Despite a couple of setbacks at state competitions, there were few schools as dominant in the regular season as Free State was in 2004-05.

League titles were a common theme, and the pieces are all in place for next season to be just as sweet.

Baseball

For the third straight season, the Firebirds advanced to the Class 6A state tournament. Free State also took the Sunflower League title, but fell short in the state quarterfinals against Shawnee Mission Northwest. Seniors Jake Hoover and Max Ellenbecker had successful going-out parties on the mound this year, and junior shortstop Robby Price established himself as one of the state’s top leadoff men and middle infielders. They still will be in the league’s upper echelon next spring.

Boys Basketball

Coach Jack Schreiner said it was the most fun he’d ever had in coaching this season, and his players seemed to have a good time along the way as well. An unexpected early exit from the state tournament couldn’t wipe away a league title and 19-win campaign. Brady Morningstar, the state’s top player, put on aerial displays that were pretty neat to watch, too. Next winter will be pretty interesting, as Schreiner must figure out who will replace his five senior starters.

Girls Basketball

Bryan Duncan’s crew played like a young team early, losing to its first six 6A opponents, but youngsters like Kelsey Harrison, Sarah Heider and Lauren Kimball stepped up late in the year to complement senior Jamie Stanclift on offense. Free State finished 9-12 and nearly pulled out its sub-state opener at Leavenworth. One lock of a prediction for 2005-06 is that senior-to-be Banaka Okwuone probably will be the Sunflower League’s top rebounder again.

Bowling

In its first go-around, the Firebird boys went 13-0 in dual meets and took 10th at state. The girls finished 10th as well, and the season was highlighted by Dacia Sprow’s 299 game.

Cross Country

The boys, led by a solid group of upperclassmen, took fourth at state. The girls won the regional championship, but slipped a bit at state and ended up seventh. Underclassmen stepped up late in the season for the girls, and Alysha Valencia could be set for a big senior year, having placed in the state’s top six in her first three seasons.

Football

The Firebirds started slow, but recovered for a 3-7 finish, including a 2-1 district mark and a state playoff appearance. The growing pains felt last fall could translate into an exciting upcoming season. Despite losing Jamie Resseguie, the Firebirds should have a thrilling running game with Brian Murphy, Ryan Murphy and Brett Lisher. The year was highlighted by a 14-12 victory over Lawrence High.

Boys Golf

The team improved late in the season, and sophomore Nick Burkart qualified for state, but a blown tire on the way to the tournament in Hutchinson prevented him from competing. But, shoot, he has two more chances.

Girls Golf

None of the Firebirds qualified for state, but they made a nice building block heading into the fall after scoring their team-low round at the Sunflower League meet and finishing seventh.

Gymnastics

Senior Sindra Schueler placed sixth at the state meet and was honored as one of three Firebirds on the all-state team. The other two – junior April Miller and sophomore Laura Devlin – will keep Free State solid next fall.

Boys Soccer

All but two starters will be back next year from a team that went 11-5-1 and nearly made state. The biggest challenge in ’05 will be replacing goalkeeper Aaron Williams.

Girls Soccer

It was a long spring for Jason Pendleton as the coach of the school’s youngest team, but it can only go up from here. The Firebirds showed some flashes in the middle of the season. Sophomore keeper Megan Hrenchir showed a lot of fire in her first season in the net.

Softball

This was the true underdog story of the year, as the Firebirds overcame a slow start to go 14-11 and make the school’s first trip to state. Senior pitcher Ashley Wagner had an inspiring performance late in the season. A plethora of sophomores who played this year should keep Free State strong next spring.

Boys Swimming

The Firebirds couldn’t repeat their state title from a year ago, but still took home hardware, finishing third. Senior Anthony Portela won the 100 fly and 200 IM and was part of the 200 medley relay team that won another state title.

Girls Swimming

Free State finished 10th at state, but junior Ashley Robinson continued her reign as the city’s top female swimmer with her third consecutive state title in the 500 free.

Boys Tennis

The team’s third-place finish at league was the highlight of the season, but the biggest story was the progression of junior No. 1 singles player Keith Pipkin. Pipkin will be a serious contender for an individual league crown next spring.

Girls Tennis

A young Free State squad tied for ninth in the league after five consecutive top-three finishes, but should be back in the Sunflower League’s upper half next season.

Volleyball

Nancy Hopkins’ veteran squad made the most of its experience, earning a trip to state. Three Firebirds – Jenny Heppert, Megan Wyatt and Katelin Karlin – all will play at the collegiate level next season, while Hopkins’ young team could make for another special year.

Wrestling

Sophomore Marc Somers and junior Jesse Hardy’s league titles paced the Firebirds to a second-place finish behind LHS. Free State barely loses anyone and should be a contender next winter.