BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood's Reagan Wirtz swept a trio of 2A gold medals in the long jump (18-1), 100 meters (12.24) and 200 meters (24.98) with a state meet record at the 2025 2A state track championship. Wirtz teamed with Jenna Borror, Ayla Ritchie and Eleanor Joiner to place fifth (4:11.76) in the 1,600-meter relay.
The Eagles earned seven state medals, broke six school records, and saw a three-time state champion emerge in Wirtz. The underclassmen gained invaluable experience — setting the stage for a promising 2026 season.
Wirtz owns Ellinwood school records in the long jump (18-93/4), 100 meters (12.18) and 200 meters (24.98).'
“I was very shocked by that 200 meter record," Wirtz said.
Ellinwood coach Jeff Zook said, "Wirtz delivered a meet for the ages. She began by capturing the long jump with a leap of 18-1. She sprinted to gold in the 100 meters, clocking a dominant 12.24. Her jaw-dropping moment came in the 200 meters, where she broke her school record (25.24), and shattered the 2A state record (25.21) with a blistering 24.98."
The Eagles scored 42 points for fifth place in 2A.
The 3,200-meter relay set the time when Lexi Thomas, Jenna Borror, Ayla Ritchie, and Eleanor Joiner earned a silver medal in 9:59.76 — breaking the school record.
Coach Zook is intrigued by the Eagles track potential.
"Speed, strength, and hunger have been evident," Zook said. "Our athletes have continued to develop since last spring. We return 10 athletes with state meet experience along with 11 athletes who have made major improvements.
"We feature eight upperclassmen competing for the first time or returning from an injury. Our combination of experience, improvement, and new energy, our team has potential to continue building on our progress."
The boys’ sprint relays composed primarily of underclassmen, showed future promise. The 400 relay (Simpson, Logan Broyles, Cannon Schartz, Dawson Sunderland) and the 1,600 relay (Kellen Behnke, Erik Grose, Sunderland, and Simpson) gained crucial state-level experience.
Sophomore Ryan Pohlman competing in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters — earning a personal best time in the 3,200.
The Ellinwood Eagles swept the Central Prairie League boys and girls track championships.
Wirtz led the way with gold medals in the 100 meters (12.42), 200 meters (26.11) and long jump (17-6). Joiner won the 800 (2:27.34) and 1,600 (5:37.66). Wirtz and Joiner joined Ayla Ritchie and Jenna Borror on the runner-up 1,600 relay (4:13.23). The Eagles won the 3,200 relay (10:40.27) with Thomas, Borror, Ritchie and Joiner.
Sixteen girls contributed points in 13 events. Twelve boys scored in 11 events.
Ellinwood’s gold medals included 300-meter hurdler Logan Broyles (44.0), Ryan Pohlman, 3,200 meters (10:52.91); and the 400-meter relay (44.71).
