Friday, December 31, 2021

Michael Ericson Passes Away

 Michael Ericson, age 68, a longtime resident of Dover passed away Dec. 26.  His obituary can be read at:  https://www.piperfuneralhome.com/obituary/Michael-Ericson

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Raphael Kooney Scholar Athlete Of Week

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - This week’s Kaw Valley Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week is Rossville’s Raphael Kooney.

Raphael spent his senior year focused on football, helping the Bulldogs to their second straight state championship. He also played basketball and wrestle in previous year.

He also maintained a 3.75 GPA. Outside of the classroom, Raphael trains in daily weights while focusing on training and sports year round. He spends the rest of his time helping at his dad’s business.

Raphael plans to major in Business Economics and Marketing. He hasn’t chosen what school he’ll go to yet.

If you want to nominate your Scholar-Athlete of the Week, head to wibw.com/sports.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Gannett All State Football Teams (Updated)

    The Capital-Journal has published the Gannett All-State football team for All Classes which was dominated by the large schools.   Rossville had five players make the list.  Jacob Carver was Second  Team Offense as a lineman.  Torrey Horak was Second Team Defense as a defensive back and also Second Team Offense as a QB.  Corey Catron was Second Team Offense  as a running back and also Second Team Defense as a linebacker.  Brody Lietzz was Second Team Offense as a lineman.   Kade Perine and Mshewe Hale were Honorable Mention.

    You can see the complete list of players on the teams at:

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2021/12/29/all-gannett-kansas-high-school-football-teams-top-performers-offense-defense-kshsaa/9031403002/

SportInKansas published a list of 2A class football players which was slightly different.  You can see that list at:    https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2021/12/sports-in-kansas-2021-2a-all-state.html

Monday, December 27, 2021

Randal Sumner (71) Passes Away

      Topeka—Randal E. “Randy” Sumner, 68 passed away unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at his home.

     Randy was born July 5, 1953, at Topeka, the son of the late Everett and Naomi Keller Sumner, He was raised in the Delia community and graduated from Rossville High School in 1971.

     Randy had lived in the Rossville and Willard communities for many years.  He was a trim carpenter and owned Randy Sumner and Son.  In his earlier years, Randy was an avid coyote hunter and loved fishing.  Randy adored his three animal friends.  He loved his work. 

     On November 9, 1974, he was united in marriage to Gloria Rohr, in Topeka.  She survives of the home.

     Other survivors include his son, Matt (Rhawnie) Sumner, their sons, Bryant and Devin, Topeka; three sisters, Leslie Paine, Topeka, Karen (Tom) Leeper, Rossville, and Anita (John) Robb, Delia.

   Per Randy’s wishes cremation has taken place.  Memorials may be made to Gloria Sumner for their grandchildren fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Margaret Wehner Passes Away

    


      St. Marys—Margaret J. “Peg” McGrath Wehner, 72, passed away with family by her side on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the St. Marys, Manor.

     Peg was born November 15, 1949, at Onaga, the daughter of Joseph A. and Eldora M. Kenworthy McGrath.  She was raised in the Emmett community and attended Holy Cross Schools until her Senior year and graduated from St. Marys High School in 1967.  Peg received an associate degree in Religious Studies from Benedictine College in Atchison.

     Peg began teaching preschool religion at Immaculate Conception in 1989, she then taught sixth grade. She trained under Wanda Forese and became the Director of Religious Education until her retirement in May of 2016.  Peg was instrumental in the RCIA, and the Regional RCIA.  She was the head of the Confirmation and was the Baptismal coordinator for St. Marys, Wamego, Rossville, Emmett, Delia, and Paxico.  She was a graduate of the Menninger Bible Study Program and was the Virtus Coordinator/Safety Compliance person for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since 1997.  Peg taught a bible study program every year at Lent.  Peg was a co-owner of Wehner’s Thriftway in Rossville and Silver Lake.  Peg enjoyed old cars and attending Car Shows.

     Peg was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Francis Jodean McGrath, in 1947 and James A. McGrath in 2001.

     Peg and John L. Wehner were united in marriage on July 22, 1967, at Emmett.  He survives of the home.

