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

Spring

FEATURE: Burnout in Athletes

FEATURE: Burnout in Athletes

Jonah Frye, Reporter April 5, 2024

A New York University review found that 45% of youth athletes quit due to psychological burnout. In addition, a study conducted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association reported that when compared...

Working with a student, athletic trainer Kaarin Haig scrapes a students leg. In the spring season many athletes come into this physical training space in order to get help with their injuries.

SPORTS: Recovery Roadblocks

Corinne Kingsley, Reporter April 1, 2024

Severe injuries like a torn ACL can cause an abrupt end to athletes' careers. According to Beaumont Health approximately 100,000–200,000 ACL ruptures occur each year, most common in athletes. Recovery...

Senior Jake Loos and other members of the track team run during practice. Archived photo from Addie Driscoll.

SPORTS: Run Firebirds, Run!

Emi Stone, Reporter April 1, 2024

Since its 68-member team in 2004, the track program at Free State has experienced remarkable growth, currently boasting a roster of over two hundred athletes. Although there are several events to help...

Archived photo by Chloe Cook

FEATURE: Kicking It Into Gear

Arianna Waller, Reporter April 1, 2024

Following the loss to Garden City in overtime last year, Girls Soccer is heading back into the game. The girls are focusing on their strength, resilience and leadership to bring a new look to the program.  Senior...

Archived photo by Mallory Thompson

SPORTS: Lady Firebirds Swinging to Continue a Legacy

Rakshan Ossen, Reporter March 28, 2024

During the past few years, the varsity softball team has set winning standards on the field and has nurtured several players who proceeded to play the sport at a college level. This year, ambitious senior...

Senior Kyle Graves loads his swing at a varsity game Mar. 31, 2023.

SPORTS: KSHSAA Baseball Increase Games

Grant Lincoln, Reporter November 13, 2023

As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Kansas State High School Activities Association Board of Directors voted 42-17 in favor of extending the baseball season to 26 games, after rejecting the proposal in a vote last...

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...

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