Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;both hit better than .500 to power the No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of the Bethel College Junior Varsity in Match 1 of the Blue Dragon Triangular on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons improved to 3-2 for the season with their second sweep of 2023, defeating the Threshers 25-12, 25-16, 25-15.

Golden hit .542 with 15 kills on 24 attacks to pace a Blue Dragon offense that collectively hit a season-high .394. Golden added seven digs. Golden had her third double-double of the season adding 10 digs.

Making her first career start, Letcher had career highs of seven kills and a .667 hitting percentage on nine total attacks. Letcher also had a career-high four blocks.

The Blue Dragons out-hit Bethel .394 to a negative-.033. The Dragons had an 8-2 advantage in blocks and tallied 11 service aces.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;had five kills on .400 hitting. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;had four kills each.

Letcher and Briseno had four block assists each. Murphy added three block assists.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 32 assists with a pair of kills and a team-high three service aces.

Golden,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_2c4q">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>&nbsp;had two aces each.

Rollandini had a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;added six digs.

MeKenna Morgan led Bethel with five kills.

SET 1: The Blue Dragons had an early 10-3 run after a Briseno/Murphy double block gave the Dragons a 10-5 lead. A Long/Murphy double block and a Golden kill upped the lead to 13-7. A Golden kill capped a 6-0 run for a 19-7 lead. The Dragons had another 5-0 run to lead 22-8 after a Ravanhani kill. Bethel then scored four-straight, but Briseno had a kill on Hutchinson's fifth try at set point for a 25-12 win. The Dragons hit .478 in the opening set to Bethel's negative-.056.

SET 2: The Blue Dragons sided out on 13 of 17 chances in the second set while Bethel was only 12 of 24. The Dragons hit .321 in the second and opened an early 12-6 lead after a Briseno/Letcher combo block. Leading 14-11, Long's kill started a 5-0 run for an 19-11 lead after a Thresher attack error. Velez had her only service ace for a 23-14 lead. Golden had kills on the final two points for Hutchinson to close out a 25-16 victory.

SET 3: Hutchinson scored the first five points of the set. Rollandini capped the run with an ace. A Briseno kill make it 11-7 and the lead grew to 10 as another Rollandini ace gave the Blue Dragons a 17-7 lead. The Blue Dragons had four aces in the third set. Back-to-back aces by Stuhlsatz upped the lead to 24-12. Bethel fought off three match points before Murphy's kill ended the match. The Blue Dragons had their lowest attack percentage of the match at .241, but they held the Threshers to only five kills and .000 hitting in the final set.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692870597919.jpeg" alt="Cameron Letcher had career highs of seven kills on .667 hitting and four total blocks in No. 19 Hutchinson's 3-0 victory over the Bethel College JV on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Cameron Letcher had career highs of seven kills on .667 hitting and four total blocks in No. 19 Hutchinson's 3-0 victory over the Bethel College JV on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;both hit better than .500 to power the No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of the Bethel College Junior Varsity in Match 1 of the Blue Dragon Triangular on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons improved to 3-2 for the season with their second sweep of 2023, defeating the Threshers 25-12, 25-16, 25-15.Golden hit .542 with 15 kills on 24 attacks to pace a Blue Dragon offense that collectively hit a season-high .394. Golden added seven digs. Golden had her third double-double of the season adding 10 digs.Making her first career start, Letcher had career highs of seven kills and a .667 hitting percentage on nine total attacks. Letcher also had a career-high four blocks.The Blue Dragons out-hit Bethel .394 to a negative-.033. The Dragons had an 8-2 advantage in blocks and tallied 11 service aces.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;had five kills on .400 hitting. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;had four kills each.Letcher and Briseno had four block assists each. Murphy added three block assists.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 32 assists with a pair of kills and a team-high three service aces.Golden,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_2c4q">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>&nbsp;had two aces each.Rollandini had a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;added six digs.MeKenna Morgan led Bethel with five kills.SET 1: The Blue Dragons had an early 10-3 run after a Briseno/Murphy double block gave the Dragons a 10-5 lead. A Long/Murphy double block and a Golden kill upped the lead to 13-7. A Golden kill capped a 6-0 run for a 19-7 lead. The Dragons had another 5-0 run to lead 22-8 after a Ravanhani kill. Bethel then scored four-straight, but Briseno had a kill on Hutchinson's fifth try at set point for a 25-12 win. The Dragons hit .478 in the opening set to Bethel's negative-.056.SET 2: The Blue Dragons sided out on 13 of 17 chances in the second set while Bethel was only 12 of 24. The Dragons hit .321 in the second and opened an early 12-6 lead after a Briseno/Letcher combo block. Leading 14-11, Long's kill started a 5-0 run for an 19-11 lead after a Thresher attack error. Velez had her only service ace for a 23-14 lead. Golden had kills on the final two points for Hutchinson to close out a 25-16 victory.SET 3: Hutchinson scored the first five points of the set. Rollandini capped the run with an ace. A Briseno kill make it 11-7 and the lead grew to 10 as another Rollandini ace gave the Blue Dragons a 17-7 lead. The Blue Dragons had four aces in the third set. Back-to-back aces by Stuhlsatz upped the lead to 24-12. Bethel fought off three match points before Murphy's kill ended the match. The Blue Dragons had their lowest attack percentage of the match at .241, but they held the Threshers to only five kills and .000 hitting in the final set.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 HutchCC opens triangular with sweep of Bethel JV

By the Hutchinson CC Sports Information

GARDEN CITY – Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;came up big several times on Wednesday night to help the No. 18 Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team to a scoreless draw with the Garden City Broncbusters in the 2023 Jayhawk Conference opener at Broncbuster Stadium.

Slothower registered 10 saves, with three huge stops in the final four minutes to preserve the tie, just the third scoreless draw in program history.

The No. 18-ranked Blue Dragons (1-0-1, 0-0-1 KJCCC) will play host to Seward County at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. Garden City is now 2-0-1, 0-0-1 in the league.

The tie is the first time in 31 all-time meetings with Garden City that the Blue Dragons relinquished a point in the standings to the Broncbusters. Hutchinson leads the all-time series with Garden City at 30-0-1. Hutchinson has registered 22 shutouts in series history.

Slothower became just the 13th Blue Dragon goalkeeper in program history to register 10 or more saves in a single game. The last Dragon keeper to reach double figures in saves was Caroline Howard, who had 11 saves against Rose State on August 28, 2016. Slothower tied Ashley Perez, Bailey Shupe and Vickie Dukart for 13th on the Blue Dragon single-game saves list.

Slothower was tested right away with a save just 1:33 into the contest. With 17 minutes to play in the first half, the freshman keeper deflected the ball for a save on a direct free kick straight away from 20 yards out. Slothower immediately made another save on a point-blank shot resulting from a Garden City corner kick. Slothower had six saves in the first half.

The Blue Dragon goalkeeper kept the game scoreless with 17:40 to play when she stopped a Buster breakaway with an aggressive play going 1-on-1 with Jessica Newton.

The final minutes were heart-stopping as Slothower made two late saves and had a Buster sharp-angled shot glance off the right goal post with a little more than a minute to play.

Each team fired 14 shots with 10 shots on goal. Garden City goalkeeper Ava Wilson had seven saves.

Late in the first half, the Blue Dragons couldn't convert on some prime scoring chances as shots by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;and Jada Wyatt were all legally stopped by scrambling Garden City defenders with Wilson out of position.

The Blue Dragons forced five corner kicks in the first 6 minutes of the second half. The best scoring chance from those set pieces was a header by Wyatt.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This is the 10th tie in Blue Dragon women's soccer history. … The game did not go to overtime because of an NCAA rule change not allowing overtime at the end of regulation play of a tied game in regular-season games that was implemented this season. … This was the first scoreless draw for the Blue Dragons since October 6, 2021 against Barton.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692870312626.jpeg" alt="Freshman goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower had 10 saves in leading the No. 18 Blue Dragon women's soccer team to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday at Garden City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower had 10 saves in leading the No. 18 Blue Dragon women's soccer team to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday at Garden City. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By the Hutchinson CC Sports InformationGARDEN CITY – Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;came up big several times on Wednesday night to help the No. 18 Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team to a scoreless draw with the Garden City Broncbusters in the 2023 Jayhawk Conference opener at Broncbuster Stadium.Slothower registered 10 saves, with three huge stops in the final four minutes to preserve the tie, just the third scoreless draw in program history.The No. 18-ranked Blue Dragons (1-0-1, 0-0-1 KJCCC) will play host to Seward County at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. Garden City is now 2-0-1, 0-0-1 in the league.The tie is the first time in 31 all-time meetings with Garden City that the Blue Dragons relinquished a point in the standings to the Broncbusters. Hutchinson leads the all-time series with Garden City at 30-0-1. Hutchinson has registered 22 shutouts in series history.Slothower became just the 13th Blue Dragon goalkeeper in program history to register 10 or more saves in a single game. The last Dragon keeper to reach double figures in saves was Caroline Howard, who had 11 saves against Rose State on August 28, 2016. Slothower tied Ashley Perez, Bailey Shupe and Vickie Dukart for 13th on the Blue Dragon single-game saves list.Slothower was tested right away with a save just 1:33 into the contest. With 17 minutes to play in the first half, the freshman keeper deflected the ball for a save on a direct free kick straight away from 20 yards out. Slothower immediately made another save on a point-blank shot resulting from a Garden City corner kick. Slothower had six saves in the first half.The Blue Dragon goalkeeper kept the game scoreless with 17:40 to play when she stopped a Buster breakaway with an aggressive play going 1-on-1 with Jessica Newton.The final minutes were heart-stopping as Slothower made two late saves and had a Buster sharp-angled shot glance off the right goal post with a little more than a minute to play.Each team fired 14 shots with 10 shots on goal. Garden City goalkeeper Ava Wilson had seven saves.Late in the first half, the Blue Dragons couldn't convert on some prime scoring chances as shots by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;and Jada Wyatt were all legally stopped by scrambling Garden City defenders with Wilson out of position.The Blue Dragons forced five corner kicks in the first 6 minutes of the second half. The best scoring chance from those set pieces was a header by Wyatt.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This is the 10th tie in Blue Dragon women's soccer history. … The game did not go to overtime because of an NCAA rule change not allowing overtime at the end of regulation play of a tied game in regular-season games that was implemented this season. … This was the first scoreless draw for the Blue Dragons since October 6, 2021 against Barton.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ HutchCC earns draw with Garden City

