Leo Gannon Passes Away

      Leo H. Gannon, 94 passed away Friday, April 28, 2017 at the St. Marys Manor.
      He was born June 24, 1922 at Carmen, OK., the son of Alonzo P. and Maggie Belle Dupus Gannon. Leo was the last of 15 children. He grew up in Oklahoma and served in the United States Navy from January 31, 1944 until January 6, 1946. Leo worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of Jimmie Lillard Post No 31 of the American Legion in Rossville. He was a past member of the United Rubber Workers Union, the Rossville Lions Club, the Missouri Valley Wrench Club, Tri State Gas Engine Club and the Rossville Palomino Club. Leo had served on the Rossville City Council and the Rossville School Board. He had lived in the Rossville Community many years.
      On January 6, 1950 he was united in marriage to Rowena M. Hollenbeck in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include his children. Linda Lake, Manhattan, Randell (Cindy) Gannon, Rossville and Vern (Sherri) Gannon, Manhattan: five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with one due in August.
      Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Interment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Mr. Gannon will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, May 1, 2017 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Manor and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave an online condolence please go to www.piperfuneralhomecom.

Heidi Nitsch (16) On Cowley Softball Team

    Heidi Nitsch is a freshman at Cowley County Community College and is an infielder on the Cowley Tigers softball team.  Her bio can be read at:
http://cowleytigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2714&path=softball

Tobi Cowdin On K4 Team

Announcement from K4 Sports:
We want to introduce you to one of the members of our K4 Team! Meet Tobi Cowdin. Tobi has played baseball his whole life, and is one of the youngest head coaches in summer collegiate baseball. He attended Southeast Community College in Nebraska, and finished his education at Washburn University. He has coached at Topeka West, Jackson Heights, and is currently the head coach for the Rossville Rattlers! He received the Mid-Plains League Manager of the Year 2 times in 2015 and 2016. He has coached over 30 players who went on to play in NCAA college programs. Tobi has learned from some of the best baseball and football coaches in northeast Kansas. We are so excited to have him with us at K4 Sports!

RHS Softball Team Still Undefeated

    The RHS girls won their 13th straight softball game on April 27 at Silver Lake by a 14-7 score.
     Game two of the double header was suspended in the fifth inning.

Baseball Team Loses Two At SL

  The RHS baseball team lost two games at Silver Lake on April 27,  11-1 and 9-8

Area Softball Leaders

BATTING

Home Runs

Beam, Royal Valley, 10; Robertson, Perry-Lecompton, 9; Stringfield, Wellsville, 8; S. Shinn, Rossville, 7; Swift, Chase County, 6; Downard, Marysville, 5; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 5; Harrison, St. Marys, 5; Orender, Osage City, 5; Carson, Clay Center, 4; D. Hess, Burlington, 4; Klamm, Wellsville, 4; Lundin, Rossville, 4; Morgan, Riverside, 4; Oliver, Wabaunsee, 4; Thorp, Burlington, 4; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 3; Johnson, Wabaunsee, 3; Kirkwood, Valley Falls, 3; Lowe, Oskaloosa, 3; Migliorini, Rossville, 3; Miller, Council Grove, 3; Pacha, Marysville, 3; Allen, Council Grove, 2; Cobb, Silver Lake, 2; Dailey, McLouth, 2; Gillen, Silver Lake, 2; R. Hess, Burlington, 2; Honas, Council Grove, 2; Lamprecht, Silver Lake, 2; Lee, Tonganoxie, 2; Murray, Abilene, 2; Rogers, Wamego, 2; L. Shinn, Rossville, 2; Sloyer, Burlington, 2; Van Ausdall, Holton, 2; Vandegrift, Chase County, 2; Willson, Tonganoxie, 2.

RBI

Robertson, Perry-Lecompton, 37; Beam, Royal Valley, 36; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 34; Orender, Osage City, 32; Stringfield, Wellsville, 30; Swift, Chase Conty, 28; Honas, Council Grove, 27; Carlson, Council Grove, 24; R. Hess, Burlington, 24; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 23; Kirkwood, Valley Falls, 23; O’Connor, Perry-Lecompton, 23; Lundin, Rossville, 21; Brintle, Council Grove, 20; A. Folks, Perry-Lecompton, 20; Lowe, Oskaloosa, 20; Miller, Council Grove, 20; S. Shinn, Rossville, 20; Downard, Marysville, 19; Klamm, Wellsville, 19; Allen, Council Grove, 18; Harrison, St. Marys, 18; New, Royal Valley, 18; Bond, Holton, 17; Fluderer, Wellsville, 17; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 17; D. Hess, Burlington, 17; Hodges, Council Grove, 17; Miller, Tonganoxie, 17; Morgan, Riverside, 17; Van Ausdall, Holton, 17; Dailey, McLouth, 16; Oliver, Wabaunsee, 16; Porras, Holton, 16; Fisher, Lebo-Waverly, 15; Kearney, Valley Falls, 15; Migliorini, Rossville, 15; Mitchell, Lebo-Waverly, 15; Oswald, Lebo-Waverly, 15; Phillips, Holton, 15; Barnhardt, Oskaloosa, 14; Bryan, Royal Valley, 14; Filkin, Council Grove, 14; Sage, Osage City, 14; L. Shinn, Rossville, 14; Showalter, Wellsville, 14; Willson, Tonganoxie, 14; Wright, Jefferson West, 14;

