Staff writer
Hillsboro’s volleyball and football teams will have to fill gaps created by graduation, and the Trojan girls’ tennis team will have a new coach.
Volleyball
Coming off their second consecutive state title and third consecutive visit to the state finals, Hillsboro’s volleyball team will have big shoes to fill with the absence of graduates Zaylee Werth, Savannah Shahan, and Anslee Brewer.
“We graduated our two outside hitters,” coach Sandy Arnold said. “They played a big part in our offense but were also core in our serve receive.
“We are excited to see what our returners can do as they expand their roles on the court.”
Returning letter winners and starters are Kingzley Ratzlaff, Lauryn Vogt, Amyah Werth, Ella Potucek, and Talia Jost.
Arnold hopes to combine them with the right combination of new girls as they progress into the season.
“Ultimately, we would hope to be a strong, cohesive, and competitive unit by the time post-season rolls around,” Arnold said.
Every night will be a challenge as the Central Kansas League is always competitive.
“We also boast a very tough non-league schedule, including triangular with state champions Little River and Lebo,” Arnold said.
Hillsboro also will play two bigger schools, Great Bend and Emporia.
“We play in three very competitive tournaments throughout the season, each tournament bringing in larger schools that will be a great test for us,” Arnold said.
Hillsboro’s first state title was in 1987. The Trojans have made 16 appearances in the title game since then.
They started their season at home Tuesday against Ellinwood and Little River.
Their next matches will be Tuesday at home against Hesston and Cheney.
Football
A strong senior class with 13 returning players can provide leadership and experience: Seth Driggers, Lincoln Wichert, Jesiah Gooch, Anders Weisbeck, Noah Beavers, Nash Dickerson, Evan Jones, Logan Rogers, Kai Defiesta, Anthony Lopez, Aaron Hein, Colton Jost, and Collin Voss.
“Returning players are hungry to build on last year’s successes and have been working hard in the off-season,” coach Demetrius Cox said.
Cox hopes new blood will bring fresh energy and talent and is eager to integrate Zayne Haslett, Preston D’Albini, and Sutton Redger into the team.
“Our game plan focuses on a balanced offense and a relentless defense,” Cox said. “We aim to control the ball, create mismatches, and minimize mistakes while playing with high integrity.”
He expects to compete at a high level while developing players both on and off the field.
He wants to foster a sense of togetherness and leadership within the Trojans.
“This season, we’re emphasizing more on special teams and conditioning, which we believe will be key to our success,” Cox said.
The Trojans will open their season at home this Friday against Haven.
Girls’ tennis
David Ediger is the new girls’ tennis coach and has only been working with his group of players since the start of practices Aug. 19.
Returning players are senior Cassidy Bernhardt and juniors Maylee Hardey and Claire Morey.
Bernhardt played No. 1 doubles last year. Hardey and Morey were No. 2 doubles.
Hillsboro opened its season with an invitation Tuesday and will be playing again Sept. 12 in Lindsborg.
Cross-country
A total of 24 high school and middle school athletes will compete this this season under coach Brielle Loewen.
“This year, we have a full boys high school team, so I am excited to see what they can do as we head to meets this year,” Loewen said.
Casen Steinert and Ben Werner are returners. They are joined by Wyatt Dies, Sam Werner, and Elijah Holmes.
Loewen’s high school girls will have four returners and one freshman.
Anna King is the freshman. She will join Quinlyn Funk, Nora Hein, Jaidyn Frantz, and Riley Richert.
No seniors will be on the team this year.
“I always like to see each runner improve as an individual,” Loewen said.
She started practice as early as 6 in the morning, before school starts.
The meet of the season will be Thursday in Clearwater.