Centre seeking second chance for first victory
Staff writer
Football
Two players lie on their backs in full pads, head-to-head, padded barriers to their sides to keep the path narrow. Only one is holding a football.
Both players pop to their feet. The one with the ball has to make it to the nearest cone without being tackled; the other has to tackle.
It’s called “second chance,” because if the player with the ball is able to run through the other guy, he gets to do it again by trying to make it back to the other side, giving the tackler a second chance to make the stop.
“These young men have shown resilience, accountability, and a hunger to improve, and that’s exactly the type of foundation we want to build on,” head coach Thieen Antoszyk said. “Last season was a tough one. We finished 0-8, but it gave our players a chance to gain valuable experience, and it gave me a clear understanding of the work ahead of us.”
Earning that first victory is a major goal along with building a positive team culture centered on effort, respect, and brotherhood.
“This year, we return a core group of players who have stuck with it and are committed to doing things the right way,” Antoszyk said.
Eight returning players from both sides of the ball will be joined by five new faces and underclassmen stepping up early.
Seniors Sam Foster, Blaise Kitzmiller, and Owen Wingard will bring energy, heart, and presence to the team this season, Antoszyk said. Juniors Micah Carlson, Aidan Perez, and Carey Pinrod have versatility, commitment, and fundamentals. Sophomore Noah Brunner will be the starting quarterback.
“He’s shown great improvement in his decision making, footwork, and leadership this off season,” Antoszyk said. “He’s the kind of player who stays late, asks the right questions, and takes full ownership of the offense.”
Cougar football will take the field Friday on the road against Canton-Galva. Centre’s first home game will be Sept. 12 against county rival Goessel.
“I truly believe the wins come as we continue to put in the work and hold each other accountable,” Antoszyk said. “This is a team that wants to compete and represent our school and community with pride.”
Volleyball
Centre volleyball has a new coach, but she’s not new to coaching.
Amy Finch enters her 29th year as head coach, previously serving at Council Grove and coming in with a 398-234 career record.
“I cannot honestly say enough good things about Centre and these wonderful girls that I am able to coach,” Finch said. “They have been absolutely awesome to work with in the summer, and we have come together as one family to keep achieving our goal of getting a little bit better each day.”
Athletic director Timothy Vinduska has been assisting during practices along with two drum fans that keep air circulated inside the gym.
“In a few days of practice, I have seen our girls improve in their skill and fundamentals, which has been awesome for the team,” Finch said.
Three seniors will lead the team this season: returning starter Sydney Smith along with Lily Hauck and Anna Godinez Vinduska. Other returning starters are Ryleigh Jones, Kelbie Kidd, and Jaycee Stika.
“We are seeking to strengthen our returners with a great new core,” Finch said. “Leadership will be a key goal, but the girls are already doing outstanding at coming together as a team.”
Junior newcomer Gracie Meyer will be added this season along with seven freshmen: Bella Angerame, . Natalie Axelrad, Hadleigh Felpel, Lacey Hancock, Kaitlyn Kidd, Addison Kitzmiller, and Katherine Rziha.
The team opened its season Tuesday at a quad against Wichita Classical and Inman and will be in Canton-Galva on Saturday for another quad involving Canton-Galva and Little River.
“We’re super excited for our season to start, and my assistant coach, Timothy Vinduska, and I are proud of our girls’ hard work and dedication to Centre volleyball in the short time we have been together,” Finch said. “We are looking forward to a great year.”
Cross-country
Caleb Reimer, Centre’s new cross-country coach this season, is entering his sixth year as a head coach for cross-country.
“I will be the cross-country coach here this year, but as I am new to the district, I don’t really have much more information than that at this point,” Reimer said.
After school, Reimer runs east to west on 310th Rd. for practice with returning sophomore Kole Kroupa and freshmen Scott Hinkson and Jace Helmer.
“The last place I coached at was in Sublette, Kansas,” Reimer said. “And I’m bringing with me some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way and am pretty sure those skills will translate to the team here at Centre.”
Centre’s first meet of the season will be Thursday in Abilene at Great Life Golf and Fitness.