Stolen bases

Orender, Osage City, 18; Carlson, Council Grove, 14; Peterson, Chase County, 12; Dillon, Rock Creek, 11; Higgs, Chase County, 11; McDaniel, Wellsville, 11; Degenhardt, Holton, 10; Myers, Holton, 10; Ricklefts, Riverside, 10; Mead, Santa Fe Trail, 9; Miller, Council Grove, 9; Stevens, Osage City, 9; A. Folks, Perry-Lecompton, 8; G. Folks, Perry-Lecompton, 8; Hettinger, Central Heights, 8; Hickman, Oskaloosa, 8; Hultgren, Osage City, 8; Moore, Lebo-Waverly, 8; Pacha, Marysville, 8; Parnell, Atchison County, 8; Pryor, Oskaloosa, 8; Rhodd, Holton, 8; Schrater, Chase County, 8; Tackitt, Lebo-Waverly, 8; Bolyard, Osage City, 7; Lutz, Holton, 7; Miller, Oskaloosa, 7; New, Royal Valley, 7; M. Nordhus, Nemaha Central, 7; Overstreet, Jefferson West, 7; Parks, Holton, 7; Porras, Holton, 7; Smith, Lebo-Waverly, 7; Whalen, Osage City, 7; Willson, Tonganoxie, 7; Argabright, Sabetha, 6; Booth, Holton, 6; Burson, Central Heights, 6; Butts, Riverside, 6; Fisher, Lebo-Waverly, 6; Hootman, Tonganoxie, 6; Kearney, Valley Falls, 6; Kippes, Rossville, 6; Marshall, Tonganoxie, 6; Ogden, Royal Valley, 6; Sage, Osage City, 6; Schraad, Nemaha Central, 6; Soyez, Council Grove, 6; Tucking, Atchison County, 6; 

PITCHING

Wins

Orender, Osage City, 10; Downard, Marysville, 8; Carlson, Council Grove, 7; Crawford, Chase County, 7; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 7; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 6; Hill, Rossville, 6; Kearney, Valley Falls, 6; Schreiner, Wabaunsee, 6; Allen, Council Grove, 5; Bond, Holton, 5; Erickson, Perry-Lecompton, 5; Fluderer, Wellsville, 5; Hammett, Rock Creek, 5; Harrison, St. Marys, 5; Kippes, Rossville, 5; Pemberton, Wellsville, 5; Stithem, Royal Valley, 5; Blake, Clay Center, 4; Davis, Jefferson West, 4; Lutz, Holton, 4; Neiberger, Valley Falls, 4; Vicory, McLouth, 4; 

Earned run average

Bassett, Oskaloosa, 0.78; Stitehm, Royal Valley, 0.78; Blake, Clay Center, 0.99; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 1.09; Crawford, Chase County, 1.22; Vicory, McLouth, 1.30; Carlson, Council Grove, 1.40; Jones, Marysville, 1.56; Kippes, Rossville, 1.64; Hill, Rossville, 1.68; Bond, Holton, 1.83; Kearney, Valley Falls, 1.96; Downard, Marysville, 2.10; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 2.46; Davis, Central Heights, 2.48; Orender, Osage City, 2.50;

Strikeouts

Crawford, Chase County, 71; Downard, Marysville, 63; Hill, Rossville, 53; Harrison, St. Marys, 53; Hammett, Rock Creek, 52; Orender, Osage City, 51; Bond, Holton, 49; Davis, Central Heights, 48; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 46; Pemberton, Wellsville, 46; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 45; Schreiner, Wabaunsee, 44; Phillips, Sabetha, 38; Neiberger, Valley Falls, 37; Carlson, Council Grove, 32; Siebenaler, Lebo-Waverly, 30; Reynolds, Tonganoxie, 29; Duer, Chapman, 27; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 27; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 27; Hoelscher, Chapman, 27; Lafferty, Royal Valley, 27; Allen, Council Grove, 26; Parnell, Atchison County, 24; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 23; Kearney, Valley Falls, 23; Kippes, Rossville, 20; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 19; Blake, Clay Center, 19; 

Delores Floersch Passes Away

Dolores M. Floersch, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

She was born August 27, 1928 at St. Marys, one of 13 children of the late John and Mary Brunin Dohrman.

Dolores was employed by USD No. 321 at the Delia Schools many years.  She was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville and had been a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Delia before it closed.  She had lived in the Delia and Rossville communities many years.

Dolores was united in marriage to Joseph C. Floersch in 1956 at St. Marys.  He preceded her in death on August 13, 2003.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Crow on March 31, 2015 and her son, John Floersch on April 25, 2015.  Dolores was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill, Ray, Jack, Paul and Leo; her sisters, Sally, Mary, Veronica, Monica, Catherine, Germaine and Margaret.

Survivors include her daughter, Kathy (Bob) Olejnik, Rossville grandchildren, Kasey (Kim), Neil (Adrienne), Dane (Kenzie), Kelsey, Makayla, Emmy (Jason) and Austin; 7 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, April 28, 2017 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where there will be a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M.  Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes or the Rossville Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Silver Lake Invitational Golf Tournament

Following are team scores for the Silver Lake Invitational golf tournament at Lake Shawnee Golf Club on April 25.

Burlington     351
Santa Fe Tr.   386
Rossville        404
Hayden          407
Silver Lake    426
Lyndon          492 

Dawgs final scores and placings were:

Andrew Hudson       96     9th (T)
Cory Hadsall          101  14th (T)
Trey Anderson        102  17th (T)
Fred Schuler           105  21st 

New Willard Bridge Photos

Rossville Invitational Track Results

     The Rossville Invitation Track and Field meet was held Friday, April 21.  No team standings have been made available,  but the individual resutls can be seen at:
   http://www.kawvalley.k12.ks.us/schools/rjshs/athletics/Track.htm

2017 Prom Pictures

     Rossville High held their prom on Saturdy night, April 22, in Wamego at the Iron Clad.          The Prom King and Queen are pictured below.   Remington Wehner and Emily Woodcock were crowned King and Queen for the 2017 Rossville High Prom.

