Panthers seek football legacy
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
Great Bend's seniors have a final chapter with miles to go to define where the Class of 2026 ranks in Panther football history.
Last year's postseason ended with a nightmarish mix of ugly weather, key injuries and a Hays High rival that finished as 5A state runner-up. There was no doubt the Panthers believed they would've played St. Thomas Aquinas for the 5A state football title.
"Expectation are sky high and this group is ready for the challenge," said Great Bend football coach Erin Beck. "Returning a significant number of starters, nine on defense, provides a fantastic foundation. What makes senior class unique is how many starters play offense and defense. They're competitive and hold each other accountable."
Great Bend features five first-team All-WAC players — WAC Most Valuable Offensive Player WR-S Ian Premer (521 receiving, 8 TDs; 252 rushing, 2 TDs); WAC Most Valuable Defensive Player MLB Trenton Kern; WR Cooper Ohnmacht (422 receiving, 6 TDs; 150 passing, 4 TDs); OLB Jacob Hall (284 receiving, 3 TDs); QB Daxton Minton (1,306 passing, 17 TDs, 332 rushing, 5 TDs).
"Experience at QB (Daxton Minton), and the skill group (Ian Premer, Cooper Ohnmacht, Jacob Hall, and Hayden Kelly), provide instant chemistry. This continuity should lead to a more efficient and explosive offense from the get-go."
Beck said he's constantly guessing what offensive options the defense is trying to take away when he calls play. If matchups are right, Minton will use the passing game. If the defense loads up on pass defense, he'll use the run game.
"My goal is take what plays the defense is giving you," Beck said. "We trust our system and want to win matchups man-on-man. It helps we coach selfless players who simply want to win football games. There are multiple ways to get Ian Premer the football. It defenses try to take away Premer, it opens up things for other guys."
Second team All-WAC veterans are C Karter Brown, OG Trenton Kern, DE Conner Holladay and LB Kale Kern
"Kern, Brown and Blaine Ensley return up front for leadership and experience," Beck said. "Running back will be used by different personnel. Premer and Ohnmacht are versatile, intelligent players who will be used in a variety of ways. Connor Holladay, Kale Kern, Josh Birney and Cal Schartz will compete for carries."
Middle linebacker Trenton Kern (112 tackles, 6 for loss) joins Kale Kern (41 tackes), Jacob Hall (41 tackles, 3 def. TDs, 3 int.) and Jaxon Wondra. Defensive end Conner Holladay (69 tackles, 11 for loss), safeties Ian Premer (50 tackles, 3 int.) and Cooper Ohnmacht and cornerbacks Hayden Kelly and Koehn Ribordy return.
"Adding wrinkles should translate to a cohesive and aggressive unit. Graduation losses on the defensive line need to be addressed. Our biggest question mark will be our depth. We'll find ways to keep them fresh."
