Kelli Christ, a student at Hutchinson Community College, has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

From Goessel, Kansas, and the daughter of Andrew Christ and Nanci Heath, Kelli is in the Associate Degree of Nursing program at Hutchinson Community College. In addition to her studies, she is co-President of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Secretary of the Honors Student Council, and a member of HANS - Hutchinson Association of Nursing Students. She also serves as a tutor for Anatomy and Physiology, General Microbiology, and Chemistry I. Furthermore, she recently presented her honors project research at the Great Plains Honors Council Regional Conference in Denton, Texas. Ms. Christ is on track to graduate with High Honors upon graduation.

“With strong critical thinking skills, great time management abilities, and a fantastic work ethic, Ms. Christ is a phenomenal leader both in and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Ryan Diehl, advisor of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors Student Council. “Her innovative ideas have helped build our membership in both organizations while also building a community.”

The New Century Workforce Scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.

“We congratulate Kelli for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742469523674.jpeg" alt="Kelli Christ - Photo courtesy HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Kelli Christ - Photo courtesy HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelli Christ, a student at Hutchinson Community College, has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.From Goessel, Kansas, and the daughter of Andrew Christ and Nanci Heath, Kelli is in the Associate Degree of Nursing program at Hutchinson Community College. In addition to her studies, she is co-President of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Secretary of the Honors Student Council, and a member of HANS - Hutchinson Association of Nursing Students. She also serves as a tutor for Anatomy and Physiology, General Microbiology, and Chemistry I. Furthermore, she recently presented her honors project research at the Great Plains Honors Council Regional Conference in Denton, Texas. Ms. Christ is on track to graduate with High Honors upon graduation.“With strong critical thinking skills, great time management abilities, and a fantastic work ethic, Ms. Christ is a phenomenal leader both in and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Ryan Diehl, advisor of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors Student Council. “Her innovative ideas have helped build our membership in both organizations while also building a community.”The New Century Workforce Scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.“We congratulate Kelli for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”The New Century Workforce Scholars will be recognized in the fall.

HutchCC student named 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar 

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_MBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Men's Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>

COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Men’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include four individuals bringing home major accolades.

Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley), Freshman of the Year Eternity Eguagie (Colby), Defensive Player of the Year Emeka Opurum (Butler), and Coach of the Year Donnie Jackson (Cowley).

Most Valuable Player/Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley) Doubling up on postseason awards, Whitlock Jr. was an integral piece to Cowley’s KJCCC regular season and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament title as the Tigers will play in the NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament for a second-straight season. Averaging 16.0 points per game, Whitlock Jr. shot over 47 percent from the field and over 42 percent from beyond the arc while grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game and recording a 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Whitlock Jr. added 28 total blocks and had 56 steals (fifth-best in KJCCC) while upping his numbers to 17.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game during conference play. Nationally, Whitlock Jr. ranked 13th in made three-point field goals and 27th in total minutes played (985).

Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Eternity Eguagie (Colby) Eguagie put together a high-level freshman campaign by ranking fourth in the KJCCC in points per game (18.3) while shooting over 50 percent from the floor while helping Colby to a sixth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season standings after the Trojans finished 12th the previous season. Averaging 32.1 minutes played per game, Eguagie also grabbed 6.5 rebounds per game and had 29 games with at least 10 points this season which included a career-best 32 in a double-overtime win at Pratt on February 15th.

Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Emeka Opurum (Butler) Opurum led the KJCCC this season in blocks (87) while ranking fourth in rebounds per game (8.1) in addition to helping Butler rank fourth in the KJCCC in points per game allowed this season (73.4). With Opurum in the lineup, opponents shot only 39.7 percent against the Grizzlies and turned the ball over 14.4 times per contest as Butler finished fifth in the KJCCC regular season and advanced to the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Nationally, Opurum ranked 14th in the NJCAA with 2.6 blocks per game and sixth in total blocks.

Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Donnie Jackson (Cowley) Jackson led Cowley to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship since 2021 as the Tigers went 26-4 in the regular season and 21-3 in the KJCCC before adding three more wins in the postseason to earn the NJCAA Plains District automatic berth to the 2025 NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament in Hutchinson. Cowley earned the number two overall seed in the National Tournament and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of the NJCAA Division 1 men’s basketball top 25 poll this season while ranking in the top three in the conference in field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, and points per game allowed. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742410204359.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCC<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_MBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Men's Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Men’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include four individuals bringing home major accolades.Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley), Freshman of the Year Eternity Eguagie (Colby), Defensive Player of the Year Emeka Opurum (Butler), and Coach of the Year Donnie Jackson (Cowley).Most Valuable Player/Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley) Doubling up on postseason awards, Whitlock Jr. was an integral piece to Cowley’s KJCCC regular season and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament title as the Tigers will play in the NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament for a second-straight season. Averaging 16.0 points per game, Whitlock Jr. shot over 47 percent from the field and over 42 percent from beyond the arc while grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game and recording a 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Whitlock Jr. added 28 total blocks and had 56 steals (fifth-best in KJCCC) while upping his numbers to 17.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game during conference play. Nationally, Whitlock Jr. ranked 13th in made three-point field goals and 27th in total minutes played (985).Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Eternity Eguagie (Colby) Eguagie put together a high-level freshman campaign by ranking fourth in the KJCCC in points per game (18.3) while shooting over 50 percent from the floor while helping Colby to a sixth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season standings after the Trojans finished 12th the previous season. Averaging 32.1 minutes played per game, Eguagie also grabbed 6.5 rebounds per game and had 29 games with at least 10 points this season which included a career-best 32 in a double-overtime win at Pratt on February 15th.Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Emeka Opurum (Butler) Opurum led the KJCCC this season in blocks (87) while ranking fourth in rebounds per game (8.1) in addition to helping Butler rank fourth in the KJCCC in points per game allowed this season (73.4). With Opurum in the lineup, opponents shot only 39.7 percent against the Grizzlies and turned the ball over 14.4 times per contest as Butler finished fifth in the KJCCC regular season and advanced to the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Nationally, Opurum ranked 14th in the NJCAA with 2.6 blocks per game and sixth in total blocks.Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Donnie Jackson (Cowley) Jackson led Cowley to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship since 2021 as the Tigers went 26-4 in the regular season and 21-3 in the KJCCC before adding three more wins in the postseason to earn the NJCAA Plains District automatic berth to the 2025 NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament in Hutchinson. Cowley earned the number two overall seed in the National Tournament and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of the NJCAA Division 1 men’s basketball top 25 poll this season while ranking in the top three in the conference in field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, and points per game allowed. &nbsp;

🏀 HutchCC's Aldridge, Dudley, Cannon all named to KJCCC postseason teams

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_WBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>

COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include six individuals bringing home major accolades.

Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson), Freshman of the Year Ashley Singhateh (Butler), Newcomer of the Year Elysa Martinez (Cowley), Co-Defensive Players of the Year Ari Gordon (Seward County) and Shorna Preston (Dodge City), and Coach of the Year Landon Steele (Dodge City).

Most Valuable Player:&nbsp;Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson) A career 1,000-point scorer for the Blue Dragons and four-time Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, Jackson led the KJCCC this season in scoring by averaging 18.3 points per contest to go along with 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per contest. Helping Hutchinson to a co-KJCCC regular season championship and a 21-3 mark in the KJCCC regular season, Jackson had 30 games in double figures this season which included four 30-point outings and a season-high 33 in a 58-50 win at Seward County on March 1. &nbsp;

Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Ashley Singhateh (Butler) Singhateh made a major impact in her freshman campaign by starting 29 of Butler’s 31 games and averaging nearly 28 minutes per contest to go along with 13.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for a Grizzly squad that finished in the top four of the KJCCC regular season standings and qualified for the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Shooting over 45 percent from the field, Singhateh finished in double-figures in scoring 10 times this season with seven games scoring 20 or more points this season.&nbsp;

Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Elysa Martinez (Cowley) Martinez finished the season with the third-highest scoring average in the KJCCC (17.3) while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and a conference-best 85.8 percent free throw shooting by going 109-127 from the charity stripe. The Ackerly, Texas native also dished out 4.0 assists per game and averaged 4.3 rebounds per contest to go along with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio and a league-leading 120 steals. Scoring in double-figures in 28 of 30 games this season, Martinez had 10 or more points in each of the last 17 games of the year which included a career-best 31 in the Region 6 Tournament opener for the Tigers against Independence.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Ari Gordon (Seward County) Gordon ranked in the top 10 in the KJCCC this season in both steals (third, 88) and blocks (seventh, 24) while averaging 4.7 rebounds per game and helping the Saints hold opponents to 53.1 points per game (19th-best in NJCAA) and an opponent field goal percentage of 35.5 percent.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Shorna Preston (Dodge City) Preston ranked second in the KJCCC in rebounding per game (9.8 rebounds per game) while recording 103 steals and 67 blocks, both of which also rank in the top two in the KJCCC this season. Nationally, Preston ranks sixth in the NJCAA in total blocks and eighth in steals while also ranking in the top 30 in rebounds per game. As a team, Dodge City held opponents to 53.4 points per game with Preston in the lineup and the fifth-best opponent field goal percentage (31.2 percent) in the NJCAA with 24 games holding their opponent under 60 points.

Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Landon Steele (Dodge City) Steele led the Conquistadors to their fifth Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title in program history before leading DC3 to their first NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship in program history as well as a 29-4 overall record heading into their third-straight NJCAA D1 Women’s Basketball National Tournament. This season, Dodge City has outscored opponents by an average of 25 points per game and saw two of their four losses come to National Tournament teams while having five players named to the All-KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball teams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742400537586.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCC<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_WBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include six individuals bringing home major accolades.Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson), Freshman of the Year Ashley Singhateh (Butler), Newcomer of the Year Elysa Martinez (Cowley), Co-Defensive Players of the Year Ari Gordon (Seward County) and Shorna Preston (Dodge City), and Coach of the Year Landon Steele (Dodge City).Most Valuable Player:&nbsp;Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson) A career 1,000-point scorer for the Blue Dragons and four-time Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, Jackson led the KJCCC this season in scoring by averaging 18.3 points per contest to go along with 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per contest. Helping Hutchinson to a co-KJCCC regular season championship and a 21-3 mark in the KJCCC regular season, Jackson had 30 games in double figures this season which included four 30-point outings and a season-high 33 in a 58-50 win at Seward County on March 1. &nbsp;Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Ashley Singhateh (Butler) Singhateh made a major impact in her freshman campaign by starting 29 of Butler’s 31 games and averaging nearly 28 minutes per contest to go along with 13.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for a Grizzly squad that finished in the top four of the KJCCC regular season standings and qualified for the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Shooting over 45 percent from the field, Singhateh finished in double-figures in scoring 10 times this season with seven games scoring 20 or more points this season.&nbsp;Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Elysa Martinez (Cowley) Martinez finished the season with the third-highest scoring average in the KJCCC (17.3) while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and a conference-best 85.8 percent free throw shooting by going 109-127 from the charity stripe. The Ackerly, Texas native also dished out 4.0 assists per game and averaged 4.3 rebounds per contest to go along with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio and a league-leading 120 steals. Scoring in double-figures in 28 of 30 games this season, Martinez had 10 or more points in each of the last 17 games of the year which included a career-best 31 in the Region 6 Tournament opener for the Tigers against Independence.Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Ari Gordon (Seward County) Gordon ranked in the top 10 in the KJCCC this season in both steals (third, 88) and blocks (seventh, 24) while averaging 4.7 rebounds per game and helping the Saints hold opponents to 53.1 points per game (19th-best in NJCAA) and an opponent field goal percentage of 35.5 percent.Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Shorna Preston (Dodge City) Preston ranked second in the KJCCC in rebounding per game (9.8 rebounds per game) while recording 103 steals and 67 blocks, both of which also rank in the top two in the KJCCC this season. Nationally, Preston ranks sixth in the NJCAA in total blocks and eighth in steals while also ranking in the top 30 in rebounds per game. As a team, Dodge City held opponents to 53.4 points per game with Preston in the lineup and the fifth-best opponent field goal percentage (31.2 percent) in the NJCAA with 24 games holding their opponent under 60 points.Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Landon Steele (Dodge City) Steele led the Conquistadors to their fifth Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title in program history before leading DC3 to their first NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship in program history as well as a 29-4 overall record heading into their third-straight NJCAA D1 Women’s Basketball National Tournament. This season, Dodge City has outscored opponents by an average of 25 points per game and saw two of their four losses come to National Tournament teams while having five players named to the All-KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball teams.

🏀 HutchCC's Jackson named KJCCC Player of the Year

The Hutchinson Community College softball team had some more last at-bat magic to complete a Jayhawk Conference doubleheader sweep of the Garden City Broncbusters on Tuesday at Fun Valley.

Trailing the Busters by two runs entering the bottom of the seventh in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>' two-run walk-off single to left field completed the comeback for a 10-9 victory to run their current winning streak to eight games.

The Blue Dragons made a five-run first inning stand up in Game 1 backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>'s complete-game performance in a 5-2 win.

Hutchinson is now 17-5 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Fun Valley. Garden City is now 14-12 overall and 6-6 in the KJCCC.

GAME 2 RECAP – Hutchinson 10, Garden City 9 Garden City took a 9-7 lead with a five-run fifth inning and carried that two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;led off with a single and then stole second base. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt moved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;to third, she scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>'s RBI single to right field to cut the Garden lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;then reached on a two-base error to center field, moving Golly to third wit one out.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, on a 2-0 pitch, hit a sinking line drive to left and rolled to the fence to score Golly and Stauffer with the game-tying and game-winning runs for Hutchinson's second walk-off win of the season.

After Garden City took its 9-7 lead, Tomlinson came out of the bullpen to quiet to Buster offense by retiring all six batters she faced to earn her ninth win of the season and second of the day. Tomlinson (9-2) had one strikeout, one groundout and four flyball outs.

Offensively, the Blue Dragons out-hit the Busters 12-6.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 4 for 5 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three runs scored. Addi Lutz went 2 for 4 with a double.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 1 for 4 with a career-high-tying four RBIs, also driving runs with a first-inning error and fourth-inning sacrifice fly before her two-run walk-off.

GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 5, Garden City 2 Garden City's potent offense got off to a good start in Game 1 with a double and RBI single in the first two at-bats to start the game for a 1-0 Buster lead. After that, Tomlinson settled in and didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning.

Overall, Tomlinson worked her sixth complete game of the season, striking out a career-high nine batters. She allowed just four hits, two earned runs and two walks.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Blue Dragons answered with a five-run bottom of the first inning.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;singled to center and Kruger dropped down a bunt for a single. Golly followed with an RBI groundout and Stauffer gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Lutz followed with RBI singles for a 4-1 lead. Then the Dragons executed a double steal with Lutz stealing second and Brawner stealing home for a 5-1 lead.

The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits with two hits each from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>, Kruger, Stauffer and Lutz. All 10 Blue Dragon hits were singles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742389705222.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon softball celebrates after a 10-9 walk-off victory over Garden City to complete a KJCCC sweep of the Busters on Tuesday at Garden City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon softball celebrates after a 10-9 walk-off victory over Garden City to complete a KJCCC sweep of the Busters on Tuesday at Garden City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team had some more last at-bat magic to complete a Jayhawk Conference doubleheader sweep of the Garden City Broncbusters on Tuesday at Fun Valley.Trailing the Busters by two runs entering the bottom of the seventh in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>' two-run walk-off single to left field completed the comeback for a 10-9 victory to run their current winning streak to eight games.The Blue Dragons made a five-run first inning stand up in Game 1 backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>'s complete-game performance in a 5-2 win.Hutchinson is now 17-5 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Fun Valley. Garden City is now 14-12 overall and 6-6 in the KJCCC.GAME 2 RECAP – Hutchinson 10, Garden City 9 Garden City took a 9-7 lead with a five-run fifth inning and carried that two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;led off with a single and then stole second base. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt moved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;to third, she scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>'s RBI single to right field to cut the Garden lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;then reached on a two-base error to center field, moving Golly to third wit one out.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, on a 2-0 pitch, hit a sinking line drive to left and rolled to the fence to score Golly and Stauffer with the game-tying and game-winning runs for Hutchinson's second walk-off win of the season.After Garden City took its 9-7 lead, Tomlinson came out of the bullpen to quiet to Buster offense by retiring all six batters she faced to earn her ninth win of the season and second of the day. Tomlinson (9-2) had one strikeout, one groundout and four flyball outs.Offensively, the Blue Dragons out-hit the Busters 12-6.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 4 for 5 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three runs scored. Addi Lutz went 2 for 4 with a double.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 1 for 4 with a career-high-tying four RBIs, also driving runs with a first-inning error and fourth-inning sacrifice fly before her two-run walk-off.GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 5, Garden City 2 Garden City's potent offense got off to a good start in Game 1 with a double and RBI single in the first two at-bats to start the game for a 1-0 Buster lead. After that, Tomlinson settled in and didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning.Overall, Tomlinson worked her sixth complete game of the season, striking out a career-high nine batters. She allowed just four hits, two earned runs and two walks.After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Blue Dragons answered with a five-run bottom of the first inning.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;singled to center and Kruger dropped down a bunt for a single. Golly followed with an RBI groundout and Stauffer gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Lutz followed with RBI singles for a 4-1 lead. Then the Dragons executed a double steal with Lutz stealing second and Brawner stealing home for a 5-1 lead.The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits with two hits each from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>, Kruger, Stauffer and Lutz. All 10 Blue Dragon hits were singles.