   Photos of the people arriving at the event can be seen at:
http://beta.spotted.cjonline.com/mediadetail/29170785/?gId=682737

Softball Team Sweeps Oskaloosa

    The RHS softball team picked up their 11th and 12th straight wins Friday against Oskaloosa.  The Lady Dawgs won the first 12-2 and the nightcap 15-0.

Baseball Team Loses To Sabetha

The RHS baseball team lost two games to Sabetha on April 20, 11-4 and 11-5.

Area Softball Stats

Softball Stat Leaders For Season

HITTING

Average

Va Ausdall, Holton, .826; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, .792; Beam, Royal Valley, .720; Shyrock, Tonganoxie, .704; Bassett, Oksaloosa, .667; Bond, Holton, .667; Lee, Atchison, .667; Schraad, Nemaha Central, .667; Courter, Oskaloosa, .636; Deters, Nemaha Central, .636; Lowe, Oskaloosa, .625; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, .621; Swift, Chase County, .621; Hettinger, Central Heights, .619; Phillips, Holton, .615; G. Appel, Atchison County, .600; Hawkins, Riverside, .600; Downard, Marysville, .593; Messer, McLouth, .591; Gray, Tonganoxie, .583; Perkins, Riverside, .579; Stringfield, Wellsville, .579; Willson, Tonganoxie, .577; Orender, Osage City, .571; Hay, Silver Lake, .545; Lundin, Rossville, .545; Patterson, McLouth, .541; Pope, McLouth, .535; Shue, Riverside, .533; L. Shinn, Rossville, .531; Cobb, Silver Lake, .529; Porras, Holton, .529; Morgan, Riverside, .526; Scott, McLouth, .523; Carlson, Council Grove, .515; Dailey, McLouth, .500; Harrison, St. Marys, .500; Kippes, Rossville, .500; Koranda, Riverside, .500; Murray, Rossville, .500; Serna, Osage City, .487; Crawford, Chase County, .484; Migliorini, Rossville, .484; Daugherty, Royal Valley, .481; Hammett, Rock Creek, .481; Albright, Royal Valley, .480; Mead, Santa Fe Trail, .480; Lee, Rock Creek, .480; Miller, Tonganoxie, .478; Klamm, Wellsville, .476; Schuetz, Royal Valley, .474; Anderson, Rossville, .471; Miller, Silver Lake, .458; Davis, Jefferson West, .455; Schroeder, Concordia, .455; R. Hess, Burlington, .452; Pacha, Marysville, .448; Sloyer, Burlington, .448; Larson, Marysville, .444; Leonard, Nemaha Central, .444; Lutz, Holton, .444; Parnell, Atchison County, .444; Peterson, Chase County, .444; Seager, Atchison, .444; Debenham, Abilene, .438; Brintle, Council Grove, .436; Montgomery, Santa Fe Trail, .435; S. Shinn, Rossville, .433.

Home runs

Beam, Royal Valley, 8; S. Shinn, Rossville, 7; Stringfield, Wellsville, 7; Swift, Chase County, 6; Orender, Osage City, 5; Downard, Marysville, 4; Harrison, St. Marys, 4; D. Hess, Burlington, 4; Lundin, Rossville, 4; Morgan, Riverside, 4; Robertson, Perry-Lecompton, 4; Thorp, Burlington, 4; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 3; Migliorini, Rossville, 3; Dailey, McLouth, 2; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 2; R. Hess, Burlington, 2; Klamm, Wellsville, 2; Lamprecht, Silver Lake, 2; Lee, Tonganoxie, 2; Oliver, Wabaunsee, 2; Pacha, Marysville, 2; L. Shinn, Rossville, 2; Sloyer, Burlington, 2; Vandegrift, Chase County, 2.

RBI

Orender, Osage City, 29; Beam, Royal Valley, 24; R. Hess, Burlington, 24; Stringfield, Wellsville, 24; Swift, Chase Conty, 24; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 23; Lundin, Rossville, 21; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 20; S. Shinn, Rossville, 20; Honas, Council Grove, 19; Harrison, St. Marys, 17; D. Hess, Burlington, 17; Dailey, McLouth, 16; Brintle, Council Grove, 15; Migliorini, Rossville, 15; Miller, Tonganoxie, 15; Carlson, Council Grove, 14; Filkin, Council Grove, 14; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 14; Hodges, Council Grove, 14; Morgan, Riverside, 14; L. Shinn, Rossville, 14; Gilman, Burlington, 13; Klamm, Wellsville, 13; Thorp, Burlington, 13; Downard, Marysville, 12; Miller, Council Grove, 12; New, Royal Valley, 11; Serna, Osage City, 11; Allen, Council Grove, 10; Anderson, Rossville, 10; Bond, Holton, 10; Crawford, Chase County, 10; Fluderer, Wellsville, 10; Higgs, Chase County, 10; Murray, Rossville, 10; Roberts, Marysville, 10; Sample, Tonganoxie, 10; Showalter, Wellsville, 10; Shyrock, Tonganoxie, 10; Delgado, Wellsville, 9.

PITCHING

Wins

Orender, Osage City, 7; Downard, Marysville, 6; Hill, Rossville, 5; Allen, Council Grove, 4; Carlson, Council Grove, 4; Crawford, Chase County, 4; Hammett, Rock Creek, 4; Harrison, St. Marys, 4; Kippes, Rossville, 4; Pemberton, Wellsville, 4; Schreiner, Wabaunsee, 4; Vicory, McLouth, 4; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 3; Fluderer, Wellsville, 3; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 3; Pressgrove, Silver Lake, 3; Stithem, Royal Valley, 3.

Earned run average

Hamm, Oskaloosa, 0.00; Stitehm, Royal Valley, 0.35; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 0.64; Vicory, McLouth, 1.30; Harrison, St. Marys, 1.38; Kippes, Rossville, 1.64; Hill, Rossville, 1.68; Crawford, Chase County, 1.70; Hammes, Nemaha Central, 1.75; Carlson, Council Grove, 1.87; Bond, Holton, 2.25; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 2.33; Hammett, Rock Creek, 2.41; Davis, Central Heights, 2.45; Downard, Marysville, 2.49.