OFFENSIVE RETURNEES—QB Daxton Minton; WR Ian Premer; WR Jacob Hall; WR Cooper Ohnmacht; WR Hayden Kelly; LG Trenton Kern; C Karter Brown; LT Blaine Ensley; PK Diego Soto; PK Omar Razo
DEFENSIVE RETURNEES—OLB Jacob Hall; LB Kale Kern; S Ian Premer; S Cooper Ohnmacht; MLB Trenton Kern; OLB Kale Kern; CB Hayden Kelly; DE Conner Holladay; LB Jaxon Wondra; CB Koehn Ribordy
PROMISING NEWCOMERS—OL/DL Jose Bustamante; OL/DL Keeton Bray; OL/DL Gavin Maddox; WR/DB Cole Fanshier; OL/DL Ryder Morris; RB/DB Josh Birney; RB/DB Cal Schartz; OL/LB Jace Deines; OL/DL Brady Mendez; WR/DB Alec Premer; RB/LB Maxx Steffan; RB/DB Grant Watkins
SENIORS—5—Jacob Hall, 6-2, 200, TE/OLB; 6—Josh Birney, 5-8, 175, RB/SS; 8—Hayden Kelly, 5-10, 170, WR/DB; 11—Koehn Ribordy, 5-10, 180, CB; 12—Daxton Minton, 5-11, 186, QB/CB; 14—Ian Premer, 6-5, 230, WR/S; 16—Beau White, 5-9, 165, WR/CB; 22—Conner Holladay, 6-0, 190, RB/DE; 33—Lukas Oden, 5-8, 140, RB/DB; 51—Trenton Kern, 6-2, 225, LG/LB; 52—Jace Deines, 5-10, 190, WR/LB; 55—Karter Brown, 6-0, 280, C/DL; 56—Blaine Ensley, 6-0, 240, LT/LB; 74—Ryder Morris, 5-11, 260, OL/DL; 82—Diego Soto, PK
JUNIORS—2—Cooper Ohnmacht, 6-1, 180, QB/WR/S; 7—Kale Kern, 6-1, 215, TE/MLB; 10—Cole Fanshier, 6-1, 160, WR/OLB; 24—Jaxon Wondra, 5-10, 180, WR/DE; 35—Omar Razo, 5-10, 170, PK; 44—Chase Stout, 5-11, 140, WR/LB; 54—Gavynn Maddox, 5-8, 215, OL/DL; 71—Evan Vink, 5-10, 165, OL/DL
SOPHOMORES—1—Cal Schartz, 5-6, 125, RB/DB; 3—Jacob Mazouch, 5-7, 120, QB/WR; 13—Alec Premer, 6-1, 150, WR/FS; 15—Braxton Richter, 5-6, 120, WR/CB; 19—Kade Baker, 5-9, 125, WR/DB; 20—Grant Watkims, RB/OLB; 21—Jaden Prilling, 5-6, 115, QB/CB; 23—Kade Urban, 5-9, 145, WR/CB; 26—Mark Mazouch, 5-7, 125, WR/SS; 28—Spencer Brown, 5-6, 120, WR/CB; 32—Maxx Steffan, 5-9, 160, RB/MLB; 40—Colton Andrasek, 5-10, 145, WR/DB; 42—Xavier Johnson Millirons, 5-10, 160, DE/LS; 47—Angel Carrasco, WR/MLB; 57—Keeton Bray, 6-2, 230, OL/DL; 59—Brady Mendez, 6-0, 200, OL/LB; 63—Logan Espinosa, 5-9, 165, OL/Dl; 64—Elijah Ybarra, 5-9, 210, OL/DL; 66—Xander Bott, 6-1, 250, T/DT; 77—Levi Espino, 5-11, 250, OL/DL; 78—Dylan Hernandez, 5-9, 240, OL/DL
NINTH-GRADERS—4—Gavin Wondra, QB/CB; 9—Jakoby Council, RB/SS; 17—Luke Beck, WR/OLB; 18—Carter Dreiling, FB/MLB; 25—Kade Thexton, WR/MLB; 29—Christian Alcala, RB/SS; 30—Keldon Bullard, RB/MLB; 31—Zach Yoder, WR/CB; 36—Kellan Chansler, WR/CB; 37—Cooper Burroughs, WR/OLB; 38—Kayden Tiede, RB/CB; 50—Carter Schmidt, C/DE: 53—Reyes Rodriguez, T/NG; 58—Colby Spore, T/DE; 60—Levi McCormick, T/MLb; 65—Wyatt Blevins, G/NG; 70—Kohen Pivonka, T/DE; 75—Conner Davis, T/NG; 81—Charlie Foster, WR/CB
WAC volleyball champion reloads
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
The 5A state-qualifying Great Bend Panther volleyball team (36-5) broke the school record for the second consecutive year. Great Bend won a school record 27 consecutive matches. Coach Shelly Duvall led the Panthers to their second straight WAC title, seventh in school history.
