WRITER: David Rodish

Free State girls soccer defeats Topeka-Hayden 1-0 at home, move to 2-1 on the season

Free State's girls soccer team won 1-0 at home against Topeka-Hayden at Free State High School on Tuesday, improving its season record to 2-1. "We came out strong and moved the ball well,” coach Joe Waldron said. “A 1-0 win over a good Hayden team is good. A shutout is good, too.” The Firebirds took the lead early in the game and played well defensively to hold the win. Junior midfielder Wittney Bogart ...

Lawrence softball off to strong start as team builds winning culture

Over the last few seasons, the Lawrence softball team has worked to build a winning culture. This year, the Lions feel they’ve got a good thing going. “I think we’re going to be really good defensively, and if we adjust at the plate, the ceiling is going to be very high this year,” coach Mike Byrn said. “This is my first time saying that in my three years here.” The Lions started the season 3-0 and ...

Lawrence baseball gets 4-3 win over Brandon Valley, moves to 3-1 on the season

Lawrence baseball moved to 3-1 on the season with a 4-3 win over Brandon Valley in Lawrence on Saturday, completing the team’s out-of-state schedule. “I’m pleased with where we’re at,” coach Adam Green said. “Coming out of this weekend 3-1, I’m happy about that. Now, the bullets start flying a little bit.” Pitcher Brice Schwada started on the mound and finished with four hits allowed across ...

Lawrence senior pitches first varsity innings, secures a win for the team in closing work

Senior JJ Dos Santos was a little nervous as he stepped up to the mound against Brandon Valley on Saturday — it was his first time pitching a varsity game for Lawrence. “After I got in the zone, I was just trying to throw strikes, trying to get the batter out and not focusing on anything other than getting the team the win,” Dos Santos said. “It’s a lot of fun to play baseball with these guys, with ...

LHS baseball wins 11-3 over Sioux Falls-Roosevelt with 7-run inning

Lawrence High baseball moved to 2-1 on the season with an 11-3 win over Sioux Falls-Roosevelt on Friday. The game was difficult for pitchers due to some high-speed winds. Coach Adam Green said it was important for the team to stack up runs, knowing that the pitchers might have a hard time staying in the strike zone with the wind. “For our pitching staff to give up three total runs — I’m very pleased,” ...

Former LHS and Oklahoma defensive lineman is ready for first football game in two years as he works to a return to the NFL

For the last two years, Amani Bledsoe has been training like he’s in the middle of a football season. He’s been waiting for an opportunity, anything to show that he can be an NFL defensive lineman. That opportunity comes on Saturday when Bledsoe will play his first football game since 2021. Bledsoe signed with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL in January, and his season begins against the San Antonio ...