Awards for the 2021 NJCAA National Champion Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team continue to roll in as three members of the championship were recognized this week as the Golf Coaches’ Association of America PING All-Americans.

Blue Dragon freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett – the 2021 NJCAA individual national champion and national runner-up, respectively – were named PING first-team All-Americans. Third-year sophomore Charlie Crockett will go down as a three-time PING junior college All-American with his inclusion on the 2021 PING second team.

Those three players, along with Cameron Rios-Ceballos and Trey McCrae, won Hutchinson’s first men’s golf team national title in program history on May 13 in Lubbock, Texas.

The trio of Blue Dragons became the 9th, 10th and 11th PING All-Americans in program history – Grady Pauls (2007), Nicky Maddison (2009), Dale Middleton (2010), Mike Mueller (2012), Lewis Schenk (2015), Charlie Crockett (2019, 2020) and Nathan McCollough (2020).

Partridge and both Crocketts were also named NJCAA District III first-team All-District for this season.

The freshman from London has already been named an NJCAA first-team All-American and the Jack Nicklaus NJCAA Division I Player of the Year for his extraordinary season.

Partridge had a season stroke average of 71.2 over 29 rounds played over the combined fall and spring seasons. Over the final three tournaments in 2021 – the KJCCC Championship, District III/Region VI and the NJCAA Championship – Partridge averaged 70.8 strokes per round with 7 of 10 rounds shot under par.

In addition to winning the NJCAA Individual title, Partridge won the NJCAA National Preview, also at The Rawls Course in Lubbock – site of the 2021 national championships. He was Jayhawk Conference regular-season co-champion with teammate Charlie Crockett.

Partridge had two tournament titles, six Top-3 finishes and placed in the Top 10 in 9 of 10 total tournaments this season.

To win the NJCAA individual crown, Partridge shot a 1-under 71 in the final round to force a tie with Harry Crockett. Partridge then won a four-hole playoff to earn the individual title.

Harry Crockett, a freshman from Oxted, England, earned two individual tournament championships this season – the District III/Region VI crown and at Jayhawk Conference No. 2. Crockett also had five Top-3 performances and eight Top-10 finishes in 2020-21.

Crockett had a season-stroke average of 71.6 for the season with 17 rounds under par. Over the final three tournaments of 2021, Crockett shot an average of 70.1.

Crockett placed third in the 2021 Jayhawk Conference regular-season standings.

Crockett was first-team All-KJCCC, All-Region VI and a first-team All-American. He was also a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year award.

Charlie Crockett earned first-team PING All-America honors in both 2019 and 2020. The 2020 spring season was wiped out because of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the GCAA still made their annual awards based on the 2019 fall season, just Crockett is a three-time All-American.

This past season, Charlie Crockett won two tournaments – Jayhawk No. 2 and the KJCCC Championship – to repeat his 2019 league individual title. He finished 10th in the District III Championship and tied for 20th at the NJCAA Championships.

The University of Missouri signee averaged 72.3 strokes per round this past season with 12 rounds under par, including a 64 shot at the Rawls Course in Lubbock in the NJCAA Preview last October.

Charlie Crockett won nine individual tournament titles in his Blue Dragon career.

STEVE&nbsp; CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationAwards for the 2021 NJCAA National Champion Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team continue to roll in as three members of the championship were recognized this week as the Golf Coaches’ Association of America PING All-Americans.Blue Dragon freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett – the 2021 NJCAA individual national champion and national runner-up, respectively – were named PING first-team All-Americans. Third-year sophomore Charlie Crockett will go down as a three-time PING junior college All-American with his inclusion on the 2021 PING second team.Those three players, along with Cameron Rios-Ceballos and Trey McCrae, won Hutchinson’s first men’s golf team national title in program history on May 13 in Lubbock, Texas.The trio of Blue Dragons became the 9th, 10th and 11th PING All-Americans in program history – Grady Pauls (2007), Nicky Maddison (2009), Dale Middleton (2010), Mike Mueller (2012), Lewis Schenk (2015), Charlie Crockett (2019, 2020) and Nathan McCollough (2020).Partridge and both Crocketts were also named NJCAA District III first-team All-District for this season.BEN PARTRIDGEThe freshman from London has already been named an NJCAA first-team All-American and the Jack Nicklaus NJCAA Division I Player of the Year for his extraordinary season.Partridge had a season stroke average of 71.2 over 29 rounds played over the combined fall and spring seasons. Over the final three tournaments in 2021 – the KJCCC Championship, District III/Region VI and the NJCAA Championship – Partridge averaged 70.8 strokes per round with 7 of 10 rounds shot under par.In addition to winning the NJCAA Individual title, Partridge won the NJCAA National Preview, also at The Rawls Course in Lubbock – site of the 2021 national championships. He was Jayhawk Conference regular-season co-champion with teammate Charlie Crockett.Partridge had two tournament titles, six Top-3 finishes and placed in the Top 10 in 9 of 10 total tournaments this season.To win the NJCAA individual crown, Partridge shot a 1-under 71 in the final round to force a tie with Harry Crockett. Partridge then won a four-hole playoff to earn the individual title.HARRY CROCKETTHarry Crockett, a freshman from Oxted, England, earned two individual tournament championships this season – the District III/Region VI crown and at Jayhawk Conference No. 2. Crockett also had five Top-3 performances and eight Top-10 finishes in 2020-21.Crockett had a season-stroke average of 71.6 for the season with 17 rounds under par. Over the final three tournaments of 2021, Crockett shot an average of 70.1.Crockett placed third in the 2021 Jayhawk Conference regular-season standings.Crockett was first-team All-KJCCC, All-Region VI and a first-team All-American. He was also a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year award.CHARLIE CROCKETTCharlie Crockett earned first-team PING All-America honors in both 2019 and 2020. The 2020 spring season was wiped out because of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the GCAA still made their annual awards based on the 2019 fall season, just Crockett is a three-time All-American.This past season, Charlie Crockett won two tournaments – Jayhawk No. 2 and the KJCCC Championship – to repeat his 2019 league individual title. He finished 10th in the District III Championship and tied for 20th at the NJCAA Championships.The University of Missouri signee averaged 72.3 strokes per round this past season with 12 rounds under par, including a 64 shot at the Rawls Course in Lubbock in the NJCAA Preview last October.Charlie Crockett won nine individual tournament titles in his Blue Dragon career.NJCAA Division I PING All-America TeamsFirst TeamHayden Carner, Central AlabamaHarry Crockett, HutchinsonMatt Gauntlet, Eastern FloridaSam McKenzie, MidlandBen Partridge, HutchinsonBrendan Thomas, Eastern WyomingAntoine Sale, Indian HillsSecond TeamWill Adams, OdessaCharlie Crockett, HutchinsonRussell Dettmering, Western TexasJakob Falk Schollert, Iowa WesternTomas Kubata, Eastern WyomingDillon West, Jefferson StateHonorable MentionAston Castillo, MidlandHarry Fearn, Indian HillsCarter Goodwin, Wallace StateSangha Park, OdessaJT Pittman, MidlandNJCAA Division I All-District III TeamThomas Burou, Indian HillsCharlie Crockett, HutchinsonHarry Crockett, HutchinsonDaniel Gutgesell, Iowa WesternMax Hartmann, Indian HillsJakob Falk Schollert, Iowa WesternHarry Fearn, Indian HillsBen Partridge, HutchinsonAntoine Sale, Indian HillsAdam Samnegard, Garden City

Hutchinson CC Men's Golf Release: 3 Dragons names GCAA/PING All-Americans

Melody Kim (White) Davenport was born August 26, 1955, in Coldwater, KS to Joe Pat and Frances Arlene (Ewy) White.  She passed away June 19, 2021, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS.  Melody graduated from Coldwater High School with the Class of 1973. She dearly loved CHS and her classmates and was selected as the 1973 Basketball Homecoming Queen. She attended college at Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, OK and Sterling College.  During her lifetime she worked for the family business, White’s Foodliner, and later obtained her LPN Certification and worked at various nursing homes and for the Red Cross.

On August 23, 1975, Melody was united in marriage to Tom Davenport in Coldwater, KS.  Their son Joe Douglas was born on February 13, 1976, in Kingman, KS.  Melody and Tom later divorced.  Melody and her family lived in Coldwater, Kingman, Moundridge, Park City and Hutchinson through the years and Melody made life ling friends everywhere she lived.

Melody is survived by her father, Joe Pat White, three brothers, Pat (Tonya) White of Kingman, Michael White of Afton, OK and Jay White of Valencia, Spain.  Melody is also survived by four nephews:  Jordan, Brennan, Calen and Connor White, and two nieces:  Karly and Caitlyn White and a host of cousins and friends.

Melody was preceded in death by her son, Joe Douglas Davenport, her mother Frances, a baby brother, Jack Henry, her grandparents Jack &amp; Mildred White and Henry &amp; Anna Ewy and her beloved cat, Harry.

Her last years were spent s a resident of Legends (formerly Brookdale) Care Home in Hutchinson where she basically ran the place.  She loved the residents and staff and they loved as well.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2PM at the Livingston Funeral Home at 1830 N Main in Kingman.