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 7 p.m. - (4) Snow @ (15) Trinity Valley *game played in Malakoff, Tex. 7 p.m. - College of DuPage @ Ellsworth 8 p.m. - (12) Butler @ (9) Garden City

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 10 a.m. - (10) Iowa Central @ Independence 11 a.m. - (1) Iowa Western @ Dodge City 12 p.m. - Georgia Christian @ (13) Georgia Military 4 p.m. - (7) Coffeyville @ Highland 6 p.m. - TWA College (Tex.) @ Cisco&nbsp; 7 p.m. - (5) Kilgore @ Tyler 7 p.m. - St. George (Utah) @ New Mexico Military 7 p.m. - Louisiana Community Christian @ Blinn 7:30 p.m. - (2) Hutchinson @ (11) Navarro

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575405468854.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 7 p.m. - (4) Snow @ (15) Trinity Valley *game played in Malakoff, Tex. 7 p.m. - College of DuPage @ Ellsworth 8 p.m. - (12) Butler @ (9) Garden CitySATURDAY, AUGUST 26 10 a.m. - (10) Iowa Central @ Independence 11 a.m. - (1) Iowa Western @ Dodge City 12 p.m. - Georgia Christian @ (13) Georgia Military 4 p.m. - (7) Coffeyville @ Highland 6 p.m. - TWA College (Tex.) @ Cisco&nbsp; 7 p.m. - (5) Kilgore @ Tyler 7 p.m. - St. George (Utah) @ New Mexico Military 7 p.m. - Louisiana Community Christian @ Blinn 7:30 p.m. - (2) Hutchinson @ (11) Navarro<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 NJCAA week 1 schedule

CORSICANA, Tex.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Community College football season opener at Navarro College on Saturday has been pushed back to a 7:30 p.m. kickoff from Community National Bank &amp; Trust Stadium. 

The game was scheduled for 7 p.m., but has been moved back 30 minutes due to the forecasted temperature at kickoff.

The Blue Dragons are ranked No. 2 in the preseason National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll, while the Bulldogs are No. 11.

The game will be broadcasted on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9-FM</a>, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692800184617.jpeg" alt="Community National Bank &amp; Trust Stadium in Corsicana, Texas" />
 <figcaption>Community National Bank &amp; Trust Stadium in Corsicana, Texas</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostCORSICANA, Tex.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Community College football season opener at Navarro College on Saturday has been pushed back to a 7:30 p.m. kickoff from Community National Bank &amp; Trust Stadium. The game was scheduled for 7 p.m., but has been moved back 30 minutes due to the forecasted temperature at kickoff.The Blue Dragons are ranked No. 2 in the preseason National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll, while the Bulldogs are No. 11.The game will be broadcasted on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9-FM</a>, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 HutchCC season opener Saturday moved to 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Texas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson YMCA at 716 East 13th is holding an Open House on August 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

"It's as much of an open house for our members as it is our non-members, just to kind of come and check out all the programs and services that we have to offer," said David Foster with the Y. "It's a great time, as people are kind of making plans for the fall, now that school is starting or has started back already."

It's a great chance for anyone to make the Hutchinson YMCA a part of their daily routine.

"That day, anybody that comes and joins the Y will get their $50 joiner fee waived," Foster said. "That's always a great time and a great opportunity, not only to learn more about what we have to offer, but if you are not a member, a great time to join and become a member of the Y."

As part of the event, there will be pop up classes in martial arts, gymnastics, cycling and more, along with Food Trucks and Raffles.

Special guests from Hutchinson Community College will also be making an appearance. Don't miss your chance to meet HCC mascot Duke the Dragon and members of the fall sports teams (dance and cheer, football, volleyball and soccer).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582214071436.png" alt="YMCA Logo" />
 <figcaption>YMCA Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson YMCA at 716 East 13th is holding an Open House on August 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m."It's as much of an open house for our members as it is our non-members, just to kind of come and check out all the programs and services that we have to offer," said David Foster with the Y. "It's a great time, as people are kind of making plans for the fall, now that school is starting or has started back already."It's a great chance for anyone to make the Hutchinson YMCA a part of their daily routine."That day, anybody that comes and joins the Y will get their $50 joiner fee waived," Foster said. "That's always a great time and a great opportunity, not only to learn more about what we have to offer, but if you are not a member, a great time to join and become a member of the Y."As part of the event, there will be pop up classes in martial arts, gymnastics, cycling and more, along with Food Trucks and Raffles.Special guests from Hutchinson Community College will also be making an appearance. Don't miss your chance to meet HCC mascot Duke the Dragon and members of the fall sports teams (dance and cheer, football, volleyball and soccer).<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch Y Open House coming up

Courtesy of NBC World Series&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2023 National Baseball Congress All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through the 89th&nbsp;NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, held August 3-12 in Wichita, Kansas. The Hutchinson Monarchs claimed their first National Championship in franchise history.

<a></a>About NBC:&nbsp;The NBC World Series is the premier summer showcase for college-age amateur players since 1935. This non-profit 501c(3) foundation operates under the supervision of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nbcbaseball.com/" target="_blank">www.nbcbaseball.com</a>.&nbsp;Each NBC All-American will receive a customized commemorative bat from Hook Bats,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hookbats.com/" target="_blank">www.hookbats.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690542194817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of NBC World Series&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. – The 2023 National Baseball Congress All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through the 89th&nbsp;NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, held August 3-12 in Wichita, Kansas. The Hutchinson Monarchs claimed their first National Championship in franchise history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692733125298.jpeg" alt="2023 All-American List" />
 <figcaption>2023 All-American List</figcaption>
 </figure><a></a>About NBC:&nbsp;The NBC World Series is the premier summer showcase for college-age amateur players since 1935. This non-profit 501c(3) foundation operates under the supervision of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nbcbaseball.com/" target="_blank">www.nbcbaseball.com</a>.&nbsp;Each NBC All-American will receive a customized commemorative bat from Hook Bats,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hookbats.com/" target="_blank">www.hookbats.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Buettenback named MVP; 5 other Monarchs garner NBC World Series All-America honors

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Community College athletic department announced on Tuesday that the football home opener against Ellsworth (Iowa) on Saturday, Sept. 2 will now kickoff at 11 a.m. 

The game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m., but has been moved up two hours due to the high temperatures scheduled.&nbsp;

No. 2 Hutchinson will open the season on Saturday in Corsicana, Texas against No. 11 Navarro College. The game will be broadcasted on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9-FM</a>, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692731400205.jpeg" alt="Gowans Stadium (Hutch Post/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Gowans Stadium (Hutch Post/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Community College athletic department announced on Tuesday that the football home opener against Ellsworth (Iowa) on Saturday, Sept. 2 will now kickoff at 11 a.m. The game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m., but has been moved up two hours due to the high temperatures scheduled.&nbsp;No. 2 Hutchinson will open the season on Saturday in Corsicana, Texas against No. 11 Navarro College. The game will be broadcasted on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9-FM</a>, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Blue Dragons home opener kickoff time moved up due to heat

William Claude Fillingim was gifted to the world on Christmas Day, December 25, 1937. He was&nbsp;the fourth of nine children born to A. E. “Nick” and Elaine (Waters) Fillingim in Pensacola,&nbsp;Florida. His parents and family instilled in him a love of laughter, a desire to learn, and a&nbsp;determination to work hard. He grew up going to church, and when he was 18, he came to a&nbsp;personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was called to be a pastor. This became the&nbsp;driving force of the rest of his life.&nbsp;

After graduating from Pensacola High School, he attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky.&nbsp;He graduated with a bachelor’s degree and completed the first year of his seminary&nbsp;degree. At that time, he was eager to go someplace else in the world and get some practical experience. This led him to Bloom, Kansas, where he took his first pastorship at the Bloom United Methodist Church. This opportunity gave him a love for the plains, a love for the people of western Kansas, and, specifically, the love of an amazing woman. &nbsp;He and Anita Lea Esplund were married on August 3, 1963.

After their marriage, Claude and Anita moved to Boston, Massachusetts in order for Claude to&nbsp;finish his master’s degree in theology at Boston University. He obtained the degree, but more&nbsp;importantly, he and Anita welcomed the birth of their first child, Tanya Lea, in September of&nbsp;1964.

On completion of his degree, Claude accepted the pulpit in Bucklin, Kansas, at the United&nbsp;Methodist Church. During their nine years there, he and Anita impacted countless lives. Two&nbsp;children would also be born here: Layne Waters (who died at birth) and Debra Kay.&nbsp; In 1974, the family moved so that Claude could pastor at the United Methodist Church in&nbsp;Kingman, Kansas. Once again, Claude and Anita’s ministry played a major role in shaping the&nbsp;spiritual journey of those in their charge. One more child would be added to the family: David&nbsp;Wesley.

When his time at Kingman was through, rather than go directly to another pulpit, Claude decided to take his family to Campbell, California to seek some training. After eight months it became clear that the Fillingims needed to return to Kansas. They came back to headquarter in&nbsp;Minneola, Kansas for four months before taking charge of the United Methodist Church in&nbsp;Lincoln, Kansas. Claude pastored the church for three years and then decided to pursue his relationship with God in new ways. At first, he and Anita simply led a Bible study. It was not long before that Bible study became the creation of a new church: the Lincoln Christian Fellowship. They would continue to pastor there until 2003. In addition, he traveled extensively with the purpose of ministering to ministers in several countries around the world.

If you can call it retirement, Claude and Anita decided to retire to Thomaston, Georgia in order&nbsp;to be closer to Claude’s siblings. Once again, their ministry took off in powerful ways. They became part-time caterers and Bible study leaders. They turned their home into a spiritual oasis for all who entered.

The desire to be near to grandchildren (Tanya’s kids: Aaron and Kaylea) drew Claude and Anita back to Kansas. They returned to Kingman in 2012. Once again, they threw themselves into ministry: hosting Bible studies, catering events, and meeting the needs of those who came across their path.

