Cardinal softball will contend for state berth
HOISINGTON — Hoisington's softball team owns a pair of 3A state tournament trips in five consecutive regional championship appearances.
In last year’s regional, Hoisington (20-7, 13-5 CKL) beat Smoky Valley 8-1 and Beloit 3-2 and lost to SE Saline 2-0 for the second consecutive season in the finals. The Cardinals (22-2) lost 4-1 to Santa Fe Trail after a Central Kansas League title in 2022. The Cardinals (20-6) lost 4-2 to state champion Cheney in the semifinals in 2021.
"The girls have gained experience knowing they can compete," Hoisington coach Tim Boxberger said. "Our last two regional finals have been frustrating. We've felt good about holding them to two runs, but need to find ways to score runs. We'll have the fire and incentive to finish the job after coming so close the last two years."
The biggest change is Hoisington will shift to Class 4A for postseason softball.
"We'll look forward to that challenge and will find a way to get past the hurdle of the last two seasons," Boxberger said.
Varsity veterans are Claire Crutcher, Kylie Kempke, Gabby Reid, Ellie Crawford, Brynn Tarlton and Marly Brewer.
Second team All-CKL pitcher Ellie Crawford (9-2, 1.04 ERA) will lead a pitching staff that includes Brynn Tarlton and freshmen Aubree Martin and Reece Aylward.
"Brynn will be our No. 2 pitcher pairing up with Ellie Crawford," Boxberger said. "Our freshman pitchers have had success for the Kansas Heat. We'll get them some experience."
Second-team utility Crawford (5 HR, 29 RBI) will hit in the middle of the lineup after leading the CKL in home runs. Kylie Kempke (.394) was a second-team centerfielder. Catcher Crutcher sets the tone defensively.
"Kylie is one of the best outfielders in the CKL," he said. "Her bat came to life hitting around .400. Claire Crutcher does a great job behind the plate. She'll progress at the plate."
Gabby Reif filled in at the DP hitting spot.
"Gabby swings a good bat with power," Boxberger said. "'She'll continue to get stronger. She's fill spots on defense."
Mackenzie Foulger, Brynn Tarlton and Marly Brewer will also contribute.
"Brynn and Marly have potential through the roof," he said. "Both will be potentially hit upper half of our lineup, and play all over the diamond."
Other contributors will be Kelsi Maier and Rylee Vaughn, an ultimate team player. The freshman class will provide depth, with potential starters.'
Boxberger expects Central Kansas League favorite will be challenged by Hesston, Halstead and Pratt.
"Every year in the CKL, there are a few teams with great pitching and potential to qualify for the state tournament," he said. "Pitching in our league is really good, which makes it tough on a nightly basis. It will come down to who is able to push runs across the plate."
Two-time second team utility Ellie Crawford joins second-team Kylie Kempke. C Claire Crutcher returns and RF Carly Delziet also started last season.
"The girls are so versatile, our starters will change through the first part of the season, as well as their positions," Boxberger said. "We'll find whatever is best for our team. It could change on a game-by-game basis."
The Cardinals are a co-op softball program with Central Plains and Hoisington. Boxberger is assisted by Amy Haxton, Kaycee Steiner and Kiley Klug.
CARDINAL ROSTER
SENIORS—6—Claire Crutcher, IF/C, .231; 9—Kylie Kempke, IF/OF/C, .394; 14—Gabby Reif, IF/OF, .333; 15—Ellie Crawford, IF/P, .417; 25—Mackenzie Foulger, IF/P, .188; 22—Mea Sneath, .167
JUNIORS—1—Sierra Marsell; 2—Rylee Vaughn; Kelsi Maier
SOPHOMORES—3—Karissa Benavidez; 4—Marly Brewer, .214; 13—Brynn Tarlton, .276; 17—Jaidyn Stevenson; 19—Carly Lamatsch; 30—Devin Czarnek; 31—Jaylin Kolas; Dylan Stone; Josalynn Zink
NINTH-GRADERS—Addy Keener; Brennley Reif; Macie Strong; Reece Aylward; Reese Vaughn; Aubree Martin; Lola Beaver; Ayla Brown; Mary Griffin; Annika Hinz; MaKiah Webber
CARDINAL SCHEDULE-—3-25—Russell; 3-28—at Ellinwood; 4-1—*Nickerson; 4-4— Hays Thomas More Prep; 4-8—*at Larned; 4-11—*Pratt; 4-17—*at Hesston; 4-22—*Haven; 4-25—*at Hillsboro; 5-2—*Halstead; 5-8—*at Smoky Valley; 5-14-16—at 3A regional
Cardinals make jump to 4A baseball
HOISINGTON — Hoisington's baseball team will ride into 2025 after back-to-back state tournament appearances. The Cardinals' biggest challenge will be shifting to Class 4A post-season baseball which features 16 western teams.
