Eagles embrace championship goal
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — Eight-time defending Central Prairie League volleyball champion Ellinwood (42-5) graduated Kennedy Behnke and Lauren Ringwald who helped compile a 131-25 record the past four years. The Eagles swept the Central Prairie regular season and postseason titles.
The No. 1 state-ranked 2A Eagles broke a school record for wins and nearly achieved the first state volleyball title in school history last year. Ellinwood downed Valley Heights 25-17, 25-20, Sedgwick 25-8, 25-10 and Doniphan West 25-9, 25-15 in pool play before losing to 2A state champion Shawnee Maranatha 25-22, 25-17 and Inman 25-21, 16-25, 25-18 for third place.
Ellinwood's senior all-staters Kyndal Moore and Regan Widener own a 3-year record of 106-17 on target for the best 4-year record in school history.
Emporia State commit Moore (256 winners) and Fort Hays State-bound Widener (472 serves, 310 serves received, 234 winners) join Mette Maxwell (554 assists, 398 serves, 197 digs, 158 winners, 92 serves received), Alyvia Batchman (421 assists, 417 serves, 193 digs, 156 winners, 100 serves received) and Bennett Jacobs (395 serves, 343 digs, 276 serves received) and defensive specialist Reese Stickney (202 digs) in an experienced veteran team.
Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell believes the Eagles approach starts with the Central Prairie League and shifts to postseason play and a potential state trip to Dodge City.
"Our expectation is to win our league on our way to bigger goals," Maxwell said. "They've learned what it takes to overcome the emotions and pressure. They're prepared mentally and physically to play at a high level. I have confidence they'll play with a mature and intelligent mindset. We want to control our destiny by hosting regional and substate at home to put ourselves in position to play for a state title on championship Saturday in Dodge City. "
Maxwell believes in a well-rounded offensive and defensive game.
'We''ll play with relentless defense presence in the backcourt with an emphasis to win the contested points at the net," he said. "Combined with our explosive and dynamic offense, we expect to control teams. Our fast-paced style of play keeps opponents under duress."
Maxwell commented on his top returning players.
"Kyndal Moore leads us on-and-off the court with production and her desire to achieve the ultimate goal of a state title. Maxwell said. "She has multiple ways she can score with power and finesse. She's a smart player who makes us better with her mentality and playmaking ability.
"Regan Widener is our statistical leader in offensive efficiency. She's a threat teams have to contend with that creates opportunities for our other scoring options. Her blocking is a key aspect of our front row defense.
"All-stater Alyvia Batchman's athleticism is a huge weapon. She'll set in our 6-2 rotation and contribute as a scoring threat as an outside hitter. She has the ability to make that dynamic impact play.
"Mette Maxwell's carries court awareness and knowledge of the game, plus offensive production as a setter opposite of Alyvia Batchman. We'll rely on her as an outside hitter.
"Bennett Jacobs will enjoy a big year at Libero. She's improved physically and mentally. She is exceptionally defender and will be our leading passer and a legitimate serving threat."