Great Bend defeated Goddard 25-15, 25-15 and Valley Center 25-21, 25-23 to qualify for 5A state. The Panthers lost to Andover 25-18, 13-25, 25-21; Wichita Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 25-8, 23-25, 25-12 and Lenexa St. James 25-20, 25-17 at the 5A state volleyball tournament.
“Panther volleyball looks great for the next few years,” she said. “We have several players that are younger and are seeing valuable court time. Our JV and C team players have put in the work as well.
Two-time first-team All-WAC Kya Behr returns and All-WAC Kara Feist and Cassie Ellegood graduated.
Duvall commented on her top returning players starting with seniors Denver Ringo (82 winners, 65 digs, 29 serves received), Katherine Mazouch, Kimmy Hofflinger (347 serves, 209 SR, 161 digs) and Ava Kaiser (457 SR, 353 digs, 313 serves, 41 assists).
"Denver is back from her ACL tear and will see time on the RS. She's a solid block," Duvall said. "Katherine Mazouch will be the same. She will see time on the right side."
Kimmy is a varsity starter returning for her senior season as our DS! She is super versatile and is also our back up setter.
Ava is our varsity returning libero. She and Kimmy are key to our back row and will be on the court the majority of the time.
Kya Behr (829 assists, 359 serves, 284 digs, 211 winners, 35 blocks) joins Alex Mayers (327 serves, 321 SR, 255 digs, 170 winners) and Meredith Mazouch () as junior standouts.
"Kya Behr is entering her third year as our varsity setter. She will run our entire offense and is capable of also hitting the ball when it's needed. She is a 6 rotation player. Alex Mayers is a returning varsity starter also and will be an outside hitter this season.
"Meredith Mazouch is a defensive specialist that will be seeing time in our back row and is a primary passer with Ava and Kimmy.
Sophomores are Mikala Minton (296 digs, 263 serves, 247 SR, 153 winners) and Micah Ellegood (82 winners, 53 digs, 40 blocks).
"Mikala has increased her vertical and is an outstanding outside hitter and will most likely be a 6 rotation player. Micah Ellegood has stepped into our middle blocker position. She has a great reach and ability to see the court.
Stevie Mayers is the latest freshman sensation.
"Stevie is Alex's sister, who will be our second middle blocker. She's extremely agile and strong. We can't wait to see what she can do this year!
Head coach Duvall is assisted by Katy Barkow, Jordan Barton and Jennifer Davis.
PANTHER VOLLEYBALL
VARSITY—1—Meredith Mazouch, DS, 11; 5—Katherine Mazouch, 5-9, OH/RS, 12; 6—Mikayla Minton, OH, 10; 7—Micah Ellegood, MB/RS, 10; 10— Kimmy Hofflinger, 5-6, DS/S, 12; 11—Denver Ringo, RS/OH, 12; 12— Ava Kaiser, 5-7, Libero/DS, 12; 14—Jaya Stroup, OH/RS, 9; 17—Kya Behr, 5-9, S/OH, 11; 23—Alex Mayers, MH/OH, 11; 34—Stevie Mayers, MB, 9
JUNIOR VARSITY—4—Brooklyn Kelly, MB/OH, 10; 8—Baylie Kelly, OH/MB, 10; 13—Chayla Prendergast, MB, 11; 14—Jaya Stroup, RS/OH, 9; 15—Remmi Burkes, Libero/DS; 20—Lanie Haselhorst, S, 10; 24—Emma Fanshier, S, 9; 28—Hallie Rodriguez, DS/RS, 9; 32—Kortney Leech, OH/RS, 11
C TEAM—2—Peyton Smith, Libero, 9; 16—Sadie Settle, RS, 9; 18—Paige Trendel, MB/RS, 10; 21—Rydlie Swanson, MB/RS, 9; 22—Atilyn Woodral, OH, 9; 29—Marlee Gaddis, DS, 9; 38—Catalina Schenek, Libero, 9; 39—Jaci Morris, RS/MB, 10
Two top Panther runners return
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
Great Bend's Bella Long (19:54.62) placed 25th to help the girls place eighth place after winning the Western Athletic Conference and 5A regional titles the past four years. Samantha Negaard placed 81st at state.
