Rattlers Lose First Game

    The Rossville Rattlers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning,  but could not hold off the Junction City Brigade and eventually lost 11-3 in their opening game of the season.

ROSSVILLE HIGH SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Rossville High School held its annual Spring Awards Night on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 to bestow awards and scholarships to deserving students. The counselor, administration, and faculty would like to thank all of the scholarship contributors and presenters for their donations and interest in the students of Rossville. Your dedication to our students is greatly appreciated.

The following scholarships were presented:

Custom Wood Products Scholarship: ($1000 renewable)

Presented to Justin Logan. The scholarship was established by Donald and Pamela Lake to further Custom Wood’s commitment to the communities of Rossville and St. Marys.

Rossville Booster Club Scholarship: ($200)

Presented by Traci McCrory to Tyler Sage. The award began in 2012 and the recipient must have participated in a KSHSAA activity throughout high school. Tyler has completed one year of a two year program for certification in Automotive Technology at Washburn Tech and plans to return for his final year.

Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Dana Field to Justin Logan. This scholarship is a tribute to Bryan, who was an inspiration to others and lost his life to cancer in 2013.

Rossville High School Alumni Association: ($1000)

Presented by Kathy Kovar to Katie Conley and Ashley Broxterman. The Association was founded in 1998 and has awarded over $13,000 to deserving students in this 19-year period. The award’s recipient must meet high standards set out by the association and be a good representative of RHS as they move on through college and begin their career.

Rossville United Methodist Church: ($2000 renewable scholarship)

Presented by Tricia Conley to Katie Conley and Justin Logan

The award is given to seniors that are members of the church.

Kaw Valley Education Association: ($250)

Presented to Rachel Day. KVEA annually raises money and presents scholarships to an RHS and SMHS student planning to pursue a career in education. Rachel will attend Kansas State to study Secondary English Education.

Duane Parr Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Rachel Day. This scholarship was established by J.D. Parr and his family and friends as an endowment to honor Mr. Parr, who passed away in January of 2006. Since the Parr family has a strong interest in music, the recipient must have participated in high school band. Rachel has participated in band all 4 years and is this year’s drum major. At state music festival this year, she received a “1” rating for Large Group Band and a “2” rating for her clarinet solo. At league and regional music festivals she received a “1” rating for her clarinet solo. She is also a member of the Northeast Kansas District Honor Band and is the first with this honor from Rossville in 10 years.

Kansas Masonic Grand Lodge Essay Contest:

Presented by Jim Dodge. 1st place—Eric Ebert-$100

2nd place—Zach Jensen and Katie Conley-$50

Each year, Rossville High School juniors and seniors participate in an essay contest conducted by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Kansas. Delia Masonic Lodge organizes, selects, and provides awards to the school winners. This year, students were asked to write an essay on how their personal involvement in serving others has made a positive impact on their community.

Doug Perine Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented to Gabe Marney. The scholarship was established in 2012 to honor Doug, a longtime community figure, and is given to an RHS student planning to continue their education. Gabe plans to attend Highland Community College to study Accounting.

Les Hallmark Memorial Scholarship: ($200)

Presented to Rachel Day. The scholarship was established by Dorothy Hallmark and is awarded annually in memory of Les who was an Art teacher at Rossville High School for many years.

Laurel Stone Jackson Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Laurel Jackson to Ashley Broxterman

This is the first year for the scholarship established by Mrs. Jackson following her retirement as the school librarian. Applicants are required to write an essay over a book they have read. Ashley will attend Washburn University to study Mass Media.

Rossville Band Booster Scholarship: ($250)

Presented by RHS Music Director Garrett Jones to Nick VanderPutten. This is the 1^st year for this scholarship and is awarded to a student that has been in Band or Choir for their entire senior year and at least 5 semesters prior. Nick plans to attend Washburn University to major in Music Performance and has received a WU Band and WU Cheer Scholarship.

Cecile Zlatnik Memorial Scholarship: ($250)

Presented to Justin Logan. The scholarship is presented annually to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and leadership. Justin has also received the Shawnee County Master Gardener Scholarship.

Cole Arnold Memorial Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Toby and Ann McCullough to Katie Conley.

The award is presented annually in memory of their son Cole who died in a car accident the summer before his Senior year.

Rossville Community Development Committee (RCDC) Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Morgan Hansen and Sonia Dick to Justin Logan. The scholarship is based on achievements, community involvement, and contributions to the community of Rossville.

Rossville Rustlers 4-H Scholarship:

Presented by Laurie Glotzbach to Justin Logan, Tyler Carver, and Derek Gentry.

