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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Denver Broncos linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite was in Orlando, Fla. Tuesday spending some vacation time with his family before the start of the grueling NFL season, but he was also busy trying to finalize details for Friday's third annual Big Kev Give Back Camp, a dual basketball/football camp on the campus of Washburn University.
Michael Wilhoite (left) and Kyle Weems talk to campers during last year's Big Kev Give Back Camp. The third annual camp is on tap Friday at Washburn University. [File photo/TSN]
And Wilhoite said that no matter how busy he and his close friend Kyle are, putting on the Give Back Camp will continue to be a major priority.
"It's a must,'' Wilhoite said. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it and a lot of people around Topeka help make it happen, but no matter what's going on there's no way it's not going to happen.''
Weems and Wilhoite, who were inducted into the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021, will be joined by many other special guests to host the camp, in conjunction with Washburn, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wilhoite said that he and Weems always have plenty of current and former athletes, many who grew up in Topeka, willing to help out with the camp.
"I think they respect what we're doing and they want to be involved because they love Topeka as much as we do,'' Wilhoite said. "They grew up here and they want to give back in any way they can.
"Kyle and I have our names on it, but it's everybody in Topeka that helps make it possible.''
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Editor's note: Over the coming days, TopSports.news will take a look at all of the nominees for the 2024 Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards. All nominees will be recognized at the June 26 awards banquet, which will be held in conjunction with the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame induction at Washburn University's Memorial Union.
SPRING SPORTS: MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE NOMINEES
Rykan Carver
RYKAN CARVER | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Corey and Tricia Carver
SPORT: Football/Wrestling/Track and Field | GPA: 4.53
Carver was a three-sport star for Shawnee Heights in football, wrestling and track and field. Carver was an All-United Kansas Conference offensive tackle in football, the Class 5A 285-pound state champion in wrestling and a state qualifier in track in the shot put. Carver was a three-year starter on offense and a two-year starter on defense in football and was a four-year letterman in wrestling. Academically, Carver ranked No. 1 in a graduating class of 251 while compiling a grade point average of 4.53. Carver was a Kansas Governor's Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society, ranking in the top one percent of GPAs for the entire state of Kansas. Carver will study engineering at Kansas State.
Doug Peterson
DOUG PETERSON | Hayden
PARENTS: Charles and Amanda Peterson
SPORT: Football/Track | GPA: 4.019
"Doug tore his ACL during football season and as a senior missed a great season as Hayden played in the (Class) 3A state championship game,'' Peterson's nomination form stated. "Doug was the biggest cheerleader on the sideline and constantly gave advice to the player that took his place on offense and defense -- a kid with a never say die attitude. He was very positive throughout his injury and rehab.'' He was cleared to participate in track this spring. He was the recipient ot the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award from Hayden. "Doug was a leader through example and truly loves his school.''
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By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Seaman star Gavin Wilhelm, who has competed in three sports for Washburn University, has stepped away -- at least for the forseeable future -- from competitive golf.
Washburn University athlete Gavin Wilhelm chips onto the green in Sunday's TGA City Match Play final at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Gavin Wilhelm captured his second straight TGA City Match Play title Sunday at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
But Wilhelm returned to the sport long enough to capture a second straight Topeka Golf Association City Match Play championship Sunday at Shawnee County Club.
Wilhelm, who is a kicker/punter for WU in football and a pitcher in baseball, finished off a dominating week in the Match Play event with a 3 and 1 decision over Jerry Kruger in Sunday afternoon's final after taking a 3 and 2 semifinal win over Blake Buessing Sunday morning.
"I probably wouldn't have played if I wouldn't have been defending champion,'' Wilhelm said. "I've really just been focusing on baseball and working on my arm to throw harder and working on my off speed more. Three weeks ago I hit 95 (miles per hour) on the mound.
"I showed up on the first day for the qualifying round not knowing that I got the guaranteed one seed and I ended up shooting 5-under (66) so it's been fun. Everybody wants to come for you and just try and beat you out specifically and it's always good competition. I was excited just to be out here. I didn't get a chance to play much golf during baseball season and just to come back and do what I did last year was pretty good.''