Suggested memorials include:  Hutchinson Animal Shelter, Chief Theater in Coldwater or donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

Melody Kim (White) Davenport was born August 26, 1955, in Coldwater, KS to Joe Pat and Frances Arlene (Ewy) White. She passed away June 19, 2021, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. Melody graduated from Coldwater High School with the Class of 1973. She dearly loved CHS and her classmates and was selected as the 1973 Basketball Homecoming Queen. She attended college at Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, OK and Sterling College. During her lifetime she worked for the family business, White’s Foodliner, and later obtained her LPN Certification and worked at various nursing homes and for the Red Cross.On August 23, 1975, Melody was united in marriage to Tom Davenport in Coldwater, KS. Their son Joe Douglas was born on February 13, 1976, in Kingman, KS. Melody and Tom later divorced. Melody and her family lived in Coldwater, Kingman, Moundridge, Park City and Hutchinson through the years and Melody made life ling friends everywhere she lived.Melody is survived by her father, Joe Pat White, three brothers, Pat (Tonya) White of Kingman, Michael White of Afton, OK and Jay White of Valencia, Spain. Melody is also survived by four nephews: Jordan, Brennan, Calen and Connor White, and two nieces: Karly and Caitlyn White and a host of cousins and friends.Melody was preceded in death by her son, Joe Douglas Davenport, her mother Frances, a baby brother, Jack Henry, her grandparents Jack &amp; Mildred White and Henry &amp; Anna Ewy and her beloved cat, Harry.Her last years were spent s a resident of Legends (formerly Brookdale) Care Home in Hutchinson where she basically ran the place. She loved the residents and staff and they loved as well.A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2PM at the Livingston Funeral Home at 1830 N Main in Kingman.Suggested memorials include: Hutchinson Animal Shelter, Chief Theater in Coldwater or donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

Melody Kim (White) Davenport |1955-2021|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The HutchCC Board of Trustees will meet to close out the fiscal year on Thursday.

The board will go over the fiscal year end payments and renew the college's insurance plan. The board will also take action on hiring a spirit coach, agriculture instructor and new corrections and adult education instructor.&nbsp;

If approval is given the track and field team will also be getting a new pole vault pit. The current one is old and does not meet NJCAA requirements.&nbsp;

The board will close out the evening by going into executive session for negotiations on a new employee contract. Thursday’s meeting of the HutchCC Board of Trustees begins at 7 p.m .at the Shears Technology Center on the HutchCC campus.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The HutchCC Board of Trustees will meet to close out the fiscal year on Thursday.The board will go over the fiscal year end payments and renew the college's insurance plan. The board will also take action on hiring a spirit coach, agriculture instructor and new corrections and adult education instructor.&nbsp;If approval is given the track and field team will also be getting a new pole vault pit. The current one is old and does not meet NJCAA requirements.&nbsp;The board will close out the evening by going into executive session for negotiations on a new employee contract. Thursday’s meeting of the HutchCC Board of Trustees begins at 7 p.m .at the Shears Technology Center on the HutchCC campus.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HutchCC BOT meets Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; Dave Trabert, Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Policy Institute sees the Kansas Legislature as continuing to take a larger role in setting education policy if the State Board of Education won't align with it in terms of the goals of giving parents more choices about their children's education.

"Their primary role is to ensure that kids get the education they deserve, that school districts are really preparing students for college and career," Trabert said. "The reason the legislature is stepping in, is that parents are increasingly finding out that the State Board and local school boards are not doing that job."

Trabert's concern is a lack of achievement by Kansas kids.

"Right now in Kansas, we have more high school students below grade level than we have on track for college and career," Trabert said. "Fifty-one percent of 10th graders in the Hutchinson school district are below grade level in math. Only 13 percent are on track for college and career."

Those are 2019 numbers, so it still remains to be seen how the pandemic may impact that achievement gap.

"Achievement has been persistently low," Trabert said. "In the last five years, it's been declining. Yet, the state school board and to a large degree, local school boards want to say, shut up, go away, we know what we're doing."

Trabert hopes it doesn't take a legal battle for the State Board of Education and the legislature to get on the same page, but he does expect more school choice legislation to be part of the legislature's agenda in the coming session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580147770428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; Dave Trabert, Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Policy Institute sees the Kansas Legislature as continuing to take a larger role in setting education policy if the State Board of Education won't align with it in terms of the goals of giving parents more choices about their children's education."Their primary role is to ensure that kids get the education they deserve, that school districts are really preparing students for college and career," Trabert said. "The reason the legislature is stepping in, is that parents are increasingly finding out that the State Board and local school boards are not doing that job."Trabert's concern is a lack of achievement by Kansas kids."Right now in Kansas, we have more high school students below grade level than we have on track for college and career," Trabert said. "Fifty-one percent of 10th graders in the Hutchinson school district are below grade level in math. Only 13 percent are on track for college and career."Those are 2019 numbers, so it still remains to be seen how the pandemic may impact that achievement gap."Achievement has been persistently low," Trabert said. "In the last five years, it's been declining. Yet, the state school board and to a large degree, local school boards want to say, shut up, go away, we know what we're doing."Trabert hopes it doesn't take a legal battle for the State Board of Education and the legislature to get on the same page, but he does expect more school choice legislation to be part of the legislature's agenda in the coming session.

Trabert: Legislature will continue making ed policy, despite State Board concerns

Former Hutchinson Community College Track and Field athlete Michael Bryan competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials this past weekend in Eugene, Oregon.

Bryan had a top throw of 223-0 feet (67.98m) in the competition on Saturday. That was fourth place in his flight and 16th overall in the competition.

The berth in the 2020-21 Olympic Trials capped an amazing season for the former Blue Dragon and current Wichita State Shocker athlete.

Bryan, a Wamego High School product, was not even on the WSU roster at the start of the 2020-21 season. Now at the end of his junior season with the Shockers, Bryan has broken the Wichita State men’s hammer record four times. He surpassed 70 meters three times this season.

Bryan earned second-team All-America honors with a 12th-place finish at the 2021 NCAA Championship with a throw of 229-11 (70.08m).

At Hutchinson, Bryan earned NJCAA All-America honors in the hammer throw with a seventh-place finish at the 2018 NJCAA Outdoor Championships with a throw of 170-0 (51.82m). Bryan was 10th at the 2017 NJCAA Championships with a throw of 161-1 (49.09m).

Bryan still ranks sixth all-time in the hammer throw at Hutchinson with that mark of 170 feet at the 2018 national championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584989883755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationFormer Hutchinson Community College Track and Field athlete Michael Bryan competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials this past weekend in Eugene, Oregon.Bryan had a top throw of 223-0 feet (67.98m) in the competition on Saturday. That was fourth place in his flight and 16th overall in the competition.The berth in the 2020-21 Olympic Trials capped an amazing season for the former Blue Dragon and current Wichita State Shocker athlete.Bryan, a Wamego High School product, was not even on the WSU roster at the start of the 2020-21 season. Now at the end of his junior season with the Shockers, Bryan has broken the Wichita State men’s hammer record four times. He surpassed 70 meters three times this season.Bryan earned second-team All-America honors with a 12th-place finish at the 2021 NCAA Championship with a throw of 229-11 (70.08m).At Hutchinson, Bryan earned NJCAA All-America honors in the hammer throw with a seventh-place finish at the 2018 NJCAA Outdoor Championships with a throw of 170-0 (51.82m). Bryan was 10th at the 2017 NJCAA Championships with a throw of 161-1 (49.09m).Bryan still ranks sixth all-time in the hammer throw at Hutchinson with that mark of 170 feet at the 2018 national championships.

Former Dragon Bryan 16th in Olympic Track Trials

Virginia Louise “Ginny” Osgood, 95, of Hutchinson, died June 17, 2021, at Hospice House. She was born August 8, 1925, in Florence, to Edward and Roxie (Widler) Anderson.

Ginny graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1946, and then attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. She was a homemaker and a nurse’s aide, working in both hospitals and nursing homes. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, Young at Heart Ministry, and Elmdale Senior Center. Ginny was a member of First Church of God, Hutchinson.

On November 28, 1948, she married Kenneth Lloyd Osgood in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on September 27, 2016.

Ginny is survived by: daughters, LaDonna Fager (Don), Hutchinson, and Pam Mifflin (Rob), Anderson, Indiana; grandchildren, Renee Nally (Joe), Bowling Green, Kentucky, Don Fager Jr. (Miranda), McPherson, Drew Fager (Jenna), Hutchinson, Josh Mifflin, Anderson, Indiana, and Abby Hart (Max), Anderson, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Ben and Adam Nally, Ava and Aiden Hart, and Mason and Addie Fager.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Kenneth Osgood; daughter, Deanna Whitehead; son-in-law, Rex Whitehead; and her siblings.

Celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at First Church of God. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Virginia Louise “Ginny” Osgood, 95, of Hutchinson, died June 17, 2021, at Hospice House. She was born August 8, 1925, in Florence, to Edward and Roxie (Widler) Anderson.Ginny graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1946, and then attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. She was a homemaker and a nurse’s aide, working in both hospitals and nursing homes. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, Young at Heart Ministry, and Elmdale Senior Center. Ginny was a member of First Church of God, Hutchinson.On November 28, 1948, she married Kenneth Lloyd Osgood in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on September 27, 2016.Ginny is survived by: daughters, LaDonna Fager (Don), Hutchinson, and Pam Mifflin (Rob), Anderson, Indiana; grandchildren, Renee Nally (Joe), Bowling Green, Kentucky, Don Fager Jr. (Miranda), McPherson, Drew Fager (Jenna), Hutchinson, Josh Mifflin, Anderson, Indiana, and Abby Hart (Max), Anderson, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Ben and Adam Nally, Ava and Aiden Hart, and Mason and Addie Fager.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Kenneth Osgood; daughter, Deanna Whitehead; son-in-law, Rex Whitehead; and her siblings.Celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at First Church of God. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Virginia Louise “Ginny” Osgood |1925-2021|

Lori Ann Lemen, 58, passed away on June 11, 2021 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas.  Lori was born on May 21, 1963 the daughter of Max Gene Lemen and Wanda June ( Striplin) Lemen.

