How many starters did you lose from last year's squad:
We lost four, including TRL All-League Player Megan Allen.
How has practice been going so far and how excited are you and the girls for the upcoming season?
We only have 14 girls out so that gives us alot of individual time. We have been doing two-a-days all week and the girls are working extremely hard. We are really stressing conditioning and foot speed. The girls are responding very well and are most importantly very coachable.
I think the girls are extremely excited about this season because with a new coach there is new hope. It's no secret in the area that Pleasanton Volleyball has been way down for the past 6-7 years. We are currently on a 47 match losing streak. They are eager to break that streak and you can see it in them that they believe this will be the year they turn it around.
What are the strengths/ weaknesses of the team?
Our strength is at the net. We have some really good athletes up front who can give us some solid net play, especially in the middle. Another area I feel pretty good about is our serving. Our starting rotation is pretty solid from the service line and we have a couple girls who can bring the heat.
Our biggesst weakness is me. Being my fist year coaching volleyball, I am going to make some mistakes along the way. I hope as the season progresses I get more solid from the sideline. Another weakness is the girls just don't know "how to win". The girls don't have that instinct and confidence...,YET. We will also be very young with the possibility of starting two or three sophomores at times. Add that to them having to learn a new system and it may take us a while to put it all together.
Who are some of the players you expect big things out of this season?
Seniors: Rachel Richmond. Rachel is one of our team captains who gives us solid play from her outside postion. She can play every position on the court and play it well. She will also play an important role in helping the coaches keep the team focused and positive through any rough stretches we may encounter.
Rachel Landrum. In our system Rachel will have the opportunity to put up some big numbers. Rachel will be shouldering alot of responsibility at the setter spot and will have to come through for us to have a successful season. We will be relying heavily on her to keep the offense flowing. I have confidence in her that she will get the job done.
Darla Snyder will be playing the back row. Darla is just now coming back back from a broken foot she suffered in the summer. She has one of the best serves I have seen in the area. Once she gets physically back to 100% , she will play a vital role in our success. We have to have her get us the early momentum from the service line.
Juniors: Kim Robinson. Kim is a coaches dream. She gives everything she has for the team and that is why she was chosen as our other team captain. She is our best passer from the back row as well as a solid hitter from the front. We our counting on her to make good passes and get our offense rolling while playing the back line.
Carlee Campbell. Carlee and her 5'11" frame will literally be our "Center Piece" from the middle of the court. Carlee is one of those rare athletes that comes along every five years or so. She can jump out of the gym and burn the court with her speed. I look for and expect her to have an All-League type of season.
Sophomores: Johnnea Saulsberry. Johnnea is our speedster with her quick feet. She plays the back row extremely well and gets to every ball hit her way. She is your typical "complete player" who can do just about anything on the court. She will also see time at the setter spot.
Brytnee Streeter. Brytnee had the best camp performance for us and it is carrying over to practices. She is a fire plug who gives 100%. She is one of our shortest players but has the best vertical of anyone on the team at over 17 inches. Brytnee will surprise alot of people with her net play this season.
Other players I expect to see varsity minutes are seniors, Kaylyn Reno and Hannah Jackson along with sohomore, Megan Lowe.
What goals or expectations do you have for this team? Our biggest goal is to "prove everyone wrong". The expectations are not very high from people outsided the program. We are going to change that with our play this season. We are on a mission to bring the volleyball program back up at Pleasanton and I fully expect this group of girls to rise up and be the team that starts laying the foundation.
Posted by Sportsguy on Saturday, August 23 @ 12:23:56 CDT (10 reads)
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Luck fan meets celebrity
Longtime Sek-Sports fan, Mr. Casey Wolfe of Kansas City, MO got the thrill of a lifetime when he met and got a photo with an SEK-Sports personality.
