Lions look to future

LHS lays foundation for success in 2004-05

Once again, Lawrence High proved to be a force in high school athletics.

Several LHS teams posted strong seasons, notably the 7-3 football team, the Sunflower League runner-up girls basketball team and the young, talented wrestling squad.

While no state championships were won, a strong foundation appears to be in place for possible future state titles.

Here’s a look back at the highlights of the 2003-2004 school year:

Football

Coach Dirk Wedd’s undersized squad still was a handful, finishing 7-3 and advancing to the Class 6A state playoffs. Senior Carl Lisher earned all-league honors on offense and defense. Tight end Josh Lawrence was tapped for the Shrine Bowl.

Girls golf

Sophomore Sydney Wilson capped an impressive season by placing second at the 6A state meet. She also was the city’s lone state qualifier.

Volleyball

The Lions finished with a 12-25 record, including a 2-0 victory over Free State. A talented junior class, led by Bobi Riley and Bonnie Toplikar, means next season should be a good one for Jo Huntsinger’s squad.

Among the leaders for Lawrence High during the 2003-04 school year were, from left, senior Cherrale Ricks, senior Taylor Parker, senior Sylvester Birdsong, sophomore Megan Johnson, sophomore Sydney Wilson and senior Joe Crane.

Cross country

Led by sophomore Megan Johnson and senior Meg Gentry, the LHS girls finished third at regionals and ninth at state. The boys had one state qualifier, senior Harry Swartz, who finished 14th at regionals.

Girls tennis

The Lions finished eighth at the Sunflower League tournament, and had no qualifiers for the 6A state tournament.

Boys soccer

Led by co-coaches Matt Makens and David Platt, LHS struggled to a 1-13-3 season. Junior Jake Brewer was named all-state.

Gymnastics

Lawrence High finished fifth at league, led by Meredith West’s 12th-place finish in the all-around event. No Lions qualified for state.

Girls basketball

The Lions finished an up-and-down season with a 14-8 record and trip to the sub-state finals. Senior Cherrale Ricks averaged 12.6 points per game to lead the squad. Ricks and Megan Klingler were named to the All-Sunflower League first team.

Boys swimming and diving

Diver Nick Leet led the way by winning the Sunflower League title and placing fourth at the state meet. Senior Ian Legler was Lawrence’s only other state qualifier.

Boys basketball

Lawrence High shattered every state single-game and single-season three-point-shooting record, but went 5-16 on the season. Senior Taylor Parker was an all-league selection.

Wrestling

The Lions qualified seven for the state tournament, but only sophomore Brendan Halpin made it past the second round. LHS was led by Halpin (39-7), sophomore Nolan Kellerman (33-9) and junior Pharouk Hussein (36-9).

Boys golf

The Lions finished fourth at regionals, denying them a team berth to state. Seniors Nathaniel Spencer and Daniel Brumley both qualified for state. Spencer was the Sunflower League individual champion.

Baseball

Senior Ryan Engel hit .385 to lead the Lions, who struggled to a 9-11 record after starting out 4-0. After the season, school officials announced coach David Petry would not return in 2005.

Softball

Lawrence advanced to the sub-state championship game, but lost in extra innings to Emporia. Sisters Danielle and Drew Huff were the team’s top hitters.

Girls soccer

The Lions did top intracity rival Free State 1-0 early in the season, but finished with a 2-15 record. Sophomore Megan Johnson notched 10 goals to lead the Lions.

Girls swimming and diving

Lawrence finished fourth at league and 11th at state, behind strong performances from all three relays and solid contributions from freshman Chelsea Dirks-Ham.

Track and field

Senior Sylvester Birdsong won his second state championship in the long jump, and placed second in the high jump, to lead the LHS boys to a sixth-place finish at state.