Strikeouts

Hill, Rossville, 53; Downard, Marysville, 52; Crawford, Chase County, 47; Hammett, Rock Creek, 43; Harrison, St. Marys, 41; Orender, Osage City, 41; Pemberton, Wellsville, 35; Davis, Central Heights, 34; Schreiner, Wabaunsee, 30; Bond, Holton, 25; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 23; Carlson, Council Grove, 21; Duer, Chapman, 21; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 21; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 20; Hoelscher, Chapman, 20; Kippes, Rossville, 20; Allen, Council Grove, 19; Lafferty, Royal Valley, 18; Phillips, Sabetha, 18; Pressgrove, Silver Lake, 17; Reynolds, Tonganoxie, 16; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 14.

Class of 1962 Reunion

    The class of 1962 will be holding their 55th year Reunion on the weekend of June 2-3, the same weekend as the annual school alumni reunion.  If you are a member of that class,  contact other class members for details.

Jim Fulton Passes Away

Jim Fulton, 81, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Onaga Health and Rehab Center.

He was born July 6, 1935 at Dwight, Kansas the son of Cecil James and Josephine Hammond Fulton.   He was raised in the Dwight and Council Grove communities.   Jim graduated from Dwight High School in 1953 and attended Emporia State University where he played football.  He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Butzbach Germany from 1958-1960.

He loved spending time with family and friends.  Jim enjoyed all sports and was an avid Royals, Chiefs and K-State fan.  He enjoyed gardening and especially growing tomatoes.  Jim enjoyed playing cards with friends and co-workers.

Jim was a hard worker and took pride in his work as a logger and later at Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka as an earth mover tire builder until he retired.  He had lived in Rossville, Silver Lake and Topeka.  Jim had been a member of Jimmie Lillard American Legion Post No. 31 at Rossville and Post No. 400 in Topeka.

He married Jeanine Penny in 1962 at Elks Pointe, SD. They later divorced.  He married Barbara Huske Miller on September 24, 1987 at Miami, OK.  She preceded him in death on July 11, 2000.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Elinor Morgan, Rita Heller, Frank Fulton, Joan Hoyle, Marilyn Engstrom, Carolyn Fulton and Clyde Fulton.

Survivors include his children, Lori (Tim) Boswell, Onaga, KS., Gina (Steve) Statzel, Ft. Worth, TX, and Mike (Kristen) Fulton, Omaha, NE; step-children, Tony Miller, Glendale, AZ, Todd (Kelly) Miller. Surprise, AZ. and Troy ( Laura) Miller, Peoria, AZ; his sister, Hazel Cox, Eureka Springs, AR;  22 grandchildren;  23 great-grandchildren.

 Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Rossville Christian Church.  Interment will be in the Silver Lake Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Fulton Memorial Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave an online condolence, please go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.

Fred Wehrli Passes Away

     Frederick Wesley Wehrli, 77, Rossville, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at Saint Francis Hospital, Topeka. 
     He was born August 28, 1939, in Holliday, Missouri, the son of Cloyd Henry and Georgia Pearl (Embree) Wehrli. Fred spent almost 32 years of service in the military, retiring as an E-8 from the Kansas Air National Guard. He farmed south of Rossville. He enjoyed Muskie fishing from Missouri to Canada and the Sprint Car Races at Knoxville, Iowa.
       He was married to Scherry Ann Brucker on August 15, 1969, in Topeka. She preceded him in death on May 10, 1992. He was also preceded in death by two daughters: Scherry Kimberly Wehrli on September 7, 1980, and Kelly Pearl Wehrli on October 25, 1985; and a granddaughter: Alyssa Anne Wehrli on March 29, 2005. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law: James Louis and Tanya Wehrli of Silver Lake; six grandchildren: Matthew Wehrli, Jessica Wehrli, Matthew Wagner, Ryan Wagner, Rebecca Wagner, and Sarah Wehrli; and a great-granddaughter: Raylee Engroff. 
      The Kansas Air National Guard will conduct military graveside honors at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 21, 2017, at Rossville Cemetery. Fred will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Thursday, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the College of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726- 9986 or Muskies, P.O. Box 5, Hermitage, MO 65668. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com. Frederick Wesley Wehrli

Rock Creek Track and Field

Best performances on girls team.

Laura Gillum

4.  Discus

8.  Shot put

Danielle Mason

7.  Shot put

Mary Shults

5. Discus

Jordan Bittner

4.  100 M Hurdles

7.  300 M Hurdles

Taylor Bittner

1.  1600 M

2.  800 M

Megan Huston

5.  1600 M

Alice Sinnah

7.  3200 M

Best performances on the boys team.

Holden Hurla

6.  1600 M

6.  800 M

Ben Price

7.  400 M

Stephen Cooney

7.  800 M

Shinn Twins Lead Team

From the Capital-Journal

Sara (on left) and Lora Shinn lead the Lady Dawgs in batting.  
Sara has 7 home runs and Lora has be better batting average.

As sisters, there’s always been a natural competitiveness between Lora and Sara Shinn.

As twin sisters, that level of competitiveness really knows no limit.

“We’re beyond competitive,” Lora Shinn said, with Sara quick to back up that sentiment.

“I agree,” she said. “We’re just really competitive all the way around — in the classroom, on the field, everywhere.”

Everywhere?

“It can literally be competing for which twin looks better for dress-up day,” Lora said. “It can be anything. Which twin gets to the microwave first. It can be pretty bad.”

It can also be pretty good.