🥎 Blue Dragons rally for sweep of Broncbusters

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

Hutchinson High School graduate and current Washburn University men's basketball coach, Brett Ballard, has guided his Ichabods team to the NCAA Division II Tournament Elite Eight following a 93-65 win over Minnesota State University Moorhead on Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;

Ballard is in his eighth season at Washburn and has guided the Ichabods to the MIAA regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the Central Region.&nbsp;

Ballard is a 1998 graduate of Hutchinson High School. He then played one season at Cowley College and one at HutchCC, where he graduated in 2000. Ballard then played his final two seasons at Kansas under Roy Williams.

The Ichabods are now 29-3 on the season as they travel to Evansville, Ind., where they will play in the Elite Eight next week.

This is the fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight for the Ichabods, joining the 1993, 1994 and 2001 teams.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730213997649.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Washburn Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Washburn Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHutchinson High School graduate and current Washburn University men's basketball coach, Brett Ballard, has guided his Ichabods team to the NCAA Division II Tournament Elite Eight following a 93-65 win over Minnesota State University Moorhead on Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;Ballard is in his eighth season at Washburn and has guided the Ichabods to the MIAA regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the Central Region.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FROM SWEET TO ELITE … ICHABODS ADVANCE TO NCAA ELITE WITH WIN OVER THE DRAGONS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOBODS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOBODS</a> <a href="https://t.co/6F5Y0ms8Br">pic.twitter.com/6F5Y0ms8Br</a>&mdash; Washburn MBB (@IchabodMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IchabodMBB/status/1902186218026082489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ballard is a 1998 graduate of Hutchinson High School. He then played one season at Cowley College and one at HutchCC, where he graduated in 2000. Ballard then played his final two seasons at Kansas under Roy Williams.The Ichabods are now 29-3 on the season as they travel to Evansville, Ind., where they will play in the Elite Eight next week.This is the fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight for the Ichabods, joining the 1993, 1994 and 2001 teams.&nbsp;

🏀 Hutch High alum leads Washburn to NCAA DII Elite Eight

<a href="https://www.intrustbankarena.com/ncaa">INTRUST Bank Arena Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch?cid=ncaa_mml_nav_men">NCAA Tournament Information</a>

INTRUST Bank Arena will hold practice rounds on Wednesday for the eight teams that will compete in downtown Wichita as part of first and second round action of the NCAA Tournament.

The eight teams competing in Wichita are Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington.&nbsp;

SIU Edwardsville features former Hutchinson High School graduate, Myles Thompson. Thompson played at Barton Community College in Great Bend after his time as a Salthawk. He then transferred to SIUE and is in his first year as a Cougar.

Practice sessions are open to the public and are free to attend.

SIU Edwardsville, 11 a.m. Houston, 11:45 a.m. Georgia, 12:30 p.m. Gonzaga, 1:15 p.m. Drake, 2 p.m. Missouri, 2:45 p.m. UNC Wilmington, 3:30 p.m. Texas Tech, 4:15 p.m.

Game Schedule (Thursday) Session 1 No. 16 SIU Edwardsville vs. No. 1 Houston, 1 p.m. No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 Gonzaga, 3:35 p.m.

Session 2 No. 11 Drake vs. No. 6 Missouri, 6:35 p.m. No. 14 UNCW vs. No. 3 Texas Tech, 9:10 p.m.

Game Schedule (Saturday) Session 3 TBD

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742329434393.png" alt="Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.intrustbankarena.com/ncaa">INTRUST Bank Arena Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch?cid=ncaa_mml_nav_men">NCAA Tournament Information</a>INTRUST Bank Arena will hold practice rounds on Wednesday for the eight teams that will compete in downtown Wichita as part of first and second round action of the NCAA Tournament.The eight teams competing in Wichita are Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington.&nbsp;SIU Edwardsville features former Hutchinson High School graduate, Myles Thompson. Thompson played at Barton Community College in Great Bend after his time as a Salthawk. He then transferred to SIUE and is in his first year as a Cougar.Practice sessions are open to the public and are free to attend.SIU Edwardsville, 11 a.m. Houston, 11:45 a.m. Georgia, 12:30 p.m. Gonzaga, 1:15 p.m. Drake, 2 p.m. Missouri, 2:45 p.m. UNC Wilmington, 3:30 p.m. Texas Tech, 4:15 p.m.Game Schedule (Thursday) Session 1 No. 16 SIU Edwardsville vs. No. 1 Houston, 1 p.m. No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 Gonzaga, 3:35 p.m.Session 2 No. 11 Drake vs. No. 6 Missouri, 6:35 p.m. No. 14 UNCW vs. No. 3 Texas Tech, 9:10 p.m.Game Schedule (Saturday) Session 3 TBD

🏀 NCAA Tournament open practices Wednesday in Wichita

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742218732174.jpeg" alt="Tailor Golly smashes four home runs - two two-home run games - in the Blue Dragons' doubleheader sweep of Colby on Sunday at Colby. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tailor Golly smashes four home runs - two two-home run games - in the Blue Dragons' doubleheader sweep of Colby on Sunday at Colby. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
COLBY &ndash; Freshman catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back two-home run games to lead a day were the Hutchinson Community College softball team's seven home-run day in a KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Colby Trojans on Sunday at Adams Field.
The Blue Dragons opened the day with a 10-run first inning, which included three home runs, in a 20-4 Game 1 victory of the Trojans. The Dragons finished off the sweep with a 9-1 six-inning run-rule victory.
Hutchinson improved to 15-5 overall and 9-1 in the KJCCC. The Blue Dragons will now play host to Garden City at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Fun Valley. The Blue Dragons and Broncbusters switched home dates. The games in Garden City will be April 17.
For the doubleheader, Golly &ndash; the Blue Dragons' freshman catcher &ndash; was a combined 5 for 7 with four home runs, five RBIs and five runs scored.
Joining Golly in the Dragons' home run binge was sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>, whose first career home run was a grand slam in Hutchinson's Game 1 10-run inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;also homered on Sunday.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 20, Colby 4 (5 innings) The Blue Dragons tied a season high with 22 hits.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;tied her own single-game record for hits, going 5 for 5 with three runs scored, three RBIs and two stolen bases.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Dice went 3 for 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>, Golly,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, Brawner and Addi Lutz all had two hits each.
Brawner had a career-high five RBIs with her first career home run. She also scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Golly had three RBIs each. Stauffer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Dice had two RBIs each.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;earned her seventh win of the season with her third complete game of the season. Tomlinson tied a career high with eight strikeouts. She allowed six hits and four runs with one walk.
The Blue Dragons' 10-run inning started with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Stauffer and an RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>. Brawner then followed with her grand slam to center field to build a 6-0 lead. The Dragons weren't done yet. With two out and bases empty, Dice homered for a 7-0 lead. Kruger laces an RBI single and Golly launched a two-run home run to complete a 10-run first inning.
The Blue Dragons also had a seven-run third inning. Golly led off the inning with her second home run of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_haley_h3bo">Haley Kruger</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Dice and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Stauffer all had RBI singles for a 19-1 Blue Dragon lead.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 9, Colby 1 (6 innings) In addition to Golly's two home runs and two RBIs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 at the plate and tossed a complete game in the pitching circle.
Thomas improved to 6-2 with a six-inning complete game in the circle. She struck out a season high eight batters while allowing only three hits and one unearned run. Thomas surrendered no walks.
Thomas' home run came in the top of the fifth inning, a one-out solo home run to left field to give the Dragons an 8-1 lead.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;completed an eight-hit day, going 3 for 5 in Game 2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. She also had a stolen base.
Thomas and Dice each had two hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;and Golly had two RBIs each.
The Blue Dragons scored in each of their six at-bats in Game 2, including a four-run second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;singled in one run and Thomas scores on an error on the same play. Stauffer had a bases-loaded walk.</div>

🥎 Golly launches 4 of Dragons' 7 home runs in sweep of Colby

Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sportscaster Glen Grunwald received the KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award for 2025 Saturday evening at the 3A State Basketball tournament at the Sports Arena. This is the second time that Grunwald has been given this award, winning it for the first time in 2020.

Grunwald is the voice of the Hutchinson High Salthawks and formerly was the lead sportscaster for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football and men's basketball team broadcasts until stepping away last March after 26 years which included being on the call for the Blue Dragons NJCAA Men's D1 Basketball Championship in 2017 and their first NJCAA Football Championship in 2021.

Grunwald joins a fraternity of the state's finest broadcasters, including former winners, longtime KU voice Bob Davis (1975, current KU voice Brian Hanni (2010 and 2012) and K-State voice Wyatt Thompson (1989).

"To win it once was a thrill, to win it a second time with so many great broadcasters in Kansas....I am just so blessed to be even mentioned in the same breath as Bob, Wyatt an Brian is such a blessing this late in my career. I mean these guys are legends in Kansas Sportscasting history." Grunwald said on winning the award.

