By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Rossville star Corey Catron was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Male Wednesday night at Washburn University.
Recent Rossville graduate Corey Catron was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Male Athlete Wednesday night at Washburn University. [File photo/TSN]
Despite having to deal with the death of his mother, Vickey, eight years ago, Corey Catron went on to an outstanding athlete career at Rossville, helping lead the Bulldawgs to back to back Class 2A undefeated state football titles as a junior and senior.
"Being a young child Corey was faced with many challenges as he adjusted to life without a mother,'' Rossville coach Derick Hammes said. "Success isn't guaranteed in these type of situations, but Corey began to develop into a leader and successful athlete.
"With the help of his family, friends and surrounding communities, Corey turned a tragic situation into his inspiration.''
Catron's leadership came to the forefront Week 7 of the 2021 season when quarterback Torrey Horak went down with an injury and Catron moved from running back to quarterback to fill in.
Catron, who will play at Bethel College, led the Bulldawgs for the next three games as Rossville went on to claim its fifth state title.
"Corey was an inspiration to us all as he led our team when we needed him the most,'' Hammes said.
Catron compiled a 3.60 grade point average.
Other candidates:
Aidan Boline
AIDAN BOLINE | Washburn Rural
PARENT: Darin and Sonya Boline
SPORT: Wrestling | GPA: 3.35
Boline overcame a string of injuries to post a 38-6 record as a senior, winning the Class 6A 160-pound state title and helpind lead Washburn Rural to its second straight state team championship. "Aidan sets an outstanding example of what one can attain through perseverance and dedication,'' Rural coach Josh Hogan said. Boline suffered an ACL injury as a freshman and a broken arm the summer before his junior season before suffering a second ACL injury late in the year. Boline was allowed to wrestle in the 2021 state tournament and posted a fifth-place finish while helping the Junior Blues win their first state championship. Boline had ACL surgery right after his junior season and worked his way back into position for his big senior campaign, going through the entire season without being pinned. Boline will wrestle at Lindenwood University.
Richard Carter
RICHARD CARTER | Topeka High
PARENTS: Richard and Margaret Carter
SPORT: Swimming | GPA: NA
Carter was a leader for the Topeka High boys swimming program, particularly as a senior. Carter was a varsity swimmer all four seasons at Topeka High, earning second-team All-City recognition two times. Carter competed in the Class 6A state tournament as a senior in the 400-yard free relay. Carter scored a total of 582 points during his swimming career for the Trojans. Carter competed primarily in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100 free, the 200 free and and the 100 butterfly. Carter plans to attend Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa.
Carter Olson
CARTER OLSON | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Todd and Emily Olson
SPORT: Football/Basketball | GPA: 3.78
Olson was a standout for Shawnee Heights in both football and basketball despite a pair of serious knee injuries. Olson tore his ACL in the T-Birds' first football game of his junior season, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the football season and all of the 2020-2021 basketball season. Olson worked his way back to earn All-United Kansas Conference football recognition and first-team All-UKC basketball honors his senior season despite suffering another season-ending knee injury midway through basketball season. "Carter worked relentlessly to get back to full health in time for the fall,'' Heights football coach Jason Swift said. "Once he felt confident in his knee Carter started and continued to dominate every night. A true success story for all that think injuries end your career.'' Olson plans to play football at Butler County Community College.
Aidan Polter
AIDAN POLTER | Seaman
PARENTS: Ryan and April Polter
SPORT: Football/Baseball | GPA: 3.9
Polter suffered a season-ending ACL injury as a senior football player but bounced back to help Seaman advance to the Class 5A state tournament in baseball, earning second-team All-Shawnee County honors. "Aidan is an outstanding young man,'' Seaman football coach Jared Swafford. "He showed an unmatched mental toughness this year. While dealing with a season-ending injury, he was an incredible teammate. He never missed a practice or game and was even involved with helping to coach our younger players for the remainder of the season. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he showed courage and mental toughness while selflessly staying fully engaged with his teammates. I am very proud of Aidan.'' Polter plans to play college baseball at Barton County Community College.
