
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno Valley Middle School band teacher Dan Brinkley is the May Teacher of the Month presented by Allen Samuels CDJR. He also teaches beginning band at South Hutchinson Elementary and is an assistant director at Nickerson High School.

"You do have to choose to be in the band class," Brinkley said. "There's also some parents that kind of want to legacy their kids in and then they're a little reluctant. We're doing our best to kind of keep the kids excited about it."

One of the important things kids learn in band is how teamwork helps make the music happen.

"If you're on a basketball team, only five of you get to go out at a time, the rest of you are riding the bench and not really doing anything, but you do all the practice to prepare for it," Brinkley said. "In band, when we go to a concert or we're playing on the marching band field, it's all in and we need 100% out of everybody in order to put our finished product on the field or on the concert stage."

Nominator Lisa McDaniel said that Brinkley is her favorite teacher and that she is grateful to have someone who helped her fall in love with her trumpet and playing music in general.

"If you apply yourself and really learn your instrument, there are opportunities as you get older," Brinkley said. "There's community band. I work with a teacher, she actually works and does pit orchestras on the side. She played flute through college. There's always opportunities for you to keep playing and singing. You've just got to look for them."

Brinkley sees his biggest goal as a music educator is to instill a love of music in students that compels them to continue to make it a part of their life even when they are adults.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622213564694.jpeg" alt="Cris Schul from Allen Samuels, Dan Brinkley from Reno Valley Middle School, Nancy Swain from Eagle Communications" />
 <figcaption>Cris Schul from Allen Samuels, Dan Brinkley from Reno Valley Middle School, Nancy Swain from Eagle Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno Valley Middle School band teacher Dan Brinkley is the May Teacher of the Month presented by Allen Samuels CDJR. He also teaches beginning band at South Hutchinson Elementary and is an assistant director at Nickerson High School."You do have to choose to be in the band class," Brinkley said. "There's also some parents that kind of want to legacy their kids in and then they're a little reluctant. We're doing our best to kind of keep the kids excited about it."One of the important things kids learn in band is how teamwork helps make the music happen."If you're on a basketball team, only five of you get to go out at a time, the rest of you are riding the bench and not really doing anything, but you do all the practice to prepare for it," Brinkley said. "In band, when we go to a concert or we're playing on the marching band field, it's all in and we need 100% out of everybody in order to put our finished product on the field or on the concert stage."Nominator Lisa McDaniel said that Brinkley is her favorite teacher and that she is grateful to have someone who helped her fall in love with her trumpet and playing music in general."If you apply yourself and really learn your instrument, there are opportunities as you get older," Brinkley said. "There's community band. I work with a teacher, she actually works and does pit orchestras on the side. She played flute through college. There's always opportunities for you to keep playing and singing. You've just got to look for them."Brinkley sees his biggest goal as a music educator is to instill a love of music in students that compels them to continue to make it a part of their life even when they are adults.

May Teacher of the Month: Dan Brinkley's love for band handed down to students

A pair of golfers from the 2021 national champion Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team have been named finalists for the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year Award.

Blue Dragon freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett were joined by Cecil Belisle of South Mountain, Peyton Coursey of Tyler and Sam McKenzie of Midland as the 2021 finalists, which were announced on Thursday by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

The Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year Award is presented by True Spec Golf.

Winners of the award – which will include all three divisions in the NJCAA, all three NCAA divisions and NAIA – will be announced during the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, scheduled June 3-6.

This is the third-straight season a Blue Dragon has been a finalist for the Nicklaus Player of the Year Award. Sophomore Charlie Crockett was named a finalist in both 2019 and 2020.

Not only did Partridge and Harry Crockett lead the Blue Dragons to the program’s first national team championship, the players dueled in a four-hole playoff for the 2021 NJCAA national individual championship. Partridge won the individual title with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole.

Both Partridge and Crockett had exceptional seasons from start to finish in 2020-21.

Combined, the Blue Dragon freshmen accounted for four individual tournament titles, four individual runners-up, 11 Top-3 finishes and 17 Top-10 tournament finishes. They had a combined 33 of 58 rounds shot under par and a combined stroke average of 71.4.

With their national tournament finishes, Partridge and Crockett were the first and second Blue Dragons to earn NJCAA first-team All-America honors in men’s golf.

Partridge, a freshman from London, England, 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.

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.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationA pair of golfers from the 2021 national champion Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team have been named finalists for the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year Award.Blue Dragon freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett were joined by Cecil Belisle of South Mountain, Peyton Coursey of Tyler and Sam McKenzie of Midland as the 2021 finalists, which were announced on Thursday by the Golf Coaches Association of America.The Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year Award is presented by True Spec Golf.Winners of the award – which will include all three divisions in the NJCAA, all three NCAA divisions and NAIA – will be announced during the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, scheduled June 3-6.This is the third-straight season a Blue Dragon has been a finalist for the Nicklaus Player of the Year Award. Sophomore Charlie Crockett was named a finalist in both 2019 and 2020.Not only did Partridge and Harry Crockett lead the Blue Dragons to the program’s first national team championship, the players dueled in a four-hole playoff for the 2021 NJCAA national individual championship. Partridge won the individual title with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole.Both Partridge and Crockett had exceptional seasons from start to finish in 2020-21.Combined, the Blue Dragon freshmen accounted for four individual tournament titles, four individual runners-up, 11 Top-3 finishes and 17 Top-10 tournament finishes. They had a combined 33 of 58 rounds shot under par and a combined stroke average of 71.4.With their national tournament finishes, Partridge and Crockett were the first and second Blue Dragons to earn NJCAA first-team All-America honors in men’s golf.Partridge, a freshman from London, England, 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.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.

Partridge and Crockett are Nicklaus Award finalists

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2020-21 Hutchinson Community College football team has already scratched one goal off the preseason wish list – a Jayhawk Conference championship.

Now the Blue Dragons get to go after the other coveted item on that list – to play for a national championship.

The NJCAA announced on Monday that the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (7-0) will play No. 2 Snow College (8-0) in the 2020-21 NJCAA Football Championship game. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.

The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.

Tickets for the NJCAA Football National Championship presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">https://www.njcaa.org/tickets</a>. Tickets will range from $12 to $45.

The Blue Dragon Athletic Department is planning on a “Fan Bus” for the championship game. Details on the Fan Bus will be released later this week.

The Blue Dragons will play for a national championship for the first time in the program’s 89-year history. The highest final ranking the Blue Dragons have ever had in football was No. 3 after the 2019 season. The only other seasons the Blue Dragons finished undefeated were 1947 and 1969.

The championship game matchup will be the first between Hutchinson and Snow.

The Badgers will be looking for their second national title in football. Snow won the 1985 championship defeating NEO in the Mid-America Bowl. Snow also played in the 2008 national championship game and lost 37-30 in double overtime to Butler.

That was the first year that the NJCAA started designating bowl games as the national championship game. Then in 2018, the NJCAA created a game for the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the final poll to play for the national championship. In 2018 and 2019, those games were at Pittsburg State University’s Brandenburg Stadium.

Under first-year head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons rolled through the Jayhawk Conference for its first KJCCC title since 2014 and seventh in program history. Hutchinson outscored its opponents 334-80 this season.

The Blue Dragons own two dominant Top 10 victories this season. Hutchinson defeated then No. 3 (now No. 5) Garden City 23-7 on April 25. One week later, the Blue Dragons traveled to and defeated then No. 6 (now No. 7) Independence 42-24.

Snow opened the season with an impressive 31-30 victory at Iowa Western. The Badgers also own victories of 27-7 at Lackawanna, a 27-6 home win over ASA Miami and back-to-back wins in Iowa of 69-18 at Ellsworth and 48-14 at Iowa Central. Snow closed the season with a 77-0 win over Gordon’s Fine Arts and Sports Academy on May 15.

The Blue Dragons have gone wire-to-wire in the NJCAA Rankings this season. Hutchinson was the preseason No. 1 pick in the poll and did not drop during the regular season. The Blue Dragons and Snow were 1-2 in the final regular-season poll released on Monday. The remainder of the Top 5 was Cisco (7-0), Iowa Western (7-1) and Garden City (7-1).

