By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

Goessel high school is fired up to start a new season of varsity competition. Cross-country is eyeing state, volleyball eyeing the playoffs, and football looking to bounce back.

Football

After graduating a large group of seniors last year, the Bluebirds are looking for a bounce-back season with 14-year coach Garrett Hiebert.

Returning starters are Anthony Boden, Trey Gaddis, Hunter Graber, Braxton Davis, Luke Stucky, and Adam Wonser.

Goessel has established core values within its program. They focus primarily on control and bringing the best out of their athletes as a team and individually.

“The core values will be critical for us again this year,” Hiebert said, “as we look to replace a large group of graduating seniors from last year.

“Finding the right combination of kids in the right positions is always an important early-season task.”

Team leadership skills are important to Hiebert, and he wants to continue developing skills that serve to make others around the team better.

“Right now, our numbers look to be smaller than recent years, so staying healthy and developing quality depth will be keys to success for us,” Hiebert said.

Whether it’s academics, warmups, practice reps, or every play on Friday night, Goessel strives for precision.

“We are excited as a team and for individuals to set goals and put in the work to achieve them,” Hiebert said.

The Bluebirds will open their season Friday on the road against Wakefield.

Volleyball

Goessel finished 29-10 last year and is returning nearly every position from last season’s team.

Leading the team are seniors Logan Bryant, Abbigail Funk, Aimee Funk, and Brooklyn Wuest.

Returning letterwinner sophomore Isabelle Alderfer joins.

“Goessel will be very athletic this season in all positions,” coach Crysta Guhr said.

It will be Guhr’s 20th year as coach.

“Goessel’s schedule is built to be tough, and they will be challenged in the Wheat State League by two-time returning state champion Little River,” Guhr said.

Non-league opponents will include Lebo, Rosalia Flint Hills, and Wichita Central Christian Academy.

Guhr is expecting tournaments to be tough.

The Bluebirds began their season Tuesday against Lebo and Central Christian.

Their next game will be Thursday at Marion.

Cross-country

Goessel’s boys finished in sixth place at state last season, and three of those runners return.

“My top runner, Eli Gaeddert, is a return runner,” coach Donna Washmon said.

Senior Levi Olson joins Gaeddert and junior Aidan Impson.

“I expect Eli to go to state and place very well,” Washmon said.

Two freshman girls have joined the team this year.

“My two freshman girls,” Washmon said, “are Elaina Graber — I think she will do very good for a freshman —and Lauren Wonders, and I have high hopes with her.”

The Bluebirds will travel Thursday toGreat Life Golf and Fitness at Abilene.