Eagle Radio as a company currently employs six winners. Junction City's Dewey Terrill won in 1991, 1995 and 1998. Gerard Wellbrock from Hays won in 1996, 1997 and 2000. Dustin Armbruster from Hays won in 2013 and 2022, Cole Reif from Great Bend won in 2018 and Devin Hanney from Salina won in 2019 prior to Grunwald's 2020 win and again in 2021.

Grunwald was
honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) in 2017 as the recipient of
the Hod Humiston Award for Broadcast excellence. He was also named the Kansas
Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (KIAAA) Sportscaster of the
Year in 2022 and received an honorable mention award along with his broadcast partner Dan Naccarato in 2023 by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for medium market play-by-play.

Grunwald has
also been honored to be chosen as one of three finalist for the National Sports
Media Association organization as Sportscaster of the Year in Kansas for 2023 and again was in the top five finalist this past December for 2024.

Grunwald will receive his award at one of the KSHSAA state basketball championship events in March.

<a href="https://www.kshsaachamps.org/Shared/FullList/?i=4">KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Award List of past winners</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742139988205.jpeg" alt="Mark Lenz of the KSHSAA (left) with Glen Grunwald" />
 <figcaption>Mark Lenz of the KSHSAA (left) with Glen Grunwald</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sportscaster Glen Grunwald received the KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award for 2025 Saturday evening at the 3A State Basketball tournament at the Sports Arena. This is the second time that Grunwald has been given this award, winning it for the first time in 2020.Grunwald is the voice of the Hutchinson High Salthawks and formerly was the lead sportscaster for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football and men's basketball team broadcasts until stepping away last March after 26 years which included being on the call for the Blue Dragons NJCAA Men's D1 Basketball Championship in 2017 and their first NJCAA Football Championship in 2021.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=319&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fggrunwald1%2Fvideos%2F1333790864337468%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="319" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Grunwald joins a fraternity of the state's finest broadcasters, including former winners, longtime KU voice Bob Davis (1975, current KU voice Brian Hanni (2010 and 2012) and K-State voice Wyatt Thompson (1989)."To win it once was a thrill, to win it a second time with so many great broadcasters in Kansas....I am just so blessed to be even mentioned in the same breath as Bob, Wyatt an Brian is such a blessing this late in my career. I mean these guys are legends in Kansas Sportscasting history." Grunwald said on winning the award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739404084721.jpeg" alt="Glen Grunwald and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato at the 2024 NJCAA National Tournament" />
 <figcaption>Glen Grunwald and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato at the 2024 NJCAA National Tournament</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio as a company currently employs six winners. Junction City's Dewey Terrill won in 1991, 1995 and 1998. Gerard Wellbrock from Hays won in 1996, 1997 and 2000. Dustin Armbruster from Hays won in 2013 and 2022, Cole Reif from Great Bend won in 2018 and Devin Hanney from Salina won in 2019 prior to Grunwald's 2020 win and again in 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739404143237.jpeg" alt="NJCAA Tourney 2024" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA Tourney 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Grunwald was
honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) in 2017 as the recipient of
the Hod Humiston Award for Broadcast excellence. He was also named the Kansas
Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (KIAAA) Sportscaster of the
Year in 2022 and received an honorable mention award along with his broadcast partner Dan Naccarato in 2023 by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for medium market play-by-play.Grunwald has
also been honored to be chosen as one of three finalist for the National Sports
Media Association organization as Sportscaster of the Year in Kansas for 2023 and again was in the top five finalist this past December for 2024.Grunwald will receive his award at one of the KSHSAA state basketball championship events in March.<div><iframe title="2025 Oscar Stauffer KSHSAA Award Call_ Glen Grunwald KWBW Radio" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rzt5k-17f8b1d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.kshsaachamps.org/Shared/FullList/?i=4">KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Award List of past winners</a>

Grunwald receives KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer award at 3A tournament

Francis ‘Sonny’ William Severin, 86, died March 15, 2025, at Reflection Living, Hutchinson. He was born September 14, 1938, in Huntington Park, California, to Frank J. and Orlean (Norris) Severin.

Francis graduated Hutchinson High School in 1956, then attended Hutchinson Community College, earning his associates degree. He worked as a lab technician for Morton Salt, Hutchinson for many years, eventually retiring in September 2000.

He was a member of the HCC Quarterback club and HCC Alumni in which he organized the Alumni football game for 20 years. &nbsp;He was an active member in the Knight of Columbus #612 council. &nbsp;He helped start the Knights Pizza stand at the fair, a long-standing major fundraiser event for the council. He and Jolene were avid sports fans. They attended many HCC games, watching sports on TV and going to the sports events for their grandchildren. &nbsp;After retirement they enjoyed traveling with friends and on bus tours. He always had a ball cap for every occasion due to his large collection.

On November 28, 1959, he married Jolene Ann Keller, in Spearville, Kansas. They shared over 65 years of marriage.

Francis is survived by: his wife, Jolene Severin; children, Karla Severin and Tom (Rhonda) Severin; grandchildren, Kyle Severin and Kristi Austin; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Nicole Austin.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Sheryl Severin; sister, Kathy and her husband Bill Bearden.

Parish rosary will be 10 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd, Hutchinson, with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, at Elliott Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176666476.jpeg" alt="Francis 'Sonny' William Severin 1938-2025 " />
 <figcaption>Francis 'Sonny' William Severin 1938-2025 </figcaption>
 </figure>Francis ‘Sonny’ William Severin, 86, died March 15, 2025, at Reflection Living, Hutchinson. He was born September 14, 1938, in Huntington Park, California, to Frank J. and Orlean (Norris) Severin.Francis graduated Hutchinson High School in 1956, then attended Hutchinson Community College, earning his associates degree. He worked as a lab technician for Morton Salt, Hutchinson for many years, eventually retiring in September 2000.He was a member of the HCC Quarterback club and HCC Alumni in which he organized the Alumni football game for 20 years. &nbsp;He was an active member in the Knight of Columbus #612 council. &nbsp;He helped start the Knights Pizza stand at the fair, a long-standing major fundraiser event for the council. He and Jolene were avid sports fans. They attended many HCC games, watching sports on TV and going to the sports events for their grandchildren. &nbsp;After retirement they enjoyed traveling with friends and on bus tours. He always had a ball cap for every occasion due to his large collection.On November 28, 1959, he married Jolene Ann Keller, in Spearville, Kansas. They shared over 65 years of marriage.Francis is survived by: his wife, Jolene Severin; children, Karla Severin and Tom (Rhonda) Severin; grandchildren, Kyle Severin and Kristi Austin; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Nicole Austin.He was preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Sheryl Severin; sister, Kathy and her husband Bill Bearden.Parish rosary will be 10 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd, Hutchinson, with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, at Elliott Mortuary.

Francis 'Sonny' William Severin  | 1938 - 2025 |

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team received an at-large bid into the NJCAA DI Basketball National Tournament during the selection show on Sunday evening.

The Blue Dragons are the No. 11-seed and will face No. 22-seed South Georgia Tech in the first round on Wednesday, March 26 at 4:45 p.m. MST (5:45 p.m. CST) at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.

The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will face Three Rivers (Mo.), the 6-seed in the second round on Friday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m. MST.

The Blue Dragons are the defending national champions and will enter the tournament with a 28-4 record. 

The Jets enter the tournament with a 25-6 record and earned an automatic bid following their victory in the Southeast District championship game over East Georgia State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The complete bracket can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/national_championship/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_Blank.pdf">here</a>. More information on the tournament itself can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wbkb/div1/index">here</a>.&nbsp;

All Blue Dragon games in the national tournament can be heard on KHMY-FM (93.1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742163782362.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team received an at-large bid into the NJCAA DI Basketball National Tournament during the selection show on Sunday evening.The Blue Dragons are the No. 11-seed and will face No. 22-seed South Georgia Tech in the first round on Wednesday, March 26 at 4:45 p.m. MST (5:45 p.m. CST) at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will face Three Rivers (Mo.), the 6-seed in the second round on Friday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m. MST.The Blue Dragons are the defending national champions and will enter the tournament with a 28-4 record. The Jets enter the tournament with a 25-6 record and earned an automatic bid following their victory in the Southeast District championship game over East Georgia State.&nbsp;&nbsp;The complete bracket can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/national_championship/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_Blank.pdf">here</a>. More information on the tournament itself can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wbkb/div1/index">here</a>.&nbsp;All Blue Dragon games in the national tournament can be heard on KHMY-FM (93.1).

🏀 HutchCC women earn at-large bid in national tournament

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250314_oj90.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw its Region VI Tournament run come to an end with a 45-42 loss to No. 20 Coffeyville on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in the semifinals.

The Blue Dragons fall to 28-4 on the season and now await the NJCAA selection show, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to see if they'll receive an at-large bid into the national tournament.