2A STATE ELLINWOOD—1ST— Reagan Wirtz, long jump, 18-1; 1ST—Wirtz, 100m, 12.24; 1ST—Wirtz, 200m, *24.98 (state record); 12TH—Eleanor Joiner, 1,600m, 5:44.59; DNP—Joiner, 800m, no time; 2ND—Ellinwood, 3,200m relay, *9:59.76 (Thomas, Jenna Borror, Ritchie, Joiner); 4TH Q—Ellinwood, 1,600m relay, 4:11.1 (Wirtz, Borror, Ritchie, Joiner); 10TH—Ayla Ritchie, 400m, 1:02.37; 16TH—Ryan Pohlman, 1,600m, 4:48.53; 16TH—Pohlman, 3,200m 10:43.9; 15TH—Ellinwood, 400m relay, 45.79 (Logan Broyles, Cannon Schartz, Dawson Sunderland); 11TH—Ellinwood, 1,600m relay, 3:35.96 (Kellan Behnke, Schartz, Sunderland); DNP—Ritchie, high jump, no height
ELLINWOOD ROSTER
SENIORS—Jonas Kern, Gabe Martinez, Dawson Sunderland, Gail Zollinger
JUNIORS—Lauren Ringwald, Joe Brauer, Logan Broyles, Ryan Pohlman, Colton Gibson, Caleb Zook, Madison Dombroski Vivian Klepper, Addison Stickney, Russell Kern
SOPHOMORES—Jenna Borror, Eleanor Joiner, Alexandria Gonzalez, Kyla McCormick, Ayla Ritchie, Makayla Rouse, Lexi Thomas, Kynlee Wesner, Reagan Wirtz, Kellan Behnke, Koby Link, Landon McNeff, Cannon Schartz, Kale Williams, Emmi Auwarter
NINTH-GRADERS—Leah Steffan, Karah Porter, Avery Panning, Paisley Knop, Mallory Batchman, Carson Asher, Caid Beals, Caleb Herrman, Josh Zook
EAGLE SCHEDULE—3-31—at Bennington; 4-10—at Nickerson; 4-17—at Hill City; 4-24—at Abilene; 5-1—at Greensburg; 5-8—Ellinwood Invitational; 5-14—Central Prairie at Victoria; 5-21/22—at 2A regional; 5-29-30—at 2A state, Wichita
Pitcher, slugger lead Eagles
ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood girls softball team features pitcher Bennett Jacobs (12-15, 7.28 ERA; .390, 44 R) and 2B slugger Shyria Quintana (.519, 9 HR, 36 RBI) to headline six returning starters.
"Bennett Jacobs pitched every game last season and she’s our leadoff hitter," said Ellinwood softball coach Brian Holsfelt "Shyria Quintana, one of our two seniors will have a big year hitting for us after hitting a school record nine home runs. Myknna Bryant will have a big year in her second season at shortstop."
Sterling outscored the Eagles 20-13 in 2-1A regional play last year. Ellinwood finished with a 12-15 record.
Ellinwood also returns 3B Ali Gonzalez (.213), CF Myknna Bryant (.283), LF Jenna Borror (.255) and RF Jenaveve Franco (.228).
ELLINWOOD SOFTBALL—3—P Bennett Jacobs (12-15, 7.28 ERA; .390, 44 R); 5—CF Makynna Bryant (.283); 6—Madison Kirkpatrick; 7—3B Ali Gonzalez; 8—Jaci Lindberg; 9—Jenna Sandberg; 10—2B Shyria Quintana (.519, 41 H, 9 HR, 36 RBI); 11—Natalie Smith; 12—Rylan Allen; 14—LF Jenna Borror (.255); 16—RF Jenaveve Franco (.228); 22—Anna Hahn (.211)
SOFTBALL SCHEDULE—3-23—at Inman Jamboree; 3-27—at Hoisington; 3-31—Hays TMP; 4-2—Pratt Skyline; 4-13—at Ellsworth; 4-14—Wichita Independent; 4-16—Russell; 4-21—at Lyons; 4-23—at Salina Sacred Heart; 4-27—Moundridge; 4-30—at Ness City; 5-5—at Ellis; 5-8—Minneapolis; 5-11—Sylvan/Lucas; 5-13/19—at 2-1A regional; 5-22/24—at 2-1A state
Trio headline Ellinwood golf
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood’s 3-time state qualifier Luke Heinz placed 18th last year with a 163 total (78-85) at the 2A state golf championship at McPherson's Turkey Creek Golf Course. Heinz birdied No. 17 and No. 18 in the second round after finishing with a birdie at his 18th hole.
"It was a learning experience for Luke playing near the top of the leader board,” said Ellinwood coach Andrew Wittenberg. "This will fuel him throughout the year. He'll push to be a top 10 medalist at state in May."
The Eagles finished eighth (376) at 2A state. Ellinwood also returns 62nd-place Austin Brack (96), a 2-time state qualifier and Austin Shinliver (117), who placed 85th after 18 holes.
"Austin Brack has shown improvement becoming more consistent," Wittenberg said. "His steady game will give us something in the 80s by year’s end when it counts."