Posted by danny on Friday, August 22 @ 23:50:03 CDT (8 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Cory Smart, Burlingame (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Starting at the end of the school year, I worked out Monday through Friday, sometimes taking Friday off. I did things like squats, bench press, incline bench, hang clean, leg press and all sorts of exercises with bands.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play tight-end/receiver on offense and safety on defense. I enjoy offense the most because it gets more recognition by the fans and parents.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Kenny Clem - guard/linebacker; Miles Cayton - center; Lucas Broxson - center; Chance Droege - lineman
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Doug Bingham - He's our new coach this year, but I can say he is experienced and he's confident in me and my team mates.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Our opening night opponent is the Lebo Wolves.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It means absolutely everything to me because we only won 1 game last year. A good start would give the team confidence in themselves.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
I really see the Madison Bulldogs being very good this year. I have seen some huge players that were young last year and were playing JV.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
I would like and am expecting nothing less than winning at least 1/2 of our games this year. We have a new head coach and some promising players to set the bar high for the years to come.
Posted by danny on Wednesday, August 13 @ 23:10:15 CDT (23 reads)
(comments? | Score: 5)
Nathen Yunker, South Haven (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Our summer pride program started on June 4 and ran through July 4. We worked out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30am-8:00am.The workouts consisted of lifting and speed and quickness training on Monday and Wednesday and on Friday we would do plyometrics and a circuit in the wieghtroom.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I mainly play offense only, unless they need me on defense. I am the starting Quarterback and they don't want me injured so they don't like to play me on defense. If I do play defense I am at Cornerback. I would rather play offense than defense because if you've seen me you can tell that I'm not that big of a guy, and while on offense I get the oppurtunity to score touchdowns, and who doesn't love that right?
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Some of our top returning players are the following: Seniors: (myself) Nathen Yunker QB/CB Reese Blaylock TE/S Jacob Parcher WR/CB Juniors: Christian Howell FB/MLB Austin Barlow RB/CB
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our head coach's name is David Hughes and these are some of his characteristics: Fiery, Caring, Positive, Understanding, Dependable, Fair, Hardworker, Determined, and Consistent.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Our season opener is at Bel Aire against Sunrise Christian Academy.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
To win our season opener is going to be huge for our team, the last game we have played in together as a team was the State Championship in which we lost 48-0 at halftime. So winning this first game will be a turning point in a mental perspective just knowing that we do have the capabilities to win even with losing the tremendous senior class of last season.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
One of the top teams in our league is probably going to be Argonia. Argonia and us have created quite a rivalry during the last 4 or 5 years so most of the time its always a good game between us.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
A "good season" for South Haven football is making the playoffs. The way I see it, without making the playoffs the season is a failure. Last year we made it to the State Championship game so I know this year we are going to have a big target painted on us and everyone in the league is going to be gunning for us more than ever.
Posted by Sportsguy on Monday, August 11 @ 06:34:46 CDT (14 reads)
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Josh Carson, Osage City (SR)
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play Wide Receiver and Cornerback. I like defense more because I am more of an aggressive player. I would rather get an interception than a touchdown.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Jordan Tice will return at Runningback and Returner. Myself at Receiver, Corner and Returner. Cody Colstrom is returning on both Offensive and Defensive line. CJ Marple will return on defense at Linebacker/D-end.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Mike Ritzel - energized, original.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Lyndon, new in the league, big rivalry.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It would mean alot, it would be a huge energy boost and give us something to ride on.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Northern Heights. They have a really good quarterback and a really good coach.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
A good season would be "one to remember". It's my senior year, I want to have have fun. I want to be successful. everyone likes to win, but I love to compete.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 08 @ 01:26:35 CDT (13 reads)
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Kyle White, South Haven (JR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We have a summer conditiong program that runs for a month on monday, wednesday, and friday. Then we have a week long football camp with 2 weeks of conditiong after that.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
Center, off. guard, def. guard, nose guard, def. end, middle linebacker. DEFENSE ALL THE WAY!!!