The Cardinals (16-12) earned their first 3A state win in school history with a 3-1 victory over Sabetha after six first-round losses. Four starters return for coach Eric Steiner with all-stater Tony Moore graduating.
Topeka Hayden dropped the Cardinals 12-5 in the semifinals and Frontenac defeated Hoisington 5-4 in the third-place game. Preston Roat (5-3) was tagged with the loss in both games when Frontenac rallied for a pair of seventh-inning runs.
The Cardinals lost three starters when two key veterans didn't return to play baseball and standout pitcher Roat (5-3, 1.34 ERA) will miss the season with a wrist surgery.
"Our state tournament experience helps build your program," said Hoisington coach Steiner. "Our goal is to be competitive in the Central Kansas League, and learn from your regular-season games. Your ultimate goal is playing your best baseball in post-season play. The last two years we've accomplished that goal. We want to take advantage of our opportunities."
Steiner said the Cardinals strive to piece together a competitive offensive, defensive and pitching rotation together during the season.
"You've got to work hard and be prepared to trust in the process," he said. "You want your seniors to go out and compete and exhibit leadership."
Lane French (2-1, 3.81 ERA) will headline the pitching staff. P/LF French; 1B/RF Rhen Galla and C Marcus Ingram are multi-year starters. Other pitchers in the rotation are Galla, Kolter Hahn, Kaidenn Chambers, Aiden Hekele and Brodie Crites.
"It's every pitcher on deck when the season starts," Steiner said. "Early season, you want to see where your pitching rotation is. We have two guys Aiden Hekele and Brodie Crites who just started baseball practice that need to take time to get their arms in shape. Your end goal is to be ready for post-season play."
Top returning batting averages are Lane French (.385), and Marcus Ingram (.313).
For the second consecutive year, Hoisington shocked No. 1 seed Holcomb 10-4 at regionals. The Cardinals completed an identical upset 13-5 against No. 1 seed Hesston in 2023. The Cardinals dominated Cimarron/ Ingalls 13-2 to qualify for 3A state baseball for the second consecutive year. Roat (5-3) earned a regional victory against Cimarron-Ingalls. Moore (6-1) earned a victory against Holcomb 10-4.
In 2023, the Cardinals downed Beloit 7-3, Ellinwood 17-4 and 13-5 for the 3A regional championship.
CARDINAL ROSTER
SENIORS—1—Rhen Galla, RF/P/1B (.241); 4—Ethan Grubb, OF/P; 5—Teron Kraft, P/OF; 14—Tyrus Penka, OF/P (.143); 19—Lane French, OF/P/C (2-1, 3.81 ERA; .385); 21—Aiden Hekele, P/3B/OF (0-3, 5.63 ERA; .241)
JUNIOR—10—Marcus Ingram C/P (1-0, 0.00 ERA; .313)
SOPHOMORES—2—Kaidenn Chambers, IF/P; 7—Kolter Hahn, OF/C/P (.250); 9—Brody Crites, IF/P (.216); 15—Brody Corbett, P/OF; 18—Thomas Higgins OF/P
NINTH-GRADERS—3—Reece Galla, P/IF; 6—Cameron Grubb, P/IF; 11—Scott Marsell, OF; 13—Brock Yeakley, OF; 20—Bentley Corbett, P/OF; 22—Gavin Jackson, IF/C; 23—Kaiden Humphrey, P/IF
CARDINAL SCHEDULE—3-25—Russell; 3-28—at Ellinwood; 4-1—*Nickerson; 4-4— Thomas More Prep; 4-8—*at Larned; 4-11—*Pratt; 4-17—*at Hesston; 4-22—*Haven; 4-25—*at Hillsboro; 5-2—*Halstead; 5-8—*at Smoky Valley; 5-14-16—at 3A regional
Cardinal tennis will rebuild lineup
HOISINGTON – Hoisington boys tennis coach Jordan Mooney will rebuild his lineup keyed by veterans Brody Rossman, Kian DeLong and Leyton Mooney.
In 2024, Cardinal Brody Rossman was one victory away from qualifying for state tennis. Rossman beat Goodland's Aaron Owens, 2-6, 6-2 (10-2); and lost to Central Plains' Peyton Ryan 6-0, 6-0 and Phillipsburg's Nate Fischer 7-5, 6-0 for a state singles berth.