Lori was a lifetime resident of Hutchinson, Kansas and graduated from Hutchinson High School and continued her education at Hutchinson Community College receiving a Business Degree.  She worked at Dillons for 15+ years, Food 4 Less 11+ years, and most recently worked for Walmart 15 years, receiving her 15 year pin which she was proud of.  She loved animals, especially her cats.  She enjoyed vegetable gardening and also flower gardening.  Lori loved country music and she was so excited to see George Strait in concert, and Garth Brooks.  She had a heart of gold and was a wonderful sister and a friend to so many people, she touched each of our hearts and we will always remember her with a smile.

Survivors include:  2 brothers, Wayne and Mike; and extended family.

Lori was preceded in death by: her parents.

A memorial dinner to celebrate Lori's life will be held on July 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Builder's Shelter building in Carey Park, 2 Emerson Loop, Hutchinson, Kansas.   It will be a pot-luck dinner, so please bring something yummy.

Lori Ann Lemen, 58, passed away on June 11, 2021 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. Lori was born on May 21, 1963 the daughter of Max Gene Lemen and Wanda June ( Striplin) Lemen.Lori was a lifetime resident of Hutchinson, Kansas and graduated from Hutchinson High School and continued her education at Hutchinson Community College receiving a Business Degree. She worked at Dillons for 15+ years, Food 4 Less 11+ years, and most recently worked for Walmart 15 years, receiving her 15 year pin which she was proud of. She loved animals, especially her cats. She enjoyed vegetable gardening and also flower gardening. Lori loved country music and she was so excited to see George Strait in concert, and Garth Brooks. She had a heart of gold and was a wonderful sister and a friend to so many people, she touched each of our hearts and we will always remember her with a smile.Survivors include: 2 brothers, Wayne and Mike; and extended family.Lori was preceded in death by: her parents.A memorial dinner to celebrate Lori's life will be held on July 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Builder's Shelter building in Carey Park, 2 Emerson Loop, Hutchinson, Kansas. It will be a pot-luck dinner, so please bring something yummy.

Lori Ann Lemen |1963-2021|

Velma Jeanne Schroeder, 93, of Hutchinson, died June 18, 2021, at Hospice House. She was born March 24, 1928, in Emporia, to Otto J. and Ruth B. (Mast) Ziegler.

Jeanne graduated from Emporia High School in 1946, where she was salutatorian of her class, and Salt City Business College. She worked as an executive assistant at The Prudential for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Jeanne was a member of Salt City Rabbit Club, the Poultry Club, and the Iris Club. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Jeanne was a former member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, and was a current member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

On June 1, 1947, she married Walter J.J. Schroeder Jr. in Olpe. They shared 51 years of marriage before his death on June 6, 1998.

Jeanne is survived by: her children, Karen Chadd (Lynn) of Hutchinson, Terry Schroeder (Mary), of Overland Park, Kathy Cutting (Randy) of Hutchinson, Timothy Schroeder (Janice) of Manhattan, Kristine Murphy (Glenn) of League City, TX, Thomas Schroeder (Kathy) of Andover, Karel King (Carl) of Hutchinson, Todd Schroeder (Angela) of Hutchinson; 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Meeks (Flint) of Haysville; brothers, Stephen Ziegler (Linda) and Gary Ziegler (Mary), all of Emporia; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and brothers, James, Harold, and Wayne.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2021, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E 12th Ave., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.	

Velma Jeanne Schroeder, 93, of Hutchinson, died June 18, 2021, at Hospice House. She was born March 24, 1928, in Emporia, to Otto J. and Ruth B. (Mast) Ziegler.Jeanne graduated from Emporia High School in 1946, where she was salutatorian of her class, and Salt City Business College. She worked as an executive assistant at The Prudential for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Jeanne was a member of Salt City Rabbit Club, the Poultry Club, and the Iris Club. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Jeanne was a former member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, and was a current member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.On June 1, 1947, she married Walter J.J. Schroeder Jr. in Olpe. They shared 51 years of marriage before his death on June 6, 1998.Jeanne is survived by: her children, Karen Chadd (Lynn) of Hutchinson, Terry Schroeder (Mary), of Overland Park, Kathy Cutting (Randy) of Hutchinson, Timothy Schroeder (Janice) of Manhattan, Kristine Murphy (Glenn) of League City, TX, Thomas Schroeder (Kathy) of Andover, Karel King (Carl) of Hutchinson, Todd Schroeder (Angela) of Hutchinson; 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Meeks (Flint) of Haysville; brothers, Stephen Ziegler (Linda) and Gary Ziegler (Mary), all of Emporia; and many extended family members.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and brothers, James, Harold, and Wayne.Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2021, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E 12th Ave., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page.Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Velma Jeanne Schroeder |1928-2021|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College was named as one of the top 50 junior colleges to provide online learning in the nation, according to Value Colleges, an independent online guide to the best values in undergraduate and graduate education.&nbsp;

Value Colleges stated that HutchCC is one of Kansas’ best online community college options, offering associate degree options in accounting, health information management, paralegal, general studies, business, and criminal justice.&nbsp;

Value Colleges said HutchCC offers technical certificates in business, management, early childhood education, information technology, coding, health management and paralegal, to name a few.

Value Colleges rankings are based on verified data from sources, including IPEDS and Niche. Programs are ranked according to factors, including cost and student satisfaction, so students can feel certain their choice of program will have a positive impact on their career.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588955468734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College was named as one of the top 50 junior colleges to provide online learning in the nation, according to Value Colleges, an independent online guide to the best values in undergraduate and graduate education.&nbsp;Value Colleges stated that HutchCC is one of Kansas’ best online community college options, offering associate degree options in accounting, health information management, paralegal, general studies, business, and criminal justice.&nbsp;Value Colleges said HutchCC offers technical certificates in business, management, early childhood education, information technology, coding, health management and paralegal, to name a few.Value Colleges rankings are based on verified data from sources, including IPEDS and Niche. Programs are ranked according to factors, including cost and student satisfaction, so students can feel certain their choice of program will have a positive impact on their career.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HutchCC recognized for online education

Hutchinson Community College women's soccer sophomore Esther Karhayu highlighted six Blue Dragons chosen to the 2020-21 Jayhawk West Women's Soccer All-Conference Team.

Karhayu was named the league's Player of the Year on Friday.

Karhayu, a sophomore forward from Kenya, was Hutchinson's top offensive threat this past season. She scored nine goals and finished with 18 points. Karhayu had game-winning goals against Butler, Barton, Dodge City and a Region VI opening-round victory over Coffeyville. Karhayu had three two-goal games this season – those coming against Barton, Dodge City and the Region VI tournament win over Coffeyville.

Karhayu is the sixth Blue Dragon to win the league's Offensive Player of the Year award, joining Jordan Downing in (2016), Jen Rogers (2013), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Alicia Robinson (2010 and 2011). Karhayu is the 11th overall conference player of the year in program history.

Fellow sophomores Cheyenne Busker and Marah Franke joined Karhayu on the all-league first time. All three players are two-time all-conference selections. Karhayu and Busker are two-time first-team selections. Franke was a second-team selection as a freshman in 2019.

Busker was a dominant defender for the Blue Dragons this season. Usually marked up against the top opposing scoring threat, Busker helped the Blue Dragons limit the opposition to 19 goals in the spring of 2021. She was credited with one assist on the offensive side.

Franke was the top assist person for the Dragons in 2020-21 with eight assists. Her only goal of the season came in a 2-2 tie against nationally ranked Kansas City. Franke had three assists off cornerkicks this season.

Three Blue Dragons, all freshmen, earned second-team honors – midfielder Aimee Maher and defenders Zara Lawless and Ella-Mae Miller.

Maher was perfect on three penalty-kick attempts this year. She finished the season with six goals and two assist (14 points).