Blue Dragon Football will be making its 23rd postseason appearance. The Blue Dragons are 13-7-2 in postseason games.

The Blue Dragons bid to become the first Jayhawk Conference team to win a national football title since Garden City in 2016. The Blue Dragons also seek to become the fifth KJCCC school to win a national championship (Butler 6, Coffeyville 3, Garden City 1, Fort Scott 1).

<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

By STEVE CARPENTERBlue Dragon Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2020-21 Hutchinson Community College football team has already scratched one goal off the preseason wish list – a Jayhawk Conference championship.Now the Blue Dragons get to go after the other coveted item on that list – to play for a national championship.The NJCAA announced on Monday that the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (7-0) will play No. 2 Snow College (8-0) in the 2020-21 NJCAA Football Championship game. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.Tickets for the NJCAA Football National Championship presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">https://www.njcaa.org/tickets</a>. Tickets will range from $12 to $45.The Blue Dragon Athletic Department is planning on a “Fan Bus” for the championship game. Details on the Fan Bus will be released later this week.The Blue Dragons will play for a national championship for the first time in the program’s 89-year history. The highest final ranking the Blue Dragons have ever had in football was No. 3 after the 2019 season. The only other seasons the Blue Dragons finished undefeated were 1947 and 1969.The championship game matchup will be the first between Hutchinson and Snow.The Badgers will be looking for their second national title in football. Snow won the 1985 championship defeating NEO in the Mid-America Bowl. Snow also played in the 2008 national championship game and lost 37-30 in double overtime to Butler.That was the first year that the NJCAA started designating bowl games as the national championship game. Then in 2018, the NJCAA created a game for the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the final poll to play for the national championship. In 2018 and 2019, those games were at Pittsburg State University’s Brandenburg Stadium.Under first-year head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons rolled through the Jayhawk Conference for its first KJCCC title since 2014 and seventh in program history. Hutchinson outscored its opponents 334-80 this season.The Blue Dragons own two dominant Top 10 victories this season. Hutchinson defeated then No. 3 (now No. 5) Garden City 23-7 on April 25. One week later, the Blue Dragons traveled to and defeated then No. 6 (now No. 7) Independence 42-24.Snow opened the season with an impressive 31-30 victory at Iowa Western. The Badgers also own victories of 27-7 at Lackawanna, a 27-6 home win over ASA Miami and back-to-back wins in Iowa of 69-18 at Ellsworth and 48-14 at Iowa Central. Snow closed the season with a 77-0 win over Gordon’s Fine Arts and Sports Academy on May 15.The Blue Dragons have gone wire-to-wire in the NJCAA Rankings this season. Hutchinson was the preseason No. 1 pick in the poll and did not drop during the regular season. The Blue Dragons and Snow were 1-2 in the final regular-season poll released on Monday. The remainder of the Top 5 was Cisco (7-0), Iowa Western (7-1) and Garden City (7-1).Blue Dragon Football will be making its 23rd postseason appearance. The Blue Dragons are 13-7-2 in postseason games.The Blue Dragons bid to become the first Jayhawk Conference team to win a national football title since Garden City in 2016. The Blue Dragons also seek to become the fifth KJCCC school to win a national championship (Butler 6, Coffeyville 3, Garden City 1, Fort Scott 1).<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🏈 Dragons will play for national championship

Hutchinson– William (Bill) Perrone passed away peacefully May 20, 2021, surrounded by family at his home. He was born October 7, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, to Anthony and Ida Perrone. The only son in a family of four sisters, he was cherished from the beginning. He graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens, New York, and left NYC for McPherson College. Bill was sure a cab would be waiting on the other end.

Instead, he met and married Sylvia Gallardo, the love of his life. Bill and Sylvia raised their two sons, Brian and Billy, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Bill served 30 years on the Hutchinson Fire Department. After retirement, he loved interacting with the kids on his Nickerson bus. After dropping the kids off, he was known to get in a round of golf, racquetball or pickleball game.

Bill loved the New York Yankees, playing poker, and enjoying the simple life with family and friends. He told the best stories about life in New York and dropped everything to play with his grandkids. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly by all.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; son, Brian Perrone and wife Emily (VinZant) of Burrton, Kansas; son, William (Billy) Anthony Perrone of Hutchinson, Kansas; grandchildren, Austin, Alec, Ella, Adam, and Eliza; sisters, Paula Callanan, Toni Jachens, Jessie Campbell, Mari Sheehan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with City of Hutchinson Parks Department in Memory of Bill Perrone.

Hutchinson– William (Bill) Perrone passed away peacefully May 20, 2021, surrounded by family at his home. He was born October 7, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, to Anthony and Ida Perrone. The only son in a family of four sisters, he was cherished from the beginning. He graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens, New York, and left NYC for McPherson College. Bill was sure a cab would be waiting on the other end.Instead, he met and married Sylvia Gallardo, the love of his life. Bill and Sylvia raised their two sons, Brian and Billy, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Bill served 30 years on the Hutchinson Fire Department. After retirement, he loved interacting with the kids on his Nickerson bus. After dropping the kids off, he was known to get in a round of golf, racquetball or pickleball game.Bill loved the New York Yankees, playing poker, and enjoying the simple life with family and friends. He told the best stories about life in New York and dropped everything to play with his grandkids. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly by all.Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; son, Brian Perrone and wife Emily (VinZant) of Burrton, Kansas; son, William (Billy) Anthony Perrone of Hutchinson, Kansas; grandchildren, Austin, Alec, Ella, Adam, and Eliza; sisters, Paula Callanan, Toni Jachens, Jessie Campbell, Mari Sheehan. He was preceded in death by his parents.A celebration of life will be held at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with City of Hutchinson Parks Department in Memory of Bill Perrone.

William (Bill) Perrone |1947-2021|

Wendy Ann Cox, 52, Topeka, Kansas, lost a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka.

Wendy was born September 30, 1968, in Hutchinson, Kansas, daughter of Sally Kern, who died in 2016, and Dan and Sharon Deming of Hutchinson. She was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University where she achieved her medical degree as a certified physician assistant, specializing in heart surgery.

Wendy was uniquely qualified to assist with heart operations and patient follow up, spending her final years of patient care at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, Topeka. She had earlier been a physician assistant in the Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Room, Topeka, the Hutchinson Clinic, and other Kansas practices. Wendy was especially devoted to her patients and until several weeks before her death was involved in lengthy operating room surgery.

Wendy centered much of her love and attention to her son, Andrew Cox, who died February 5, 2021, in Topeka. She was especially appreciative to her fellow doctors and health care professionals who gave her opportunities to help people in special and memorable way that will never be forgotten.

Other survivors include her sister, Shannon Guild (Doug), Rogers, AR, who devoted special care and comfort by making numerous trips to Topeka. Wendy's family also included several devoted friends and caregivers, Mary Roy, Topeka, Angie Gamber, Topeka, and Kait Hupe, Wamego, who assisted her in home and hospice care. She also acknowledges the care given by those at Midland Care Hospice.

Also giving much appreciated support were Pam and Mike Clutter, Topeka, Paul Cox, Diana Leuschner and the Cox Family in Washington State. Numerous nieces, nephews and other family members in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas also mourn Wendy's loss along with her faithful miniature bulldog, Stella.

Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where celebration of Wendy's life will be at 5 p.m. Wendy requested burial in Hutchinson alongside her grandmother, June Deming, who also was overjoyed by her presence and accomplishments.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oxford House of Kansas, Helping Hands Humane Society, Hutchinson Animal Shelter, St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, or to The University of Kansas Cancer Research, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to <a href="http://www.kevinbrennanfamily.com">www.kevinbrennanfamily.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621526542044.jpeg" alt="Wendy Cox" />
 <figcaption>Wendy Cox</figcaption>
 </figure>Wendy Ann Cox, 52, Topeka, Kansas, lost a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka.Wendy was born September 30, 1968, in Hutchinson, Kansas, daughter of Sally Kern, who died in 2016, and Dan and Sharon Deming of Hutchinson. She was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University where she achieved her medical degree as a certified physician assistant, specializing in heart surgery.Wendy was uniquely qualified to assist with heart operations and patient follow up, spending her final years of patient care at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, Topeka. She had earlier been a physician assistant in the Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Room, Topeka, the Hutchinson Clinic, and other Kansas practices. Wendy was especially devoted to her patients and until several weeks before her death was involved in lengthy operating room surgery.Wendy centered much of her love and attention to her son, Andrew Cox, who died February 5, 2021, in Topeka. She was especially appreciative to her fellow doctors and health care professionals who gave her opportunities to help people in special and memorable way that will never be forgotten.Other survivors include her sister, Shannon Guild (Doug), Rogers, AR, who devoted special care and comfort by making numerous trips to Topeka. Wendy's family also included several devoted friends and caregivers, Mary Roy, Topeka, Angie Gamber, Topeka, and Kait Hupe, Wamego, who assisted her in home and hospice care. She also acknowledges the care given by those at Midland Care Hospice.Also giving much appreciated support were Pam and Mike Clutter, Topeka, Paul Cox, Diana Leuschner and the Cox Family in Washington State. Numerous nieces, nephews and other family members in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas also mourn Wendy's loss along with her faithful miniature bulldog, Stella.Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where celebration of Wendy's life will be at 5 p.m. Wendy requested burial in Hutchinson alongside her grandmother, June Deming, who also was overjoyed by her presence and accomplishments.Memorial contributions may be made to Oxford House of Kansas, Helping Hands Humane Society, Hutchinson Animal Shelter, St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, or to The University of Kansas Cancer Research, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to <a href="http://www.kevinbrennanfamily.com">www.kevinbrennanfamily.com</a>.

Wendy Ann Cox |1968-2021|

Nadine Gay (Decker) Spence, 66, of McPherson, KS, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020, in Henderson, NV.

Nadine was born, June 2, 1954, in Newton, KS, the daughter of Robert E. and Susie L. (Rudiger) Decker. She attended Canton Public Schools where she was a cheerleader and May Day Queen, and she graduated in 1972 as valedictorian of her class. She attended Hutchinson Junior College, Pittsburg State University, and graduated from McPherson College with a degree in accounting.

Nadine met Steve Spence at Hutchinson Junior College. They were married on June 15, 1974, at the First Baptist Church in McPherson where they remain members. They were blessed with two daughters, April and Abbigail. Nadine loved her daughters and supported them through involvement in all their activities. She took on leadership roles as Sunday School teacher and president of the PTA, Campfire Girls, and Arts Council Choir.

Nadine built her career as an accountant at Kansas Jack and continued as an Accounting Manager at NCRA, retiring in 2015. She was also a leader in the community as she was involved with Leadership McPherson through the Chamber of Commerce, All Schools Day Chairman, and countless other organizations.

Nadine was a loving, caring individual who enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She could light up a room with her smile and laughter. She was always positive and put others before herself. She brought joyful life to every holiday and family reunion, which included any number of her beloved 45 cousins. Friendship was very important to her. She looked forward to lunches, shopping trips, and socializing with all her friends. In retirement, Nadine and Steve continued traveling, camping, and spending time with their family, including their precious granddaughter, Olivia. Nadine thrived in her role as a grandmother, and she and Steve took every opportunity to create memories together as Grandma and Grandpa.

Survivors include: her husband, Steve Spence; daughter, April Spence of Chicago IL; daughter, Abbigail (John) Peddieson of Henderson, NV; granddaughter, Olivia Peddieson (age 4); brother, Dwight (Jeanne) Decker of Canton, KS; and one uncle and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Julie and Julie’s husband Charlie Hoyer of Canton, KS.

Nadine was loved by everyone who met her and will be missed greatly.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 4, at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the McPherson American Legion following the burial.

Memorial donations may be given to McPherson County Humane Society or the First Baptist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621505607118.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nadine Gay (Decker) Spence, 66, of McPherson, KS, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020, in Henderson, NV.Nadine was born, June 2, 1954, in Newton, KS, the daughter of Robert E. and Susie L. (Rudiger) Decker. She attended Canton Public Schools where she was a cheerleader and May Day Queen, and she graduated in 1972 as valedictorian of her class. She attended Hutchinson Junior College, Pittsburg State University, and graduated from McPherson College with a degree in accounting.Nadine met Steve Spence at Hutchinson Junior College. They were married on June 15, 1974, at the First Baptist Church in McPherson where they remain members. They were blessed with two daughters, April and Abbigail. Nadine loved her daughters and supported them through involvement in all their activities. She took on leadership roles as Sunday School teacher and president of the PTA, Campfire Girls, and Arts Council Choir.Nadine built her career as an accountant at Kansas Jack and continued as an Accounting Manager at NCRA, retiring in 2015. She was also a leader in the community as she was involved with Leadership McPherson through the Chamber of Commerce, All Schools Day Chairman, and countless other organizations.Nadine was a loving, caring individual who enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She could light up a room with her smile and laughter. She was always positive and put others before herself. She brought joyful life to every holiday and family reunion, which included any number of her beloved 45 cousins. Friendship was very important to her. She looked forward to lunches, shopping trips, and socializing with all her friends. In retirement, Nadine and Steve continued traveling, camping, and spending time with their family, including their precious granddaughter, Olivia. Nadine thrived in her role as a grandmother, and she and Steve took every opportunity to create memories together as Grandma and Grandpa.Survivors include: her husband, Steve Spence; daughter, April Spence of Chicago IL; daughter, Abbigail (John) Peddieson of Henderson, NV; granddaughter, Olivia Peddieson (age 4); brother, Dwight (Jeanne) Decker of Canton, KS; and one uncle and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Julie and Julie’s husband Charlie Hoyer of Canton, KS.Nadine was loved by everyone who met her and will be missed greatly.The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 4, at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the McPherson American Legion following the burial.Memorial donations may be given to McPherson County Humane Society or the First Baptist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

Nadine G. Spence |1954-2021|

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.  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.  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.  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.  He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education, Deans Honor List.  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.  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.  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).  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).  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.  

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).  He was Big-7 Conference Champion at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959.  While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship Tournament in 1957 and 1959.  His amateur freestyle career was highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and Runner-Up in 1958.  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.  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.  He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and students.  He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all.  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.  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.  While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place finishes.  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.  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).  His teams had 21 years in Top-10 Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons.  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  Place (eight times).   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.  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.  Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different decades (1978, 1981 and 1993).  He was elected two times as President of Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, and was a charter member. 

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.  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.  He also coached his son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling cheerleader.  His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all.  Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.

Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth Wrestling.  In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program.  The first season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass.  The team grew immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement took off in Kansas.  By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys.  Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth Wrestling Tournament.  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.  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.   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.  For most, this simple rigor and self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would become. 

Lyle retired from coaching in 1994.  After retirement, Lyle worked for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas.  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.  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:  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.  He will always be missed and never forgotten.  The world lost a great man.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in memory of Lyle on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Mortuary Chapel.

The Lyle W. Neville Memorial Fund has been established to be utilized solely for the advancement and opportunity of youths of character, with athletic and academic achievements, to be recognized and receive scholarship assistance for their pursuit of post-secondary education.  Please send contributions, payable to the Lyle W. Neville Memorial Fund, which has been established with the First National Bank of Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621461066184.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. 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. 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. 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. He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education, Deans Honor List. 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. 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. 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). 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). 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. 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). He was Big-7 Conference Champion at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959. While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship Tournament in 1957 and 1959. His amateur freestyle career was highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and Runner-Up in 1958. 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. 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. He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and students. He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all. 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. 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. While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place finishes. 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. 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). His teams had 21 years in Top-10 Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons. 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 Place (eight times). 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. 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. Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different decades (1978, 1981 and 1993). He was elected two times as President of Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, and was a charter member. 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. 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. He also coached his son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling cheerleader. His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all. Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth Wrestling. In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program. The first season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass. The team grew immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement took off in Kansas. By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys. Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth Wrestling Tournament. 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. 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. 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. For most, this simple rigor and self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would become. Lyle retired from coaching in 1994. After retirement, Lyle worked for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas. 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. 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: 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. He will always be missed and never forgotten. The world lost a great man.A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in memory of Lyle on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Mortuary Chapel.The Lyle W. Neville Memorial Fund has been established to be utilized solely for the advancement and opportunity of youths of character, with athletic and academic achievements, to be recognized and receive scholarship assistance for their pursuit of post-secondary education. Please send contributions, payable to the Lyle W. Neville Memorial Fund, which has been established with the First National Bank of Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Lyle William Neville | 1937 - 2020 |

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team returned to the NJCAA Top 20 for the first time in four years on Monday.

