Ellinwood baseball making progress (DONE)

ELLINWOOD — Veteran baseball coach Roger Ward was correct when he believed Ellinwood would turn its fortunes around last year.

The Eagles are making gradual progress.

Ellinwood started with a 4-13-1 record followed by 14-8 and 12-12 the past two seasons. Hays Thomas More Prep ended the Eagles' 2024 season with a hard-fought 14-8 victory.

"The guys know what to expect and how to go about business more each year," Ward said. "My first few years I had to be the 'bad guy' and instill it and it wasn’t always popular, but the message had to be clear.  Now, our older guys prep the guys on expectations and lead them. It’s nice to see this. It’s hard to have eyes on 16 guys."

Ward sees the Eagles using their time wisely.

"We've got leadership, team pride and unity as well," he said. "Practices are conducted with more fluidity, that comes from being more confident players and knowing what we're trying to execute and accomplish. We've built somewhat of a baseball culture."

The lefthanded tandem of Trace Tudor (5-4) and Cooper Gunn (2-3) will anchor the pitching staff. 

"Trace Tudor had a coming out party on the mound as a freshman," Ward said. "He led the team with five wins as a workhorse. He'll be better. He ended the season offensively on a very high note. All the tools are there. He’s a presence in the batter's box." 

Catcher/first baseman Campbell Coleman (1-1) has recovered from a torn labrum.1B Tudor, CF Cooper Gunn, 2B Cohen Gunn, LF Gibson, Campbell Coleman and C Banks Jacobs are returning position players. 

"Campbell Coleman should have a big year from his usual middle of the lineup," he said. "With Drake Hosman and Cohen Gunn hitting in front of him, he should have big RBI numbers.

"Drake Hosman will bolster us at shortstop. He'll be better at the top of the order. When he's on base, he'll  a lot of pressure on defenses.

" Cohen Gunn batted over .300 as a freshman leading off. He was a pest to get out. He'll getting the pitch count up battling with 2 strikes. He’ll be a fixture on the mound from the left side." 

Ward played baseball at Barton Community College and Kentucky and has coached the Great Bend Bat Cats for several years.

ELLINWOOD ROSTER

SENIORS—24—Cooper Gunn, RHP/IF; 44—Campbell Coleman, RHP/U

JUNIORS—7—Alvin Bowyer, OF; 26—Drake Hosman, RHP/IF

SOPHOMORES—3—Trace Tudor, LHP/IB; 9—Sebastian Ortiz, OF, 11—Shae Hoskins, RHP/IF; 15—Jakebee Felder, OF; 16—Bryce Williams, OF; 18—Noah Herrman, OF; 25—Banks Jacobs, RHP/U; 34—Cohen Gunn, LHP/OF

NINTH-GRADERS—2—Cannon Schartz, U; 8—Gavin Kubick, U; 22—Koby Link, U; 23—Cade Coleman, RHP/U

ELLINWOOD SCHEDULE—3-28—Hoisington; 4-1—at Hays TMP; 4-4—at Pratt Skyline; 4-14—Ellsworth; 4-17—at Russell; 4-21—at Beloit; 4-24—Salina Sacred Heart; 4-28—at Moundridge; 5-1—Kinsley; 5-16—Ellis; 5-9—at Minneapolis; 5-12—at Sylvan Grove; 5-19-22—at 3A regional

Ellinwood track builds momentum

ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood's track program has built positive momentum from high-level girls and boys sports programs during the fall and winter. 

The girls feature 12 freshmen led by all-state cross country runners Eleanor Joiner and Jenna Borror.

"The women’s team enters with momentum, bolstered by athletes from state-qualifying volleyball and cross country teams including All-State runners Eleanor Joiner and Jenna Borror," said Ellinwood coach Jeff Zook. "The women's team boasts talent from a successful basketball squad, and from the rapidly growing wrestling program that qualified several girls to state.

"The men's team is riding a wave of optimism, coming off successful fall and winter seasons highlighted by a substate basketball win and state wrestling qualifiers. The squads are aiming high, with aspirations of excelling in Central Prairie competition." 

Cason Merritt has won back-to-back Central Prairie League pole vaults ahead of runner-up Gabe Martinez and third-place Colton Gibson. State 200-meter qualifier Dawson Sunderland placed first in the 200 meters and third in the 100 meters. He placed 15th in Class 2A. Ryan Pohlman placed runner-up in the 1,600 meters. Finishing runner-up in 2023 were Kennedy Behnke, 400; Adam Hayes, pole vault.

"We have a lot to be excited," Zook said. "Our athletes are bringing a lot of energy and skill to the track. We're looking forward to seeing how the different athletic backgrounds will strengthen the team."

With a blend of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, the 2025 Ellinwood track program is set to have a memorable and competitive season. 

Zook said the Eagle athletes promise an exciting spring season, as both the men's and women's teams bring renewed energy and high expectations.