Lawless had a goal and assist this season and Miller added a goal and assist. Both freshmen played key roles for the Blue Dragons defensively.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College women's soccer sophomore Esther Karhayu highlighted six Blue Dragons chosen to the 2020-21 Jayhawk West Women's Soccer All-Conference Team.Karhayu was named the league's Player of the Year on Friday.Karhayu, a sophomore forward from Kenya, was Hutchinson's top offensive threat this past season. She scored nine goals and finished with 18 points. Karhayu had game-winning goals against Butler, Barton, Dodge City and a Region VI opening-round victory over Coffeyville. Karhayu had three two-goal games this season – those coming against Barton, Dodge City and the Region VI tournament win over Coffeyville.Karhayu is the sixth Blue Dragon to win the league's Offensive Player of the Year award, joining Jordan Downing in (2016), Jen Rogers (2013), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Alicia Robinson (2010 and 2011). Karhayu is the 11th overall conference player of the year in program history.Fellow sophomores Cheyenne Busker and Marah Franke joined Karhayu on the all-league first time. All three players are two-time all-conference selections. Karhayu and Busker are two-time first-team selections. Franke was a second-team selection as a freshman in 2019.Busker was a dominant defender for the Blue Dragons this season. Usually marked up against the top opposing scoring threat, Busker helped the Blue Dragons limit the opposition to 19 goals in the spring of 2021. She was credited with one assist on the offensive side.Franke was the top assist person for the Dragons in 2020-21 with eight assists. Her only goal of the season came in a 2-2 tie against nationally ranked Kansas City. Franke had three assists off cornerkicks this season.Three Blue Dragons, all freshmen, earned second-team honors – midfielder Aimee Maher and defenders Zara Lawless and Ella-Mae Miller.Maher was perfect on three penalty-kick attempts this year. She finished the season with six goals and two assist (14 points).Lawless had a goal and assist this season and Miller added a goal and assist. Both freshmen played key roles for the Blue Dragons defensively.

Karhayu tapped as West Player of the Year

Future Hutchinson Community College men's basketball player Jayden Garrison will be playing on Saturday at the Kansas Basketball Coaches' Association All-Star Game on Saturday in Salina.

Garrison, a consensus Class 1A all-state player from Little River, will be a member of KBCA Blue All-Star team. The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Garrison was the No. 3-leading scorer in the state, according to MaxPreps statistics. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 24.4 points per game in his senior season at Little River. He shot 53 percent overall and 40 percent from 3-point range (68 made 3s). Garrison also averaged 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.2 assists per game.

Garrison have five games of 30 or more points, including a season high of 35 points against Peabody-Burns.

Garrison and Little River advanced this season to the Class 1A state semifinals.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationFuture Hutchinson Community College men's basketball player Jayden Garrison will be playing on Saturday at the Kansas Basketball Coaches' Association All-Star Game on Saturday in Salina.Garrison, a consensus Class 1A all-state player from Little River, will be a member of KBCA Blue All-Star team. The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kansas Wesleyan University.Garrison was the No. 3-leading scorer in the state, according to MaxPreps statistics. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 24.4 points per game in his senior season at Little River. He shot 53 percent overall and 40 percent from 3-point range (68 made 3s). Garrison also averaged 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.2 assists per game.Garrison have five games of 30 or more points, including a season high of 35 points against Peabody-Burns.Garrison and Little River advanced this season to the Class 1A state semifinals.

Future Blue Dragon Garrison in KBCA game Saturday

Two Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball 2021 signees will play in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game on Saturday in Salina.

Hayley Hughes from Hutchinson Trinity Catholic High School and Natalie Payne from Shawnee Mission South will both play for the Gold All-Stars.

The KBCA Girls All-Star Game will tip off at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.

Hughes will come into the Blue Dragon women’s basketball program as Trinity Catholic’s career scoring leader and career leader in four other statistical categories. She scored 1,307 points in her Celtic career and tallied 390 rebounds, 270 assists and 171 steals while shooting 74 percent from the free-throw line to re-write the record book.

The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 22.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in the 2020-21 season for Trinity Catholic. She earned Class 2A second-team KBCA all-state honors.

Payne is a 5-11 guard who averaged 18.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this past season at Shawnee Mission South. She earned KBCA Class 6A all-state honorable mention honors.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationTwo Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball 2021 signees will play in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game on Saturday in Salina.Hayley Hughes from Hutchinson Trinity Catholic High School and Natalie Payne from Shawnee Mission South will both play for the Gold All-Stars.The KBCA Girls All-Star Game will tip off at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.Hughes will come into the Blue Dragon women’s basketball program as Trinity Catholic’s career scoring leader and career leader in four other statistical categories. She scored 1,307 points in her Celtic career and tallied 390 rebounds, 270 assists and 171 steals while shooting 74 percent from the free-throw line to re-write the record book.The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 22.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in the 2020-21 season for Trinity Catholic. She earned Class 2A second-team KBCA all-state honors.Payne is a 5-11 guard who averaged 18.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this past season at Shawnee Mission South. She earned KBCA Class 6A all-state honorable mention honors.

Future Blue Dragon women to play Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — What a first act for first-year Hutchinson Community College head football coach Drew Dallas.

Waiting more than a year to coach his first game at Hutchinson after being hired, all Dallas did was lead the 2020-21 Blue Dragons through unpredictable, uncharted waters to the program's first national championship in 89 years.

Dallas on Thursday was named NJCAA Football's National Coach of the Year.

Dallas led Hutchinson to the program's eighth Jayhawk Conference championship, third undefeated season (1947, 1969 and 2020-21) and into an opportunity to play in the NJCAA Championship game.

Ranked No. 1 all season long, the Blue Dragons rallied from 14-0 and 21-10 down to defeat No. 2 Snow College on June 5 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, to win the Blue Dragons' first national football championship and eighth national team title overall.

In Dallas' first season, the 2020-21 Blue Dragons: + Were picked No. 1 in the NJCAA preseason rankings and went wire-to-wire. + Dallas was also selected as the KJCCC Coach of the Year and sophomore defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/torrence_roterius_ols7">Roterius Torrence</a>&nbsp;was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. + <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f0082b0-8cff-4340-95a8-ff3d55767e9c">Torrence was named the NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year</a>. + Had a record 30 all-Jayhawk Conference selections, including 16 first-team performers. + Had a record 10 NJCAA All-Americans, including six first-team selections. + Had a 32.3 point-per-game winning margin this season.

Hutchinson ranked second in the nation this season in points per game, total yards of offense, total rushing yards and rushing yards per game.

Hired on Dec. 31, 2019, Dallas was about to embark on the strangest season by a first-year coach … ever. Just after getting his staff hired in February, the Coronavirus pandemic was about to bring the world to a screeching halt. In doing so, Dallas' first spring practice season with his new team was wiped out and the 2020 season he thought he was preparing for was ultimately pushed from its usual fall season into late spring 2021.

While trying to prep his team for the upcoming season – whenever it may have started – Dallas had to navigate his staff and players through the daily COVID-19 grind, which oftentimes changed hourly and had nothing to do with football.

"It was a 100 percent day-by-day focus," Dallas said. "It was hard to have any plan of substance that went over the course of a week. Countless calendars were made and thrown away in a matter of 15 minutes. It was just a matter of going day-by-day and not looking too far ahead of what you wanted to accomplish."

Finally, March 26, 2021, rolled around – Dallas' head coaching debut some 471 days from the day he was hired. And even on that night, Dallas had to wait a little longer for his first coaching win as a 60-minute weather delay temporarily halted what turned into a 33-7 win over Coffeyville.

The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons defeated Butler 41-10 in El Dorado one week later and eventually took a 3-0 record into a national Top 5 battle at Gowans Stadium against No. 3 Garden City on April 25. The Blue Dragons held the Broncbusters to 45 points under their season scoring average and 230 yards under their season rushing average as Hutchinson defeated Garden City 23-7.

One week later at No. 7 Independence, the top-ranked Blue Dragons rolled up a season-high 512 total yards and survived an injury to starting quarterback C.J. Ogbonna as backup&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/laible_dylan_mrze">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-24 victory over the Pirates.

The Blue Dragons completed the regular season 7-0 to win the first KJCCC championship since 2014 and eighth league title overall.

Against Snow College on June 5, the Blue Dragons trailed 14-0 and 21-10 before scoring touchdowns on three-straight second-half possessions –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/lewis_anwar_oe0l">Anwar Lewis</a>&nbsp;had touchdown runs of 29 and 3 yards to take the lead and game MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/edwards_tye_vovm">Tye Edwards</a>&nbsp;– who rushed for 139 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns – scored a huge insurance TD from 1 yard out with 7:27 to play.

Leading 29-27, Blue Dragon linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/pinkley_tre_bmqr">Tre Pinkney</a>&nbsp;– the nation's leader in quarterback sacks – intercepted a pass with 1:04 remaining to seal the victory for the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons out-gained Snow College 511-390. The Dragons had 278 passing yards and 233 rushing yards – the Badgers were the nation's rush defense leader allowing only 37.8 yards per game.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp;

