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

Coach Schoettmer cheering on his team from the sidelines.

PROFILE: Shine on, Shotty

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor June 3, 2024

With initial plans to be in Lawrence only for a short period of time, JV soccer coach, West Middle School basketball coach and occasional substitute teacher Daniel Schoettemer was prepared with escape...

OPINION: The Caitlin Clark Effect

OPINION: The Caitlin Clark Effect

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor April 29, 2024

“I got kicked out of P.E. class because I was too competitive,” Clark told ESPN.  The Indiana Fever’s No. 1 overall pick, Caitlin Clark, was not an ordinary child. The day that her older brother...

BREAKING NEWS: South Carolina claims third national title

BREAKING NEWS: South Carolina claims third national title

Lilly Wall, News Editor-in-Chief April 7, 2024

Running an aggressive offense through the second half, the South Carolina Gamecocks claimed their third title as the NCAA National Champions. The Gamecocks took their third title as freshman Tessa Johnson...

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...

PHOTO GALLERY: February Sports Recap

PHOTO GALLERY: February Sports Recap

Chloe Cook, News Photo Editor March 22, 2024

Former baseball player Brady Kern.

SPORTS: Springing into the Season

Claire Heinritz, Reporter March 8, 2024

The start of spring sports on Monday, Feb. 26th, has not come without preparation. Athletes and coaches have been getting ready in order to aim for a successful season. Spring sports include boys and...

SPORTS: Boys swim and dive competes at state

SPORTS: Boys swim and dive competes at state

Chloe Cook, News Photo Editor March 4, 2024

On Thursday, Feb. 15, senior Isaiah Wilkins competed in the 1-meter dive preliminaries and semi-finals. Coming into State, he was ranked #13 but quickly rose his way up. After placing 6th in prelims, Wilkins...

Freshman Anniston Clark goes for a layup during the home varsity girls basketball game vs Olathe North on January 10.

FEATURE: Student Athletes Fall Behind

Corinne Kingsley, Reporter February 8, 2024

As spring sports begin, student athletes juggle school work while missing classes for their sports. Athletes play up to 19 games per season, half being away games, meaning students are having to miss classes...

Junior Brayden Wilcox prepares to take on his opponent at the first home boys varsity wrestling meet of the season. The Firebirds came out on top, winning 54-24 overall.

FEATURE: Pinning Their Way Into the History Books

Rakshan Ossen, Reporter February 1, 2024

In the face of fierce competition, the Free State boys wrestling team exemplified their determination to carry the program’s legacy after placing eight as a team and having two wrestlers earn the state...

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