Anita graduated to heaven in 2015. Claude had loved her with all his heart, but he also knew he&nbsp;had more love to give. It wasn’t long before he realized he desired a companion. His friendship&nbsp;with Pat (Sayles), whom he had officially known since 1974, turned into love. He married this&nbsp;amazing woman in the summer of 2017. They set up home in Hutchinson, Kansas. Their love was both precious and profound.

Claude departed this life on the evening of Saturday, August 19, 2023, in his home. He is&nbsp;preceded in death by his parents (A. E. and Elaine Fillingim), his first wife (Anita Esplund&nbsp;Fillingim), a child (Layne Waters Fillingim), and four siblings (Archie “Nick” Fillingim Jr., Janice&nbsp;Henderson, Ralph Fillingim, and Margaret Davis).&nbsp;

He is survived by his second wife (Pat Fillingim), three children and their spouses (Tanya and David Hein, Debra and Darin Raffety, and David and Erica Fillingim), two grandchildren (Aaron Hein and Kaylea Hein), four siblings and their spouses (Charles and Diane Fillingim of Pensacola, Florida, Robert and Linda Fillingim of Robertsdale, Alabama, James and Kay Fillingim of Daphne, Alabama, and Sharon and George Erickson of Pensacola, Florida), several in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. His was a life well-lived.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola, KS. &nbsp;Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

<a href="https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/live-stream/">Click here to view Claude's funeral service.</a>

Memorials are suggested to the W. Claude Fillingim Memorial Fund (for the family to distribute to organizations Claude was passionate about), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS &nbsp;67501.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719380889.jpeg" alt="Claude Fillingim" />
 <figcaption>Claude Fillingim</figcaption>
 </figure>William Claude Fillingim was gifted to the world on Christmas Day, December 25, 1937. He was&nbsp;the fourth of nine children born to A. E. “Nick” and Elaine (Waters) Fillingim in Pensacola,&nbsp;Florida. His parents and family instilled in him a love of laughter, a desire to learn, and a&nbsp;determination to work hard. He grew up going to church, and when he was 18, he came to a&nbsp;personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was called to be a pastor. This became the&nbsp;driving force of the rest of his life.&nbsp;After graduating from Pensacola High School, he attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky.&nbsp;He graduated with a bachelor’s degree and completed the first year of his seminary&nbsp;degree. At that time, he was eager to go someplace else in the world and get some practical experience. This led him to Bloom, Kansas, where he took his first pastorship at the Bloom United Methodist Church. This opportunity gave him a love for the plains, a love for the people of western Kansas, and, specifically, the love of an amazing woman. &nbsp;He and Anita Lea Esplund were married on August 3, 1963.After their marriage, Claude and Anita moved to Boston, Massachusetts in order for Claude to&nbsp;finish his master’s degree in theology at Boston University. He obtained the degree, but more&nbsp;importantly, he and Anita welcomed the birth of their first child, Tanya Lea, in September of&nbsp;1964.On completion of his degree, Claude accepted the pulpit in Bucklin, Kansas, at the United&nbsp;Methodist Church. During their nine years there, he and Anita impacted countless lives. Two&nbsp;children would also be born here: Layne Waters (who died at birth) and Debra Kay.&nbsp; In 1974, the family moved so that Claude could pastor at the United Methodist Church in&nbsp;Kingman, Kansas. Once again, Claude and Anita’s ministry played a major role in shaping the&nbsp;spiritual journey of those in their charge. One more child would be added to the family: David&nbsp;Wesley.When his time at Kingman was through, rather than go directly to another pulpit, Claude decided to take his family to Campbell, California to seek some training. After eight months it became clear that the Fillingims needed to return to Kansas. They came back to headquarter in&nbsp;Minneola, Kansas for four months before taking charge of the United Methodist Church in&nbsp;Lincoln, Kansas. Claude pastored the church for three years and then decided to pursue his relationship with God in new ways. At first, he and Anita simply led a Bible study. It was not long before that Bible study became the creation of a new church: the Lincoln Christian Fellowship. They would continue to pastor there until 2003. In addition, he traveled extensively with the purpose of ministering to ministers in several countries around the world.If you can call it retirement, Claude and Anita decided to retire to Thomaston, Georgia in order&nbsp;to be closer to Claude’s siblings. Once again, their ministry took off in powerful ways. They became part-time caterers and Bible study leaders. They turned their home into a spiritual oasis for all who entered.The desire to be near to grandchildren (Tanya’s kids: Aaron and Kaylea) drew Claude and Anita back to Kansas. They returned to Kingman in 2012. Once again, they threw themselves into ministry: hosting Bible studies, catering events, and meeting the needs of those who came across their path.Anita graduated to heaven in 2015. Claude had loved her with all his heart, but he also knew he&nbsp;had more love to give. It wasn’t long before he realized he desired a companion. His friendship&nbsp;with Pat (Sayles), whom he had officially known since 1974, turned into love. He married this&nbsp;amazing woman in the summer of 2017. They set up home in Hutchinson, Kansas. Their love was both precious and profound.Claude departed this life on the evening of Saturday, August 19, 2023, in his home. He is&nbsp;preceded in death by his parents (A. E. and Elaine Fillingim), his first wife (Anita Esplund&nbsp;Fillingim), a child (Layne Waters Fillingim), and four siblings (Archie “Nick” Fillingim Jr., Janice&nbsp;Henderson, Ralph Fillingim, and Margaret Davis).&nbsp;He is survived by his second wife (Pat Fillingim), three children and their spouses (Tanya and David Hein, Debra and Darin Raffety, and David and Erica Fillingim), two grandchildren (Aaron Hein and Kaylea Hein), four siblings and their spouses (Charles and Diane Fillingim of Pensacola, Florida, Robert and Linda Fillingim of Robertsdale, Alabama, James and Kay Fillingim of Daphne, Alabama, and Sharon and George Erickson of Pensacola, Florida), several in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. His was a life well-lived.Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola, KS. &nbsp;Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.<a href="https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/live-stream/">Click here to view Claude's funeral service.</a>Memorials are suggested to the W. Claude Fillingim Memorial Fund (for the family to distribute to organizations Claude was passionate about), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS &nbsp;67501.&nbsp;