Doubles player Leyton Mooney lost a first-round regional match. A.J. Thurman/Kian DeLong lost 1-6, 6-2 (10-0) to Phillipsburg's Bill Jessup/ Colton Ewing at regionals. DeLong lost 6-4, 6-1 to Meade’s Vincent Lynn at 2023 singles regionals.
At the Central Kansas League meet, No. 1 singles Rossman placed sixth. No. 2 singles Leyton Mooney placed sixth and No. 1 doubles DeLong/Thurman placed fifth. DeLong/Thurman placed seventh in the 2023 CKL Tournament.
"Brody Rossman has definitely improved after playing tennis most of the summer," said Hoisington coach Jordan Mooney. "Kian DeLong has stepped up in the leadership department. Both players have great hustle and determination. They really want to win the match they are playing. My returning players are putting more effort over what I saw last year. It's been great."
Coach Mooney will take his time piecing together his singles and doubles lineup.
"Our outlook is the same as always, go to compete, and get some wins," he said. "Winning more matches than we lose is always a goal. Keeping a positive mental attitude and being known as the best team when it comes to sportsmanship is a personal goal of mine for the guys."
Mooney wants his players to challenge for a state tournament berth.
"Obviously getting someone qualified for state is a big goal," he said. "It would be awesome to qualify some guys for state. We have to compete every tournament and want that final result. We have a great group of guys, so the possibilities are pretty open."
CARDINAL ROSTER
JUNIOR—Kian DeLong
SOPHOMORES—Leyton Mooney, Brody Rossman, Knoxly Nettleingham
NINTH-GRADER—Jasper Pawlowski, Gabriel Pawlowski, Xander Mooney, Parker Turner, Joey Valentino
CARDINAL SCHEDULE—3-31—at Phillipsburg; 4-3—at Ellsworth; 4-10—at Hillsboro; 4-12— at Great Bend; 4-24—Hoisington quad; 5-1—Hoisington tournament; 5-5— at Central Kansas League; 5-9/10—at 3-1A regional
Cardinal golfers have high hopes
HOISINGTON — The Hoisington Cardinal boys golf team returns an experienced lineup featuring regional qualifiers Nolan Jacobs, Kayden Kennon, Peyton Kinman, Kobe Crawford, Kyler Russell and Karson Kinman, who also competed in the Central Kansas League Tournament at Larned.
The Cardinals seek to improve on a sixth-place regional finish (410) at Salina and sixth (373) at Larned's CKL Tournament.
"It makes a difference when you've got a group of seniors who've stuck with it," said legendary Hoisington coach Cooper, who's led four girls teams to state championships. "We've got a good team we've put together."
Defending 3A state champion Hesston and Pratt headline the Central Kansas League.
"Our goal is for the team to qualify for the 3A state golf tournament at Garden City," Cooper said. "We've certainly got a few individuals who should qualify. We're fortunate we've got a good number of players competing because that helps your team."
Long-driving Nolan Jacobs is learning to harness his power.
"Nolan is our No. 1 player from last year. He's a coachable player who can hit it past 300 yards," said Hoisington coach Bruce Cooper. "His goal is to qualify for the state tournament. He's constantly working on his short game."
Other top players are Peyton Kinman and Kayden Kennon.
"Peyton is a consistent player at all phases," Cooper said. "Kayden is playing well. He's going to be a force for us."
Cooper enjoys the dad-to-day interaction with the players.
"I can help the guys because I've been around the game of golf a long time," he said. "I love to see their improvement. A lot I teach is life lessons, like driving safely and making good decisions."
HOISINGTON GOLF
SENIORS—Nolan Jacobs (REG, 93, 18TH; CKL, 91, 20TH); Kayden Kennon, (REG, 100, 24TH; CKL, 98, 29TH); Peyton Kinman (REG, 106, 29TH; CKL, 88, 16TH); Kobe Crawford, (REG, 111, 36TH; CKL, 96, 28TH); Kyler Russell, (REG, 112, 37TH; CKL, 107, 39TH); Isaiah Berends; Tucker Loesch
SOPHOMORES—Karson Kinman, (REG, 121, 41ST; CKL, 100, 33RD); Logan Cossel; Logan Wagner; Josh Apodaea
NINTH-GRADERS—Peyton Lomas, Mikkel Brunson, Taylor Kempke
CARDINAL SCHEDULE—4-3—at Lake Barton; 4-7—at Hutchinson, Crazy Horse; 4-15—at Stafford; 4-22—at Larned; 5-1—at Russell; 5-5—at Hays; 5-8—at Ellsworth; 5-12—at Central Kansas League; 5-19—at 3A regional
Sprinters lead Hoisington track (DONE)
HOISINGTON — Hoisington sprinter Marley Bittel earned a silver state medal in the 100 meters (12.38). She placed sixth in the 200 meters (26.69). Bittel returns on the state runner-up 400-meter relay (49.86).