Justin will attend Fort Scott Community College to study Ag Tech Management and has also received the FSCC Meat Judging Scholarship. Tyler will attend North Central Kansas Technical College for Welding and has also received the Kansas Masonic Lodge and NCKTC Academic Scholarships. Derek will attend Barton Community College to study Business and wrestle.

P.E.O. Scholarship: ($300)

Presented by Sarene McCrory to Ashley Broxterman. This scholarship is awarded annually to young ladies from each of the area high schools.

Pete Darting Memorial Scholarship: ($150)

Presented by Dennis Darting to Justin Logan. The award was established in 2008 by the Darting family to honor Mr. Darting, an avid supporter of the Rossville Dawgs.

RHS Opportunity Scholarship:

This is the 4^th year for the award, which is provided by anonymous donors. Recipients are chosen based on GPA, ACT, resume, strength of schedule, and an essay over an experience that made an impact in their life.

Eric Ebert received a $600 scholarship. He plans to attend Emporia State to study Pre-Med and has also received an ESU Academic Scholarship.

Zach Jensen received a $200 scholarship. He plans to attend Hutchinson Community College to study Engineering and has also received an HCC Academic Scholarship.

Shawnee County Farm Bureau Association Scholarship: ($500)

Presented by Randol Walker to Katie Conley. Katie plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Kinesiology and has also received the KSU Activity and Memorial Scholarships and the Kansas Masonic Scholarship.

Harriet Hayes Austin Memorial Scholarship: ($1000)

Presented to Britnee Douglas. The scholarship was established in the year 2003 in memory of Ms. Austin to carry on her legacy of caring for others. The recipient of the award must plan to pursue a degree in nursing. Britnee plans to attend Washburn University to major in Nursing and play softball for the Ichabods. She has also received the WU Academic, WU Softball, WU Presidential, WU Alumni, WU Leadership, and YWCA Future Leaders Scholarships.

Ron Monhollon Memorial Scholarship:

Presented by Ronda Channel to Tyler Sage. The award is given to a student planning to continue their education in a vocational program.

CNA Certification:

Rossville High School would like to recognize the following students for completing their programs of study at Washburn Tech:

Ashlyn Miller—Health Care Tech, receiving her CNA certification

Ronny Lee Hester—Automotive Technology

Austin Lekanoff—Cabinetry and Millwork

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

                                                                                        Beth Shepard,  RHS Counselor

Kathy (Becker) (66) Billings Passes Away

    

      Kathleen “Kathy” Ruth Becker Billings, 67, of Sparta, NC passed away Monday, May 2, 2016 in her home after a short illness.Kathy was born October 28, 1948 in Ft. Riley, KS to William H. and Dorothy Jenkins Becker.  
       Kathy grew up in rural Kansas, attending school in Rossville, KS and graduated from Rossville High School in 1966. Upon graduation she took a job at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas in Topeka, where she later returned to work when they moved back to the area in the mid-80’s. Her career also included positions as Marina office manager in Homestead, FL; the Melville Shoe Company and M & M Drugs in Sparta. Kathy accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at age 15. She was a member of the Whitehead Union Baptist Church and served as it's Clerk. Kathy was an unassuming, kind, loving and determined person, who was always ready to lend a heart and a hand. Her smile and sense of humor lightened anyone’s load. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. 
     Kathy married James L. Billings on December 10, 1972 in Homestead, FL. He preceded her in death.Other survivors include one brother, Steven Becker (Sharon) of Lakewood, CO; one sister, Patty McQueen (Lee) of Kearney, NE; one son, Daniel Billings (Dina) of Winter Park, FL; one daughter, Michelle May (Grant Melon) of Homestead, FL; one son-in-law Ron van Immerzeel of Santa Clara, CA; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two sister-in-law’s, Reba Wyatt and Doris Dotson both of Glade Valley; one brother-in-law Kyle Jordan of Ennice; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.Kathy was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a son, Frank Billings and a daughter, Lori Billings van Immerzeel.     

       Services will be held at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home in Sparta at 2pm Friday, May 6. Elder Allen Edwards and Elder Gwyn Hamm will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1pm. Internment will be at the Whitehead-Joines Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Whitehead Church Road Fund and may be left/sent in care of the funeral home, 789 Grandview Drive, Sparta, NC 28675. Online condolences may be made atwww.grandviewfuneralhome.com. 