William Claude Fillingim |1937-2023|

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the induction of Ron and Marsha Schilling, Edson, Kansas as the 2023 Wall of Honor inductee in a combination of presentations to be held at the Foundation’s 2023 Boots and Bling event and also during the Supreme Drive of the Kansas State Fair Open Beef Show. Ron and Marsha have been life-long supporters of the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Beef Cattle Industry. Ron and Marsha developed a passion for agriculture and livestock from their respective parents and their involvement in 4-H livestock projects in Sherman County. They each separately started a purebred registered Limousin cowherd as part of their 4-H projects. Their involvement with the Kansas State Fair began when they attended and also then exhibited their animals in the 4-H livestock shows at the Fair. Having known each other through 4-H, Ron said he always had his eye on Marsha, but only had the guts to ask her out on a date after he went off to Colby Community College. There, he competed on the livestock judging team and learned to give a good set of reasons. The confidence gained from livestock judging finally gave him the courage to ask Marsha for a date. One date led to many dates, and in 1979 they married and “honeymooned” in Manhattan until 1981 when Ron finished his degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. After Ron graduated from Kansas State University they moved back to Sherman County in northwest Kansas, where they’ve made their home, and been actively involved in production agriculture; raising crops, livestock, 3 wonderful sons and 4 perfect grandkids. In 2024, Ron and Marsha will celebrate 50 years of membership in the North American Limousin Foundation with the reputation of breeding top-quality Limousin cattle that worked for cattlemen across the country. In 2012, they added a registered Angus herd to their ranching operation. The Schillings have been selling registered seedstock for more than 40 years. They currently hold two auctions each year, selling show quality heifers in the fall and a production sale in the spring focusing on Limousin, Lim-Flex and Angus bulls along with a selection of high-quality replacement females. They’ve had a love for the Kansas State Fair since their youth. The idea for holding a Supreme Drive for the open beef show at the Kansas State Fair started in the early 2000’s while exhibiting open class cattle with their sons. The Grand Champions from each beef breed would compete for the title of Supreme Champion. This was prior to the building of the Prairie Pavilion complex, built in 2004. The Schilling’s know that the quality of the open show cattle exhibited at the Kansas State Fair helped set the standard for beef shows nationwide. Grand Champions from the Kansas State Fair often go on to win major livestock shows across the nation. After many conversations, persistence and getting a Fair Board that was willing to try something new, the idea gained momentum and in 2007 with the help of Ron Holland and Anne Lampe, the first Supreme Drive was held. According to the Schillings, it was a labor of love by many in the purebred beef industry to pull off this show. It highlights all the breed Grand Champions and allows one female and one bull the distinction of Supreme Champion of the Kansas State Fair. The Schillings noted the Supreme Drive has been blessed with great sponsors from the early years, many still sponsors to this day, and new sponsors who become part of the Supreme Drive fanfare with each new fair. Ron designed the trophy after hockey’s “Stanley Cup” Trophy, where the names of the winners’ names are added each year making the trophy bigger and more prestigious to win each year in succession. "Ron and Marsha have been integral to the Supreme Drive since its inception. In addition to being an open show exhibitor and sponsor, they’ve served as treasurer of the Supreme Drive Committee since the beginning. Ron sets up the Breed Champion display, ensuring each detail is coordinated from the breed stall signs, to personally welcoming the exhibitors. Marsha organizes the Supreme Drive reception, ordering the food and setting up the event for exhibitors and spectators.” said Anne Lampe, Kansas State Fair Beef Superintendent and Show Manager. Anne continued, “Ron and Marsha are deeply invested in the success of the open beef shows at the Kansas State Fair, I always know that if I need help with anything concerning the Supreme Drive, the Schilling family is ready to help." The Schillings feel honored to be a part of the development and continued success of the Open Beef Show Supreme Drive at the Kansas State Fair. While making a difference for Kansas State Fair, they have also been active members of their local community serving on the Extension Board, Farm Bureau Board, School Board, and as 4-H club leaders, 4-H Beef leaders, on the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Carnival Board and they host the Tri-State Royal of Champions every August. They are also actively involved in the Goodland Church of Christ. Most recently served on the Topside Manor Board which helped pass a bond issue, design and built a state-of-the-art full care facility for the elderly of Northwest Kansas. Marsha currently serves on the Ground Water Board and Ron is the current President of the Sherman County Community Foundation. The Schillings have always believed that if we want the world to be a better place, we all need to start with our home community first.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on how you can support the Wall of Honor and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher, Executive Director, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation at 620-615-7388 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org">James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692635660635.jpeg" alt="Ron and Marsha Schilling-Image Courtesy Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Ron and Marsha Schilling-Image Courtesy Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Fairgrounds FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the induction of Ron and Marsha Schilling, Edson, Kansas as the 2023 Wall of Honor inductee in a combination of presentations to be held at the Foundation’s 2023 Boots and Bling event and also during the Supreme Drive of the Kansas State Fair Open Beef Show. Ron and Marsha have been life-long supporters of the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Beef Cattle Industry. Ron and Marsha developed a passion for agriculture and livestock from their respective parents and their involvement in 4-H livestock projects in Sherman County. They each separately started a purebred registered Limousin cowherd as part of their 4-H projects. Their involvement with the Kansas State Fair began when they attended and also then exhibited their animals in the 4-H livestock shows at the Fair. Having known each other through 4-H, Ron said he always had his eye on Marsha, but only had the guts to ask her out on a date after he went off to Colby Community College. There, he competed on the livestock judging team and learned to give a good set of reasons. The confidence gained from livestock judging finally gave him the courage to ask Marsha for a date. One date led to many dates, and in 1979 they married and “honeymooned” in Manhattan until 1981 when Ron finished his degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. After Ron graduated from Kansas State University they moved back to Sherman County in northwest Kansas, where they’ve made their home, and been actively involved in production agriculture; raising crops, livestock, 3 wonderful sons and 4 perfect grandkids. In 2024, Ron and Marsha will celebrate 50 years of membership in the North American Limousin Foundation with the reputation of breeding top-quality Limousin cattle that worked for cattlemen across the country. In 2012, they added a registered Angus herd to their ranching operation. The Schillings have been selling registered seedstock for more than 40 years. They currently hold two auctions each year, selling show quality heifers in the fall and a production sale in the spring focusing on Limousin, Lim-Flex and Angus bulls along with a selection of high-quality replacement females. They’ve had a love for the Kansas State Fair since their youth. The idea for holding a Supreme Drive for the open beef show at the Kansas State Fair started in the early 2000’s while exhibiting open class cattle with their sons. The Grand Champions from each beef breed would compete for the title of Supreme Champion. This was prior to the building of the Prairie Pavilion complex, built in 2004. The Schilling’s know that the quality of the open show cattle exhibited at the Kansas State Fair helped set the standard for beef shows nationwide. Grand Champions from the Kansas State Fair often go on to win major livestock shows across the nation. After many conversations, persistence and getting a Fair Board that was willing to try something new, the idea gained momentum and in 2007 with the help of Ron Holland and Anne Lampe, the first Supreme Drive was held. According to the Schillings, it was a labor of love by many in the purebred beef industry to pull off this show. It highlights all the breed Grand Champions and allows one female and one bull the distinction of Supreme Champion of the Kansas State Fair. The Schillings noted the Supreme Drive has been blessed with great sponsors from the early years, many still sponsors to this day, and new sponsors who become part of the Supreme Drive fanfare with each new fair. Ron designed the trophy after hockey’s “Stanley Cup” Trophy, where the names of the winners’ names are added each year making the trophy bigger and more prestigious to win each year in succession. "Ron and Marsha have been integral to the Supreme Drive since its inception. In addition to being an open show exhibitor and sponsor, they’ve served as treasurer of the Supreme Drive Committee since the beginning. Ron sets up the Breed Champion display, ensuring each detail is coordinated from the breed stall signs, to personally welcoming the exhibitors. Marsha organizes the Supreme Drive reception, ordering the food and setting up the event for exhibitors and spectators.” said Anne Lampe, Kansas State Fair Beef Superintendent and Show Manager. Anne continued, “Ron and Marsha are deeply invested in the success of the open beef shows at the Kansas State Fair, I always know that if I need help with anything concerning the Supreme Drive, the Schilling family is ready to help." The Schillings feel honored to be a part of the development and continued success of the Open Beef Show Supreme Drive at the Kansas State Fair. While making a difference for Kansas State Fair, they have also been active members of their local community serving on the Extension Board, Farm Bureau Board, School Board, and as 4-H club leaders, 4-H Beef leaders, on the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Carnival Board and they host the Tri-State Royal of Champions every August. They are also actively involved in the Goodland Church of Christ. Most recently served on the Topside Manor Board which helped pass a bond issue, design and built a state-of-the-art full care facility for the elderly of Northwest Kansas. Marsha currently serves on the Ground Water Board and Ron is the current President of the Sherman County Community Foundation. The Schillings have always believed that if we want the world to be a better place, we all need to start with our home community first.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on how you can support the Wall of Honor and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher, Executive Director, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation at 620-615-7388 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org">James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ron and Marsha Schilling now in Wall of Honor for Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards says that educational outcomes are improving, even if test scores are not.

"If you look at long-term measures, like the percentage of our population that graduates, goes on to post-secondary education and earns more as a result, we've continued to make improvements and, in fact, are at an all-time high. There's a lot of facts out there. I rarely find something that isn't true, but sometimes it isn't part of the whole picture or the whole context."

Researchers believe 70 to 75% of all future jobs will require a credential beyond high school.

"Societal needs have changed from an economy that was not particularly high skilled," Tallman said. "Basic literacy skills, basic math skills, for most kids, a high school diploma was all you needed. What was required for a high school diploma was less than we expect now. We've shifted to a world where most jobs require more than high school, require a higher level of literacy and math and a whole lot more social concerns over things like dealing with mental health and managing technology and managing a lot of issues that weren't there for older generations."

Learning loss connected with COVID-19 is something both public and private schools will be dealing with for years to come.

"Private schools generally perform about the same as public schools who have comparable student demographics," Tallman said. "In other words, if you have fewer kids with high needs, you tend to do better, public or private. Private schools also declined, the five major private school systems in Kansas, Catholic diocese, Lutheran schools, that are accredited, all have seen a decline in performance over the same time as public schools, all of which got worse during COVID."

Most recently, Kansas high school completion reached 91.8 percent, any college 66.8 percent, and four-year degrees or higher 34.5 percent.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards says that educational outcomes are improving, even if test scores are not."If you look at long-term measures, like the percentage of our population that graduates, goes on to post-secondary education and earns more as a result, we've continued to make improvements and, in fact, are at an all-time high. There's a lot of facts out there. I rarely find something that isn't true, but sometimes it isn't part of the whole picture or the whole context."Researchers believe 70 to 75% of all future jobs will require a credential beyond high school."Societal needs have changed from an economy that was not particularly high skilled," Tallman said. "Basic literacy skills, basic math skills, for most kids, a high school diploma was all you needed. What was required for a high school diploma was less than we expect now. We've shifted to a world where most jobs require more than high school, require a higher level of literacy and math and a whole lot more social concerns over things like dealing with mental health and managing technology and managing a lot of issues that weren't there for older generations."Learning loss connected with COVID-19 is something both public and private schools will be dealing with for years to come."Private schools generally perform about the same as public schools who have comparable student demographics," Tallman said. "In other words, if you have fewer kids with high needs, you tend to do better, public or private. Private schools also declined, the five major private school systems in Kansas, Catholic diocese, Lutheran schools, that are accredited, all have seen a decline in performance over the same time as public schools, all of which got worse during COVID."Most recently, Kansas high school completion reached 91.8 percent, any college 66.8 percent, and four-year degrees or higher 34.5 percent.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Tallman: Education is advancing, despite many challenges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The National Junior College Athletic Association released its preseason Top 15 football poll on Monday afternoon, and the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons come in at No. 2.

HutchCC comes in just behind Iowa Western, who beat the Blue Dragons last December in the national championship game in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Blue Dragons will play the Reivers in the regular season finale on Nov. 11 at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragons are one of four Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference teams ranked in the initial poll. Coffeyville is No. 7, Garden City No. 9, and Butler No. 12.

Hutchinson will open the season this Saturday in Corsicana, Texas against No. 11 Navarro College. The game will be broadcasted on Country 102.9-FM, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Papa Johns Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Blue Dragons have started a season ranked in the Top 5 of the national rankings. The Blue Dragons started the 2022 season ranked No. 3 and in 2021, they were preseason No. 1. In 2020-21 they were picked No. 1 and went wire-to-wire to win the national championship. The 2019 Blue Dragons were picked No. 5.

NJCAA DI Football Preseason Poll 1. Iowa Western (10 1st Place votes) 2. Hutchinson 3. Northwest Mississippi 4. Snow College 5. Kilgore College 6. Jones College 7. Coffeyville 8. East Mississippi 9. Garden City 10. Iowa Central 11. Navarro 12. Butler 13. Georgia Military 14. Lackawanna College 15. Trinity Valley&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692305290062.jpeg" alt="Head coach Drew Dallas and the Blue Dragon football team open the 2023 season on the road at Navarro College Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Head coach Drew Dallas and the Blue Dragon football team open the 2023 season on the road at Navarro College Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The National Junior College Athletic Association released its preseason Top 15 football poll on Monday afternoon, and the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons come in at No. 2.HutchCC comes in just behind Iowa Western, who beat the Blue Dragons last December in the national championship game in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Blue Dragons will play the Reivers in the regular season finale on Nov. 11 at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragons are one of four Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference teams ranked in the initial poll. Coffeyville is No. 7, Garden City No. 9, and Butler No. 12.Hutchinson will open the season this Saturday in Corsicana, Texas against No. 11 Navarro College. The game will be broadcasted on Country 102.9-FM, the radio home for Blue Dragon athletics. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with Papa Johns Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 6:30 p.m.This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Blue Dragons have started a season ranked in the Top 5 of the national rankings. The Blue Dragons started the 2022 season ranked No. 3 and in 2021, they were preseason No. 1. In 2020-21 they were picked No. 1 and went wire-to-wire to win the national championship. The 2019 Blue Dragons were picked No. 5.NJCAA DI Football Preseason Poll 1. Iowa Western (10 1st Place votes) 2. Hutchinson 3. Northwest Mississippi 4. Snow College 5. Kilgore College 6. Jones College 7. Coffeyville 8. East Mississippi 9. Garden City 10. Iowa Central 11. Navarro 12. Butler 13. Georgia Military 14. Lackawanna College 15. Trinity Valley&nbsp;

🏈 Blue Dragons No. 2 in NJCAA preseason poll; open season Saturday in Texas

Sharon Lynn Fulks died Thursday, August 17, 2023, at her home in Gardner, KS from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She fought valiantly for three years.