Sixth-place pole vault medalist Taylen Morales (13-0) and discus state qualifier Layton Hoffman (118-9) return.
Kamden Tarlton won the CKL 3,200 (10:18.8). The Cardinal girls won the 400-meter relay. Runner-up finishes were earned by Bittel, 200; and Taylen Morales, pole vault. Third-place finishers were Bittel, 200; Brier Thompson, 100; and the boys 3,200-meter relay.
"We've got girls with talent who'll help our team," said Hoisington coach Dan Schmidt. "We've got younger athletes who will do well. We'll have competitive teams."
Bittel and fellow sprinter Reese Merlau will start the spring slowly while coming back from various injuries which have slowed their spring progress.
"Bittel is a hard worker, and Reese will have an outstanding year once she's gets going," Schmidt said.
Other top athletes are Neveah Graves (pole vault, javelin) and Kinley Wilkens (LJ, TJ).
State high jump 8th-place medalist and CKL champion Sofia Simic (4-10) and relay qualifier Kelsi Maier did not return for the girls.
"Sofia is a tremendous athlete who's looking long-range at her volleyball future," Schmidt said.
Sprinters Jason Robinson, Courtney Bryant and Brier Thompson and Missouri Western distance recruit Kamden Tarlton headline the boys team. Tarlton is a multi-year state cross country medalist and track state qualifier.
"Jason Robinson is a quality sprinter and jumper," Schmidt said. "Brier will run relays and hurdles. Bryant will run sprints, relays and jumps. We've got multi-sport athletes who compete in several events."
The Cardinals traditionally feature strong pole vault competitors. Multi-year state pole vault champions Shellamae Farmer and Josiah Ball graduated.
PAST STATE QUALIFIERS
100m—2—Marley Bittel, 12.38; 200m—6—Bittel, 26.69; 400m relay—2—Hoisington girls, *49.86 (Bittel); 400m relay—7—Hoisington boys, *43.99 (Courtney Bryant, Jr., Brier Thompson); 1,600m—14—Tarlton, 4:48.43; 3,200m—11—Tarlton, 10:18.96; 400m relay—10—Hoisington, 44.4 (Robinson); 400m relay—12—Hoisington, 51.34 (Merlau); 3,200m relay—8—Hoisington, 8:31.68 (Tarlton); Discus—15—Layton Hoffman, 118-9; Pole vault—6— Taylen Morales, 13-0
CARDINAL ROSTER
SENIORS—Kasey Andereck, Reese Merlau (sprints, relays), Brady Reif, Jason Robinson (jumps, sprints, relys), Kamden Tarlton (distance), Brier Thompson (sprints, hurdles, relays)
JUNIORS—Courtney Bryant, Jr. (sprints, jumps), Layton Hoffman (throws), Tianna Lutters (distance), Mason Martin; Colin Mater (throws), Carson Mason; Taylen Morales (PV, jumps); Joselyn Moshier; Brody Pfannenstiel; Gintry Schremmer
SOPHOMORES—Marley Bittel (sprints, relays), Tristin Compton (distance), Annabelle Gonzalez (PV), Neveah Graves (PV, javelin), Addison Hanzlick (javelin, throws, relays); Joseph Hekele (hurdles), Corbin Holinde, Gunnar Hudson (PV), Miette Kaiser (PV, throws), Preston Merlau; Ruger Sneath; Ryker Stout; Monroe Walker; Kynder Welch; Kinley Wilkens (LJ, TJ); Dustin Wyant
NINTH-GRADERS—Laeya Beck, Sam Doze; Andrea Gonzalez, Trinity Graves, Maddison Henning; Harrison Henning; Jaxon Henry; Kyler Johnson; Triston Kraft; Cooper Moore
CARDINAL SCHEDULE 4-3—at Russell 4-11—at Nickerson; 4-15—at Ellsworth 4-17—at Lindsborg; 4-22—at Scott City; 4-29—Hoisington meet; 5-2—at Beloit; 5-9—at Gypsum; 5-15— Central Kansas League, Nickerson; 5-22/23—at 3A regional