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Editor's note: Over the coming days, TopSports.news will take a look at all of the nominees for the 2024 Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards. All nominees will be recognized at the June 26 awards banquet, which will be held in conjunction with the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame induction at Washburn University's Memorial Union.
SPRING SPORTS: MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE NOMINEES
McCall Beall
McCALL BEALL | Topeka High
PARENTS: Thomas Beall and Andrea Palmer
SPORT: Tennis/Softball | GPA: 4.3
Beall was a team captain for the Topeka High softball team while earning first-team All-Class 6A and All-Centennial League and second-team All-Shawnee County recognition as a senior. A part of back-to-back state championship softball teams as a freshman and sophomore, Beall was also a tennis standout for the Trojans, qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament in as a junior and senior. "As much as she has excelled on the field, she also helped to lead the Topeka High student body as the student body president,'' Beall's nomination form stated. Beall also participated in band and the Topeka High Drumline, Scholars Bowl and numerous academic-based clubs.
Kendra Hurla
KENDRA HURLA | Rossville
PARENTS: Chris and Angie Hurla
SPORT: Wrestling | GPA: .4.0
Hurla won her fourth straight Class 4A-1A state wrestling championship as a senior while helping the Bulldawgs win their first wrestling team championship. ''She had immense pressure this year to win her fourth state title, but you wouldn't have known it looking at her this season,'' Rossville coach Bryce Gfeller said. "She applies the same determination that she shows on the mat in every aspect of life.'' Hurla posted a career wrestling record of 127-3 with more than 100 career pins, including a 38-0 record as a senior. Hurla also competed in volleyball, track, cheer and dance and will cheer at Washburn University. "She throws herself into every sport she competes in.''
- Details
Editor's note: Over the coming days, TopSports.news will take a look at all of the nominees for the 2024 Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards. All nominees will be recognized at the June 26 awards banquet, which will be held in conjunction with the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame induction at Washburn University's Memorial Union.
SPRING SPORTS: OUTSTANDING MALE NOMINEES
Dylan Dodge
DYLAN DODGE | Washburn Rural
PARENTS: Brian and Jennier Dodge
SPORT: Tennis | GPA: 3.877
Dodge was the city champion in No. 1 singles as Washburn Rural captured the team championship and also posted a runnerup finish in singles in Class 6A regional competition to earn a state berth and lead the Junior Blues to the regional team title. Dodge was a two-time All-City honoree and finished his senior season with a 24-9 record. "Great leader on and off the court,'' Washburn Rural coach Brad Johnston said. "Puts his teammates first and team first and always puts in the extra time when needed. He is excellent in the classroom as well. He is the true form of student first, athlete second.'' Dodge will attend Ottawa University in Arizona.
Finn Dunshee
FINN DUNSHEE | Hayden
PARENTS: Carlyle and Kathleen Dunshee
SPORT: Track and field | GPA: 4.306
Dunshee was a three-time state track gold medalist as both a junior and senior and finished his career with four Hayden school records. As a senior Dunshee was the Class 3A 100 and 200-meter state champion and also ran on the Wildcats' winning 4x400 relay and second-place 4x100 relay as Hayden finished second as a team. "Finn has not only soared to the heights of becoming a state champion, but has also played a significant role in shaping the dynamic of our team,'' Hayden coach DeJuan Gardenhire said. "Finn's relentless pursuit of greatness has set the standard for our team, motivating our team to push past our limits both on and off the track.'' Dunshee was also a Shrine Bowl pick in football after helping lead the Wildcats to a runnerup finish in 3A.
Jackson Esquibel
JACKSON ESQUIBEL | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Scott and Amy Esquibel
SPORT: Track and field | GPA: NA
As a senior Esquibel won his second straight Class 5A 3,200 meters state championship after winning the 5A state cross country title last fall. Esquibel set school records in the 3200 (9 minutes, 13.85 seconds),1600 (4:15.26) and 800 (1:56.43). Esquibel finished second in the 5A 1,600 meters as both a junior and senior. "Jackson has been a leader in both sports, always being a great mentor and teammate,'' Shawnee Heights track and cross country coach John Oshel said. Esquibel will compete collegiately in cross country and track at Kansas State. As a junior Esquibel was selected as the male Rising Star of the Year for Shawnee County.