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Coach Hughes, Good at what he does. Coach Gressel, Demandin.
Who is your opening night opponent?
South West Christian from Witchita.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
First game means everything. Kinda sets the pace for the rest of the season.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
If they stay healthy all season, Argonia.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
First in the league and no loses at home.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 08 @ 01:02:35 CDT (15 reads)
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Dalton Branch, Mission Valley (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
My freshmen year our coach didn't really have a conditioning program but my sophomore year we got a new coach and our conditioning workout turned out to be one of the hardest around. Everyday is a different work-out. Our coach gets the workouts from like the army and navy colleges so they are intense.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play Quarterback on Offense and Strong/Free Safety on Defense. I like both of them the same. I like to be the leader of the offense at Quarterback but I also love hitting someone in the mouth at Safety because we get some of the best shots to lay someone out on the field.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Auston Sommers 6'0" 230 lbs-plays tackle, one of the best around. Aaron Rudeen 6'3" 180 lbs-plays end on both sides of ball. Kyle Fritz 6'6" 230 lbs-plays guard and end...Very good football player!
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Head coach Lee Webber, makes you work until you can't work any longer. Asst. Charlie Chesmore, loves to watch you have fun and he'll do whatever he can to make you mad so you have fun.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Wabaunsee Chargers-One of the worst teams in the Mid-East League. They are on a 34 game losing streak and according to their coach he thinks were the team they are going break that against...He doesn't even know whats coming!
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
Very important. Last year we didn't get that 1st week win and our season wasn't as good as we wanted. That first game means everything to your players and to your team.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Osage City...Last year they were 1st in our league until we beat them in the last game of the season 22-21. Revenge is a very good factor to help beat someone. We just gotta give them alot of pain and never give up, the same as last year.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Win league! We have finished 1st or 2nd ever since our league began. This is our league, we have to win it. Then make it to the playoffs by winning districts so we can get that home game. We play Rossville in our districts and they are the team I believe we need to beat to make it. Then--State Champs!
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 08 @ 00:49:08 CDT (10 reads)
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Ty Blanchard, Chanute (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Our summer workout program started at the beginning of June, We go Monday through thursday starting at 7 a.m. with our stretching and agilities then we lift until around 830. We also went to KU football camp and to Coffeyville on Wednesdays for 7 on 7.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play runningback and middle linebacker. Its kinda hard to pick between runnin for touchdowns or stickin people lol so i guess i like them both about the same..
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Craig Gilmore-QB Loren Jones- LB Matt Bollig-OLB/WR Daniel Kinkle-LB Kevin Martin-WR/CB Garrett Sharp-WR and safety Christian Cruz- WR/CB Craig Pervin- O-line/D-line Conner Mudd- O-line/D-line Garrett Roecker- O-line/D-line Damon Hartwig- Fullback Jeremy Herold- D-line Justin Henderson-D-line
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our coach is Don Simmons-Winner, Genious, Persistant, The Best.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Parsons
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It's very important to get a win week 1 because it brings some confidence to your team and it lets every other team know that were gonna "roll the 6's" and lay some hits haha!
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Probably Pitt and Ft. Scott, both teams have some athletes and they both have winning traditions..I also look for Indy, Iola, and Coffeyville to be better than they have in the last few years.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Well, we have a huge group of seniors with a lot of experience. So our first goal is to win the SEK and districts and then go as deep in the playoffs as we can and hopefully all the way to the Championsip.