The Blue Dragons on Tuesday snapped a three-match Region VI Tournament losing streak.

Sophomore Esther Karhayu scored a pair of goals to lead the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons to a 3-1 victory over Coffeyville in the quarterfinals of the Region VI Women’s Soccer Tournament at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium.

The Blue Dragons (7-3-3) advance to the Region VI semifinals against the Cowley/Butler winner on Saturday at the Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita. The Cowley-Butler quarterfinal match is Wednesday in Arkansas City. This will be Hutchinson’s first Region VI semifinal appearance since 2016.

Just minutes into the match, the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens were playing in heavy rain.

Within the midst of the downpour, Sophomore Samantha Vaughn worked a pass down the left sideline to Karhayu, who received the pass and sprinted toward the goal. She rifled a shot past the Coffeyville keeper for a 1-0 lead with 33:04 to play in the first half.

Led by the back line of sophomore Cheyenne Busker and Zara Lawless, the Blue Dragons held Coffeyville to only one shot attempted in the first half and limited Coffeyville’s leading scorer, Louise Atkinson, to only three shot attempts for the match.

The Blue Dragons took control of the match with two goals in a 1-minute, 34-second span early in the second half.

Karhayu scored her second goal of the match when she powered home a rebound of her own saved shot and gave Hutchinson a 2-0 lead with 41:25 to play in the second half on an unassisted goal.

Just 1:34 later, sophomore Marah Franke delivered a corner kick that Chiara Stuenkel headed into the goal for a 3-0 lead with 39:51 to play.

Coffeyville was able to break the shutout with 12:49 to play when Rachael Manley scored unassisted after a bad Blue Dragon goal kick.

After than that, the Blue Dragon defense was stellar, allowing only three shots to get to freshman goalkeeper Kambrian Colborn, who had two saves.

Coffeyville out-shot Hutchinson 16-10, 15 shots by the Red Ravens were in the second half.

Karhayu scored a goal in her fourth-straight match. She has back-to-back matches with two goals and this is her third multi-goal game this season and fourth of her career.

Karhayu is the 15th Blue Dragon in Hutchinson postseason history with a multi-goal match.

The Blue Dragons are now 22-12 all-time in the postseason, including 13-3 in the Region VI quarterfinals. Hutchinson is 3-1 all-time in the Region VI Tournament against Coffeyville, all three wins have come at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium.

By STEVE CARPENTERBlue Dragon Sports InformationCOFFEYVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team returned to the NJCAA Top 20 for the first time in four years on Monday.The Blue Dragons on Tuesday snapped a three-match Region VI Tournament losing streak.Sophomore Esther Karhayu scored a pair of goals to lead the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons to a 3-1 victory over Coffeyville in the quarterfinals of the Region VI Women’s Soccer Tournament at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium.The Blue Dragons (7-3-3) advance to the Region VI semifinals against the Cowley/Butler winner on Saturday at the Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita. The Cowley-Butler quarterfinal match is Wednesday in Arkansas City. This will be Hutchinson’s first Region VI semifinal appearance since 2016.Just minutes into the match, the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens were playing in heavy rain.Within the midst of the downpour, Sophomore Samantha Vaughn worked a pass down the left sideline to Karhayu, who received the pass and sprinted toward the goal. She rifled a shot past the Coffeyville keeper for a 1-0 lead with 33:04 to play in the first half.Led by the back line of sophomore Cheyenne Busker and Zara Lawless, the Blue Dragons held Coffeyville to only one shot attempted in the first half and limited Coffeyville’s leading scorer, Louise Atkinson, to only three shot attempts for the match.Hutchinson led 1-0 at halftime.The Blue Dragons took control of the match with two goals in a 1-minute, 34-second span early in the second half.Karhayu scored her second goal of the match when she powered home a rebound of her own saved shot and gave Hutchinson a 2-0 lead with 41:25 to play in the second half on an unassisted goal.Just 1:34 later, sophomore Marah Franke delivered a corner kick that Chiara Stuenkel headed into the goal for a 3-0 lead with 39:51 to play.Coffeyville was able to break the shutout with 12:49 to play when Rachael Manley scored unassisted after a bad Blue Dragon goal kick.After than that, the Blue Dragon defense was stellar, allowing only three shots to get to freshman goalkeeper Kambrian Colborn, who had two saves.Coffeyville out-shot Hutchinson 16-10, 15 shots by the Red Ravens were in the second half.Karhayu scored a goal in her fourth-straight match. She has back-to-back matches with two goals and this is her third multi-goal game this season and fourth of her career.Karhayu is the 15th Blue Dragon in Hutchinson postseason history with a multi-goal match.The Blue Dragons are now 22-12 all-time in the postseason, including 13-3 in the Region VI quarterfinals. Hutchinson is 3-1 all-time in the Region VI Tournament against Coffeyville, all three wins have come at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium.

Dragons snap Region VI skid with soggy win over Ravens

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College will host an apprenticeship round table event on Wednesday, May 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Stringer Fine Arts Center on the HutchCC campus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the event, businesses will learn how they can grow their business using apprenticeships as an effective workforce building strategy, as well as how to bridge their current skill gaps and improve employee retention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition, businesses will learn how to navigate the State of Kansas registration for apprenticeships and what resources are available. For more information, contact Amy VanWinkle at 620.727.2792 or <a href="mailto:vanwinklea@hutchcc.edu">vanwinklea@hutchcc.edu.</a>

<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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577741375097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College will host an apprenticeship round table event on Wednesday, May 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Stringer Fine Arts Center on the HutchCC campus.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the event, businesses will learn how they can grow their business using apprenticeships as an effective workforce building strategy, as well as how to bridge their current skill gaps and improve employee retention.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, businesses will learn how to navigate the State of Kansas registration for apprenticeships and what resources are available. For more information, contact Amy VanWinkle at 620.727.2792 or <a href="mailto:vanwinklea@hutchcc.edu">vanwinklea@hutchcc.edu.</a><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.

Apprenticeship round table event Wednesday

The Hutchinson Community College football team won its seventh Jayhawk Conference championship in program history Sunday, rolling up some massive offensive numbers against Dodge City in doing so.

The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons racked up 610 total yards and 789 all-purpose yards in a 70-14 Jayhawk Conference victory over Dodge City at Gowans Stadium.

Hutchinson completes the 2021 regular season undefeated at 7-0, joining only the 1947 and 1969 Blue Dragon teams to have unbeaten regular seasons. This is the sixth time the Blue Dragons have started a season 7-0 (1947, 1948, 1969, 2010 and 2014).

Now the top-ranked Blue Dragons will have to wait for a little more than a week for an official invitation to play in the NJCAA National Championship game on June 5 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The NJCAA football regular season ends next weekend.

An announcement from the NJCAA is expected either May 24 or 25.

The Blue Dragons captured their first Jayhawk Conference title since 2014. Hutchinson head coach Drew Dallas is the first Blue Dragon coach to win a KJCCC title in his first season as head coach.

For the third-straight week, the Blue Dragons amassed a season-high total offense output, rolling up 610 total yards against the Conquistadors. Those 610 yards came on only 44 offensive plays and it's the seventh most total yards in Blue Dragon single-game history.