Shinliver's game is set up by a strong driving game.
"Austin Shinliver showed mental toughness on the course and became a team leader," he said. "He will continue to work on ball control. He's a key to our future."
Keaton Lewis is working to developing into a consistent player.
"Getting a good start out of the tee box is key for Keaton," WIttenberg said. "As a freshman, he became “Mr. Birdie.” He'll be a regular contributor to the team score."
Junior Trevor Gosser is developing his game and fine tuning his swing. WItteenberg will push the others as he learns his game.
Freshman Remi Thomas has experience playing in youth summer golf tournaments.
"He has the second most golf experience behind Luke," Wittenberg said. "He'll become a team score contributor immediately."
The Eagles start with meets at Hutchinson's Crazy Horse and Salina Municipal.
"We start with two challenging courses at Hutchinson and Salina," he said. ""We're up to the challenge for a fast and furious start."
Ellinwood’s 35th-place Luke Heinz (178), and 51st-place Austin Brack (207) return from a 2A state runner- up in 2024.
Ellinwood’s Luke Heinz (83) captured medalist honors at the Central Prairie League golf tournament at Mariah Hills Golf Course. Ellinwood (351) won the 3-team title.
EAGLE ROSTER
SENIORS—Austin Brack (51ST, 207; 62ND, 96; REG 17TH, 92; 46TH, 105); Austin Shinliver (2A, 85TH, 117; REG 17TH, 97; CPL, 10TH, 109)
JUNIORS—Luke Heinz (2A, 2A, 18TH, 163; 35TH, 178; REG, 6TH, 78; 7TH, 77; CPL 1ST, 83), Keaton Lewis (2A, 70TH, 104; CPL, 5TH, 90); Trevor Gosser
NINTH-GRADER—Remi Thomas
EAGLE SCHEDULE—4-6—at Hutchinson (Crazy Horse); 4-7—at Salina Municipal; 4-14—at Stafford; 4-20—at Sterling; 4-30—at Hesston; 5-5—at Halstead; 5-7—at Ellsworth; 5-11—Central Prairie, Dodge City; 5-14—at Kinsley; 5-18—at 2A regional; 5-25-/26—at 2A state
Eagles feature quality pitchers
ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood Eagle baseball team features a trio of quality pitchers — Drake Hosman (7-2, 2.59 ERA), lefthander Trace Tudor (3-5, 1.97 ERA) and Cohen Gunn (2-0, 1.77 ERA).
The Eagles (14-12) downed Bennington 19-11 and lost 9-4 to Hays Thomas More Prep in regional play last year. Hosman yielded five runs in the season-ending setback. Thomas More Prep also ended Ellinwood's season 14-8 in 2024.
Ellinwood coach Roger Ward starts his fifth season with a 44-45 record.
Hosman (.400, 45 R, 22 SB); Tudor (.400, 30 RBI), Cohen Gunn (.537, 39 RBI, 47 R) and Banks Jacobs (.355, 32 RBI) headline the offense.
"Led by all-staters Drake Hosman and Cohen Gunn at the top of the line-up, they'll also bolster the pitching staff," Ward said. "With many returners, we plan to have a good season. We'll set ourselves up for a good run in the revamped playoff set-up."
The Eagles will shift to Class 3A because they've added one St. John player.
"With the addition of a St. John player, we'll be reclassified as a 3A school in baseball," he said. "Any injuries could change the entire outlook."
SS/P Drake Hosman, P/CF Cohen Gunn, 1B/P Trace Tudor, C Banks Jacobs, CF/SS Shea Hoskins, 3B Cade Coleman, LF/RF Noah Herrman, LF Bryce Williams, RF Alvin Bowyer and 2B Brody Brack.
Ward played baseball at Barton Community College and Kentucky and has coached the summertime Great Bend Bat Cats for several years.