Posted by Sportsguy on Thursday, August 07 @ 13:05:46 CDT (18 reads)
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Daniel Rank, Southeast (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Our summer weights and conditioning consisted of P90X cardio series and Abs, lifting, and different core/conditioning workouts. We had weights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It began at 6:00 A.M. and ended past 8:00 A.M.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
On offense we run the Wing-T and I play one of the wingbacks. On defense I play cornerback. I enjoy playing both sides of the Football.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
I believe that everyone who is returning is our top players. We have to have the top lineman, quarterback, wide receivers, linebackers, runningbacks, and defensive backs to be successful.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our teams home opener is against Decauter, Arkansas, September 5th.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It is always important to start of a football season with a win. I believe that the first game sort of sets a tone for the rest of the season. So winning our first game would be a definite plus for our team. We worked hard all summer for this game and we our very charged for our first game.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
St. Mary's Colgan always has a strong team. They have a good coaching staff and athletes. Girard should be a "top dog", they like Colgan have good athletes. Riverton should also be a very balanced team, they have speed and I believe they'll use it to their advantage. Baxter Springs is also a very good team. But right now everyone is 0-0, so I also believe that right now everyone in the C.N.C. could be a "top dog". I respect every team in the C.N.C. and every Friday night is a different ballgame...anything can happen.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Us Seniors have worked very hard for four years and this is our opportunity for us to go far in the playoffs since we dropped from 4A to 3A. But we are going to take one game at a time and play to our maximum potential. I know every team we will play against is going to be bringing there "A" game and it will not be a easy task.
Posted by Sportsguy on Wednesday, August 06 @ 23:08:42 CDT (16 reads)
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TJ Davis, Pleasanton (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We had lifting three times a week and on most weekends we ended up getting together and having some kind of 7 on 7 practice and all.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I do play both sides of the ball. Offense/RB, Defense/MLB. I like offense more right now cause I can dish the hits to whoever and whenever. I have to say though that I love defense as well! I love to sack the quarterback!
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Coach Brindle, He is motivating, stern, passionate, fundemental, hard working, disciplined, and deserving.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Baxter Springs - Away
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It means everything because it sets the tone for the rest of the season if not the year. Its get you pumped up and ready for practice so you can continue to work hard and win some more!!!
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
In our league WE are the top dogs. The toughest non-league opponent I see this year would be Saint Mary's Colgan as usual. I think with hard work and determination we will be capable of beating them this year.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
We, as a team, would like to make it to the play-offs for sure. We feel like we have a team capable of going all the way to the state championship this year!
Posted by Sportsguy on Wednesday, August 06 @ 00:07:25 CDT (26 reads)
(comments? | Score: 5)
Chance Baker, Cherryvale (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We started in the middle of May. We started going over our 7 on 7 passing plays getting ready for some tournaments. Then our weighlifting started shortly after in the first week of June. Weighlifting continued on all summer long 3 times a week and we had our annual Lift-a-thon on August 2.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I'm a wide receiver offensively and I've been moved this year on defense from corner to linebacker/ defensive end. So it's been learning a new postion this year. I think I personally like offense better but its a close call.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Brandon Blackburn at quarterback. Robert Lane and Ryan Studebaker as our runningbacks. Roman Lopez at our other receiver. Dennon Windsor led our team in tackles last year at linebacker. Mike Bollinger had 6 interceptions last year at cornerback. Kenan Booe at linebacker.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Coach Harry Hester. He's a very inspiring coach and gets his players ready for whats thrown at us. He's a very well liked coach and players like to play for him.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Fredonia Yellowjackets
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
The opening game is always a very important game to your season. Getting that first win under you always helps boost you for the games to come.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Burlington Wildcats are returning a solid offensive group and the Humboldt Cubs are always at the top of our league.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Win league and go deep into playoffs.
Posted by Sportsguy on Tuesday, August 05 @ 23:37:09 CDT (13 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Matthew Crain, Columbus (JR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
The schedule was Monday through Thursday, running on Mondays and Thursdays at the track and agilities in the gym Tuesday and Thursday.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play both sides. I play wide receiver and cornerback, and it depends on which side I like more. If we are playing a running team I like offense, if we are playing a passing team I like defense, it just varies.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Lewis Kellogg-outside linebacker, Wade Robinson- inside receiver, Justin Pillar- inside receiver, Justin Rogers- o-line d- line, Tank Burns-o-line, d-line.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Coach Dan Grundy, Only one word ENTHUSIASTIC!
