BUHLER, Kan. – The spring sports season begins this week, an action-packed two months that finish at the massive All Classes Track and Field State Championship May 26-27 in Wichita.
Soccer Looks to Build on Success
A magical late-season run last spring propelled the Lady Crusaders all the way to the 4-1A State Title Game, where they finished runner-up to Bishop Miege.
This year’s team will have some holes to fill with the loss of seven seniors, including 4A Forward of the Year Aubrey Tanksley. Head Coach Randall Rank will have plenty of options with 30 girls out for soccer.
The season opens this week with a pair of 5A opponents in Newton and Hutchinson.
Baseball and Softball Open with Rival
Baseball and Softball braved the cold last Saturday to welcome a new season with the annual Alumni Games. The weather should be a little friendlier when they open regular season play Thursday at home against McPherson.
Same as soccer, Buhler baseball will need to replace seven seniors if it hopes to make another run at 4A State. Success has become expected in recent years, and while a much younger team will take the field this spring, the championship pedigree remains. Look for veterans Jeffrey Neill and Matthew Eddy to have big seasons.
Kim Cottam has weathered the building process since she took the head softball job two years ago. The lower levels are now beginning to realize the fruits of that labor. Numbers are up at the high school level as well with plenty to be optimistic about for the future.
Buhler Tennis Brings ‘Em All Back
So much for freshman growing pains. Buhler’s Davian Spies wasted no time last year in displacing that myth, playing his way to the title match in 4A Singles. Down a set early, Spies fought back to defeat Independence Junior Kale Groff in three sets for the 4A crown. Could a rematch be in-store?
Head Coach Matt Babcock has to be excited about his team’s potential. The Crusaders bring everyone back from a team that had no Seniors a year ago. The Buhler netters host Great Bend, Trinity Catholic, and Maize South in quad-play to open the season on April 4 at the Balzer Tennis Courts.
Golf to be Led by Another Veteran Group
Boys golf battled through some pretty harsh weather conditions last spring. Logan Day led a big group of Seniors who exited the program. Day finished top-20 at 4A State. Look for another veteran group to take up the clubs this season.
The Crusaders open Play on Thursday, March 30 at Sand Creek Station in Newton.
Track and Field with Big Shoes to Fill
Veterans Hayden Keller, Tanner Lindahl, Diante Campbell, and Cameron Campbell pushed the Buhler Boys to a top-five finish at 4A State Track and Field a season ago. With those four and six other seniors gone, there will be some big shoes to fill. Look for Myles Fredrick and Tavian Gilliam to lead the charge for this year’s squad.
Emilie Schweizer, Caylin Seely, and Alycea McCoy will be among those returners looking to claim State hardware for the Lady Crusaders.
Competition begins this Friday at Bethel College Stadium in North Newton.
Swimmers Continue to Grow Program
Now in year four, this past winter was by far the most successful for Buhler boys swimming. Now it’s the girls’ turn.
Sprinkled in with a few veterans, Head Coach Shane DeWeese had six freshmen and two sophomores in the pool last season. Expect to see improved times out of this hard-charging group.
On your marks, get set, the season opens this Thursday at Marion.
Follow continuing coverage of Buhler Crusaders Athletics this spring online at https://www.adastraradio.com/ and download the Ad Astra Radio app.