     Other survivors include her son, John P. Wehner, St. Marys (Diane Bawden, Fiancee, Emmett); three daughters, Cindy (Mike) Schmersey, Rossville, Catlin (Zac) Miller, McPherson, and Jodi Wehner, St. Marys; a brother, Jerry (Sandra) McGrath. Kerrville, TX; two sisters, Donna Patricia “Pat” Barry, Manhattan, and Penny McGrath, Rossville; two granddaughters, Jordan Wehner, Lees Summit, MO, and Jenna (Josh) Parnell, Rossville and four great-grandsons, Jordayne, Aspen, Riker, and Hunter.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys.  Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Lillis; A rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Piper Funeral Home.  Peg will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the rosary.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Religious Education Program or the American Cancer Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Sports in Kansas 2021 2A All-State Football

Sports in Kansas 2A First Team All-State Defense – 2021

DL- Grady Seyfert, Beloit, Jr.
DL- Kaleb Green, Wellsville, Jr.
DL- Holden Bass, Nemaha  Central, Soph.
DL- Mshewe Hale, Rossville, Sr.
LB- Memo Flores, Southwestern Heights, Sr
LB- Colby Schriener, Kingman, Sr.
LB- Tristan Rathbone, Hillsboro, Sr.
LB- Sean Anderson, Norton, Jr.
LB- Clayton Garrett, Riverton, Sr.
DB- Kade Harris, TMP, Jr.
DB- Braxton Harrison, Cimarron, Sr.
DB- Kaden Brown, Rossville, Sr.
DB- Matthew Potucek, Hillsboro, Sr.
ATH- Derek Larison, Riverton, Sr.
RET- Jalen VanBecelaere, Colgan, Sr. 
P- Daigan Kruger, Silver Lake, Sr.

Sports in Kansas 2A Honorable Mention All-State Football – 2021

Included on this list were Kade Perine, Barrett Lietz, Pedro Arantes, and Jacob Carver.



RHS Basketball Struggles

 

Kade Perine shooting
The Capital Journal has a nice article about the struggles of the RHS basketball team.   In most small schools,  the best athletes play multiple sports.  But in Rossville,  only a few football players also play basketball.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Republic Co. Duals

 The Rossville High boys wrestling team competed in the Republic Co. Holiday Duals Dec. 21.   The results were as follows:

Rossvillle    30      Burlington      39
Rossville     30      Sabetha           54
Rossville     36      Republic Co   42
Rossville     24      Concordia       54

Individual results
Name and W-L tournament record:

Mason Broce      2-1
Johnny Robb      1-3
Aaron Klesath    1-3
Colby Hurla       3-1
Krew Lacock     0-4
Corey Catron     2-2
Sam Twombly   4-0
John McGrath   0-4  
Barrett Lietz      3-1
Jacob Carver     4-0

Saturday, December 18, 2021

RHS Boys Lose To Atchison

From the Capital-Journal
Kade Perine drives to basket Friday night.

 ATCHISON 49, ROSSVILLE 40 — The effort to follow a state-championship football season with a successful basketball season continues for the Rossville boys program. The Bulldawgs took 4-2 Atchison to the wire, but couldn’t make the plays they needed in the final minute. 

Kade Perine took over in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points to lead Rossville back to within four points. But the Bulldawgs were forced to foul late, and failed to convert into points at the offensive end. 

Kade Perine’s free throws with 57 seconds remaining pulled the Bulldawgs to within four points at 44-40. But a couple of missed opportunities let the chance for Rossville’s second win of the year slip away. 

Perine led the Bulldawgs with 12 points, followed by seven from Patrizi and Brody Lietz. 

To read the complete game details,  go to:

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/18/rossville-basketball-splits-atchison-before-winter-break/8935716002/

Rossville Girls Destroy Atchison 63-25

From the Capital-Journal
Caylee Douglas in white

The Rossville girls concluded the fall semester with a 63-25 romp over Atchison to head to the holiday break with a 4-1 record.  

A 4-0 burst by Atchison to start the game didn’t faze the Bulldawgs. They quickly rebounded with a 12-0 run to take command. Their full-court pressure shut the Phoenix down for the next four minutes. By the end of a dominant first quarter, Rossville led 21-6. 

The game was effectively over at halftime, when the Bulldawgs had extended the gap to 41-15. 

Kinley Porter and Shyanne Haehn led the scoring at the half with nine points apiece. 

The Bulldawgs got everyone in the game in the second half and still won with a running clock.  

Porter and Kinsey Perine finished as the leading scorers with 12 points each. 


Rossville scoring:

Horgan              1        0-0 2, 

Perine                3 (1)  5-8 12 

Douglas             3 (1)  3-4 10

Mitchell              4       2-3 10 

Porter                3 (2)  0-2 12 

Haehn               3        3-5 9 

Rezac                2        0-0 4 

Gillum                1        2-4 4


To read the complete game details,  go to:

 https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/12/18/rossville-basketball-splits-atchison-before-winter-break/8935716002/

Friday, December 17, 2021

Horak and Catron Make Eagle's List

The Wichita Eagle has released their list of the top 33 football players for all classes in Kansas.