ELLINWOOD ROSTER
SENIORS—7—Alvin Bowyer, OF; 18—Noah Herrman, OF; 26—RHP/IF Drake Hosman (7-2, 2.59 ERA; .400, 45 R, 22 SB)
JUNIORS—12—LHP/1B Trace Tudor (3-5, 6.85 ERA; .400, 30 RBI); 11—RHP/IF Shae Hoskins; 16— OF Bryce Williams; 28—UTIL Jaxon Burbank; 34—LHP/OF Cohen Gunn (2-0, 1.77 ERA; .537, 39 RBI, 47 R); 44—RHP/C Banks Jacobs (.355, 32 RBI)
SOPHOMORE—23—RHP/UTILITY Cade Coleman (.250, 23 R)
NINTH-GRADERS—-3—UTIL Caleb Herrman; 24—RHP/INF Brody Brack
BASEBALL SCHEDULE—WL—Hoisington (11-0, 11-12); 3-31—Hays TMP; 4-2—Pratt Skyline; 4-10/11—at St. Joseph, Mo.; 4-13—at Ellsworth; 4-16—Russell; 4-20—Beloit; 4-23—at Salina Sacred Heart; 4-27—Moundridge; 4-30—at Kinsley; 5-5—at Ellis; 5-8—Minneapolis; 5-11—Sylvan/Lucas; 5-13/16—at 2-1A regional; 5-22/24—at 2-1A state
Eagles' doubles medalists return
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood's doubles team Ty Hammeke/Ethan Schlochtermeier (25-8) placed ninth at 3-1A state tennis last year. Junior state qualifier Grey Ringwald (18-13) also returns.
At 3-1A state, Hammeke/Schlochtermeier won four of six matches and surprised Conway Springs' Eli Benge/Joe Beck 8-5 for ninth place after losing to the Cardinals at regionals. Ringwald (18-13) lost 6-0, 6-0 to Hoisington's Brody Rossman and 8-2 to Topeka's Cair Paravel Cole Fry.
Ellinwood tennis coach Parker Winter features five seniors.
"We have high goals and expectations," Winter said. "Our first goal is to walk away as regional champs in the postseason. We want to be playing our best tennis by early May."
Winter expects the state qualifiers to pick up their pace.
"They should be able to attack points a bit differently and put points away at a quicker pace," Winter said. "All of our guys have spent countless hours on the courts this off-season, and it's paying off."
At regionals, Conway Springs’ Benge/Beck downed Hammeke/Schlochtermeier, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2 for fifth place. Ringwald downed Central Plains Oiler Cale Thompson 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 for fifth place.
At regionals, Dominic Martinez/Brayden Robl lost to Oilers' runner-up Peyton Dody/Paxton Dody 6-3, 6-2 and missed state by losing 6-1, 6-2 to Oilers Nethan Cauthon/Alden Metro. Sterling's Jace Darnauer defeated Eagle Christopher Rugan 6-0, 6-1.
Seniors Rugan, Martinez and Phillip Penner provide varsity experience.
"Our seniors will have huge roles on the team's success," Winter sauid. "Dominic Martinez and Brayden Robl lost to a state medalist doubles team to qualify for state. Dominic is talented with a high tennis IQ and could play either doubles or singles. The same goes with our other seniors Phillip Penner and Chris Rugan."
ELLINWOOD ROSTER
SENIORS—Christopher Rugan, Phillip Penner, Dominic Martinez (D 21-8), Ethan Schloctermeier/Ty Hammeke (D, 25-8)
JUNIOR—Grey Ringwald (S 18-13)
SOPHOMORE—Taegan Robl
NINTH-GRADERS—Lane Penner, Isiah Robl, Carter Kommark
ELLINWOOD SCHEDULE—4-4—at Great Bend; 4-7—at Ellsworth; 4-9—at Clay Center; 4-14—at Larned; 4-23—Ellinwood Invitational; 4-30—at Lindsborg; 4-4—at Claflin; 5-8—at 3-1A regional; 5-15/16—at 3-1A state, Kansas City
