personal best in the event while breaking Pam Blackwell's WU record of 1:03.64.
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
Marshall, Topeka High 13.21
Steiner, Seaman 13.44
Connell, Hayden 13.47
Phillips, Topeka West 14.01
Washington, Topeka High 14.04
200 METERS
Marshall, Topeka High 27.37
Steiner, Seaman 27.79
Cosey, Highland Park 28.14
Rayton, Topeka High 28.23
Jowers, Seaman 29.87
Natalie Hillebert, Hayden
400 METERS
Hillebert, Hayden 63.31
Connell, Hayden 65.38
Robinson, Seaman 66.22
North, Hayden 66.84
Imani, Shawnee Heights 71.99
Taylie Heston, Seaman
800 METERS
Heston, Seaman 2:37.14
Wempe, Seaman 2:50.15
Urbina-Archundia, Shawnee Heights 2:58.91
Wolff, Hayden 3:01.98
Garcia, Highland Park 3:08.13
1,600 METERS
Spencer, Seaman 5:53.36
Harper, Hayden 6:12.41
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
Merritt, Seaman 10.77
Murph, Topeka High 11.18
Barr, Topeka West 11.59
Hailey, Topeka High 11.85
Osburn, Washburn Rural 11.90
Aaron Merritt, Seaman
200 METERS
Merritt, Seaman 22.08
Murph, Topeka High 23.05
Parker, Shawnee Heights 23.27
Batson, Topeka West 23.37
Cochran, Seaman 23.41
400 METERS
Roeder, Topeka High 52.68
Benz, Shawnee Heights 52.79
Terry, Washburn Rural 53.14
Batson, Topeka West 53.64
Roney, Washburn Rural 54.31
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Anderson, Seaman 1:59.81
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 2:00
Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:08.43
Quarles, Washburn Rural 2:09.89
Olsen, Washburn Rural 2:11.40
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
1,600 METERS
Esquibel, Shawnee Heights 4:22.45
Lehman, Topeka West 4:48.72
Leinwetter, Washburn Rural 4:51.67
Carter, Shawnee Heights 4:52.44
Moore, Hayden 4:56.13