Torrey Horak is in the second eleven and Corey Catron is in he third eleven.

RHS Boys BB Lose At Wamego

The boys basketball team lost at Wamego 67-30 on Dec. 13, 2021


Wamego 17  17  22  11 -- 67
Rossville   9   8    9    4 -- 30

Rossville  scoring
Perine            2         0-0   4
Badura           1   (1)  4-6   7
Mildren           2         0-0   4
Patrizi             2         2 -3  6
Horak             0         1-2   1                    
Bush              1          3-4   5
Lietz              0          3-4   3

Girls BB Lose To Wamego

Rossville lost to Wamego on Dec. 13 at Wamego.

Wamego  14 10 25 22 -- 71
Rossville  14 18   8 16 -- 58

Rossville scoring:
Perine              1      2-2   4
Douglas           2 (1) 4-4   9
Mitchell            5 (1) 2-4 13
Porter              6 (1) 0-1 13
Rezac              1       1-1  3
Gillum              5 (1) 5-6 16.

Amanda And Caila Hill In KWU-Avila Game

Kansas Wesleyan lost to Avila University of Kansas City 67-60 on Dec. 13.    Amanda Hill had 13 pts, 4 rebounds, l block, and l assist in 35 minutes.  Caila Hill had 8 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 assists in 21 minutes of playing time.

You can read the details of any KWU game this season at

 https://www.kwucoyotes.com/schedule/23/2

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Wayne Rasch (60) Passes Away

Wayne Charles Rasch of Athens, GA. passes away on Nov. 15, 2021.    The URL below is very brief but there are a number of comments from friends.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/athens-ga/wayne-rasch-10445664

 Wayne was raised in Rossville, KS on a farm next to the City Park and attended Rossville schools.  He also attended Wichita State U. and was a Vietnam vet.  He was married to the former Linda Dennis who passed away a few years ago . You can SEARCH "Linda Rasch" (Upper left corner) to see her obituary which has family informaton.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Raymond Bush (55) Passes Away

    Raymond D. Bush, age 84, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the Topeka V.A. Hospital.  Ray was born May 8, 1937 in Rossville, KS the son of John and Opal (Kirkpatrick) Bush.  He graduated from Rossville High School in 1955. 
    Ray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he earned several honors for marksmanship and mortar combat.  He married Ellen Juanita Funk June 15, 1963 in Miami, OK.  She preceded him in death January 16, 1989.  Ray worked at American Linen Supply in Topeka. 
    Ray was preceded in death by two sons, Warren Lambert, Bradley Bush, and a brother, Jackie Bush.  He is survived by two sons, Russell (Anita) Lambert of Topeka and Randy (Jennifer) Bush of Rossville, KS; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Raymond enjoyed his grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events.

Memorial services are pending at this time.  davidsonfuneral.com


Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Irish Classic Boys All-Tournament Team

 

Rossville players that made the Irish Classic  All-Tournament were Kade Perine and Francesco Pitrezi

Irish Classic Girls All Tournament Team

Irish Classic girls basketball all-tournament team had three Rossville players.     

  Kinsey Perine
   Emma Mitchel
Briar Gillum




321A Boys Wrestling Ranking Week Two

The second week KWCA ranking for  321A came out Dec. 14.

Senior Sam Twombly is ranked #3 at 152 lbs.

Week Two 4-1A Girls Wrestling Rankings

1 Pratt                                 6 Rossville 

2 Burlington                       7 Eureka 

3 Baldwin                           8 Chapman 

4 Wellington                       9 Douglass 

5 Hoisington                     10 McPherson

Keera Lacock is ranked #3 in 120 lb Div. 2.   Kendra Hurla is ranked #1 in 126 lb.

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Cathy Carter Passes Away

Cathy A. Carter,  94, of Rossville, Kansas passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021. She was born March 10, 1927, in Middletown, Ohio, the daughter of Irvin Dale and Carene (Hartsook) Ulrich.


Cathy worked for Ralph L. Woolpert as a secretary prior to retirement around 1986.

Cathy married Maurice "Mo" Carter. He preceded her in death on December 3, 2008.

Survivors include her daughter, Lori (Kenny) Etzel of Topeka; her sister-in-law, Mary Ulrich of Franklin, OH and her two nephews, Michael and Mark Giallombardo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Mary Giallombardo; her two brothers, Tilton "Dale" Ulrich and Robbin Ulrich.