Kyle Parr At State Track Meet

    Kyle Parr won the Triple Jump competition at the 3A track meet with a mark of 44:0.75.  He was third in the final for the 300 Meter Hurdles  (40.73) and was third in his preliminary heat for the 110 Meter Hurdles.

RHS Boys At 3A Track Regional

The RHS boys track team finished in a tie for fifth place out of the 16 teams competing at the 3A Regional at Hoyt.  The teams finished as below.

 1) Silver Lake 98
 2) Seneca-Nemaha Central 70
 3) Sabetha 44
 4) Oskaloosa 43
 5) Wathena-Riverside 40
 5) Osage City 40
 5) Rossville 40
 8) Hoyt-Royal Valley 31.5
 9) Eskridge-Mission Valley 29
10) Easton-Pleasant Ridge 27
11) Atch-Maur Hill Mt Acad 24
12) St. Marys 23
13) Perry-Lecompton 18.5
14) Marysville 17
15) Hiawatha 11
16) Atchison County Community 2

Kyle Parr was the team leader winning the 110 M Hurdles and Triple Jump and coming in third in the 300 M Hurdles. Lorenzo Mason turned in an excellent 3rd place in the 800 M and ninth in the 600 M.   The 4 x 800 Relay team came in second,  composed of Trevor Balch, Zach Jenson, Holden Hurla and Lorenzo Mason.

RHS Girls At 3A Regional Track

The RHS girls finished 9th of 15 teams at the 3A Regional track and field meet at Hoyt.  The final team standings were:

 1) Seneca-Nemaha Central 126
 2) Silver Lake 91
 3) Marysville 54
 4) Hiawatha 50
 5) Sabetha 45
 6) St. Marys 42
 7) Atchison County Community 34
 8) Atch-Maur Hill Mt Acad 28
 9) Rossville 18
10) Oskaloosa 17
11) Perry-Lecompton 14
12) Hoyt-Royal Valley 12
13) Eskridge-Mission Valley 11
14) Osage City 9
15) Easton-Pleasant Ridge 7

The best performances were turned in by Rachel Day, Taylor Bittner, Kaytlin Dohrman and Jordan Bittner.  Rachel was third in the 100 M and fifth in the 200 M.  Jordan was fourth in the 1600 M and seventh in the 3200 M.  Kaytlin was third in the 3200. Jordan ws eighth in the 300 M Hurdles.

Rossville Rattlers Schedule for 2016

The Rattlers begin their season Thursday, June 2, at home.

Click on schedule below to enlarge.

Derek Gentry To Wrestle At BCCC

 Derek Gentry is pictured seated with his parents, Shari and Jim Gentry, and brother Trent. 

Standing behind are RHS Head Wrestling Coach Curt Brecheisen and Asst. Coach Cody Lambotte.

 

Derek Gentry has also signed a letter of intent to walk on at Barton County Community College.  Derek was a 3 time state qualifier for the Dawgs and has led the team in reversals and headlocks the past 3 seasons.  Derek has put up 107 wins in his career at Rossville High.
                                                                                       Curt Brecheisen,  RHS Wrestling Coach

Alex Cavanaugh To Wrestle At Pratt

Photo courtesy of the Yearbook Staff

Alex Cavanaugh is pictured seated with his parents, Shawness and Patrick Cavanaugh. 

Standing behind are RHS Head Wrestling Coach Curt Brecheisen and Asst. Coach Cody Lambotte.

Alex Cavanaugh has  recently signed a letter of intent to wrestle at Pratt Community College next year.  Alex  is a 3 time state medalist, winning 3rd place the last two seasons as a Dawg wrestler.  He has posted 81 victories in his two seasons at Rossville and helped the Dawgs earn 2 state team trophies.
                                                                              Curt Brecheisen,  RHS Wrestling Coach

Rattler Season Starts June 2

  . Opening Night for the Rossville Rattler's 2016 season is 

Thursday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM! 

Make plans to be at Joe Campbell Stadium as the 

Rattlers take on the Junction City Brigade! 

Alan Jeffers Declared Hero

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) – Thursday’s thunderstorms and tornadoes caused a lot of damage throughout the state.

And for those who were caught in the thick of it, it could have been worse.

A Rossville man has been deemed a hero for his quick action by providing shelter.

Alan Jeffers says don’t call him special, he says he was just doing what was right.

High winds up to 70 miles per hour and brief tornado blew through Rossville and Silver Lake along Highway 24 Thursday afternoon.

With some quick thinking, Jeffers took action.

“When the sirens went off, we just kept the doors open for all our customers that was traveling,” said Jeffers.