Two-time state qualifier Tavon Stroup (16:47.48) placed 26th to headline the Panthers' cross country team in poor running conditions at Lawrence in 2024. Stroup improved 30 seconds from a 50th-place finish despite muddy running conditions.
"State track and cross country qualifiers Bella Long and Tavon Stroup had good summer training coming off strong seasons," said Great Bend cross country coach Lyles Lashley. "We're looking forward to seeing what they can do. Two freshmen Decorah Schroeter and Sydney Stein are running stride-to-stride with Bella Long. Those girls have broken school records in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters at middle school. We're excited about that."
Great Bend's boys' return past regional runners Parker Coleman, Isaac Aldana, Noah Kaiser and Brogan Lashley.
"We've got a nice group of five boys who have worked for a strong summer — Stroup, Brogan Lashley, Aldana and Coleman. We've got a freshman Julian Hernandez who may help. Those guys should get better as the season goes along."
The Panther girls finished second, third and fifth at 5A state cross country the prior three years.
Several multi-year state girl state qualifiers will not compete in 2025. Three-time state qualifier Sienna Smith underwent a surgery for a torn labrum from a past accident. Eleven runners who competed last year won't run in 2025.
Lashley said he appreciates the runners who are committed to a 4-year running career.
"We'll roll with the runners we've got. If I hadn't kept running, I wouldn't have graduated from college," Lashley said. "If I hadn't had running, I don't know where I'd be."
PANTHER ROSTER
SENIORS—Tavon Stroup (S 26TH, 50TH; R 5TH, 14TH, 20TH; WAC 6TH, 9TH); Monte Velasco (WAC-JV 25TH)
JUNIORS—Bella Long (S 25TH, R 4TH, 14TH, WAC 4TH, 14TH); Parker Coleman (R 44TH, 49TH, WAC 28TH, 36TH)
SOPHOMORES—Isaac Aldana (R 31ST, WAC 24TH), Sydney James (WAC-JV 8TH), Alexis Garcia (WAC-JV 15TH), Samantha Negaard (R 24TH, WAC 12TH), Alyssa Prendergast (WAC-JV 4TH), Noah Kaiser (R 40TH), Brogan Lashley (R 28TH, WAC 25TH), Sullivan Luttrell (WAC 36TH)
NINTH-GRADERS—Julian Hernandez, Decorah Schroeter, Sydney Stein, Makenze Gwin, Eli Leech
(xSENIORS—Reese Bullard (R 3RD); Sienna Smith (S 13TH, 31ST, 45TH; R 4TH, 6TH, 10TH; WAC 5TH, 11TH); Ryan Oden; Ismael Ramirez (WAC 4TH, 13TH)
(xJUNIORS— Teegan Guerra (WAC 2ND, 10TH), Teah King (S 59TH, R 14TH, WAC 8TH, 22ND), Anthony Lawrence (R 23RD, 36TH, WAC 19TH, 30TH), Santiago Velasco (WAC-JV 25TH)
(xSOPHOMORES— Sophia Bauer, Lennon Johnson (WAC-JV 20TH), Randy Weber (WAC 33RD)
Panthers' Stacey headlines tennis
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
Great Bend's No. 1 singles Paige Stacey qualified for 5A state tennis with a 2-2 regional record (fourth) and lost two matches at the 5A state meet.
Spring Hill's Alea Schwinn downed Stacey 6-0, 6-1 and Emporia's Kali Keough beat Stacey 8-1 at the 5A state tournament. Stacey (25-11) has placed runner-up at No. 1 singles and No. 2 singles at the WAC Tournament.
"Paige Stacey wants to increase topspin on her shots," said Great Bend coach Zachary Bartel. "She's working on her mental game trying not to get frustrated. She'll compete with Garden City for the WAC No. 1 singles title. Paige should be in line to get a good seed at regionals. That depends if she can get head-to-head wins over some top players. Paige seeks to win her first round to put herself in position to make it back to state."
