Drew Wilson
1st Team All-Conference
Class 5 District 8 All-District Team
KMZU Dream Team

Tre Smith
2nd Team All-Conference
Class 5 District 8 All-District Team
KMZU Dream Team

Andrew Way
2nd Team All-Conference

Brad Doll
Honorable Mention All-Conference

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Brooke Paalhar

• 1st Team All-Conference
• All-District

Jocelyn Lincoln

• 2nd Team All-Conference

Kennedi Casey

• All-Conference Honorable Mention

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Kearney, Mo., March 31, 2025: Kearney School District is pleased to announce that Joel Lueken will become our next Activities Director effective July 1, 2025. 

Mr. Lueken’s hiring was officially approved by the KSD Board of Education on Wednesday, March 19.

Lueken will take over from long-time Activities Director Dave Schwarzenbach, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service to the district. Superintendent Emily Miller praised Lueken’s extensive experience and leadership capabilities. 

“Joel Lueken is an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” Dr. Miller said. “He has a proven track record of success in athletic administration, community engagement, and student development. Joel’s passion for excellence and his commitment to building strong relationships will ensure the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and activities programs.”

Lueken joins KSD after serving as Deputy Athletic Director at William Jewell College, where he oversaw internal and external operations for 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams. His role involved direct management of the athletic budget, human resources, compliance reporting, and coordination with admissions and student services.

Prior to his current role, Lueken served as Athletic Director at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for a decade. There, he significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience, expanded athletic programs, and successfully led fundraising efforts totaling over $17 million for scholarships and capital projects. He also spearheaded community engagement initiatives, significantly increased attendance and community support, and facilitated multiple facility renovations and upgrades.

“I am thrilled and honored to join the Kearney School District as Activities Director,” Lueken said. “KSD has an outstanding reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by Dave Schwarzenbach. My family and I are excited to become part of the Bulldog community and to help advance the success of KSD students both on and off the field.”

Lueken holds a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Ottawa University.

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The dance squad also earned second in Jazz and third in Pom. Ainsley Daniels took third place in the Sophomore Solo competition; Arie Watkins claimed eighth in Senior Solo; and Jacee Hensley took 10th in Sophomore Solo.

The squad will be celebrated at every KSD school during the Tour of Champions starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 20. Let’s cheer on our Bulldogs!

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Kearney, Mo., March 3, 2025: The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team finished in sixth place and two Bulldogs earned individual championships at the MSHSAA Class 3 state tournament on Saturday, March 1.

Ryder Shelton garnered gold at 132 lbs. He was joined at the top spot by his teammate Carter Temple at 190 lbs. Brayden Robinson took fourth at 106 lbs, and Blain Turpin finished in sixth place at 144 lbs.

Individual Highlights (with comments by Head Coach Jacob Hill):

Brayden Robinson – 4th Place (106)

This was sophomore Brayden Robinson’s first trip to the State Tournament and he made the most of it by finding his way on the podium. He wrestled great both days beating some tough competition to finish in 4th place.

Ryder Shelton – State Champion (132)

The senior Bulldog went out on top. Ryder finishes his career as a four-time state finalist and three-time state champion with over 150 career varsity wins. He won all of his matches by bonus points including his finals match with a major decision leaving no doubt he is one of Missouri’s best this year.

Blaine Turpin – 6th Place (144)

This was senior Blaine Turpin’s third trip to the state tournament and first time coming home with hardware. Blaine made the semifinals, which guaranteed his spot on the podium. Blaine’s last win of the tournament was career win 100.

Carter Temple – State Champion (190)

This was sophomore Carter Temple’s second trip to state and the second year in a row he has come home State Champion. Carter showed some serious heart and gutted out a state finals win in overtime.

Other Team Results:

• 113 Oliver Lee 1-2
• 120 Phoenix Shelton 1-2
• 126 Landon Westfall 2-2
• 157 Kale Davis 1-2
• 175 Eli Helberg 0-2

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Kearney, Mo., March 3, 2025: The Kearney High School Girls Wrestling team earned a third-straight state championship on Thursday, February 27.

The Bulldogs captured the title during the 2025 MSHSSA wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The tournament began Wednesday, and the team built a nine-point lead by the end of day one, which they maintained for most of Thursday. Though there was a brief moment of uncertainty, a late surge of clutch bonus-point wins in the medal rounds secured the championship over second-place Brookfield by an eight-point margin.

“This title was a total team effort,” Head Coach Nick Ward said. “Someone stepped up whenever we needed a big performance, just as they have in all three championship runs.”

All eight KHS qualifiers won matches, contributing critical points in another intense team tournament. Bailey Martin took 2nd at 115 lbs, Riley Walker took 3rd at 120, Myla Woolridge took 5th at 105, and Carli Vargas took individual gold at 190.