Cathy enjoyed reading and square dancing.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to CAT Association of Topeka, 1719 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604.

Dove Cremations and Funerals - Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, Kansas 66610 and Routsong Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429 is assisting the family.

Eudora Tournament of Champions

The following RHS Wrestlers placed in the annual Eufora Tournament of Champions on Dec. 11, 2021.  Four of the five RHS wresles finished in the top 2.

126    Mason Broce (3-1) placed 2nd winning 3 of 4 matches.

132    Aryon Kleseth (1-2) place is unknown after going 1-2

138    Colby Hurla (2-1) placed 2nd losing to  Douglas (Eudora) 8-1 

145    Krew Lacock (2-1) placed 2nd losing to Van Booven of DeSoto.

220    Barrett Leitz (4-0) placed 1st after a bye and three wins in less than one minute each.


Saturday, December 11, 2021

Rossville Boys Defeat Chapman

    The Rossville boys basketball team defeated Chapman in their third game of the Irish Classic on Saturday, Dec. 11 by a score of 59-51.  The Dawgs led by ten pts at halftime and were able to maintain a lead all the way in the second half.

Rossville      13    19    11    16      59
Chapman      12    10    10    19      51


Rossville Girls Win Irish Classic Tourney

    The Rossville girls are a force to be reckoned with.  Especially at the Free Throw line.   The Lady Dawgs swept the Irish Classic with wins over Bishop Ward, Sacred Heart and Chapman, the last being an exciting closely fought contest which the Rossville girls won with excellent shooting in the 4th quarter.    The lead changed hands several times,  but the Rossville girls know how to finish a game and are now 3-0 for the season.

Rossville     10    10    14    18      52
Chapman       5    18    15     8      46


Dawg Apparel

From Rossville Dawg Football 

STATE APPAREL!!!!

The online store is now open. It will close on Sunday, December 12th at 11:59 PM. The store will NOT reopen.
Orders WILL NOT arrive in time for the holidays..... Estimated delivery will be the first week in January. (sorry)
Feel free share with family and friends. If you have people not on social media - make sure they don't miss out. This will be the only store to sell State apparel. https://rhsstatefbchamps21.itemorder.com/

Friday, December 10, 2021

RHS and Sacred Heart Boys Basketball

 RHS Boys lost to Sacred Heart on Dec. 10, 2021 in the Irish Classic Basketball Tournament.

Rossville          8    4     7     8         27 
Sacred Heart  14   11   17   14        53


RHS Girls Defeat Sacred Heart

RHS Girls Basketball Game Dec. 10, 2021, against Sacred Heart in the Irish Classic at Chapman.

Rossville        21    16    13    19       59
Sacred Heart  11    12    10    12       45

The team is now 2-0 for the young season.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Kerry Dick Services Postponed

Services scheduled for Sat. for Officer Kerry Dick have been postponed.. Another date has not been set yet.

For more information, go to:    https://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2021/12/services-for-officer-kerry-dick.html

Abbot Barnabas Senecal Passes Away

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, died peacefully at the Abbey early on Tuesday morning, December 7  He was the 97th abbott at St. Benedicts Abby and was known as the "singing abbott."

After he retired as Abbot, he spent time as administrator of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Marys, KS, and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Rossville, KS.

His lengthy obituary can be read at:

 https://www.arensbergpruett.com/obituary/abbot-barnabas-senecal-osb

And there is an article about him in the Atchison newspaper at:

https://www.atchisonglobenow.com/news/religious-giant-of-atchison-passes-away/article_c6bbe7c4-5871-11ec-9cf5-139eda028c7d.html


Amanda and Caila Hill At KWU

Kansas Wesleyan U. defeated the University of Saint Mary (Leavenworth) 79-58 on Dec. 8.

Amanda Hill had 20 pts, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Caila  Hill had 7 pts, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist.

Rossville Boys Lose to Bishop Ward

The Rossville boys basketball team kicked off their season with a loss against  Bishop Ward in the Irish Classic.

Bishop Ward  16   9  33  16 -- 74
Rossville          9 10  16   9 -- 44

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

RHS Girls Get 54-24 Win

In their first game of the season,  the Rossville girls totally dominated their first game of this 2021-22 season.  They defeated Bishop Ward in the Irish Classic Tournament.