Sharon graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1966. She graduated from Hutchinson Junior College and attended the University of Connecticut for one year before graduating from Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia in 1970. She taught elementary school in St. Louis for three years and then joined the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, teaching in Okinawa, Germany, and Sicily for 32 years. She retired in 2005 and moved to Gardner, KS.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, KS and Grace United Methodist Church in Olathe, KS.

Sharon belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild. She helped raise great niece and nephew Riley and Colin Roberts. She volunteered at Olathe Public Schools to continue working directly with children. She was an avid reader, participating in a local book club, and listened to audiobooks as she drove. Sharon was an election worker for the Johnson County Board of Elections and she served proudly.

Sharon was a world traveler. Her job with DoDDS allowed her to visit many countries.

Sharon was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Dorothy Fulks. She is survived by three sisters, Ellen (Joe) Wixom, Linda (Jim) Parker, and Nancy (Louis) Crowl, and brother John (Peggy) Fulks. Nieces and nephews include Laura, Jeremy, Charlie, Jenny, and Melissa. She had several great nieces and nephews and beloved friends Frank, Martha, and Kimberly.

Graveside service will 10:30 am Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the book from 9 am to 8 pm with family present from 5 to 7 pm on Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, providing educational opportunities for teachers, or Samaritan's Purse for Christmas Shoeboxes for Children, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692793847002.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Lynn Fulks died Thursday, August 17, 2023, at her home in Gardner, KS from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She fought valiantly for three years.Sharon graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1966. She graduated from Hutchinson Junior College and attended the University of Connecticut for one year before graduating from Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia in 1970. She taught elementary school in St. Louis for three years and then joined the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, teaching in Okinawa, Germany, and Sicily for 32 years. She retired in 2005 and moved to Gardner, KS.She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, KS and Grace United Methodist Church in Olathe, KS.Sharon belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild. She helped raise great niece and nephew Riley and Colin Roberts. She volunteered at Olathe Public Schools to continue working directly with children. She was an avid reader, participating in a local book club, and listened to audiobooks as she drove. Sharon was an election worker for the Johnson County Board of Elections and she served proudly.Sharon was a world traveler. Her job with DoDDS allowed her to visit many countries.Sharon was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Dorothy Fulks. She is survived by three sisters, Ellen (Joe) Wixom, Linda (Jim) Parker, and Nancy (Louis) Crowl, and brother John (Peggy) Fulks. Nieces and nephews include Laura, Jeremy, Charlie, Jenny, and Melissa. She had several great nieces and nephews and beloved friends Frank, Martha, and Kimberly.Graveside service will 10:30 am Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the book from 9 am to 8 pm with family present from 5 to 7 pm on Monday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials may be made to Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, providing educational opportunities for teachers, or Samaritan's Purse for Christmas Shoeboxes for Children, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Sharon Lynn Fulks |2023|

A pair of freshmen had memorable debuts and the No. 18-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team earned its fourth-straight season-opening victory on Sunday morning against Northeastern Junior College.

The Blue Dragons scored six first-half goals and rolled to a 7-0 victory over the Plainswomen at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The game was moved up to 10 a.m. to avoid the intense summer heat.

The 1-0 Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday at Garden City with a scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff at Broncbuster Stadium.

The victory was the 248th in the coaching career of Hutchinson head coach Sammy Lane. The Blue Dragons are now 15-4-0 all-time in season openers.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;had a five-point game in her Blue Dragon debut with a goal and three assists. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;scored two goals for a four-point game as the Blue Dragons out-shot NJC 24-1 and held the Plainswomen to no shots on goal.

Marx's five points are the most by a Blue Dragon making their debut since Sheena Nicol had a four-point game against North Lake College in the 2016 opener. She is also the 15th Blue Dragon to have three assists in one half.

Edwards became the first Blue Dragon to have a multi-goal game in their Blue Dragon debut since Sydney Blackwell had two goals against Northeast Nebraska in 2018.

Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/mayumi_tatiana_l7lq">Tatiana Mayumi</a>, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/azevedo_maria_c1zz">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;all scored goals for Hutchinson on Sunday.

Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;earned her first career shutout and didn't have to make a save.

Delgado started the scoring for the Dragons when working on the left side of the penalty box, she made several 1-on-1 moves to gain some space and ripped a shot from 16 yards out to score an unassisted goal at the 33:21 mark of the first half and a 1-0 lead.

Just 1 minute, 12 seconds later, Mayumi found herself with a nearly wide-open net after a Marx cross from the right side. Mayumi scored to make it 2-0 with 32:09 to play. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;was credited with a secondary assist.

The Dragons made it 3-0 when Marx was working on the right side of the goal. She made a quick drive to the net and flicked a pass to a driving Azevedo, who scored for a 3-0 lead with 27:19 to play in the first half.

Edwards scored the fourth and fifth goals of the half. First, she took a long pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/brungardt_kendra_vdzj">Kendra Brungardt</a>&nbsp;and lobbed a shot from about 35-yards out over the head of NJC keeper Jasmine Enright with 24:25 to play in the half. Edwards tallied her second goal on Marx's third assist of the half for a 5-0 lead with 11:42 left in the half.

Marx's first goal came with 10:45 remaining. Mailee Harnisch was credited with the assist.

The Dragons led 6-0 at halftime, outshooting NJC 17-1 in the opening 45 minutes.

The only goal of the second half came from a Wyatt penalty kick five minutes into the half for a 7-0 lead.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 16-3-0 all-time in home openers. … The seven-goal margin of victory and the seven goals scored are the most on Opening Day since the Dragons scored 10 in a 10-0 win over North Lake College in 2016. … The Blue Dragons are 2-0 all-time against Northeastern Junior College. … This was Hutchinson's 11th Opening Day shutout. … This was the 57th time in Blue Dragon history to hold an opponent to one or zero shots taken and was the 49th time to hold an opponent to no shots on goals in a game. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;is the 59th player to have a three-assist game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692599125954.jpeg" alt="Katharina Marx had a five-point game with a goal and three assists to lead No. 18 Hutchinson to a 7-0 season-opening victory over Northeastern JC on Sunday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Katharina Marx had a five-point game with a goal and three assists to lead No. 18 Hutchinson to a 7-0 season-opening victory over Northeastern JC on Sunday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA pair of freshmen had memorable debuts and the No. 18-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team earned its fourth-straight season-opening victory on Sunday morning against Northeastern Junior College.The Blue Dragons scored six first-half goals and rolled to a 7-0 victory over the Plainswomen at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The game was moved up to 10 a.m. to avoid the intense summer heat.The 1-0 Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday at Garden City with a scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff at Broncbuster Stadium.The victory was the 248th in the coaching career of Hutchinson head coach Sammy Lane. The Blue Dragons are now 15-4-0 all-time in season openers.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;had a five-point game in her Blue Dragon debut with a goal and three assists. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;scored two goals for a four-point game as the Blue Dragons out-shot NJC 24-1 and held the Plainswomen to no shots on goal.Marx's five points are the most by a Blue Dragon making their debut since Sheena Nicol had a four-point game against North Lake College in the 2016 opener. She is also the 15th Blue Dragon to have three assists in one half.Edwards became the first Blue Dragon to have a multi-goal game in their Blue Dragon debut since Sydney Blackwell had two goals against Northeast Nebraska in 2018.Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/mayumi_tatiana_l7lq">Tatiana Mayumi</a>, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/azevedo_maria_c1zz">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;all scored goals for Hutchinson on Sunday.Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;earned her first career shutout and didn't have to make a save.Delgado started the scoring for the Dragons when working on the left side of the penalty box, she made several 1-on-1 moves to gain some space and ripped a shot from 16 yards out to score an unassisted goal at the 33:21 mark of the first half and a 1-0 lead.Just 1 minute, 12 seconds later, Mayumi found herself with a nearly wide-open net after a Marx cross from the right side. Mayumi scored to make it 2-0 with 32:09 to play. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;was credited with a secondary assist.The Dragons made it 3-0 when Marx was working on the right side of the goal. She made a quick drive to the net and flicked a pass to a driving Azevedo, who scored for a 3-0 lead with 27:19 to play in the first half.Edwards scored the fourth and fifth goals of the half. First, she took a long pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/brungardt_kendra_vdzj">Kendra Brungardt</a>&nbsp;and lobbed a shot from about 35-yards out over the head of NJC keeper Jasmine Enright with 24:25 to play in the half. Edwards tallied her second goal on Marx's third assist of the half for a 5-0 lead with 11:42 left in the half.Marx's first goal came with 10:45 remaining. Mailee Harnisch was credited with the assist.The Dragons led 6-0 at halftime, outshooting NJC 17-1 in the opening 45 minutes.The only goal of the second half came from a Wyatt penalty kick five minutes into the half for a 7-0 lead.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 16-3-0 all-time in home openers. … The seven-goal margin of victory and the seven goals scored are the most on Opening Day since the Dragons scored 10 in a 10-0 win over North Lake College in 2016. … The Blue Dragons are 2-0 all-time against Northeastern Junior College. … This was Hutchinson's 11th Opening Day shutout. … This was the 57th time in Blue Dragon history to hold an opponent to one or zero shots taken and was the 49th time to hold an opponent to no shots on goals in a game. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;is the 59th player to have a three-assist game.