By STEVE CARPENTER&nbsp;Blue Dragon Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — What a first act for first-year Hutchinson Community College head football coach Drew Dallas.Waiting more than a year to coach his first game at Hutchinson after being hired, all Dallas did was lead the 2020-21 Blue Dragons through unpredictable, uncharted waters to the program's first national championship in 89 years.Dallas on Thursday was named NJCAA Football's National Coach of the Year.Dallas led Hutchinson to the program's eighth Jayhawk Conference championship, third undefeated season (1947, 1969 and 2020-21) and into an opportunity to play in the NJCAA Championship game.Ranked No. 1 all season long, the Blue Dragons rallied from 14-0 and 21-10 down to defeat No. 2 Snow College on June 5 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, to win the Blue Dragons' first national football championship and eighth national team title overall.In Dallas' first season, the 2020-21 Blue Dragons: + Were picked No. 1 in the NJCAA preseason rankings and went wire-to-wire. + Dallas was also selected as the KJCCC Coach of the Year and sophomore defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/torrence_roterius_ols7">Roterius Torrence</a>&nbsp;was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. + <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f0082b0-8cff-4340-95a8-ff3d55767e9c">Torrence was named the NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year</a>. + Had a record 30 all-Jayhawk Conference selections, including 16 first-team performers. + Had a record 10 NJCAA All-Americans, including six first-team selections. + Had a 32.3 point-per-game winning margin this season.Hutchinson ranked second in the nation this season in points per game, total yards of offense, total rushing yards and rushing yards per game.Hired on Dec. 31, 2019, Dallas was about to embark on the strangest season by a first-year coach … ever. Just after getting his staff hired in February, the Coronavirus pandemic was about to bring the world to a screeching halt. In doing so, Dallas' first spring practice season with his new team was wiped out and the 2020 season he thought he was preparing for was ultimately pushed from its usual fall season into late spring 2021.While trying to prep his team for the upcoming season – whenever it may have started – Dallas had to navigate his staff and players through the daily COVID-19 grind, which oftentimes changed hourly and had nothing to do with football."It was a 100 percent day-by-day focus," Dallas said. "It was hard to have any plan of substance that went over the course of a week. Countless calendars were made and thrown away in a matter of 15 minutes. It was just a matter of going day-by-day and not looking too far ahead of what you wanted to accomplish."Finally, March 26, 2021, rolled around – Dallas' head coaching debut some 471 days from the day he was hired. And even on that night, Dallas had to wait a little longer for his first coaching win as a 60-minute weather delay temporarily halted what turned into a 33-7 win over Coffeyville.The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons defeated Butler 41-10 in El Dorado one week later and eventually took a 3-0 record into a national Top 5 battle at Gowans Stadium against No. 3 Garden City on April 25. The Blue Dragons held the Broncbusters to 45 points under their season scoring average and 230 yards under their season rushing average as Hutchinson defeated Garden City 23-7.One week later at No. 7 Independence, the top-ranked Blue Dragons rolled up a season-high 512 total yards and survived an injury to starting quarterback C.J. Ogbonna as backup&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/laible_dylan_mrze">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-24 victory over the Pirates.The Blue Dragons completed the regular season 7-0 to win the first KJCCC championship since 2014 and eighth league title overall.Against Snow College on June 5, the Blue Dragons trailed 14-0 and 21-10 before scoring touchdowns on three-straight second-half possessions –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/lewis_anwar_oe0l">Anwar Lewis</a>&nbsp;had touchdown runs of 29 and 3 yards to take the lead and game MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/edwards_tye_vovm">Tye Edwards</a>&nbsp;– who rushed for 139 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns – scored a huge insurance TD from 1 yard out with 7:27 to play.Leading 29-27, Blue Dragon linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/pinkley_tre_bmqr">Tre Pinkney</a>&nbsp;– the nation's leader in quarterback sacks – intercepted a pass with 1:04 remaining to seal the victory for the Blue Dragons.The Blue Dragons out-gained Snow College 511-390. The Dragons had 278 passing yards and 233 rushing yards – the Badgers were the nation's rush defense leader allowing only 37.8 yards per game.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp;

Drew Dallas named NJCAA Football National Coach of the Year

Hutchinson Community College defensive back Roterius Torrence capped off his Blue Dragon football career by winning a national championship on June 5.

The sophomore cornerback from Bessemer, Alabama, added one more accolade for his play this season as the NJCAA named Torrence as the 2020-21 National Defensive Player of the Year.

Torrence is the second Blue Dragon to win a National Player of the Year Award for football – joining Eugene Kinlaw, who was the 2008 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound cornerback is the second Blue Dragon athlete this season to earn a National Player of the Year honor, joining golfer Ben Partridge, who was named the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year on June 6. Torrence is the eighth Blue Dragon to earn a National Player of the Year award in their respective sport – Kinlaw (2008 football); Partridge (2021 men’s golf); Kadeem Allen (2014 men’s basketball); Kyle Simonds (2014 baseball-pitcher); Sarah Rothe (2014 softball-catcher); Shakur Juiston (2017 men’s basketball); and Michael Helman (2017-baseball).

The Auburn University commit helped produce a defense that ranked No. 3 in scoring defense and No. 7 in total defense in the nation this season and helped the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons defeat No. 2 Snow College 29-27 in the NJCAA Championship Game on June 5 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Torrence had a huge second-quarter interception in the championship game when the Blue Dragons were trailing 14-3. For the game, Torrence had three total tackles and the interception in the championship contest.

Already this season, Torrence was named first-team all-Jayhawk Conference, first-team NJCAA All-American and the 2020-21 Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Torrence didn’t post the huge overall numbers one might associate with this honor. His numbers simply don’t tell the entire story of Torrence’s tremendous sophomore season, but they do speak volumes to the respect opposing teams gave him throughout the 2020-21 season.

Torrence had 26 total tackles in eight games started this season. Torrence broke up five passes with one interception During the regular season, Torrence was hardly targeted over the final five games of the regular season, thus cutting the field in half for opposing offenses.

“Ro plays extremely physical at the line of scrimmage in press coverage and fits very well in coverage on the down-field throws," Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas said. “His presence on the field was instrumental in our success as a defensive unit. Nearly every week, Ro was able to eliminate the opposing teams best offensive threat at the wide receiver position.”

Torrence had a season-high eight tackles in a 41-10 victory over Butler on April 3. He had a big game with five tackles and three passes broken up in No. 1 Hutchinson’s 23-7 win over No. 3 Garden City on April 25. He followed that performance with a four-tackle game against No. 7 Independence in a 42-24 victory on May 2.

Torrence helped the Blue Dragons secure their eighth Jayhawk Conference championship, third undefeated season (1947, 1969) in going 8-0 and first national football championship in the program’s 89-year history.

“This is a tremendous individual honor for him and I am extremely proud of Ro’s progression and development at the cornerback position because of how hard he works and his professional approach to the game,” Dallas said.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College defensive back Roterius Torrence capped off his Blue Dragon football career by winning a national championship on June 5.The sophomore cornerback from Bessemer, Alabama, added one more accolade for his play this season as the NJCAA named Torrence as the 2020-21 National Defensive Player of the Year.Torrence is the second Blue Dragon to win a National Player of the Year Award for football – joining Eugene Kinlaw, who was the 2008 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year.The 6-foot-3, 205-pound cornerback is the second Blue Dragon athlete this season to earn a National Player of the Year honor, joining golfer Ben Partridge, who was named the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year on June 6. Torrence is the eighth Blue Dragon to earn a National Player of the Year award in their respective sport – Kinlaw (2008 football); Partridge (2021 men’s golf); Kadeem Allen (2014 men’s basketball); Kyle Simonds (2014 baseball-pitcher); Sarah Rothe (2014 softball-catcher); Shakur Juiston (2017 men’s basketball); and Michael Helman (2017-baseball).The Auburn University commit helped produce a defense that ranked No. 3 in scoring defense and No. 7 in total defense in the nation this season and helped the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons defeat No. 2 Snow College 29-27 in the NJCAA Championship Game on June 5 in Little Rock, Arkansas.Torrence had a huge second-quarter interception in the championship game when the Blue Dragons were trailing 14-3. For the game, Torrence had three total tackles and the interception in the championship contest.Already this season, Torrence was named first-team all-Jayhawk Conference, first-team NJCAA All-American and the 2020-21 Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year.Torrence didn’t post the huge overall numbers one might associate with this honor. His numbers simply don’t tell the entire story of Torrence’s tremendous sophomore season, but they do speak volumes to the respect opposing teams gave him throughout the 2020-21 season.Torrence had 26 total tackles in eight games started this season. Torrence broke up five passes with one interception During the regular season, Torrence was hardly targeted over the final five games of the regular season, thus cutting the field in half for opposing offenses.“Ro plays extremely physical at the line of scrimmage in press coverage and fits very well in coverage on the down-field throws," Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas said. “His presence on the field was instrumental in our success as a defensive unit. Nearly every week, Ro was able to eliminate the opposing teams best offensive threat at the wide receiver position.”Torrence had a season-high eight tackles in a 41-10 victory over Butler on April 3. He had a big game with five tackles and three passes broken up in No. 1 Hutchinson’s 23-7 win over No. 3 Garden City on April 25. He followed that performance with a four-tackle game against No. 7 Independence in a 42-24 victory on May 2.Torrence helped the Blue Dragons secure their eighth Jayhawk Conference championship, third undefeated season (1947, 1969) in going 8-0 and first national football championship in the program’s 89-year history.“This is a tremendous individual honor for him and I am extremely proud of Ro’s progression and development at the cornerback position because of how hard he works and his professional approach to the game,” Dallas said.

Torrence named NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department noted that the vaccination rate in the county is still going up, but its still under 40%.

"We're at a vaccination rate of 39.09% of residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine," Hammersmith said. "We have 24,412 actual residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine."

Hammersmith is encouraged by the numbers of young recipients of the Pfizer vaccine, according to the data.

"We've pushed it out to those that are 12 to 15," Hammersmith said. "That started on May 10 when the FDA approved that. We've given 215 kiddos in that 12 to 14 range at least one dose."

That's the total doses given in the county. The Health Department has given 59 doses out of their supply.

"We'd really like to hit that age group a little bit more as well as those going off to college," Hammersmith said. "Also, those coming in to college, if they are going to Hutch Juco."