Rossville      11 22 12  9 -- 54
Bishop Ward  6  5  12  1 -- 24

Rossville -- Horgan 1 (1) 0-0 3, Perine 6 (2) 2-2 16, Douglas 3 (1) 3-3 10, Mitchell 1 (1) 4-6 7, Haehn 4 (2) 0-0 10, Gillum 4 0-0 8.

Week One Div. II Girls Wrestling Ranking

1 Pratt                               6 Rossville 

2 Baldwin                         7 Eureka 

3 Burlington                     8 Hoisington

4 Wellington                     9 Chapman 

5 Douglass                       10 Ellis

2021-2022 Girls Wrestling Roster

101/109 Emma Plantz 10
120 Keera Lacock 10
126 Kendra Hurla 10
132 Nagos Hale 10
132 Lilly Miller 10
138 Cassie Fund 10
145 Reagan Wonnell 11 

Head Coach: Courtney Horgan
Assistant Coaches: Chris Graves, Cody Lambotte. Bowe Behymer
Manager: Wade Twombly

Lacock and Hurla In TopSports Top fifteen

TopSports.com has picked the top 15 girls wrestlers in Shawnee County and Rossville had two on the list.

Rossville  sophomore, Keera Lacock is currently No. 1-ranked in Division II at 120 pounds after posting a 20-7 record and placing fourth at 115 pounds a year ago en route to earning TSN All-Shawnee County first-team honors for the Bulldawgs.

Rossville sophomore Kendra Hurla is currently ranked No. 1 by the KWCA in Division II at 126 pounds, Hurla was named the TSN All-Shawnee County newcomer of the year last year and was a first-team All-County pick as a freshman after posting a 23-2 record and winning the Division II state title at 120 pounds. 

2021-2022 Boys Wrestling Roster

120 Johnny Robb 9
126 Mason Broce 10
132 Aryon Klesath 11
138 Colby Hurla 11
145 Krew LaCock 10
152 Corey Catron 12
160 Sam Twombly 12
170 John McGrath 10
170 William Koch 9
220 Barrett Lietz 9 

Head Coach: Courtney Horgan
Assistant Coaches: Chris Graves, Cody Lambotte, Bowe Behymer
Manager: Wade Twombly



Twombly and Hurla Ranked By KWCA

The first KWCA ranking came out Dec. 8  and two Dawgs made the list.

Senior Sam Twombly is ranked #3 at 152 lbs.

Senior Colby Hurla is ranked #6 at 132 lbs.  

Twombly In Fifteen Wrestlers To Watch

TopSports.com listed their 15 Shawnee County wrestlers to watch this year.  Among the 15 is Sam Twombly,  Rossville senior.   Twombly placed fourth in Class 3A-1A at 152 pounds last season while posting a 19-5 record. Twombly earned first-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors as a junior. Twombly is currently ranked third in 3A-1A at 152 pounds by the KWCA.

Others picked by the web site are:  Mason Boce, Corey Catron, Colby Hurla, Kew Lacock, Barrett Leitz.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

RHS Girls Basketball Schedule

Home Games Are in Bold Type.

12/7 at Bishop Ward 
12/10 at Chapman Tournament, TBD 
12/11 at Chapman Tournament, TBD 
12/17 vs. Atchison
1/4 at Silver Lake
1/7 at Riley County 
1/11 vs. Rock Creek
1/13 vs. Valley Heights
1/14 vs. St. Marys
1/25 at Jefferson County North Tournament
1/28 at Jefferson County North Tournament 
1/29 at Jefferson County North Tournament 
2/1 at St. Marys 
2/4 at Wabaunsee
2/8 at Osage City 
2/11 vs. Silver Lake 
2/15 vs. Wabaunsee
2/18 vs. Riley County 
2/22 at Rock Creek

Rossville Girls Basketball Outlook

Last season: 5-14

Top returning players: Kinsey Perine (So, G, 10.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.2 apg), Emma Mitchell (So, F, 11.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg)

Other returning players, players that could contribute: Briar Gillum (Sr, F, 6.6 rpg), Kinley Porter (So, G), Caylee Douglas (Sr, G)

Ninth-year head coach Michael Bell: We look to build and get better every day. Low numbers out for basketball but we do have quite a bit of experience coming back. Last year with COVID was a mess, we are looking forward to getting back to normal. We want to play fast but under control. I really look for us to take some significant strides this year. Our top three scorers and rebounders are back from last year, we will be led by Perine and Mitchell. 

RHS Boys Basketbball Schedule

Home Games Are in Bold Print.