Hutchinson got off to another sluggish start against the Red Ravens, the same thing that doomed them in a regular season loss at Coffeyville (26-5) last month.

The Blue Dragons fell behind 15-8 after the first quarter and then down 25-14 at halftime, the lowest scoring first half by HutchCC this season.

Coffeyville grew the lead to 15 points in the third frame, as Hutchinson continued to struggle against the Red Raven defense.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons continued to battle back in the fourth quarter and pulled within three late.&nbsp;

Hutchinson had one final chance with four seconds to play trailing 45-42. Jada Pleasant inbounded from the left sideline, which deflected off of Katie Duncan's left hand, Duncan tracked down the ball and passed it back to Pleasant who missed the contested 3-pointer from the left-wing as time expired.

Duncan scored a team-high 11 points off the bench. Hailey Jackson, the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons shot just 31% from the floor and were outrebounded by seven.&nbsp;

Coffeyville was led by Norika Welch with 13 points, while Karliey Parker added 11. The Red Ravens will meet No. 7 Dodge City on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Region VI Tournament championship game.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742011144276.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250314_oj90.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw its Region VI Tournament run come to an end with a 45-42 loss to No. 20 Coffeyville on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in the semifinals.The Blue Dragons fall to 28-4 on the season and now await the NJCAA selection show, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to see if they'll receive an at-large bid into the national tournament.Hutchinson got off to another sluggish start against the Red Ravens, the same thing that doomed them in a regular season loss at Coffeyville (26-5) last month.The Blue Dragons fell behind 15-8 after the first quarter and then down 25-14 at halftime, the lowest scoring first half by HutchCC this season.Coffeyville grew the lead to 15 points in the third frame, as Hutchinson continued to struggle against the Red Raven defense.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons continued to battle back in the fourth quarter and pulled within three late.&nbsp;Hutchinson had one final chance with four seconds to play trailing 45-42. Jada Pleasant inbounded from the left sideline, which deflected off of Katie Duncan's left hand, Duncan tracked down the ball and passed it back to Pleasant who missed the contested 3-pointer from the left-wing as time expired.Duncan scored a team-high 11 points off the bench. Hailey Jackson, the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons shot just 31% from the floor and were outrebounded by seven.&nbsp;Coffeyville was led by Norika Welch with 13 points, while Karliey Parker added 11. The Red Ravens will meet No. 7 Dodge City on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Region VI Tournament championship game.&nbsp;

🏀 Coffeyville eliminates HutchCC women in Region VI semifinal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741966510545.jpeg" alt="Brynne Katcher and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team take on the Coffeyville Red Ravens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Gross Coliseum in Hays for the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Women's Tournament. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Brynne Katcher and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team take on the Coffeyville Red Ravens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Gross Coliseum in Hays for the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Women's Tournament. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The No. 2-seed Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team makes its 22nd appearance in the Region 6 Tournament semifinals on Friday evening against the third-seeded Coffeyville Red Ravens.
Slated to be the third game of the day in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament, the NJCAA No. 9-ranked Blue Dragons (28-3) and 20th-ranked Red Ravens (25-5) are set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas.
BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 9 Hutchinson (28-3) vs. No. 20 Coffeyville (25-5) Region 6 Tournament Semifinals When: Friday March 14, 2024 Where: Gross Coliseum, Hays, KS Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m.; Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/watch">KJCCC Network (PPV), 5:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_32_-_Coffeyville_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on the NJCAA Network at 5:25 p.m. and is a pay-per-view service.
The top four seeds in this year's tournament have advanced to the semifinal round. At 1 p.m. on Friday, top-seeded Dodge City will take on No. 4-seed Butler. The two semifinal winners will play in the Region 6 Tournament championship at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.
After receiving an opening-round bye, the Blue Dragons advanced after a tougher-than-expected quarterback battle with Colby. Trailing by three points at halftime, the Dragons finally regained their scoring touch for a 59-49 victory to extend their home-court win streak to 33 games.
Coffeyville advanced with a 61-50 home win over Seward County on Tuesday night.
Hutchinson and Coffeyville split their season series in 2024-25.
The Blue Dragons hit a season-high 15 3-pointers - going 15 of 32 from distance - in a 66-53 victory over Coffeyville on November 24 at the Sports Arena. The Red Ravens limited the Blue Dragons to 31.0 percent shooting in the rematch on February 6 at Nellis Hall in Coffeyville. The Red Ravens won that game 64-55.
Friday will be the 11th Region 6 Tournament battle between the Dragons and Ravens.</div>

🏀 Blue Dragon women face Coffeyville in Region VI semifinals

Bobbi Jo Fesler, 64, of Buhler, died March 11, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born December 14, 1960, in Hutchinson, to Al “Sonny” and Zelma E. (Dovel) Zarnowski.

Bobbi graduated from Buhler High School, Cranford College, and Sidney's Hairdressing College. She was a beautician for a number of years before going to work as an accountant at Hutchinson Clinic and then at Kroger before she was forced to retire for medical reasons.

Bobbi loved sitting by her pond watching wildlife, especially hummingbirds, with her pets by her side. But most of all, Bobbi cherished time spent with family. She was a member of Eastwood Church of Christ in Hutchinson.

On February 15, 2009, Bobbi married Lee R. Fesler in Hutchinson. He survives.

Also surviving are: her sons, Kyle Belveal and wife Brandi of Seymour, MO, Dakota Belveal and wife Erica of Republic, MO; daughters, Danielle Foster and husband Alan of Olathe, Dylan Sanchez and husband Anthony of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Evvyn Belveal, Chase Belveal, Elliana Smith, Ruby Belveal, Scarlett Belveal, Graham Foster, Oakley Sanchez, Hudson Sanchez; brothers, Tom Zarnowski and wife Donita, Mike Zarnowski, all of Hutchinson; beloved fur baby, Cooper; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister-in-law, Debbie Zarnowski; and Italian Greyhound, Casper.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Abbyville Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it below will be active beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service.

<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MTg3MTk2OTM1Mzg3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view the livestream</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741876881045.jpeg" alt="Bobbi Joe Fesler 1960-2025" />
 <figcaption>Bobbi Joe Fesler 1960-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Bobbi Jo Fesler, 64, of Buhler, died March 11, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born December 14, 1960, in Hutchinson, to Al “Sonny” and Zelma E. (Dovel) Zarnowski.Bobbi graduated from Buhler High School, Cranford College, and Sidney's Hairdressing College. She was a beautician for a number of years before going to work as an accountant at Hutchinson Clinic and then at Kroger before she was forced to retire for medical reasons.Bobbi loved sitting by her pond watching wildlife, especially hummingbirds, with her pets by her side. But most of all, Bobbi cherished time spent with family. She was a member of Eastwood Church of Christ in Hutchinson.On February 15, 2009, Bobbi married Lee R. Fesler in Hutchinson. He survives.Also surviving are: her sons, Kyle Belveal and wife Brandi of Seymour, MO, Dakota Belveal and wife Erica of Republic, MO; daughters, Danielle Foster and husband Alan of Olathe, Dylan Sanchez and husband Anthony of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Evvyn Belveal, Chase Belveal, Elliana Smith, Ruby Belveal, Scarlett Belveal, Graham Foster, Oakley Sanchez, Hudson Sanchez; brothers, Tom Zarnowski and wife Donita, Mike Zarnowski, all of Hutchinson; beloved fur baby, Cooper; and many extended family members.She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister-in-law, Debbie Zarnowski; and Italian Greyhound, Casper.Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Abbyville Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it below will be active beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service.<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MTg3MTk2OTM1Mzg3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view the livestream</a>Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Bobbi Joe Fesler | 1960 - 2025 |

Dixie Lee Bergmeier, 87, died March 7, 2025, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler. She was born January 14, 1938, in Wakefield, the daughter of Mert and Louise (Blesh) Sherbert. Her parents died when she was young and she was taken in and raised by William “Bill” and Lela Auld of Wakefield.

Dixie graduated from Wakefield Rural High School with the Class of 1956. She attended Kansas State University and Washburn University. Dixie received her associate’s degree in 1984 from Colby Community College and was a licensed practical nurse. In 1989, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and became a registered nurse. Dixie worked at the Phillips County Home in Phillipsburg and Good Samaritan Society in Fort Collins and later as a nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins.

Along with her husband Gary, Dixie was in the second class of emergency medical technicians in Kansas and they served as EMTs in Hoxie and Phillipsburg. Dixie was also involved with Gary’s farm equipment operations in Hoxie and Phillipsburg. She was active in Missouri Synod Lutheran churches in Colby, Hoxie, Phillipsburg, Abilene, Manhattan, and Fort Collins, CO.

On June 1, 1958, Dixie married Gary Francis Bergmeier, at the home of Bill and Lela Auld in Wakefield. They shared 64 years of marriage before his death in February, 2023.

