The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

Sports

Sophomore Addy Tenbrink passes an opponent from Olathe East. In her second year on the team, Tenbrink is a regular runner on Varsity.

SPORTS: Striding into a New Season

Mason Lester, Reporter September 12, 2023

The cross country team is looking to carry on the legacy of a very successful program. After getting 7th in state last season, the boys did not finish the way they wanted, but they have been working hard...

After a block, senior Fiona VanDyke’s teammates cheer her on. VanDyke is a returning member to the Varsity Volleyball team this year.

SPORTS: Girls Volleyball Swings Back into Season

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor September 7, 2023

A long awaited girls volleyball season has officially begun after the firebirds clashed with Topeka Seaman on Thursday, Aug. 31. Coming off a fourth consecutive substrate win, head coach Jayme Savage and...

Running the halls, the cross country team practices inside due to a rising heat wave. Having to practice inside isn’t new to the cross country team, according to coach Steve Heffernan. Were used to having to make up some stuff to fill in gaps when the weathers just not accommodating,” Heffernan said.

SPORTS: Record Breaking Heat Disrupts Fall Sports

Nick Sprecker and Lilly Wall August 25, 2023

Lawrence, KS, one of many midwest cities currently trapped inside a heat zone, has broken its own heat index record twice in the span of a week with index temperatures reaching up to 135 F. Small, everyday...

Seniors Bradie Ward and Samantha Packard hold the 6A first place trophy with their teammates around them. As of this Saturday, both Packard and Ward are back-to-back state champions. Photo contributed by Free State Swim and Dive.

Girls Swim and Dive Wins Second Consecutive State Competition

Thomas Patton May 22, 2023

Girls swim and dive secured back-to-back state titles on Saturday, May 20. The team held first place from start to finish, winning by 132 points over the next closest team. The team never strayed away...

Rising to the surface, junior Sarah Masterson takes a breath between strokes.

NEWS: Skinner Fills Head Swim Coach Position

Grey Heiman May 15, 2023

After a triumphant 23 years of coaching the boys swim and dive team and 16 years of coaching the girls, head coach Annette McDonald will be passing the torch on to assistant coach Janna Skinner next season.  During...

Senior Spencer Doan stands by teammate during the Lawrence High game. The Firebirds won 28-26 on Oct. 14.

SPORTS: Kansas Shrine Selections

Greyson Heiman April 30, 2023

Standout offensive linemen seniors Kaden Leonard and Spencer Doan were selected to play in the prestigious Kansas Shrine Bowl. The goal of the game is to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children...

Preparing to bat, varsity baseball player runs through some swings. Free State is currently ranked 9th in the weekly PBR ratings. (Photo by Isabelle Pro)

SPORTS: Swinging Through Adversity

Nick Sprecker April 27, 2023

The boy’s varsity baseball team has hit the ground running to start the season with only three losses to their name. The squad has found success both hitting and on the mound, and have slotted themselves...

Starting her dive, junior Mallory Qualseth jumps off the diving board. Although it has a competitive aspect to it, Qualseth has found that diving competitions are often much more fun than aggressive, “You always want to help out because our scores contribute to the overall score,” Qualseth said. “But, everyone’s just really nice and not super competitive.”Photo by Eleanor Roust

SPORTS: Compete to Repeat

Thomas Patton April 11, 2023

Girls swim and dive has started this year's season as a heavy favorite to repeat as state champions.  “I’m really excited to compete for back to back state championships,” junior Liza Engelbrecht...

The Kansas City Royals paying their respect on MLB Opening day, March, 30. 2023 in remembrance of a local officer who lost his life.

MLB: Season Opener

Elizabeth Hare April 3, 2023

The Major League Baseball [MLB] season is an exciting time for many students, staff and people in the community, not only for the fact that the Royals play right here in Kansas City, but also for the fact...

OPINION: March Madness—The Ultimate Bracket Buster

OPINION: March Madness—The Ultimate Bracket Buster

Nick Sprecker March 31, 2023

Around 60 million Americans fill out their March Madness brackets annually, many of them joining bracket competitions. Whether it's serious or for fun, everyone gives their best shot at predicting as many...

Starting strong, sophomore Brylee Burns strides out during the beginning of the race. Burns made huge leaps this season and helped to lead the girls team to a successful season with her individual 9th place at state. My favorite part of the season was doing long runs with my best friends, Burns said.

SPORTS: Recognition at the Highest Level

Thomas Patton March 7, 2023

Four Free State cross-country runners received a nomination for Northeast Kansas High School Runner of the Year. “They run year-round and don't miss many days and are always willing to go that extra...

Going for the pin, freshman Ava Corbin takes down her opponent. Although unsure at the beginning of her season, Corbin has grown to love the sport. “My friends were doing it and I joined as a joke,” Corbin said. “But then I started to really love it as a sport. [I’m] definitely going to continue to do it next year and the years to come.”

SPORTS: The Face of the Future

Nick Sprecker March 7, 2023

Every sports program needs a blueprint. They need a way to foster growth and a future to look forward to. That growth can come from a combination of things, but for the girls wrestling squad, freshman...

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