12/7 vs. Bishop Ward, Irish Classic Tournament 
12/10 at Chapman vs. Sacred Heart, Irish Classic Tournament
12/13 at Wamego 
12/17 vs. Atchison 
1/4 at Silver Lake
1/7 at Riley County 
1/11 vs. Rock Creek
1/13 vs. Valley Heights
1/14 vs. St. Marys 
1/18 at Oskaloosa Tournament, TBD
1/21 at Oskaloosa Tournament, TBD
1/22 at Oskaloosa Tournament, TBD
2/1 at St. Marys
2/4 at Wabaunsee
2/8 at Osage City
2/11 vs. Silver Lake 
2/15 vs. Wabaunsee
2/18 vs. Riley County
2/22 at Rock Creek

Rossville Boys Basketball Outlook

Last season: 1-20

Top returning players: Guard Kade Perine (6.2 PPG, 1.8 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG), Guard Aiden Garcia (4.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG), Center Brody Lietz (4.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 40% eFG%) 

Other returning players, players that could contribute: Center Raphael Cooney (3.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG), Guard Camden Horak, Forward Avery Crosswhite

4th year head coach Eammon Bradley: We will be a very young team. We have a large freshman class coming in with some talent and they will most likely have to contribute at the varsity level, ready or not. They will be helped by some returners though. Guys like Kade Perine, Brody Lietz, and Raphael Cooney have all had pretty good offseasons and some sophomores like Camden Horak and Avery Crosswhite will have to step in and compete for varsity time. We are looking forward to the challenge of competing with such a young group, but its a challenge our kids are ready for. 

Basketball Season Begins Dec. 7

 Click on image to enlarge.


Monday, December 6, 2021

Amanda and Caila Hill In Dec 4 KWU Game

Kansas Wesleyan (9-3) lost to Tabor College (8-2) on Dec. 4  having a season low production  of only 48 to Tabor's 58.
Amanda Hill had 10 pts, and 9 rebounds.
Caila Hill had 2 pts, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 24 minutes of playing time.

 

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Amanda and Caila Hill In KWU Win

Amanda Hill #34

Kansas Wesleyan U. defeated Sterling College 85-82 in Overtime on Dec. 2, 2021.
Amanda Hill scored 18 pts and had  7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists.
Caila Hill had 4 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist in 27 minutes on the court. 

Friday, December 3, 2021

RHS & RJHS Closed Friday For Covid (Updated)

Fifty-two RHS and RJHS students in quarantine per CJ Online.

 https://www.wibw.com/2021/12/03/rossville-schools-closed-friday-due-covid-outbreak/

For more complete coverage,  go to:

 https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/12/03/covid-19-forces-closing-two-schools-rossville-kansas-shawnee-county-topeka-area/8852225002/

Community Support High On Dawgs

 By Reina Flores

Published: Dec. 2, 2021 at 7:14 PM EST|Updated: 21 hours ago

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Three trophies. One community.

“It’s crazy to see how much of a community Rossville has behind its sports and how much they support all of us, it truly makes my heart so happy to just see the community come together and support us,” said Senior Vanesa Quinones.

Rossville’s football team won the 2A state championship in dominating fashion, but they weren’t the only “dawgs” barking for victory.

“Cheer just won and then dance got third, it was super close for state dance we were only 1.73 points away from that title, and for cheer, we won by 11 points so we cleaned house on both,” said Cheerleader, Jalyn Davis.

“We were crying, we were bawling we were so excited,” said Head Coach, Kelcy Hammer.

The feeling was mutual, at a football game, the football players, the cheerleaders, and the dancers go hand in hand--

“Every Friday night the cheerleaders after every touchdown our boys score our cheerleaders do jumping jacks, thousands of jumping jacks because the boys just ran the score up so those girls were conditioned, they get the crowd hyped up and the dance team provides great entertainment at half time,” said RHS assistant cheer coach, Amanda Davis.

Behind the three new trophies, is the dedication of athletes who balance practice and school.

“Our kids are just driven in anything that they do they want to be the best, they want to be on top of everybody they just work hard at everything they do,” said Hammer.

Senior Corey Catron says part of what pushed these teams to success was the continued support from the Rossville community.

“The community is just unmatched and just walking out of the locker room before the game and just hanging out with the tailgaters right there is just unbelievable, something I will remember forever.”

Services For Officer Kerry Dick

ROSSVILLE, Kan. (WIBW) - Memorial services have been scheduled for a late Rossville Police officer who died from natural causes.

The Rossville Police Department says memorial services for Officer Kerry Dick, who died on Monday due to natural causes, will be held at Rossville High School at 800 Main St. at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Officer Dick had worked for RPD as a part-time officer since September 2007. He previously worked with the Wamego Police Department.