⚽ N0. 18 HutchCC Blue Dragons blank NJC in 2023 season opener

McCOOK, Nebraska – The No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College volleyball team had nine service aces and eight team blocks as the Blue Dragons earned their first sweep of the season with a 3-0 victory over Gillette College on Saturday in Match 3 of the McCook Invitational.

The Blue Dragons rolled to a 25-16, 25-14, 25-11 victory to improve to 2-1 on opening weekend.

Hutchinson had a balanced offense and also took advantage of 20 Gillette attack errors and seven service errors.

For the third-straight match,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with nine kills. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;had seven kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>&nbsp;had four kills.

Defensively at the net, Dean had three solo blocks and five total blocks. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/panzetta_gabriella_jgb3">Gabriella Panzetta</a>&nbsp;had four total blocks, including one solo stuff. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/johnson_precious_8m6q">Precious Johnson</a>&nbsp;had three block assists and Stubbs added two blocks.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/wilson_shelbi_kgd0">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;had 10 assists.

Golden and freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had seven digs each and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/arce_catalina_uk8s">Catalina Arce</a>&nbsp;had four digs.

SET 1: Tied at 6-all, the Blue Dragons took charge of the set with a 5-0 run that was capped by Golden's kill for an 11-6 lead. Leading 16-11, Golden had back-to-back service aces to boost the lead to 18-11,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>'s kill out of the middle gave Hutchinson a 20-12 lead. Dean closed out the set with a kill for a 25-16 victory.

SET 2: Tied at 6-6, a Stubbs kill started a 5-0 run that was aided by two Dean kills and two double blocks by the sophomore middle. After Hutchinson built an 11-6 lead, the Dragons kept pulling away.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;added a service ace for a 15-8 Dragon lead. Ravanhani scored on a setter dump for a 19-12 lead. Leading 20-14, the Dragons reeled off five-straight points, getting a solo block and a kill from Panzetta to give the Dragons a 25-14 victory.

SET 3: Tied at 4-4, the Blue Dragons had their longest scoring run of the early season when they reeled off 14 points in a row with nine different players scoring at least one point from a kill, block or ace.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_2c4q">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>'s ace serve capped the run and gave the Dragons an 18-4 lead. Hutchinson close out the match with a Panzetta kill, Gillette attack error and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/vontress_jaidynee_y3l8">Jaidynee Vontress</a>&nbsp;service ace in the final three rallies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692598874434.jpeg" alt="Precious Johnson had a pair of kills and three block assists to help the No. 19 Blue Dragons to a 3-0 win over Gillette on Saturday at the McCook Invitational." />
 <figcaption>Precious Johnson had a pair of kills and three block assists to help the No. 19 Blue Dragons to a 3-0 win over Gillette on Saturday at the McCook Invitational.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationMcCOOK, Nebraska – The No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College volleyball team had nine service aces and eight team blocks as the Blue Dragons earned their first sweep of the season with a 3-0 victory over Gillette College on Saturday in Match 3 of the McCook Invitational.The Blue Dragons rolled to a 25-16, 25-14, 25-11 victory to improve to 2-1 on opening weekend.Hutchinson had a balanced offense and also took advantage of 20 Gillette attack errors and seven service errors.For the third-straight match,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with nine kills. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;had seven kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>&nbsp;had four kills.Defensively at the net, Dean had three solo blocks and five total blocks. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/panzetta_gabriella_jgb3">Gabriella Panzetta</a>&nbsp;had four total blocks, including one solo stuff. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/johnson_precious_8m6q">Precious Johnson</a>&nbsp;had three block assists and Stubbs added two blocks.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/wilson_shelbi_kgd0">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;had 10 assists.Golden and freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had seven digs each and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/arce_catalina_uk8s">Catalina Arce</a>&nbsp;had four digs.SET 1: Tied at 6-all, the Blue Dragons took charge of the set with a 5-0 run that was capped by Golden's kill for an 11-6 lead. Leading 16-11, Golden had back-to-back service aces to boost the lead to 18-11,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>'s kill out of the middle gave Hutchinson a 20-12 lead. Dean closed out the set with a kill for a 25-16 victory.SET 2: Tied at 6-6, a Stubbs kill started a 5-0 run that was aided by two Dean kills and two double blocks by the sophomore middle. After Hutchinson built an 11-6 lead, the Dragons kept pulling away.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;added a service ace for a 15-8 Dragon lead. Ravanhani scored on a setter dump for a 19-12 lead. Leading 20-14, the Dragons reeled off five-straight points, getting a solo block and a kill from Panzetta to give the Dragons a 25-14 victory.SET 3: Tied at 4-4, the Blue Dragons had their longest scoring run of the early season when they reeled off 14 points in a row with nine different players scoring at least one point from a kill, block or ace.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_2c4q">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>'s ace serve capped the run and gave the Dragons an 18-4 lead. Hutchinson close out the match with a Panzetta kill, Gillette attack error and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/vontress_jaidynee_y3l8">Jaidynee Vontress</a>&nbsp;service ace in the final three rallies.

🏐 HutchCC Blue Dragons roll by Gillette for 2nd win at McCook

Courtesy of HutchCC Athletic Department

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;had a five-point game in her Blue Dragon debut with a goal and three assists. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;scored two goals for a four-point game as the Blue Dragons out-shot NJC 24-1 and held the Plainswomen to no shots on goal.

Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/mayumi_tatiana_l7lq">Tatiana Mayumi</a>, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/azevedo_maria_c1zz">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;all scored goals for Hutchinson on Sunday.

Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;earned her first career shutout and didn't have to make a save.

Just 1 minute, 12 seconds later, Mayumi found herself with a nearly wide-open net after a Marx cross from the right side. Mayumi scored to make it 2-0 with 32:09 to play. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;was credited with a secondary assist.

Edwards scored the fourth and fifth goals of the half. First, she took a long pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/brungardt_kendra_vdzj">Kendra Brungardt</a>&nbsp;and lobbed a shot from about 35-yards out over the head of NJC keeper Jasmine Enright with 24:25 to play in the half. Edwards tallied her second goal on Marx's third assist of the half for a 5-0 lead with 11:42 left in the half.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 16-3-0 all-time in home openers. … The seven-goal margin of victory and the seven goals scored are the most on Opening Day since the Dragons scored 10 in a 10-0 win over North Lake College in 2016. … The Blue Dragons are 2-0 all-time against Northeastern Junior College. … This was Hutchinson's 11th Opening Day shutout. … This was the 57th time in Blue Dragon history to hold an opponent to one or zero shots taken and was the 49th time to hold an opponent to no shots on goals in a game. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;is the 59th player to have a three-assist game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692579720574.jpeg" alt="Katharina Marx had a five-point game with a goal and three assists to lead No. 18 Hutchinson to a 7-0 season-opening victory over Northeastern JC on Sunday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Katharina Marx had a five-point game with a goal and three assists to lead No. 18 Hutchinson to a 7-0 season-opening victory over Northeastern JC on Sunday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Athletic DepartmentA pair of freshmen had memorable debuts and the No. 18-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team earned its fourth-straight season-opening victory on Sunday morning against Northeastern Junior College.The Blue Dragons scored six first-half goals and rolled to a 7-0 victory over the Plainswomen at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The game was moved up to 10 a.m. to avoid the intense summer heat.The 1-0 Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday at Garden City with a scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff at Broncbuster Stadium.The victory was the 248th in the coaching career of Hutchinson head coach Sammy Lane. The Blue Dragons are now 15-4-0 all-time in season openers.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;had a five-point game in her Blue Dragon debut with a goal and three assists. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;scored two goals for a four-point game as the Blue Dragons out-shot NJC 24-1 and held the Plainswomen to no shots on goal.Marx's five points are the most by a Blue Dragon making their debut since Sheena Nicol had a four-point game against North Lake College in the 2016 opener. She is also the 15th Blue Dragon to have three assists in one half.Edwards became the first Blue Dragon to have a multi-goal game in their Blue Dragon debut since Sydney Blackwell had two goals against Northeast Nebraska in 2018.Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/delgado_adriana_03x3">Adriana Delgado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/mayumi_tatiana_l7lq">Tatiana Mayumi</a>, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/azevedo_maria_c1zz">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;all scored goals for Hutchinson on Sunday.Freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;earned her first career shutout and didn't have to make a save.Delgado started the scoring for the Dragons when working on the left side of the penalty box, she made several 1-on-1 moves to gain some space and ripped a shot from 16 yards out to score an unassisted goal at the 33:21 mark of the first half and a 1-0 lead.Just 1 minute, 12 seconds later, Mayumi found herself with a nearly wide-open net after a Marx cross from the right side. Mayumi scored to make it 2-0 with 32:09 to play. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;was credited with a secondary assist.The Dragons made it 3-0 when Marx was working on the right side of the goal. She made a quick drive to the net and flicked a pass to a driving Azevedo, who scored for a 3-0 lead with 27:19 to play in the first half.Edwards scored the fourth and fifth goals of the half. First, she took a long pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/brungardt_kendra_vdzj">Kendra Brungardt</a>&nbsp;and lobbed a shot from about 35-yards out over the head of NJC keeper Jasmine Enright with 24:25 to play in the half. Edwards tallied her second goal on Marx's third assist of the half for a 5-0 lead with 11:42 left in the half.Marx's first goal came with 10:45 remaining. Mailee Harnisch was credited with the assist.The Dragons led 6-0 at halftime, outshooting NJC 17-1 in the opening 45 minutes.The only goal of the second half came from a Wyatt penalty kick five minutes into the half for a 7-0 lead.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 16-3-0 all-time in home openers. … The seven-goal margin of victory and the seven goals scored are the most on Opening Day since the Dragons scored 10 in a 10-0 win over North Lake College in 2016. … The Blue Dragons are 2-0 all-time against Northeastern Junior College. … This was Hutchinson's 11th Opening Day shutout. … This was the 57th time in Blue Dragon history to hold an opponent to one or zero shots taken and was the 49th time to hold an opponent to no shots on goals in a game. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>&nbsp;is the 59th player to have a three-assist game.

⚽ WSOC: Blue Dragons blank Northeastern JC in season opener

BUHLER, Kan.&nbsp;— Buhler High School senior Jeffrey Neill announced on Sunday afternoon that he has committed to play baseball at HutchCC for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;

Neill is a three-sport student-athlete at Buhler High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. 