The Health Department plans a couple of Saturday opportunities between now and the start of school. They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on July 24 and August 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623147851264.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department noted that the vaccination rate in the county is still going up, but its still under 40%."We're at a vaccination rate of 39.09% of residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine," Hammersmith said. "We have 24,412 actual residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine."Hammersmith is encouraged by the numbers of young recipients of the Pfizer vaccine, according to the data."We've pushed it out to those that are 12 to 15," Hammersmith said. "That started on May 10 when the FDA approved that. We've given 215 kiddos in that 12 to 14 range at least one dose."That's the total doses given in the county. The Health Department has given 59 doses out of their supply."We'd really like to hit that age group a little bit more as well as those going off to college," Hammersmith said. "Also, those coming in to college, if they are going to Hutch Juco."The Health Department plans a couple of Saturday opportunities between now and the start of school. They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on July 24 and August 14.

COVID-19 vaccines still being given, county still under 40% vaccinated

Dale Eugene Honeck, 74, of Park City, KS, passed away July 20, 2020, at Avita Assisted Living, in Wichita, KS.  He was born March 8, 1946, in San Diego, CA, to Cecil and Hazel (Hobbs) Honeck.  Dale’s father served in the United States Navy, and the family moved several times throughout the United States, before he graduated from Marshalltown High School in Iowa, in 1964, where he excelled in baseball and basketball.  Dale went on to play both sports at Marshalltown Community College and Wartburg College in Waverley, IA, then attended the University of Virginia, where he received his master’s degree.  After graduation, Dale began coaching at Albemarle College on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.  In 1974, while coaching basketball at Southwest State University, Marshall, MN, he met Mary Peterson, who also worked at the school.  They married on May 31, 1975, and had two daughters together.

Dale spent his career in education, having a passion for teaching government and history, and coaching basketball at both high school and college levels in several states, before settling down in Kansas, where he became a high school principal in Hugoton, for nearly ten years, then Hillsboro, where he retired.  After a sixteen year hiatus, he returned to coaching for one season while serving as the principal at Hillsboro, stepping in as head coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team and leading them to a 1st place state title in 2007.  Dale was a doting grandpa to his grandkids, loved telling stories, and making them laugh.  In his retirement, Dale spent his time attending their many school and athletic events, taking his dog on daily walks, keeping up with politics, NCAA basketball, and going to Wichita State University women’s volleyball and basketball games with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Barbara Fulcher.  Dale is survived by his wife, Mary of Park City, KS; daughters, Amy Jones (Trey) of Nickerson, KS, and Kate Honas (Craig) of Morrison, CO; grandchildren, Hunter, Ava, and Creek Jones; brothers, Mark Honeck of San Diego, CA, and Paul Honeck of Little Rock, AR; and sister, Becky Manship of Conrad, IA.

Celebration of Life service will be 3 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2021, at the Elliott Mortuary Chapel.  The family would like to request that you dress casually for the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dale Eugene Honeck Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

The family would like to thank the staff at Avita Assisted Living and Memory Care for their wonderful care they provided to Dale.

Dale Eugene Honeck, 74, of Park City, KS, passed away July 20, 2020, at Avita Assisted Living, in Wichita, KS. He was born March 8, 1946, in San Diego, CA, to Cecil and Hazel (Hobbs) Honeck. Dale’s father served in the United States Navy, and the family moved several times throughout the United States, before he graduated from Marshalltown High School in Iowa, in 1964, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Dale went on to play both sports at Marshalltown Community College and Wartburg College in Waverley, IA, then attended the University of Virginia, where he received his master’s degree. After graduation, Dale began coaching at Albemarle College on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. In 1974, while coaching basketball at Southwest State University, Marshall, MN, he met Mary Peterson, who also worked at the school. They married on May 31, 1975, and had two daughters together.Dale spent his career in education, having a passion for teaching government and history, and coaching basketball at both high school and college levels in several states, before settling down in Kansas, where he became a high school principal in Hugoton, for nearly ten years, then Hillsboro, where he retired. After a sixteen year hiatus, he returned to coaching for one season while serving as the principal at Hillsboro, stepping in as head coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team and leading them to a 1st place state title in 2007. Dale was a doting grandpa to his grandkids, loved telling stories, and making them laugh. In his retirement, Dale spent his time attending their many school and athletic events, taking his dog on daily walks, keeping up with politics, NCAA basketball, and going to Wichita State University women’s volleyball and basketball games with his wife.He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Barbara Fulcher. Dale is survived by his wife, Mary of Park City, KS; daughters, Amy Jones (Trey) of Nickerson, KS, and Kate Honas (Craig) of Morrison, CO; grandchildren, Hunter, Ava, and Creek Jones; brothers, Mark Honeck of San Diego, CA, and Paul Honeck of Little Rock, AR; and sister, Becky Manship of Conrad, IA.Celebration of Life service will be 3 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2021, at the Elliott Mortuary Chapel. The family would like to request that you dress casually for the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dale Eugene Honeck Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.The family would like to thank the staff at Avita Assisted Living and Memory Care for their wonderful care they provided to Dale.

Dale Eugene Honeck |1946-2021|

Linda Lee Roelfs-Belden, 74, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on June 15, 2021 at Hospice House of Hutchinson. 

She was born March 14, 1947 in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin “Chubb” and Betty Lee Elstun Nielsen. Linda graduated from Alden High School, Alden, Kansas, with the class of 1965; and later received her Cosmetology degree from Barton County Community College. She has resided in Hutchinson for the past 25 years, formerly of Lyons, Kansas. Linda was a hairdresser for Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in Little River, Kansas. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #982 of Hutchinson. Linda enjoyed drinking coffee with friends and most of all spending time with her family. In 1965, Linda was united in marriage with Timothy Roelfs in Bushton, Kansas. They later divorced. On May 23, 1996, Linda was united in marriage with Dan Belden in Estes Park, Colorado. He survives of the home. 

She is also survived by her son, James “Jim” Roelfs and wife Debra of Leoti, KS; sister-in-law, Gaila Demel of Ellinwood, KS; two grandchildren, Madison Vasquez and husband Cyle of Tulsa, OK, and Mikal Roelfs and wife Christal of Dodge City, KS; two great-grandchildren, Elliott Vasquez and Kinley Roelfs; two nephews, Shawn Nielsen and wife Jennifer of Wichita, KS, and Brian Roelfs and wife Tina of Sterling, KS; two nieces, Julie Roelfs-Gattenby and husband Jeff of Bison, KS, and Shelly Ward and husband Matt of GA. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carla Renee Roelfs; and brother, Daryle Nielsen. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time at the funeral home with family present. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or Moose Lodge #982 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Linda Lee Roelfs-Belden, 74, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on June 15, 2021 at Hospice House of Hutchinson. She was born March 14, 1947 in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin “Chubb” and Betty Lee Elstun Nielsen. Linda graduated from Alden High School, Alden, Kansas, with the class of 1965; and later received her Cosmetology degree from Barton County Community College. She has resided in Hutchinson for the past 25 years, formerly of Lyons, Kansas. Linda was a hairdresser for Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in Little River, Kansas. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #982 of Hutchinson. Linda enjoyed drinking coffee with friends and most of all spending time with her family. In 1965, Linda was united in marriage with Timothy Roelfs in Bushton, Kansas. They later divorced. On May 23, 1996, Linda was united in marriage with Dan Belden in Estes Park, Colorado. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her son, James “Jim” Roelfs and wife Debra of Leoti, KS; sister-in-law, Gaila Demel of Ellinwood, KS; two grandchildren, Madison Vasquez and husband Cyle of Tulsa, OK, and Mikal Roelfs and wife Christal of Dodge City, KS; two great-grandchildren, Elliott Vasquez and Kinley Roelfs; two nephews, Shawn Nielsen and wife Jennifer of Wichita, KS, and Brian Roelfs and wife Tina of Sterling, KS; two nieces, Julie Roelfs-Gattenby and husband Jeff of Bison, KS, and Shelly Ward and husband Matt of GA. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carla Renee Roelfs; and brother, Daryle Nielsen. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time at the funeral home with family present. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or Moose Lodge #982 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Linda Lee Roelfs-Belden |1947-2021|

Justin David Ray, 37, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away Friday June 11, 2021.  He fought a long battle against lymphoma and earned the mantra JRay Tough.

He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on June 1, 1984, the son of Willard and Brenda ( Zahn) Ray.

A graduate of Buhler High School.  He went on to receive an Associates Degree at Hutchinson Community College and then his Plumbing license.

Justin went on to have a successful career as the owner of JRay Plumbing.  He also had a strong passion for ranching and prided himself in being a part of the local cattleman's association, raising black angus cattle.