In trying to out-do the other, the Shinn sisters have been a driving force in a 10-0 start for the Rossville softball team. Hitting back-to-back in the Bulldawg lineup, the Shinns have put together an impressive start at the plate, each hitting well above .500 for a Rossville team averaging 12.1 runs.

“They really push each other and they’ve drug the underclassmen along with them,” Rossville coach Adam Roorbach said. “We have a really good senior class who felt like they kind of left some things on the table last year.”

In position to return to the Class 3A state tournament last year for the first time since 2013, Rossville was upset 4-2 in the regional title game by Council Grove, ending an 18-4 season in which the Bulldawgs went undefeated in Mid-East League play.

Both Shinns had solid junior seasons with Lora, a catcher, hitting .356 with 16 RBIs and Sara, a center fielder, hitting .352 with 19 RBIs. But each went into the offseason determined to have big senior seasons with the main motivation doing everything they could to try and get Rossville back to the state tournament.

“I wanted to get my team somewhere this year and I knew my batting would be a big part of that,” Lora said. “I really just wanted to be a leader and take my team back to Manhattan. I wanted to have a better batting average than I did last year — I kind of had a slump — and this year I’ve definitely surpassed it.”

Spending the offseason constantly working on the fundamentals of her swing, Lora has seen the fruits of her labor. Through eight games, she was leading Rossville with a .615 batting average hitting out of the No. 6 spot in the lineup. She already has 14 RBIs and might have more if Sara wasn’t being so productive in the No. 5 hole right ahead of her.

Entering this season, Sara had one career home run. Even that came as a bit of a shock, she admitted.

“It came in the regional game with Silver Lake and everyone was like, ‘Wow! Sara hit a home run!’” Sara said.

An offseason spent working on not only her fundamentals but also strengthening her upper body has paid dividends for Sara. Big time.

Though eight games, Sara already had seven home runs and 20 RBIs, easily eclipsing her previous bests.

“I didn’t expect seven home runs in the first eight games and I don’t think anyone did,” said Sara, who is hitting .542. “I’m excited to see how many more I end up with.”

So the question begs to be asked: Who is the better hitter?

Lora quickly raised her hand, but then qualified her reaction.

“I’ll say it’s me because I have a better batting average — though that doesn’t always mean you’re better,” she said.

Given their competitiveness, one would have expected Sara to jump in and argue her case. Instead, she somewhat deferred to Lora’s assertion.

“She hits the ball really hard and gets a lot of runs for us,” Sara said. “For me, it’s usually one or the other, a little dinker or a home run. But she constantly hits the ball really hard. I agree actually.”

Even Roorbach couldn’t really pick between the two.

“They each have similar things about their swings,” he said. “Lora makes a little more contact; Sara has a little more power. But it’s kind of splitting hairs with each of them hitting as well as they are this year.

“We’ve talked about moving them up in the lineup, but they’re pretty comfortable there. I think there’s a lot to be said for getting settled in and we’re scoring a lot of runs that way. That’s not to say we won’t change things later, but right now it’s clicking pretty good for us.”

The twins do have moments where they clash. Take early in their softball careers.

Lora began her career playing third base while Sara played other positions. That soon changed, however.

“Here’s where the competitiveness comes into play,” Lora said. “I started at third and Sara was like, ‘I want to try that.’ She ended up kicking me out (of the position) and I became a catcher. She thought that was too hard.”

Sara moved from third to the outfield last year and both Shinns will continue their playing careers at Highland Community College next year, even though that wasn’t the original plan.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to go to the same place,” said Sara, who recently committed to Highland after Lora had previously done so. “But I knew I couldn’t do it without her. She’s my support system and she’s pretty much my backbone.”

Their bond has helped form the backbone for Rossville’s unbeaten start. Now the Bulldawgs are looking for the special finish.

“I think we’re both very encouraging of each other and all the girls,” Sara said. “We just want the best out of all of us. The girls have really stepped up. We lost some really good players from last year, but the young ones have stepped up and done well.

“We’re really driven to get farther than we did last year. Last year came to kind of a sudden halt. We want to get back to Manhattan, that’s the ultimate goal. We know we’re a pretty good team, but it’s more than just saying it. It’s showing it.”

Horton Invitational Golf

Horton Invitational Results

Team Placings
1.  Rossville     185
2.  MH-MA       190
3.  St. Marys    201
4.  Horton        215
5.  Atchison     223
6.  Onaga         249

Individuals from Rossville High
Andrew Hudson 2nd
Cory Hadsall 3rd
Fred Schuler 10th
Nathan Dohrman 11th

Hill On List For Athlete Of Week

  Rossville pitcher Amanda Hill was one of the Capital-Journal nominees for Athlete Of The Week this week.  Amanda picked up victories in three of the Bulldawgs’ six wins last week. The senior hurler began the week with her second no-hitter of the season in an 11-0 win over Riley County. She followed with a complete-game win against 6A Manhattan and finished with a win against St. Marys. Hill struck out 38 in 17 innings.

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Sharon Silversmith Passes Away

      Sharon Silversmith, 77,  Rossville, Kansas, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in a Topeka Nursing Home.  Sharon was born November 16, 1939 in Lake Forest, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Mildred Ann (Trott) DeHaan. 
      She grew up in Lake Forest until the death of both her parents at the age of 12.  Sharon moved to Great Bend, Kansas with her 2 younger brothers to live with her Paternal Aunt and Uncle.  Sharon finished High School in Great Bend and attended Emporia State University.  During much of her adult life she lived in California returning to Kansas in 1978. 
      She is survived by her 2 brothers: Charles (Sherry) DeHaan and Ronald (Shannon) DeHaan.  Sharon is also survived by her 5 children:  Lori Ann Bleidissel Wallace (Larry),  Tanya Jo Silversmith, Denise Robinson, Braelund L. Silversmith and J.A. Silversmith Jr.  28 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  Sharon was cremated.      Memorial Services will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17, Topeka, KS on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 am.    Memorial contributions can be made in Sharon’s name to the American Kidney Foundaion

Softball Team At 10-0

    The RHS softball team picked up wins 9 and 10 this week against St. Marys.  The scores were 4-3 and 6-0.