She is survived by: her four sons, Mark and Michele of Wamego, Mike and Angie of Hutchinson, Dave of Dodge City, Dan and Monica of Hutchinson; 11 grandchildren, Paige (Ryan), Petey (Samantha), Preston (Becca), Brock (Sarah), Elissa, Olivia, Frank, J.J., Eli, Andrew, Isabella; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Dixie’s wishes were to be cremated. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4801 Anderson Ave., Manhattan. After a light family luncheon, burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Wakefield.

The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, at the church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741828499633.jpeg" alt="Dixie Bergmeier, 1938-2025" />
 <figcaption>Dixie Bergmeier, 1938-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Dixie Lee Bergmeier, 87, died March 7, 2025, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler. She was born January 14, 1938, in Wakefield, the daughter of Mert and Louise (Blesh) Sherbert. Her parents died when she was young and she was taken in and raised by William “Bill” and Lela Auld of Wakefield.Dixie graduated from Wakefield Rural High School with the Class of 1956. She attended Kansas State University and Washburn University. Dixie received her associate’s degree in 1984 from Colby Community College and was a licensed practical nurse. In 1989, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and became a registered nurse. Dixie worked at the Phillips County Home in Phillipsburg and Good Samaritan Society in Fort Collins and later as a nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins.Along with her husband Gary, Dixie was in the second class of emergency medical technicians in Kansas and they served as EMTs in Hoxie and Phillipsburg. Dixie was also involved with Gary’s farm equipment operations in Hoxie and Phillipsburg. She was active in Missouri Synod Lutheran churches in Colby, Hoxie, Phillipsburg, Abilene, Manhattan, and Fort Collins, CO.On June 1, 1958, Dixie married Gary Francis Bergmeier, at the home of Bill and Lela Auld in Wakefield. They shared 64 years of marriage before his death in February, 2023.She is survived by: her four sons, Mark and Michele of Wamego, Mike and Angie of Hutchinson, Dave of Dodge City, Dan and Monica of Hutchinson; 11 grandchildren, Paige (Ryan), Petey (Samantha), Preston (Becca), Brock (Sarah), Elissa, Olivia, Frank, J.J., Eli, Andrew, Isabella; and eight great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.Dixie’s wishes were to be cremated. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4801 Anderson Ave., Manhattan. After a light family luncheon, burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Wakefield.The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, at the church.

Dixie Bergmeier of Buhler, Kansas | 1938 - 2025 | 

Margaret R. “Peggy” Merklin, 80, of Hutchinson, died March 9, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 2, 1944, in Hugo, Colorado, to Archie and Isabell (Sutliff) Shouse. 

Peggy graduated Burlington High School in Colorado and obtained her associates degree from Seward County Community College. For many years, she worked as a teller at Equity Bank in Liberal, KS. Peggy also worked as a district clerk for Seward County. She enjoyed quilting and singing in her church choir. Peggy had a love for flowers and spent many hours gardening and planting her favorite flowers. She also loved researching her family’s history and acquiring knowledge about the past. 

On June 4, 1961, she married Marlin Merklin, in Burlington, Colorado. They shared nearly 64 years together before her death. 

 Peggy is survived by: beloved husband, Marlin Merklin of Hutchinson; daughter, Lori and husband Larry Bauerle of Hutchinson; sister, Kay Welch of AZ; brother, Johnny Shouse of CO; 6 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Michael Alan Merklin; and sister, Marilyn Hendricks. 

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N Adams St, Hutchinson, with Pastor Jerry Muncy officiating. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 at Restlawn Cemetery, 8955 HWY 83, Liberal, KS. Cremation has taken place. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741806186872.jpeg" alt="Margaret R "Peggy" Merklin, 1944-2025" />
 <figcaption>Margaret R "Peggy" Merklin, 1944-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret R. “Peggy” Merklin, 80, of Hutchinson, died March 9, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 2, 1944, in Hugo, Colorado, to Archie and Isabell (Sutliff) Shouse. Peggy graduated Burlington High School in Colorado and obtained her associates degree from Seward County Community College. For many years, she worked as a teller at Equity Bank in Liberal, KS. Peggy also worked as a district clerk for Seward County. She enjoyed quilting and singing in her church choir. Peggy had a love for flowers and spent many hours gardening and planting her favorite flowers. She also loved researching her family’s history and acquiring knowledge about the past. On June 4, 1961, she married Marlin Merklin, in Burlington, Colorado. They shared nearly 64 years together before her death. Peggy is survived by: beloved husband, Marlin Merklin of Hutchinson; daughter, Lori and husband Larry Bauerle of Hutchinson; sister, Kay Welch of AZ; brother, Johnny Shouse of CO; 6 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Michael Alan Merklin; and sister, Marilyn Hendricks. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N Adams St, Hutchinson, with Pastor Jerry Muncy officiating. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 at Restlawn Cemetery, 8955 HWY 83, Liberal, KS. Cremation has taken place.

Margaret R "Peggy" Merklin | 1944 - 2025 |

Delbert Eugene “Gene” Kessler II, 53, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family in Abbyville, KS. Gene was born on November 8, 1971, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Delbert E. and Nici A. (Snyder) Kessler Sr.

In 1991, Gene graduated from Buhler High School and attended Pratt Community College where he was on the rodeo team. On April 4, 2000, he married Dona R. Haeflinger in Hutchinson, KS. He was a cowboy at Sellers Feedyard, held his CDL and served as a truck driver hauling cattle, grain and hay for many organizations, including Golden Belt Feeders, and owner of Circle K Farms. Gene was a cowboy whose journey was full of love, laughter and adventures.

Gene enjoyed team roping, rodeos, cattle, horses, livestock and farm life. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was affiliated with 4-H where he showed cows, hogs, and sheep, Future Farmers of America, and Kansas High School Rodeo Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Tom and Lilly Snyder and Admiral Dewey and Ruth Kessler.

Gene is survived by his wife, Dona; children, “J” (Victoria) Reta, DJ (Alayna) Reta, Shyanne Kessler, Jakob (Mackenzie) Kessler and Travis Kessler; grandchildren, Zoie, Ivy and Finley Reta, and Reyna, Karson, Emery, and Kutter Kessler; brothers, Jason Kessler, Thomas Kessler, Chris Kessler and Greg Kessler; sisters, Annette Marquardt and Kristina Kessler.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS. Memorials may be given to Cancer Council of Reno County and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741805941979.jpeg" alt="Delbert Eugene "Gene" Kessler, 1971-2025" />
 <figcaption>Delbert Eugene "Gene" Kessler, 1971-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Delbert Eugene “Gene” Kessler II, 53, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family in Abbyville, KS. Gene was born on November 8, 1971, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Delbert E. and Nici A. (Snyder) Kessler Sr.In 1991, Gene graduated from Buhler High School and attended Pratt Community College where he was on the rodeo team. On April 4, 2000, he married Dona R. Haeflinger in Hutchinson, KS. He was a cowboy at Sellers Feedyard, held his CDL and served as a truck driver hauling cattle, grain and hay for many organizations, including Golden Belt Feeders, and owner of Circle K Farms. Gene was a cowboy whose journey was full of love, laughter and adventures.Gene enjoyed team roping, rodeos, cattle, horses, livestock and farm life. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was affiliated with 4-H where he showed cows, hogs, and sheep, Future Farmers of America, and Kansas High School Rodeo Association.He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Tom and Lilly Snyder and Admiral Dewey and Ruth Kessler.Gene is survived by his wife, Dona; children, “J” (Victoria) Reta, DJ (Alayna) Reta, Shyanne Kessler, Jakob (Mackenzie) Kessler and Travis Kessler; grandchildren, Zoie, Ivy and Finley Reta, and Reyna, Karson, Emery, and Kutter Kessler; brothers, Jason Kessler, Thomas Kessler, Chris Kessler and Greg Kessler; sisters, Annette Marquardt and Kristina Kessler.Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS. Memorials may be given to Cancer Council of Reno County and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

Delbert Eugene "Gene" Kessler | 1971 - 2025 |

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to contribute $100,000 to Prairie Dunes Country Club for the United States Golf Association’s 2029 U.S. Senior Open, which will take place in July 2029.

Commissioners Don Bogner, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks and Richard Winger voted in favor of the funding, while Commissioner Ron Vincent voted against it. The decision came during the board’s regular meeting Wednesday morning in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse. Prairie Dunes requested the same amount it received when it hosted the 2006 U.S. Senior Open.

“The month of the actual tournament (in 2006), our sales tax receipts went up a little over $50,000 for that one month,” Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said. “I compared the year before and the year after to get that one month when the USGA was here, so the county return on investment directly got half of it back in 2006. The contribution, as the county has done on other projects with businesses, supports grants to help show local support for events. We would get a portion of this back and hopefully get Reno County’s name out there at Prairie Dunes in front of thousands of people to promote the community.”

The tournament is expected to bring more than 75,000 visitors to Hutchinson. The county’s contribution will be paid over the next four years.