"Our athletes have worked during the offseason, staying active in winter sports or training for track events," Zook said. "We welcome upperclassmen who are returning to track, new students, and a sizable freshman class. With a growing roster, the upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years."

EAGLE STATE QUALIFIER—15—Dawson Sunderland, 200 (23.58) 

EAGLE ROSTER

SENIORS—Heidi Brauer, Leiana Franco, Cason Merritt, Tavian McCaffrey, Landon Simpson 

JUNIORS—William Fields, Erik Grose, Jonas Kern, Gabe Martinez, Dawson Sunderland, Julia Schlessiger 

SOPHOMORES—Breanna Detter, Lauren Ringwald, Joe Brauer, Logan Broyles, Ryan Pohlman, Colton Gibson, Caleb Zook, Madison Dombroski 

NINTH GRADERS—Jenna Borror, Cambree Erb, Eleanor Joiner, Alexandria Gonzalez, Jocelynn Joiner, Kyla McCormick, Brooklyn Reynolds, Ayla Ritchie, Makayla Rouse, Lexi Thomas, Kynlee Wesner, Reagan Wirtz, Kellan Behnke, Landon McNeff, Cannon Schartz

ELLINWOOD SCHEDULE—4-4—at Bennington; 4-11—at Nickerson; 4-17—at Hill City; 4-25—at Abilene; 5-2—at Greensburg; 5-9—Ellinwood home meet; 5-15—at Central Prairie League; 5-22/23—at 2A regional

Eagle golf features three veterans

ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood's 35th-place Luke Heinz (178), 42nd-place Braden Lewis (185) and 51st-place Austin Brack (207)  return from a runner-up 2A state finisher.

Ellinwood's 2A state champion Drew Heinz graduated after two runner-up finishes and a fourth-place medal. Also graduating were eighth-place Mason Moore and 26th place A.J. Bowyer. Three-time regional champion Ellinwood placed runner-up, third and sixth the past three years in 2A.

"Luke Heinz has the game, attitude and work ethic to improve," said Ellinwood coach Andrew Wittenberg, a 5-year assistant coach and 17-year Chase golf coach. "Luke should be the team leader in scoring."

Four-year starter Lewis will be the Eagles' No. 2 player.

"Braden improves each year and looks to continue that trend being  a team leader," Wittenberg said. "After last season's success, he's ready to go."

Brack is the Eagles' third varsity veteran.

"Austin worked hard to earn regional and state experience," he said. "He'll continue to improve."

Zach Siefers has shown continued progress and will push for a varsity spot. Adam Hayes is a first year golfer who is learning to play consistent golf.

Former baseball player Austin Shinliver has good athletic ability and will vie for a varsity spot. Two-year player Keaton Lewis has invested time and made improvement. Freshman  Xander Houseman is a newcomer.

Coach Wittenberg is optimistic the three varsity veterans will be helped by the younger players.

"It's safe to say, I've learned more about golf in the last four seasons from Coach Greg Maxwell than my previous years of coaching," Wittenberg said. "Coach Maxwell recreated a winning golf program and it's my responsibility to keep that going. Our expectations are to contend for a fourth straight regional title and qualify for 2A state golf at Turkey Creek."

EAGLE ROSTER 

SENIORS—Braden Lewis (2A, 42ND, 185; 46TH, 187; SQ 100; REG, 21ST, 90; 14TH, 86), Zach Siefers 

JUNIORS—Austin Brack (2A, 51ST, 207; REG 46TH, 105); Austin Shinliver; Adam Hayes 

SOPHOMORES—Luke Heinz (2A, 35TH, 178; REG, 6TH, 78), Keaton Lewis 

NINTH-GRADERS—Xander Houseman

EAGLE SCHEDULE—4-3—at Stafford JV; 4-4—at Salina; 4-7—Hutchinson, Crazy Horse; at Russell JV; 4-8—at Salina; 4-15—at Kinsley JV; 4-29—at Sterilng JV; 5-1—at Russell; 5-5—at Salina; 5-6—at Halstead; 5-8—at Ellsworth; 5-12—Central Prairie League; 5-15—at Kinsley; 5-19—at 2A regional

Ellinwood tennis features qualifier

ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood’s regional doubles runner-up Ty Hammeke/Evan Ringwald (18-7) qualified for the 3-1A state tennis tournament in 2024. Hesston’s No. 1 seed Asher Deutschendorf/ Braiden Liechty defeated Hammeke/Ringwald, 6-1, 6-3 in the regional finals. 

At 3-1A state, Hammeke/Ringwald finished 2-2 with wins over Salina Sacred Heart's Thomas Cheney/Luca Adami 8-3 and Haven's Brady Peterson/Devin Boice, 6-4, 6-4. 

"With being one match away from being a state medalist Ty Hammeke will be a key player in the state," said Ellinwood coach Parker Winter. "Ty posted 25 match wins last season and is eager to get a favorable seed in postseason play." 

Singles state qualifier Cole Ringwald (21-12) graduated. 

