It was about 10 years ago when Freda McPhail first noticed that her son, Devin Neal, had what it takes to be a leader. McPhail watched as Neal finished up his final lap at the end of a youth football practice at Holcom Park. Because of his natural speed, Neal was one of the first players done ...
At least two members of the Lawrence school board say the school district should consider requiring mask use for athletic events in other communities. For the winter sports season, the Lawrence district has required athletes to wear masks while competing in a community that has a mask mandate ...
Coach of the year: Jon Orndorff, Tonganoxie In a year with many quality soccer squads in the area, Orndorff’s Chieftains were one of two local programs (along with Baldwin) to win a regional title this fall. The Chieftains went 11-5 under Orndorff before losing to eventual state champion ...
Coach of the year: Mike Spielman, Baldwin Under Spielman, Baldwin’s girls cross-country team bounced back to the top of Class 4A in 2020 after not winning a state title a year ago. The Bulldogs had five runners finish inside the top 17 this year to earn a state crown. Baldwin has won three ...
Coach of the year: Steve Heffernan, Free State Heffernan’s Firebirds made history this season by winning their first state title in boys cross-country. Free State bought into a team-first mentality this year under Heffernan, who has been at the helm since 1998. Athlete of the year: Ben ...
Coach of the year: Kyle Billings, Perry-Lecompton In just his first season at the helm, Billings helped guide the Kaws to their first substate title since 1996. Perry-Lecompton cracked the top 10 in Class 3A for the first time in decades despite having to face some elite squads in the Big ...