By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural junior cross country standout Payton Fink and Seaman junior football wide receiver Bryer Finley have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.
The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2023-2024 school year.
Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Fink and Finley over the past week:
PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural
Fink followed up her Centennial League individual cross country title with a 10-second win last Saturday in a Class 6A regional meet at Wichita.
A two-time 6A state medalist, Fink clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 01.20 seconds in the regional meet.
Fink, who placed fifth at state as a sophomore, helped the Junior Blues finish a sweep of city, Centennial League and regional girls team championships.
BRYER FINLEY, Seaman
Finley, a 6-foot-4, 182-pound wide receiver, caught 11 passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in Seaman's 28-21 United Kansas Conference win over Piper last Friday at Seaman.
Finley hooked up with quarterback Max Huston for 10-yard, 53-yard and 11-yard touchdowns on the night, including the game-winner with 36 seconds remaining.
Finley helped Seaman even its record at 4-4 on the season.