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

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...

Senior Matthew Marcum, successfully pins down his opponent from Holton, winning the match on Dec. 1. Achieving the 100 Win Club was just one of Marcum’s goals coming into his senior year. “Most of my goals are pending with Regionals and State still awaiting,” Marcum said.

SPORTS: Firebird Trio Reaches Milestone

Nick Sprecker February 17, 2023

Head coach Randy Streeter had a vision when he was hired three years ago: build a winning culture immersed in camaraderie and brotherhood. Not only has that been accomplished since his arrival, but his...

Fans celebrate the final score at Johnnys North.

NEWS: Kansas City Chiefs Win Super Bowl

Greyson Heiman, Thomas Patton, and Nick Sprecker February 15, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 Feb. 12 in Super Bowl LVII. It was a competitive game between the two teams, but in the end the Chiefs came out on top. With an outstanding...

Archived photo from 2022 spring dive season. Focusing before his dive, junior Elliot Ahlvers gets ready. Ahlvers placed second at State in 2022.

NEWS: Senior Elliot Ahlvers Breaks School Diving Record

Emma Wiley February 13, 2023

Senior Elliot Ahlvers defeated the 1-meter diving school record with a score of 485.8 on Jan. 24. This record had been held previously since 1999. Along with being the new holder of this record, Ahlvers...

Archived photo by Isabelle Pro

KU Beats K-State at Sunflower Showdown

Greyson Heiman and Nick Sprecker February 1, 2023

Last night, No. 8 Kansas University [KU] came out on top over No. 7 Kansas State University [K-State] in a 90-78 victory. With the help of another massive 20 point performance from junior Jalen...

Varsity Boys Basketball head coach, Sherron Collins joins in with Cortez Overstreet and Zeek Brown in the traditional Alma Matter celebration played after the first home game win against Gardner-Egerton. Starting the season, one of Collins biggest goals was to connect with the players off the court on a personal level.

FEATURE: Sherron Collins First Year Coaching

Nick Sprecker January 28, 2023

When former Kansas standout Sherron Collins was announced as the boys’ basketball head coach, it sent a wave of excitement throughout the Firebird fanbase. The start of the season aroused curiosity throughout...

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