He is survived by his partner; Deidra Rosenberger, daughters; Harper and Briley Ray and Emma and Meacy Rosenberger, sisters; Brand Parks( and husband Dan) and Heather Fogt ( and husband Chris), nephews and niece; Caleb and Joshua Parks, and Meagan and Brady Fogt, grandmother; Kaylene Zahn.  And last, but not least his beloved pet Kit.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.  Funeral services will be Friday, June 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Hope Church, 1701 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Justin David Ray, 37, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away Friday June 11, 2021. He fought a long battle against lymphoma and earned the mantra JRay Tough.He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on June 1, 1984, the son of Willard and Brenda ( Zahn) Ray.A graduate of Buhler High School. He went on to receive an Associates Degree at Hutchinson Community College and then his Plumbing license.Justin went on to have a successful career as the owner of JRay Plumbing. He also had a strong passion for ranching and prided himself in being a part of the local cattleman's association, raising black angus cattle.He is survived by his partner; Deidra Rosenberger, daughters; Harper and Briley Ray and Emma and Meacy Rosenberger, sisters; Brand Parks( and husband Dan) and Heather Fogt ( and husband Chris), nephews and niece; Caleb and Joshua Parks, and Meagan and Brady Fogt, grandmother; Kaylene Zahn. And last, but not least his beloved pet Kit.A viewing for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas. Funeral services will be Friday, June 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Hope Church, 1701 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Justin David Ray |1984-2021|

Lyle William Neville, 83, peacefully passed away at his home in 
Chandler, Arizona, on August 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. 
He was born on June 20, 1937, on the Neville homestead farm, in 
Benkleman Township, Cheyenne County, 18 miles southwest of St. Francis, 
Kansas; one of eight children born at this farm site to Monta Alice 
(Thompson) and George Neville.&nbsp; Lyle was the last surviving member of 
his prairie farming family.

While his family mourns the passing of their patriarch, his friends, 
former students and so many others mourn the loss of an irreplaceable 
man. Lyle was very special; a kind, humble and gracious person, with a 
natural ability to make everything better.&nbsp; Lyle was a stranger to no 
one, a trusted friend to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. His
 generosity of his time, attention and sincere interest in others was 
immense.

After eight years of elementary school at rural school district #9 
(referred to as “Neville School”, where his mother taught school, and 
named in honor of his fraternal grandfather, who had donated a plot from
 his homestead ¼ section of land), Lyle graduated from Cheyenne 
Community High School in St. Francis, in 1955.&nbsp; He was President and 
Salutatorian of his Senior Class, member of the National Honor Society, 
1st Team center of the All Northwest Kansas Football team, Co-Captain of
 wrestling and football and Homecoming King.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Secondary Education, Deans Honor List.&nbsp; In pursuit of his continuing 
education over the next 40 years, Lyle also attended the University of 
Kansas, Wichita State University, Kansas State University (Hays), and 
Western State College (Gunnison, CO).

On July 23, 1961, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Coons, 
in Goodland, Kansas. Last month they celebrated their 59th wedding 
anniversary.&nbsp; A testament to Lyle and Bonnie’s lifelong love for each 
other was their amazing relationship formed and maintained with family 
and so many wonderful friends.

Lyle was a championship high school and college wrestler.&nbsp; As a high 
school wrestler at St. Francis, Lyle was special; he was one of Kansas’ 
first 3-time Kansas State Wrestling Champions (1953, 1954 &amp; 1955), 
he placed 3rd in State his freshman year (1952).&nbsp; Lyle and his high 
school teammates won four consecutive Kansas State Team Championships, 
under two legendary coaches (a total of six consecutive years, 1951 
through 1956).&nbsp; In addition to wrestling, Lyle was a 3-year football 
letterman and four-year letterman in track, where he ran the middle 
distances, relays and threw the javelin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the University of Colorado, he continued his storied wrestling 
career as a collegiate three-year letterman (freshmen were not eligible 
to participate at the varsity level).&nbsp; He was Big-7 Conference Champion 
at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959.&nbsp; 
While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship 
Tournament in 1957 and 1959.&nbsp; His amateur freestyle career was 
highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and 
Runner-Up in 1958.&nbsp; He was Champion at the 1956 U.S. Olympic, Rocky 
Mountain District Tournament in Sterling, Colorado, where he was awarded
 tournament trophy for quickest pin in 13 seconds.&nbsp; He went on that 
summer to compete in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman in the 1956 U.S. 
Olympic National Finals in Los Angeles, California.

For 35 years, Lyle excelled in his high school coaching and teaching 
career.&nbsp; He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and 
students.&nbsp; He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all.&nbsp;
 Out of college in 1959, Lyle was hired as a P.E. teacher, varsity 
wrestling coach and assistant coach in football and track in Sterling, 
Colorado.&nbsp; The following year he began a 10-year reign (1960 – 1970), as
 the head wrestling coach at Colby High School in Colby, the center 
hotbed of northwest Kansas wrestling.&nbsp; While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 
Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place 
finishes.&nbsp; In addition to his primary duties as a P.E. and social 
studies teacher, he also assisted coaching in football and track.

In 1970, Lyle moved his young family to Hutchinson, Kansas, to accept
 the varsity wrestling coaching position at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; 
While at the helm, he led his championship team for 24 seasons 
(1970-1994). Under his leadership, HHS won two Kansas Wrestling team 
titles in 1973 (5A) and 1981 (6A).&nbsp; His teams had 21 years in Top-10 
Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to the two team titles
 at HHS, his teams (Hutchinson and Colby combined) accomplished 2nd 
Place (three times – 1963, 1980 &amp; 1982), 3rd Place (four times – 
1966, 1974, 1979, 1983), 4th or 5th Place (four times), 6th – 10th 
&nbsp;Place (eight times).&nbsp;&nbsp; During his long tenure of employment with 
Hutchinson Public Schools (U.S.D. 308), Lyle also assisted in coaching 
football and track, and was in charge of the District’s Driver Education
 program for decades.&nbsp; The family often heard stories and memories of 
the young people of Hutchinson, learning how to drive in this 
well-attended summer program from the 1970’s to the 1990’s.

Lyle was inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall 
of Fame in 1995 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Lifetime 
Service to Wrestling Award), in 2004.&nbsp; Kansas Wrestling Coaches 
Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different 
decades (1978, 1981 and 1993).&nbsp; He was elected two times as President of
 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, 
and was a charter member.&nbsp;

In his entire coaching career, he led individual wrestlers to State 
Titles (25 times), including his oldest son, Brad, in 1980 and his 
nephew, Jim Coons, in 1981, 1982 and 1983.&nbsp; He coached athletes in the 
State Tournament to 2nd Place (20 times), 3rd Place (25 times) and 4th 
Place (18 times) including his son, Lane, in 1982.&nbsp; He also coached his 
son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling 
cheerleader.&nbsp; His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all.&nbsp; 
Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.

Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth 
Wrestling.&nbsp; In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the 
Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program.&nbsp; The first 
season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated 
in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass.&nbsp; The team grew 
immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement
 took off in Kansas.&nbsp; By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth 
Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys.&nbsp; Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth
 Wrestling Tournament.&nbsp; The first tournament was held in 1975, with 
about 300 participants. The next year, the tournament was moved from HHS
 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and drew nearly 600 participants as more
 and more communities had started youth wrestling programs. The 
Hutchinson YMCA Invitational Tournament continued to grow in size and 
many years it exceeded 1,000 youth wrestlers in a one-day tournament.&nbsp; 
Lyle was involved in coaching the YMCA program until 1981. Many 
outstanding volunteers helped and assisted him in youth coaching and 
with his tournament efforts over the years, including many of his 
varsity wrestlers and assistant coaches: Gary Travis, Dan Powers, Mike 
Juby, Mark and David Sandoval, Jim Coons, Tom Coons, Brad Neville, Mike 
Vierya, Bob Mauck, Mike Baker, Mike Garcia, and many others, maintaining
 sound coaching staff and fundamentals working with the youth of 
Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp; It was this spark of exposure to the sport of wrestling 
that Lyle created which captivated many young boys over the years, 
inspiring them to practice and compete in an individual sport for the 
first time, and to come to know and understand the highs and lows of 
individual athletic competition.&nbsp; For most, this simple rigor and 
self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would 
become.&nbsp;

Lyle retired from coaching in 1994.&nbsp; After retirement, Lyle worked 
for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at 
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a huge part
 of the award-winning course and was extremely proud and fond of his 
time spent out of doors on this uniquely beautiful golf project nestled 
in one the best natural settings in central Kansas.

Lyle’s greatest of all accomplishments were his family, whom he and 
Bonnie nurtured, provided for, educated and supported in every way, and 
the lifelong personal relationships he formed throughout his life.&nbsp; His 
time at Cottonwood Hills was also one of his proudest accomplishments – 
in many respects, it may have been his favorite dream come true.