ELLINWOOD
SENIORS—5—Regan Widener, 5-9, RS; 7—Kyndal Moore, MH
JUNIORS—3—Bennett Jacobs, Libero; 9—Alyvia Batchman, OH/S; 12—Reece Stickney, RS/DS; 15—Natalie Smith, DS; 17—Addie Stickney, OH
SOPHOMORES—1—Lexi Thomas, DS/Libero; 6—McKena Parker, S; 13—Mette Maxwell, S/OH; 18—Kaylynn Crawford, DS; 19—Reagan Wirtz, DS; 22—Alya Ritchie, RS/MH; 23—Brynn Widener, DS/RS; 24—Jaisley Andrasek, OH/RS
NINTH GRADERS—2—Kenna Stickney, S/RS; 4—Reagan Stickney, M; 9—Mallory Batchman, S/OH; 10—Blayre Moore, Libero/OH; 11—Avery Panning, OH; 18—Paisley Knop, M; 20—Hayden Wondra, M
VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
8-30—Lyons Jamboree
9-2—at Little River/Hillsboro
9-4—at Beloit
9-11—at Plainville/Victoria
9-13—at Ellsworth Tournament; at Lyons JV
9-15—at Smoky Valley/Sterling
9-18—Russell
9-23—*Central Plains/*Kinsley/*St. John
9-27—at Lyons Tournament
9-30—*Ness CIty/*La Crosse
10-2—at Larned/Hill City/ Hoisington
10-7—*at Chase/*Macksville/
10-11—Central Prairie League at Hoisington
10-14—at *Otis-Bison/*Victoria
10-25—at 2A substate
10-31/11-1—at 2A state, Dodge City
Eagle girls carry state experience
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — State medal-winner Eleanor Joiner placed 15th and Jenna Borror earned 18th medalist honors to headline an Eagle girls team that placed seventh at 2A state cross country last year.
"The girls team returns after an impressive second-place finish at regionals, earning a well-deserved trip to state," said Ellinwood coach Jeff Zook. "Battling tough, muddy conditions in Wamego, the young Eagles gained critical postseason experience early in their careers."
Junior Madison Dombroski placed 27th at state and returns after a breakout sophomore year, ready to lead a talented group that includes newcomer Clarisse Masset. The strong sophomore class of Joiner, Borror, Ali Gonzalez (57th), and Kynlee Wesner (101st) had outstanding freshman seasons. Notably, Joiner and Borror return as all-state runners.
Zook said freshman Leah Steffan comes in with middle school experience and has shown strong progress through summer training.
"The Ellinwood Eagles cross country team is eager to kick off a new season and build on the momentum from a strong 2024 campaign," Zook said. "Both squads return quality runners, bringing valuable experience to the course."
Senior Ethan Robl, in his second season of cross country, returns after a 10th-place Central Prairie League and 17th-place regional finish.
"Juniors Ryan Pohlman, Shae Hoskins, Joe Brauer, and Caleb Zook — bring consistency and firepower," Zook said. "Pohlman adds valuable postseason experience, having previously qualified individually for state in cross country, as well as in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters on the track last spring."
Zook believes the boys' improvement will help them contend for a 2A state team berth.
"The boys team came close to a state berth last year, finishing just one spot out with a fourth-place finish," Zook said. "Now, with nearly the entire team returning and driven by that near miss, the Eagles are ready to take the next step."
Freshmen Caleb Herrman and Josh Zook round out the squad.
"Both come in with junior high experience and have shown steady improvement over the summer months," Zook said.
Zook said off-season work by the runners will pay dividends.
"Summer training has been relaxed and fun, helping the athletes build fitness and team camaraderie," he said. "The Eagles are eager to toe the starting line and race. Racing brings out the best in each athlete, and we’re curious to see what that looks like this season."
EAGLE ROSTER
SENIOR—Ethan Robl (R 17TH, CPL 10TH)
JUNIORS—Madison Dombroski (R 27TH, CPL 11TH), Joe Brauer (R 26TH, 33RD, CPL 12TH, 19TH), Ryan Pohlman (S 37TH, R 13TH, CPL 9TH), Shae Hoskins (R 17TH, CPL 11TH, 17TH), Caleb Zook (R 40TH, 44TH, CPL 15TH, 19TH), Clarisse Masset
SOPHOMORES—Jenna Borror (S 18TH, R 7TH, CPL 3RD), Ali Gonzalez (S 57TH, R 18TH, CPL 10TH), Eleanor Joiner (S 15TH, R 3RD, CPL 1ST), Kynlee Wesner (S 101ST, R 49TH)
NINTH GRADERS—Leah Steffan, Caleg Herrman, Josh Zook
ELLINWOOD CROSS COUNTRY
9-6—at Hays
9-13—at Wamego
9-18—at Stafford
9-26—at Stillwater, Okla.