Donations for Officer Dick can be made in his name to Concerns of Police Survivors. To make a donation, click HERE.

The services for Dec. 11 were postponed.

Coach Hammes A Perfect Fit

 Why Rossville football coach Derick Hammes is a perfect fit: 'Coaching was an extension of the game'

Topeka Capital-Journal


Seth Kinker

Rossville’s success on the gridiron continued this year as they won another state title, its fifth since 2014, all under ninth-year head coach Derick Hammes. 

Hammes didn't take over a bare cupboard when he came to Rossville, inheriting a roster that had gone 11-2 the prior year under Steve Buhler.

Buhler coached at Rossville from 1998-2012 with a 119-55 record in his 14 years, going to the post-season in 13 while posting eight or more win seasons in nine of those years. 

But Hammes took a consistent regional and substate reaching football team — coming from Washburn Rural where he coached from 2006-2012 — and got Rossville over the hump.

"We were right there knocking on the door all those years," said athletic director Curt Brecheisen. "I think his attention to detail in the weight room and classroom, details of the kids and what they’re doing and how they’re doing, I think that’s what helped him kick the door in.

"Paying attention to all the little things that he’s been notorious for since he got here."

Hammes entered this year with an 83-15 record and state titles in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020, adding 13 more wins as the team went undefeated for the fourth time since he's come to Rossville.

We talked to current and former players, assistant coaches and administration about what Hammes has brought to Rossville since arriving in 2013.

Hammes loved sports ever since he was a kid, whether it was playing football in the backyard, playing baseball or shooting hoops in a friend’s driveway. 

As Hammes got older, he didn’t know what he was going to do but credits his football and basketball coach for pushing him toward college while also letting him know he had the talent to compete at that level as well.  

He played football for four years at Emporia State but had coaching on his mind even then.

"I figured out that I couldn't play forever and that coaching was an extension of the game," said Hammes.

On his recruiting trip with coach Larry Kramer, he told Kramer he would like an opportunity to be a student or graduate coach to get his career started. 

Kramer promised Hammes that opportunity would be available to him.

When he began his post-playing career as a student coach in 1993, it brought back his love of sports as a kid. 

"I had a ball in my hand, was participating and playing, and it goes back to it was an extension of playing," said Hammes. "I still felt like I was a part of the game. I think that's when I knew that this was a career that was right for me.

“I never felt like I was going to a day of work. I always felt like I was doing something that I enjoyed."

Hammes credits his high school basketball and football coaches and Kramer as influences. Two more men made an impact as well.

"My time with Tom Stringer at Hayden was very important," said Hammes. "I learned from him how to run a program, how to handle people and make players feel good about their roles. I think that's one of the things that he did really well.

"The late Dave Bassore was very instrumental for me. He taught me a majority of the X's and O's that I know. I've had a lot of people that have shaped me and I'm pretty grateful to all of them."

An opportunity at Rossville 

After student coaching at Emporia State, Hammes had coaching jobs in Hayden and Kansas City before heading to Washburn Rural. 

Hammes saw Rossville as a great opportunity, a program with longstanding tradition. 

"I didn't know if it was possible for me,” said Hammes. "It's been a good fit.”

On Hammes' first day, he brought the team into the gym and explained his goals. 

Those goals were to win a league championship, beat their rivals, be district champions and be state champions.

"Those goals have never changed," said Hammes on Tuesday.

“Sitting in the meeting, I can still remember that,” said Gabe Marney, who played at Rossville from 2012-2015. “He laid his line, his expectations, I could tell right when he got in, he had that drive we needed.”

Tucker Horak, who played from 2012-2015, said the team didn't know what to expect.

"He showed up on his first day and explained to us what his goals were with us," Horak said. "It really got us all excited." 


Horak credited the seniors and his older brother Thatcher's class, juniors at the time, for helping make the transition.

"Those two classes set an example for how it's all right for change to come in, to accept it and welcome it," said Thatcher Horak, who played from 2011-2014 and has been an assistant coach for Rossville for the past five years.

Torrey Horak, senior quarterback and younger brother of Thatcher and Tucker, was in the fourth grade when Hammes arrived. He remembers his brothers' first practices with the new coach.

"They said it was different," said Torrey. "Not in a good or bad way, it was just different from coach Buhler. They seemed to like it and trusted him."

Hammes vision for a program

Hammes made it clear he took over a program in very good condition. He said the kids were winners and the program could’ve sustained itself with the athletes they had and those coming up.