“It will come out of economic development reserve funds, which have more than $1 million,” Partington said. “This would be earmarked and paid out probably between now and mid-2029; it wouldn’t all come at once.”

Commissioner Randy Parks questioned the financial arrangements with the USGA and whether Prairie Dunes would receive any money from the organization at the event’s conclusion.

“We give them money,” said Allen Fee, co-chair of the tournament. “They get a cut of ticket sales and a cut of corporate hospitality. All the TV revenue and everything else goes to the USGA. They hold the championship here. We get nothing from the USGA—none of the events they do involve them paying anything.”

Fee also noted that Prairie Dunes would be shut down for three weeks during the summer to prepare for the championship.

“When kids use the pool, when people play tennis, when I like to play golf, and when many of our national members like to come in and use the club, it’s closed,” Fee said. “We have to continue paying our staff because they’ll all be working at the event. Most of our members will be affected by not being able to use their club, and many will volunteer hundreds of hours and contribute financially through hospitality events.”

Commissioner Ron Vincent, who had previously requested the decision be tabled, said many of his constituents in District Three were unaware the county contributed to Prairie Dunes in 2006.

“I’ve talked to several people, and hardly any of them knew we did this in 2006,” Vincent said. “I’m not getting a positive response about giving $100,000 because people don’t see it as a community deal; they see it as a Prairie Dunes project. Giving money to a private entity to better itself is why I asked for more time to talk to more people, and I’m just not getting a positive response.”

Commissioner Richard Winger highlighted the tournament’s broader impact on the community.

“I work at the college now after retiring from Pools Plus, and we have a golf team with four international students who came here because of Prairie Dunes,” Winger said. “The fact that we have such great golf facilities in the area has led to family and friends traveling from Ireland to play here. This tournament will be broadcast worldwide, giving us valuable exposure. Even if we don’t break even, we’re still getting that publicity.”

Tournament co-chair Brad Pryor emphasized Prairie Dunes’ evolution from a local country club to a nationally recognized golf destination.

“In 2006, Prairie Dunes was a country club. Now it’s a destination golf course known nationally,” Pryor said. “We’re on bucket lists all over the world. People fly private jets here, take commercial flights to get here and play our course. Back in 2006, we had 500 regular members, and that’s down 40%. But we’ve backfilled that with national members, and we have a long waiting list of people wanting to come and spend money in Hutchinson. Some even want to retire here because of Prairie Dunes. It’s a $22 million direct impact to our community, and the sales tax revenue nearly offsets the investment. The national exposure is invaluable.”

Commissioner Ron Hirst reflected on the economic impact of past tournaments.

“I attended in 2006, and I’m not a golfer, but I wanted to see what was happening,” Hirst said. “I was really impressed with the number of people there from all over—not just internationally but from across Kansas. Even if I cut your economic impact estimate in half, it’s a great return. In my conversations with the chamber, they’re making a concerted effort to fill Airbnbs and lodges. We can enhance our ability to promote Hutchinson and Reno County through that kind of effort. Even if the return isn’t immediate in 2029, maybe it takes two years—but that’s how economic development works. Based on what I saw in 2006, I think it’s worth the effort.”

Chairman Don Bogner stressed the importance of keeping visitors’ spending within the county.

“Every one of those people we keep from going to another county is going to spend money here—they’ll eat, they’ll fill their car up. I’d rather have them do that in Reno County than somewhere else,” Bogner said. “We can help with this by advertising our businesses. We have world-class museums and things happening in Hutchinson beyond the golf tournament. If visitors bring their families back, they’re more likely to return to play—and that benefits everyone.”

Before the vote, Bogner shared one final thought.

“This is the second time in my lifetime we can get this kind of exposure,” he said. “If we can get the advertising right and work with community partners to promote Reno County, it will make a difference. These are people who have done business in this community for years, and if they say they’ll do their best to promote our local businesses, that means a lot in how I vote.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741793371805.jpeg" alt="Brad Pryor addressed the Board of County Commissioners at the Reno County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Reno County YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Brad Pryor addressed the Board of County Commissioners at the Reno County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Reno County YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to contribute $100,000 to Prairie Dunes Country Club for the United States Golf Association’s 2029 U.S. Senior Open, which will take place in July 2029.Commissioners Don Bogner, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks and Richard Winger voted in favor of the funding, while Commissioner Ron Vincent voted against it. The decision came during the board’s regular meeting Wednesday morning in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse. Prairie Dunes requested the same amount it received when it hosted the 2006 U.S. Senior Open.“The month of the actual tournament (in 2006), our sales tax receipts went up a little over $50,000 for that one month,” Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said. “I compared the year before and the year after to get that one month when the USGA was here, so the county return on investment directly got half of it back in 2006. The contribution, as the county has done on other projects with businesses, supports grants to help show local support for events. We would get a portion of this back and hopefully get Reno County’s name out there at Prairie Dunes in front of thousands of people to promote the community.”The tournament is expected to bring more than 75,000 visitors to Hutchinson. The county’s contribution will be paid over the next four years.“It will come out of economic development reserve funds, which have more than $1 million,” Partington said. “This would be earmarked and paid out probably between now and mid-2029; it wouldn’t all come at once.”Commissioner Randy Parks questioned the financial arrangements with the USGA and whether Prairie Dunes would receive any money from the organization at the event’s conclusion.“We give them money,” said Allen Fee, co-chair of the tournament. “They get a cut of ticket sales and a cut of corporate hospitality. All the TV revenue and everything else goes to the USGA. They hold the championship here. We get nothing from the USGA—none of the events they do involve them paying anything.”Fee also noted that Prairie Dunes would be shut down for three weeks during the summer to prepare for the championship.“When kids use the pool, when people play tennis, when I like to play golf, and when many of our national members like to come in and use the club, it’s closed,” Fee said. “We have to continue paying our staff because they’ll all be working at the event. Most of our members will be affected by not being able to use their club, and many will volunteer hundreds of hours and contribute financially through hospitality events.”Commissioner Ron Vincent, who had previously requested the decision be tabled, said many of his constituents in District Three were unaware the county contributed to Prairie Dunes in 2006.“I’ve talked to several people, and hardly any of them knew we did this in 2006,” Vincent said. “I’m not getting a positive response about giving $100,000 because people don’t see it as a community deal; they see it as a Prairie Dunes project. Giving money to a private entity to better itself is why I asked for more time to talk to more people, and I’m just not getting a positive response.”Commissioner Richard Winger highlighted the tournament’s broader impact on the community.“I work at the college now after retiring from Pools Plus, and we have a golf team with four international students who came here because of Prairie Dunes,” Winger said. “The fact that we have such great golf facilities in the area has led to family and friends traveling from Ireland to play here. This tournament will be broadcast worldwide, giving us valuable exposure. Even if we don’t break even, we’re still getting that publicity.”Tournament co-chair Brad Pryor emphasized Prairie Dunes’ evolution from a local country club to a nationally recognized golf destination.“In 2006, Prairie Dunes was a country club. Now it’s a destination golf course known nationally,” Pryor said. “We’re on bucket lists all over the world. People fly private jets here, take commercial flights to get here and play our course. Back in 2006, we had 500 regular members, and that’s down 40%. But we’ve backfilled that with national members, and we have a long waiting list of people wanting to come and spend money in Hutchinson. Some even want to retire here because of Prairie Dunes. It’s a $22 million direct impact to our community, and the sales tax revenue nearly offsets the investment. The national exposure is invaluable.”Commissioner Ron Hirst reflected on the economic impact of past tournaments.“I attended in 2006, and I’m not a golfer, but I wanted to see what was happening,” Hirst said. “I was really impressed with the number of people there from all over—not just internationally but from across Kansas. Even if I cut your economic impact estimate in half, it’s a great return. In my conversations with the chamber, they’re making a concerted effort to fill Airbnbs and lodges. We can enhance our ability to promote Hutchinson and Reno County through that kind of effort. Even if the return isn’t immediate in 2029, maybe it takes two years—but that’s how economic development works. Based on what I saw in 2006, I think it’s worth the effort.”Chairman Don Bogner stressed the importance of keeping visitors’ spending within the county.“Every one of those people we keep from going to another county is going to spend money here—they’ll eat, they’ll fill their car up. I’d rather have them do that in Reno County than somewhere else,” Bogner said. “We can help with this by advertising our businesses. We have world-class museums and things happening in Hutchinson beyond the golf tournament. If visitors bring their families back, they’re more likely to return to play—and that benefits everyone.”Before the vote, Bogner shared one final thought.“This is the second time in my lifetime we can get this kind of exposure,” he said. “If we can get the advertising right and work with community partners to promote Reno County, it will make a difference. These are people who have done business in this community for years, and if they say they’ll do their best to promote our local businesses, that means a lot in how I vote.”

