Benton Smith / LJWorld.com

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Benton Smith

Benton Smith is a sports writer for the Journal-World.

Recent stories

Free State girls take aim at state track title: By Benton Smith; May 24, 2013; When Free State High’s girls track and field athletes make their way to their events at Cessna Stadium beginning this afternoon in Wichita, at the state track championships, many expect to contend for medals. With so many Firebirds competing in 15 different events today and Saturday, coach Steve Heffernan knows in the back of their minds, they’ll be thinking about beating out Olathe East for the Class 6A team title. By Benton Smith
FSHS softball season ends in extra-inning heartbreak at state: By Benton Smith; May 24, 2013; Free State High’s softball team fell to Derby, 3-2 in eight innings, in the first round of the Class 6A state tournament on Thursday in Overland Park. By Benton Smith
Free State softball confident in championship chances at state: By Benton Smith; May 23, 2013; The softball players at Free State High know a state championship-caliber team when they see one. The Firebirds went head-to-head with the past two Class 6A title winners, Sunflower League adversaries Olathe East (2012) and Olathe Northwest (2011). Beginning today, Free State will try to earn the league’s third straight 6A crown. By Benton Smith
‘Killer B’s’ fit in at FSHS: Free State softball welcoming to newbies Bermel, Byers; By Benton Smith; May 22, 2013; As newcomers to Free State High’s softball program this season, sophomore Emily Bermel and freshman Emily Byers didn’t quite know what to expect from the strangers they would be calling their teammates. By Benton Smith
Despite bad breaks, FSHS senior Alex Green 20th at state: By Benton Smith; May 20, 2013; Free State’s Alex Green shot a 79 to tie for 20th at the Class 6A state golf tournament on Monday. By Benton Smith
Firebirds girls win regional track title; city athletes qualify for state: By Benton Smith; May 18, 2013; For some high school track and field athletes, earning a trip to state with a top-four regional finish is nothing new. The state veterans from Free State and Lawrence knew nothing would be guaranteed Friday at a Class 6A regional at LHS, and showed no lack of satisfaction upon getting back to the ultimate meet next weekend in Wichita. Still, the Firebirds and Lions who became first-time state qualifiers made it clear the bliss of that moment is unique. By Benton Smith
Offseason pairing leads to success for FSHS runners: By Benton Smith; May 17, 2013; Free State High juniors Bailey Sullivan and Molly McCord have been running together year-round since they were freshmen, and the pair say that close bond has translated into success on the track. By Benton Smith
Young LHS relay teams emerging as state contenders: By Benton Smith; May 17, 2013; The Lawrence High girls 4x800 and 4x400 relay teams have emerged as a force to be reckoned with this season, despite the relative inexperience of the Lions’ runners. By Benton Smith
FSHS soccer falters after half, loses regional final to Washburn Rural: By Benton Smith; May 16, 2013; Long after the final horn sounded, and even longer since Washburn Rural High’s girls soccer team took control in the second half to win a Class 6A regional championship, 4-1, Free State’s players embraced near midfield and wept, refusing to accept the finality of their season. By Benton Smith
LHS softball falls in semi: By Benton Smith; May 16, 2013; Lawrence High’s softball players couldn’t fault their bats Wednesday after a 10-6, season-ending loss to Olathe Northwest in a Class 6A regional semifinal. By Benton Smith

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Recent photos

Lawrence High's Grace Morgan

Fred Wyatt, left, and Joe Dineen

Joe Dineen

Former Kansas City Royals second baseman Frank White speaks with Brian Hakan, Overland Park, Monday morning prior to the start of the Rawlings Negro League Gold Glove Celebrity Golf Classic, at Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta. White is the first base coach for the Kansas City T-Bones.

Former Kansas City Royals outfielder Willie Wilson tries to talk a practice putt into dropping Monday morning, prior to the start of the Rawlings Negro League Gold Glove Celebrity Golf Classic at Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta.

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