Jeffers is the manager at the Casey’s General Convenience Store right off of Highway 24 in Rossville. During the storm he provided shelter for about 60 people, including a bus full of children, and a family from Missouri.

That family was Corey Sloan’s wife, his mother-in-law, his daughter and his two grand-children, ages 8 and 3.

“The last words I said to my wife was, ‘Get out of the vehicle’. I could hear the tornado sirens in the background,” said Sloan. “She told my granddaughter to run, and then the phone went dead. My entire life was in that Casey’s in Rossville, Kansas yesterday.”

During that tornado watch, Jeffers brought some of the children and adults to the cooler for shelter. Others found safety in the gas stations bathrooms, and storage rooms.

“It is pretty important to me to know that my family was taken care of by complete strangers,” Sloan says.

“I had no problem doing it. It just shows comfort to other people knowing that if their family is out on the road that they can go to a Casey’s or at least here…They can come and take shelter here,” says Jeffers.

Sloan say’s he personally thanked Jeffers for protecting his family. He even called the Casey’s General Store headquarters to tell them about his new found hero.

You can view KSNT video about Jeffers at:  http://ksnt.com/2016/05/27/small-town-hero-rossville-man-takes-action-during-severe-storms/

Rattler Baseball Clinic July 12

Click on below to enlarge.  Enroll now for the July 12 clinic in Rossville

Baseball Festival & Film

From the Capital-Journal:

Fans of both sports and history will have the opportunity this weekend to learn about baseball when it was spelled base ball and played without gloves or fences.

Six teams, some with players from as far away as Colorado and Minnesota, will compete Saturday and Sunday at the Free State Base Ball Festival on the Felker Soccer Fields, S.W. 25th and Gage Boulevard, in a tournament using the 1860 rules for the game.

The weekend also will include the Topeka debut of “Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball,” a 40-minute documentary on the influence of baseball on small Kansas towns at the turn of 20th century. The movie includes the reenactment of a 1919 game played near El Dorado that was filmed last October at the Joe Campbell Stadium in Rossville.

Members of the Topeka Westerns, the host team of the festival, participated in the game reenactment.

In addition to the Westerns, the games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday will include the Topeka Shawnees, the Hodgeman Nine from the western Kansas town of Jetmore, the Emporia White Stockings, the Colorado Territorial All-Stars and a Minnesota Union team that includes players from the Rochester (Minn.) Roosters, the Lincoln (Neb.) Olympics and two Wichita players. Spectators can watch the games at no cost.

“Town Teams: Bigger than Baseball” will have its free Topeka screening at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jayhawk Theatre, 720 S.W. Jackson.

The documentary was written and directed by Kansas City filmmaker Mark Honer, who said the movie “explores the role of baseball in everything from assimilating immigrants, to labor relations, to its function as a powerful tool in the battle between towns for economic supremacy.”

Honer, in a Sept. 29 story in The Topeka Capital-Journal, said he intended to make a documentary about the El Dorado oil field and the 100-year anniversary of the economic boom it created. When he discovered someone else had done such a documentary, he shifted his attention to something he found in his research: the prevalence of small-town baseball teams and the stiff competition among them.

“When I started researching the film, I fell in love with the players,” Honer said. “Most of them put in 70 hours a week at their jobs. But when the weekend came, they put on these heavy, wool uniforms and played baseball in the scorching hot sun. Now that’s loving the game.”

The game recreated for “Town Teams” was one between two towns, Midian and Oil Hill, which no longer exist. Joe Campbell Stadium was selected because it is the region’s oldest wood stadium.

The movie also includes Bill Hesse, a former town team player from Rossville, as he watches film of himself playing ball some 70 years earlier.

Also in “Town Teams” is rarely seen footage of the “Silver Ball” trophy that was awarded to the first Kansas state baseball champion in 1867. The first recipient was the Kaw Valley team from Lawrence.

Cultural context is provided by an all-star cast of baseball authors and historians.

“The amateur baseball players reflect the real America,” said Dorothy Seymour Mills, who co-authored the first scholarly history of the game. Her three-volume history, “Baseball: The Early Years” (1960), “The Golden Age” (1971) and “The People’s Game” (1990), still stands as the benchmark against which other baseball history books are measured. Honer also interviews state and local baseball historians, like Steve Dodson, a history professor at Allen County Community College in Iola.

“Town Teams” is produced and distributed by Destination Hope, which does business as DHTV Digital, a film and video production company in Shawnee.

Looking For Hosts For Rattler Players