A capsule look at the city's high school spring sports teams

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 28, 2000 by Capital-Journal

Top newcomers --- Brook Williams, jr., Ayumi Yasue, sr.

Outlook --- The Chargers took third in the city meet and 21st of 36 teams at state last season behind a medal-winning performance from grad Kelli Dudley, who qualified for two events. This year, 35 athletes are on the roster. "We have a bonded team that has restarted some old traditions and has some new ones of their own," Meier said. "We have a busy schedule this season. We lost a top-notch swimmer last year, but we have gained some new talent and our returners are stronger."

SCHEDULE

March --- 30 at Olathe South.

April --- 5 Manhattan Invitational; 6 Shawnee Mission South; 11 Lawrence Invitational; 18 Olathe South quad; 20 Emporia Invitational; 21 Manhattan diving meet; 25 Topeka West Invitational at Washburn University; 28 City meet at Washburn University.

May --- 2 Topeka High Invitational at Washburn University; 5 I-70 meet at Manhattan.

BOYS TENNIS

Hayden

Coach --- James Sandstrom.

Key returnees --- Robert Humes, sr., Nathan Soza, jr., Geoff Alonzo, jr., Steven DeHaven, jr.

Outlook --- Hayden boasts 24 players who will be competing under first-year coach Sandstrom. "We have good numbers and fairly good depth," Sandstrom said. "The boys' work ethic is great."

SCHEDULE

April --- 14 at Seaman; 15 Hi Park Invitational at Hayden; 27 City tournament; 29 at Clay Center.

May --- 2 at Marysville; 3 at Topeka West Invitational; 9 Centennial League tournament; 11 Washburn Rural Invitational.

Highland Park

Coach --- Nathan McAlister

Key returnees --- Chaesare Gray, jr., Cole Boling, so., Ray Toyne, so., Alex Ericsson, so.

Top newcomers --- Justin Wassinger, jr., Jarrod Boyer, sr.

Outlook --- "We have a young team with more experience and good leadership, expecting to improve over last year's season," McAlister said.

SCHEDULE

April --- 3 Highland Park quad; 5 Four City quad at Hi Park; 6 Wamego Invitational at Manhattan; 14 Seaman Invitational; 15 Hi Park Invitational at Hayden; 27 City tournament.

May --- 1 Topeka High Invitational; 9 Centennial League tournament; 11 Washburn Rural Invitational.

Seaman

Coach --- Don Rich

Key returnees --- Andy Wiltz.

Outlook --- Wiltz leads the Vikes after finishing second last year in the Centennial League tourney. "We hope to be competitive at all levels," Rich said. "We will be working hard to do our best."

SCHEDULE

April --- 6 at Lawrence; 11 at Lawrence Free State;14 Seaman Invitational at Ozawkie; 20 Hiawatha; 25 at Shawnee Heights; 27 City tournament.

May --- 9 Centennial League tournament; 11 Washburn Rural Invitational.

Shawnee Heights

Coach --- Dennis McPhail.

Key returnees --- Brian Stuckey, Jason Shipp, Brendon Gore, Tyler Graves, Steve Tinder.

Top newcomers --- Tyler Kinder, Dustin Mitchell, Derek Craig, Bren Nordgren.

Outlook --- Heights returns a pair of state qualifiers in Stuckey and Shipp, who likely will team in doubles this year. "I'm looking for some good success during the year and maybe even challenge for the league title," McPhail said. "Our hope is to get several state qualifiers this year."