The Blue Dragons have scored 70-plus points in back-to-back games for the second-time in program history. Last week the Blue Dragons scored 77 points against Highland. The 70 points against Dodge City tied for the 10th-most points scored in Hutchinson single-game history and it's the 13th time in team history the Dragons have scored 70 or more points.

The Dragons rushed for a season-high 366 yards, averaging 14.1 yards per carry on just 26 attempts. Back-up quarterback Daiseasn Cash had a 95-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, which is the second-longest run from scrimmage in Blue Dragon history. On the Dragons next rush attempt on their next possession,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/kedzior_dylan_cbc8">Dylan Kedzior</a>&nbsp;broke loose for an 85-yard touchdown. That run tied for the eighth-longest run from scrimmage in program history.

Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/laible_dylan_mrze">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;became the 13th Hutchinson QB to throw for five touchdown passes. Laible's scoring passes were 78 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/braham_cortes_6fw6">Cortez Braham</a>, 62 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/thomas_ivan_quha">Ivan Thomas</a>, 9 yards to Kedzior and a pair of scoring strikes of 22 and 28 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/howell_tyrone_d5kr">Tyrone Howell</a>. Laible completed 9 of 15 passes for 247 yards. Laible is the first Blue Dragon quarterback to throw for five touchdown passes in a game since Dalton Demos in 2014.

Defense and special teams also joined in putting up points against Dodge City.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/gilbert_marquise_o0s7">Marquise Gilbert</a>&nbsp;returned a Dodge City fumble 57 yards for a touchdown that gave the Blue Dragons a 35-0 lead with 13:39 to play in the second quarter. Over his last three games, Gilbert has three interceptions, a fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns.

After Dodge City scored its first points in the third quarter, the Blue Dragons immediately responded with an Emmanuel Mann 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, the Blue Dragons' second kickoff return for a score this season. Mann has also scored special teams touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. He had a 3-yard fumble return for a touchdown last week against Highland.

The other Blue Dragon to reach the end zone was running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/edwards_tye_vovm">Tye Edwards</a>, who scored on a 42-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Hutchinson led 21-0 after the first quarter, 42-0 at halftime and 70-7 after three quarters.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Hutchinson has won Jayhawk Conference titles in 1947, 1963, 1969, 1974, 1995, 2014 and 2021. … Head coach Drew Dallas ties Tom Saia for 14th on the Blue Dragon all-time wins list with seven. … The Blue Dragons extend their winning streak to nine games dating back to last season. … The Blue Dragons are now 50-36-4 all-time against Dodge City, 27-15-2 in Hutchinson. … The Dragons scored 70 or more points against Dodge City for the fourth time in series history. … This is the first game the Dragons have amassed 600 or more yards in a game since the Sterling JV in 2015 and first 600-yard game against a KJCCC team since 2014. … The 366 rushing yards are the 11th most in Hutchinson single-game history. It's the first 300-yard rushing game since 314 yards against Dodge City in 2019. … Dodge City running back C.J. Hall is the first 100-yard rusher against the Blue Dragons this season. … The last time the Dragons had back-to-back 70-plus point games was 2019 when Hutchinson scored 85 against Dodge City and 82 against RPA.

<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;

By STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College football team won its seventh Jayhawk Conference championship in program history Sunday, rolling up some massive offensive numbers against Dodge City in doing so.The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons racked up 610 total yards and 789 all-purpose yards in a 70-14 Jayhawk Conference victory over Dodge City at Gowans Stadium.Hutchinson completes the 2021 regular season undefeated at 7-0, joining only the 1947 and 1969 Blue Dragon teams to have unbeaten regular seasons. This is the sixth time the Blue Dragons have started a season 7-0 (1947, 1948, 1969, 2010 and 2014).Now the top-ranked Blue Dragons will have to wait for a little more than a week for an official invitation to play in the NJCAA National Championship game on June 5 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The NJCAA football regular season ends next weekend.An announcement from the NJCAA is expected either May 24 or 25.The Blue Dragons captured their first Jayhawk Conference title since 2014. Hutchinson head coach Drew Dallas is the first Blue Dragon coach to win a KJCCC title in his first season as head coach.For the third-straight week, the Blue Dragons amassed a season-high total offense output, rolling up 610 total yards against the Conquistadors. Those 610 yards came on only 44 offensive plays and it's the seventh most total yards in Blue Dragon single-game history.The Blue Dragons have scored 70-plus points in back-to-back games for the second-time in program history. Last week the Blue Dragons scored 77 points against Highland. The 70 points against Dodge City tied for the 10th-most points scored in Hutchinson single-game history and it's the 13th time in team history the Dragons have scored 70 or more points.The Dragons rushed for a season-high 366 yards, averaging 14.1 yards per carry on just 26 attempts. Back-up quarterback Daiseasn Cash had a 95-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, which is the second-longest run from scrimmage in Blue Dragon history. On the Dragons next rush attempt on their next possession,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/kedzior_dylan_cbc8">Dylan Kedzior</a>&nbsp;broke loose for an 85-yard touchdown. That run tied for the eighth-longest run from scrimmage in program history.Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/laible_dylan_mrze">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;became the 13th Hutchinson QB to throw for five touchdown passes. Laible's scoring passes were 78 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/braham_cortes_6fw6">Cortez Braham</a>, 62 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/thomas_ivan_quha">Ivan Thomas</a>, 9 yards to Kedzior and a pair of scoring strikes of 22 and 28 yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/howell_tyrone_d5kr">Tyrone Howell</a>. Laible completed 9 of 15 passes for 247 yards. Laible is the first Blue Dragon quarterback to throw for five touchdown passes in a game since Dalton Demos in 2014.Defense and special teams also joined in putting up points against Dodge City.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/gilbert_marquise_o0s7">Marquise Gilbert</a>&nbsp;returned a Dodge City fumble 57 yards for a touchdown that gave the Blue Dragons a 35-0 lead with 13:39 to play in the second quarter. Over his last three games, Gilbert has three interceptions, a fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns.After Dodge City scored its first points in the third quarter, the Blue Dragons immediately responded with an Emmanuel Mann 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, the Blue Dragons' second kickoff return for a score this season. Mann has also scored special teams touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. He had a 3-yard fumble return for a touchdown last week against Highland.The other Blue Dragon to reach the end zone was running back&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/edwards_tye_vovm">Tye Edwards</a>, who scored on a 42-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.Hutchinson led 21-0 after the first quarter, 42-0 at halftime and 70-7 after three quarters.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Hutchinson has won Jayhawk Conference titles in 1947, 1963, 1969, 1974, 1995, 2014 and 2021. … Head coach Drew Dallas ties Tom Saia for 14th on the Blue Dragon all-time wins list with seven. … The Blue Dragons extend their winning streak to nine games dating back to last season. … The Blue Dragons are now 50-36-4 all-time against Dodge City, 27-15-2 in Hutchinson. … The Dragons scored 70 or more points against Dodge City for the fourth time in series history. … This is the first game the Dragons have amassed 600 or more yards in a game since the Sterling JV in 2015 and first 600-yard game against a KJCCC team since 2014. … The 366 rushing yards are the 11th most in Hutchinson single-game history. It's the first 300-yard rushing game since 314 yards against Dodge City in 2019. … Dodge City running back C.J. Hall is the first 100-yard rusher against the Blue Dragons this season. … The last time the Dragons had back-to-back 70-plus point games was 2019 when Hutchinson scored 85 against Dodge City and 82 against RPA.<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;

🏈 Blue Dragon Football completes run to KJCCC Championship

Blue Dragon Sports Information&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team looks to wrap up an undefeated regular season on Sunday when the Dodge City Conquistadors come to Gowans Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

The Blue Dragons (6-0, 5-0 KJCCC) have already clinched a tie for the 2021 Jayhawk Conference championship. A victory over Dodge City (1-4, 0-4 KJCCC) would be the first outright conference crown since 2014 and seventh in program history.

Only three times in the first 88 seasons have the Blue Dragons finished the regular season undefeated. Hutchinson football also had undefeated regular seasons in 1947, 1948 and 1969.