Baseball Team Loses Two

    The RHS baseball team lost two games to St. Marys on April 13,  5-1 and 15-11.

Girls Track At Royal Valley

    The  RHS girls competed in the Royal Valley Invitational track and field meet on April 11 coming in 9th of the 10 teams competing.
     Those Dawgs with at least one top ten finish are as follows;

Jordan Bittner
4    100 M Hurdles
4    300 M Hurdles

Taylor Bittner
4    800 M
3    1600 M

Laura Gillum
4    Shot Put
9    Discus

Mary Shults
5    Discus
9    Shot Put

Kaytlin Dohrman
3 3200 M

Danielle Mason
8    100 M Hurdles
14  100 M

Maura Buhler
7    Javelin
14  Triple Jump

Kylee Badura
9    400 M

Meagan Hurla
8    1500

Golf Team 2nd At Osage

    The Rossville boys golf team had a good outing at the Osage City Invitational coming in second with a 366 stroke total just behind  Jeff West's 357 total and ahead of West Franklin's 367.
    Rossville had five players in the top half of the field.  They were:
Andrew Hudson      3rd    85
Cory Hadsall           7th    88
Nathan Dohrman    14th   95
Fred Schuler           15th   98
Trey Anderson        17th   98

Softball Stat Leaders

Softball Stat Leaders

HITTING

Average

Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, .917; Shryock, Tonganoxie, .909; Van Ausdall, Holton, .826; Pope, McLouth, .714; G. Folks, Perry-Lecompton, .705; Bond, Holton, .667; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, .667; Gray, Tonganoxie, .667; Lee, Atchison, .667; O’Connor, Perry-Lecompton, .667; Schraad, Nemaha Central, .667; Robertson, Perry-Lecompton, 642; Deters, Nemaha Central, .636; Hettinger, Central Heights, .619; Phillips, Holton, .615; L. Shinn, Rossville, .615; Bassett, Oskaloosa, .600; Hawkins, Riverside, .600; Miller, Tonganoxie, .600; Murray, Rossville, .591; Mead, Santa Fe Trail, .588; Lowe, Oskaloosa, .583; Stringfield, Wellsville, .583; Willson, Tongnanoxie, .583; Perkins, Riverside, .579; Lundin, Rossville, .577; Beam, Royal Valley, .571; Seager, Atchison, .571; Orender, Osage City, .552; S. Shinn, Rossville, .542; Hughes, Sabetha, .538; Shue, Riverside, .533; Porras, Holton, .529; Downard, Marysville, .526; Morgan, Riverside, .526; Carlson, Council Grove, .520; Migliorini, Rossville, .520; Anderson, Rossville, .500.

Home runs

S. Shinn, Rossville, 7; Stringfield, Wellsville, 5; Lundin, Rossville, 4; Morgan, Riverside, 4; Downard, Marysville, 3; Harrison, St. Marys, 3; Swift, Chase County, 3; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 2; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 2; D. Hess, Burlington, 2; R. Hess, Burlington, 2; Migliorini, Rossville, 2; Robertson, Perry-Lecompton, 2; L. Shinn, Rossville, 2; Vandegrift, Chase County, 2.

RBI

Lundin, Rossville, 20; Orender, Osage City, 20; S. Shinn, Rossville, 20; Honas, Council Grove, 19; R. Hess, Burlington, 15; Stringfield, Wellsville, 15; Fenoglio, Tonganoxie, 14; Morgan, Riverside, 14; L. Shinn, Rossville, 14; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 13; Brintle, Council Grove, 13; Hodges, Council Grove, 12; Migliorini, Rossville, 12; Filkin, Council Grove, 11; Harrison, St. Marys, 11; Miller, Council Grove, 11; Bond, Holton, 10; Klamm, Wellsville, 10; MIller, Tonganoxie, 10; Carlson, Council Grove, 9; Murray, Rossville, 9; Perkins, Riverside, 9; Van Ausdall, Holton, 9; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 8; Hawkins, Riverside, 8; D. Hess, Burlington, 8; Pacha, Marysville, 8; Allen, Council Grove, 7; Anderson, Rossville, 7,

Stolen bases

Mead, Santa Fe Trail, 7; Myers, Holton, 7; Nordhus, Nemaha Central, 7; Orender, Osage City, 7; Kippes, Rossville, 6; McDaniel, Wellsville, 6; Bolyard, Osage City, 5; Burson, Central Heights, 5; Carlson, Council Grove, 5; Deters, Nemaha Central, 5; Kunkel, Rock Creek, 5, Nordhus, Nemaha Central, 5; Pacha, Marysville, 5; Pryor, Oskaloosa, 5; Sage, Osage City, 5; Schraad, Nemaha Central, 5; Stevens, Osage City, 5; Whalen, Osage City, 5; Hettinger, Central Heights, 4; Hultgren, Osage City, 4; Leonard, Nemaha Central, 4; Miller, Council Grove, 4; Perkins, Riverside, 4; Ricklefts, Riverside, 4; L. Shinn, Rossville, 4.

PITCHING

Wins

Orender, Osage City, 5; Downard, Marysville, 4; Hill, Rossville, 4; Allen, Council Grove, 3; Carlson, Council Grove, 3; Hammett, Rock Creek, 3; Kippes, Rossville, 3; Bond, Holton, 2; Crawford, Chase County, 2; Davis, Central Heights, 2; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 2; Fluderer, Wellsville, 2; Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 2; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 2; Harrison, St. Marys, 2; Koranda, Riverside, 2; Lutz, Holton, 2; Roll, Central Heights, 2.