No. 2 doubles Darcy Feist-Mac Lindberg (20-13) tied for first in the Western Athletic. Feist/Lindberg were 1-2 at 5A regionals, but Feist graduated. Beth Hammeke (8-12) teamed with MacKenzie LaViolette, who has graduated.
Lindberg will start the season at No. 2 singles.
Beth Hammeke, Brooklyn Reynolds, Maddie Siefkes, and Baze Hogan will start the season at the varsity level.
"Our ideal doubles combinations may not be determined right away," Bartel said. "Our No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams should be fairly close regardless of how they pan out. A few other girls will get varsity time and have opportunities to contribute."
Perennial WAC champion Garden City has won nine consecutive titles with No. 2 singles Quincy Nanninga and No. 2 doubles player Chloe Ptacek returning.
"Garden City will be the WAC favorite again with two varsity players returning," Bartel said. "Hays graduated its top doubles team and both singles players. Our doubles teams will play a big factor where we will place in the WAC."
Bartel earned Western Athletic Coach of the Year in 2023. Shannon Schartz and Barbi Austin are assistant coaches.
PANTHER TENNIS
SENIORS—Mac Lindberg (D 20-13, WAC 1ST TIE)
JUNIORS—Olivia Boone (D 2-2), Addi Gotts (S 2-6), Beth Hammeke (D 8-12), Maddie Seifkes, Paige Stacey (S 25-11; S 14-10; WAC 2ND, 2ND)
SOPHOMORES— Addison Hart, Olivia Loera, Brooklyn Reynolds (Ellinwood transfer), Emma Snapp
NINTH-GRADERS—Kalyn Carroll, Gracie Hoff, Baze Hogan, Delaney Lewis
Panther soccer features experience
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
Great Bend soccer coach Chuy Loera (54-98-1) starts his 10th season after a 2-14 (0-8 WAC) record. The Panthers are riding back-to-back 2-win seasons with an 0-16 Western Athletic Conference record. Loera is assisted by Noel Rodriguez and Aldo Rodriguez.
Key starters returning feature multi-year starters in goalie Eli Contreras, forward Alex Alonzo and midfielder Alex Alcala in a experienced senior class.
"Other top returners are Ricardo Cruz, Alex Alonzo, Diego Soto, Julian Ordonez, Jackson Young, and Dustin Fugitt," Loera said. "These young men will provide quality leadership to turn us into a team that will compete every game. Omar Razo will make a return to the pitch which will provide all around leadership for us from the beginning."
Loera said the experience is valuable to maximize practice time.
"Our returning experience will be a tremendous benefit that helps us prepare in training," Loera said. "These boys understand every game is competitive and it is going to take disciplined focus to put us in a position to compete."
Loera has been pleased with the ability to work together for a common goal.
"The boys push each other. There is a great chemistry that allows us to improve the way our team works for one another."
The Panthers' goal is to maximize time of possession to minimize risk.
"Our offensive focus is simple -- possess the ball. The more we can possess the more we can eliminate opportunities for the other team. That's what we are training for."
The Panthers have been outmatched defensively by players who play with a physical style combined with speed. The Panthers' goal is to convert strong defense into transition chances.
"Defensively, we haven't lived up to our standards," he said. "It's a work in progress. We'll see the type of defense we've been working towards. Our goal is to defend as a team and eliminate space for the opponent to play into. When we defend together, we can win the ball back and build an attack.
Dodge City's boys have been the dominant team in the Western Athletic.
"The Western Athletic Conference is a top-quality conference with every team with the ability to pull off an upset," he said. "The tactics from every team has improved. That provides intense matchups. I always expect the WAC teams to compete past the first round of playoffs and beyond."