Prairie Dunes receives funding from county for U.S. Senior Open

Buhler High School athletic director Justin Seuser has announced Ashley Nehls will be the next head volleyball coach, beginning with the 2025 season.

Nehls was approved at the USD 313 Buhler March Board Meeting held on Tuesday evening.

She brings a wealth of knowledge with head coaching stints at Dodge City Community College and William Woods University (Mo.). She also has numerous years coaching club volleyball throughout the midwest. Nehls' most recent head job at the school level was at Emporia High School.

Nehls played collegiately at Butler Community College from 2004-06, where she led the Grizzlies in aces.&nbsp;

Nehls' husband, Brock, is the head baseball coach at Hutchinson Community College, and is in his second season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741788589471.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 313 Buhler" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 313 Buhler</figcaption>
 </figure>Buhler High School athletic director Justin Seuser has announced Ashley Nehls will be the next head volleyball coach, beginning with the 2025 season.Nehls was approved at the USD 313 Buhler March Board Meeting held on Tuesday evening.She brings a wealth of knowledge with head coaching stints at Dodge City Community College and William Woods University (Mo.). She also has numerous years coaching club volleyball throughout the midwest. Nehls' most recent head job at the school level was at Emporia High School.Nehls played collegiately at Butler Community College from 2004-06, where she led the Grizzlies in aces.&nbsp;Nehls' husband, Brock, is the head baseball coach at Hutchinson Community College, and is in his second season.

🏐 Nehls named head coach at Buhler High School

After a life well lived, Arvilla M. “Arvy” Sampson, 96, formerly of Hutchinson, died on January 26, 2025, in Lawrence. She was born July 7, 1928, in Manhattan, Kansas.

Arvy enjoyed a childhood full of adventure and fun in Manhattan, Kansas, where her father was a professor at Kansas State University. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1946, then received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Kansas State University in 1950. At K-State, Arvy was very active in a number of clubs and honor societies. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, selected by the Mortar Board National College Honor Society, and named in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, among others.

It was at K-State that Arvy met Jack Sampson, her husband of 73 years, at a college dance. The two fell in love and married May 28, 1950, the day they graduated from college. Jack’s career in broadcasting took their family to Hays, Kansas; Kansas City; Oklahoma City; St. Louis; then Hutchinson, when they purchased KSKU-FM and The Bee. Arvy was co-owner of Sampson Communications, which included three radio stations, a printing business and a shopper newspaper.

Arvy spent her life pursuing her many passions, chief among them her family. She volunteered extensively in her community and church, focusing on supporting under-resourced families and children. &nbsp;At Northminster Presbyterian Church, then later New Covenant Presbyterian Church, she held several leadership roles, including deacon and head of missions. Her work to support people in need also extended beyond her community. She and Jack traveled the United States doing builds for Habitat for Humanity. In Hutchinson, she was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BY.&nbsp;

Arvy loved to travel, garden, read, do arts and crafts, spend time in nature and be with friends and family.

All who knew Arvy were warmed by her kindness, generosity, wisdom, joy and optimism.&nbsp;

Arvy is survived by her children, Cristy Bilhorn (John) of St. Louis, MO, Jack Richard “Rick” Sampson (Rita) of Phoenix, AZ, Teri Heft (Gordon) of Kansas City, MO, and Melissa “Micki” Chestnut (Rob) of Lawrence; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sampson, parents George Edwin and Pearl America (Moore) Johnson and her brother, Romaine Johnson.

Arvy’s Celebration of Life service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private inurnment will take place in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741787247733.jpeg" alt="Arvilla "Arvy" M Sampson,&nbsp; 1928-2025" />
 <figcaption>Arvilla "Arvy" M Sampson,&nbsp; 1928-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>After a life well lived, Arvilla M. “Arvy” Sampson, 96, formerly of Hutchinson, died on January 26, 2025, in Lawrence. She was born July 7, 1928, in Manhattan, Kansas.Arvy enjoyed a childhood full of adventure and fun in Manhattan, Kansas, where her father was a professor at Kansas State University. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1946, then received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Kansas State University in 1950. At K-State, Arvy was very active in a number of clubs and honor societies. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, selected by the Mortar Board National College Honor Society, and named in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, among others.It was at K-State that Arvy met Jack Sampson, her husband of 73 years, at a college dance. The two fell in love and married May 28, 1950, the day they graduated from college. Jack’s career in broadcasting took their family to Hays, Kansas; Kansas City; Oklahoma City; St. Louis; then Hutchinson, when they purchased KSKU-FM and The Bee. Arvy was co-owner of Sampson Communications, which included three radio stations, a printing business and a shopper newspaper.Arvy spent her life pursuing her many passions, chief among them her family. She volunteered extensively in her community and church, focusing on supporting under-resourced families and children. &nbsp;At Northminster Presbyterian Church, then later New Covenant Presbyterian Church, she held several leadership roles, including deacon and head of missions. Her work to support people in need also extended beyond her community. She and Jack traveled the United States doing builds for Habitat for Humanity. In Hutchinson, she was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BY.&nbsp;Arvy loved to travel, garden, read, do arts and crafts, spend time in nature and be with friends and family.All who knew Arvy were warmed by her kindness, generosity, wisdom, joy and optimism.&nbsp;Arvy is survived by her children, Cristy Bilhorn (John) of St. Louis, MO, Jack Richard “Rick” Sampson (Rita) of Phoenix, AZ, Teri Heft (Gordon) of Kansas City, MO, and Melissa “Micki” Chestnut (Rob) of Lawrence; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sampson, parents George Edwin and Pearl America (Moore) Johnson and her brother, Romaine Johnson.Arvy’s Celebration of Life service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private inurnment will take place in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan.&nbsp;

Arvilla "Arvy" M. Sampson | 1928 - 2025 |

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250311_cf1k.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball season came to an end with a 74-73 loss to Butler in the Region VI Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons finished the season with a 19-12 record. Butler (22-10) will play Cowley in the semifinals Friday in Hays.

HutchCC trailed by eight with 2:07 remaining but rallied to cut the deficit to 71-70 with nine seconds left after two free throws by DJ Dudley.

Butler made one of two free throws to extend its lead to 72-70. Dudley then drove the length of the floor but lost control of the ball, dribbling it off his thigh and out of bounds with three seconds remaining. Russell Branch made both free throws to push Butler’s lead to 74-70. Bo Aldridge hit a 3-pointer as time expired, but the Blue Dragons fell one point short.

Aldridge led HutchCC with 23 points and eight rebounds. Dudley added 18 points, while Khalil Arnold scored 12 off the bench.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741752782337.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250311_cf1k.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball season came to an end with a 74-73 loss to Butler in the Region VI Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons finished the season with a 19-12 record. Butler (22-10) will play Cowley in the semifinals Friday in Hays.HutchCC trailed by eight with 2:07 remaining but rallied to cut the deficit to 71-70 with nine seconds left after two free throws by DJ Dudley.Butler made one of two free throws to extend its lead to 72-70. Dudley then drove the length of the floor but lost control of the ball, dribbling it off his thigh and out of bounds with three seconds remaining. Russell Branch made both free throws to push Butler’s lead to 74-70. Bo Aldridge hit a 3-pointer as time expired, but the Blue Dragons fell one point short.Aldridge led HutchCC with 23 points and eight rebounds. Dudley added 18 points, while Khalil Arnold scored 12 off the bench.

🏀 Butler ends Blue Dragons' season in Region VI Tournament quarterfinal

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250311_cs88.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish start and poor shooting to defeat Colby 59-49 in the Region VI Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons will face No. 20 Coffeyville (25-5) in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The Red Ravens defeated Seward County 61-50 on Tuesday.

HutchCC (28-3) shot just 32% from the field, including 4 of 30 from 3-point range. Katie Duncan made three of the four 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, including a basket to end the third quarter that gave the Blue Dragons a 37-36 lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741751406814.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250311_cs88.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish start and poor shooting to defeat Colby 59-49 in the Region VI Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons will face No. 20 Coffeyville (25-5) in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The Red Ravens defeated Seward County 61-50 on Tuesday.HutchCC (28-3) shot just 32% from the field, including 4 of 30 from 3-point range. Katie Duncan made three of the four 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, including a basket to end the third quarter that gave the Blue Dragons a 37-36 lead.Both teams struggled offensively early, as Colby (16-16) led 9-6 after the first quarter. Hutchinson shot 3-for-18 from the field in the opening period, including 0-for-8 from 3-point range.The Blue Dragons’ shooting woes continued in the second quarter, and Colby took a 23-20 lead into halftime. The Trojans extended their lead to 27-20 early in the third quarter before Hutchinson began to rally. Duncan’s runner at the end of the period gave the Blue Dragons their first lead since 18-16 in the second quarter.Hutchinson built on its momentum in the fourth quarter, extending its lead to as many as 18 points.Hailey Jackson led the Blue Dragons with 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Jada Pleasant also scored in double figures with 11 points.