Ten exciting Wichita Public Schools sports teams that saw their seasons saved this week
A lot of athletes, coaches and administrators across Wichita took a deep breath Tuesday, but these teams might have taken two.
The Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) Board of Education voted to reverse its Aug. 20 decision to cancel all fall activities, including high school sports. Instead, teams are allowed to return to practice.
Here are 10 top fall sports teams from the schools affected.
1. Northwest Football
With back-to-back state title game appearances, Northwest is knocking on the door of history in 2020. The Grizzlies bring back several Division I prospects, particularly on defense. Coach Steve Martin was one of the loudest voices for the return of sports in USD 259.
2. East Boys Soccer
Senior striker Ivan Quezada is one of the best soccer players in Kansas. He has led the City League in scoring in each of the past few seasons, but he is not alone. The Aces have talent across the field that helped them reach the Class 6A state semifinals last season.
3. East Football
The resurgence of East football might be on. The Aces have arguably the best receiving corps in the Wichita area, headlined by Division I prospect Daylan Jones. Last season, East finished 5-4 and didn’t win a playoff game. That likely won’t be the case in 2020.
4. Heights Boys Soccer
Heights is coming off its first boys soccer regional championship in recent history. The Falcons had a wonderful team last season, and though they lost a few key pieces, including their coach, they bring back enough to contend for the City League title.
5. Heights football
Heights has one of the brightest young players in America. Sophomore running back John Randle is one of the top 50 players in his graduating class, according to 247 Sports. Heights has lost K’Vonte Baker to graduation and Josh Sanders to transfer in recent years, but Randle is next in line.
6. Northwest Boys Soccer
After more than 40 years, Northwest is under new leadership. Former Grizzly All-American Austin Clifton was named soccer coach, replacing legend Bobby Bribiesca.
7. East Volleyball
East has one of its most talented volleyball teams since it was perennially going to state a few years ago. Under first year coach Alexis Head, the Aces might find themselves fighting toward the top of the City League.
8. Southeast Boys Soccer
Southeast was a Cinderella of sorts last season, finishing with 11 wins. The Buffaloes have a new coach and a lot of new players, looking to replace a group of refugees that came through the school.
9. East Cross Country
The Aces’ cross country team lost some key runners on the boys’ side, but East is always within a shout of the City League title. On the girls’ side, they return All-Metro contender Eva McKinzie.
10. Northwest Volleyball
The Grizzlies’ volleyball team has been teetering on the brink of going from good to great in the Wichita area for some time now. Watching their transformation under a new coach should be exciting.