The Blue Dragons last week had a most dominant performance in a 77-7 victory over the Highland Scotties at Gowans Stadium. Hutchinson needed only 14 plays to score 49 points and led the Scotties 49-0 after one quarter. The Blue Dragon defense, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/pinkley_tre_bmqr">Tre Pinkney</a>'s four quarterback sacks, tallied 11 total sacks against Highland and held the Scotties to a negative 1-yard total offense. Hutchinson's defense also had a season-high six takeaways, including a 3-yard Emmanuel Mann fumble recovery for a special teams' touchdown.

That win was the 500th in Blue Dragon football history. Hutch is now 500-345-28.

The Blue Dragons are now the No. 3 scoring offense in the NJCAA at 44.0 points per game and are No. 3 in the nation in rushing offense at 265.0 yards per game. Hutchinson ranks No. 3 in the NJCAA in scoring defense at 11.0 points per game allowed. The Dragons are No. 5 in total defense (221.5 ypg) and No. 3 in rushing defense (42.0 ypg).

Dodge City started its season with a 54-0 victory over RPA College in March. Since then, the Conquistadors have dropped four in a row.

The Conquistadors will be playing their third-straight NJCAA Top 10 opponent. Dodge City trailed No. 6 Garden City by three points entering the fourth quarter and lost 34-24 two weeks ago. Last week, No. 6 Independence defeated Dodge City 54-34.

Last season, the Blue Dragons rolled by Dodge City, 85-3, at Gowans Stadium. Sunday's meeting will be the 90th all-time against Hutchinson and Dodge City. The Blue Dragons hold a 49-36-4 all-time record.

Hutchinson has now won eight consecutive games dating back to the 2019 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621177721281.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter, Blue Dragon Sports Information.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter, Blue Dragon Sports Information.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE CARPENTERBlue Dragon Sports Information&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team looks to wrap up an undefeated regular season on Sunday when the Dodge City Conquistadors come to Gowans Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.The Blue Dragons (6-0, 5-0 KJCCC) have already clinched a tie for the 2021 Jayhawk Conference championship. A victory over Dodge City (1-4, 0-4 KJCCC) would be the first outright conference crown since 2014 and seventh in program history.Only three times in the first 88 seasons have the Blue Dragons finished the regular season undefeated. Hutchinson football also had undefeated regular seasons in 1947, 1948 and 1969.The Blue Dragons last week had a most dominant performance in a 77-7 victory over the Highland Scotties at Gowans Stadium. Hutchinson needed only 14 plays to score 49 points and led the Scotties 49-0 after one quarter. The Blue Dragon defense, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/pinkley_tre_bmqr">Tre Pinkney</a>'s four quarterback sacks, tallied 11 total sacks against Highland and held the Scotties to a negative 1-yard total offense. Hutchinson's defense also had a season-high six takeaways, including a 3-yard Emmanuel Mann fumble recovery for a special teams' touchdown.That win was the 500th in Blue Dragon football history. Hutch is now 500-345-28.The Blue Dragons are now the No. 3 scoring offense in the NJCAA at 44.0 points per game and are No. 3 in the nation in rushing offense at 265.0 yards per game. Hutchinson ranks No. 3 in the NJCAA in scoring defense at 11.0 points per game allowed. The Dragons are No. 5 in total defense (221.5 ypg) and No. 3 in rushing defense (42.0 ypg).Dodge City started its season with a 54-0 victory over RPA College in March. Since then, the Conquistadors have dropped four in a row.The Conquistadors will be playing their third-straight NJCAA Top 10 opponent. Dodge City trailed No. 6 Garden City by three points entering the fourth quarter and lost 34-24 two weeks ago. Last week, No. 6 Independence defeated Dodge City 54-34.Last season, the Blue Dragons rolled by Dodge City, 85-3, at Gowans Stadium. Sunday's meeting will be the 90th all-time against Hutchinson and Dodge City. The Blue Dragons hold a 49-36-4 all-time record.Hutchinson has now won eight consecutive games dating back to the 2019 season.<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Dragons seek first outright conference crown since 2014

GREAT BEND, Kan. — At the May 7 Barton Community College Board of Trustees meeting, Jeremy Coombs was approved to take over the Barton Community College men's basketball program.

Becoming Barton's 12th men's basketball coach in 53 seasons of competition, Coombs replaces the vacancy following Craig Fletchall's retirement of 16 years leading the program.

Coombs comes to Barton from Neosho County Community College where he spent the last 14 seasons guiding the Panthers. Leaving the school as the all-time winningest coach, Coombs' squads posted a 228-203 overall record.

"With this appointment, likely the most important I will have made in my ten years as Athletic Director at Barton, it was imperative to me that we targeted a coach with impeccable character, irreproachable integrity, and one who fully understands the importance of incorporating the community into the culture of our men's basketball program," Trevor Rolfs said.

"One of the most highly-regarded recruiters in junior college basketball, Jeremy Coombs brings to Barton tremendous work ethic and a commitment to excellence. The successful culture he was able to establish both on the court and in the classroom during his fourteen year head coaching stint at Neosho CC speaks volumes about his ability to do more with less. I fully believe given the resources afforded him here at Barton that Coach Coombs will take the program back to national prominence year in and year out."

"Committed to doing things the right way and with class, I am confident Jeremy will present a program that the Cougar faithful will be extremely proud of. I am excited for him to get started."

Taking over the Neosho program three seasons after Fletchall left Neosho County, Coombs arrived following a dismal two seasons of only 15 wins in facing a total rebuild of the winning culture.

Under Coombs, the program produced six NJCAA All-Americans, two KJCCC Players of the Year, 30 NCAA Division I players, 24 All-Conference players, 17 All-Region players, and 13 former players playing basketball professionally.

In 2016, Coombs' Panthers went 30-6 in breaking several program records including the most single-season wins. Named the 2016 Region VI Coach of the Year, Coombs' squad marched through the playoffs capturing its first-ever Region VI Championship by defeating Hutchinson 66-58. Seeded 9th in its NJCAA Division I Tournament debut appearance, Neosho County won its first game before bowing out to 8th-seeded Gillette 73-72.

Coombs began his coaching career as an assistant at Sacred Heart High School before spending the next three summers helping with the USBL Kansas Cagerz under Francis Flax. Coombs then assisted Flax at Brown Mackie College.

Before Neosho County, Coombs' Jayhawk coaching experience included stints at Highland Community College and Pratt Community College as an assistant coach. Working under current Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs at Pratt CC for two seasons, Coombs helped guide the Beavers to a 24-8 record in 2007 finishing second in the Jayhawk West that season.

Off the floor, the Panthers had 10 Academic All-America recipients with the two most recent season's teams ranking in the top five nationally at 5th overall with a 3.37 GPA in 2019 and the 2020 squad achieving a nation's 3rd-best 3.45 GPA.

Coombs has also held a firm commitment to community service as the Panthers have been involved in over 250 hours of volunteerism, averaging 12 to 15 hours per student-athlete.

Graduating from Topeka's Hayden High school, Coombs continued his playing career at Labette Community College, moving on to NCAA Division I Nicholls State University before returning home to Kansas finishing his playing career at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Married to the former Lindsay Krehbiel of Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the Coombs family includes three boys, Tye, Jackson, and Carter.