9-30—at Lyons
10-11—at Wichita Trinity
10-16—CPL at Ness City
10-25—at 2A regional
11-1—at 2A state, Wamego
Ellinwood returns a doubles tandem
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD – Ellinwood's No. 2 doubles tandem of Vivian Klepper/Shelby Steffan (15-12) headline a young and inexperienced girls tennis squad.
Ellinwood's doubles tandem of Grace Sturtz/Mahra Johnston (24-10) graduated after qualifying for 3-1A state tennis. They finished 2-2 at the state meet.
Ellinwood coach Parker Winter will spend time piecing together a singles and doubles lineup.
"We are constructing a roster to see where everyone fits best for us to get points and to get entries qualified for state," Winter said.
Winter commented on his top two returning varsity players.
"Shelby Steffan brings knowledge and experience being our only senior," Winter said. "She knows what I expect and what it takes to be successful. Shelby will be a strong doubles player with whoever her partner may be. Being her last year I know she's determined to put forth her best effort.She had to battle Grace Sturtz/Marah Johnston and learn a ton of strategy. Shelby will demonstrate how much she has learned and improved as a player.
"Vivian Klepper had a great offseason and is hitting the ball with more pace. She's made adjustments to her serve that is much stronger. Vivian is versatile and can play a variety of spots for us. She played doubles with Shelby Steffan. She'll be in a leadership role. I expect a breakout year whether that be in singles or doubles.
Tennis newcomer Lauren Ringwald has a past tennis background after competing in middle school. She's returned to tennis after playing volleyball for two years.
"Lauren Ringwald is strikes the ball very well. She has a high tennis IQ and picks up things quickly. Lauren will be very consistent combined with being athletic which helps her be able to get to certain spots on the court. Lauren will have an immediate impact, and I expect her to have a strong season. Our team is very grateful for her addition.
Camila Frayre is another volleyball player who has gained experience playing tennis.
"Camila has caught on quickly and will play a big role. She has good tennis IQ and understands how to position herself on the court and use angles. Camila uses her hands well and gets to a lot of balls at the net."
ELLINWOOD ROSTER
SENIOR–Shelby Steffan (D 15-12)
JUNIORS–Lauren Ringwald, Vivian Klepper (D 15-12), Camila Frayre
NINTH-GRADERS–Jaci Sandberg, Maddie Kirkpatrick, Aliza Straub, Averie Siefers, Leighton Dillon
TENNIS SCHEDULE–8-28—at Dodge City JV; 8-30—at El Dorado; 9-2—at Ellsworth; 9-4—at Larned; at Ellsworth JV; 9-11—at Great Bend JV; 9-13—at Great Bend; 9-16—Ellinwood; at Hoisington JV; 9-22—at Lyons; 9-23—at Lyons JV; 9-25—at Greensburg; 10-2—at Great Bend, Oiler Invite; 10-10/11—at 3-1A regional; 10-17/18—3-1A state, Wichita Collegiate
Eagle football seeks improvement
ELLINWOOD – For the second consecutive season, Ellinwood (4-5, 1-4 District) competed in one of the state's toughest 1A football districts.
Class 1A state champion Conway Springs (13-0) defended its state title while beating the Eagles in District play. In recent years, the Eagles have lost to state champion Olpe in 2020 and 2021 and state runner-up Inman in 2022.
Ellinwood football coach Brett Stindt earned all-league honors at Belleville- Republic County. He earned All-KCAC league honors for a pair of KCAC football champions at Kansas Wesleyan University.
Ellinwood's projected offensive contributors are QB Luke Heinz, FB Layton Wirtz, RB Drake Hosman, RB Austin Brack, WR Layton Wityz, LT Ethan Schochtermeier, RG Nick Miller, RT Trace Tudor, C Keaton Lewis, LG Austin Shinliver and TE Cohen Gunn who will provide a physical presence up front.