Who is your opening night opponent?
Iola
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It is always important to win opening night, it sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Pittsburg, they are just Pittsburg, Chanute is always good, Fort Scott is a competitive team.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
State Championship!
Posted by Sportsguy on Tuesday, August 05 @ 22:01:33 CDT (14 reads)
(comments? | Score: 5)
Keagan Luttrell, Iola (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
In Iola our summer program consisted of a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Friday routine where Wednesday was a make up day and we got the weekends off. It started in late May. We focus mainly on core lifts, abs, sprints, and long distance running.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play both sides of the ball as a receiver on offense and a defensive back on defense. I like playing defense more than offense because I contribute more as a defensive player either by an interception or stopping big plays.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
We have just about everyone returning, but a few of our top players are Sr. Kiefer Luttrell, QB/LB; Sr. John Shapel, WR/DB; Sr. Drew Muller, FB/LB; Jr. Darin Hutton, OL/DL; Sr. Orion Leigh, OL/DL; Sr. Josh Gumfory, DL; Jr. Seth Walden TE,LB; Jr. Chris Heffern, LB; So. Marcus Sullivan HB/DB; and myself at WR/DB.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our coach is Rick Horton. Coach Horton is enthusiastic and knows how to win. He will play the best players who are in shape and can make big plays. His philosophy is get turnovers on defense and make big plays on offense.
Who is your opening night opponent?
We play Columbus opening night and this is an important win for us because it is at home and it will pump us up for the rest of the season. It's always good to start with a victory.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Well the top dog in our league is Pittsburg but we don't play them so I'd have to say Ft. Scott because they have a great winning tradition especially against us and it would be a hard fought victory for us to win that game.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Iola has a long history of losing seasons but will be different this year under Coach Horton. A good season this year would be by having a winning season, making it past district, and giving Iola something to cheer about by going to the state playoffs.
Posted by Sportsguy on Tuesday, August 05 @ 14:54:54 CDT (18 reads)
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Ethan Cordray, Coffeyville (JR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Our summer workout consisted of weight lifting that started at 7:00 am. After that we did a small agility workout or an endurance workout. We did this Mon, Tues, Thur, and Friday. Wednesday, we did 7 on 7 at the Coffeyville stadium with us, Chanute, Indy, Parsons, Cherryvale, Oklahoma Union, and Neodesha.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play quarterback. I dont play any defense, and I like offense alot better.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
Its very important. It will be a good way to set the tone for the rest of the season, and show everybody that we aren't the same nado team people have seen in the past few years.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Pittsburg is going to be good. They just always are. Some other top teams are Ft. Scott, Chanute, and I look for Indy to be better than they usually are.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
A good season for my team and I would be to have a winning record, make it to playoffs, then ultimately make it to state and get the state championship.
Posted by Sportsguy on Tuesday, August 05 @ 06:28:55 CDT (20 reads)
(comments? | Score: 5)
Cody Wren, Baxter Springs (SR)
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I'm a Quarterback and I am only playing on one side of the ball. I've always liked offense more because I have never been much of a defensive player.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
We have several returning key players to our team. Cody Spencer is going to be a 4 year starting RB and Linebacker for us and we are expecting great things from him. Stephen Harper, Tyler Underhill, and Jake Weaver will be a key recievers for us and we feel comfortable throwing to any of them. Daniel Jones and Korey Marrett will be our OL and DL leaders and we wouldn't be able to do much without them.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our head coach is coach Brett Hartley. He is what keeps us going. He has a way of keeping everyone motivated and not getting anyone down on themselves. He's the perfect guy for our program and im looking forward to the many things he has in store for us.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Our opening game is against Pleasanton. We are all excited for the season to start. We have several things we need to improve on but I feel confident we can compete with anyone this year.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
Winning game 1 is very important to us. If we play to our full potential then we will have a victory and should have confidence and momentum early in the season.