Individual Highlights:

Myla Woolridge – The freshman continued her successful debut season, going 4-2 and securing a fifth-place finish with a pin. Myla consistently delivered in high-pressure moments throughout the season and came up big again when it mattered most.

Ella Herndon – The senior went 2-2 and fell just one win short of a podium finish. A key contributor in the past two state title runs, Ella’s leadership and impact on this team will be greatly missed.

Bailey Martin – The senior made history, pinning her way to the championship finals for a rematch with Delanie Smith of Mid-Buchanan. Though she finished as the runner-up, Bailey became Kearney’s first four-time female state medalist, finishing 5th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd. Her pin in the semifinal round also marked her 150th career victory. Bailey has been a cornerstone of all three title runs.

Riley Walker – After a tough quarterfinal loss to the eventual state champion, Riley put together a dominant run through the consolation bracket, pinning everyone in her path to secure third place. Along the way, she avenged losses from districts, including pinning a previous opponent who had beaten her by 15 points in January. Now a three-time state medalist, Riley is a major contributor to this program’s success.

Aida Appenfeller – The sophomore made her state tournament debut after an impressive district performance. Though she finished 1-2, her key bonus-point victory in the consolation bracket played a crucial role in the team race.

Bella Wenzel – On her first trip to the state tournament, Bella faced a tough draw, meeting a state finalist in the opening round. After a hard-fought loss, she bounced back in the consolation bracket to secure a vital team victory, finishing 1-2 as a freshman.

Carli Vargas – The sophomore and returning state finalist dominated her bracket, pinning all but one opponent on her way to the state championship. She ended the season with just one loss to the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the country from Oklahoma. A two-time state finalist and now state champion, Carli continues to be a driving force behind this championship run.

Ella Chavez – As a first-year wrestler, freshman Ella Chavez could have been satisfied with simply qualifying for the state tournament. Instead, she stepped up when it mattered most, avenging a prior loss to a ranked opponent and securing a critical pin in the consolation rounds. She finished 1-2 but made her presence felt in the team standings.

“This championship is a testament to Kearney Girls Wrestling’s culture,” Coach Ward said. “From seasoned veterans to first-time qualifiers, every wrestler played a crucial role in bringing home the title. Thanks to our coaching staff, families, and fans for their unwavering support. The three-peat is complete, but the standard remains the same. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”

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All 13 Bulldogs made it to at least the “blood round,” contributing to the team’s outstanding finish overall, according to Head Coach Jake Hill. Ryder Shelton, Blaine Turpin and Carter Temple all earned individual championships in their weight classes.

“Our boys wrestled great both days and I’m so proud of their effort,” Coach Hill said. “These guys really exemplify the Bulldog spirit with their grit and skills. We’re looking forward to state.”

State Qualifiers:

• 106 Brayden Robinson 2nd
• 113 Oliver Lee 4th
• 120 Phoenix Shelton 4th
• 126 Landon Westfall 2nd
• 132 Ryder Shelton Champion
• 144 Blaine Turpin Champion
• 157 Kale Davis 4th
• 175 Eli Helberg 3rd
• 190 Carter Temple Champion

The KHS boys wrap up their season by traveling to Columbia this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-March 1, to compete in the Class 3 State Tournament at Mizzou Arena.

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The Bulldogs wrestled their absolute best tournament of the season, winning the program’s first District Championship by a 23.5-point margin over 2nd-place Odessa.

The top four wrestlers from each weight class advance to the state tournament on Feb. 26-27 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The KHS girls did not disappoint. A program-record eight Bulldogs punched their ticket to state.

The Bulldog excellence extended off the wrestling mats, according to Head Coach Nick Ward. He was grateful for the community effort to successfully host the tournament.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and cheered us on this weekend,” Coach Ward said. “A big thanks to the Kearney School District Activities Department and all the volunteers, custodians, and behind-the-scenes folks who helped us pull off hosting a large, first-class wrestling event. We received tons of praise for how well everything operated.”

Individual Highlights:

Myla Woolridge – The freshman sensation entered the tournament as the second seed and pinned her way to the championship round. She lost a close decision to a returning state medalist to finish in second place. This will be Myla’s first trip to Columbia, but the freshman is no stranger to winning big matches. 

Ella Herndon – The team’s senior leader cruised to the championship round and lost a hard-fought battle to a returning three-time state qualifier to finish with the silver medal. This is Ella’s second trip to the state tournament in only her third year of wrestling.  

Bailey Martin – The senior returning three-time state medalist and defending state champion cruised to the finals, where she found a familiar foe in Mid-Buchanan’s Delanie Smith. Delanie is also a multiple-time medalist with a state title of her own. Bailey has lost to Smith the last two times they have met. On this day, the Kearney senior would not be denied. She took an early lead and kept piling up points. She fought off her back for 1:34 in the third period to win 12-10. This is Bailey’s third district championship and fourth trip to the state tournament. 