Brayden Robl/Isaiah Steele lost a first-round regional match 0-6, 6-4 (10-7) to Hutchinson Trinity's Reily Grajeda/Ethan Harvey.

"Brayden Robl's doubles team had big-time wins including a tiebreak win over Buhler's Eli Biggs/Merick Mann. Brayden will be a huge factor. 

No. 2 singles Grey Ringwald (17-6) and Dominic Martinez will fill in spots.

"Our team has a strong singles player in Grey Ringwald and junior Dominic Martinez will be a tough player to beat," Winter said. "Grey and Dominic will likely play singles, interchangeable at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. I see a lot of success for them."

Returning players Ethan Schochltermeier and Philip Penner will provide stability and experience playing with each other. 

"None of the doubles teams are set in stone but Ethan and Philip will be right in the mix." Winter said. "Christopher Rugan has improved tremendously. Our team is loaded with juniors. There is a ton of room to piggyback off the growth from last year. We'll have most of our players lead our team next year." 

ELLINWOOD ROSTER

SENIOR—Brayden Robl

JUNIORS—Christopher Rugan, Phillip Penner, Dominic Martinez, Ethan Schlochtermeier, Ty Hammeke (D 18-7)

SOPHOMORE—Grey Ringwald (S 17-6)

NINTH GRADER—Taegen Robl

ELLINWOOD SCHEDULE—4-1—at Ellsworth JV; 4-3—at Pratt; 4-5--at Great Bend; 4-8--at Ellsworth; 4-10—at Clay Center; at Ellsworth JV; 4-15—at Larned; 4-24—Ellinwood home meet; 4-28—at Great Bend JV; 5-1—at Lindsborg; 5-5-at Claflin; 45-6—at at Ellsworth JV; 5-9—at 3-1A regional

Ellinwood pitcher leads softball

ELLINWOOD – After a 3-17 season, the Ellinwood softball team doubled its win total with a 6-17 record. The Eagles swept Ness City and Wichita Independent and split with Pratt Skyline and Russell.

The Eagles (6-17) nearly surprised Ellis at regionals, losing 10-8 after trailing 7-1. Ellinwood's Bennett Jacobs, Shyria Quintana delivered RBIs and Jacobs, Quintana and Kyndal Moore all scored on errors in the 2-run setback.

The Eagles feature multiple year starters in P Jacobs, SS Kennedy Behnke, 1B/OF Kyndal Moore; and 1B/DH Quintana. The Eagles will miss projected starters Addison Stickney and Reese Stickey with knee injuries. Several other starters elected to bypass the softball season. 

Jacobs was the Eagles' No. 1 pitcher who threw all but 11/3 innings. Moore is working to prepare as the Eagles' backup pitcher.

"Bennett is a tough-minded pitcher who throws strikes and doesn't yield walks," said Ellinwood coach Brian Hosfelt. "Bennett stays calm and battles every game."

Jacobs' best attribute as a control pitcher is she makes the batters put the ball into play, which puts pressure on the defense to make plays. SS Behnke, 1B Quintana, 2B Moore and 3B MaKenna Bryant will start defensively. 

"Bennett gets hit by the better teams we face," Hosfelt said. "She's an excellent fielder who would play shortstop if she wasn't throwing. When our infield makes the easy plays, we'll be fine. We made it tough at times with errors last year." 

Jacobs, the Eagles' best contact hitter, will lead the lineup with Kennedy, Moore, Quintana and freshman Ali Gonzalez.

"We'll be fine offensively with several of our top hitters returning," Hosfelt said. "We've got some hitters with power." 

After a challenging start against Hoisington and Hays Thomas Prep, Hosfelt believes he Eagles will be competitive.

"Our early schedule is tough, but our goal is to earn more wins than last year," he said. "We were in games we had chances to win,, but made errors that cost us. The girls fought hard and we played teams tough. Bennett Jaocbs will keep us close in games."  

EAGLE ROSTER

SENIORS—24—Kennedy Behnke, 1B

JUNIORS—5—Regan Widener; 8—Kyndal Moore, LF/2B; 10—Shyria Quintana, DH/1B; 17—Olivia Rapp; 22—Anna Hahn, C

SOPHOMORES—3—Bennett Jacobs, P/SS; 11—Natalie Smith, OF; 18—Rylan Allen, 2B; 33—Gail Zollinger, OF

NINTH GRADERS—Jenna Borror, OF; MaKenna Bryant, 3B; Ali Gonzalez, 2B 

ELLINWOOD SCHEDULE—3-28—Hoisington; 4-1—at Hays TMP; 4-4—at Pratt Skyline; 4-14—Ellsworth; 4-15—Wichita Independent; 4-17—at Russell; 4-22—Lyons; 4-24—Salina Sacred Heart; 4-28—at Moundridge; 5-1—Ness City; 5-16—Ellis; 5-9—at Minneapolis; 5-12—at Sylvan Grove; 5-19-22—at 3A regional