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

The varsity baseball team kneel together after winning the first home game of the 2023 season on March 23, 2023.

SPORTS: Batter Up

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor March 7, 2024

After a week of examination and assessment, varsity head coach Mike Hill is ready to lead his baseball program into action and kick off his 27th year in charge of the Firebirds. Last year's team showcased...

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...

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...

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...

‘Just treading water, dude’: Baseball ready to prove they deserve no. 1 ranking

‘Just treading water, dude’: Baseball ready to prove they deserve no. 1 ranking

Jax Egan, Sports Editor May 16, 2019

At the Free State baseball alumni game earlier this season, former Sunflower League MVP Ryne Price brought one message to the Firebirds baseball team that stuck with them. “Ryne said something like...

As senior Aaron Funk winds up, he prepares for the pitch. Funk has been a part of the baseball team for three years. I think we have a solid chance on making another run at the state championship, Funk said.

Spring sports preview

Will Cook, Reporter March 13, 2017

Athletes Prepare for Spring Season

Reagan Sullivan, Reporter April 7, 2016

Tennis This year's tennis team looks forward to the upcoming season, with the goals already set in stone. Tennis coach Keith Pipkin has high hopes for his team.   “My goal for the team...

Baseball and softball players prepare for their season

Kaya Shafer, Copy Editor January 8, 2016

The Fall Ball program, run by coaches Matt McClassland, Justin Protacio, Steve Patton and Jake Powell, provides softball and baseball players a chance to show their moves before the spring season starts....

Softball scoreboard raises questions about equal funding

kenneth palmer, reporter May 16, 2014

A picture of the softball and baseball scoreboards side by side, one dilapidated and one brand new, respectively, appears on sophomore Elizabeth Patton’s Twitter feed. Moments later, controversy and...

Sam Skwarlo

Sam Skwarlo

ryan liston, co-online editor in chief May 14, 2013

Doing sports in high school is not uncommon among the student body; doing four, however, is. Freshman Sam Skwarlo competes in football, wrestling, track, and baseball throughout the course of the year. Skwarlo...

Batter Up

Batter Up

ryan liston, reporter April 30, 2013

Eleven straight wins is always better than six straight losses. This season, the baseball team started off with an 11-game winning streak--a significant improvement from last year’s six-game losing...

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