Lyle is survived by: &nbsp;his wife, Bonnie of Chandler, AZ; his three 
sons, Brad (Dena) of Hutchinson, KS, Lane (Kristin) of Scottsdale, AZ, 
Morgan (Sandra) of Chandler, AZ; and daughter, Monee of Chandler, AZ; 
nine grandchildren (each of whom developed and shared a unique bond with
 their ‘grandad’ or ‘papa’), Cole, Anna, Dalton, Elle, Ayla, Mia, Skye, 
Eden and Isaac; brother-in-law, Tom Coons (Kathy) of Chandler, AZ; and 
eight nephews and nine nieces.&nbsp; He will always be missed and never 
forgotten.&nbsp; The world lost a great man.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lyle-Neville">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850618315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lyle William Neville, 83, peacefully passed away at his home in 
Chandler, Arizona, on August 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. 
He was born on June 20, 1937, on the Neville homestead farm, in 
Benkleman Township, Cheyenne County, 18 miles southwest of St. Francis, 
Kansas; one of eight children born at this farm site to Monta Alice 
(Thompson) and George Neville.&nbsp; Lyle was the last surviving member of 
his prairie farming family.While his family mourns the passing of their patriarch, his friends, 
former students and so many others mourn the loss of an irreplaceable 
man. Lyle was very special; a kind, humble and gracious person, with a 
natural ability to make everything better.&nbsp; Lyle was a stranger to no 
one, a trusted friend to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. His
 generosity of his time, attention and sincere interest in others was 
immense.After eight years of elementary school at rural school district #9 
(referred to as “Neville School”, where his mother taught school, and 
named in honor of his fraternal grandfather, who had donated a plot from
 his homestead ¼ section of land), Lyle graduated from Cheyenne 
Community High School in St. Francis, in 1955.&nbsp; He was President and 
Salutatorian of his Senior Class, member of the National Honor Society, 
1st Team center of the All Northwest Kansas Football team, Co-Captain of
 wrestling and football and Homecoming King.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Secondary Education, Deans Honor List.&nbsp; In pursuit of his continuing 
education over the next 40 years, Lyle also attended the University of 
Kansas, Wichita State University, Kansas State University (Hays), and 
Western State College (Gunnison, CO).On July 23, 1961, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Coons, 
in Goodland, Kansas. Last month they celebrated their 59th wedding 
anniversary.&nbsp; A testament to Lyle and Bonnie’s lifelong love for each 
other was their amazing relationship formed and maintained with family 
and so many wonderful friends.Lyle was a championship high school and college wrestler.&nbsp; As a high 
school wrestler at St. Francis, Lyle was special; he was one of Kansas’ 
first 3-time Kansas State Wrestling Champions (1953, 1954 &amp; 1955), 
he placed 3rd in State his freshman year (1952).&nbsp; Lyle and his high 
school teammates won four consecutive Kansas State Team Championships, 
under two legendary coaches (a total of six consecutive years, 1951 
through 1956).&nbsp; In addition to wrestling, Lyle was a 3-year football 
letterman and four-year letterman in track, where he ran the middle 
distances, relays and threw the javelin.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the University of Colorado, he continued his storied wrestling 
career as a collegiate three-year letterman (freshmen were not eligible 
to participate at the varsity level).&nbsp; He was Big-7 Conference Champion 
at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959.&nbsp; 
While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship 
Tournament in 1957 and 1959.&nbsp; His amateur freestyle career was 
highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and 
Runner-Up in 1958.&nbsp; He was Champion at the 1956 U.S. Olympic, Rocky 
Mountain District Tournament in Sterling, Colorado, where he was awarded
 tournament trophy for quickest pin in 13 seconds.&nbsp; He went on that 
summer to compete in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman in the 1956 U.S. 
Olympic National Finals in Los Angeles, California.For 35 years, Lyle excelled in his high school coaching and teaching 
career.&nbsp; He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and 
students.&nbsp; He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all.&nbsp;
 Out of college in 1959, Lyle was hired as a P.E. teacher, varsity 
wrestling coach and assistant coach in football and track in Sterling, 
Colorado.&nbsp; The following year he began a 10-year reign (1960 – 1970), as
 the head wrestling coach at Colby High School in Colby, the center 
hotbed of northwest Kansas wrestling.&nbsp; While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 
Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place 
finishes.&nbsp; In addition to his primary duties as a P.E. and social 
studies teacher, he also assisted coaching in football and track.In 1970, Lyle moved his young family to Hutchinson, Kansas, to accept
 the varsity wrestling coaching position at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; 
While at the helm, he led his championship team for 24 seasons 
(1970-1994). Under his leadership, HHS won two Kansas Wrestling team 
titles in 1973 (5A) and 1981 (6A).&nbsp; His teams had 21 years in Top-10 
Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to the two team titles
 at HHS, his teams (Hutchinson and Colby combined) accomplished 2nd 
Place (three times – 1963, 1980 &amp; 1982), 3rd Place (four times – 
1966, 1974, 1979, 1983), 4th or 5th Place (four times), 6th – 10th 
&nbsp;Place (eight times).&nbsp;&nbsp; During his long tenure of employment with 
Hutchinson Public Schools (U.S.D. 308), Lyle also assisted in coaching 
football and track, and was in charge of the District’s Driver Education
 program for decades.&nbsp; The family often heard stories and memories of 
the young people of Hutchinson, learning how to drive in this 
well-attended summer program from the 1970’s to the 1990’s.Lyle was inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall 
of Fame in 1995 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Lifetime 
Service to Wrestling Award), in 2004.&nbsp; Kansas Wrestling Coaches 
Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different 
decades (1978, 1981 and 1993).&nbsp; He was elected two times as President of
 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, 
and was a charter member.&nbsp;In his entire coaching career, he led individual wrestlers to State 
Titles (25 times), including his oldest son, Brad, in 1980 and his 
nephew, Jim Coons, in 1981, 1982 and 1983.&nbsp; He coached athletes in the 
State Tournament to 2nd Place (20 times), 3rd Place (25 times) and 4th 
Place (18 times) including his son, Lane, in 1982.&nbsp; He also coached his 
son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling 
cheerleader.&nbsp; His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all.&nbsp; 
Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth 
Wrestling.&nbsp; In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the 
Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program.&nbsp; The first 
season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated 
in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass.&nbsp; The team grew 
immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement
 took off in Kansas.&nbsp; By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth 
Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys.&nbsp; Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth
 Wrestling Tournament.&nbsp; The first tournament was held in 1975, with 
about 300 participants. The next year, the tournament was moved from HHS
 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and drew nearly 600 participants as more
 and more communities had started youth wrestling programs. The 
Hutchinson YMCA Invitational Tournament continued to grow in size and 
many years it exceeded 1,000 youth wrestlers in a one-day tournament.&nbsp; 
Lyle was involved in coaching the YMCA program until 1981. Many 
outstanding volunteers helped and assisted him in youth coaching and 
with his tournament efforts over the years, including many of his 
varsity wrestlers and assistant coaches: Gary Travis, Dan Powers, Mike 
Juby, Mark and David Sandoval, Jim Coons, Tom Coons, Brad Neville, Mike 
Vierya, Bob Mauck, Mike Baker, Mike Garcia, and many others, maintaining
 sound coaching staff and fundamentals working with the youth of 
Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp; It was this spark of exposure to the sport of wrestling 
that Lyle created which captivated many young boys over the years, 
inspiring them to practice and compete in an individual sport for the 
first time, and to come to know and understand the highs and lows of 
individual athletic competition.&nbsp; For most, this simple rigor and 
self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would 
become.&nbsp;Lyle retired from coaching in 1994.&nbsp; After retirement, Lyle worked 
for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at 
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a huge part
 of the award-winning course and was extremely proud and fond of his 
time spent out of doors on this uniquely beautiful golf project nestled 
in one the best natural settings in central Kansas.Lyle’s greatest of all accomplishments were his family, whom he and 
Bonnie nurtured, provided for, educated and supported in every way, and 
the lifelong personal relationships he formed throughout his life.&nbsp; His 
time at Cottonwood Hills was also one of his proudest accomplishments – 
in many respects, it may have been his favorite dream come true.Lyle is survived by: &nbsp;his wife, Bonnie of Chandler, AZ; his three 
sons, Brad (Dena) of Hutchinson, KS, Lane (Kristin) of Scottsdale, AZ, 
Morgan (Sandra) of Chandler, AZ; and daughter, Monee of Chandler, AZ; 
nine grandchildren (each of whom developed and shared a unique bond with
 their ‘grandad’ or ‘papa’), Cole, Anna, Dalton, Elle, Ayla, Mia, Skye, 
Eden and Isaac; brother-in-law, Tom Coons (Kathy) of Chandler, AZ; and 
eight nephews and nine nieces.&nbsp; He will always be missed and never 
forgotten.&nbsp; The world lost a great man.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lyle-Neville">HERE</a> for service details.

Lyle William Neville


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Retiring USD 308 assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus notes that there are some challenges for his replacement, Dr. Dawn Johnson as she comes in July 1, especially when it comes to hiring teachers.

"Ideally, you want to be full by the end of May," Kraus said. "The challenges in the last eight to ten years have made that very difficult to become a reality. We still have a handful of teaching positions that are unfilled, with not a lot of prospects on the horizon."

It's incumbent on the district to find the solid students that are coming into the workforce and get to them first.

"The only way to beat that is to hire early, which means maybe you gamble in December with some mid-year graduates in anticipation of perhaps some openings," Kraus said. "By the same token, when it comes to the life changing events, like the boyfriend finally proposes and they are going to move to Kansas City or whatever, you are left with vacancies in May that there are not a lot of options to get filled."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620164385561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Retiring USD 308 assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus notes that there are some challenges for his replacement, Dr. Dawn Johnson as she comes in July 1, especially when it comes to hiring teachers."Ideally, you want to be full by the end of May," Kraus said. "The challenges in the last eight to ten years have made that very difficult to become a reality. We still have a handful of teaching positions that are unfilled, with not a lot of prospects on the horizon."It's incumbent on the district to find the solid students that are coming into the workforce and get to them first."The only way to beat that is to hire early, which means maybe you gamble in December with some mid-year graduates in anticipation of perhaps some openings," Kraus said. "By the same token, when it comes to the life changing events, like the boyfriend finally proposes and they are going to move to Kansas City or whatever, you are left with vacancies in May that there are not a lot of options to get filled."Kraus is proud of the partnership USD 308 has put together with Sterling College where they have students shadow teachers and then student teach in the same building in an effort to make it a good fit for them once they finish school.