GREAT BEND, Kan. — At the May 7 Barton Community College Board of Trustees meeting, Jeremy Coombs was approved to take over the Barton Community College men's basketball program.Becoming Barton's 12th men's basketball coach in 53 seasons of competition, Coombs replaces the vacancy following Craig Fletchall's retirement of 16 years leading the program.Coombs comes to Barton from Neosho County Community College where he spent the last 14 seasons guiding the Panthers. Leaving the school as the all-time winningest coach, Coombs' squads posted a 228-203 overall record."With this appointment, likely the most important I will have made in my ten years as Athletic Director at Barton, it was imperative to me that we targeted a coach with impeccable character, irreproachable integrity, and one who fully understands the importance of incorporating the community into the culture of our men's basketball program," Trevor Rolfs said."One of the most highly-regarded recruiters in junior college basketball, Jeremy Coombs brings to Barton tremendous work ethic and a commitment to excellence. The successful culture he was able to establish both on the court and in the classroom during his fourteen year head coaching stint at Neosho CC speaks volumes about his ability to do more with less. I fully believe given the resources afforded him here at Barton that Coach Coombs will take the program back to national prominence year in and year out.""Committed to doing things the right way and with class, I am confident Jeremy will present a program that the Cougar faithful will be extremely proud of. I am excited for him to get started."Taking over the Neosho program three seasons after Fletchall left Neosho County, Coombs arrived following a dismal two seasons of only 15 wins in facing a total rebuild of the winning culture.Under Coombs, the program produced six NJCAA All-Americans, two KJCCC Players of the Year, 30 NCAA Division I players, 24 All-Conference players, 17 All-Region players, and 13 former players playing basketball professionally.In 2016, Coombs' Panthers went 30-6 in breaking several program records including the most single-season wins. Named the 2016 Region VI Coach of the Year, Coombs' squad marched through the playoffs capturing its first-ever Region VI Championship by defeating Hutchinson 66-58. Seeded 9th in its NJCAA Division I Tournament debut appearance, Neosho County won its first game before bowing out to 8th-seeded Gillette 73-72.Coombs began his coaching career as an assistant at Sacred Heart High School before spending the next three summers helping with the USBL Kansas Cagerz under Francis Flax. Coombs then assisted Flax at Brown Mackie College.Before Neosho County, Coombs' Jayhawk coaching experience included stints at Highland Community College and Pratt Community College as an assistant coach. Working under current Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs at Pratt CC for two seasons, Coombs helped guide the Beavers to a 24-8 record in 2007 finishing second in the Jayhawk West that season.Off the floor, the Panthers had 10 Academic All-America recipients with the two most recent season's teams ranking in the top five nationally at 5th overall with a 3.37 GPA in 2019 and the 2020 squad achieving a nation's 3rd-best 3.45 GPA.Coombs has also held a firm commitment to community service as the Panthers have been involved in over 250 hours of volunteerism, averaging 12 to 15 hours per student-athlete.Graduating from Topeka's Hayden High school, Coombs continued his playing career at Labette Community College, moving on to NCAA Division I Nicholls State University before returning home to Kansas finishing his playing career at Kansas Wesleyan University.Married to the former Lindsay Krehbiel of Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the Coombs family includes three boys, Tye, Jackson, and Carter.<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;

Coombs to take over Barton men's basketball program

LUBBOCK, Texas — Slow starts over the first seven holes at The Rawls Course have been nothing new for the Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team at the 2021 NJCAA Division I National Championships.

Thursday’s slow start lasted a little longer than head coach Chris Young and the Blue Dragons wanted and Hutchinson’s double-figure lead over Odessa College shrunk fast.

Like the first three days, though, the Blue Dragons closed the deal . . . and on Thursday were crowned NJCAA National Division I Men’s Golf Champions.

The 2020-21 Blue Dragons claimed the program’s first-ever national championship. Hutchinson’s previous best finish at the national golf tournament was a tie for sixth place in 2008. This is the Blue Dragon Athletic Department’s seventh overall national team title. The men’s golf team joins men’s basketball (1988, 1994 and 2017), women’s cross country (2001) and men’s track and field (1954 and 1959) as Hutchinson team national champions.

Hutchinson posted a Blue Dragon national tournament scoring record for 72 holes at 1,134 (16 under par). That bested the old mark of 1,146 set in 2006. The Blue Dragons twice tied the program’s national tournament single-round scoring record with rounds of 280 on Monday and Tuesday. Hutchinson shot 288 on Wednesday.

Hutchinson entered the final round with a 12-shot lead over Odessa College. The Blue Dragons maintained that margin through six holes, but Odessa caught fire and the Dragons were struggling. Odessa was 7-under as a team from holes 7 through 12 and cut the Blue Dragon lead to three strokes through 12 holes. The Wranglers were at 9-under par as a team at that point.

“Golf is a funny game,” said Young, who took over the Blue Dragon program before the 1999-2000 season. “You have to be hot and you have to be hot at the right time. You can’t take anything for granted. You have to take it one shot at a time and that’s what these guys did.”

The Blue Dragons were able to recover and finish strong with freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett leading the way.

Partridge had three-straight birdies on Nos. 14, 15 and 16 to finish the final five holes in 3-under par. Partridge averted near disaster on the 18th hole when his approach shot flew off the back of the green and settled onto the cart path. He wound up with par on that hole. Partridge finished with a 1-under-par 71 to lead the Blue Dragons in Thursday’s final round.

Crockett had a huge par-saving up-and-down on No. 16 after he hit his second shot into a greenside bunker. That could have been at least a two-stroke turnaround if Crockett had not gotten up and down, plus the fact that Odessa’s player had a birdie on No. 16. Crockett then finished the championship in grand style with a birdie on the 72nd hole. Crockett shot a 1-over 73 on Thursday.

Partridge and Crockett wound up tied after 72 holes for the individual national championship and both earned First-Team NJCAA All-America honors. Partridge birdied the fourth playoff hole to defeat Crockett and become Hutch’s first-ever individual national champion.

Partridge and Crockett are Hutchinson’s first-ever first-team NJCAA All-Americans.

For the first time in program national tournament history, Hutchinson had three All-Americans in the same national tournament. Freshman Cameron Rios-Ceballos finished 13th overall at 3-over 291 to earn Honorable Mention All-America honors. Rios-Ceballos was key for the Blue Dragons in the championship run. He posted his second even-par 72 of the tournament on Thursday.

The Blue Dragons wound up defeating Odessa by nine strokes. The Dragons played the final five holes in 3-under par with five birdies. Odessa played those same holes in 3-over par with five bogeys and a double bogey.

“We knew we had a good team,” Young said. “We just couldn’t rush the process. We went through some adversity, but we didn’t take it for granted. Now we are going to enjoy this.”

The Dragons shot an even-par 288 on Thursday. Odessa shot a 3-under 285.

Midland College finished third at 1,155. Garden City was the second Jayhawk Conference team to finish in the Top 5 with a fourth-place showing at 1,173. The Broncbusters tied Western Texas for fourth place.

Sophomore Charlie Crockett finished tied for 20th at 5-under 293. He posted an even-par 72 in the final round. Trey McCrae tied for 43rd at 302. He shot a 79 on Thursday.