He did bring his own vision of what a program should look like.

"He's very process-driven as a coach," said Thatcher. "When he first he got here, it was, 'How could he take something that’s really good and make it great?'”

Hammes said his vision for a program is one that has a level of discipline and toughness and for him, that started in the weight room.

"I think it's the strength and conditioning part of it where you get to be around the kids’ day to day, and that you get to establish the kind of culture that you want,” said Hammes. “That's the way I went about building the program and the culture that we have right now." 

“I never felt like I was going to a day of work. I always felt like I was doing something that I enjoyed."

Hammes credits his high school basketball and football coaches and Kramer as influences. Two more men made an impact as well.

"My time with Tom Stringer at Hayden was very important," said Hammes. "I learned from him how to run a program, how to handle people and make players feel good about their roles. I think that's one of the things that he did really well.

"The late Dave Bassore was very instrumental for me. He taught me a majority of the X's and O's that I know. I've had a lot of people that have shaped me and I'm pretty grateful to all of them."

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Amanda And Caila Hill In KWU Win

Kansas Wesleyan defeated Southwestern College 69-55 on Nov, 30.
Amanda Hill had 14 pts, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.  Caila Hill had 2 pts and 1 reound.

All-County Football Teams

 The All-County football team for 2021 has been selected by the Capital-Journal.

1st team 

Quarterback: Torrey Horak (Senior, Rossville), Carter Brian (Senior, Cair Paravel), Camden Barta (Senior, Seaman).

Running Back: Tylan Alejos (Senior, Topeka High), Jarin Sanders (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Corey Catron (Senior, Rossville).

Offensive Line: Joe Otting (Junior, Hayden), Danny Saili (Senior, Topeka High), Shane Sexton (Senior, Washburn Rural), Orrin Busenitz (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Jacob Carver (Junior, Rossville), Brody Leitz (Senior, Rossville), Garrett Peery (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Tristan VandeVelde (Senior, Silver Lake).

Defensive Back: Callen Barta (Sophomore, Seaman), Landon MacEwan (Senior, Washburn Rural), Ja’Laveyn January (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Kade Perine (Junior, Rossville).

Defensive Line: Matthew Etzel (Senior, Shawnee Heights), Danny Saili (Senior, Topeka High), Tristan VandeVelde (Senior, Silver Lake), Austin Fagar (Senior, Washburn Rural), Preston Gillen (Senior, Silver Lake), Mshewe Hale (Sr, Rossville).


2nd Team

Wide Reciever: Jacob Malcom (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Jayden Moore (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), PJ Vargas (Senior, Seaman), Evan Will (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Tre Richardson (Junior, Highland Park), Kamryn Kaniper (Junior, Silver Lake), Tegan Kippes (Senior, Rossville), Kade Perine (Junior, Rossville), Simon Everhart (Sophomore, Cair Paravel).

Offensive Line: Mahliq Jackson (Sophomore, Rossville), Kobe Jordan (Senior, Seaman), Barrett Leitz (Sophomore, Rossville), Logan Cox (Junior, Seaman), Zach Franco (Junior, Washburn Rural), Sean Miller (Junior, Washburn Rural), Gavin Zuperku (Junior, Shawnee Heights), Diego Ruiz (Senior, Shawnee Heights.

Defensive Back: Camden Barta (Senior, Seaman), Casen Stallbaumer (Senior, Seaman), Simon Everhart (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Tyler Gilchrist (Senior, Hayden) Robby Bolin (Senior, Washburn Rural), Tegan Kippes (Senior, Rossville), Daigan Kruger, (Senior, Silver Lake), Jaye Jones (Junior, Shawnee Heights), Isiah Kincade (Sophomore, Topeka High), Kade Brown (Senior, Rossville).

Defensive Line: Brody Gormley (Senior, Seaman), Ian Brian (Sophomore, Cair Paravel), Christian Gonzales (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Kaelin Rice (Senior, Hayden).

Linebacker: Bryson Vawter (Junior, Seaman), JC Cummings (Junior, Hayden), Connor Conklin (Senior, Washburn Rural), Logan McDaniel (Senior, Topeka High), Alex Dittman, (Sophomore, Shawnee Heights), Kale Frehe (Senior, Silver Lake), Raphael Cooney (Senior, Rossville).

Kicker: Pedro Arrantes (Senior, Rossville), Gavin Wilhelm (Senior, Seaman).

Honorable Mention 

Trent Gentry, Senior, Rossville.

Trenton Barker, Senior, Rossville.