Eagle RB/LB Drake Hosman is a 2-way standout who rushed for 569 yards, seven TDs and garnered 51/2 tackles for loss. WR Ty Hammeke had 77 yards and Dawson Sunderland 50 yards receiving.
Defensive leaders returning are OLB Austin Brack (51 tackles), DT Miller (46 tackles), OLB Hosman (37 tackles), MLB Shinliver (39 tackles) and LB Adam Hayes (28 tackles).
Ellinwood’s football team (4-5) swept non-district games against Stanton County 55-0, Syracuse 32-0 and Herington 55-0.
The Eagles were 1-4 in District, beating South Sumner 59-27, before losing to Sterling (41-35), Hutchinson Trinity (26-15); Conway Springs (34-21) and Medicine Lodge (42-22).
The Eagles own a 21-59 record the past nine years since their last winning record (6-3) in 2015.
EAGLE ROSTER
SENIORS—2—Layton Wirtz, 5-10, 160, FB/MLB; 5—Austin Brack, 5-9, 155, RB/OLB; 10—Ty Hammeke, 5-11, 165, WR/ DB; 15—Dawson Sunderland, 6-1, 175, TE/DE; 21—Gabe Martinez, 5-8, 150, WR/CB; 22—Drake Hosman, 6-0, 175, RB/OLB; 44—Adam Hayes, 5-6, 165, LB; 52—Austin Shinliver, 6-1, 195, LG/MLB; 63—Jonas Kern, 6-1, 235, OL/DL; 74—Ethan Schlochtermeier, 6-1, 235, LT/DL; 77—Gabe Martinez, 5-11, 175, OL/DL
JUNIORS—12—Luke Heinz, 6-4, 155, QB/CB; 23—Eli Mitchell, 6-0, 170, RB/LB; 55—Nick Miller, 5-10, 265, RG/DT; 58—Keaton Lewis, 190, C/ DT; 68—Trace Tudor, 6-0, 280, RT/DG
SOPHOMORES—6—Kellan Behnke, 6-1, 145, RB/TE/DB; 8—Cade Coleman, 5-10, 150, QB/DB; 8—Gavin Kubick, 5-7, 135, WR/CB; 11—Cannon Schartz, 5-10, 145, RB/CB; 24—Koby Link, 5-5, 120, WR/DB; 31—Cohen Gunn, 6-1, 165, TE/WR; 34—Landon McNeff, 5-9, 155, RB/LB; 51—Will Miller, 5-11, 195, OL/DL; 54—Cristian Martinez, 5-8, 150, OL/DL; 20—Kale Williams, 5-8, 145, RB/LB
NINTH GRADERS—8—Brody Brack, 5-8, 140, RB/LB; 22—Caid Beals, 5-3, 115, WR/CB; 45—Carson Asher, 5-10, 140, OL/DL; 50—Jackson B, 5-6, 135, OL/DL; 62—Jayston, 5-10, 200, OL/DL; 75—Treten Nuest, 5-10, 220, OL/DL; Logan Broyles;
1A DISTRICT 7—Conway Springs 13-0 (5-0), Medicine Lodge 7-3 (3-2), Sterling 6-4 (4-1), Ellinwood 4-4 (1-4), , Hutchinson Trinity 4-6 (2-3), South Sumner 3-6 (0-5)
ELLINWOOD (4-4, 1-4)
*1A, DISTRICT 7
8-29—at Whitewater Jamboree
9-5—at Syracuse (32-0)
9-12—at Herington (47-0)
9-19—Stanton County (55-0)
9-26—*Sterling (35-41)
10-3—*at South Sumner (59-27)
10-10—*Hutchinson Trinity (15-26)
10-17—*Conway Springs (21-34)
10-24—*at Medicine Lodge (22-42)
Addie Stickney, Mette Maxwell, Reagan Wirtz