He is the son of Crusaders baseball coach John Neill, and younger brother of current Blue Dragon baseball player, Bradley Neill.

As a junior, Neill was a first team all-state selection by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches as a middle infielder, as well as first team pitcher and second team short stop on the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division III teams.&nbsp;

Neill hit .405 at the plate this past spring, going 30-for-74 with 11 doubles, two triples and one home run. He threw 42 1/3 innings on the mound, while striking out 20 and walking eight, with a 4.63 ERA.

The Crusaders finished 15-7 in the spring of 2023 and fell to McPherson in the regional championship game.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692579603949.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Jeffrey Neill Twitter" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Jeffrey Neill Twitter</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostBUHLER, Kan.&nbsp;— Buhler High School senior Jeffrey Neill announced on Sunday afternoon that he has committed to play baseball at HutchCC for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Honored and blessed to announce my commitment to Hutchinson Community College to further my academic and baseball career. Thank you to all my family and coaches. <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueDragonBSB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueDragonBSB</a> 🐉🐉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreatheFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreatheFire</a> <a href="https://t.co/NLygsNqhe0">pic.twitter.com/NLygsNqhe0</a>&mdash; Jeffrey Neill (@JeffreyNeill3) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffreyNeill3/status/1693378681501077631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Neill is a three-sport student-athlete at Buhler High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He is the son of Crusaders baseball coach John Neill, and younger brother of current Blue Dragon baseball player, Bradley Neill.As a junior, Neill was a first team all-state selection by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches as a middle infielder, as well as first team pitcher and second team short stop on the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division III teams.&nbsp;Neill hit .405 at the plate this past spring, going 30-for-74 with 11 doubles, two triples and one home run. He threw 42 1/3 innings on the mound, while striking out 20 and walking eight, with a 4.63 ERA.The Crusaders finished 15-7 in the spring of 2023 and fell to McPherson in the regional championship game.&nbsp;

⚾ Buhler native Neill commits to play at HutchCC

For the first time in four seasons as head volleyball coach at Hutchinson Community College, Delice Downing possesses something that she hasn't been accustomed to having with the Blue Dragons.

Downing welcomed back six players from last season, four of whom played major roles in a 28-12 campaign in 2022. The Blue Dragons finished third in the Jayhawk Conference and finished in the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

"Having that experience back makes a difference, said Downing, who is 63-38 in her first three seasons at Hutchinson. "Those girls know what's going on. They know how to get started. They know who we are playing and they know what the expectations of Hutchinson Blue Dragon Volleyball is. We haven't had this much experience back since I've been here. We also haven't had as many returners back who played key roles as freshmen."

Among those returnees are outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>, middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>, outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;and setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>.

Golden is a 6-foot outside hitter from Omaha, Nebraska. Golden was the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Division I Freshman of the Year as well as a first-team all-KJCCC selection. She averaged a team-high 3.13 kills per set on .231 hitting.

Dean, a 6'1 middle blocker from Oswego, is Hutchinson's top returning blocker at 0.82 blocks per set. Dean, a second-team all-KJCCC performer, hit .346 on 1.81 kills per set.

Briseno, a powerful 5-9 outside hitter from Jalisco, Mexico, battled injuries through the second half of the 2022 season, but had a strong first month as a Blue Dragon. For the season, Briseno averaged 2.21 kills on .229 hitting. She also had 30 service aces.

Ravanhani is a 6-foot sophomore setter from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ravanhani will take over the full-time setting duties running a 5-1 attack. As the second setter in a 6-2 in 2022, Ravanhani averaged 3.46 set assists per set. She proved to be a strong blocker with 0.22 blocks per set and hit .217.

"I look forward to this year because of the experience we have coming back and the freshman class we brought in," Downing said. "We got into the preseason rankings, Now we have to go out and prove it."

The 2023 Blue Dragons were picked to finish second in the Jayhawk Conference this season and received a preseason No. 19 ranking in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball poll.

"I think those picks and rankings from definitely from last year's bunch," Downing said. "Our plan is to just play one match at a time. We like that we are being recognized. We always talk about ' Grit, Grind and Respect.' We are getting some respect right now, but we are just taking it one match at a time, one set at a time, one point at a time. We will just try to keep climbing."

As far as the make-up of the 2023 Blue Dragons …

Golden and Briseno will start as the outside hitters, but the Dragons could be deep on the pin with freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Broken Arrow, OK) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/arce_catalina_uk8s">Catalina Arce</a>&nbsp;(5'9, Calle del Cauca, Columbia) joining the team.

Returning sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Smith Center) had a tremendous off-season and has moved her way into battling for playing time as a right-side hitter. Playing mostly as a middle in 2022, Long hit .206 and averaged 0.92 kills and 0.71 blocks per set.

"She worked hard this summer and you can tell," Downing said of Long. "Her vertical has increased two inches from last year. She is swinging high and around blocks. Keeping her confidence will be key, but she has great volleyball IQ. She's going really good for us."

Joining Long on the right side is freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;(6'0, Timber Creek, Texas), who Downing describes as "an explosive player." Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/johnson_precious_8m6q">Precious Johnson</a>&nbsp;(6-0, Amarillo, Texas) is a strong blocker on the right side.

Dean is poised for a tremendous season in the middle and Downing hopes to utilize her more offensively to add to her strong block.

She will be joined by freshman middles&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;(6'1, Fort Scott), South Carolina State transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/panzetta_gabriella_jgb3">Gabriella Panzetta</a>&nbsp;(6-3, Vancouver, British Columbia) and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Kansas City, KS) will bolster play in the middle.

Downing said one of the priorities heading into 2023 was to improve the Blue Dragons' overall block, which averaged just 2.04 blocks per set.

"Defense wins championships and it starts at the net," Downing said. "We wanted explosive players, but we wanted quick pin-to-pin blockers in the middle. It's not about how many blocks you get, it's how you affect the shot."

The back row will be totally freshman-oriented this season, but Downing said she has three quality players in the back to improve the team's overall passing, thus making it possible to run a faster-tempo offense.

The libero will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;(5'4, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma). The defensive specialists will be&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;(5'8, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/vontress_jaidynee_y3l8">Jaidynee Vontress</a>&nbsp;(5'8, Wichita).

"We have three really great DS's," the Blue Dragon head coach said. "One thing we really worked on getting some good ball control passers. We got some really good liberos and defensive specialists who can pass the ball."

The Blue Dragons will open the season against McCook at 1 p.m. and Casper College at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Dragons close the McCook Tournament with matches against Gillette College (Noon) and Northeastern JC (4 p.m.) on Saturday.

Hutchinson opens the home portion of the schedule with a triangular on Wednesday at the Sports Arena on Wednesday with the Bethel College JV at 3 p.m. and Kansas Wesleyan JV at 7 p.m. The Blue Dragon open Jayhawk Conference play at home on August 30 with Dodge City at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692360757920.jpeg" alt="Anna Dean (left) and Taniya Golden (right) come off all-conference seasons as freshmen to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team into the 2023 season that starts Friday in McCook, Nebraska." />
 <figcaption>Anna Dean (left) and Taniya Golden (right) come off all-conference seasons as freshmen to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team into the 2023 season that starts Friday in McCook, Nebraska.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsFor the first time in four seasons as head volleyball coach at Hutchinson Community College, Delice Downing possesses something that she hasn't been accustomed to having with the Blue Dragons.Returning experience.Downing welcomed back six players from last season, four of whom played major roles in a 28-12 campaign in 2022. The Blue Dragons finished third in the Jayhawk Conference and finished in the Region VI Tournament semifinals."Having that experience back makes a difference, said Downing, who is 63-38 in her first three seasons at Hutchinson. "Those girls know what's going on. They know how to get started. They know who we are playing and they know what the expectations of Hutchinson Blue Dragon Volleyball is. We haven't had this much experience back since I've been here. We also haven't had as many returners back who played key roles as freshmen."Among those returnees are outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>, middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>, outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;and setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>.Golden is a 6-foot outside hitter from Omaha, Nebraska. Golden was the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Division I Freshman of the Year as well as a first-team all-KJCCC selection. She averaged a team-high 3.13 kills per set on .231 hitting.Dean, a 6'1 middle blocker from Oswego, is Hutchinson's top returning blocker at 0.82 blocks per set. Dean, a second-team all-KJCCC performer, hit .346 on 1.81 kills per set.Briseno, a powerful 5-9 outside hitter from Jalisco, Mexico, battled injuries through the second half of the 2022 season, but had a strong first month as a Blue Dragon. For the season, Briseno averaged 2.21 kills on .229 hitting. She also had 30 service aces.Ravanhani is a 6-foot sophomore setter from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ravanhani will take over the full-time setting duties running a 5-1 attack. As the second setter in a 6-2 in 2022, Ravanhani averaged 3.46 set assists per set. She proved to be a strong blocker with 0.22 blocks per set and hit .217."I look forward to this year because of the experience we have coming back and the freshman class we brought in," Downing said. "We got into the preseason rankings, Now we have to go out and prove it."The 2023 Blue Dragons were picked to finish second in the Jayhawk Conference this season and received a preseason No. 19 ranking in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball poll."I think those picks and rankings from definitely from last year's bunch," Downing said. "Our plan is to just play one match at a time. We like that we are being recognized. We always talk about ' Grit, Grind and Respect.' We are getting some respect right now, but we are just taking it one match at a time, one set at a time, one point at a time. We will just try to keep climbing."As far as the make-up of the 2023 Blue Dragons …Golden and Briseno will start as the outside hitters, but the Dragons could be deep on the pin with freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/stubbs_emma_t7cd">Emma Stubbs</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Broken Arrow, OK) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/arce_catalina_uk8s">Catalina Arce</a>&nbsp;(5'9, Calle del Cauca, Columbia) joining the team.Returning sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/long_ashlyn_ig40">Ashlyn Long</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Smith Center) had a tremendous off-season and has moved her way into battling for playing time as a right-side hitter. Playing mostly as a middle in 2022, Long hit .206 and averaged 0.92 kills and 0.71 blocks per set."She worked hard this summer and you can tell," Downing said of Long. "Her vertical has increased two inches from last year. She is swinging high and around blocks. Keeping her confidence will be key, but she has great volleyball IQ. She's going really good for us."Joining Long on the right side is freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;(6'0, Timber Creek, Texas), who Downing describes as "an explosive player." Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/johnson_precious_8m6q">Precious Johnson</a>&nbsp;(6-0, Amarillo, Texas) is a strong blocker on the right side.Dean is poised for a tremendous season in the middle and Downing hopes to utilize her more offensively to add to her strong block.She will be joined by freshman middles&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;(6'1, Fort Scott), South Carolina State transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/panzetta_gabriella_jgb3">Gabriella Panzetta</a>&nbsp;(6-3, Vancouver, British Columbia) and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/letcher_cameron_pqkf">Cameron Letcher</a>&nbsp;(5'10, Kansas City, KS) will bolster play in the middle.Downing said one of the priorities heading into 2023 was to improve the Blue Dragons' overall block, which averaged just 2.04 blocks per set."Defense wins championships and it starts at the net," Downing said. "We wanted explosive players, but we wanted quick pin-to-pin blockers in the middle. It's not about how many blocks you get, it's how you affect the shot."The back row will be totally freshman-oriented this season, but Downing said she has three quality players in the back to improve the team's overall passing, thus making it possible to run a faster-tempo offense.The libero will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;(5'4, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma). The defensive specialists will be&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;(5'8, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/vontress_jaidynee_y3l8">Jaidynee Vontress</a>&nbsp;(5'8, Wichita)."We have three really great DS's," the Blue Dragon head coach said. "One thing we really worked on getting some good ball control passers. We got some really good liberos and defensive specialists who can pass the ball."The Blue Dragons will open the season against McCook at 1 p.m. and Casper College at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Dragons close the McCook Tournament with matches against Gillette College (Noon) and Northeastern JC (4 p.m.) on Saturday.Hutchinson opens the home portion of the schedule with a triangular on Wednesday at the Sports Arena on Wednesday with the Bethel College JV at 3 p.m. and Kansas Wesleyan JV at 7 p.m. The Blue Dragon open Jayhawk Conference play at home on August 30 with Dodge City at 6 p.m.

