photo by: Mike Yoder

Free State spring sports senior athletes, back row from left, Kate Odgers, soccer; Erik Czapinski, tennis; Janet Stefanov, swimming; Erin Cushing, track; Kyle Abrahamson, baseball; Zach Wilson, track; Samantha Powell, softball; and Tate Steele, golf.

After strong seasons last year, there’s plenty of enthusiasm around Free State’s spring sports programs. Some teams have state title aspirations and others hope to continue building off their success.

Here is a look at what all of the Firebirds’ programs expect out the upcoming season:

Baseball

After graduating 16 seniors, Free State’s baseball team will have a much different look from the past few seasons.

Even with several new faces in new roles, the Firebirds hope to maintain their level of success. Free State finished last year with a 15-7 record.

“Great group of kids who are working hard to maintain the expectations of the program,” 21st-year coach Mike Hill said.

One of the positives for the varsity newcomers is they can lean on some of their experienced returners: outfielder Kyle Abrahamson, first baseman/pitcher Jake Baker and shortstop/pitcher Jake Rittman.

The Firebirds will open the season with a doubleheader against Warrensburg (Mo.) at 1 p.m. today at FSHS.

Girls swimming

Finishing third at the Class 6A state meet last season, Free State’s girls swimming and diving team has the talent to make another strong run toward a state title.

With 43 girls in the program this year, the Firebirds will be led by returners Janet Stefanov, Lydia Zicker, Claire Campbell, Ava Cormaney, Piper Rogers, Nora Agah, Richa Joshi, Anna Welton, Hailei Detwiler, Margaret Uhler, Maleena Hatfield, Rose Pilakowski, Gracie Caldwell, Ainsley Krug, Kasey Dunn, Naomi Soderling, Anastasia Bunting and Caroline Kelton.

Free State hopes to see strong seasons from its four new divers, Savanna Dey, Monica Kimmel, Kate Pilakowski, and Mikyla Williams, and new swimmers Payton Krug, Lily Thompson and Haleigh Dahl.

After competing in the Emporia Invitational on Thursday, the Firebirds will return on March 28 in Manhattan.

Girls soccer

Gaining experience over the last couple of seasons, Free State’s girls soccer team has several players who will be more than ready to play once the season begins.

From last season’s 6-10-1 squad, the Firebirds are led by Emma Yackley, Maya Hodison, Sydni Beeley, Brittany Hoffman, Kate Odgers and Kenzie Rorabaugh.

“A lot of experience in Sunflower League games, especially in the middle of the field,” 10th-year coach Kelly Barah said.

Free State will play host to Shawnee Heights on March 27.

Softball

Opening the season against Olathe Northwest, the Class 6A defending state champions, Free State’s softball team won’t have the luxury of easing into the year.

But it helps that the Firebirds are loaded with experience. That includes returning senior infielders Grace Patchen, Samantha Powell and Caroline Patton, along with outfielder Emma Pravecek.

Plus there are several others with key experience, including catcher Emma Stanwix, infielder Lauryn Jones, infielder Andie Veeder, outfielder Annie Roszak, outfielder Karsen Jacobson, outfielder Haley Lockwood-Peterson and pitcher Morgan Leslie. The Firebirds hope to receive a boost from freshmen Tatum Clopton (pitcher), Sara Roszak (infielder) and Georgia Rea (infielder/outfielder).

“Don’t know that there are one or two individuals that we will look for to carry us,” coach Lee Ice said. “It has to be an entire team effort with everyone having the same team goals and objectives.”

The Firebirds will travel to Olathe Northwest on March 27.

Track and field

Entering her fifth season as the head coach of Free State’s track and field teams, Jordan Rose believes the program will receive a lift from a talented group of sophomores and juniors.

“New strategies in our sprints events are increasing buy-in and motivation, and we have a large number of athletes,” Rose said.

Free State’s girls track team returns state qualifiers Cameryn Thomas, Auna Childress and Erin Cushing. The boys bring back sprinters Zach Wilson, Cole Phillips, Malachi Starr and Tanner Cobb.

The Firebirds will compete in a dual against Lawrence High on March 27 at LHS.

Boys golf

Placing seventh at the Class 6A state tournament last season, Free State’s boys golf team will bring back nearly its full lineup.

With returning state qualifiers Will Cook, Tate Steele, Landon Berquist, Dylan Sommer and Andrew Park, the Firebirds are hopeful that they can start stronger in the Sunflower League tournament.

“Bunch of guys that have spent a good idea of time playing varsity golf so they know what to expect,” said third-year coach Chuck Law, noting the Firebirds want to find a consistent sixth golfer for the varsity squad.

Free State will compete in the Shawnee Mission South Invitational on March 28.

Boys tennis

Taking fifth place at the Class 6A state tournament last season, the program’s highest finish since 2009, Free State’s boys tennis players hope to keep improving.

The Firebirds will be led by varsity returners Erik Czapinski, Sawyer Nickel, Trey Melvin and Jack Kelsey, which should increase the competition in practice.

Under first-year coach Aaron Clark, Free State will play host to Kansas City Christian in a dual on March 29.