Posted by Sportsguy on Monday, August 04 @ 07:26:43 CDT (13 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Wes Slavens, Pittsburg (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We started lifting this summer on June 2nd. We lift Monday though Thursday. With varsity starting at 6:30am going till about 8:15 and then J.V and freshman starting at about 8:15 and going till 10:30.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play split end, a.k.a outside receiver, on offense and corner on defense. I like to play defense better because there is less thinking and more just reacting to what the other team is doing.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Zach White QB/Corner, Aaron Cook Outside LB/Flanker, Tanner Smith Safety/Flanker, Jordan Brown Inside LB/Fullback, and Fred Sellars Inside LB/Lineman.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Head Coach Merel Clark. He is the best coach I have ever had. He is an easy coach to get along with. All you have to do is give him your best effort every play. The receivers coach is Tom Nickelson. He is really cool, although us receivers are never good enough, we can always be better at whatever we are doing. DB's coach is Darrin Kelley. He is Prob my favorite coach just because he messes with us a lot and as long as you dont blow a coverage he isn't to hard on you.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Coffeville.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
A win against Coffeyville the first week is very important to us being a young team all around and even more so on offense. We need to get off to a good start and you dont need a loss to a team that we beat year in and year out.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
I would have to say Chanute because they didn't loose very many people and they have a good QB in Gilmore.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Well our first goal every year is to win the SEK, and as it is we have the least amount of league games than any other team in the SEK. That means we have to win every league game in order to win the league title. Then our next goal is to win our district and then go as far as we can in the playoffs.
Posted by Sportsguy on Saturday, August 02 @ 13:52:04 CDT (19 reads)
(comments? | Score: 2.5)
Brenton Cates, Riverton (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Our summer work out consisted of all of us having the option of lifting in the morning at 7 am or at 6 pm in the evening. We all started together and ended together. We would do leg work outs Tuesdays and Thursdays (squats,leg lifts,leg curls,etc). We did arm work outs on Monday and Wed. (bench and powerclean, rows, front press, military press). Then after all the lifting was over we all went out as a team and ran for about 30 minutes.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play RB/WR on offense and CB on defense. I like offense better because I think I am better at it. Also because I love to run with the ball doing cuts and stuff trying to find holes to break free.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
We have ALOT of people returning, we only lost 5 seniors.
Chase Mead at FB/LB Aaron Darnaby OL/DL Chase Williams OL/DL Matt Tyree WR/Ram Saftey Nick Smith LB Shiloh Murphy WR/CB Brad Hefley FB/LB Jacob Fry OL/NG Casey Seifert OL/DL/K Logan North WR/CB Kaleb Clark QB
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Our coach is Cory White... A few words that I think describe him is Leader, Optomistic, Believer, Old fashioned -(He works our BUTTS OFF).
Who is your opening night opponent?
We Open up with Frontenac.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It is very important for us to start our season off with a win so that we can keep build off of it and stay confident.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Well, the CNC is a very tough league. Every team in the CNC will be a challenge. But I would have to say Colgan. Why?? people may ask.., well it's simple their reputation and there record. They have had a winning season year after year. No one in the League has beaten them for awhile. So they have earned the right to be be ranked #1 in my book.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
A good season for us is an undefeated season.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 01 @ 23:22:33 CDT (15 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Alex Barner, Fort Scott (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We started conditioning about three weeks into the summer and it is headed by our coach Don Epps. We go in and work out at 6:30 in the morning, Monday - Thursday, and are usually done around 9:30-10.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I'm a wide reciever and a free safety. I like to play offense the most because I get to go up against teams that have a very good seconday, but I will play defense anyday because I like getting the chance to put my helmet on someone.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
Most of our top returning players are on our line, and have all been playin varsity since our soph. year. They are Andrew McGee at left guard, Cole Murrin at left tackle, Nick Wallace at right tackle, Kolby Allen at Middle linebacker and fullback, Jonathan Karleskint at linebacker and tight end , Mitchell Stoughton at corner and halfback, Aaron Judy at strong safety and quarterback and me at free safety and wide out.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Don Epps, I guess you could use the word excited.