With the national championship, the Blue Dragons close the 2020-21 season by winning six-consecutive tournaments and with a record seven tournament titles overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574197013317.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE CARPENTERBlue Dragon Sports InformationLUBBOCK, Texas — Slow starts over the first seven holes at The Rawls Course have been nothing new for the Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team at the 2021 NJCAA Division I National Championships.Thursday’s slow start lasted a little longer than head coach Chris Young and the Blue Dragons wanted and Hutchinson’s double-figure lead over Odessa College shrunk fast.Like the first three days, though, the Blue Dragons closed the deal . . . and on Thursday were crowned NJCAA National Division I Men’s Golf Champions.The 2020-21 Blue Dragons claimed the program’s first-ever national championship. Hutchinson’s previous best finish at the national golf tournament was a tie for sixth place in 2008. This is the Blue Dragon Athletic Department’s seventh overall national team title. The men’s golf team joins men’s basketball (1988, 1994 and 2017), women’s cross country (2001) and men’s track and field (1954 and 1959) as Hutchinson team national champions.Hutchinson posted a Blue Dragon national tournament scoring record for 72 holes at 1,134 (16 under par). That bested the old mark of 1,146 set in 2006. The Blue Dragons twice tied the program’s national tournament single-round scoring record with rounds of 280 on Monday and Tuesday. Hutchinson shot 288 on Wednesday.Hutchinson entered the final round with a 12-shot lead over Odessa College. The Blue Dragons maintained that margin through six holes, but Odessa caught fire and the Dragons were struggling. Odessa was 7-under as a team from holes 7 through 12 and cut the Blue Dragon lead to three strokes through 12 holes. The Wranglers were at 9-under par as a team at that point.“Golf is a funny game,” said Young, who took over the Blue Dragon program before the 1999-2000 season. “You have to be hot and you have to be hot at the right time. You can’t take anything for granted. You have to take it one shot at a time and that’s what these guys did.”The Blue Dragons were able to recover and finish strong with freshmen Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett leading the way.Partridge had three-straight birdies on Nos. 14, 15 and 16 to finish the final five holes in 3-under par. Partridge averted near disaster on the 18th hole when his approach shot flew off the back of the green and settled onto the cart path. He wound up with par on that hole. Partridge finished with a 1-under-par 71 to lead the Blue Dragons in Thursday’s final round.Crockett had a huge par-saving up-and-down on No. 16 after he hit his second shot into a greenside bunker. That could have been at least a two-stroke turnaround if Crockett had not gotten up and down, plus the fact that Odessa’s player had a birdie on No. 16. Crockett then finished the championship in grand style with a birdie on the 72nd hole. Crockett shot a 1-over 73 on Thursday.Partridge and Crockett wound up tied after 72 holes for the individual national championship and both earned First-Team NJCAA All-America honors. Partridge birdied the fourth playoff hole to defeat Crockett and become Hutch’s first-ever individual national champion.Partridge and Crockett are Hutchinson’s first-ever first-team NJCAA All-Americans.For the first time in program national tournament history, Hutchinson had three All-Americans in the same national tournament. Freshman Cameron Rios-Ceballos finished 13th overall at 3-over 291 to earn Honorable Mention All-America honors. Rios-Ceballos was key for the Blue Dragons in the championship run. He posted his second even-par 72 of the tournament on Thursday.The Blue Dragons wound up defeating Odessa by nine strokes. The Dragons played the final five holes in 3-under par with five birdies. Odessa played those same holes in 3-over par with five bogeys and a double bogey.“We knew we had a good team,” Young said. “We just couldn’t rush the process. We went through some adversity, but we didn’t take it for granted. Now we are going to enjoy this.”The Dragons shot an even-par 288 on Thursday. Odessa shot a 3-under 285.Midland College finished third at 1,155. Garden City was the second Jayhawk Conference team to finish in the Top 5 with a fourth-place showing at 1,173. The Broncbusters tied Western Texas for fourth place.Sophomore Charlie Crockett finished tied for 20th at 5-under 293. He posted an even-par 72 in the final round. Trey McCrae tied for 43rd at 302. He shot a 79 on Thursday.With the national championship, the Blue Dragons close the 2020-21 season by winning six-consecutive tournaments and with a record seven tournament titles overall.<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;

Blue Dragon golf wins national title

LEVELLAND, Texas - Hutchinson Community College sophomore high jumper Wyatt Thiel had a historic day on Day 2 of the NJCAA Men’s Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at South Plains College.

When Thiel cleared 6 feet, 6 inches, that became the first time in three national championships – either indoor or outdoor – that he cleared his opening height.

The other element to Thiel’s big day was the fact that he and teammate Zach Biel both tied for sixth in the event and earned third-team NJCAA All-America honors.

The Blue Dragon high jumpers became the 44th and 45th Blue Dragon All-Americans in the high jump. There were only six jumpers who cleared opening height.

Both Blue Dragon jumpers made 6-6 on their final attempt.

The combined five points scored by Thiel and Biel mean the Blue Dragons are tied for 10th place after two days with 13 points. Hutchinson has just one competitor going in Thursday’s final day. That is Teagan Flanagan in the men’s 5,000 meters.

Flanagan was the 10,000-meter NJCAA Runner-up on Tuesday. Because of timing issued, the official times weren’t posted until Wednesday. Flanagan broke the school record in the event with a time of 30:44.63.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationLEVELLAND, Texas - Hutchinson Community College sophomore high jumper Wyatt Thiel had a historic day on Day 2 of the NJCAA Men’s Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at South Plains College.When Thiel cleared 6 feet, 6 inches, that became the first time in three national championships – either indoor or outdoor – that he cleared his opening height.The other element to Thiel’s big day was the fact that he and teammate Zach Biel both tied for sixth in the event and earned third-team NJCAA All-America honors.The Blue Dragon high jumpers became the 44th and 45th Blue Dragon All-Americans in the high jump. There were only six jumpers who cleared opening height.Both Blue Dragon jumpers made 6-6 on their final attempt.The combined five points scored by Thiel and Biel mean the Blue Dragons are tied for 10th place after two days with 13 points. Hutchinson has just one competitor going in Thursday’s final day. That is Teagan Flanagan in the men’s 5,000 meters.Flanagan was the 10,000-meter NJCAA Runner-up on Tuesday. Because of timing issued, the official times weren’t posted until Wednesday. Flanagan broke the school record in the event with a time of 30:44.63.

Dragon high jumpers tie for 6th at NJCAA championships

DODGE CITY – Sophomore Esther Karhayu scored two goals, including the eventual game winner with less than 14 minutes remaining, as the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team won a wild Jayhawk West matchup at Dodge City on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.

The Blue Dragons improve to 6-3-3 overall and the Jayhawk West this season. The Blue Dragons complete a season sweep of the Conquistadors (3-9).

Tied at 3-all, freshman defender Zara Lawless picked off a pass and delivered a long pass right on the foot of Karhayu, who split two Dodge City defenders and scored the go-ahead with 13:44 to play in regulation time.

Lani Dickinson scored an insurance goal a minute later to cap the highest scoring match of the season for Hutchinson in terms of combined goals scored.

The three goals allowed were the second-most goals Hutchinson has surrendered in a victory in program history. Western Wyoming scored three games in an 11-3 Hutch win and Dodge City had three goals in a 6-3 Dragon win. Both of those matches were in 2014.

Karhayu had her second multi-goal game in the last three games. Dickinson also scored a pair of goals and Lawless added two assists in the Hutchinson victory.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports Information DODGE CITY – Sophomore Esther Karhayu scored two goals, including the eventual game winner with less than 14 minutes remaining, as the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team won a wild Jayhawk West matchup at Dodge City on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium.The Blue Dragons improve to 6-3-3 overall and the Jayhawk West this season. The Blue Dragons complete a season sweep of the Conquistadors (3-9).Tied at 3-all, freshman defender Zara Lawless picked off a pass and delivered a long pass right on the foot of Karhayu, who split two Dodge City defenders and scored the go-ahead with 13:44 to play in regulation time.Lani Dickinson scored an insurance goal a minute later to cap the highest scoring match of the season for Hutchinson in terms of combined goals scored.The three goals allowed were the second-most goals Hutchinson has surrendered in a victory in program history. Western Wyoming scored three games in an 11-3 Hutch win and Dodge City had three goals in a 6-3 Dragon win. Both of those matches were in 2014.Karhayu had her second multi-goal game in the last three games. Dickinson also scored a pair of goals and Lawless added two assists in the Hutchinson victory.The Blue Dragons also won their first game after allowing the opposing team to score the first goal of the game.Dodge City scored in the 18th minute when Dieu-Donne Nelson took a rebound off a shot that hit the cross bar and buried her shot for a 1-0 lead. Dodge City keeper Pricilla Gonzales made for huge saves in the first half to stymie the Blue DragonsThe Dragons finally got on the board with 8:10 to play in the first half. Lawless played a 55-yard pass that Karhayu chased down and she moved in to score from 15 yards out to even the match at 1-1 which wound up being the halftime scored.The highest scoring half of the season started when Aimee Maher buried a direct free kick from just outside the 18-yard box into the right side of the goal for a 2-1 lead with 42:12 to play.Dodge City tied the match at 2-all 1:19 later.Dickinson scored her first of the game unassisted with 29:25 left to go. Again, Dodge City scored with 23:26 to go.After Karhayu scored with 13:44 to play, the Dragons added an insurance goal with Dickinson’s second goal of the game from a Chiara Stuenkel assist.The Blue Dragons are scheduled to play at Garden City in a make-up contest on Sunday before opening the postseason next Tuesday at Coffeyville.