TOPEKA, Kan. – Buhler tennis put an exclamation mark on the season Saturday, capturing the school’s first-ever state title at the Class 4A state tournament in Topeka. The Crusaders finished with 40 points to edge out three-time reigning state champion Independence.
Davian Spies secured his second individual state title by winning a three-set thriller against Parsons sophomore Wyatt Shultz, 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 6-2.
After claiming the singles state championship as a freshman in 2022, Spies showed mental toughness and determination in returning from injury and a loss in the state semifinals a year ago.
“Prove to myself that I am a state champion and that it wasn’t just a spoof,” Spies said. “That’s kind of how I felt about it.”
Amos Harder reached the semifinals after a stellar day one performance and took fourth in singles for a second straight year.
Von Woleslagel and Reuben Harder earned a third-place finish in the doubles bracket. The duo bounced back after losing their semifinals match early on day two.
Merick Manns and Eli Biggs earned a first-round win over Rocco Marrello and Leo Gill of Bishop Miege before falling to the backside of the bracket in round two.
Track & Field
Buhler track and field will carry momentum into the postseason after sweeping the AVCTL III meet held last Thursday at McPherson High School.
The girls and boys combined to earn 16 first, 13 second, and 11 third-place finishes.
“It’s symbolic of all the different talents and energies that have to come together to be called a team,” said head coach Willie Adkins.
Alycea McCoy cleared 10-6.00 to win girls pole vault. She also took first place in the long jump and second in the triple jump.
Tavian Gilliam’s distance of 42-08.00 earned him the top spot in the boys triple jump. Gilliam was also best in the 400 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.
The Crusaders travel to Scott City on Thursday to compete in regionals with field events beginning at 1:30 p.m. and preliminaries at 3:30 p.m.
Soccer
Buhler soccer began the postseason on Monday with a dominating 9-1 win over Winfield at Crusader Stadium. The team now awaits the winner of McPherson and Collegiate in Thursday’s regional final.
Madi McCool and Natayla Krafels each recorded a hat trick. Ashylnn Adcock was credited with three assists.
Golf
Buhler golf placed seventh in Monday’s 4A regional at Forewinds Golf Course in Hugoton. The team shot a 390. McPherson won the tournament with a score of 340.
Individually, Drew DeMeyer qualified for next week’s state tournament with a 13th place finish. DeMeyer’s score of 92 put him just two strokes outside the top-10.
Swimming
The Buhler swim team has come on strong late in the season, placing third in last week’s AVCTL III & IV meet with a score of 278. Winfield won the event.
“So much to say about this team,” said head coach Shane DeWeese. “What a way to finish a regular season.”
Shaylin Petz set a new school record in the 500 freestyle, where she placed fifth with a time of 6:11.81. Petz also finished fourth in the 200 freestyle, and in the final event of the night, helped her teammates to a third place finish in the 400 free relay.
The team has recorded several state considered times this season, and will now wait to hear if any of those times will qualify for this weekend’s state meet.
