Varsity Kansas

8 ways Kansas high school athletes are breaking records and barriers in 2025

Stories by Wichita Eagle journalists, with AI summarization

High school athletes from Kansas continue to raise the bar by setting records and defying expectations in 2025.

The Rose Hill boys wrestling team shattered the state team points record, and Johnny Leck capped his career with a third individual championship. Swimmers Corden Cuington and Dylan Patterson made history by sharing gold in the 50-yard freestyle after finishing with identical times.

Emporia State alumnus Tyler Kahmann, a former three-sport high school star from Haysville, signed an NFL contract after a record-setting Division II football career. Courtney Nye, once on the verge of quitting, won a state wrestling championship in her first season, helping Kapaun secure its first team title.

Winfield’s Corden Cuington (left) and Eisenhower’s Dylan Patterson (right) both stood on top of the podium after sharing the gold medal in the 50-yard freestyle. By Mari Griffin

NO. 1: THEY EACH HAD A DREAM OF WINNING STATE. IN BIZARRE TWIST, KANSAS SWIMMERS SHARE GOLD

Winfield’s Corden Cuington and Eisenhower’s Dylan Patterson each fulfilled their dream — just not in the way they imagined in sharing the same gold medal. | Published February 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

In her first year of wrestling, Kapaun Mt. Carmel junior Courtney Nye won the 125-pound championship at the Class 5A state tournament. Nye (left) is pictured with Kapaun coach Quinton Burgess (right) following her title win.

NO. 2: THIS FIRST-TIME KAPAUN GIRLS WRESTLER ALMOST QUIT. NOW SHE’S A KANSAS STATE CHAMPION

The improbable rise of Courtney Nye was sealed with one of the most improbable comebacks at the state tournament. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

The Rose Hill boys wrestling team won its second straight Class 4A team championship in record-setting fashion in Salina. By Chris Saferite

NO. 3: ROSE HILL BOYS WRESTLING SHATTERS RECORDS TO REPEAT AS KANSAS TEAM STATE CHAMPION

Not only did the Rockets win in record-setting fashion, but the Andale boys and Mulvane’s Leiannah Landreth also came home with titles. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Kapaun Mt. Carmel senior Corbin Johnson hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning shot to lift the Crusaders over Wichita Heights. By Travis Heying

NO. 4: THE WICHITA EAGLE’S 2025 KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ALL-STATE TOP 15 TEAMS

Find out who was selected as a top 15 basketball player in the state of Kansas from this season. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Emporia State wide receiver Tyler Kahmann, a Haysville native, signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Indianapolis Colts. By Emporia State Athletics

NO. 5: HAYSVILLE NATIVE INKS NFL CONTRACT AFTER RECORD-BREAKING DIVISION II CAREER

Former Campus Colts star Tyler Kahmann will have a chance to prove himself for an NFL team. | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Kapaun Mt. Carmel senior Jack Guthridge is one of the best sprinters in Kansas this season. By Travis Heying

NO. 6: RANKING 150 OF THE BEST WICHITA-AREA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES

Highlighting the top talent in boys track and field from the Wichita-area high school ranks this spring. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Bishop Carroll softball players mob teammate Keira Stripling after the freshman drove in the winning run against St. Thomas Aquinas during the 5A state championship. By Travis Heying

NO. 7: HIGHLIGHTING 150 OF THE BEST WICHITA-AREA HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL PLAYERS

Highlighting some of the top softball players from more than 60 Wichita-area high schools this spring. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Bishop Carroll junior second baseman Judd Blasi is one of the top players to watch in the Wichita area this season. By Jeremy Davis

NO. 8: HIGHLIGHTING 200 OF THE BEST WICHITA-AREA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS

Highlighting some of the top baseball players from more than 60 Wichita-area high schools this spring. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported and written by Taylor Eldridge, and edited by McClatchy journalists.