🏐 Returning experience has Blue Dragons thinking big in 2023

The Hutchinson Community College football team will highlight several community theme days during its home games of the 2023 football season, which begins on the Saturday, Aug. 26 in Corsicana, Texas against Navarro College.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons' home opener will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 against Ellsworth at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragon Athletic Department has announced its five themes for the five home games for Blue Dragon football.

Teachers, military and first responders appreciation will be the three of theme nights during Blue Dragon football games, celebrating and honoring education and those who protect the communities. Below are the scheduled theme nights for Blue Dragon football:

For the complete football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/schedule">CLICK HERE.</a>

The Blue Dragons open their 2023 slate in Texas against the Navarro Bulldogs. Hutchinson defeated Navarro 42-0 in last year's season opener in Hutchinson as the Bulldogs went on to finish No. 15 in the country in the final NJCAA Division I rankings.

More information on autograph signing will be announced at a closer date and throughout the game against Ellsworth. Follow Blue Dragon Sports on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching Blue Dragon Sports on Instagram and Facebook and @bluedragonsport on Twitter.

To purchase an all-sports pass, visit the Blue Dragon athletic office – located on the second floor of the Hutchinson Sports Arena upon entry at the south entrance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692305290062.jpeg" alt="Head coach Drew Dallas and the Blue Dragon football team open the 2023 season on the road at Navarro College Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Head coach Drew Dallas and the Blue Dragon football team open the 2023 season on the road at Navarro College Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Athletic DepartmentThe Hutchinson Community College football team will highlight several community theme days during its home games of the 2023 football season, which begins on the Saturday, Aug. 26 in Corsicana, Texas against Navarro College.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons' home opener will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 against Ellsworth at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragon Athletic Department has announced its five themes for the five home games for Blue Dragon football.Teachers, military and first responders appreciation will be the three of theme nights during Blue Dragon football games, celebrating and honoring education and those who protect the communities. Below are the scheduled theme nights for Blue Dragon football:<ul>
 <li>Sept. 2 vs. Ellsworth – First Responders' Day/Autograph signingFirefighters, emergency medical services, police officers and other first responders are recognized at the home opener of the Blue Dragons. First responders get in the gate free.&nbsp;Kids are invited after the game for a free autograph signing with Blue Dragon football players. Stay tuned to bluedragonsports.com and our social media pages for details.&nbsp;</li><li>Firefighters, emergency medical services, police officers and other first responders are recognized at the home opener of the Blue Dragons. First responders get in the gate free.&nbsp;Kids are invited after the game for a free autograph signing with Blue Dragon football players. Stay tuned to bluedragonsports.com and our social media pages for details.&nbsp;</li><li>Sept. 23 vs. Coffeyville – Youth Football NightCelebrating the youth of Hutchinson, the YMCA football league players and coaches are invited to attend a rematch of last season's NJCAA Playoff semifinal in primetime at Gowans Stadium.&nbsp;Kids wearing their game jerseys get into the game for free.</li><li>Celebrating the youth of Hutchinson, the YMCA football league players and coaches are invited to attend a rematch of last season's NJCAA Playoff semifinal in primetime at Gowans Stadium.&nbsp;Kids wearing their game jerseys get into the game for free.</li><li>Oct. 7 vs. Dodge City – HomecomingA tradition capping off a week of activities and welcoming back Blue Dragon alumni with a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Conquistadors at Gowans Stadium.</li><li>A tradition capping off a week of activities and welcoming back Blue Dragon alumni with a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Conquistadors at Gowans Stadium.</li><li>Oct. 21 vs. Garden City – Teacher Appreciation DayLocal school teachers and administrators are invited to Gowans Stadium in culmination of celebrating educators in Reno County and all of Kansas. Teachers and administrators receive free admission into the game.&nbsp;</li><li>Local school teachers and administrators are invited to Gowans Stadium in culmination of celebrating educators in Reno County and all of Kansas. Teachers and administrators receive free admission into the game.&nbsp;</li><li>Nov. 11 vs. Iowa Western – Veterans Day/Military Appreciation DayIn honor of Veterans Day, we salute and recognize members of the military in what could be a battle for critical postseason ambitions. Color theme is to be determined.&nbsp;Military members and veterans get into the game for free.</li><li>In honor of Veterans Day, we salute and recognize members of the military in what could be a battle for critical postseason ambitions. Color theme is to be determined.&nbsp;Military members and veterans get into the game for free.</li>
 </ul>For the complete football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/schedule">CLICK HERE.</a>The Blue Dragons open their 2023 slate in Texas against the Navarro Bulldogs. Hutchinson defeated Navarro 42-0 in last year's season opener in Hutchinson as the Bulldogs went on to finish No. 15 in the country in the final NJCAA Division I rankings.More information on autograph signing will be announced at a closer date and throughout the game against Ellsworth. Follow Blue Dragon Sports on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching Blue Dragon Sports on Instagram and Facebook and @bluedragonsport on Twitter.To purchase an all-sports pass, visit the Blue Dragon athletic office – located on the second floor of the Hutchinson Sports Arena upon entry at the south entrance.

🏈 HutchCC releases themes for Blue Dragon home games

James William “Jim” Rhaesa, 91, died July 28, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. &nbsp;He was born July 14, 1932, in Detroit, MI, to James Robert and Eleanor Elise (Ironside) Rhaesa.

Jim graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, Wayne, MI, in 1951, Sterling College in 1955, and received his Master’s Degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1958. &nbsp;He served in the ministry for over 60 years. &nbsp;As a Presbyterian Pastor, Jim served churches in Denison, Lincoln, Jetmore, Salina, and Overland Park. &nbsp;In addition, he served as the camp director for Heartland Presbyterian Center. After retirement, Jim joined the team at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson where he served as Pastor of Congregational Care and sang in the Chancel Choir.

He truly loved the ministry, and his congregations loved him with his gifted listening skills and ability to truly care about people. &nbsp;After he fully retired, Jim thrived on staying busy running errands, working in the yard, and enjoying his morning coffee.

On November 1, 1980, he married Barbara Darlene (Seward) Anshutz, in Leavenworth.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691069107771.jpeg" alt="Jim Rhaesa" />
 <figcaption>Jim Rhaesa</figcaption>
 </figure>James William “Jim” Rhaesa, 91, died July 28, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. &nbsp;He was born July 14, 1932, in Detroit, MI, to James Robert and Eleanor Elise (Ironside) Rhaesa.Jim graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, Wayne, MI, in 1951, Sterling College in 1955, and received his Master’s Degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1958. &nbsp;He served in the ministry for over 60 years. &nbsp;As a Presbyterian Pastor, Jim served churches in Denison, Lincoln, Jetmore, Salina, and Overland Park. &nbsp;In addition, he served as the camp director for Heartland Presbyterian Center. After retirement, Jim joined the team at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson where he served as Pastor of Congregational Care and sang in the Chancel Choir.He truly loved the ministry, and his congregations loved him with his gifted listening skills and ability to truly care about people. &nbsp;After he fully retired, Jim thrived on staying busy running errands, working in the yard, and enjoying his morning coffee.On November 1, 1980, he married Barbara Darlene (Seward) Anshutz, in Leavenworth.&nbsp;Jim is survived by: &nbsp;his wife of almost 43 years, Barbara Rhaesa of Hutchinson; children, Jim Rhaesa (Tina) of Evans, GA, Beth Stevens (Sam) of Aurora, CO, David Rhaesa (Rebecca) of Salina, Lesa Brown (Andy) of Colorado Springs, CO, Katie Wadsworth (Nathan) of Wichita, and Megan Rhaesa of Hutchinson; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Eleanor Thompson.He was preceded in death by five siblings and his former wife, Carol.Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverends Michael Tomson-DeGreeff and Kim Biery officiating. &nbsp;Private family inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.After attending church camp while in high school, Jim felt the calling to enter the ministry. &nbsp;Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson or Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina, (both to benefit those attending church camps), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS &nbsp;67501.&nbsp;