Earned run average

Gallagher, Tonganoxie, 0.00; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 0.00; Harrison, St. Marys, 0.00; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 0.70; Hill, Rossville, 1.16; Crawford, Chase County, 1.33; Hammett, Rock Creek, 1.50; Hammes, Nemaha Central, 1.75; Rettele, Nemaha Central, 2.00; Bond, Holton, 2.25; Carlson, Council Grove, 2.43; Kippes, Rossville, 2.44; Davis, Central Heights, 2.45; Downard, Marysville, 2.76.

Strikeouts

Hill, Rossville, 40; Downard, Marysville, 37; Davis, Central Heights, 34; Orender, Osage City, 34; Crawford, Chase County, 30; Hammett, Rock Creek, 26; Bond, Holton, 25; Harrison, St. Marys, 24; Hamm, Oskaloosa, 19; Pemberton, Wellsville, 19; Carlson, Council Grove, 18; Kippes, Rossville, 14; Lafferty, Royal Valley, 13; Emmons, Nemaha Central, 11; Lutz, Nemaha Central, 11; Schreiner, Wabaunsee, 11; Allen, Council Grove, 10; Bassett, Oskaloosa, 10; Butts, Riverside, 10; Fast, Perry-Lecompton, 10.

Band Excells At State

The Rossville Senior High Band had a successful day at the State Large Group Music Festival, held at Louisburg High School on Wednesday, April 12th.  The band received three Division I-Ratings, which are "Superior," for an overall rating of 1.  After arrival to the festival location, bands are given 20 minutes in the warm up room before taking the stage before three judges.  Once on-stage, bands are allocated 20 minutes to play their contest pieces.  These pieces can be any number of songs, but at least one must be selected from the KSHSAA Published Music List for bands.  This list is comprised of hundreds of songs, and of varying difficulties, rated from grade level 1(very easy) to grade level 6 (very difficult).  Class 3A-4A schools are required to select at least one piece that is at minimum grade level 3, then the other selection(s) can be anything the group decides to play.  Most groups play two contrasting style pieces, and Rossville's selections for this year were "Air for Band," by Frank Erickson (grade 3), which is a beautiful, slow ballad that is a classic in the high school band world, followed by "Covington Square," by James Swearingen (also grade 3), which is overall a very brisk and energetic piece, with a big, flashy finish.

The 25-piece band, under the direction of Mr. Garrett Jones, consists of the following members:

Daniel Borcherding - Alto Saxophone
Paul Borcherding - Flute
Edward Brockamp - Trombone
Alexandra Broughton - F Horn
Madison Brown - Flute
Marvin Cummings - Percussion
Trevor Cunningham - Alto Saxophone
Dylan Ditch - Percussion
Abigail Escobar - Flute
Colton Hadsall - Tuba
Bryson Hase - Trombone
Erika Hatina - Trumpet
Meagan Huston - Clarinet
Nathan Lekanoff - Percussion
Shawn Lekanoff - Percussion

Jonah Mercer - Tenor Saxophone
Taylor Morelli - Clarinet
Hana Parkhurst - Percussion
Jonas Rewerts - Euphonium
Dawson Schaefer - Trumpet
Tristan Shepherd - F Horn
Mary Shults - Baritone Saxophone
William Stillion - Percussion
Ava Stipp - Clarinet
Ella Terliesner - Clarinet

Southern Lyon Co. Golf

    The boys golf team came in 9th of 13 teams at the Southern Lyon Co. Invitational.  Fredonia was the winning team with a 330 stroke total.  Rossville had a 396 total,  well ahead of Osage City (#12-438) and Silver Lake (#13-441).
    Andrew Hudson lead the Dawgs (#17-88) followed by Fred Schuler (#32-98)

Band Gets 1 Rating At State

The 25-member Rossville Senior High Band has returned from the State Band Festival held in Louisburg, KS with a Division 1-rating for the second year in the a row.  This year sweeping 1-ratings across all three judges, and averaging much higher individual scores.  Way to go Dawgs!

Next up the music program will have a number of musicians attending State Solo & Small Ensemble Music Festival on Saturday, April 29th at Southeast of Saline High School.  

Our final concert of the year will be held on Friday, May 12th at 7:00 PM.  You don't want to miss it!

Garrett Jones

Band & Choir Director

Announcements For April 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa0VHcNH4KQ&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs

Wabaunsee Invitational Track-Boys

  The RHS boys track and field team came in 6th of 8 teams at the Wabaunsee Invitational Track and Field meet on April 7.   The boys team is competing with a very small squad this year.
   The best performances were turned in by:

Ben Price
1.    400 M
12.  800 M

Holden Hurla
4.  800 M
4.  1600 M

Stephen Cooney
8.  800 M

Remington Wehner
12.  100 M
12.  200 M

They competed  in only one relay event, placing 3rd in the 4 x 800.

Wabaunse Invitational Track-Girls

The standings of the girls teams at the Wabaunsee Invitational Track and Field meet on April 7  were:
1.  St Marys
2.  Wabaunsee
3.  Rossville
4.  Olpe
5.  Rock Creek
6.  Cornerstone
7.  Santa Fe Trail
8.  Northern Heights.