PANTHER ROSTER
VARSITY—0—Eli Contreras, GK, 11; 1—Ezekiel Ibarra, F, 11; 3—Dustin Fugitt, F, 10; 5—Julian Ordonez, DEF, 11; 6—Alex Alcala, F, 11; 7—Geo Cruz, MID, 9; 8—Jackson Young, DEF, 11; 9—Diego Soto, DEF, 11; 10—Ricardo Cruz, MID, 10; 11—Alex Alonzo, F, 11; 12—Omar Jaimes, F, 11; 14—Omar Razo, DEF, 10; 15—Landon Hubbard, DEF, 11; 21—Fernando Lopez, F, 10; 22—Alan Carrillo, MID, 11; 23—Jose Castillo, DEF, 12; 24—Noel Gonzalez, F, 11; 25—Rafael Chavez, MID, 10
JUNIOR VARSITY—0—Adam Trendel, GK, 11; 3—Juan Diego Soto, F, 10; 4—Gavin Vanskike, MID, 11; 5—Eric Torres, DEF, 10; 7—Anawin Akkarakawin, F, 10; 9—Elijah Hoilien, DEF, 9; 10—Jace Isaac, F, 9; 11—Gael Guzman, F, 10; 16—Tyler Scheuerman, DEF, 9; 19—David Botello, DEF, 10; 20—Sebastian Castillo, MID, 9; 21—Byron Meza, F, 10; 22—Alfredo Valenciana, F, 10; 24—Osweldo Castaneda, DEF, 10; 25—Francisco Alvarez, DEF, 10; Manuel Alba, MID, 11; Bairo Guzman; Sebastian Quezada
PANTHER GOLF
Great Bend Panther senior Kylee Miessler has placed 30th (112), 49th (129) and 57th (125) at the 5A regional golf tournament the past three years. Ella Nokes placed 69th (151) at last year's 5A regional last year.
Second-year golf coach Mackenzie Nelson has expanded the girls roster to 11 players who will gain valuable experience as the fall progresses at Lake Barton Golf Course.
"Kylee made some great improvements last season, but fell short at the close of last season," Nelson said. "She's worked hard through the summer. She's honing in on her short game and course management to make the most of our first tournament September 2 at Hays."
Nelson's Panthers are focusing on the short game, chipping and putting.
"Being a young team with little previous golf knowledge, our practices have focused on the basics," she said. "We set simple achievable goals each practice, and add on to them as we reach them. Short game is always a key to golf. From 50 yards in, the girls are finding their rhythm and learning touch around the greens. Overall, we have a great group of girls willing to learn. We'reexcited to see where it takes us."
PANTHER ROSTER
SENIOR—Kylee Miessler (R 30TH, 112; 49TH, 129)
JUNIORS—Carrie Hunt, Maddie Bonine
SOPHMORES—Ella Nokes (R 69TH), Sophie Popp, Sophia Babcock, Grace Miller
NINTH-GRADERS—Keilee Gerhardt, Sammy Fleming, Kinsly Stukey, Noemi Valenzuela
DANCE
SENIORS—Emery Meza, Aliya Johnson, Jocelyn Ward, Megan Johnson
JUNIORS—Adelle Smith, Ailey Scothorn, Jimena Montes, Mylee Maddox, Jacob Willard, Cara Murphy
SOPHOMORES—Brooklynn Jackson, Skylar Tammen, Sydney Bailey
FRESHMEN—Alyvia Vinsonhaler, Delaney Lewis, Ava Ohnmacht, Holly Ann Luttrell, Tessa Hardcastle
CHEERLEADERS
SENIORS--Heidi Jording, Maycee Parr, Aliya Johnson, Brissa Leyva, Jocelyn Ward
JUNIORS--MaKayla Suppes, Brooklynn Mayberry, Khloe Trudeau, Cara Murphy
SOPHOMORES--Allison Prieto, Skylar Tammen, Sydney Bailey, Aaliyah Monk, Delisha Karshan, Ella Ann Nokes
FRESHMEN--Alekai Richards, Lexi Hernandez, Giselle Leyva Castillo, J’lynn Bittner, Sydney Piland,
Holly Ann Luttrell, Ava Ohnmacht