Riley Walker – The two-time state medalist was rolling towards the finals. She led by 14 in the semi-final and got caught and pinned in the third period. She battled back through the consolation bracket in true champion fashion, pinning her way to 3rd place and earning her third trip to Columbia.

Aida Appenfeller – In one of the most exciting moments of an action-packed “blood round” that she had to win in order to advance in the tournament, Aida pinned the second seed, returning state qualifier Danica Ballard of Smithville, avenging a prior loss and punching through to state. Aida didn’t stop there; she pinned the fourth seed in the 3rd-place match to close out a fantastic tournament. The sophomore will be making her first trip to Mizzou Arena.

Bella Wenzel – Bella is another freshman talent with homerun potential.  Bella went 3-2 and defeated a returning state qualifier in a gutsy quarterfinal round that set her up to be in a great place to advance on Saturday, where she got it done.  Bella finished 4th place and will make her first trip to the state tournament. 

Carli Vargas – The #14 nationally ranked, #1 state-ranked sophomore made short work of the field, pinning her way through the tournament in dominant fashion. Carli pinned all four opponents in a combined time of 1:40. 

Ella Chavez -The first-year freshman has steadily improved, from starting 0-5 at a rookie tournament in early December to qualifying for the state tournament in mid-February. This is nothing short of incredible. Ella pulled off some recent big victories that helped her secure the fourth seed, and she carried that momentum into the district tournament to finish in 4th place.

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The girls won the meet by 80 points. They earned six event championships, swept all four top spots in the 500 freestyle, improved across the board and had numerous personal records.

“There were incredible performances throughout the three-day meet!” Head Coach Trevor Woehrman said. “If you know any of the girls on the team, please congratulate them on an incredible season.”

Conference Meet Highlights

Diving:

• Anna Williams – CONFERENCE CHAMP

200 Medley Relay:

• Braylon Stegall, Ava Gablek, Kaylie Gerber & Eva Cox – 2nd-place finish

200 Freestyle:

• Jaycie Davis – A new Personal Record (PR) and CONFERENCE CHAMP
• Alex Kinstler – A new PR and a 2nd-place finish
• Elizabeth Demers – A new PR and a 3rd-place finish

200 IM:

• Eva Cox – 2nd-place finish
• Eden Roling – A new PR and a 4th-place finish
• Halle Wright – A new PR and a 5th-place finish

50 Freestyle:

• Olivia Burgard – A new PR and a 2nd-place finish
• Adelynn McCourt – A new PR and a 4th-place finish
• Avreigh James – A new PR
• Braylon Stegall – A new PR

100 Butterfly:

• Kaylie Gerber – CONFERENCE CHAMP
• Eva Cox – A 4th-place finish
• Brienne Bonderer – A new PR and a 5th-place finish
• Olivia Burgard – A new PR and a 6th-place finish

100 Freestyle:

• Ava Gable – A new PR and CONFERENCE CHAMP
• Adelynn McCourt – A new PR and a 2nd-place finish
• Halle Wright – A new PR

500 Freestyle:

• Eden Roling – A new PR and CONFERENCE CHAMP
• Jaycie Davis – A 2nd-place finish
• Alex Kinstler – A new PR and a 3rd-place finish
• Elizabeth Demers – A new PR and a 4th-place finish

100 Backstroke:

• Braylon Stegall – A new PR and a 3rd-place finish
• Avreigh James – A new PR and a 4th-place finish
• Emelyn Kane – A new PR

100 Breaststroke:

• Brienne Bonderer – A new PR and a 3rd-place finish
• Brylee Stegall – A 6th-place finish

400 Freestyle Relay:

• Alex Kinstler, Jaycie Davis, Eden Roling & Olivia Burgard – CONFERENCE CHAMPS

MORE PHOTOS: KHS Girls Swim & Dive at 2025 Conference Meet

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The Bulldog girls secured their third consecutive conference title after defeating the Smithville High School Warriors on the road 48-36 on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Beating their Highway 92 rivals made winning the conference title even sweeter, according to Head Coach Nick Ward.

“This dual is always a back-and-forth scrap where every single point matters,” Coach Ward said. “I’m so proud of the work our girls put in this season and am looking forward to what they accomplish in the postseason.”

The following Bulldogs earned wins against Smithville:

• Myla Woolridge 
• Ella Herndon
• Bailey Martin 
• Riley Walker 
• Bella Wenzel
• Emma Schaetz
• Carli Vargas 
• Ella Chavez 

The KHS girls finish this regular season with a 5-0 record in the Greater Kansas City Suburban Blue Conference. They host the Class 1-District 4 tournament on Feb. 14-15.

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