The Rossville team had at least 15 girls competing.  Some of the best performances were by

Ashley Rietcheck
4.  100 M
6.  200 M

Danielle Mason
7.  200 M
5.  100 M Hurdles
2.  300 M Hurdles

Kylee Badura
2.  400 M

Taylor Bittner
2.  800 M.
4.  1600 M

Breaira Bergstresser
5.  800 M
10. Long Jump

Kaytlin Dohrman
4.  3200 M

Jordan Bittner
2.  100 M Hurdles
3.  300 M Hurdles

Maura Buhler
6.  Triple Jump
6.  Javelin

Laura Gillum
3.  Shot Put
10.  Discus

Danielle Mason
5.  Shot put

Mary Shults
6.  Discus

The Rossville relay teams performed will.
4 x 100    3rd place
4 x 400    4th place
4 x 800    1st place

Softball Team At Manhattan

    Rossville's softball team visited Manhattan on April 11 and dominated the matchup with scores of 13-2 and 13-5.  The RHS girls are now 8-0 in the early season outscoring their opponents 111-15.

Softball Team Sweeps Riley

    The Lady Dawgs sent the Riley Co. softball team home scoreless on April 10.  Rossville swept the twin bill with imposing scores of 11-0 and 15-0.

Baseball Team Splits With Riley

The Dawgs split a double header with Riley County on April 10,  losing the first game 3-5,  but winning the second game 5-1.  The Dawgs are 2-4 for the season and 1-3 in the MEL.

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Lora and Sara Shinn Honored

Lora and Sara Shinn were nominees for the Capital-Journal Athlete Of The Week this week.  The twin sisters were a big part of the offense at the plate during the Dawg's 4-0 start of the season, with the pair going 18/35 with 5 doubles, 4 homers and 22 RGIs.Sara had 3 of the homers and scored 8 runs and each had 11 RBIs

Softball Team Wins Two

    The RHS girls continued their perfect record with two convincing wins over the Wabaunsee Chargers on April 7.  The scores were 13-2 and 15-5 to up their season record to 4-0.

Baseball Team Loses Two

   The RHS baseball team dropped two games against Wabaunsee on April 7.  The scores were 12-1 and 9-5 which brings the season record to 1-3 thus far.

Vincent Dudney Passes Away

Vincent Bryce "Pete"  Dudney, 80, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born January 3, 1937 at Dover, the son of Vincent G. and Edna Lister Dudney..  Pete graduated from Dover High School in 1955 and served in the Kansas Army National Guard. Pete worked for the Gas Service Company retiring after 44 years of service.  He was an avid Coon Hunter and played softball in his younger years.  Pete was on the football "Chain Gang" at Rossville High many years and loved to fish.  He was a small engine mechanic. Pete was a member of Jimmie Lillard Post No. 31 of the American Legion in Rossville and the Rossville United Methodist Church. On August 17, 1958 he was united in marriage to Barbara  Gentry at Rossville.  She preceded him in death on July 8, 2011. Survivors include his son, Mark Dudney, Silver Lake; two daughters, Robyn Dudney, Silver Lake, and Brenda Powell, Temple TX; two sisters, Beverly (Larry) Ketter, Topeka and JoAnn (Neil) Crow, Maple Hill; brother-in-law, Bill Gentry, Rossville; sister-in-law, Linda Gentry, Rossville; his granddaughter, Alayna Powell, Temple, TX. Memorial graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Rossville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Rossville United Methodist Church. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pete Dudney Memorial Fund, the Rossville United Methodist Church or Jimmie Lillard Post No. 31 of the American Legion and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Softball Team Rolls Over Santa Fe

    The RHS softball team got off to an excellent start with two lopsided wins over Santa Fe Trail on Thursday,  April 4.  The scores were  15-0 and 10-1.

Dawgs Split With Santa Fe In Baseball

    The RHS baseball team split a double Header with Santa Fe Trail on April 4,  The Dawgs won the first game 18-11,  but lost the second one 3-5.

State FCCLA Results

Ariel Sherer-received a Gold in Career Investigation and qualified for Nationals.

Cheyenne Reese and MaKenzie Decklar-received a silver in Life Event Planning Senior

Allison Perry-received a silver in Life Event Planning Junior

Karsen Waggoner and Liam Grant-received a bronze in Sports Nutrition and each qualified for a $500 scholarship to Johnson & Wales University for placing 3rd.

Sally Heslet Passes Away

      Due to complications from cancer and surrounded by family, Sally Heslet, 76, went to be with the Lord on April 1st, 2017.
      Sally was born July 31st, 1940 to Raymond Rice and Mary Kinsey in Kansas City, MO. After moving to Kansas from Des Moines, IA, Sally worked food service and bartending for the Knights of Columbus in St. Marys, KS and the American Legion Post #31 in Rossville, KS. She was then employed by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas before running the Swirly Top restaurant in Rossville from 1993 to 2010. Sally was an avid reader and loved her stable of television shows. She was a loving and caring mother. Sally was best known for her role as a grandmother, commonly called Grammy by the entire family. She was a great listener and an even better talker. Sally will be missed greatly but her legacy will undoubtedly continue on through her impact on the community, friends, and family.
      Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Kingcade of Ukiah, CA. She is survived by her sister, Mary Patricia Sheridan of California, as well as her four children: Jesse; Tina of Drexel, MO; Tammy of Rossville, KS; and Tonya of Silver Lake, KS. Sally has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she was most proud of and loved very much.
      A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, April 10th, at 10 A.M. at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions in Sally s name can be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, American Legion Post #31 of Rossville, or the Rossville United Methodist Church. Special thanks to all friends, family, and acquaintances who have made Sally s life so full of joy and love. 

State FBLA Results

National Qualifiers

L to R front:  Taylor Morelli, Erika Hatina, Sidney Murray, Emily Woodcock.

L to R rear:  Kylee Badura, Ryan Ehrlich, Paul Borcherding.

State Placers

L to R front:  Taylor Morelli, Erika Hatina, Sidney Murray, Emily Woodcock.

L to R rear:  Kylee Badura, Ashley Rietcheck, Reed Miller, 

Andrew Hudson, Sam Thederahn, Ryan Ehrlich, Paul Borcherding.

For more photos and information, go to:  http://rossvilleksalumninews.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-state-fbla-results.html