Who is your opening night opponent?
We open up against Nevada September 5th.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It's very important to win that first week, cause Nevada and the Fort's rivalry goes way back, they use to call it the border war, and if we knock them off we will have some confidence built up for the following week. Plus its always good to show that you can go on the road and bring back a W.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
I think Pitt is gonna be a tough team. They lost some good players last year but they still have some of their guys from last year and they have guys that have stepped up to fill their places.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
Well, first of all being above 500 is the first focus, and I believe that is a good goal to shoot for. But why not just run the table and bring home a state championship, after all that's why we put on those pads in the first place.., to find out who really is the best.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 01 @ 21:08:42 CDT (17 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Trenton Mayberry, Frontenac (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We had weights and conditioning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:30 A.M. We would go in and coach would give us the work out we were to do that day and after we were done lifting we would go and run for about an hour.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play defensive end and offensive guard. I prefer defense because it's more fun for me. I love the rush I get from slamming the running back in the backfield.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
We have Shane Stroud who played tight end last year but has moved to offensive guard and deffensive end. John Oppliger who is now our starting full back and inside linebacker.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
John Palumbo, very persistant, determined, and confident.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Riverton.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
It is very important to get a win against Riverton. They beat us out of playoffs last year and I think it would really set the tone for us for the rest of the season.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
Girard, they had a good season last year and alot of their players from last year are returning. Also, they have a new coach, Coach Miller who used to coach at frontenac and he is a good coach.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
I think a good season for us would be to make it deep into playoffs and hopefully state.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 01 @ 17:34:58 CDT (17 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Brandon Montgomery, Neodesha (SR)
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
We take our summer program very serious. We BELIEVE that it is where we make our season better at. We lift and condition Monday- Thursday at six am.
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
I play Strong Safety on defense and Wide Reciever on offense, I like defense better just for the fact the ol' sang defense wins championships offense sells tickets.
Tell me some of your top returning players and their positions.
We lost alot of players last year but have seniors that I think will step up and fill in the positions, we have four or five players that played strictly varsity and the remaining all seen the varsity field.
Tell me your coaches name and throw out some words that describe his characteristics.
Matt Maltsberger is our head coach, a coach that takes pride in what he does. He works his butt off all day and through the night. All of our coaches are in the coaches room every weekend and night going over game plans to make us compete.
Who is your opening night opponent?
Our opening opponent is the Caney Valley Bullpups who will be a tough opponent from what I seen last year and who they have returning.
How important is it to get a win that first week and what would it mean for your team?
To get that first win means alot in just how you prepared at the start of the season and how hard you worked through the summer and can show the other teams what you are made of.
Besides your team, who do you see as being the top dog in your league and what makes them so good?
I see the TVL being very open for anybody, some of the more standouts may be Cherryvale with a big group of Seniors as well as Humboldt which is always tough, their program is always solid.
Every team sets goals before the season. Describe for me what a “good season” for your team would be?
This year our team goal is nothing less than it is every year in winning our league as well as our district and making the playoffs. Most important our team will play with PASSION! this year.
Posted by Sportsguy on Friday, August 01 @ 13:59:36 CDT (17 reads)
(comments? | Score: 0)
Longtime Sek-Sports fan, Mr. Casey Wolfe of Kansas City, MO got the thrill of a lifetime when he met and got a photo with an SEK-Sports personality.
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Most players in our area have to play both sides of the ball. What position(s) do you play and if you play both sides, do you like offense or defense more and why?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?
Tell me what your summer work-out and condition program consisted of. Such as when it started and what the weekly schedule was like?